DE102021112115A1 - Textile space structure and method for producing a textile space structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A textile spatial structure is disclosed with an essentially one-piece cover made of a textile fabric, which surrounds a chamber and is provided with an internal coating.

Description

The invention relates to a three-dimensional textile structure according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a method for producing such a three-dimensional textile structure.

The applicant sells tents under the brand name "X GLOO"®, for example gastro tents, lock/medical tents, trade fair tents or other event tents, in which the outer shell is stretched over inflatable support columns and stabilized. These support columns are designed, for example, with a one-pump system , so that inflating/inflating the support column with air can be done very easily with one or very few valves.The outer shell - also called the roof - is made of a wear-resistant, preferably waterproof and weather-resistant material that can withstand intensive loads.The support columns are after Kind of a kite tube made from a gas-tight bladder and a robust outer skin in which the bladder is accommodated.

Such tents are designed in the shape of a dome, so that the support columns must be bent accordingly. This bending/curving is usually done by appropriate design of the outer shell and/or by means of traction means, for example belt straps, which are arranged, for example, in such a way that the sections of the support columns facing the center of the curvature are shortened by these traction means, so that the desired radius of curvature is set. In this case, a plurality of belt straps can be arranged at a distance from one another in order to form a predetermined radius of curvature.

In the post-published application DE 10 2020 129 159 A1 it is proposed to carry out the inflatable textile space structure with hollow chamber segments produced according to the OPW process. The basic structure that gives the shape is manufactured as a textile OPW (One Piece Woven) fabric, with the textile structure being provided with a fluid-tight coating to create the necessary impermeability. These textile spatial structures are woven, for example, on a Jacquard weaving machine as an "endless textile web", with the hollow chambers and weaving, separating or connecting flags being formed during this weaving process. This endless woven web then forms a development of the three-dimensional structure, so to speak, and can then be folded into the three-dimensional structure after the external connecting tabs of the hollow chamber segments have been connected, for example by means of a material connection or sewing or the like, with the stability then being generated by inflating the hollow chamber segments.

Since in principle OPW woven webs produced on Jacquard weaving systems are used in the production of airbags, reference can be made to the relevant prior art with regard to procedural details of this production process.

In the WO 2020/201018 A1 describes an airbag manufactured using the OPW process, the peripheral walls of which consist of woven fabric layers, with the individual three-dimensional shaping of the chambers of this airbag being determined by so-called X-Tethers, also known as catch domes, which connect the fabric layers with one another, so that the local expansion of the airbag and its extent when inflated is determined by this X-Tether.

Such airbag structures are designed to deploy as quickly as possible in the event of an accident, thus preventing the vehicle occupant from coming into direct contact with hard parts of the vehicle interior. The three-dimensional surface structures are not designed in such a way that they permanently act as a support structure. Such concepts are therefore not suitable for walls as described above.

Another disadvantage of these known solutions is that the coating sealing the air chamber can be damaged by external influences or delaminated under high pressure loads, i.e. it can be detached from the fabric structure.

In contrast, the invention is based on the object of creating a textile three-dimensional structure and a method for producing a textile three-dimensional structure in which the tightness is improved.

With regard to the textile spatial structure, this object is achieved by the combination of features of patent claim 1 and with regard to the method by the features of the independent patent claim 11 .

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The textile three-dimensional structure according to the invention has an essentially one-piece cover made of a textile fabric, which surrounds a chamber, preferably an air chamber, and which is provided with a coating, whereby this is arranged on the inside, i.e. on the chamber side, by turning the textile three-dimensional structure inside out.

Accordingly, the method according to the invention for producing a textile three-dimensional structure provides, first of all, a substantially one-step to produce angular shell by a weaving process, this shell delimiting the chamber / air chamber at least in sections. In a further work step, this three-dimensional shell is provided with a preferably airtight coating, with the outer areas of the shell being coated.

In a further work step, this coated blank is turned inside out in such a way that the coating is on the inside, i.e. facing the chamber. The chamber is then hermetically sealed by closing an everting opening of the envelope.

