Patent Publication Number: US-2021175641-A1

Title: Fabric-Contact Device, System, In Particular Heating System For A Motor Vehicle, And Method For Producing Such A System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT/EP2019/072027, filed on Aug. 16, 2019, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to German Patent Application No. 102018120473.6, filed on Aug. 22, 2018. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a fabric-contact device and, more particularly, to a system having the fabric-contact device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Heating systems for a motor vehicle are known. The heating systems have a fabric, which comprises two electrodes. An electrical cable for contacting is soldered onto the electrodes. The soldering operation, however, is complex and sets high requirements for process safety. 
     SUMMARY 
     A fabric-contact device includes a first contact section having a first contact face on a first upper side, a second contact section having a second contact face on an underside facing the first contact section, and a retaining device. The first contact face faces the second contact section and the first contact section is connected to the second contact section on a first side of the first contact section. The retaining device has a first retaining element connected to a second side of the first contact section at a first fixed end. The first retaining element is guided laterally past the second contact section by a first section of the first retaining element bordering the first fixed end. A second section of the first retaining element bordering the first section on a side opposite the first fixed end engages behind the second contact section and affixes the second contact section to the first contact section. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures, of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a fabric of the system; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a fabric-contact device of the system; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional perspective view of the fabric-contact device, taken along plane A-A of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional perspective view of the fabric-contact device, taken along plane B-B of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the system in a mounted state; 
         FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the system; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a method for producing the system; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the fabric-contact device during a first method step; 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of the fabric after a second method step; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the system during a third method step; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the system during a fourth method step; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the system during a fifth method step; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the system during a sixth method step; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the system during a seventh method step; 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of the system during an eighth method step; 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of the system during after the eighth method step; 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of a variant of the system after the eighth method step; and 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of the system during a ninth method step. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) 
     The accompanying drawings are incorporated into the specification and form part of the specification to illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. These drawings, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are merely for the purpose of illustrating examples of how the invention can be made and used, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention to only the illustrated and described embodiments. Furthermore, several aspects of the embodiments may form—individually or in different combinations—solutions according to the present invention. The following described embodiments thus can be considered either alone or in an arbitrary combination thereof. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following more particular description of the various embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like references refer to like elements. 
     In the figures described below, reference is made to a coordinate system to facilitate understanding. In this case, the coordinate system comprises an x axis (longitudinal direction), a y axis (transverse direction) and a z axis (vertical direction). The coordinate system is formed, by way of example, as a right-handed system. 
     A system  10  according to an embodiment is shown in  FIG. 1 . The system  10  can be formed as a heating system for a motor vehicle, in particular as seat heating. The system  10  has a fabric  15  and a fabric-contact device  20 . The fabric  15  has an edge  25 , which delimits the fabric  15 . In the embodiment, the edge  25  extends in the y direction by way of example. The fabric  15  has a first fabric section  30  and at least one second fabric section  35 . 
     The first fabric section  30  and the second fabric section  35 , in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , run parallel to one another and, in the embodiment, extend in the longitudinal direction by way of example. The first fabric section  30  is formed wider than the second fabric section  35  in the transverse direction. In this case, the second fabric section  35  is arranged laterally directly bordering the first fabric section  30  in the transverse direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in the first fabric section  30 , the fabric  15  has a first yarn  40  and a second yarn  45 . The first yarn  40  has an electrically conductive substance. The first yarn  40  can have one or more wires, for example. The wire, in this case, has a small diameter, for example in a range of 0.02 mm to 0.08 mm. In the embodiment, the first yarn  40  has a diameter of 0.05 mm. The second yarn  45  has an electrically insulating substance, for example a plastic. 
     In the first fabric section  30 , the first yarn  40  is interwoven with the second yarn  45  to form a first electrode  50 . In this case, for example, the first yarn  40  can be interwoven substantially in the longitudinal direction, whereas the second yarn  45  is interwoven in the transverse direction. A different interweaving of the first yarn  40  with the second yarn  45  is also conceivable. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the first electrode  50  extends as far as the edge  25  of the fabric  15 . Adjoining the edge  25 , the first electrode  50  has a first fabric-contact region  51 . 
