A sensor-embedding textile structure, and a manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

Mutually parallel first signal carrying threads (6) face from a first side (S1) of the base fabric (2), while second signal carrying threads (9) longitudinally extend transverse to the first signal carrying threads (6) at a second side (S2) of the base fabric (2). Middle interface threads (3) extend along a direction transverse to said first signal carrying threads (6) and are interposed between these latter and the second signal carrying threads (9). Sensing portions (12) formed along each second signal carrying thread (9) each comprise mutually consecutive active stretches (12a) forming a zig- zag pattern, each being transverse to the middle interface threads (3). The middle interface threads (3) are configured to partially obstruct transmission of a signal between the first and second signal carrying threads (6, 9), by an amount that changes according to variations of a physical parameter which the textile structure (1) is subjected to.

Description

[0001] A SENSOR-EMBEDDING TEXTILE STRUCTURE, AND A MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

[0002] The present invention relates to a sensor-embedding textile structure. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing sensor-embedding textile structures. More particularly, the subject textile structure is suitable for monitoring certain parameters, e.g. physiological and / or biometrical parameters on human or animal body and / or environmental parameters in the surrounding environments, by one or more sensors embedded into the textile structure. Garments or other articles may be conveniently produced by use of the subject sensor-embedding textile structure, which may be worn or used by a user to achieve a reliable monitoring of desired parameters such as impacts, heart rate, breath rate, body temperature, sweating and / or other physiological parameters.

[0003] In the present description, by “thread” is meant an assemblage consisting of one or more yarns each made by fibers twisted or laid together to form a continuous strand.

[0004] Several textile structures that include sensors for monitoring different kinds of parameters are known.

[0005] For example, CN1 14808241 (A) provides weft conductive threads interwoven with warp threads in the upper and lower layers of a multi-layer fabric, which further includes an intermediate non-conductive layer.

[0006] WO201 6025554 (A1 ) provides a tactile sensing interactive textile including non-conductive threads woven with conductive threads. Conductive threads include each a conductive wire twisted with a flexible thread, which enables the conductive threads to be easily woven with non-conductive threads to form the interactive textile. The conductive threads are woven into the interactive textile to form a grid that includes a first set of parallel conductive threads mutually crossing with and a second set of parallel conductive threads. Conductive wires may be insulated, e.g. coated with a material such as enamel or nylon, to prevent direct contact between crossing conductive threads. Alternately, interactive textile may be generated with three separate textile layers to ensure that crossing conductive threads do not make direct contact with each other. The three separate textile layers may be combined e.g., by sewing or gluing the layers together.

[0007] However, the known solutions involve significant problems in the production processes as it is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain at acceptable costs a textile structure integrating one or more sensors through a single weaving process. In most cases, in fact, it is required that different layers of the textile structure are made separately from each other and subsequently coupled through additional processing. Obtaining an artifact through a single weaving operation is excessively complex and expensive.

[0008] In KR 2018 0102970 A, the thickness of a textile structure is interposed between first signal-carrying wires and second signal-carrying wires, perpendicularly arranged to each other, respectively along the warp and weft directions. A connection wire extends through the thickness of the textile structure, chaining the first signal-carrying wires and the second signal-carrying wires. Variation of electrical resistance along the surface development of a textile structure are thus detected.

[0009] US 2018 / 266900 A1 describes a pressure sensor that includes a first electrode layer, a piezoresistive layer, and a second electrode layer. Each electrode layer includes mutually alternating conductive and non-conductive yarns, wherein the yarns of the second electrode layer extend in a second direction, crossed with respect to the first direction of development of the yarns of the first electrode layer.

[0010] US 6 687 523 B1 describes a garment for infants embedding sensors for monitoring body physical signs.

[0011] The aim of the present invention is essentially to overcome the problems encountered in the known technique, proposing a process that allows the production of low-cost sensor-embedding textile structures on an industrial scale. A further purpose of the present invention is to propose a textile structure that lends itself to being obtained at low cost through a simplified weaving process, even in a single weaving phase.