This concept according to the invention ensures that the fluid-tight, in particular air-tight, coating is arranged on the inside and is therefore protected against external influences by the textile fabric surrounding it. These external influences can be, for example, mechanical effects or else impairments from UV radiation or the like. Furthermore, delamination is reliably prevented, since the fluid-tight coating is supported to the outside by the textile fabric even under high pressure loads in the chamber.

The operative connection/assembly with reference to other functional elements can be effected by elements made of textiles or hard materials that are fixed in a form-fitting manner.

According to the invention, it is particularly preferred if the three-dimensional textile fabric is an OPW fabric.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the weaving flags are arranged in such a way that they protrude into the chamber, so that a largely smooth outer surface of the textile spatial structure is obtained.

The concept according to the invention preferably presupposes that the blank, i.e. the coated sleeve made of a textile fabric, is designed with an inverted opening through which the chamber opens to the outside. The inversion takes place through this inversion opening, which is closed after the inversion process.

This sealing can be done, for example, by the same material that is also used for the coating. This is preferably a plastic material.

Such a spatial structure can be used in a large number of applications. A preferred application is, for example, the formation of a support column for an object, for example a tent or the like.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the invention, the spatial structure is designed as a kind of sculpture or advertising medium, with a design covering being applied to the spatial structure formed by turning it inside out, which is attractively designed and/or carries advertising information or other information.

This structure can be designed approximately in the shape of a cylinder, the cylinder being able to have a length of more than two meters and a diameter of more than half a meter, for example. Of course, other dimensions can also be realized.

This spatial structure, which is optimized in terms of design, can be arranged standing, for example, in which case an end face of the spatial structure (column) can be provided with a support bracket or can be arranged on a support bracket.

To improve the appearance, especially at night, the column can be designed with lighting, which can also be arranged within the spatial structure, for example. In principle, however, the support console can also be provided with lighting. Of course it is also possible to illuminate the column from the outside.

• 1 eine Darstellung eines Eventzeltes;
• 2 eine Schnittdarstellung einer als Stütztube ausgeführten textilen Raumstruktur des Eventzeltes gemäß 1 ;
• 3 ein Zwischenprodukt bei der Herstellung der textilen Raumstruktur gemäß 2 und;
• 4 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer textilen Raumstruktur als säulenartige (Column)-Struktur

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below using schematic drawings. Show it:

• 1 a representation of an event tent;
• 2 a sectional view of a textile spatial structure of the event tent designed as a support tube 1 ;
• 3 an intermediate product in the production of the textile space structure according to 2 and;
• 4 an embodiment of a textile spatial structure as a columnar (column) structure

1 shows a three-dimensional representation of a tent 1 according to the invention, for example an event tent, as is often used at outdoor events. Such a tent 1 has a dome-shaped structure, with an outer shell 6 being stretched over two arched support tubes 2, 4, which covers the support tubes 2, 4 and thus spans the interior space 8 encompassed by the tent 1.

The support tubes 2, 4 are inflatable / inflatable performed in a conventional manner, wherein the filling over in 1 indicated valves 10 takes place. One or more valves 10 can be present in each support tube 2, 4. In principle, filling can also be done using a one-pump system. In the illustrated embodiment, the support tubes 2, 4 are each arcuate, semicircular in the broadest sense. In principle, the support tubes 2, 4 can also consist of two support tube parts, which then complement each other to form an arc/dome shape.

In conventional tents, the support tubes 2, 4 are designed in the manner of a kite tube, with an airtight bladder being surrounded by a robust outer skin made of Dacron® or the like. In the concept according to the invention, a coated textile fabric is used instead of this complex, multi-part structure, so that the bladders can be dispensed with.

A textile OPW fabric is used in the following exemplary embodiments. In principle, however, the invention can also be implemented with other textile fabrics that are provided with an airtight coating.

