Display device in a textile, comprising a signaling device for improved protection in road traffic and sport activities

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device (1), in particular a warning device, in a textile (2, 10a, 10b, 10c), comprising a signaling device (3) for improved protection in road traffic and / or information display, comprising a control unit (4) with an energy storage device (5), wherein the control unit (4) is connected to at least one sensor (6) and at least one signal transmitter (7) of the signaling device (3) in an operational state, and the energy storage device (5) is connected to the sensor (6), the signal transmitter (7), and the control unit (4) via electric conductor paths (8) in the operational state. The control unit (4) is wirelessly connected to the sensor (6) and the signal transmitter (7), and the control unit (4), together with the energy storage device (5), can be reversibly released from the textile (2) and the signaling device (3). In the wash state produced in this manner, the conductor paths (8) between the energy storage device (5) and the at least one sensor (6) and at least one signal transmitter (7) are interrupted.

Description

[0001] Display device in a textile with a signaling device for improved protection in road traffic and during sporting activities

[0002] The invention relates to a display device, in particular a warning device, in a textile with a signaling device for improved protection in road traffic and for displaying information, comprising a control unit with an energy store, wherein the control unit is connected in an operating state to at least one sensor and at least one signal generator of the signaling device, and wherein the energy store is connected in the operating state to the sensor, the signal generator and to the control unit via electrical conductor tracks.

[0003] A common warning device for improving the visibility of people in traffic is a high-visibility vest, usually yellow or orange, featuring a daylight-colored paint and retroreflective strips. In daylight, the daylight-colored paint converts incoming UV light into visible light through its fluorescence, which is then reflected from the high-visibility vest into traffic. In the dark, incoming external light from a light source is reflected back to the light source by the retroreflective strips, achieving improved visibility and thus protection in traffic.

[0004] Existing state-of-the-art solutions further improve these passive safety vests and include active lights, or signaling devices that do not require external incident light in the dark to further increase a person's visibility.

[0005] A major disadvantage of such active safety vests is that they are generally not designed to be repeatedly washed, as they inevitably become increasingly dirty during use. Furthermore, a conventional safety vest has the disadvantage of being overly conspicuous in every situation, making it unsuitable for everyday wear. Children, in particular, are generally averse to conventional safety vests and refuse to wear them due to their excessive conspicuousness. Due to their size, children are particularly vulnerable road users and are regularly overlooked by drivers and cyclists. Therefore, it is particularly sensible for children to wear a safety vest. Furthermore, children are particularly susceptible to soiling their clothing, so the ability to wash it repeatedly is a necessity when wearing a safety vest regularly.WO 2013 / 149567 A1 can be considered an attempt to provide a textile, or rather a T-shirt, that is particularly attractive to children and includes elements of a warning device. This document discloses that lights are incorporated on the surface of the textile that begin to glow when a vibration or movement is detected. The electrical components are incorporated into a waterproof layer, so that the T-shirt is washable in its entirety without loss of functionality. However, a suitable solution for road traffic, taking into account the washability of the textile, has still not been satisfactorily obtained. This is because the energy storage device cannot be charged during a washing process, and durability is also compromised, as the waterproof layer can become brittle over its lifetime and with repeated washing, making it particularly susceptible to failure due to water penetration.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a display device in a textile with a signaling device for improved protection in road traffic and for displaying information, while also providing improved washability, durability and reliability of the warning device.

[0007] According to the invention, the present object is achieved in that the control unit is wirelessly connected to the sensor and the signal generator and the control unit with the energy storage device is reversibly detachable from the textile and the signaling device, wherein in the washing state obtained in this way the conductor tracks between the energy storage device and the at least one sensor and at least one signal generator are interrupted.

[0008] The reversible detachability of the signaling device provides the advantage that the component with the highest mass concentration is separated from the textile and the signaling device during the washing process, thus increasing the service life of the textile. This advantage is particularly evident when the textile is cleaned in a rotating drum of a washing machine, where the mass of the control unit and the energy storage device gradually damages the textile due to the numerous impacts and the inevitable stretching and compression of individual threads during washing.

