ATBECHDEDKESFRGBGRITLILUNLSEMCPTIESILTLVFIROMKCYALTRBGCZEEHUPLSKBAHRIS..MTNORSMESM..................
J
DIM360 Ver 2.41 (21 Oct 2013) - 1100000/0
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
2770095
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
A1
20140827
EP
13156744.8
20130226
20140220
en
en
en
20140827
201435
20140827
201435
D04B 1/18 20060101AFI20131031BHEP
D04B 1/04 20060101ALN20131031BHEP
de
Struktur aus dreidimensionalem elektrisch leitfähigem Stoff
en
Structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric
fr
Structure de tissu tridimensionnel électriquement conducteur
4
King's Metal Fiber Technologies Co., Ltd.
101315881
P51364
No. 195, Dongbei Street Fengyuan District
Taichung City
TW
Huang, Hong-Hsu
8 F., No. 426, Linsen N. Rd., Zhongshan Dist.
Taipei City
TW
Su, I-Chen
8 F., No. 426, Linsen N. Rd., Zhongshan Dist.
Taipei City
TW
Hsiao, King-Mu
8 F., No. 426, Linsen N. Rd., Zhongshan Dist.
Taipei City
TW
Yang, Shun-Tung
8 F., No. 426, Linsen N. Rd., Zhongshan Dist.
Taipei City
TW
Peng, Jung-Hsiang
8 F., No. 426, Linsen N. Rd., Zhongshan Dist.
Taipei City
TW
Viering, Jentschura & Partner Patent- und Rechtsanwälte
101239391
Kennedydamm 55 / Roßstrasse
40476 Düsseldorf
DE
AL
AT
BE
BG
CH
CY
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DE
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EE
ES
FI
FR
GB
GR
HR
HU
IE
IS
IT
LI
LT
LU
LV
MC
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MT
NL
NO
PL
PT
RO
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A structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric includes a resilient conductive tissue, a foundation tissue, and a support tissue. The support tissue is arranged between and connects the resilient conductive tissue and the foundation tissue. The resilient conductive tissue, the foundation tissue, and the support tissue are unitarily combined through knitting to form the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, and in particular to a structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric that features both resiliency and electrical conductivity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As shown in Figure 1, a conventional detection element 1 for physiological examination comprises a base layer 10 and an electrically conductive layer 11 formed on the base layer 10. To use, the electrically conductive layer is attached to human skin surface to detect a signal generated by the human body. However, the electrically conductive 11 of such a detection element 1 is generally of poor resiliency and has poor electrical conductivity with human skin is poor, making it difficult to detect the signal generated by the human body and also making wear uncomfortable. As shown in Figure 2, an improvement is made such that a resilient layer 12 is arranged between the electrically conductive layer 11 and the base layer 10 so that contact tightness between the electrically conductive layer 11 and human skin can be improved with the resilient layer 12. Further, a moisture-retaining material is also included in the layer to make the layer also function moisture retaining thereby improving electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive layer 11. However, since the resilient layer 12 and the electrically conductive layer 11 are two separate layers, moisture must penetrate through the electrically conductive layer 11 before being absorbed by the resilient layer 12. Consequently, the absorbability of moisture is affected. When the resilient layer 12 releases water between the electrically conductive layer 11 and human skin, the release of water is also affected by being blocked by the electrically conductive layer 11. Further, since the resilient layer 12 and the electrically conductive layer 11 are two separate layers that are bonded to each other by an external force (such as adhesion). These layers are easily detached from each other due to the high humidity long maintained by the resilient layer 12, making the detection element 1 losing its function.
In view of this problem, the present invention aims to provide a structure that possesses the characteristics of resiliency, electrical conduction, and moisture retention in order to achieve the goal of improving electrical conduction and lifespan of product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric that is formed through being unitarily knitted and features resiliency and electrical conductivity.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric that features moisture retention.
To realize the above objects, the present invention provides a structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, which comprises a resilient conductive tissue, which is formed by arranging and interlacing a plurality of first structural yarns, a plurality of first elastic yarns, and a plurality of electrically conductive yarns, wherein each of the first structural yarns is combined with each of the first elastic yarns as a strand for being alternately arranged with each of the electrically conductive yarns; a foundation tissue, which is formed by arranging and interlacing a plurality of second structural yarns and a plurality of second elastic yarns, each of the second structural yarns being arranged, as the same strand, with each of the second elastic yarns; and a support tissue, which is formed of a plurality of first support yarns and a plurality of second support yarns and connects between the resilient conductive tissue and the foundation tissue, wherein each of the first support yarns is arranged, as the same strand, with each of the first structural yarns and each of the first elastic yarns and extends to the foundation tissue to be arranged, as the same strand, with each of second structural yarns and each of the second elastic yarns and each the second support yarns is arranged, as the same strand, with each of the electrically conductive yarns and extends to the foundation tissue to be arranged, in the same strand, with each of the second structural yarns and the second elastic yarns in a manner as being spaced from the first support yarns.
In the above-discussed structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, the first structural yarns and the second structural yarns are each one of polyester yarn, porous fiber yarn, alginate fiber yarn, carboxymethyl cellulose fiber yarn, and rayon fiber yarn.
