Membrane and concealed switch structure comprising the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a film including a base layer formed of a transparent material, a first adhesive layer laminated by applying an adhesive to the base layer, a masking layer laminated and bonded to the first adhesive layer, an icon formed by laser processing after applying an opaque paint, a second adhesive layer laminated by applying an adhesive to the masking layer, and a sheet layer laminated to the second adhesive layer and formed of a solid wood in a thin film form, and a hidden switch structure including the same. The hidden switch structure of the present invention can increase design freedom and improve aesthetic appearance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a membrane and a concealed switch structure including the same, and more specifically, to a membrane and a concealed switch structure including the same that: increases the design freedom of vehicle interiors to improve aesthetics, applies solid wood film in a manner that meets consumer needs, and provides a more advanced and differentiated design. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, cars have built-in materials such as crash barriers and door panels located in front of the driver and passenger seats, dashboard panels assembled around the crash barriers, the center dashboard (where audio equipment, cup holders, ashtrays, etc. are installed), and the headliner (ceiling material).

[0003] Furthermore, the car features external materials / garnishes located on side doors, panels, etc., and these external materials are made of different materials than the internal materials.

[0004] For interior and exterior materials used in vehicles, especially interior materials, consumers demand a clean and sleek aesthetic and a premium feel.

[0005] For the reasons mentioned above, the materials used for traditional automotive interior components have been natural / genuine materials such as solid wood, real aluminum, carbon fiber woven fabric, and mother-of-pearl.

[0006] Among them, materials other than real aluminum are used to achieve the depth and appearance contour of the product through polyurethane (PUR) casting (polyurethane reaction injection molding).

[0007] For example, Korean Patent No. 913811 discloses an internal material suitable for solid wood film and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0008] However, the application of solid wood film to the curved parts inside the vehicle has the following problems: stress is concentrated at the edges of the bending deformation, which can cause cracking and breakage due to the inability to withstand the stress, and the surface quality is greatly reduced.

[0009] Furthermore, consumers demand vehicle interiors with more advanced and differentiated new design materials, and in particular, they cannot meet the aesthetic demands of consumers regarding switch modules such as the central dashboard.

[0010] Existing technical documents

[0011] Patent documents

[0012] Patent Document 0001: Korean Patent Publication No. 913811 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The present invention is proposed against the above background, and its purpose is to provide a membrane and a hidden switch structure including the membrane: the switch module is set by touch, in particular, the icon of the switch module is not displayed under normal circumstances, and the icon of the switch module is displayed according to the needs of the driver, so as to increase the design freedom of the vehicle interior and improve the aesthetics.

[0014] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a film and a hidden switch structure including the film: using solid wood film to provide a more advanced and differentiated design to meet consumer needs, and in particular, to provide a highly visible solid wood film to enable drivers to more accurately identify icons.

[0015] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a membrane and a hidden switch structure including the membrane, which allows the driver to sense the position of an icon through touch, thereby providing convenience to the driver.

[0016] The purpose of this invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other purposes not mentioned from the following description.

[0017] According to the present invention, a film may be provided, comprising: a base layer formed of a transparent material; a first adhesive layer formed by applying an adhesive to the base layer; a masking layer formed by applying an opaque coating to the first adhesive layer and then forming an icon by laser processing; a second adhesive layer formed by applying an adhesive to the masking layer; and a sheet formed of a thin film of solid wood, formed by applying an adhesive to the second adhesive layer.

[0018] Furthermore, the aforementioned second adhesive layer and sheet may include a plurality of light-enhancing holes, which are formed with a diameter of micrometers at the positions corresponding to the aforementioned icons.

[0019] Furthermore, the membrane may also include a nonwoven fabric layer laminated between the shielding layer and the second adhesive layer to prevent the sheet from breaking.

[0020] Furthermore, the aforementioned nonwoven fabric layer, second adhesive layer, and sheet layer may include multiple light-transmitting holes, which are formed with a diameter of micrometers at the positions corresponding to the aforementioned icons.

[0021] According to the present invention, a hidden switch structure is provided, comprising: a first substrate having a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs); a second substrate, spaced apart from and joined to the first substrate, having a touch sensor; an injection molded object having prisms embedded in it at positions corresponding to the LEDs, and being injection molded onto the second substrate to be laminated; and a film disposed on the upper side of the injection molded object, the film comprising: a bottom layer formed of a transparent material; a first adhesive layer formed by applying an adhesive to the bottom layer; a masking layer laminated and joined to the first adhesive layer, having an icon formed by laser processing after being coated with an opaque coating; a second adhesive layer laminated by applying an adhesive to the masking layer; and a sheet layer laminated to the second adhesive layer, formed of a thin film of solid wood.