In 2 shows a longitudinal section of a support tube 2 or other support device, which as in 2 indicated on the right, has an approximately round cross-section, so that the support tube 2 is approximately cylindrical. Of course, other 3D structures, for example plate-shaped structures, can also be designed in the form according to the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the support tube 2 is designed as a cover with a textile OPW (One-Piece-Woven) structure, with 2 the deflated condition is shown. When inflated via the valve 10, the support tube 2 curves in an arc (see Fig 1 ), The radii of curvature and the course of curvature being determined by radial notches 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial notches 14 in the representation according to 2 such as a V-shaped structure, extending along peripheral portions. When the support tube 2 is inflated, the inside width of the radial notches 14 is reduced by the filling pressure, so that the support tube 2, as shown in 2 indicated, curving downwards. The function of these radial notches 14 is described in a parallel patent application by the applicant, so that further explanations in this regard are superfluous. Of course, the invention is not limited to such curved structures, but can, as explained above, be used in support/surface structures in general.

According to the illustration in 2 a textile fabric 12, which practically forms the outer skin of the support tube 2. This textile fabric 12 is provided with a largely airtight coating 16, so that an air chamber, called chamber 18 below, is sealed off. As mentioned above, the filling takes place via the valve 10, which is formed, for example, on a radially recessed end section 20 of the support column 2. According to the invention, it is preferred if the textile fabric 12 is designed essentially in one piece as an OPW fabric, so that the assembly effort is minimal.

With regard to the OPW method, reference is made to the explanations in the introduction to the description. Accordingly, the coating 16 is applied after the production of the OPW structure, so that the coating 16 is accordingly arranged on the outside. According to the invention, this coated spatial structure is then turned inside out, so that the coating 16 is on the inside, facing the chamber 18 . The spatial structure is then closed after it has been turned inside out.

This is based on the schematic representation in 3 clarified. This shows an end section of a tubular or plate-shaped support structure, for example the support tube 2 according to the invention. As explained, the textile OPW fabric 12 is located on the outer circumference after being turned inside out, while the coating 16 surrounding the chamber 18 is arranged on the inside. The 3D structure (also known as the shell) opens up towards the viewer via an inversion opening 22, through which the structure is inverted after the application of the coating 16 (this is then correspondingly on the outside), so that the in 3 shown relative arrangement results. As explained at the beginning, the OPW process produces woven flags 24, 26 that have an in 3 connect upper fabric layer 28 and a lower fabric layer 30 to each other. These lugs 24, 26 are also sealed, so that the air cannot escape laterally from the chamber 18 via the lugs 24, 26. As a result of the turning inside out according to the invention, the woven flags 24, 26 lie on the inside in the chamber 18, so that a relatively smooth outer structure is achieved which also satisfies high aesthetic demands.

The two web flags 24, 26 are also in 2 implied. This representation also shows external connecting lugs 32, 34, which are produced, for example, in the OPW process and which are intended to 2 to close indicated everting opening 22.

After the inversion process, the inversion opening 22 is closed by sewing/gluing or in some other way by applying an end face Chenelementes or the like closed, so that the chamber 18 is sealed airtight with the valve 10 closed from the environment.

To connect further elements, for example to connect to other support tubes 2, 4 or to connect to the outer shell 6, connecting elements can be arranged in a materially or non-positive manner on the 3D three-dimensional structure.

Of course, the invention is not limited to filling with air; in principle, other fluids, such as gases or liquids, can also be used for filling.

As explained at the outset, the main advantage of the concept according to the invention is that the coating 16 integrated into the cover is covered on the outside by the textile fabric 12 and is therefore protected against external influences. Delamination due to excessive filling pressure, for example due to an external impact or temperature increase, is prevented in that the coating 16 is pressed against the textile fabric 12 by the filling pressure and is thus supported.

4 shows an embodiment in which the textile spatial structure as a column - hereinafter referred to as column 36 - is formed. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this column 36 is designed as a columnar monument with a height h of more than three meters and a diameter d of more than one meter, for example. This column 36 can be used, for example, at an event to mark an entrance area or a meeting point, or also as an advertising medium or delimitation device. The area of the column 36 that is visible from the outside is formed by a cover 38 that is placed on an inverted/inverted spatial structure according to the above statements. This is explained below using detail X.