[0012] More particularly, an object of the present invention is a sensor-embedding textile structure according to one or more of claim 1 to 13.

[0013] The textile structure comprises a base fabric.

[0014] The base fabric exhibits a first side and a second that are mutually opposite. The fist side and the second side define a main surface extension of the textile structure.

[0015] Preferably, mutually parallel first signal carrying threads face at least partially from a first side of the base fabric.

[0016] Preferably, one or more second signal carrying threads, longitudinally extend along a direction transverse to the first signal carrying threads and face at least partially from a second side of the base fabric.

[0017] Preferably, the base fabric comprises one or more middle interface threads Preferably, the middle interface threads extend along a direction transverse to said first signal carrying threads, at least at mutual intersection points with them.

[0018] Preferably, each second signal carrying thread forms, along an its own longitudinal direction, at least one sensing portion comprising mutually consecutive active stretches which extend according to a zig-zag pattern. Preferably, each of said active stretches is transverse to the middle interface threads and more parallel to the first signal carrying threads

[0019] Preferably, the middle interface threads are interposed between the first signal carrying threads and the second signal carrying threads, to mutually separate them.

[0020] Preferably, the first and second signal carrying threads are configured to transport a signal.

[0021] Preferably, the middle interface threads are configured to partially obstruct (which also means to partially allow) transmission of the signal between the first and second signal carrying threads, by an amount that changes according to variations of a physical parameter which the textile structure is subjected to.

[0022] A further aspect of the invention relates to a device for monitoring physical parameters, comprising the subject sensor-embedding textile structure, and an electronic processing unit operatively connected with the sensing portions.

[0023] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a sensorembedding textile structure according to claim 15.

[0024] Preferably, provision is made for interlacing first signal carrying threads with middle interface threads, to form a base fabric.

[0025] Preferably, the base fabric exhibits the first signal carrying threads facing from a first side of the base fabric and the middle interface threads extending along a direction transverse to said first signal carrying threads, at least at mutual intersection points with them.

[0026] During interlacing, preferably provision is made for stitching to the base fabric at least one second signal carrying thread, longitudinally extending along a direction transverse to the first signal carrying threads and facing from a second side of the base fabric.

[0027] Preferably, provision is made for each second signal carrying thread to exhibit, along an its own longitudinal direction, one or more sensing portions each comprising mutually consecutive active stretches which extend according to a zig-zag pattern.

[0028] Preferably, each of said active stretches is transverse to the middle interface threads and more preferably parallel to the first signal carrying threads.

[0029] Preferably, provision is made for the middle interface threads to be interposed between the first signal carrying threads and the second signal carrying threads, to mutually separate them.

[0030] Preferably, provision is made for the first and second signal carrying threads to be configured to transport a signal.

[0031] Preferably, provision is made for the middle interface threads to be configured to partially obstruct (which also means to partially allow) transmission of the signal between the first and second signal carrying threads, by an amount that changes according to variations of a physical parameter which the textile structure is subjected to.

[0032] The applicant considers that the textile structure according to the invention and the process for its realization are conveniently obtainable by a single weaving operation, e.g. on a textile loom or other kind of textile machine equipped with a device for incorporating stitched threads of the type described in one of the documents WO2017 / 042015A1 , W02020 / 208045 (A1 ), W02020 / 208047 (A1 ), EP3741892 A1 in the name of the same applicant.

[0033] In at least one form of preferential execution, the invention further includes one or more of the preferential features listed below.

[0034] Preferably, each first signal carrying threads longitudinally extend straight or substantially straight.

[0035] Preferably, the base fabric extends over a surface development of the textile structure, wherein “surface development” means the main surface extension of the fabric, namely the surface extension of the first and / or second sides thereof.

[0036] In other words, the base fabric defines a main surface extension of the textile structure.

[0037] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads extend along one among a weft direction and a warp direction.