     The fabric  15 , as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , has a first secondary electrode  55  or several first secondary electrodes  55 . In the embodiment, the first secondary electrode  55  extends parallel to the y axis. The first secondary electrode  55  crosses the first electrode  50  and electrically contacts the first electrode  50 . The first secondary electrode  55  can likewise be woven out of the first yarn  40  into the second yarn  45 . In this case, the first secondary electrode  55  is formed to be significantly narrower in the longitudinal direction than the first electrode  50  is formed in the transverse direction. To form the first secondary electrode  55 , the first yarn  40  can run in the transverse direction, for example. Several first secondary electrodes  55 , arranged offset in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from one another, are provided in an embodiment. The first secondary electrodes  55  are electrically insulated from one another by the second yarn  45  and are connected to one another only electrically by the first electrode  50 . 
     The fabric-contact device  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , has a first contact section  60  and a second contact section  65 . In  FIG. 1 , the first contact section  60  is arranged below the fabric- contact region  51  of the first electrode  50 , the fabric-contact region  51  bordering the edge  25 . The second contact section  65  is connected to the first contact section  60  by a hinge  70 . The second contact section  65  can be pivoted about a pivot axis  75  between a first position and a second position. The pivot axis  75  runs parallel to the edge  25  and, in the embodiment, extends in the y direction by way of example. 
     The fabric  15  has, as well as the first fabric section  30  and the second fabric section  35 , a third fabric section  80  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The third fabric section  80  is arranged spaced apart from the first fabric section  30 . The second fabric section  35  is arranged between the first fabric section  30  and the third fabric section  80 . 
     To form a second electrode  85  shown in  FIG. 2 , the first yarn  40  is interwoven with the second yarn  45  in the third fabric section  80 . In this case, the first yarn  40  of the third fabric section  80  is electrically disconnected from the first yarn  40  of the first fabric section  30  and is electrically insulated from the first fabric section  30  by the second fabric section  35 . The second electrode  85  can have a second fabric-contact region  86 , which borders the edge  25 . In addition, the fabric  15  can have a second secondary electrode  90 , the second secondary electrode  90  running parallel to the first secondary electrode  55 . Thus, the first and second secondary electrodes  55 ,  90  extend in the y direction. In particular, a second secondary electrode  90  can in each case be arranged between two first secondary electrodes  55 . 
     In this case, in the plan view shown in  FIG. 2 , the first secondary electrode  55  crosses with the first electrode  50  and the second electrode  85 . In this case, the first secondary electrode  55 , more precisely the first yarn  40  of the first secondary electrode  55 , is interwoven with the second yarn  45  in such a way that the first secondary electrode  55  has no electrical contact to the second electrode  85  and is electrically insulated by the second yarn  45 , in particular in a crossing region of the first secondary electrode  55 . 
     The second secondary electrode  90  is likewise guided by the second electrode  85  in a crossing manner and is electrically connected to the second electrode  85 . In a crossing region in the plan view shown in  FIG. 2  of the second secondary electrode  90  with the first electrode  50 , the first electrode  50  and the second secondary electrode  90  are electrically insulated from one another. More precisely, the first yarn  40  and the second yarn  45  are interwoven in such a way that, to form the second secondary electrode  90 , the first yarn  40  has no electrical contact with the first yarn  40  to form the first electrode  50 . 