To improve the support, the column 36 can be designed with a support bracket 40 over which the column structure rests on the ground. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, lighting 42 is provided inside column 36 , the light of which is aligned in such a way that it illuminates the interior of column 36 . Of course, several such lighting means can be distributed along the interior of the column 36 .

To secure the position, the column 36 can be supported and fixed in position via a bracing 44 .

According to detail X in 4 the column 36 is provided with the above-described cover 38, which surrounds the textile fabric on the circumference and also on the front side. Depending on the intended use, this cover 38 can be made interchangeable and can be designed either with regard to the design or the advertising message or other message. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the column 36 is designed purely as a design object with stripes 46 of contrasting colors (see FIG 4 ). As explained above, the textile spatial structure forming the column 36 is designed as an OPW structure. The correspondingly produced textile fabric 12 is provided with the reference symbol 12 in detail X. Accordingly, after turning inside out, the coating 16 is arranged on the inside, so that it is very reliably protected against external influences. The selvages 24 (26 not shown) protrude approximately in the radial direction into the approximately cylindrical chamber 18 and contribute to the support of the entire structure. In principle, these woven flags 24, 26 could also be provided with stiffening elements or a stiffening coating in order to stabilize the structure.

As described above, the cover 38 is put on in an exchangeable manner and is attached in a suitable manner to the textile fabric 12 forming the spatial structure. This attachment can be done, for example, by Velcro connections, by partial gluing or in some other way in a force-fitting, material-fitting and/or form-fitting manner.

In detail X, the cover 38 is shown lying flat against the outer circumference of the textile fabric 12 . Of course, the cover 38 can also be loosely fitting.

In 4 a cylindrical spatial structure is shown by way of example; of course, this spatial structure can also be designed with a different geometry and then be covered by a cover 38 or the like. Of course, this spatial structure can also be arranged horizontally or in any other way. In principle it is also possible to provide several such spatial structures with a common covering.

A textile spatial structure is disclosed with an essentially one-piece cover made of a textile fabric, which surrounds a chamber and is provided with an internal coating.

Reference List

1

tent

2

support tube

4

support tube

6

outer shell

8th

inner space

10

Valve

12

textile fabric

14

radial notches

16

coating

18

chamber

20

end section

22

everting opening

24

web flag

26

web flag

28

fabric layer

30

fabric layer

32

connection flag

34

connection flag

36

columns

38

wrapping

40

support console

42

lighting

44

tension

46

stripes

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102020129159 A1 [0004]
• WO 2020/201018 A1 [0006]

Claims (12)

Textile space structure with an essentially one-piece cover made of a textile fabric (12) which surrounds a chamber (18) and which is provided with a coating (16), characterized in that the coating (16) is arranged on the inside by turning the space structure inside out . spatial structure Claim 1 , wherein the textile fabric (12) is an OPW fabric. spatial structure patent claim 2 , whereby selvedges (24, 26) of the textile fabric (12) protrude into the chamber (18). Room structure according to one of the preceding patent claims, in which the textile fabric (12) has, after weaving, an inverted opening (22) which is closed after it has been inverted. Spatial structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile spatial structure is a support tube (2, 4). Spatial structure according to one of the preceding patent claims, wherein the cover is provided with connecting elements in a non-positive or positive manner for the assembly with further components. Spatial structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein this is covered with a design cover (38) to form a preferably columnar column structure. spatial structure Claim 7 , wherein the height (h) of the column (36) can have a length of more than two meters and a diameter (d) of more than half a meter. spatial structure Claim 7 or 8th , wherein the column (36), preferably at the front, is provided with a support bracket (40). Room structure according to one of the preceding patent claims with lighting (42). Process for producing a textile spatial structure with the steps: - Production of a textile, three-dimensional fabric (12) which delimits a chamber (18) at least in sections; - Coating of the shell formed by the textile fabric (12); - Turning the laminate inside out so that the coating (16) is on the inside and - Closing an inversion opening (22) of the envelope so that the chamber (18) is hermetically sealed. procedure after Claim 11 , wherein a covering (38) is applied to the spatial structure.

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