Patent ID: 12244111

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 system10according to an embodiment is shown inFIG.1. The system10can be formed as a heating system for a motor vehicle, in particular as seat heating. The system10has a fabric15and a fabric-contact device20. The fabric15has an edge25, which delimits the fabric15. In the embodiment, the edge25extends in the y direction by way of example. The fabric15has a first fabric section30and at least one second fabric section35.

The first fabric section30and the second fabric section35, in the embodiment shown inFIG.1, run parallel to one another and, in the embodiment, extend in the longitudinal direction by way of example. The first fabric section30is formed wider than the second fabric section35in the transverse direction. In this case, the second fabric section35is arranged laterally directly bordering the first fabric section30in the transverse direction.

As shown inFIG.1, in the first fabric section30, the fabric15has a first yarn40and a second yarn45. The first yarn40has an electrically conductive substance. The first yarn40can 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 yarn40has a diameter of 0.05 mm. The second yarn45has an electrically insulating substance, for example a plastic.

In the first fabric section30, the first yarn40is interwoven with the second yarn45to form a first electrode50. In this case, for example, the first yarn40can be interwoven substantially in the longitudinal direction, whereas the second yarn45is interwoven in the transverse direction. A different interweaving of the first yarn40with the second yarn45is also conceivable. In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the first electrode50extends as far as the edge25of the fabric15. Adjoining the edge25, the first electrode50has a first fabric-contact region51.

The fabric15, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG.1, has a first secondary electrode55or several first secondary electrodes55. In the embodiment, the first secondary electrode55extends parallel to the y axis. The first secondary electrode55crosses the first electrode50and electrically contacts the first electrode50. The first secondary electrode55can likewise be woven out of the first yarn40into the second yarn45. In this case, the first secondary electrode55is formed to be significantly narrower in the longitudinal direction than the first electrode50is formed in the transverse direction. To form the first secondary electrode55, the first yarn40can run in the transverse direction, for example. Several first secondary electrodes55, arranged offset in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from one another, are provided in an embodiment. The first secondary electrodes55are electrically insulated from one another by the second yarn45and are connected to one another only electrically by the first electrode50.

The fabric-contact device20, as shown inFIG.1, has a first contact section60and a second contact section65. InFIG.1, the first contact section60is arranged below the fabric-contact region51of the first electrode50, the fabric-contact region51bordering the edge25. The second contact section65is connected to the first contact section60by a hinge70. The second contact section65can be pivoted about a pivot axis75between a first position and a second position. The pivot axis75runs parallel to the edge25and, in the embodiment, extends in the y direction by way of example.

The fabric15has, as well as the first fabric section30and the second fabric section35, a third fabric section80as shown inFIG.2. The third fabric section80is arranged spaced apart from the first fabric section30. The second fabric section35is arranged between the first fabric section30and the third fabric section80.

To form a second electrode85shown inFIG.2, the first yarn40is interwoven with the second yarn45in the third fabric section80. In this case, the first yarn40of the third fabric section80is electrically disconnected from the first yarn40of the first fabric section30and is electrically insulated from the first fabric section30by the second fabric section35. The second electrode85can have a second fabric-contact region86, which borders the edge25. In addition, the fabric15can have a second secondary electrode90, the second secondary electrode90running parallel to the first secondary electrode55. Thus, the first and second secondary electrodes55,90extend in the y direction. In particular, a second secondary electrode90can in each case be arranged between two first secondary electrodes55.

In this case, in the plan view shown inFIG.2, the first secondary electrode55crosses with the first electrode50and the second electrode85. In this case, the first secondary electrode55, more precisely the first yarn40of the first secondary electrode55, is interwoven with the second yarn45in such a way that the first secondary electrode55has no electrical contact to the second electrode85and is electrically insulated by the second yarn45, in particular in a crossing region of the first secondary electrode55.

The second secondary electrode90is likewise guided by the second electrode85in a crossing manner and is electrically connected to the second electrode85. In a crossing region in the plan view shown inFIG.2of the second secondary electrode90with the first electrode50, the first electrode50and the second secondary electrode90are electrically insulated from one another. More precisely, the first yarn40and the second yarn45are interwoven in such a way that, to form the second secondary electrode90, the first yarn40has no electrical contact with the first yarn40to form the first electrode50.