     In addition, the fabric  15  has, by way of example, resistance electrodes  95  shown in  FIG. 2  woven into the second yarn  45  at regular spacings, which resistance electrodes  95  have, for example, a plastic core enclosed by carbon. The individual resistance electrodes  95  are, in each case, arranged offset in relation to one another in the transverse direction and extend substantially in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the resistance electrodes  95  are borne by the second yarn  45 . The resistance electrodes  95  are electrically connected to the secondary electrodes  55 ,  90 . If the first electrode  50  and the second electrode  85  are electrically connected to an electrical power source, in this way a current circuit between the first electrode  50  and the second electrode  85  is closed via the first secondary electrode  55 , the resistance electrode(s)  95  of the second secondary electrode  90  and via the second electrode  85 . In this case, the resistance electrode  95  becomes heated and leads to a heating of the fabric  15 . As a result, the fabric  15  is suitable in particular for forming the heating system in the motor vehicle, for example for heating seating areas or other surfaces, for example in an interior of a motor vehicle. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , at least one first notch  100  is arranged in the third fabric section  80 , and in an embodiment, a first notch  100  and a second notch  105  are arranged on both sides of the electrode  50 ,  85  respectively. The notch  100 ,  105  extends substantially in the longitudinal direction. The notch  100 ,  105  is formed to be narrow and is introduced into the fabric  15 , for example, by cutting into the fabric  15  in the production of the system  10 . The notch  100 ,  105  can, however, also be introduced into the fabric  15  by a stamping method. This has the advantage that a width in the transverse direction of the notch  100 ,  105  can be chosen freely by the geometric configuration of the stamping tool. The notch  100 ,  105  is arranged spaced apart from the electrode  50 ,  85  in the transverse direction and can also cut through one or more secondary electrodes  55 ,  90 . 
     In the first contact region  56  and/or in the second contact region  86 , the second yarn  45  can be enclosed by a soldering agent. The soldering agent can have, for example, a fluxing agent and a solderable electrically conductive third substance. The third substance can have tin, for example. 
     The fabric-contact device  20  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The second contact section  65  is depicted in the second position in  FIG. 3 . In this case, the second contact section  65  is folded away from the first contact section  60  by the hinge  70 . As a result, the second contact section  65  is arranged obliquely inclined in relation to the first contact section  60 . 
     The first contact section  60  is formed in a plate-shaped manner and extends in an xy plane in  FIG. 3 . The first contact section  60  has a first contact face  115  on a first upper side  110 . The first contact face  115  is formed in a substantially planar manner and, in the mounted state, bears against the underside of the fabric  15  in the first fabric-contact region  51 . The first contact face  115  extends substantially over the entire first upper side  110 . The first contact section  60  in this case has a rectangular configuration in the plan view. In this case, the first contact section  60  is connected to the hinge  70  on a first side  120 , which extends in the y direction and can also be referred to as an end face. In the transverse direction, the hinge  70  is formed to be narrower, by way of example, than a first maximum extent b of the first contact section  60 . 
     On the upper side, the first contact section  60  can have one or more groove-shaped first recesses  125  on the first contact face  115 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The first recess  125  is formed in a slim manner and extends substantially in the transverse direction. In this case, the first recess  125  is arranged, by way of example, at an angle a in relation to they axis and thus obliquely in relation to the pivot axis  75 . The angle a, in an embodiment, has a value of 20° to 45°. In  FIG. 3 , by way of example, several first recesses  125  are arranged next to one another in the longitudinal direction. The first recesses  125  are arranged spaced apart and running parallel to one another. In another embodiment, it would also be conceivable for the first recesses  125  to cross one another or to have a different configuration. The first recess  125  is formed in a downwardly closed manner. In another embodiment, the first recess  125  can also be formed as a through-opening. 
     The second contact section  65  has a second contact face  135  on an underside  130 . In  FIG. 3 , the second contact section  65  is depicted in the second position, folded away from the first contact section  60  about the pivot axis  75 . The second contact section  65  is formed in a plate-shaped manner at least in sections. In addition, the second contact section  65  is provided with a wave profile  106 . The wave profile  106  runs parallel to the pivot axis  75 . The wave profile  106  is continuous and is thus displayed both on the upper side and on the underside of the second contact section  65 . The wave profile  106  is formed evenly. In this case, the wave profile  106  is waved in such a way that, when the second contact section  65  is projected in the first position and when the first contact section  60  is projected in the z direction into an xy projection plane, the first recesses  125  and the wave profile  106  cross one another in the xy projection plane. 
