WO2008080245A2

WO2008080245A2 - Filament

Info

Publication number: WO2008080245A2
Application number: PCT/CH2007/000648
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerhard Staufert
Original assignee: Gerhard Staufert
Priority date: 2006-12-28
Filing date: 2007-12-27
Publication date: 2008-07-10
Also published as: WO2008080245A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a filamentous structure (50) having textile character and comprising electronic components (51) integrated into it. Said structure has an electronic filament part which substantially consists of the electronic components (51), flex wires (52) electrically contacting the same and possible additional elements (54) for mechanically stabilizing the structure. A textile filament part is wound around the electronic filament part and substantially consists of at least one textile filament (56).

Description

THREAD

The invention relates to thread-like structures with integrated electronic components.

Object of the present invention is to provide thread-like structures with textile character, in which electronic components such as LED and / or sensors or the like are integrated, which are contacted by means present in the thread-like structures, electrically conductive strands that they can be operated - at least in sections - alone or in groups or all together.

The term "textile character" means primarily that the thread-like structure is limp, i. that it can be arranged with the least expenditure of force along arbitrarily extending spatial lines and no longer moves away from such an arrangement without the action of external forces.

The term "textile character" implies secondarily that the thread-like structure is suitable in its shape and is inherently strong enough to be woven into textile fabrics using textile techniques such as weaving, knitting, embroidering, knitting, laying and the like of any kind can be introduced. A suitable form has the thread-like structure with textile character then, if it has over the majority, ie for example over at least 90% of its length, an envelope, with a normal diameter of a few 0.1 millimeters to a few millimeters. In addition, for example in the field of integrated electronic components, there may be additional short thickenings, ie at most a few millimeters long, whose enveloping diameter in an extreme case does not exceed 10 times, but better than 5 times, the said normal diameter. An advantage for the overall shape of the inventive thread-like structure is when the transition from said normal diameter to the largest diameter of such a said thickening does not take place quickly, but extends over a length of a few millimeters.

The resulting thread-like structure according to the invention with integrated and contacted electronic components as a whole must be so fine and limp that it does not or only slightly changes, for example, the respective textile character of the textiles in which it is incorporated, for example.

Another characteristic is that the inventive thread-like structure with integrated and contacted electronic components in theoretically infinite length can be produced and, for example, when introduced into a textile, in terms of length customizable.

The term "electrically conductive wire" in the context of the present invention includes all highly flexible wires of any suitable metal or a metal alloy having a diameter of 10 .mu.m to 200 .mu.m, for example, these wires with at least one other metal or Metal alloy can be coated or sheathed. It also includes filaments of suitable plastics, such as PE, coated with suitable metals. PES, etc. It also includes a composite of a plurality of mutually entwining such metallic wires, wherein the number of wires within the strand of 3 can be up to, for example, 100. However, strands with up to 1000 wires are also available on the market. The said wires or strands can also be provided with an electrically insulating, only a few micrometers thick protective lacquer layer. A stranded wire can also have an insulating covering enveloping, for example, extruded, for example 50 μm to 100 μm, the common outer circumference of the strand formed by all the wires.

Since strands in the sense of the composite of several wires with identical electrical resistance [Ω / m | more tensile and substantially more flexible than a corresponding individual wire, and therefore less affect the textile character of a textile, are preferably used in the context of the present invention strands with, for example, 3 to 40 individual wires. Preferably, the

Individual wires of the strands of copper and are coated at most with silver or nickel or nickel / gold or tin or other suitable, usually electrically conductive layer. The diameter of the individual wires is for example between 10 .mu.m and 200 .mu.m, preferably between 20 .mu.m and 70 .mu.m.

In the following, only the term strands is used, but as I said also includes the possibility of individual wires and / or metallically coated plastic filaments.

The term "integrated LED" means in the context of the present invention that, for example, commercially available housed LED lamps are so connected to the thread-like structure and contacted by means of existing in the thread-like structure metallic strands that the structure withstands the stresses that arise when a thread-like structure according to the invention with integrated LED for example, in a textile fabric with one of the usual methods such as weaving, embroidery, embroidery, stitching, laying and so on is introduced and crumpled with this, crumpled and / or washed. Instead of using the said market standard LED lamps directly, they can also be applied to a suitable intermediate carrier before they are connected to the thread-like structure. Instead of customary housed LED can also structures are used, in which directly the light-emitting semiconductor device, that is, the so-called LED chip is used. In the cases mentioned, the light-emitting element is constructed using the methods of semiconductor technology and by means of inorganic materials. However, it is also possible to use inorganic-based LEDs, those based on organic substances, ie so-called "Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)". In the following, the term "LED" is used uniformly for all these possibilities.

In general, commercially available, two electrical connections required, SMD LED (Surface Mount Devices) are used, the light radiate only in one color, so for example blue, green, red or white light. Such SMD LEDs normally have a substantially cubic design, wherein the dimensions (length x width x height) are, for example, about 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.3 mm or, with possible intermediate sizes, also about 3.5 x 2.8 x 2 mm. Usually these SMD LEDs have in the region of the two long ends of their bottom, i. side away from the light output, contact surfaces extending across the entire width of the SMD LED. Usually, these contact surfaces are also led up over a part of the short side surfaces.

It can also be used LED and / or sensors which have, for example, 4 terminals, which then usually 4 independent strands are present in the thread-like structure. In this way, for example commercial LED, which are capable of emitting up to three different colors independently, are controlled.

It is possible to increase the functionality of the thread-like structure in that each individual LED or groups of LEDs is preceded by an electronic component for controlling the brightness of the LED or of the groups of LEDs. Such, possibly constructed in the form of an ASIC, control module may, for example, be designed so that it receives its signals on the two existing anyway for the supply of electrical power lines. Such devices are known, for example, by the term "power line modules". In the simplest form, for example, it is capable of switching on and off the power of the LED or group assigned to it. In a somewhat more elaborate form, he is in addition to the on and off function, able to change the current or the voltage of its associated LED or the LED group so that set different brightness levels of the LED.

An independent controllability of individual LED can - at least in groups - be achieved in the thread-like structure by more than two, so for example, three, four, five or more independent strands are present in the thread-like structure. If, in this case, the connections of the LED used are correspondingly interchanged with the strands, for example, using 3 strands, up to 6, using 4 strands up to 12, and generally using n strands up to n * (nl ) bipolar LEDs are lit independently of each other.