[0009] Furthermore, the advantage is that both the control unit and the energy storage unit can be designed with lower watertightness or water resistance requirements, as if they were also connected to the rest of the display device during washing. However, high water resistance can still be maintained should the energy storage unit and control unit be accidentally washed along with the device, so that they are not necessarily destroyed by water penetration.

[0010] It is also advantageous that in the dissolved state, or in the washing state, the energy storage device can be charged during washing of the textile, so that the charging of the display device is not limited to the time during drying and the time thereafter.

[0011] Furthermore, if sufficient energy remains in the energy storage device, it can be used in the meantime on another display device according to the invention. This allows a particularly economical provision of multiple display devices for a user, since the user does not need to have a separate control unit and energy storage device for each individual display device, as these are not permanently connected to the display device, as is usually the case.

[0012] The greatest advantage of the invention, however, lies in the fact that while the electrical connection of the at least one sensor and the at least one signal generator is conventionally established via electrical conductors, the connection for everything else, such as the transmission of control data, is wireless. If this connection were also physically established via conductors, the requirements for a connection point, or contact point, that provides reversible release would be significantly increased, since multiple contacts would have to be closed, which would also have to withstand the demanding requirements of repeated washing.

[0013] In the context of protection in road traffic, the presence of multiple contact points would also create a further single point of failure, which would reduce the functionality of the display device. However, if this connection between the sensors, the signal generators, and the control unit is designed to be wireless according to the invention, only the electrical connection via the contact point needs to be provided to enable the function of at least one signal generator. It should be noted that the electrical connection can also be designed in the textile in such a way that multiple sensors and / or multiple signal generators are each individually and independently connected to the energy storage device of the control unit, or can even be redundantly connected to avoid further single points of failure.

[0014] Preferably, the textile can be a piece of clothing, a baby scale, a safety vest, a sporting item, a bag, an accessory, or a backpack. This provides the advantage that the indicator, in particular the warning device, is integrated into an everyday object, eliminating the need to carry a separate indicator. This is particularly advantageous for children, as they are particularly prone to misplacing or losing additional items, such as safety vests.

[0015] The high-visibility vest is also a part of everyday life for some professional groups. For the purposes of this invention, a garment is understood to mean anything that can be worn on a user's body without being held by the hands. In the context of a high-visibility vest, the indicator device is specifically understood as a warning device for improved protection in road traffic.

[0016] The textile's design as a sporting goods item is particularly noteworthy, as sporting goods are particularly susceptible to soiling and odor due to the intense movement of a user during sports, necessitating more frequent washing. The display of information and improved protection in road traffic are also particularly useful for this application.

[0017] For example, in a ski race, after a skier has crossed the finish line, their placing or time can be displayed to those around them via an LED matrix distributed across a skier's jersey. Before the skier has crossed the finish line, their start number could also be displayed. Furthermore, vibration motors could signal the start of their ski run to the skier, or during their run whether they are still within reach of a first place finish. For example, if one of the section times in their ski run is worse than that of the current first place finisher, the skier can use the tracking of the activated vibration motors to determine whether the next section requires increased performance or a greater willingness to take risks in order to still achieve a first place finish.

[0018] In skiing, the indicator can also be used as a warning device, for example, when the LEDs flash at regular intervals to alert other skiers. This is especially important during heavy downpours, at night, or in fog.

[0019] Another application of the inventive display device as a sporting item is to equip two entire soccer teams with the display device in the form of a soccer jersey. For example, upon a successful shot on goal, the soccer jerseys or signaling devices of the team that scored the goal could light up to make it easier for spectators to follow the game. The inventive display device could also be present as a sporting item in a cycling kit. Sensors could detect a cyclist's pulse and, based on this, change the color of a signaling device to signal to the cyclist or spectators that the cyclist is cycling at an elevated pulse rate.