[0038] Preferably, the second signal carrying threads extend along one among a weft direction and a warp direction.

[0039] Preferably, said active stretches extend one among a weft direction and a warp direction.

[0040] Preferably, said active stretches extend one among a weft direction and a warp direction, which is the same extension along which the first signal carrying threads extend.

[0041] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads facing from the first side of the base fabric define a first layer of the textile structure. Preferably, the second signal carrying threads facing from the second side of the base fabric define a second layer of the textile structure.

[0042] Preferably, the second layer is parallel to and spaced from the first layer.

[0043] Preferably, the middle interface threads define an intermediate layer parallelly interposed between said first layer and second layer.

[0044] Preferably, the middle interface threads are configured for being squeezed upon mutual approach of the first signal carrying threads and second signal carrying threads.

[0045] Preferably, the middle interface threads longitudinally extend straight or substantially straight.

[0046] Preferably, the middle interface threads extend along a warp direction of the base fabric.

[0047] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads are interlaced with the base fabric.

[0048] Preferably, auxiliary middle threads are longitudinally and parallelly interposed in alternating manner between the middle interface threads.

[0049] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads are interlaced with the auxiliary middle threads.

[0050] Preferably, each first signal carrying thread is interlaced with the base fabric by interlacing portions mutually spaced apart along the longitudinal extension of the first signal carrying thread.

[0051] Preferably, the interlacing portions of each first signal carrying thread are mutually spaced apart by a measure greater than a width of the sensing portions, the width being measured parallel to the longitudinal development of the first signal carrying threads.

[0052] Preferably, each of the first signal carrying threads exhibits straight sections exposed on the first side of the base fabric.

[0053] Preferably, at least at the straight sections, each first signal carrying thread faces from the first side of the base fabric, without facing from the second side.

[0054] Preferably, each straight section longitudinally extends on prosecution of two interlacing portions, parallel aside to one or more straight sections of respective adjacent first signal carrying threads.

[0055] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads are homogeneously distributed over the main surface extension of the base fabric.

[0056] Preferably, the base fabric further comprises additional threads transverse to the middle interface threads and mutually interlaced with these latter.

[0057] Preferably, the additional threads are mutually interlaced with the middle interface threads.

[0058] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads are distributed according to mutually alternated groups.

[0059] Preferably, the additional threads are homogeneously distributed over the main surface extension of the base fabric, and the first signal carrying threads overlap the additional threads and / or the middle interface threads on the first side of the textile structure.

[0060] Preferably, each of the active stretches extends substantially perpendicular to the middle interface threads.

[0061] Preferably, each of the active stretches extend substantially parallel to the first signal carrying threads.

[0062] Preferably, opposite ends of the consecutive active stretches in each sensing portion are equidistant from a longitudinal direction of the respective second signal carrying thread.

[0063] Preferably, a total distance between opposite ends of the consecutive active stretches, measured along a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the first signal carrying threads, defines a width of the respective sensing portion.

[0064] Preferably, at least one of the second signal carrying threads is directly interlaced with the base fabric at stitching points.

[0065] Preferably, at each stitching point the second signal carrying thread extends astride one of the additional threads, or vice versa.

[0066] Preferably, at least one of the second signal carrying threads is fixed to the base fabric by one or more stitching threads, each interlaced with the base fabric and the respective second signal carrying thread.

[0067] Preferably, the physical parameter is a force pushing the first signal carrying threads and the second signal carrying threads one towards the other.

[0068] Preferably, the signal is an electric current.

[0069] Preferably, the middle interface threads have an electric resistivity greater than an electric resistivity of the first signal carrying threads and second signal carrying threads.

[0070] Preferably, the middle interface threads have an electric conductivity lower than an electric conductivity of the first signal carrying threads and second signal carrying threads.

[0071] Preferably, the middle interface threads have high electric insulating properties.