Thus, for example thread-like structures can be realized with running lights. But it can also be realized using small two-pole LED thread-like structures with multiple controllable colors. Become a plurality of such thread-like structures, for example, parallel to each other on or in a corresponding, textile or non-textile carrier up or introduced, structures can be realized, which are controlled in terms of a display.

The application of the inventive thread-like structures with a textile character, in which the integrated and electrically contacted blocks are LED, is mainly where very bright or very weakly glowing light sources in articles with a textile character to be applied or applied. Examples of such articles of textile character are garments of all kinds or products such as curtains, surface and slatted curtains, backpacks, handbags, tarpaulins or the like. The points of light generated in this way can have a purely decorative character, they can contribute, for example, to increasing safety in road traffic in the sense of warning lights, and they can, for example, be used to illuminate room zones when using corresponding LEDs. Of course, thread-like structures according to the invention with integrated LED can also be applied or incorporated onto or into non-textile structures such as, for example, wallpapers, films of any type and the like.

The application of the invention thread-like structures with textile character, in which the integrated and electrically contacted blocks are sensors, is mainly where certain sensory properties are to be introduced into objects with a textile character. For example, in the field of "smart garments" it is of interest to introduce temperature and / or pressure sensors or the like in order to monitor certain bodily functions. However, it may also be of interest to introduce sensors which respond to pressure and / or tension, for example into technical fabrics such as filter fabric. An exhaustive list of all interesting sensor types and all possible applications is not possible. The essential and only limitation is that the sensor in the sense of the present invention is small enough to - in terms of low thickening - to be integrated into a threadlike structure with a textile character. Of course, threadlike structures according to the invention with integrated sensors can also be applied or incorporated onto or into non-textile structures such as, for example, wallpapers, films of any type and the like.

On the market and in the patent literature, there are no structures which correspond to the sum of the described properties.

Very many different structures of fairy lights with electronic components in the form of LED are known, which are used for example during Christmas for decoration purposes. All these structures have in common that the LEDs used are so large that they are not suitable for insertion into textile materials or only in exceptional cases. In addition, the electrical lines which connect the LEDs to one another have such large metal cross sections and insulation layers that are so thick that they by no means satisfy the requirement for a textile character. Furthermore, the chains constructed from said LED and conductors are often rendered weatherproof by means of band or hose-like structures or by means of additional housings arranged around the LED.

Examples of such LED light strings can be found in US2005122293A1, US2006221609A1, US2001036082A1. One, the novel properties completely corresponding, possibility for providing a novel thread-like structure with textile character and with integrated electronic components results from the fact that an "electronic thread part" is combined with a "protective textile thread part", wherein both thread parts over the entire Extend thread length. Under certain circumstances, the "protective textile thread part" may also be omitted.

The electronic thread part essentially contains all the desired electronic components as well as the strands as defined by which these electronic components are electrically contacted.

The protective textile thread part includes at least one textile thread which is so tensile and so connected to the electronic thread part that it protects the existing electronic components and their connection to the strands, at least partially against destructive external forces.

The connection between the electronic and protective textile thread part is preferably done with known textile production methods such as rewinding, winding or twisting.

But the connection of the two parts can also be done so that the electronic and the textile thread parts laid quasi-parallel to each other and are connected to each other by means of appropriate connections, for example in the form of bonds. In this case, it may be advantageous if the quasi-parallel laying so happens that the electronic thread part between the individual joints by a little, so for example by a few% o to a few%, longer than the textile thread part, because then within the thread-like structure all tensile forces are taken from the textile thread part.

In the following, some possibilities for the provision of the electronic thread part are discussed first.

A first, very simple way to provide the electronic thread part of a thread-like structure according to the invention with integrated electronic, bipolar building blocks such as LED or certain sensors is to arrange the electronic components of choice in defined, regular or random intervals and thus to connect with a stranded wire, that in each case the negative pole of the preceding electronic component is connected to the positive pole of the following, so that therefore an electrically serial chain of electronic components is present.

A disadvantage of this solution is the fact that with increasing number of electronic components, the voltage to be applied to the operation of the same becomes ever greater. If one considers that the aim of the properties to be realized according to the invention is to produce the thread-like structure of theoretically infinite length and to cut it to the desired length when introduced into a textile, this means that either a specific power supply must be selected in each case or a thread-like structure, which includes such an electronic thread part with serially connected electronic components, can only be operated with an electrical supply unit which emits a constant, preferably adjustable current over a large, so for example, from 1.5 volts to 48 volts reaching voltage range. In a mechanical sense, this extremely simple first solution does not satisfy the requirements according to the invention as described above, because all the tensile forces acting on the strand, if at all great, act fully on the connection points between electronic components and strands. For this purpose, the contacting surfaces of the electronic components are usually not formed, they tear off and the thread-like structure is destroyed.

For the purposes of the invention, it is therefore necessary to protect the joints between the electronic components and the strands against tensile forces.

This can for example be done so that the electronic components and the strand in the electronic components in each case to a length which is for example at least twice the length of the electronic components of a common, the tensile forces and, at least in the case of LED transparent Enclosed enclosure.

A second very simple way of providing the electronic thread part of a thread-like structure according to the invention with integrated electronic two-pole components is to introduce the electronic components of choice in defined, regular or arbitrarily changing distances between two substantially parallel strands such that all electronic components are electrically oriented in the same way. The attachment and the electrical contacting of the electronic components and the strands takes place for example by means of soldering, laser welding or gluing with an electrically conductive adhesive. Such an electronic thread part of a thread-like structure according to the invention obviously combines all the electronic components used in an electrically parallel sense with each other and provides Therefore theoretically a very simple solution of the inventive task.

Of course, it is also possible to use two strands instead of two substantially parallel strands. For example, it can make sense for tricolor LEDs or certain sensor types to use 4 parallel strands, so that the individual colors of the LED or the individual functions of the sensor can be controlled separately.

Of course, it is also possible to use several strands and to connect them, for example, with two-pole or four-pole LED so that the LED, at least in groups, are independently controllable.

It is also possible to use only a single strand instead of two or more strands. This is then, at the points where an electronic component is to be contacted, first frayed into their individual wires, whereupon corresponding individual wires are electrically connected to the corresponding poles of the electronic components. Of course, in this case the individual wires of the strands, for example in the sense of enameled wires, must be electrically insulated. It is also advantageous in this case if the individual wires of the strand, possibly in groups, are provided with insulation of different colors.