In addition, the fabric15has, by way of example, resistance electrodes95shown inFIG.2woven into the second yarn45at regular spacings, which resistance electrodes95have, for example, a plastic core enclosed by carbon. The individual resistance electrodes95are, 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 electrodes95are borne by the second yarn45. The resistance electrodes95are electrically connected to the secondary electrodes55,90. If the first electrode50and the second electrode85are electrically connected to an electrical power source, in this way a current circuit between the first electrode50and the second electrode85is closed via the first secondary electrode55, the resistance electrode(s)95of the second secondary electrode90and via the second electrode85. In this case, the resistance electrode95becomes heated and leads to a heating of the fabric15. As a result, the fabric15is 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 inFIG.2, at least one first notch100is arranged in the third fabric section80, and in an embodiment, a first notch100and a second notch105are arranged on both sides of the electrode50,85respectively. The notch100,105extends substantially in the longitudinal direction. The notch100,105is formed to be narrow and is introduced into the fabric15, for example, by cutting into the fabric15in the production of the system10. The notch100,105can, however, also be introduced into the fabric15by a stamping method. This has the advantage that a width in the transverse direction of the notch100,105can be chosen freely by the geometric configuration of the stamping tool. The notch100,105is arranged spaced apart from the electrode50,85in the transverse direction and can also cut through one or more secondary electrodes55,90.

In the first contact region56and/or in the second contact region86, the second yarn45can 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 device20is shown inFIG.3. The second contact section65is depicted in the second position inFIG.3. In this case, the second contact section65is folded away from the first contact section60by the hinge70. As a result, the second contact section65is arranged obliquely inclined in relation to the first contact section60.

The first contact section60is formed in a plate-shaped manner and extends in an xy plane inFIG.3. The first contact section60has a first contact face115on a first upper side110. The first contact face115is formed in a substantially planar manner and, in the mounted state, bears against the underside of the fabric15in the first fabric-contact region51. The first contact face115extends substantially over the entire first upper side110. The first contact section60in this case has a rectangular configuration in the plan view. In this case, the first contact section60is connected to the hinge70on a first side120, which extends in the y direction and can also be referred to as an end face. In the transverse direction, the hinge70is formed to be narrower, by way of example, than a first maximum extent b of the first contact section60.

On the upper side, the first contact section60can have one or more groove-shaped first recesses125on the first contact face115, as shown inFIG.3. The first recess125is formed in a slim manner and extends substantially in the transverse direction. In this case, the first recess125is arranged, by way of example, at an angle α in relation to they axis and thus obliquely in relation to the pivot axis75. The angle α, in an embodiment, has a value of 20° to 45°. InFIG.3, by way of example, several first recesses125are arranged next to one another in the longitudinal direction. The first recesses125are arranged spaced apart and running parallel to one another. In another embodiment, it would also be conceivable for the first recesses125to cross one another or to have a different configuration. The first recess125is formed in a downwardly closed manner. In another embodiment, the first recess125can also be formed as a through-opening.

The second contact section65has a second contact face135on an underside130. InFIG.3, the second contact section65is depicted in the second position, folded away from the first contact section60about the pivot axis75. The second contact section65is formed in a plate-shaped manner at least in sections. In addition, the second contact section65is provided with a wave profile106. The wave profile106runs parallel to the pivot axis75. The wave profile106is continuous and is thus displayed both on the upper side and on the underside of the second contact section65. The wave profile106is formed evenly. In this case, the wave profile106is waved in such a way that, when the second contact section65is projected in the first position and when the first contact section60is projected in the z direction into an xy projection plane, the first recesses125and the wave profile106cross one another in the xy projection plane.

The fabric-contact device20has a retaining device140, as shown inFIG.3. The retaining device140is formed, in the first position of the second contact section65, to connect the second contact section65to the first contact section60in a form-fitting manner and to prevent the second contact section65from bending up in the direction of the second position. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, the retaining device140has, by way of example, a first retaining element145, a second retaining element150, a third retaining element155and a fourth retaining element160. The number of retaining elements145,150,155,160is exemplary. Of course, a different number of retaining elements145,150,155,160can also be chosen. In particular, it is sufficient to provide only one of the retaining elements145,150,155,160.