[0072] Preferably, the middle interface threads have a resistivity greater than 1 KO measured between the first signal carrying threads and the second signal carrying threads.

[0073] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads are at least partially made of electrically conductive material.

[0074] Preferably, the second signal carrying threads are at least partially made of electrically conductive material.

[0075] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads comprise optical fibers.

[0076] Preferably, the second signal carrying threads comprise optical fibers.

[0077] Preferably, the middle interface threads are elastically deformable on mutual approaching of the first and second signal carrying threads.

[0078] Preferably, the physical parameter is selected from the group consisting of: pushing force between the first side and second side of the textile structure, temperature, moisture, magnetic field, light or other electromagnetic radiation, or a combination thereof.

[0079] Preferably, the signal is light or other electromagnetic radiation.

[0080] Preferably, one or more sensor modules are defined over the main surface extension of the textile structure, each at an active area where, looking at the textile structure along a direction orthogonal to the main surface extension, one or more of said sensing portions overlap at least a respective one of the first signal carrying threads.

[0081] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads, the middle interface threads and the sensing portions belonging to a same active area are part of a detection circuit.

[0082] Preferably, for each of the sensor modules and respective active area, the detection circuit comprises a signal sending branch and a signal return branch respectively connected to the respective first signal carrying threads and the second signal carrying thread, or vice-versa.

[0083] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads belonging to a same active area are mutually electrically connected together.

[0084] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads belonging to a same active area are electrically connected together by connector.

[0085] Preferably, the first signal carrying threads belonging to a same active area are mutually coupled by mutual interlacing.

[0086] Preferably, provision is made of a plurality of said sensor modules, distributed over the main surface extension of the textile structure.

[0087] Preferably, the sensor modules are distributed over the surface extension of the textile structure, according to mutually crossing parallel rows and parallel columns.

[0088] Preferably, the electronic processing unit comprises a plurality of connecting channels each connected with one of the sensing portions.

[0089] Preferably, each connecting channel is connected to one of said connectors and one of the second signal carrying threads.

[0090] Preferably, the signal sending branches may be made each in the form of one or more threads interwoven with the base fabric.

[0091] Preferably, the signal sending branches extend in the warp direction and / or parallel to the second signal carrying threads.

[0092] Preferably, the signal sending branches extend between two columns of sensor modules.

[0093] Preferably, the signal sending branches transfer signals to one single interface edge of the base fabric.

[0094] Preferably, each of the second signal carrying threads and each of the signal sending branches lead the signals of each sensor module column and each sensor module row to the interface edge.

[0095] Preferably, the electronic processing unit is be connected to the signal sending branches and signal return branches via e.g. a flexprint, cable harness or other connecting means, arranged alongside the interface edge of the base fabric.

[0096] Additional features and advantages will be better clarified by the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a sensorembedding textile structure and a manufacturing method thereof, in accordance with the present invention. Such description will be set forth hereinbelow with reference to the set of drawings, merely provided as a nonlimiting example, wherein:

[0097] - Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a textile structure according to the invention:

[0098] - Figure 2 is an exploded view of the textile structure of figure 1 ;

[0099] - Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing one of the sensing portions of the textile structure according to a different embodiment;

[0100] - Figure 4 schematically shows a top plan view of a monitoring device including the subject textile structure.

[0101] With reference to the attached figures, a sensor-embedding textile structure according to the present invention is indicated by the reference number 1 . The textile structure 1 may be conveniently produced by a textile machine equipped with a device for incorporating stitched threads. The textile machine is not shown nor described herein in deal, as it can be made in any convenient manner. It may be, for example, a weaving loom already known from WO_2017 / 042015_A1 in the name of the same applicant.

[0102] A method for manufacturing the textile structure 1 includes making a base fabric 2 extending according to a main surface extension of the textile structure 1 . The base fabric 2 is preferably obtained by suppling mutually parallel middle interface threads 3 along a first direction, i.e. preferably a warp direction WR. More particularly, the middle interface threads 3 extend straight or substantially straight along the first direction. For example, the middle interface threads 3 may be supplied as warp threads along the warp direction WR, to reach an interlacing region in the textile machine.