In a mechanical sense, even this very simple second solution usually does not satisfy the requirements of the invention, because all the tensile forces acting on the strands, for example when the electronic and protective textile thread part act on the strands - if necessary at large - act fully on the connection points between the electronic components Building blocks and Act on strands. For this purpose, the contacting surfaces of the electronic components are usually not formed, which can lead to their being torn off the electronic components. In extreme cases, this leads to a zipper-like destruction of all electronic components within a, possibly large, length of the electronic thread part of the thread-like structure.

For the purposes of the invention, therefore, it is also useful with respect to this possibility of providing an electronic thread part to protect the joints between the electronic components and the strands from tensile forces.

This can be done, for example, that the electronic components and strands in the electronic components in each case to a length, for example, at least twice the same is enclosed by a common, at least in the case of LED transparent shell. However, this solution is complex and leads to a not inconsiderable and often unwanted local thickening of the thread-like structure.

A much better in the context of the invention and also easier to implement way to strain relief, the strands in the immediate vicinity of the electronic components, so for example, a few millimeters away from the same, mechanically tensile strength - and of course electrically insulating - to connect. This can be done in the simplest way by means of a small drop of adhesive or by extrusion coating or "remelting" of a suitable plastic. Such a junction can be designed so that it is much smaller in volume than the volume of one of the electronic components used and therefore is not disturbing. Preferably, such a connection is present on both sides of each electronic component. It is advantageous if the corresponding adhesive or plastic after curing, for example in a range of 20 to 80 Shore, is permanently elastic. In this way, it is avoided that the shearing forces acting at the points of entry of the strands into the connection points do not become too great.

If the electronic components at greater intervals, so for example at intervals greater than 10 cm, arranged from each other, so such compounds for strain relief are advantageously arranged at defined intervals between the electronic components, which brings with it the further advantage that the consisting of two or more strands electronic thread part of the inventive thread-like structure not, or at least less easily, confused.

The described simple second solution can be easily modified so that instead of an electrically purely parallel connection of the bipolar electronic components a parallel-serial connection is present. For this purpose, the electrical orientation of the same with respect to the strands is reversed in each case after a defined number of electronic components. In addition, if in each case the strand connecting the positive poles of the electronic components of a preceding zone of similarly oriented electronic components is cut through at the end of this zone, the desired parallel-serial connection has arisen. Preferably, the two parts of the cut-through stranded wire in the sense of a strain relief, electrically separated, mechanically connected to each other again, which can be done for example by means of a small drop of adhesive.

It may be advantageous for at least a portion of said adhesive-made strain relief connections between the two strands Hot melt adhesive is used. In this case, the hot melt adhesive points can be used to connect the threadlike structure according to the invention with the textile into which it is introduced, for example.

In the case of sensors integrated in a threadlike structure according to the invention, it is generally to be assumed that the sensors are individually, i. neither electrically serially nor in parallel, although in exceptional cases this can make sense, for example, to generate mean values of the signals of several sensors. As a rule, filament-like structures according to the invention with integrated sensors will be constructed in such a way that they contain only one sensor within a certain section, for example when produced in theoretically infinite lengths, and these sections are separated from each other before or after introduction into a textile article , When using more than two strands within the thread-like structure of course, according to several sensors can be present and controlled independently.

The described possibilities for providing the electronic thread part can, in cases where only small forces must be expected in a further processing, also directly, i. without the union with a protective textile thread part, as a threadlike structure according to the invention with a textile character and integrated electronic building blocks.

In general, however, a combination with a protective textile thread part is preferable.

In the following some possibilities are discussed to connect an electronic thread part discussed above with a protective textile thread part. A first possibility for this is that in addition to the, at least one or more strands-containing, electronic thread part additionally carries at least one tensile textile thread parallel and - preferably at least once within a distance from electronic module to electronic module - locally with the one or more Strands is mechanically connected. Advantageously, a connection between the at least one strand and the at least one textile thread is in each case directly, ie, for example at a distance of a few millimeters, before and after each electronic component. Such a mechanical connection can be done for example by means of gluing, encapsulation, remelting or by means of swirling. If the at least one strand is slightly longer, ie, for example, by 1 to several millimeters per meter, than the at least one tensile textile thread, all tensile forces are taken over by the at least one textile thread that is resistant to tension.

A second, very textile way to increase the strength of the thread-like structure is the spinning (winding) or alternatively the twisting of one of the above-described electronic thread parts with textile threads.

For the purpose of rewinding, which is also referred to as winding, an above-described electronic thread part is used as the central thread by being pulled upwards by a reel through the hollow shaft of a so-called hollow spindle at a constant speed. At least one, but preferably two or more textile threads, are likewise drawn upwards around this central thread at the same speed and are thereby guided around the electronic thread part according to the invention serving as a central thread. In this way, the central thread is wound or wound with the at least one textile thread. The result is a nearly completely textile and highly resistant to external forces threadlike structure with textile character and with integrated electronic components. The rewinding can be done with one, two or three done with more textile threads. In textile technology, up to 120 threads and more are wound. For a thread-like structure according to the invention, the central electronic thread part with integrated electronic components is preferably wound with 1 to 10 textile threads.

For the purpose of twisting, an above-described erfϊndungsgemäße electronic thread part with integrated electronic components is withdrawn from a spool and twisted together with at least one, withdrawn from at least one parallel coil, textile thread together. Also common in textile technology are multiple twists with, for example, 10 or even up to 1000 and more parallel threads.

The possible materials of the textile threads mentioned range from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, sisal, etc. over all chemical fibers used in textile technology to glass, carbon or metal fibers and the threads mentioned can take the form of all known so-called monofilaments or of all known multifilaments.

For example, the strength of the filaments can range from 10 dtex (ldtex = 1 g / 10'00Om) to 10'OOOO dtex and more. For textile structures with integrated small and light electronic components, so for example with so-called 0402 building blocks of about 1 mm in length and 0.5 mm wide or 0603 building blocks of about 1.6 mm in length and 0.8 mm in width, are preferably threads of Thickness 1000 to 2200 dtex used. For textile structures with large electronic components, so for example so-called PLCC SMD LED threads with 10 ¹ 000 dtex and more can be used. The methods for introducing the described thread-like structures with textile character and integrated electronic components in textile fabrics or film-like support are many. The thread-like structures according to the invention can, in an incomplete exemplary list, be inserted between layers of one, two or more fabrics, woven, knitted or knitted into a specific fabric, or they can be applied to a specific fabric and glued or embroidered or put on and be repackaged.