     The fabric-contact device  20  has a retaining device  140 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The retaining device  140  is formed, in the first position of the second contact section  65 , to connect the second contact section  65  to the first contact section  60  in a form-fitting manner and to prevent the second contact section  65  from bending up in the direction of the second position. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the retaining device  140  has, by way of example, a first retaining element  145 , a second retaining element  150 , a third retaining element  155  and a fourth retaining element  160 . The number of retaining elements  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  is exemplary. Of course, a different number of retaining elements  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  can also be chosen. In particular, it is sufficient to provide only one of the retaining elements  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160 . 
     On a second side  165  of the first contact section  60 , the first retaining element  145  is connected to the second side  165  of the first contact section  60  by a first fixed end  170 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . In the embodiment, by way of example, the second side  165  is oriented at right angles to the first side  120  of the first contact section  60  and extends parallel to the x axis in the embodiment. Of course, the second side  165  could also be oriented obliquely in relation to the first side  120 . 
     The second retaining element  150  is arranged on a third side  175  of the first contact section  60 . The third side  175  is arranged opposite the second side  165 . Furthermore, the first side  120  is arranged between the second side  165  and the third side  175  in the transverse direction. In the embodiment, the third side  175  and the second side  165  run in parallel, by way of example. In this case, the second retaining element  150  is connected to the third side  175  of the first contact section  60  by a second fixed end  180 . The second retaining element  150  is arranged offset in relation to the first retaining element  145  in the longitudinal direction. In this case, a first minimum spacing al from the first fixed end  170  of the first retaining element  145  to the pivot axis  75  is greater than a second minimum spacing a 2  from the second fixed end  180  of the second retaining element  150  to the pivot axis  75 . The first retaining element  145  and the second retaining element  150  are, however, oriented in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction in such a way that, when projected in the y direction into an xz projection plane, the first retaining element  145  and the second retaining element  150  cover one another at least partially in the xz projection plane. 
     On the second side  165 , by way of example, the third retaining element  155  is furthermore arranged offset in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first retaining element  145 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The third retaining element  155  is connected to the second side  165  by a third fixed end  185 . 
     The fourth retaining element  160  is connected to the third side  175  by a fourth fixed end  190 . The fourth retaining element  160  is arranged offset in relation to the second retaining element  150  in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the third retaining element  155  and the fourth retaining element  160  are in each case arranged on a side of the first retaining element  145  and of the second retaining element  150  remote from the first side  120 . 
     In the embodiment, the retaining elements  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  are formed substantially identically to one another. In particular, the first retaining element  145  and the third retaining element  155  and the second retaining element  150  and the fourth retaining element  160  are formed identically to one another. 
     In the longitudinal direction, the fourth retaining element  160  is arranged between the first retaining element  145  and the third retaining element  155  when projected in the y direction into the xz projection plane. In the demounted state of the fabric-contact device  20 , the retaining elements  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  extend upwards perpendicular to the first contact face  115 . 
     On a side remote from the first side  120 , the first contact section  60  can be connected to a transport strip  200  via a connection section  195 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , which is formed to be significantly narrower than the first and/or second contact section  60 ,  65  in the transverse direction. The transport strip  200  has at least one, and in an embodiment several second recesses  205 , with which the transport strip  200  can be transported through a manufacturing machine. This configuration is suitable in particular for series manufacture of the system  10 , in which the fabric-contact device  20  can be transported automatically via the transport strip  200 . In this case, numerous fabric-contact devices  20  can be affixed to the transport strip  200 . At the connection section  195 , the fabric-contact device  20  is separated from the transport strip  200 , for example by stamping. 