[0103] The middle interface threads 3 may face from both a first and a second opposite sides S1 , S2 of the base fabric 2, and may be distributed on the textile structure 1 such as to form respective groups G3 mutually spaced along a second direction perpendicular to their longitudinal development, namely a weft direction WF.

[0104] Auxiliary middle threads 4 longitudinally extending along the first or warp direction WR, may be parallelly interposed in alternating manner between the middle interface threads 3 and / or the groups G3 formed thereby.

[0105] The base fabric 2 may further comprise additional threads 5 which longitudinally extend transverse to the middle interface threads 3, namely along the weft direction WF. The additional threads 5 are preferably supplied as weft threads during the manufacturing process and mutually interlaced with the middle interface threads 3, to improve structural stability of the base fabric 2.

[0106] First signal carrying threads 6, preferably supplied as weft threads along the second or weft direction WF, are interlaced with the auxiliary middle threads 4. The first signal carrying threads 6 extend straight or substantially straight along a direction transverse to the middle interface threads 3, namely along the weft direction WF, and face from the first side S1 of the textile structure 1. Preferably, each first signal carrying threads 6 is interlaced with the auxiliary middle threads 4 by interlacing portions 7 mutually spaced apart along the longitudinal extension of the first signal carrying thread 6. Moreover, each of the first signal carrying threads 6 exhibits straight sections 8, each longitudinally extending on prosecution of two interlacing portions 7, parallel aside to one or more straight sections 8 of respective adjacent first signal carrying threads 6. At least at the straight sections 8, each first signal carrying thread 6 faces from only one of the first and second sides S1 , S2 of the base fabric 2, namely the first side S1 , without facing from the second side S2.

[0107] The first signal carrying threads 6 may be homogeneously distributed over the whole main surface extension of the base fabric 2, in presence or in absence of the additional threads 5. In a different embodiment, the first signal carrying threads 6 are distributed such as to form respective groups G5 mutually spaced along a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal development, namely along the warp direction WR. Each group G5 formed by the first signal carrying threads 6 may extend parallel in alternate fashion between two groups formed by the additional threads 5. However, in the embodiment shown in the drawings the additional threads 5 are homogeneously distributed over the whole main surface extension of the base fabric 2, and the first signal carrying threads 6 are positioned lying against the additional threads 5 and / or the middle interface threads 3 on the first side S1 of the textile structure 1 .

[0108] During interlacing achieved at the above referred interlacing region, one or more second signal carrying threads 9 are stitched to the base fabric 2, e.g. by the above mentioned device for incorporating stitched threads equipping the textile machine.

[0109] Each of the second signal carrying threads 9 longitudinally extends along a direction transverse to the first signal carrying threads 6, namely along the warp direction WR, and faces from the second side S2 of the base fabric 2, i.e. the side opposite to the first signal carrying threads 6.

[0110] The second signal carrying threads 9 may be directly interlaced with the base fabric 2, e.g. at stitching points 10. As shown in figure 1 at each stitching point 10 the respective second signal carrying thread 9 extend astride one of the additional threads 5, or vice versa.

[0111] As an additional or alternative measure, one or more of the second signal carrying threads 9 may be fixed to the base fabric 2 by at least one stitching thread 11 , interlaced with the base fabric 2 and the respective second signal carrying thread 9, e.g. as shown in figure 3. This technical measure allows a reliable engagement of the base fabric 2 by the second signal carrying threads 9, preserving these latter from high mechanical stresses during the weaving process. Moreover, in use, fixation with additional stitching threads 11 may reduce possible measurement inaccuracies, improving detection quality. In addition, fixation with additional stitching threads 11 may help to avoid potential short circuits between the first signal carrying threads 6 and the second signal carrying threads 9.