In the following, the thread-like structure according to the invention with integrated electronic components and applications thereof will be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments.

Figure 1 shows the sketch of the principle of the electronic thread part of an inventive thread-like structure with two strands and electrically contacted in parallel two-pole electronic components in a perspective view.

11 shows the sketch of the principle of the electronic thread part of a thread-like structure according to the invention with four strands and independently controllable bipolar electronic components in a perspective view.

Figures 2a, 2b, 2c show the schematic diagrams of different electrical Verschaltungsmöglichkeiten the electronic thread part of an inventive thread-like structure with integrated two-pole electronic components. Figure 3 shows the sketch of the principle of the electronic thread part of an inventive thread-like structure with two strands and electrically contacted in parallel two-pole electronic components and a textile thread for strain relief in a perspective view.

Figure 4 shows the sketch of the principle of the electronic thread part of an inventive thread-like structure with two, mutually winding strands and electrically parallel contacted two-pole electronic components in a perspective view.

Figure 5 shows the sketch of the principle of a thread-like structure according to the invention with two strands and electrically parallel contacted two-pole electronic components, which are wound by two textile threads, in perspective view.

FIG. 6 shows the view sketch of a textile fabric with a threadlike structure according to the invention.

FIG. 61 shows the view sketch of another textile material with a threadlike structure according to the invention.

Figure 7 shows the view sketch of yet another textile fabric with a thread-like structure according to the invention.

In FIG. 1, the sketch of a short section of the electronic thread part 10 is made of a theoretically infinitely long threadlike structure according to the invention with two strands 12a, 12b and electrically parallel contacted two-pole electronic components 11 shown in a perspective view.

The two strands 12a, 12b are substantially parallel to each other and are bulged only slightly at the locations where electronic components 11 are inserted between them, if at all.

The two strands 12a, 12b consist for example of several, possibly with an additional metal such as silver coated copper wires. The diameter of one of the copper wires is, for example, 10 to 200 μm, preferably 20 to 70 μm. The number of copper wires twisted together to form the strand is, for example, 3 to 100, preferably 10 to 40.

As a rule, the strands 12a, 12b are electrically insulated. Preferably, the insulation is a thin, i. for example, 20 to 200 microns, preferably 50 to 100 microns strong, all copper wires together surrounding shell. However, the insulation can also be ensured by using what are known as enameled wires, each of which has a very thin lacquer layer of, for example, 1 to 20 μm wall thickness.

In the area in which the electronic components 11 are inserted between the strands 12a, 12b, the strands are stripped. This stripping can be done for example by local heating of the strands 12a, 12b.

The electrical and mechanical connection between the strands 12a, 12b and the electronic components 1 1 happens for example by means of welding

Laser, by gluing with electrically conductive adhesive or preferably by means of Soldering. In the last two cases, a connection thickening 13 forms, which adheres to the contacting surfaces I Ia of the electronic component and locally envelops the stripped conductors 12a, 12b.

In the example of Figure 1, the electronic components 1 1, for example, the design 0603, i. they have two electrical contacting surfaces at their long ends and are approximately 1.6 mm (0.6 ") in width, 0.8 mm (0.3") wide, and typically between 0.1 and 1 mm in height. It can also be electronic components of other sizes.

In terms of their function, such electronic components can be monochromatic LEDs, for example red, orange, yellow, green, blue or even white light emitting LEDs. But it can also be sensors of different types. For example, the non-exhaustive enumeration electronic device 11 may be an optical sensor or a temperature sensor or an acceleration sensor or a sensor responsive to changes in the electromagnetic field of the environment.

Even relatively small forces, that is, for example, only a few Newton, which pull apart the two strands 12a, 12b in the transverse direction, lead in the previously described structure either to detach the connecting thickening 13 of the contacting surfaces I Ia of the electronic components 11 or even tear the contacting surfaces I Ia from the electronic components 11 from. In order to reliably prevent this, ie at forces which amount to at least five times that mentioned, is at least one side, preferably and in the example of Figure 1 but on both sides, at each electronic module 1 1, at a short distance, ie at a distance of a few millimeters, respectively a connection 14 between the strands 12a, 12b is present. If the electronic components have a distance of, for example, more than 10 cm from each other, such connections 14, not shown in FIG. 1, are preferably present at intervals of, for example, 5 to 10 cm, also on the path between the electronic components 11.

Such a compound 14 may for example consist of a drop of rapidly curing adhesive, so for example from a hot glue, a cyanoacrylate or a UV-curing adhesive. But it can also consist of any other suitable material with which the strands are, for example, encapsulated or melted. Preferably, the compound is made of a, after curing permanently elastic material.

As a rule, the structure 10 discussed on the basis of FIG. 1 is processed together with a protective textile thread part as an electronic thread part to form a threadlike structure according to the invention with a textile character.

In special cases, for example if the forces acting on the structure 10 at a later time are certainly small enough, the structure 10 shown in FIG. 1 can also be directly used as a finished yarn-like material according to the invention

Structures are used. If, for example, it is ensured by the type of insertion of the thread-like structure 10 according to the invention that the differently polarized strands never touch, uninsulated strands can also be used in these cases.

In Figure 1 1, the sketch of a short section of the electronic thread portion 1 10 of an inventive, theoretically infinitely long thread-like Structure with three strands 112a, 112b, 112c and electrically contacted two-pole electronic components 1 11 shown in perspective view.

The three strands 112a, 112b, 112c are substantially parallel to each other and are bulged only slightly at the locations where electronic components 11 1 are inserted between them.

The three strands 112a, 112b, 112c consist, for example, of a plurality of copper wires, possibly coated with an additional metal, such as, for example, silver. The diameter of one of the copper wires is, for example, 10 to 200 μm, preferably 20 to 70 μm. The number of copper wires twisted together to form the strand is, for example, 3 to 100, preferably 10 to 40.