In the above-discussed structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, the electrically conductive yarns are one of metal fiber yarn, carbon nanotube fiber yarn, and carbon fiber yarn.
In the above-discussed structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, the first elastic yarns and the second elastic yarns are each spandex yarn.
In the above-discussed structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, the first support yarns and the second support yarns are each one of polyester yarn and nylon yarn.
In the above-discussed structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, the first structural yarns, the first elastic yarns, and the electrically conductive yarns are arranged and interlaced through knitting to form the resilient conductive tissue.
In the above-discussed structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, the second structural yarns and the second elastic yarns are arranged and interlaced through knitting to form the foundation tissue.
In the above-discussed structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, the resilient conductive tissue, the foundation tissue, and the support tissue are unitarily combined to form the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, in which the same planar tissue features both resiliency and electrical conductivity and also shows an effect of moisture retention through being combined with structural yarns that feature moisture retention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description of preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view showing a conventional detection element for physiological examination;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view showing a conventional detection element for physiological examination;
Figure 3 is a schematic view showing a structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view showing, in an enlarged form, a portion of the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric in accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged form, a portion of the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the drawings and in particular to Figure 3, which is a perspective view showing a structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric according to the present invention, as shown in the drawing, in the instant embodiment, the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric according to the present invention comprises a resilient conductive tissue 20, a support tissue 30, and a foundation tissue 40, which are knitted unitarily to form the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric with the support tissue 30 arranged between and connecting the resilient conductive tissue 20 and the foundation tissue 40.
Referring to Figure 4, which is a perspective view showing, in an enlarged form, a portion of the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric in accordance with the present invention, as shown in the drawing, the resilient conductive tissue 20 is formed by arranging and interlacing, through proper fabric manufacturing process, a plurality of first structural yarns 200, a plurality of first elastic yarns 201, and a plurality of electrically conductive yarns 202 together. Each of the first structural yarns 200 is combined with each of the first elastic yarns 201 as a strand for being arranged alternately with each of the electrically conductive yarns 202. Further, the first structural yarns 200, the first elastic yarns 201, and the electrically conductive yarns 202 are alternately arranged through knitting to form the resilient conductive tissue 20. The foundation tissue 40 is formed by arranging and interlacing a plurality of second structural yarns 400 and second elastic yarns 401. Each of the second structural yarns 400 and each of the second elastic yarns 401 are arranged together as the same strand. The support tissue 30 is formed of a plurality of first support yarns 300 and a plurality of second support yarns 301 and connects between the resilient conductive tissue 20 and the foundation tissue 40, wherein each of the first support yarns 300 is arranged, as the same strand, with each of the first structural yarns 200 and each of the first elastic yarns 201 and subsequently extends to the foundation tissue 40 to be arranged, as the same strand, with each of the second structural yarns 400 and each of the second elastic yarns 401. Each of the second support yarns 301 is arranged, as the same strand, with each of the electrically conductive yarns 202 and subsequently extends to the foundation tissue 40 to be arranged, as the same strand, with each of the second structural yarns 400 and each of the second elastic yarns 401 in a manner of being spaced from the first support yarns. The interlaced arrangement of the first support yarns 300 and the second support yarns 301 provides improved resiliency to the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric of the present invention, so as to make a wearer comfortable when is used to make a wearable article. Further, the first support yarns 300 and the second support yarns 301 form tiny voids therebetween that help retaining moisture and improving electrical conductivity.
Referring to Figure 5, which is a cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged form, a portion of the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric in accordance with the present invention, as shown in drawing, the resilient conductive tissue 20 is formed by arranging and interlacing a plurality of first structural yarns 200, a plurality of first elastic yarns 201, and a plurality of electrically conductive yarns 202 together. Each of the first structural yarns 200 is combined with each of the first elastic yarns 201 as a strand for being arranged alternately with each of the electrically conductive yarns 202, whereby after the entirety of the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric is completely arranged when the stretching force of yarns are removed, the first elastic yarns 201 get contracting and squeeze the electrically conductive yarns 202 outward so that the electrically conductive yarns 202 project beyond the surface of the entire resilient conductive tissue 20. This ensures that when the fabric is placed on human body, the electrically conductive yarns 202 get contact with the human body first so that the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric according to the present invention may provide improved effect of detection.
The first structural yarns 200 and the second structural yarns 400 can selectively be one of polyester yarn, porous fiber yarn, alginate fiber yarn, carboxymethyl cellulose fiber yarn, and rayon fiber yarn, among which porous fiber yarn, alginate fiber yarn, carboxymethyl cellulose fiber yarn, and rayon fiber yarn have the function of moisture retention. If the first structural yarns 200 and the second structural yarns 400 are selected from these four materials, then the structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric according to the present invention may shows the characteristics of resiliency, moisture retention, and electrical conductivity.
The first elastic yarns 201 and the second elastic yarns 401 can be spandex yarn. The electrically conductive yarns 202 can selectively be one of metal fiber yarn, carbon nanotube fiber yarn, and carbon fiber yarn. The first support yarns 300 and the second support yarns 301 can selectively be one of polyester yarn and nylon yarn.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention which is intended to be defined by the appended claims.