[0022] The film may also include a touch portion, which is bent in a downward-facing concave shape at a position corresponding to the light-emitting diode.

[0023] Furthermore, the aforementioned injection molded material and prism may include a recessed portion, which is recessed on the surface where the aforementioned film is disposed, in a manner corresponding to the shape of the aforementioned touch portion, for placing the aforementioned touch portion.

[0024] According to the present invention as described above, the following effects are achieved: the switch module is set by touch, and in particular, the icon of the switch module is not displayed normally, but is displayed according to the needs of the driver, thereby increasing the design freedom of the vehicle interior and improving its aesthetics.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention has the following effects: by using solid wood film to provide a more advanced and differentiated design, thereby meeting consumer demand, and in particular, by improving the visibility of solid wood film so that drivers can more accurately identify icons.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention has the following effect: drivers can sense the position of the icon through touch, which provides convenience to drivers. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a membrane according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a membrane according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 A top view showing a hidden switch structure including a membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5A cross-sectional view showing a hidden switch structure including a membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6A Parts and Figure 6B Part of the photographs are illustrations of a hidden switch structure including a membrane, according to an embodiment of the present invention, applicable to a vehicle.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 100: Membrane; 110: Substrate

[0035] 120: First adhesive layer; 130: Masking layer

[0036] 131: Icon 140: Second adhesive layer

[0037] 150: Sheet layer; 160: Non-woven fabric layer

[0038] 170: Enlarged light-transmitting aperture; 180: Touch area

[0039] 200: First substrate; 300: Second substrate

[0040] 400: Injection Molded Materials Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrative drawings. It should be noted that, in assigning reference numerals to structural elements in the various drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structural elements even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions are omitted where it is determined that specific descriptions related to relevant known structures or functions would unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention.

[0042] Figure 1 To illustrate the cross-sectional view of the membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 To illustrate a cross-sectional view of a membrane according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 To illustrate a cross-sectional view of a membrane according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 To illustrate the top view of the hidden switch structure including the membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 To illustrate the cross-sectional view of the hidden switch structure including the membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6A Parts and Figure 6B Part of the photographs are illustrations of a hidden switch structure including a membrane, according to an embodiment of the present invention, applicable to a vehicle.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the membrane 100 of this embodiment is characterized by comprising: a bottom layer 110 formed of a transparent material; a first adhesive layer 120 formed by applying an adhesive to the bottom layer 110; a shielding layer 130, laminated and bonded to the first adhesive layer 120, formed by applying an opaque coating and then laser processing to form the logo 131; a second adhesive layer 140 formed by applying an adhesive to the shielding layer 130; and a sheet layer 150, laminated to the second adhesive layer 140, formed of solid wood in the form of a thin film.

[0044] And, as Figures 4 to 6A Parts and Figure 6B As shown in the figure, the hidden switch structure including the membrane 100 in the embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first substrate 200, on which a light-emitting diode 210 is disposed; a second substrate 300, which is spaced apart from and joined to the first substrate 200, and on which a touch sensor is disposed; an injection molded object 400, which has a prism 410 built in it, and is injection molded onto the second substrate 300 to be stacked thereon; and the membrane 100.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the membrane 100 of the present invention is a solid wood membrane 100, which is formed from a plate-shaped unit including a bottom layer 110, a first adhesive layer 120, a shielding layer 130, a second adhesive layer 140 and a sheet layer 150.

[0046] However, in addition to solid wood, Membrane 100 can also be used with various materials such as inlay membranes, covering fabrics / leather, and genuine corks.

[0047] The bottom layer 110 allows light from the light-emitting diode 210 to pass through, and the rigidity is increased by forming the thickness of the film 100, which is made of plastic material.

[0048] For example, this bottom layer 110 is formed of a material such as polyacetal (POM), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., to allow light from the light-emitting diode 210 to be transmitted.

[0049] In particular, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a type of thermoplastic material with excellent strength, heat resistance, weather resistance, and chemical resistance. Therefore, it can be used as the material for the bottom layer 110, which can increase the rigidity of the film 100.

[0050] The first adhesive layer 120 is applied to the base layer 110 to form a laminate, which is then bonded between the masking layer 130 (described later) and the base layer 110.

[0051] The shielding layer 130 is formed of a transparent material, such as the base layer 110, and is laminated to the first adhesive layer 120.

[0052] Furthermore, the shielding layer 130 is laser-processed with icons 131 that correspond to the design of the car's central dashboard.

[0053] That is, after applying an opaque coating, the pattern corresponding to icon 131 is removed by laser cutting to form icon 131 on the masking layer 130.

[0054] Alternatively, the icon 131 can be formed by printing on the masking layer 130.