As a rule, the three strands 112a, 112b, 112c are electrically insulated. Preferably, the insulation is a thin, i. for example, 20 to 200 microns, preferably 50 to 100 microns strong, all copper wires together surrounding shell. However, the insulation can also be ensured by using what are known as enameled wires, each of which has a very thin lacquer layer of, for example, 1 to 20 μm wall thickness.

In the area in which the electronic components 11 1 between two of the three strands 1 12 a, 1 12 b, 1 12 c are introduced, the corresponding two strands are stripped. This stripping can be done for example by local heating of the corresponding two strands. The introduction of the bipolar electronic modules 1 1 1 between the three strands 1 12a, 112b, 1 12c done so that the plus and minus pole of 6 consecutive electronic components each with a different combination of two of the three strands 1 12a, 112b, 112c connected is. In the example of FIG. 11, the positive pole with the stranded wire 1 12c and the negative pole with the stranded wire 112a are connected from top left to bottom right in the first building block. For the second module, the plus and minus poles are interchanged between the same two wires. In the case of the third and fourth module, if the configuration is otherwise appropriate, the strand 112a is replaced by the strand 112b, and the fifth and sixth building blocks are contacted by the two strands 112b and 112a in a corresponding manner. By this type of contacting two-pole electronic components 1 1 1 by means of three strands 112a, 112b, 1 12c so the six electronic components 111 can be driven in a random order by appropriate application of appropriate electrical voltages. Of course, any number of such, each containing up to six contacted blocks 111, groups along a thread-like structure 110 according to the invention can follow, in which case each of the corresponding contacted blocks within the different groups are controlled simultaneously.

Obviously, the number of independently controllable electronic components 111 can be increased by using a larger number of strands 112. With appropriate use of 4 strands 1 12 already 12 bipolar electronic components can be controlled independently. Generally speaking, when using n strands, the number of independently controllable bipolar devices is n * (n-1).

Obviously, electronic components 11 with more than two connections can also be used in this way. Thus, for example, it is possible with four strands 112 present in the thread-like structure 110 so-called RGB LED to to connect that the three colors of the RGB LED 1 1 1 can be controlled independently of each other. RGB LEDs are typically designed to have a common pole to the three colors - ie, a common anode or cathode. If, in the presence of 4 strands 112, this common pole and the three color poles are cyclically interchanged connected to the 4 strands, obviously 4 RGB LEDs can independently change colors. Are n strands 112 available

RGB LEDs change colors independently of one another, ie 15 LEDs for 10 lines, for example.

Obviously, it is not necessary for the independent control of colors that LEDs are used which combine the desired colors in an electronic component. It is also possible, for example, two, three, four or even more LED modules 111, each emit exactly one light color, possibly in groups tightly packed in a thread-like structure 110 with correspondingly many independent strands 112.

The electrical and mechanical connection between the three or more strands 112a, 112b, 112c and the electronic components 111 of FIG. 11 occurs, for example, by laser welding, by gluing with electrically conductive adhesive, or preferably by soldering.

In the example of Figure 1 1, the electronic components 1 1, for example, the design 0603, ie they have at their long ends two electrical contact surfaces li la, 111b and have approximately the length 1.6 mm (0.6 "), the width 0.8 mm (0.3 ") and usually a height between 0.1 and 1 mm. It can also be electronic components of other sizes. In terms of their function, such electronic components can be monochromatic LEDs, for example red, orange, yellow, green, blue or even white light emitting LEDs. But it can also be LED modules, which are able to mix several light colors but independently controllable radiate. But it can also be sensors of different types. For example, the non-exhaustive enumeration electronic device 111 may be an optical sensor or a temperature sensor or an acceleration sensor or a sensor responsive to changes in the electromagnetic field of the environment.

At least one side, preferably and in the example of FIG. 11, however, on both sides, with each electronic component 11 1 or with a group of closely packed components, is at a short distance, i. at a distance of a few millimeters, each one connection 1 14 between the three or more strands 1 12a, 112b, 112c available.

Such a connection 114 may consist, for example, of a drop of rapidly curing adhesive, for example of a hot glue, of a cyanoacrylate or of a UV-curing adhesive. But it can also consist of any other suitable material.

As a rule, the structure 1 10 discussed with reference to FIG. 11 is processed together with a protective textile thread part as an electronic thread part to form a threadlike structure of textile character according to the invention.

In special cases, for example, if the forces acting on the structure 110 at a later time are certainly small enough, that can be seen in FIG 11 shown structures 110 are also used directly as a finished, inventive thread-like structure. If, for example, it is ensured by the type of insertion of the inventive thread-like structure 1 10 that the differently polarized strands never touch, uninsulated strands can be used in these cases.

Figures 2a, 2b, 2c show the schematic diagrams of different electrical Verschaltungsmöglichkeiten the electronic thread part of an inventive thread-like structure 20 with integrated bipolar electronic devices 21 and two strands 22a, 22b.

Figure 2a shows the simplest case in which the electronic components 21 are electrically connected in parallel with each other by means of two strands 22a, 22b. For example, if electronic devices 21 are all similar LED, i. LED which are all operated with the same electrical voltage, so can be operated in this way without further, starting with a single LED up to, for example, 20 such LED with the voltage required by this type LED, so for example at 1.6 to 3.8 volts. Under certain circumstances, it makes sense additionally to set a series resistor (not shown in FIG. 2a) in front of the entire parallel LED chain.

FIG. 2b shows a case in which the bipolar electronic components 21 are electrically connected by means of two strands 22a, 22b in such a way that a serial connection is provided

Connection of parallel interconnected subgroups is available. For this purpose, in the example of FIG. 2b, the electronic semiconductor devices 21, which have a forward direction from plus to minus, are connected to the two strands 22a, 22b such that the plus pole of successive subgroups of electronic components 21 is connected alternately to the strand 22a or 22b is. In addition, the two Strands 22a, 22b interrupted at the corresponding points so that - as in Figure 2b from right to left - each of the positive pole of the last electronic module 21 of the preceding subgroup is separated from the negative pole of the following subgroup. If, for example, the electronic components 21 are all identical LEDs, ie LEDs which are all operated with the same electrical voltage, it is thus readily possible to operate simultaneously up to a few 100 LEDs in this way.