[0020] Preferably, the textile can be constructed of at least three layers, with a middle layer arranged between an inner layer and an outer layer comprising the electrical conductor tracks that form an electrical circuit, and with the inner layer and / or outer layer having a contact point for the connection to the energy storage device. Particularly preferably, the conductor tracks can be formed with strain relief and / or with excess conductor track length in the middle layer.

[0021] This provides the advantage that the middle layer is better protected from the outside world, significantly increasing the durability of the display device. Durability is particularly enhanced when strain relief is provided for the conductor tracks, so that when the textile is stretched or compressed, the electrical connections between the conductor tracks, the sensors, and the signal generators do not have to absorb the resulting mechanical stress. Furthermore, the durability of the display device can be further increased if the conductor tracks have the excess conductor track length. This is because the conductor tracks, if they are only fixed to the textile at specific points, can compensate for stretching of the textile without absorbing tensile forces themselves.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one sensor may be a motion sensor, a light sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a location sensor, an NFC sensor, a camera, a distance sensor, a micron, or a radar sensor.

[0023] Each of the above-mentioned sensors has different advantages

[0024] - For example, the motion sensor can be used to determine whether the display device is currently in an operating state. One possible scenario is that the control unit detects whether a user is currently cycling based on a typical movement signature recorded by the motion sensor. Based on this, the control unit can cause the signal generator to emit a flashing pattern that is particularly easy to see for other road users. If it is detected that the cycling journey has ended, a different flashing pattern can be selected which may consume less energy, meaning the display device does not need to be charged as often. A particularly advantageous feature is that the motion sensor means you cannot forget to activate the display device, as this happens automatically.

[0025] - The inclusion of a light sensor offers the advantage of automatically activating the signaling devices at dusk or at night. Or, if the safety vest is illuminated with an external light source, increased brightness can be set, ensuring improved visibility for the user at all times.

[0026] - The provision of the moisture sensor offers the advantage that if the control unit and the energy storage unit are accidentally exposed to moisture, the connection to the energy storage unit is automatically interrupted so that no energy is consumed during the washing process or to prevent a possible short circuit until the safety vest is completely dry again.

[0027] - The inclusion of a temperature sensor offers the advantage of changing the color of the indicator lights based on the measured temperature. This can help children, in particular, better assess their ambient temperature when zipping up a jacket or putting on another layer of clothing is recommended. For example, the indicator lights could light up blue at low temperatures and red at higher temperatures.

[0028] - The provision of the location sensor offers the advantage of allowing geographical locations to be defined in the control unit where the display device should be activated or deactivated. The speed of movement can also be recorded to determine a signal pattern for the signal transmitters.

[0029] - The inclusion of the NFC sensor offers the advantage of being able to detect NFC tags. For example, an NFC tag could be attached to the home, prompting the control unit to deactivate the safety vest to save energy. Or the control unit could trigger a signal that lets a parent know whether their child has arrived home safely.

[0030] - If a camera is included as a sensor, the surroundings of the display device can be recorded in particularly detailed detail. For example, the control unit could evaluate the camera data and activate the signaling devices when vehicles are detected. - With a distance sensor or a radar sensor, the brightness or flashing frequency of the signaling devices can be increased, for example when other road users approach the display device, to warn the user or other road users. The display device could, for example, automatically emit a bell sound when riding a bicycle, allowing the user to concentrate solely on riding the bicycle.

[0031] - Using a microphone as a sensor, road noise could be detected in order to activate or deactivate the signaling device based on this.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the textile with which at least one sensor and at least one signal generator are provided can be completely waterproof when washed. This provides the advantage that each individual sensor and signal generator can survive one wash. It should be mentioned that additional devices such as films or covers can cover the sensors and signal generators, or the entire textile, to create an additional waterproof barrier, thus ensuring a particularly long service life of the safety vest. Since the sensors and signal generators are only supplied with energy via the conductor tracks, sealing or waterproofing them is particularly easy to implement, as no additional data lines need to be sealed.