On a second side165of the first contact section60, the first retaining element145is connected to the second side165of the first contact section60by a first fixed end170, as shown inFIG.3. In the embodiment, by way of example, the second side165is oriented at right angles to the first side120of the first contact section60and extends parallel to the x axis in the embodiment. Of course, the second side165could also be oriented obliquely in relation to the first side120.

The second retaining element150is arranged on a third side175of the first contact section60. The third side175is arranged opposite the second side165. Furthermore, the first side120is arranged between the second side165and the third side175in the transverse direction. In the embodiment, the third side175and the second side165run in parallel, by way of example. In this case, the second retaining element150is connected to the third side175of the first contact section60by a second fixed end180. The second retaining element150is arranged offset in relation to the first retaining element145in the longitudinal direction. In this case, a first minimum spacing a1from the first fixed end170of the first retaining element145to the pivot axis75is greater than a second minimum spacing a2from the second fixed end180of the second retaining element150to the pivot axis75. The first retaining element145and the second retaining element150are, 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 element145and the second retaining element150cover one another at least partially in the xz projection plane.

On the second side165, by way of example, the third retaining element155is furthermore arranged offset in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first retaining element145, as shown inFIG.3. The third retaining element155is connected to the second side165by a third fixed end185.

The fourth retaining element160is connected to the third side175by a fourth fixed end190. The fourth retaining element160is arranged offset in relation to the second retaining element150in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the third retaining element155and the fourth retaining element160are in each case arranged on a side of the first retaining element145and of the second retaining element150remote from the first side120.

In the embodiment, the retaining elements145,150,155,160are formed substantially identically to one another. In particular, the first retaining element145and the third retaining element155and the second retaining element150and the fourth retaining element160are formed identically to one another.

In the longitudinal direction, the fourth retaining element160is arranged between the first retaining element145and the third retaining element155when projected in the y direction into the xz projection plane. In the demounted state of the fabric-contact device20, the retaining elements145,150,155,160extend upwards perpendicular to the first contact face115.

On a side remote from the first side120, the first contact section60can be connected to a transport strip200via a connection section195, as shown inFIG.3, which is formed to be significantly narrower than the first and/or second contact section60,65in the transverse direction. The transport strip200has at least one, and in an embodiment several second recesses205, with which the transport strip200can be transported through a manufacturing machine. This configuration is suitable in particular for series manufacture of the system10, in which the fabric-contact device20can be transported automatically via the transport strip200. In this case, numerous fabric-contact devices20can be affixed to the transport strip200. At the connection section195, the fabric-contact device20is separated from the transport strip200, for example by stamping.

Bordering the first side120, the first contact section60is connected to an adjoining section210, as shown inFIG.3. The adjoining section210serves to contact an electrical conductor215of an electrical cable220. The configuration of the adjoining section210is exemplary.

The fabric-contact device20can be electrically connected to the electrical power source by the electrical cable220. The electrical conductor215can be electrically connected to the adjoining section210, for example by a crimp connection or solder connection. A different electrical connection of the electrical conductor215to the adjoining section210is also conceivable. The adjoining section210can also be formed as a contact element, the adjoining section210being arranged as a contact element in the configuration, for example in a contact device, in order to provide an electrical connection to the electrical cable220with the contact device.

In an embodiment, the adjoining section210can be formed in a frame-shaped manner, as shown inFIG.3. A different configuration of the adjoining section210is also conceivable. The adjoining section210is formed in a frame-like manner and circumferentially delimits a third recess225, the second contact section65being bent out of the third recess225. The adjoining section210has a frame width t, the frame width t being smaller than a second maximum extent t of the second recess225in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction.

As shown inFIG.4, in an embodiment, a material thickness d of the fabric-contact device20is constant substantially over all the elements of the fabric-contact device20(with the first recess125in the embodiment). As a result, the fabric-contact device20can 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 hinge70is substantially identical to the material thickness d in the first contact section60and in the second contact section65. Of course, it is also conceivable for the material thickness d to be chosen to be smaller, in particular in the region of the hinge70, so that the hinge70is formed in the manner of a film hinge.