FIG. 2c shows a case in which the two-pole electronic components 21 are electrically connected by means of three leads 22a, 22b, 22c in such a way that a parallel connection of series-connected subgroups is present. For this purpose, in the example of FIG. 2c, the electronic semiconductor devices 21 having a forward direction from plus to minus are interconnected in groups by the stranded wire 22c such that the negative pole of the preceding electronic component 21, as in FIG. 2c from right to left connected to the positive pole of the following. At the beginning of each such subgroup, the positive pole of the first electronic component 21 is connected to the strand 22b serving as a continuous positive conductor, for example, while at the end of each subgroup the negative pole of the last electronic component 21 is contacted with the strand 22a serving as a continuous negative conductor, for example. For example, if electronic devices 21 are all similar LED, i. LED which are all operated with the same electrical voltage, so can be operated in this way easily up to several 100 LEDs simultaneously.

In the following, without discussing it in more detail, it is generally assumed that the electrical wiring of the electronic components corresponds to one of these three possibilities discussed. In the following discussion of FIGS. 3 to 5, with regard to the design of the strands, any textile threads, the nature of the electronic components, the types of connection, etc., exactly the same considerations apply as in the explanation relating to FIG.

3 shows a sketch of a short section of the electronic thread part 30 of a theoretically infinitely long thread-like structure according to the invention with two strands 32a, 32b and two-pole electronic components 31 contacted in parallel in a perspective view.

Of course, as discussed in Figure 11, more than two strands 32 could be present.

In addition to the example of Figure 1, at least one textile thread 35 is additionally present here, which runs essentially parallel to the two strands 32a, 32b and is mechanically fixed relative thereto by the connection 34.

The material of the at least one textile thread 35 may be any material used in textile technology for making threads. It is only important that the thread has a sufficiently high tensile strength.

Preferably, both strands 32a, 32b in the field of electronic components 31 by a little, ie by a few tenths of a millimeter to a few millimeters per meter, longer than the at least one textile thread 35. In this way, all tensile forces which on the thread-like structure, for example during a further processing of the same, act through the at least one textile Thread taken. Thus, the connection points 33 and the contacting surfaces 31a of the electronic components 31 are largely protected against anticipated external forces.

As a rule, the structure 30 discussed with reference to FIG. 3 is processed together with a protective textile thread part as an electronic thread part to form a threadlike structure of textile character and integrated electronic building blocks according to the invention.

In special cases, for example if the forces acting on the structure 30 at a later time are certainly small enough, the structure 30 shown in FIG. 3 can also be used directly as a finished yarn-like structure according to the invention. If, for example, it is ensured by the type of insertion of the inventive thread-like structure 30 that the differently polarized strands never touch, uninsulated strands can also be used in these cases.

4 shows the sketch of a short section of the again different electronic thread part 40 of an inventive, theoretically infinitely long thread-like structure with two strands 42a, 42b and electrically parallel contacted two-pole electronic components 41 shown in a perspective view.

Here, a protection against acting on the connection 43 and the contacting surfaces 41a of the electronic components 41 transverse and longitudinal forces without the use of additional components is achieved in that the two strands 42a, 42b, for example during winding during manufacture or during a rewinding after the actual production, are spun together, ie, wrap around each other.

This mutual winding occurs at least once per 5 centimeters, but better at least once per centimeter, so that the two strands 42a, 42b are not pushed away by lateral forces which can occur, for example by friction or twisting each other.

In special cases, for example if the forces acting on the formation 40 at a later time are certainly small enough, the structure 40 shown in FIG. 4 can also be used directly as a finished, thread-like structure according to the invention.

In Fig. 5, the sketch of a short excerpt from a complete, i. the electronic and the textile thread part comprehensive, according to the invention, theoretically infinitely long thread-like structure 50 with two strands 52a, 52b and electrically contacted in parallel two-pole electronic components 51 in perspekti vi shear representation 1 presented.

In order to ensure a further clearly improved protection against external forces, which can act on the connection 53 and the contacting surfaces 51a, in FIG. 5, a corresponding electronic thread part with at least one, in the example of FIG. 5 with two or also with FIG several, acting as a protective textile thread part of textile threads 56a, 56b wound. For example, such a threadlike structure 50 can easily withstand the high acceleration and friction forces which act on the weft yarn during high speed weaving. To further reinforce the thread-like structure 50, instead of an electronic thread part according to FIG. 1 or according to FIG. 11, also such according to FIG. 3 or 4, ie a further reinforced electronic thread part, can be used.

FIG. 6 shows the elevational view of the principle of a thread-like structure 61 according to the invention with two strands and two-pole electronic components 61a contacted electrically in parallel, which is introduced into a textile material 60.

The thread-like structure 61 is introduced in the example of Figure 6 as a warp or weft thread during weaving of the textile fabric 60 at defined intervals in the same. If, for example, curtain-like textiles with interwoven yarn-like structures 61 are formed, weaving is advantageously carried out on wide-weaving machines, the thread-like structures 61 being used as weft threads. The whole is cut so that a plurality of mutually separate, in Figure 6 from top to bottom extending portions of the thread-like structure 61 with electronic components 61 a is present. Not every single section of the thread-like structure 61 must contain an electronic component 61a. However, a single section of the thread-like structure 61 may also include a plurality of electronic components 61a.

Obviously, the thread-like structures 61 can also by other methods than weaving, so for example by acting in a knitted fabric, by knitting in knitwear, by embroidering on an embroidery bottom, by laying and sticking to any support, by inserting between two layers of textiles and other appropriate procedures in a corresponding For example, textile fabric 60 may be incorporated. In these cases, they do not have to be parallel, but they can be arranged along arbitrary lines.

In the example of FIG. 6, all electronic components 61a are monochromatic LEDs of the same type, which are lit together. In the example, there is one LED per section, but it is also possible to use several or no LEDs per section.

For the purpose of electrical contacting of the individual sections of the thread-like structure 61, a band 62 with at least two or three or even more electrical conductor tracks 62a, 62b, 62c is provided at the upper end of the textile fabric 60, for example. This band 62 may be a so-called flexprint. Preferably, it is a textile tape 62 with strands 62a, 62b, 62c woven in the warp direction.