     Bordering the first side  120 , the first contact section  60  is connected to an adjoining section  210 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The adjoining section  210  serves to contact an electrical conductor  215  of an electrical cable  220 . The configuration of the adjoining section  210  is exemplary. 
     The fabric-contact device  20  can be electrically connected to the electrical power source by the electrical cable  220 . The electrical conductor  215  can be electrically connected to the adjoining section  210 , for example by a crimp connection or solder connection. A different electrical connection of the electrical conductor  215  to the adjoining section  210  is also conceivable. The adjoining section  210  can also be formed as a contact element, the adjoining section  210  being arranged as a contact element in the configuration, for example in a contact device, in order to provide an electrical connection to the electrical cable  220  with the contact device. 
     In an embodiment, the adjoining section  210  can be formed in a frame-shaped manner, as shown in  FIG. 3 . A different configuration of the adjoining section  210  is also conceivable. The adjoining section  210  is formed in a frame-like manner and circumferentially delimits a third recess  225 , the second contact section  65  being bent out of the third recess  225 . The adjoining section  210  has a frame width t, the frame width t being smaller than a second maximum extent t of the second recess  225  in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in an embodiment, a material thickness d of the fabric-contact device  20  is constant substantially over all the elements of the fabric-contact device  20  (with the first recess  125  in the embodiment). As a result, the fabric-contact device  20  can be formed in an integral and materially uniform manner and can be formed particularly inexpensively by a stamping and bending method, for example. In the embodiment, the material thickness d in the region of the hinge  70  is substantially identical to the material thickness d in the first contact section  60  and in the second contact section  65 . Of course, it is also conceivable for the material thickness d to be chosen to be smaller, in particular in the region of the hinge  70 , so that the hinge  70  is formed in the manner of a film hinge. 
     The retaining elements  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  are formed substantially identically to one another. In this case, the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  tapers from the fixed end  170 ,  180 ,  185 ,  190  to a tip  230 . The taper can be formed in two stages, as can be seen in  FIG. 4 , with the taper in a lower region  235 , adjoining the fixed end  170 ,  180 ,  185 ,  190 , first being formed flatter than in an upper region  240 , which adjoins the tip  230  in a downward manner. In the upper region  235 , the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  tapers more strongly to the tip  230 . The tip  230  is formed in a rounded manner, by way of example. The retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  can be guided particularly simply through a notch  100 ,  105  in the fabric  15 , avoiding the yarn  40 ,  45  of the fabric  15  catching on the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  and interrupting a process for manufacturing the system  10  as a result. 
     The second contact section  65  has, on a second upper side  245  which is arranged on a side of the second contact section  65  remote from the first upper side  110 , at least one first indentation  250  formed by the wave profile  106 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The second contact section  65  has, on the second upper side  245 , an envisaged number of indentations  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265  at least corresponding to the number of retaining elements  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160 . The indentations  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265  are formed by the wave profile  106  of the second contact section  65 . Of course, the number of indentations  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265  can be unequal to the number of retaining elements  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160 . In particular, the number of indentations  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265  can be greater than the number of retaining elements  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160 . 
     The indentations  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265  extend in the y direction and are formed in an elongate manner. In this case, they run parallel to the pivot axis  75  and to the first side  120 . The first to fourth indentation  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265  molds, in each case, a bulge  270  on the second contact face  135 . A further indentation  275  is arranged in each case between the bulges  270  on the second contact face  135 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  can have a bevel  285  in a further region  280 , which adjoins the tip  230  of the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  on the underside. The bevel  285  tapers the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  to the tip  230  in the transverse direction. The further region  280  is formed to be shorter than the upper region  240  in the vertical direction. The bevel  285  can be arranged on a lateral face remote from the first contact face  115 , as depicted on the second retaining element  150  in  FIG. 5  by way of example. The bevel  285  can also be omitted or it can also be arranged on a side of the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  facing the first contact face  115 . 