[0112] Each of the second signal carrying threads 9 exhibits, along an its own longitudinal direction L, one or more mutually spaced sensing portions 12 each interposed between two connecting sections 13. Preferably, the connecting sections 13 extend straight along the longitudinal direction L of the respective second signal carrying threads 9. The connecting sections 13 belonging to respectively distinct second signal carrying threads 9 extend parallel one to the other.

[0113] Each sensing portion 12 is formed by, and / or or comprises, mutually consecutive active stretches 12a defined by bents formed along the respective second signal carrying thread 9. The consecutive active stretches 12a extend in alternate succession according to a zig-zag pattern, each transverse to the middle interface threads 3. Preferably, each of the active stretches 12a extend substantially in the weft direction WF, i.e. perpendicular to the middle interface threads 3, and substantially parallel to the first signal carrying threads 6.

[0114] The consecutive active stretches 12a in each sensing portion 12 crosses the longitudinal direction L of the respective second signal carrying thread 9. Preferably, opposite ends of the consecutive active stretches 12a are equidistant from the longitudinal direction L.

[0115] The total distance between opposite ends of the consecutive active stretches 12a, measured along a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the first signal carrying threads 6, defines a width W of the respective sensing portion 12. Preferably, the interlacing portions 7 of each first signal carrying thread 6 are mutually spaced apart by a measure greater than the width W of the sensing portions 12.

[0116] The middle interface threads 3 are interposed between the first signal carrying threads 6 and the second signal carrying threads 9. Thus, the middle interface threads 3 mutually separate the first signal carrying threads 6 and the second signal carrying threads 9, so as to prevent direct mutual contact between them.

[0117] The first and second signal carrying threads 6, 9 are configured to transport at least a signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal is in the form of an electric current, and the first and second signal carrying threads 6, 9 are electrically conductive. In this regard, the first and second signal carrying threads 6, 9 may be at least partially made e.g. from metal, carbon or other electrically conductive material, or may comprise natural or synthetic textile fibers covered by a layer made form e.g. metal, carbon or other electrically conductive material.

[0118] In some different embodiments, the signal may be of a different nature, e.g light or other electromagnetic radiation. In this case, the first and second signal carrying threads 6, 9 may comprise or consist of optical fibers.

[0119] The middle interface threads 3 are configured to partially obstruct transmission of the signal between the first and second signal carrying threads 6, 9, according to a variable amount, i.e. by an amount that changes in response and in coherence to variations of a pre-established physical parameter which the textile structure 1 is subjected to.

[0120] The physical parameter may be conveniently selected from the group consisting of magnetic field, electromagnetic radiation, temperature, moisture (or humidity) or, as in the disclosed example, a pressure or other thrust force transmitted between the first side S1 and a second side S2 of the textile structure 1 .

[0121] More particularly, in the embodiment herein disclosed, the physical parameter is a force pushing the first signal carrying threads 6 and the second signal carrying threads 9 one towards the other. In this regard, the middle interface threads 3 may conveniently have an electric conductivity lower than an electric conductivity of the first signal carrying threads 6 and second signal carrying threads 9. The middle interface threads 3 and / or the first and second signal carrying threads 6, 9, may also be elastically squeezable when forced to mutually approach. The above technical features prompt a piezo-resistive behavior of the textile structure 1 with respect to the pushing force. More particularly, when the textile structure 1 is subjected to a pushing force which tend to mutually approach the first and second signal carrying threads 6, 9, the consequent squeezing causes a contact area between the signal carrying threads and the middle interface threads 3 to increase, together with a shortening of the distance between the first and second signal carrying threads 6, 9. The electric resistance across the middle interface threads 3 is consequently caused to decrease. By detecting the signal passing from the first signal carrying threads 6 to the second signal carrying threads 9, or vice-versa, it is possible to determine the amount of the force and / or identify mechanical stresses applied to the textile structure 1 in correspondence of each single sensing portion 12.