The retaining elements145,150,155,160are formed substantially identically to one another. In this case, the retaining element145,150,155,160tapers from the fixed end170,180,185,190to a tip230. The taper can be formed in two stages, as can be seen inFIG.4, with the taper in a lower region235, adjoining the fixed end170,180,185,190, first being formed flatter than in an upper region240, which adjoins the tip230in a downward manner. In the upper region235, the retaining element145,150,155,160tapers more strongly to the tip230. The tip230is formed in a rounded manner, by way of example. The retaining element145,150,155,160can be guided particularly simply through a notch100,105in the fabric15, avoiding the yarn40,45of the fabric15catching on the retaining element145,150,155,160and interrupting a process for manufacturing the system10as a result.

The second contact section65has, on a second upper side245which is arranged on a side of the second contact section65remote from the first upper side110, at least one first indentation250formed by the wave profile106, as shown inFIG.4. The second contact section65has, on the second upper side245, an envisaged number of indentations250,255,260,265at least corresponding to the number of retaining elements145,150,155,160. The indentations250,255,260,265are formed by the wave profile106of the second contact section65. Of course, the number of indentations250,255,260,265can be unequal to the number of retaining elements145,150,155,160. In particular, the number of indentations250,255,260,265can be greater than the number of retaining elements145,150,155,160.

The indentations250,255,260,265extend in the y direction and are formed in an elongate manner. In this case, they run parallel to the pivot axis75and to the first side120. The first to fourth indentation250,255,260,265molds, in each case, a bulge270on the second contact face135. A further indentation275is arranged in each case between the bulges270on the second contact face135.

As shown inFIG.5, the retaining element145,150,155,160can have a bevel285in a further region280, which adjoins the tip230of the retaining element145,150,155,160on the underside. The bevel285tapers the retaining element145,150,155,160to the tip230in the transverse direction. The further region280is formed to be shorter than the upper region240in the vertical direction. The bevel285can be arranged on a lateral face remote from the first contact face115, as depicted on the second retaining element150inFIG.5by way of example. The bevel285can also be omitted or it can also be arranged on a side of the retaining element145,150,155,160facing the first contact face115.

A spacing in the transverse direction between the first and third retaining elements145,155in relation to the second and fourth retaining elements150,160is greater than a third maximum extent b1of the second contact section65, before the second contact section65is folded against the first contact section60. The first maximum extent b can be identical to the third maximum extent b1. As a result, it is ensured that the second contact section65can be pivoted from the second position into the first position, without this abutting against the retaining element145,150,155,160.

The system10is shown in a mounted state inFIG.6. In this case, the fabric-contact device20is separated from the transport strip200at the connection section195. The fabric15is arranged between the first contact face115and the second contact face135. In this case, the fabric15lies with a fabric upper side290on the second contact face135and with a fabric underside295on the first contact face115. In this case, the first yarn40can form an electrical contact with the respective contact face115,135on the fabric upper side290and/or on the fabric underside295. In order to keep a contact resistance between the fabric15and the fabric-contact device20particularly low, it is expedient if the first yarn40has both an electrical contact with the second contact face135on the fabric upper side290and an electrical contact with the first contact face115on the fabric underside295.

In the first position, the second contact section65is folded against the first contact section60, the second contact section65running parallel to the first contact section60, as shown inFIG.6. The retaining device140engages behind the second contact section65on the rear side and affixes the second contact section65to the first contact section60and prevents the second contact section65from bending up about the pivot axis75after insertion of the fabric15.

As shown inFIG.7, in an affixed state of the fabric-contact device20on the fabric15, a first section300of the first retaining element145, which adjoins the first fixed end170of the first retaining element145, is guided laterally past a fourth side305of the second contact section65facing the second side165. In this case, a gap310can be provided between the first retaining element145and the fourth side305of the second contact section65. The first section300can also bear against the fourth side305. The second side165and the fourth side305run in parallel and are arranged above one another. As a result, the first contact section60and the second contact section65have the same maximum extent in the transverse direction.