     A spacing in the transverse direction between the first and third retaining elements  145 ,  155  in relation to the second and fourth retaining elements  150 ,  160  is greater than a third maximum extent b 1  of the second contact section  65 , before the second contact section  65  is folded against the first contact section  60 . The first maximum extent b can be identical to the third maximum extent b 1 . As a result, it is ensured that the second contact section  65  can be pivoted from the second position into the first position, without this abutting against the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160 . 
     The system  10  is shown in a mounted state in  FIG. 6 . In this case, the fabric-contact device  20  is separated from the transport strip  200  at the connection section  195 . The fabric  15  is arranged between the first contact face  115  and the second contact face  135 . In this case, the fabric  15  lies with a fabric upper side  290  on the second contact face  135  and with a fabric underside  295  on the first contact face  115 . In this case, the first yarn  40  can form an electrical contact with the respective contact face  115 ,  135  on the fabric upper side  290  and/or on the fabric underside  295 . In order to keep a contact resistance between the fabric  15  and the fabric-contact device  20  particularly low, it is expedient if the first yarn  40  has both an electrical contact with the second contact face  135  on the fabric upper side  290  and an electrical contact with the first contact face  115  on the fabric underside  295 . 
     In the first position, the second contact section  65  is folded against the first contact section  60 , the second contact section  65  running parallel to the first contact section  60 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The retaining device  140  engages behind the second contact section  65  on the rear side and affixes the second contact section  65  to the first contact section  60  and prevents the second contact section  65  from bending up about the pivot axis  75  after insertion of the fabric  15 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in an affixed state of the fabric-contact device  20  on the fabric  15 , a first section  300  of the first retaining element  145 , which adjoins the first fixed end  170  of the first retaining element  145 , is guided laterally past a fourth side  305  of the second contact section  65  facing the second side  165 . In this case, a gap  310  can be provided between the first retaining element  145  and the fourth side  305  of the second contact section  65 . The first section  300  can also bear against the fourth side  305 . The second side  165  and the fourth side  305  run in parallel and are arranged above one another. As a result, the first contact section  60  and the second contact section  65  have the same maximum extent in the transverse direction. 
     The first indentation  250  and at least the second indentation  255  (and in an embodiment all the indentations  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265 ) extend between the fourth side  305  of the second contact section  65  and a fifth side  325  of the second contact section  65  facing the third side  175  and are formed in an elongate manner. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a second section  315  adjoining the first section  300  on the upper side, which second section  315  extends as far as the tip  230  of the first retaining element  145 , is arranged on the upper side of the second contact section  65  and engages behind the second contact section  65 . In this case, the second section  315  engages with the first indentation  250  at least in sections. The second section  315  can be molded, for example, in a crimping operation by a crimper. In this case, the second section  315  extends in the transverse direction in the direction of the third side  175  and thus also in the direction of the second retaining element  150  and of the fourth retaining element  160 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the first section  300  and the second section  315  are formed in a curved manner. Of course, it is also conceivable for the first section  300  to run substantially perpendicular to the first contact face  115  and for the second section  315  to run substantially parallel to the first contact face  115 . This arrangement also can be produced by a crimping method, for example. 
     The configuration shown in  FIG. 7  has the advantage that the curved configuration of the first section  300  and of the second section  315 , in particular of the second section  315  guided substantially through 360°, forms a type of spiral spring, with which the second contact section  65  is pushed in the direction of the first contact section  60 . This configuration makes sure that, on the one hand, there is a low contact resistance between the first yarn  40  and the contact faces  115 ,  135 . In addition, as a result, a clamping action of the contact faces  115 ,  135  with respect to the fabric  15  can, however, also be ensured, so that unintentional slippage of the fabric  15  out of a clamping region between the first and second contact faces  115 ,  135  can be avoided reliably. 