[0122] In a different embodiment, the middle interface threads 3 may be configured to achieve a capacitive system with the first and second signal carrying threads 6, 9. In this case, the middle interface threads 3 preferably have high electric insulating properties, namely with an electric resistivity greater than 1 MQ measured between the first signal carrying threads 6 and the second signal carrying threads 9. The middle interface threads 3 may be thereby configured to achieve suitable dielectric properties to form, together with the first and the second signal carrying threads 6, 9, an electrical capacitor capable of generating a signal approximately proportional to the pressure exerted.

[0123] In both cases, an electric resistivity of the middle interface threads 3 is preferably greater than an electric resistivity of the first and second signal carrying threads 6, 9. Moreover, electric resistivity and / or light (electromagnetic radiation) transmission or diffraction in many materials is subjected to increase or decrease in response to changes in other different physical parameters such as temperature, moisture, magnetic field, electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, the subject textile structure 1 may be configured for monitoring anyone of such physical parameters which the textile structure 1 is subjected to, by detecting changes of current or light passage between the first and second signal carrying yarns 6, 9.

[0124] One or more sensor modules M are defined over the main surface extension of the textile structure 1 , each at an active area A where, looking at the textile structure 1 along a direction orthogonal to the surface extension, at least one of the sensing portions 12 overlap at least a respective one of the first signal carrying threads 6. In the example shown in figure 4, a plurality of sensor modules M and respective active areas A are provided, homogeneously distributed according to mutually crossing parallel rows R and parallel columns C, so as to define a row-column matrix over the whole textile structure 1 , or a part thereof.

[0125] Indeed, it is preferably provided that at least a connector 14 mutually couples the first signal carrying threads 6 belonging to a same active area A, and preferably also the other active areas A belonging to the same row R. The parallel rows R of sensor modules M are therefore defined each along the group G5 of first signal carrying threads 6 mutually coupled by the same connector 14. The columns C of sensor modules M are each defined by the sensing portions 12 mutually connected by the connecting sections 13 of the respective second signal carrying thread 9.

[0126] The first signal carrying threads 6, the middle interface threads 3 and the sensing portions 12 belonging to each respective active area A are part of a detection circuit. For each of the sensor modules M and respective active area A, the detection circuit may comprise a signal sending branch SB and a signal return branch SR respectively connected to the respective first signal carrying threads 6, e.g. by the respective connector 14, and the second signal carrying thread 9, or vice-versa.

[0127] The signal sending branches SB may be made each in the form of one or more threads interwoven with the base fabric 2 and preferably extending in the warp direction WR, parallel to the second signal carrying threads 9 between two columns C of sensor modules M, as to transfer the electrical signals from each connector 14 to one single interface edge E of the base fabric 2. In other words, each of the second signal carrying threads 9 and each of the signal sending branches SB lead the electrical signals of each sensor module column C and each sensor module row R to the interface edge E.

[0128] The signal sending branch SB and signal return branch SR of each sensor module M lead to an electronic processing unit PU which, together with the subject textile structure 1 , constitutes a device for monitoring the physical parameters. As schematically shown in figure 4 the electronic processing unit PU may include a plurality of connecting channels CH, each connected with one of the signal sending branches SB and respective signal return branches SR.

[0129] The electronic processing unit PU may be connected to the signal sending branches SB and signal return branches SR via e.g. a flexprint, cable harness or the like, arranged alongside the interface edge E of base the fabric 2.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A sensor-embedding textile structure comprising: a base fabric (2); mutually parallel first signal carrying threads (6) facing from a first side (S1 ) of the base fabric (2); one or more second signal carrying threads (9), longitudinally extending along a direction transverse to the first signal carrying threads (6) and facing from a second side (S2) of the base fabric (2); wherein the base fabric (2) comprises one or more middle interface threads (3) extending along a direction transverse to said first signal carrying threads (6), wherein each second signal carrying thread (9) forms, along an its own longitudinal direction, at least one sensing portion (12) comprising mutually consecutive active stretches (12a) which extend according to a zigzag pattern, each of said active stretches (12a) being transverse to the middle interface threads (3), wherein the middle interface threads (3) are interposed between the first signal carrying threads (6) and the second signal carrying threads (9), to mutually separate them, wherein the first and second signal carrying threads (6, 9) are configured to transport a signal, wherein the middle interface threads (3) are configured to partially obstruct transmission of the signal between the first and second signal carrying threads (6, 9), by an amount that changes according to variations of a physical parameter which the textile structure (1 ) is subjected to.