[0033] Preferably, the control unit and the energy storage device can be connected to the textile via at least one button closure and / or twist lock. This provides the advantage of maintaining a reliable connection between the control unit and the energy storage device and the conductive paths in the textile.

[0034] Preferably, the wireless connection is established via RFID ("Radio Frequency Identification"), i.e., an electromagnetic field. This refers to the active variant, in which the sensors and signal generators receive electrical energy via the conductive paths.

[0035] Only the control data and the recorded sensor data are transmitted wirelessly to the control unit via RFID or an RFID transponder / receiver. The advantage of this is that each sensor and signal generator can transmit data independently of one another.

[0036] In one embodiment, the textile can form a high-visibility vest with a substantially X-shaped fabric cut, wherein the high-visibility vest can be placed over the shoulders of a user in the operating state, and comprises the control unit and the energy storage device in a snap fastener half on a front side of the high-visibility vest, wherein the snap fastener half connects the front of the high-visibility vest to a back side of the high-visibility vest. This provides the advantage of creating a particularly attractive high-visibility vest for children, which is also easy to put on, since only two snap fastener halves need to be fastened together to provide a secure hold and to activate the display device.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the control unit can comprise a communication interface for selecting a functional mode of the at least one signal generator and / or the at least one sensor. The communication point can be configured such that functions of the safety vest can be selected and / or read via a mobile phone. This provides the advantage that no separate device is required to make settings on the control unit.

[0038] Preferably, a system can comprise multiple display devices according to the invention, with the display devices exchanging data for controlling the respective signaling devices with each other via the communication interface. This provides the advantage that detected hazards in the area of ​​one display device can be transmitted to neighboring display devices. For example, in a group of cyclists, if a single cyclist is detected braking, the display devices of the others could be prompted to also emit a warning signal via their signal transmitters. This further improves safety in road traffic.

[0039] Advantageous and non-limiting embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a display device in a textile with a signaling device.

[0041] Fig. 2a shows the display device from Fig. 1, wherein the textile is a piece of clothing.

[0042] Fig. 2b shows the display device from Fig. 1, wherein the textile is part of a stroller.

[0043] Fig. 3a shows the display device from Fig. 1, where the textile is an X-shaped safety vest.

[0044] Fig. 3b shows the back of the safety vest of Fig. 3a.

[0045] Fig. 3c shows a front side of the safety vest of Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b. Fig. 1 shows a display device 1 in a textile 2 with a signaling device 3 for improved protection in road traffic and for displaying information, comprising a control unit 4 with an energy storage device 5. The control unit 4 is connected in an operating state to at least one sensor 6 and at least one signal generator 7 of the signaling device 3, wherein the energy storage device 5 is connected in the operating state to the sensor 6, the signal generator 7, and to the control unit 4 via electrical conductor tracks 8. The control unit 4 is wirelessly connected to the sensor 6 and the signal generator 7, wherein the control unit 4 with the energy storage device 5 is reversibly detachable from the textile 2 and the signaling device 3, and wherein, in the resulting washing state, the conductor tracks 8 between the energy storage device 5 and the at least one sensor 6 and at least one signal generator 7 are interrupted.

[0046] In Fig. 1, the textile 2 is shown schematically to illustrate that a variety of different textiles 2 that occur in road traffic can be used. Examples of these are shown in the following Figs. 2a to 3c.

[0047] The sensors 6 can be distributed throughout the textile 2, and can be formed by one or more types of sensors. Types can be understood as motion sensors, light sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, location sensors, NFC sensors, cameras, distance sensors, microphones, or radar sensors.

[0048] Fig. 1 also shows by way of example how the textile 2 with the at least one sensor 6 and at least one signal generator 7 can be made completely waterproof when washed. A combination element K, which is a combination of a sensor 6 and a signal generator 7 in a common housing, is embedded in a waterproof casing H. An example of a combination element K is a microphone and loudspeaker, with a common membrane being designed for the function of both. The combination element K can itself already have waterproof properties. The casing H can be understood, for example, as a tube-like structure that embeds either only the conductor tracks 8 and / or the sensor 6 and / or the signal generator 7. In a further exemplary embodiment, the casing H can envelop the entire textile 2 or only parts of it.