1. A structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, comprising:
a resilient conductive tissue, which is formed by arranging and interlacing a plurality of first structural yarns, a plurality of first elastic yarns, and a plurality of electrically conductive yarns, wherein each of the first structural yarns is combined with each of the first elastic yarns as a strand for being alternately arranged with each of the electrically conductive yarns;
a foundation tissue, which is formed by arranging and interlacing a plurality of second structural yarns and a plurality of second elastic yarns, each of the second structural yarns being arranged, as the same strand, with each of the second elastic yarns; and
a support tissue, which is formed of a plurality of first support yarns and a plurality of second support yarns and connects between the resilient conductive tissue and the foundation tissue, wherein each of the first support yarns is arranged, as the same strand, with each of the first structural yarns and each of the first elastic yarns and extends to the foundation tissue to be arranged, as the same strand, with each of second structural yarns and each of the second elastic yarns and each the second support yarns is arranged, as the same strand, with each of the electrically conductive yarns and extends to the foundation tissue to be arranged, in the same strand, with each of the second structural yarns and the second elastic yarns in a manner as being spaced from the first support yarns.
2. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first structural yarns and the second structural yarns are each one of polyester yarn, porous fiber yarn, alginate fiber yarn, carboxymethyl cellulose fiber yarn, and rayon fiber yarn.
3. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive yarns are one of metal fiber yarn, carbon nanotube fiber yarn, and carbon fiber yarn.
4. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first elastic yarns and the second elastic yarns are each spandex yarn.
5. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first support yarns and the second support yarns are each one of polyester yarn and nylon yarn.
6. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first structural yarns, the first elastic yarns, and the electrically conductive yarns are arranged and interlaced through knitting to form the resilient conductive tissue.
7. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second structural yarns and the second elastic yarns are arranged and interlaced through knitting to form the foundation tissue.
8. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive yarns project beyond a surface of the resilient conductive tissue.

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
1. A structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric, comprising:
a resilient tissue (20), which is formed by arranging and interlacing a plurality of first structural yarns (200) and, a plurality of first elastic yarns, a foundation tissue (40), which is formed by arranging and interlacing a plurality of second structural yarns (400) and a plurality of second elastic yarns (401), wherein each of the second structural yarns (400) being arranged with each of the second elastic yarns (401) as a strand; and
a support tissue (30), which is formed of a plurality of first support yarns (300) and a plurality of second support yarns (301) and connects between the resilient tissue (20) and the foundation tissue (40), wherein each of the first support yarns (300) is arranged with each strand of the first structural yarns (200) and the first elastic yarns (201) and extends to each strand of the second structural yarns (400) and the second elastic yarns (401) arranged in the foundation tissue (40);
characterized in that the resilient tissue (20) is conductive and comprises a plurality of electrically conductive yarns (202), wherein each of the first structural yarns (200) is combined with each of the first elastic yarns (201) as a strand for being alternately arranged with each of the electrically conductive yarns (202), and
wherein each of the second support yarns (301) is arranged with each of the electrically conductive yarns (202) and extends to each strand of the second structural yarns (400) and the second elastic yarns (401) arranged in the foundation tissue (40) in a manner as being spaced from the first support yarns (300).
2. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first structural yarns (200) and the second structural yarns (400) are each one of polyester yarn, porous fiber yarn, alginate fiber yarn, carboxymethyl cellulose fiber yarn, and rayon fiber yarn.
3. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive yarns (202) are one of metal fiber yarn, carbon nanotube fiber yarn, and carbon fiber yarn.
4. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first elastic yarns (201) and the second elastic yarns (401) are each spandex yarn.
5. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first support yarns (300) and the second support yarns (301) are each one of polyester yarn and nylon yarn.
6. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first structural yarns (200), the first elastic yarns (201), and the electrically conductive yarns (202) are arranged and interlaced through knitting to form the resilient conductive tissue (20).
7. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second structural yarns (400) and the second elastic yarns (401) are arranged and interlaced through knitting to form the foundation tissue (40).
8. The structure of three-dimensional electrically conductive fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive yarns (202) project beyond a surface of the resilient conductive tissue (20).
P51364
EP
13156744.8
King's Metal Fiber Technologies Co., Ltd.
4
MN
20131107
D04B
US
6755052
B1
SYTZ RONALD M [US]
20040629
A
1,2,4-7
* column 5, lines 35-54; claim 2; figures 1-3 *
WO
0102052
A2
BEKAERT SA NV [BE]; DEMEYERE EMMANUEL [BE]; HEIRBAUT GUIDO [BE]; STEEN
20010111
A
2-7
* page 6, line 10 - page 13, line 20; claims 1, 5, 10; figures 1, 4, 5 *
* page 2, line 18 - page 3, line 25 *
Sterle, Dieter
Munich
20131030
US
6755052
B1
20040629
NONE
WO
0102052
A2
20010111
AU
5530900
A
20010122
WO
0102052
A2
20010111