The first indentation250and at least the second indentation255(and in an embodiment all the indentations250,255,260,265) extend between the fourth side305of the second contact section65and a fifth side325of the second contact section65facing the third side175and are formed in an elongate manner. As shown inFIG.7, a second section315adjoining the first section300on the upper side, which second section315extends as far as the tip230of the first retaining element145, is arranged on the upper side of the second contact section65and engages behind the second contact section65. In this case, the second section315engages with the first indentation250at least in sections. The second section315can be molded, for example, in a crimping operation by a crimper. In this case, the second section315extends in the transverse direction in the direction of the third side175and thus also in the direction of the second retaining element150and of the fourth retaining element160.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.7, the first section300and the second section315are formed in a curved manner. Of course, it is also conceivable for the first section300to run substantially perpendicular to the first contact face115and for the second section315to run substantially parallel to the first contact face115. This arrangement also can be produced by a crimping method, for example.

The configuration shown inFIG.7has the advantage that the curved configuration of the first section300and of the second section315, in particular of the second section315guided substantially through 360°, forms a type of spiral spring, with which the second contact section65is pushed in the direction of the first contact section60. This configuration makes sure that, on the one hand, there is a low contact resistance between the first yarn40and the contact faces115,135. In addition, as a result, a clamping action of the contact faces115,135with respect to the fabric15can, however, also be ensured, so that unintentional slippage of the fabric15out of a clamping region between the first and second contact faces115,135can be avoided reliably.

In order to ensure particularly good affixing of the second contact section65to the first contact section60, the second retaining element150is also guided laterally past the fifth side325of the second contact section65by a third section320of the second retaining element150. The fifth side325is arranged parallel to the fourth side305. The fifth side325is arranged on a side of the second contact section65facing the third side175. The fifth side325, in an embodiment, is arranged above the third side175in the vertical direction. The third section320in this case borders the second fixed end180of the second retaining element150.

As shown inFIG.7, a fourth section330of the second retaining element150, arranged on a side remote from the second fixed end180, is formed in a curved manner and rolled through 360°. In this case, the fourth section330engages with the second indentation255of the second contact section65. The fourth section330extends in the direction of the fourth side305and of the first and third retaining elements145,155.

Likewise, the third and fourth retaining elements155,160engage around the second contact section65and engage with the respectively assigned third and fourth indentations260,265, as shown inFIG.7. By the offset engagement of the retaining elements145,150,155,160with the indentations250,255,260,265,275arranged offset in the longitudinal direction in each case, a reliable connection to the first contact section60can be ensured on both sides of the second contact section65. In this case, the first section300(and the third retaining element155) engages through the first notch100and the third section320(and the fourth retaining element160) engages through the second notch105of the fabric15. As a result, the fabric15is additionally connected to the fabric-contact device20in a form-fitting manner. Furthermore, as a result, electrical contact between the retaining element145,150,155,160and the second electrode85and/or the second secondary electrode90is avoided.

FIG.8shows a flowchart of a method for producing the system10shown inFIGS.1to7.FIG.9shows a lateral view of the fabric-contact device20during a first method step405.FIG.10shows a plan view of the fabric15after a second method step410.FIG.11shows a lateral view of the system10during a third method step415.FIG.12shows a lateral view of the system10during a fourth method step420.FIG.13shows a lateral view of the system10during a fifth method step425.FIG.14shows a lateral view of the system10during a sixth method step430.FIG.15shows a lateral view of the system10during a seventh method step435.FIG.16shows a lateral view of the system10during an eighth method step440.FIG.17shows a cutout of a front view of the system10after the eighth method step440.FIG.18shows a cutout of a front view of a variant of the system10after the eighth method step440.FIG.19shows a lateral view of the system10during a ninth method step445.

In the first method step405ofFIG.8, the fabric-contact device15is positioned on an anvil335of a manufacturing machine as shown inFIG.9. In this case, the second contact section65is situated in the second position.

In the second method step410, the notch(es)100,105is/are introduced into the fabric15laterally with respect to the first and/or second fabric-contact region51,86, for example by a stamping operation, as shown inFIG.10. In this case, one or more secondary electrodes55,90can be interrupted by the notch100,105, so that the respective secondary electrode55,90is deactivated. The notch100,105can have, for example, a width of 3 mm in the transverse direction and a longitudinal extent of 15 mm.