     In order to ensure particularly good affixing of the second contact section  65  to the first contact section  60 , the second retaining element  150  is also guided laterally past the fifth side  325  of the second contact section  65  by a third section  320  of the second retaining element  150 . The fifth side  325  is arranged parallel to the fourth side  305 . The fifth side  325  is arranged on a side of the second contact section  65  facing the third side  175 . The fifth side  325 , in an embodiment, is arranged above the third side  175  in the vertical direction. The third section  320  in this case borders the second fixed end  180  of the second retaining element  150 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a fourth section  330  of the second retaining element  150 , arranged on a side remote from the second fixed end  180 , is formed in a curved manner and rolled through 360°. In this case, the fourth section  330  engages with the second indentation  255  of the second contact section  65 . The fourth section  330  extends in the direction of the fourth side  305  and of the first and third retaining elements  145 ,  155 . 
     Likewise, the third and fourth retaining elements  155 ,  160  engage around the second contact section  65  and engage with the respectively assigned third and fourth indentations  260 ,  265 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . By the offset engagement of the retaining elements  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  with the indentations  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265 ,  275  arranged offset in the longitudinal direction in each case, a reliable connection to the first contact section  60  can be ensured on both sides of the second contact section  65 . In this case, the first section  300  (and the third retaining element  155 ) engages through the first notch  100  and the third section  320  (and the fourth retaining element  160 ) engages through the second notch  105  of the fabric  15 . As a result, the fabric  15  is additionally connected to the fabric-contact device  20  in a form-fitting manner. Furthermore, as a result, electrical contact between the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  and the second electrode  85  and/or the second secondary electrode  90  is avoided. 
       FIG. 8  shows a flowchart of a method for producing the system  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 7 .  FIG. 9  shows a lateral view of the fabric-contact device  20  during a first method step  405 .  FIG. 10  shows a plan view of the fabric  15  after a second method step  410 .  FIG. 11  shows a lateral view of the system  10  during a third method step  415 .  FIG. 12  shows a lateral view of the system  10  during a fourth method step  420 .  FIG. 13  shows a lateral view of the system  10  during a fifth method step  425 .  FIG. 14  shows a lateral view of the system  10  during a sixth method step  430 .  FIG. 15  shows a lateral view of the system  10  during a seventh method step  435 .  FIG. 16  shows a lateral view of the system  10  during an eighth method step  440 .  FIG. 17  shows a cutout of a front view of the system  10  after the eighth method step  440 .  FIG. 18  shows a cutout of a front view of a variant of the system  10  after the eighth method step  440 .  FIG. 19  shows a lateral view of the system  10  during a ninth method step  445 . 
     In the first method step  405  of  FIG. 8 , the fabric-contact device  15  is positioned on an anvil  335  of a manufacturing machine as shown in  FIG. 9 . In this case, the second contact section  65  is situated in the second position. 
     In the second method step  410 , the notch(es)  100 ,  105  is/are introduced into the fabric  15  laterally with respect to the first and/or second fabric-contact region  51 ,  86 , for example by a stamping operation, as shown in  FIG. 10 . In this case, one or more secondary electrodes  55 ,  90  can be interrupted by the notch  100 ,  105 , so that the respective secondary electrode  55 ,  90  is deactivated. The notch  100 ,  105  can have, for example, a width of 3 mm in the transverse direction and a longitudinal extent of 15 mm. 
     In the third method step  415  shown in  FIG. 8  following the second method step  410 , the fabric  15  is positioned in such a way in relation to the fabric-contact device  20  that the first notch  100  is positioned above the first and third retaining elements  145 ,  155  and the second notch  105  is positioned above the second and fourth retaining elements  150 ,  160 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     In the fourth method step  420  following the third method step  415 , the fabric  15  is pushed onto the first contact section  60  by a first tool  340 , for example, so that the fabric  15  lies on the underside of the first contact face  115 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . In this case, the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  engages through the respectively assigned notch  100 ,  105 . 
     In the fifth method step  425  following the fourth method step  420  shown in  FIG. 8 , the fabric-contact device  20  is separated from the transport strip  200  at the connection section  195  as shown in  FIG. 13 , for example by stamping. 