[0049] Fig. 1 also shows that a wireless connection R can be established via RFID. An RFID transponder of a sensor 6 exchanges data with an RFID receiver of the control unit 4. The data transmitted is, for example, the raw data of the sensor 6 or already converted data with the appropriate unit of the recorded measured value.

[0050] It is also possible to provide free conductor tracks 8 in the textile 2, to which additional sensors 6 can be subsequently mounted by a user in order to subsequently expand the functionality of the display device 1. For example, button-like contact points KT can be provided for this purpose, so that the additional sensors 6 or signal generators 7 can be supplied without tools. Likewise, closable pockets can be formed in the textile 2 so that the additional sensors 6 and / or additional signal generators 7 are safely stowed away. A button-like contact point KT can primarily be understood as a metallic snap fastener in which two snap fastener halves snap into one another to create a reversibly detachable electrical and mechanical connection.

[0051] The control unit 4 can also include a communication interface KS to enable a user to select a functional mode of the at least one signal generator 7 and / or the at least one sensor 6. For example, the communication interface KS can function not only as an RFID receiver but can also be wirelessly connected to other devices via WLAN and / or Bluetooth. A wired connection to the communication interface KS is also conceivable, with the same wired connection being able to charge the energy storage device 5.

[0052] It is also conceivable that sensors 6 are provided in the area of ​​the control unit 4 and / or in the area of ​​a contact point S of the control unit 4. For example, the control unit 4 can be equipped with a loudspeaker as a signal generator 7. This can be expedient, since such bulky sensors 6 and signal generators 7 at a different location in the remaining textile 2 would impair the user's wearing comfort.

[0053] Fig. 2a shows the display device 1 from Fig. 1, wherein the textile 2 is a piece of clothing 10a. The control unit 4 and energy storage device 5 are positioned at the lower edge of the garment 10a to ensure a comfortable fit for the user. From this edge, the conductor tracks 8 are routed, which supply electrical energy to, for example, signal generators 7, in the form of multi-colored LEDs. The signal generators 7 can be located behind an embroidered motif. A light sensor, for example, can be formed as sensor 6 in the chest area of ​​the garment 10a so that the light sensor is not obscured under most circumstances. As shown, the active signal generators 7 can be supplemented by retroreflectors in the arm area to provide passive protection in road traffic even in the event of a failure of the active signal generators 7.

[0054] Fig. 2b shows the display device 1 from Fig. 1, wherein the textile 2 is part of a stroller 10b. In this context, textile 2 can be understood as a foldable hood of the stroller 10b, which can be removed from the stroller for washing. Similar to the application in a piece of clothing 10a, as shown in Fig. 2a, the signal transmitters 7 can be distributed over the hood to improve the safety of a user in road traffic.

[0055] Fig. 3a shows the display device 1 from Fig. 1, wherein the textile 2 is a substantially X-shaped safety vest 10c. The textile 2 is shown unrolled in an exploded view. The textile 2 is constructed from three sewn-together layers 9a, 9b, 9c. A middle layer 9b, arranged between an inner layer 9a and an outer layer 9c, comprises the electrical conductor tracks 8, which form an electrical circuit together with the energy storage device 5. The inner layer 9a and / or outer layer 9c has a contact point S for the connection to the energy storage device 5.

[0056] The textile 2 as a safety vest 10c, or display device 1, can be placed over the shoulders of a user in its operating state, and on a front side of the safety vest 10c, the control unit 4 and the energy storage device 5 are enclosed in a snap fastener half D, wherein the snap fastener half D connects the front of the safety vest 10c to a rear of the safety vest 10c via a second snap fastener half D as a contact point S. Fig. 3b shows a rear side of the safety vest 10c of Fig. 3a and Fig. 3c shows the front of the safety vest 10c of Figs. 3a and 3b. The control unit 4 and the energy storage device 5 could also be connected to the textile 2 via several button fasteners and / or a twist lock.