In the third method step415shown inFIG.8following the second method step410, the fabric15is positioned in such a way in relation to the fabric-contact device20that the first notch100is positioned above the first and third retaining elements145,155and the second notch105is positioned above the second and fourth retaining elements150,160, as shown inFIG.11.

In the fourth method step420following the third method step415, the fabric15is pushed onto the first contact section60by a first tool340, for example, so that the fabric15lies on the underside of the first contact face115, as shown inFIG.12. In this case, the retaining element145,150,155,160engages through the respectively assigned notch100,105.

In the fifth method step425following the fourth method step420shown inFIG.8, the fabric-contact device20is separated from the transport strip200at the connection section195as shown inFIG.13, for example by stamping.

In the sixth method step430, which follows the fifth method step425, the second contact section65is bent from the second position into the first position by a second tool345, as shown inFIG.14. As a result, the first and the second contact section60,65are arranged parallel to one another and the fabric15is arranged between the two contact sections60,65.

In the seventh method step435following the sixth method step430, the anvil340is heated to a predefined temperature, at least in a subregion350shown inFIG.15below the fabric-contact device20, by heating device. The predefined temperature is greater than a melting temperature of the second yarn45and, in an embodiment, is greater than a melting temperature of the soldering agent. In this regard, the subregion350is heated to a temperature of approximately 250° C., at least greater than 232° C. As a result, the second substance of the second yarn45and the third substance of the soldering agent fuse. By way of a retaining force F acting perpendicularly on the contact faces115,135, the second contact section65is pushed back in the direction of the first contact section60and the second substance is displaced at least partially between the bulge270and the first contact face115, so that the second contact face135and the first contact face115have direct contact to the first yarn40. Upon contact between the first contact face115and the first yarn40and also upon contact between the first yarn40and the second contact face120, the third substance forms a material connection, in particular a soldered connection. Furthermore, the second substance flows upwards into the further indentation275and into the first recess(es)125in the first contact face115.

In the eighth method step440, carried out at least partially chronologically parallel to the seventh method step435, the retaining element145,150,155,160is recrimped by a stamp355shown inFIG.16in such a way that the retaining element145,150,155,160engages behind the second contact section65on the upper side. The retaining force F can be provided by the stamp355rather than by the second tool345.

In this case, as shown inFIG.17, the second section315can be arranged directly bordering the fourth side305and/or the fourth section330can be arranged directly bordering the fifth side325or, as depicted inFIG.18, the second section315and/or the fourth section330(further with respect toFIG.17) can be arranged to be inwardly offset in relation to the respective fourth and fifth sides305,325.

In a ninth method step445shown inFIG.8, the subregion350is cooled down, so that the system10, in particular the fused second and/or third substance, is actively cooled by the subregion350and solidifies particularly rapidly. The retaining force F is maintained further.

In a tenth method step450shown inFIG.8following the ninth method step445, the retaining force F is withdrawn and the completely contacted system10is removed from the manufacturing machine.

In an embodiment, two fabric-contact devices20are positioned simultaneously in the manufacturing machine in such a way that one fabric-contact device20contacts the first fabric-contact region51, and the other fabric-contact device20contacts the second fabric-contact region86. As a result, the method described inFIG.8can be carried out particularly simply and inexpensively to produce the system10.

In another embodiment, the method steps405to450can also be carried out in a different sequence than described above. In a further embodiment, the cooling of the subregion350can also be omitted.

The fabric-contact device20can be connected to the fabric15in a fully automated manner. Furthermore, costly soldering for connecting the fabric-contact device20to an electrode of the fabric15can be omitted. As a result, excellent process safety for producing the system10from the fabric-contact device20and the fabric15is ensured. By way of the opposing arrangement of the first retaining element145and the second retaining element150, a lateral bending-up of the second contact section65in relation to the first contact section60is avoided. As a result, flat bearing of the contact faces115,135against the fabric15on both sides can be ensured. Furthermore, good clamping contact of the contact face115,135on the fabric15can be ensured, since bending-up of the contact faces115,135by the rear engagement of the retaining elements145,150is reliably avoided.