2. Textile structure according to claim 1 , wherein the middle interface threads (3) extend along a warp direction (WR) of the base fabric (2).

3. Textile structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each first signal carrying thread (6) is interlaced with the base fabric (2) by interlacing portions (7) mutually spaced apart along the longitudinal extension of the first signal carrying thread (6), preferably by a measure greater than a width(W) of the sensing portions (12), the width (W) being measured parallel to the longitudinal development of the first signal carrying threads (6).

4. Textile structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the base fabric (2) further comprises additional threads (5) transverse to the middle interface threads (3) and mutually interlaced with these latter.

5. Textile structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each of the active stretches (12a) extends substantially perpendicular to the middle interface threads (3) and / or substantially parallel to the first signal carrying threads (6).

6. Textile structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second signal carrying threads (9) is directly interlaced with the base fabric (2) at stitching points (10).

7. Textile structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second signal carrying threads (9) is fixed to the base fabric (2) by one or more stitching threads (1 1 ), each interlaced with the base fabric (2) and the respective second signal carrying thread (9).

8. Textile structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the physical parameter is a force pushing the first signal carrying threads (6) and the second signal carrying threads (9) one towards the other.

9. Textile structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the signal is an electric current, and the middle interface threads (3) have an electric resistivity greater than an electric resistivity of first signal carrying threads (6) and second signal carrying threads (9).

10. Textile structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the middle interface threads (3) have a resistivity greater than 1 KO measured between the first carrying signal threads (6) and the second carrying signal threads (9).1 1. Textile structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first signal carrying threads (6) and / or the second signalcarrying threads (9) comprise optical fibers.

12. Textile structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one or more sensor modules (M) are defined over the textile structure (1 ), each at an active area (A) where one or more of said sensing portions (12) overlap at least a respective one of the first signal carrying threads (6).

13. Textile structure according to claim 12, wherein the first signal carrying threads (6) belonging to a same active area (A) are mutually electrically connected together.

14. A device for monitoring physical parameters, comprising a sensor-embedding textile structure (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, and an electronic processing unit (PU) operatively connected with the sensing portions (12).

15. Method for producing a sensor-embedding textile structure (1 ) comprising: interlacing first signal carrying threads (6) with middle interface threads (3) to form a base fabric (2), the base fabric (2) exhibiting the first signal carrying threads (6) facing from a first side (S1 ) of the base fabric (2) and the middle interface threads (3) extending along a direction transverse to said first signal carrying threads (6); during interlacing, stitching to the base fabric (2) at least one second signal carrying thread (9), longitudinally extending along a direction transverse to the first signal carrying threads (6) and facing from a second side (S2) of the base fabric (2); wherein each second signal carrying thread (9) exhibits, along an its own longitudinal direction, one or more sensing portions (12) each comprising mutually consecutive active stretches (12a) which extend according to a zigzag pattern, each of said active stretches (12a) being transverse to the middle interface threads (3), wherein the middle interface threads (3) are interposed between the first signal carrying threads (6) and the second signal carrying threads (9), tomutually separate them, wherein the first and second signal carrying threads (6, 9) are configured to transport a signal, wherein the middle interface threads (3) are configured to partially obstruct transmission of the signal between the first and second signal carrying threads (6, 9), by an amount that changes according to variations of a physical parameter which the textile structure (1 ) is subjected to.

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