[0057] Essentially X-shaped is understood to mean that the safety vest 10C, in the state in which the snap fastener halves D are closed, has an outline in a plan view of the front that forms an X. Additional fasteners V can be provided that form adjustable loops and connect the superimposed parts of the textile 2 to one another, so that a torso of the user is encompassed.

[0058] All conductor tracks 8 can also be designed with strain relief and / or with excess conductor track length in the middle layer 9b. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the conductor tracks 8 between the sensors 6 and signal generators 7 are not designed in a straight line, but rather with an excess conductor track length that runs in a curve through the textile 2. The conductor tracks 8 can also be laid in a meandering shape, so that a large amount of excess conductor track length is present in a relatively small area in order to compensate for distortions of the textile 2 during operation and during washing, or to allow them to be tolerated without damage. Strain relief can also preferably be provided, which, for example, fixes a sheath of the conductor tracks 8 to the textile in such a way that all acting tensile forces and compressive forces are not absorbed by solder joints.

[0059] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a system comprises a plurality of display devices 1 which are wirelessly connected to one another via the communication interface KS in order to exchange data with one another which are used to control the respective signal devices 3.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Display device (1), in particular a warning device, in a textile (2) with a signaling device (3) for improved protection in road traffic and for displaying information, comprising a control unit (4) with an energy storage device (5), wherein the control unit (4) is connected in an operating state to at least one sensor (6) and at least one signal generator (7) of the signaling device (3), and wherein the energy store (5) is connected in the operating state to the sensor via electrical conductor tracks (8) (6), the signal transmitter (7) and the control unit (4), characterized in that the control unit (4) is wirelessly connected to the sensor (6) and the signal transmitter (7) and wherein the control unit (4) with the energy store (5) is reversibly detachable from the textile (2) and the signaling device (3), wherein in the washing state obtained in this way the conductor tracks (8) between the energy store (5) and the at least one sensor (6) and at least one signal transmitter (7) are interrupted.

2. Display device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the textile (2) is a piece of clothing (10a), a baby scale (10b), a safety vest (10c), a sporting article, a bag, an accessory, or a backpack.

3. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (1) comprises the textile (2, 10a, 10b, 10c), which textile (2, 10a, 10b, 10c) is constructed from at least three layers (9a, 9b, 9c), wherein a middle layer (9b), which is arranged between an inner layer (9a) and an outer layer (9c), comprises the electrical conductor tracks (8) which form an electrical circuit, wherein the inner layer (9a) and / or outer layer (9c) has a contact point (S) for the connection to the energy store (5), wherein the conductor tracks (8) are preferably formed with strain relief and / or with excess conductor track length in the middle layer (9b).

4. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sensor (6) is a motion sensor, a light sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a location sensor, an NFC sensor, a camera, a distance sensor, a microphone, or a radar sensor.

5. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile (2, 10a, 10b, 10c) with the at least one sensor (6) and the at least one signal generator (7) is completely waterproof in the washing state.

6. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (4) and the energy storage device (5) are connected to the textile (2, 10a, 10b, 10c) via at least one button closure and / or twist closure.

7. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wireless connection is made via RFID.

8. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile (2, 10a, 10b, 10c) forms a safety vest (10c) with a substantially X-shaped fabric cut, wherein the safety vest (10c) can be placed over the shoulders of a user in the operating state, and on a front side of the safety vest (10c) comprises the control unit (4) and the energy storage device (5) in a snap fastener half (D), wherein the snap fastener half (D) connects the front side of the safety vest (10c) to a rear side of the safety vest (10c).

9. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (4) comprises a communication interface (KS) in order to select a functional mode of the at least one signal generator (7) and / or the at least one sensor (6).

10. System comprising a plurality of display devices (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the display devices (1) exchange data with one another via the respective communication interface (KS) for controlling the respective signal devices (3).

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