     In the sixth method step  430 , which follows the fifth method step  425 , the second contact section  65  is bent from the second position into the first position by a second tool  345 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . As a result, the first and the second contact section  60 ,  65  are arranged parallel to one another and the fabric  15  is arranged between the two contact sections  60 ,  65 . 
     In the seventh method step  435  following the sixth method step  430 , the anvil  340  is heated to a predefined temperature, at least in a subregion  350  shown in  FIG. 15  below the fabric-contact device  20 , by heating device. The predefined temperature is greater than a melting temperature of the second yarn  45  and, in an embodiment, is greater than a melting temperature of the soldering agent. In this regard, the subregion  350  is heated to a temperature of approximately 250° C., at least greater than 232° C. As a result, the second substance of the second yarn  45  and the third substance of the soldering agent fuse. By way of a retaining force F acting perpendicularly on the contact faces  115 ,  135 , the second contact section  65  is pushed back in the direction of the first contact section  60  and the second substance is displaced at least partially between the bulge  270  and the first contact face  115 , so that the second contact face  135  and the first contact face  115  have direct contact to the first yarn  40 . Upon contact between the first contact face  115  and the first yarn  40  and also upon contact between the first yarn  40  and the second contact face  120 , the third substance forms a material connection, in particular a soldered connection. Furthermore, the second substance flows upwards into the further indentation  275  and into the first recess(es)  125  in the first contact face  115 . 
     In the eighth method step  440 , carried out at least partially chronologically parallel to the seventh method step  435 , the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  is recrimped by a stamp  355  shown in  FIG. 16  in such a way that the retaining element  145 ,  150 ,  155 ,  160  engages behind the second contact section  65  on the upper side. The retaining force F can be provided by the stamp  355  rather than by the second tool  345 . 
     In this case, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the second section  315  can be arranged directly bordering the fourth side  305  and/or the fourth section  330  can be arranged directly bordering the fifth side  325  or, as depicted in  FIG. 18 , the second section  315  and/or the fourth section  330  (further with respect to  FIG. 17 ) can be arranged to be inwardly offset in relation to the respective fourth and fifth sides  305 ,  330 . 
     In a ninth method step  445  shown in  FIG. 8 , the subregion  350  is cooled down, so that the system  10 , in particular the fused second and/or third substance, is actively cooled by the subregion  350  and solidifies particularly rapidly. The retaining force F is maintained further. 
     In a tenth method step  450  shown in  FIG. 8  following the ninth method step  445 , the retaining force F is withdrawn and the completely contacted system  10  is removed from the manufacturing machine. 
     In an embodiment, two fabric-contact devices  20  are positioned simultaneously in the manufacturing machine in such a way that one fabric-contact device  20  contacts the first fabric- contact region  51 , and the other fabric-contact device  20  contacts the second fabric-contact region  86 . As a result, the method described in  FIG. 8  can be carried out particularly simply and inexpensively to produce the system  10 . 
     In another embodiment, the method steps  405  to  450  can also be carried out in a different sequence than described above. In a further embodiment, the cooling of the subregion  350  can also be omitted. 
     The fabric-contact device  20  can be connected to the fabric  15  in a fully automated manner. Furthermore, costly soldering for connecting the fabric-contact device  20  to an electrode of the fabric  15  can be omitted. As a result, excellent process safety for producing the system  10  from the fabric-contact device  20  and the fabric  15  is ensured. By way of the opposing arrangement of the first retaining element  145  and the second retaining element  150 , a lateral bending-up of the second contact section  65  in relation to the first contact section  60  is avoided. As a result, flat bearing of the contact faces  115 ,  135  against the fabric  15  on both sides can be ensured. Furthermore, good clamping contact of the contact face  115 ,  135  on the fabric  15  can be ensured, since bending-up of the contact faces  115 ,  135  by the rear engagement of the retaining elements  145 ,  150  is reliably avoided.