The individual, LED-containing, sections of the thread-like structure 61 with LED 61a are connected to the conductor 62c of the belt 62, that, for example, each four of the individual sections are electrically connected to each other in series. For this purpose, the conductor 62c is severed so that corresponding individual connecting pieces are present. Any other meaningful number of individual sections may also be serially connected in this way. For example, the serial connection of, for example, 8 individual sections of the thread-like structure 61 with, for example, blue, green or white LED 61a can be operated with 24 V DC. When using, for example, red, orange or yellow LED 61a, the same voltage can be used for a serial chain of, for example, 14 sections of a threadlike structure 61 according to the invention. The serial chains of a yarn-like structure 61 according to the invention thus formed are connected at their ends directly to a conductor 62b serving as a positive conductor, for example, and a conductor 62a serving as a negative conductor, for example, so that there is a total of a series-parallel circuit with which a large number of LEDs, So for example, some 10 to several 100 can be operated simultaneously.

It is obvious that the electrical connection of the individual sections of the thread-like structure 61 with LED 61a with the conductors 62a, 62b and 62c of the band-like structure 62 can also be designed so that all sections of a thread-like structure 61 according to the invention are electrically parallel to each other or electrically series are connected.

It is further obvious that the electrical connection of the individual sections of the thread-like structure 61 with LED 61a with the conductors 62a, 62b and 62c and possibly additional conductors of the band-like structure 62 can also be designed such that the sections of the inventive thread-like structure 61 in FIG Subgroups can be controlled separately.

FIG. 61 shows the view sketch of the principle of a thread-like structure 611 according to the invention with two strands and two-pole electronic building blocks 61 1a contacted electrically in parallel, which is incorporated in a textile material 610.

The structure differs from that of Figure 6 by the type of electrical contacting of the individual sections of the thread-like structure 611. In the edge region of the textile fabric 610 are small electronic circuit boards which are electrically connected to one another with two strands 613a, 613b and are supplied with a suitable electrical voltage by these two strands 613a, 613b. The individual sections of the thread-like structures 611 are connected directly to one of these printed circuit boards 612.

On the circuit boards 612 there is an electronic circuit which has two functions.

First, a voltage or current adjustment takes place, which corresponds to the existing within the connected portion of the thread-like structure 611 electronic components 611a. This has the advantage, for example, that along the two, possibly very long supply lines 613a, 613b, a considerable voltage drop may take place and nevertheless all the LEDs are operated exactly under the optimum electrical conditions for them.

Second, the electronic circuit provides for safety reasons for a current limit within a single portion of the thread-like structure 61 1, which is necessary if, for example, by external interference, a short circuit in the thread-like structure 611 occurs.

In the case that the electronic components 611a are LED, the electronic circuit on the circuit boards 612 may simply consist of a voltage regulator IC with corresponding additional components such as resistors and capacitors. For example, voltages between 3 and 24 volts DC can then be connected to the two supply lines 613a, 613b and the voltage transformers ensure that the appropriate voltage of, for example, 1.9 VDC or 3 VDC is applied to the individual thread-like structures 611. In addition, suitable voltage regulator ICs have an internal current limiting which, for example, allows a maximum of 0.5 A current and thus prevents overheating or annealing of the corresponding section of the threadlike structure under short-circuit conditions.

In the case that the electronic devices 611a are contacted by n independent strands within a portion of the threadlike structure so that n * (nl) electronic devices 611a can be independently driven, the circuit board 612 is configured to provide this independent driving of individual electronic devices 611a within a portion of the stringy structure 611.

This can for example be done so that a microprocessor with additional modules is available, which can control the n * (n-l) necessary outputs with appropriate adjustable voltages or currents and that a communication module is present, which tells the microprocessor which outputs he should like how to control. The communication module, in turn, receives its commands via, for example, the feed lines 613a, 613b. In the event that the communication module is not a so-called power-line module, ie its command is not received directly via the supply lines 613a, 613b, this of course at least one additional, not shown in Figure 61 control line is necessary.

It is obvious that in this case - and by means of LED as electronic components 611a - by appropriately laying a plurality of sections of the thread-like structure 611 textile units can be built up, which can produce almost any moving light pattern. The possibilities extend to the construction of textile color display units. FIG. 7 shows the view sketch of the principle of a thread-like structure 71 according to the invention with two strands and two-pole electronic components 71a contacted electrically in parallel, which in another way is transformed into a textile

Fabric 70 is introduced.

The thread-like structure 71 with electronic components 71a is applied or introduced in the example of FIG. 7 in the sense of a meander with one of the customary textile methods onto or into a textile structure 70 and can be electrically contacted at a free end.

The thread-like structure 71 can thus with processes such as weaving, acting in a textile knitted fabric, by knitting in knitted fabric, by embroidering on an embroidery bottom, by laying and sticking to any support, by inserting between two layers of, for example, textiles and other suitable methods a corresponding textile structure 70 or in a sheet-like structure 70 on or be applied.

In the example of FIG. 7, all electronic components 71a are monochromatic LEDs of the same type, which are lit together.

The electrical connection of all LED 71a may be purely parallel. Preferably, however, as discussed with respect to Figure 2, there is a serial-parallel or parallel serial connection. For example, 2 to 50 LEDs 71a, for example, are connected in parallel and these parallel sections are connected to each other in series. But it is also possible, for example, each 2 to connect, for example, 15 LED 71a serially with each other and to connect these serial sections in parallel with each other. The textile structures of FIGS. 6, 61 and 7 can be used, for example, as curtain-like elements. In this case, it must be ensured that the supply of electrical energy to the curtain-like structure is done so that this structure is displaced and usually also collapsible.

This can be ensured in a simple and very elegant way by the electrical leads 62a, 62b and 612a, 612b and the designated + / - lines of Figure 7 are each electrically connected to a slider of a commercially available curtain suspension.

For this purpose, the corresponding, usually made of plastic slider must of course be provided with a contact element. This can be ensured in a simple manner by a metallic spring element is inserted into the usually hollow inside slider so that it preferably anchors itself in the slider. If such anchoring is not feasible or only insufficiently achievable, the spring element can also be additionally glued.

The mentioned spring element is designed so that not only the electrical leads 62a, 62b, 612a, 612b of the curtain-like element can be connected thereto, but that it touches the inner upper surface thereof by spring force after insertion of the slider in a corresponding commercial suspension rail.

In the case in which the mentioned suspension rail is metallic, a suspension system is designed which includes two such suspension rails, which are parallel, as possible close to each other but electrically isolated from each other. Obviously, then one of these suspension rails provides the positive pole and the other the negative pole of the desired supply of electrical energy. Since usually necessary for the supply of the discussed electronic components voltage is less than at most 24 volts DC, no protective measures against contact of the two suspension rails are necessary.

If the mentioned commercial suspension rails are made of plastic, an electrical conductivity of the rails can be ensured in a simple manner, for example by a preferably self-adhesive, possibly tinned or nickel-plated, for example 6 mm wide and preferably 50 .mu.m to 150 .mu.m thick copper strip on the inner upper surface of Rail is glued on. Instead of a copper tape, a flat copper tube or a thin copper wire may be used.

When the slider connected to the positive feed line 62a, 612a of the curtain-like member is inserted into the one of the two suspension rails and the slider connected to the minus supply line 62b, 612b of the curtain-like member is inserted into the other of the two suspension rails, a slider is desirably slidable and collapsible curtain element present.

The examples discussed by no means show the full breadth of the possibilities of the present invention. Even if they can be realized as discussed, they only serve to clarify the general remarks.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

Thread-like structure (50) of textile character with at least one electronic component (51) and at least two electrically conductive, insulated strands (52a, 52b), characterized in that the thread-like structure (50) by means of one, the component strands (52a, 52b ), electronic components (51) and any additional elements (54) comprising electronic thread part, as well as at least one textile thread comprehensive, the electronic thread part enveloping textile thread part (56a, 56b) is constructed.

2. thread-like structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the binding is done by means of rewinding or textile wrapping.

3. thread-like structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the binding is made by twisting.

4. thread-like structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic thread part (10, 110) is constructed so that the strands

(12a, 12b, 112a, 112b, 112c) in each case close to the at least one electronic component, that is, for example, 1 to 5 millimeters away from this, at least one additional connector (14, 114). Threadlike structure according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the electronic thread part (30) is constructed so that substantially parallel to the strands (32a, 32b) at least one additional, at most by a few millimeters per meter shorter than the strands ( 32a, 32b) formed textile thread (35) and by means of the existing additional connector (34) relative to the strands (32a, 32b) is fixed.

6. A string-like structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the strands (42a, 42b) of the electronic thread part are mutually narrow, i. at least once per 5 centimeters, but better at least once per centimeter, are wound.

7. thread-like structure (10,110,30,40,50) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the strands (12a, 12b, 112a, 112b, 1 12c, 32a, 32b, 42a, 42b, 52a, 52b) either in the sense of enameled wires or by means of a, all single wires of a strand together enveloping, thin, ie 1 to 200 microns thick, preferably 10 to 100 microns thick and even better 40 to 80 microns thick shell, are electrically insulated.

8. thread-like structure (10, 110) with at least one electronic component (1 1.11 1) and at least two electrically conductive strands (12a, 12b, 112a, 12b, 12c), characterized in that the strands (12a, 12b, 112a, l 12b, 1 12c) each close to the at least one electronic component (11,1 11), ie, for example, 1 to 5 millimeters away from this, with at least one additional connector (14, 114) are mutually fixed to each other.

9. thread-like structure (30) according to claim 8, characterized in that substantially parallel to the strands (32a, 32b) at least one additional, at most by a few millimeters per meter shorter than the strands (32a, 32b) formed, textile thread ( 35) and fixed relative to the strands (32a, 32b) by means of the existing additional connectors (34).

Thread-like structure (40) having at least one electronic component (41) and at least two electrically conductive, insulated strands (42a, 42b), characterized in that the strands (42a, 42b) are mutually tight, i. at least once per 5 centimeters, but better at least once per centimeter, are wound.

11. A thread-like structure (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a number n of electrically conductive, insulated strands (112a, 112b, 112c) is present, which with the electronic components (11 1) are connected so that each n * (nl) n bipolar or 4 + Σ integer ((al) / 3) four-pole, at most in groups a = 5 at most this size repeating electronic components (1 11) are independently controllable.

12. Textile fabric (60) with a thread-like structure (61) with electronic components (61 a) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic components are LEDs that the thread-like structure (61) in separate

Sections in the textile fabric (60), that in addition to the textile fabric (60) a band-like structure (62) with at least two electrical conductors (62a, 62b, 62c) is present that the free ends of the strands of the portions of the thread-like Formed (61) are electrically connected to the at least two electrical conductors (62a, 62b, 62c) of the band-like structure (62) that an electrically serial or parallel connection of all LED (61a) or preferably there is a parallel connection of serial subgroups of LED (61a) so that all the LED's light up together upon application of a suitable electrical voltage.

13. Textile fabric according to claim 12, characterized in that the thread-like structure (61) as a warp and / or weft thread by means of weaving in the fabric (60) is introduced.

14. Textile fabric according to claim 12, characterized in that the band-like structure (62) is a textile tape in which the electrical conductors (62a, 62b, 62c) in the form of, as warp threads woven, strands are present.

15. Textile fabric according to claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the band-like structure 62 so many electrical conductors 62a, 62b, 62c includes that subgroups of sections of the thread-like structure 61 are electrically controlled separately from each other.

16. Textile fabric (610) with a thread-like structure (61 1) with electronic components (611a) according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the electronic components are LED that the thread-like structure (611) in separate sections in the fabric (610) is present that in addition in the edge region of the textile fabric (610) by supply lines (613a, 613b) electrically connected to one another, to the sections of the thread-like structure (611) defined voltage or defined current-releasing circuit boards (612 ) are present, that the free ends of the strands of the portions of the thread-like structure (611) are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of these circuit boards, so that all LEDs together when applying a suitable electrical voltage to the two leads (613a, 613b) light up.

17. textile material (610) according to claim 16, characterized in that the thread-like structure (611) according to claim 11 with is constructed independently of each other controllable LED (11 1, 611a) that the circuit boards (612) are constructed so that they due to on the supply line (613a, 613b) or any additional control lines coming commands the LED (1 1 1, 611a) be supplied independently of one another in the desired manner with electrical energy.

18. Textile fabric (70) with a threadlike structure (71) with electronic components (71a) according to claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the electronic components LED (71a) are, - that the thread-like structure (71) in Meander-like shape is present in the textile fabric (70) such that the thread-like structure (71) is constructed such that an electrically serial or parallel connection of all LED (71a) or preferably either a serial connection of parallel sub-groups of LED (71a) or a parallel connection of serial subgroups of LED

(71a) is provided so that all LEDs (71a) light together upon application of a suitable voltage.