[0055] Furthermore, if the light-emitting diode 210 emits light, the light from the light-emitting diode 210 is partially transmitted through the printed icon 131 to display the icon 131 on the surface of the film 100.

[0056] Furthermore, icons 131 corresponding to the icons 131 on the masking layer 130 can be printed on the bottom layer 110 and the non-woven fabric layer 160 described later, so as to make the icons 131 formed on the masking layer 130 more obvious, thereby increasing visibility.

[0057] For example, icon 131 can be a button for adjusting the brightness of indoor lights, turning indoor heaters or air conditioners on or off, adjusting wind direction and speed and automatic adjustment, turning defrosting air on or off, adjusting external air inflow, adjusting indoor air circulation, etc.

[0058] The second adhesive layer 140 is formed by applying an adhesive to the masking layer 130 to bond the masking layer 130 to the sheet layer 150 described later.

[0059] In this case, the first adhesive layer 120 and the second adhesive layer 140 can be formed using a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, phenol, melamine, urea, polyurethane, especially thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide, ethylene vinyl acetate epoxy, polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, nitrile rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, alkyd, cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate.

[0060] The sheet 150 is stacked on the second adhesive layer 140 and is formed of solid wood in the form of a thin film.

[0061] In particular, since the lamella 150 is formed by cutting natural wood into a thin film of a specified thickness, a structure is needed to prevent damage such as breakage of the solid wood.

[0062] Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown, the membrane 100 also includes a nonwoven layer 160 laminated between the shielding layer 130 and the second adhesive layer 140 to prevent the film-shaped sheet 150 from breaking.

[0063] The sheet 150 is formed in the form of a thin film, and a non-woven fabric layer 160 is provided between the shielding layer 130 and the second adhesive layer 140 to prevent the sheet 150 from being broken by slight shaking or impact when it is stacked on the second adhesive layer 140.

[0064] Furthermore, when the sheet 150 is laminated on the second adhesive layer 140, it prevents the formation of air bubbles or the lamination of wrinkles.

[0065] This nonwoven layer 160 can be formed using a composition of one or more selected from the group consisting of glass fiber, carbon fiber, polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, polyurethane fiber, acrylic fiber, polyolefin fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, mixed cellulose fiber and sizing agent.

[0066] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second adhesive layer 140 and the sheet 150 include a plurality of light-enhancing holes 170, which are formed with a diameter of micrometers at the position corresponding to icon 131. When the sheet 150 is formed of a non-transparent material, the light transmittance of the sheet 150 is increased, or when the sheet 150 is formed of a transparent material, icon 131 is displayed more clearly.

[0067] Furthermore, multiple light-transmitting holes 170 are also formed in the nonwoven fabric layer 160. These light-transmitting holes 170 are formed at positions corresponding to Figure 131 with a diameter of micrometers, and are located at positions corresponding to the light-transmitting holes 170 provided in the second adhesive layer 140.

[0068] This light-transmitting enlarged hole 170 is formed through the nonwoven fabric layer 160, the second adhesive layer 140, and the sheet layer 150. Preferably, the diameter of the light-transmitting enlarged hole 170 is 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, so that when the light-emitting diode 210 is in the off state, it will not be displayed on the surface of the film 100, and when the light-emitting diode 210 is in the on state, it allows light to be transmitted well.

[0069] That is, the light-transmitting enlarged hole 170 is formed in the non-woven fabric layer 160, the second adhesive layer 140, and the sheet layer 150. If light is shone from the bottom of the bottom layer 110, the light is transmitted, thereby exposing the shape of the icon 131 to the outside.

[0070] Therefore, the light from the LED 210 passing through the shielding layer 130 does not need to pass through the nonwoven fabric layer 160, the second adhesive layer 140, and the sheet layer 150, but instead increases visibility through the light-enlarging aperture 170, providing the driver with a more clearly visible icon 131.

[0071] On the other hand, Figure 4 Figure 6 shows a hidden switch structure including membrane 100.

[0072] As shown in the figure, the hidden switch structure including the membrane 100 is composed of a first substrate 200, a second substrate 300, an injection molded object 400, and the membrane 100.

[0073] In this hidden switch structure including membrane 100, icon 131 is not displayed on membrane 100 when the switch is not in use and in an inactive state.

[0074] Furthermore, when the switch is activated according to the driver's needs, icon 131 is displayed on the membrane 100 to increase the design freedom of the vehicle interior and improve its aesthetics.

[0075] At the position corresponding to icon 131, the first substrate 200 may be formed by a printed circuit board with a plurality of light-emitting diodes 210 and placed in a structure positioned at the front of the vehicle.

[0076] The second substrate 300 can be formed by a flexible printed circuit board with a touch sensor disposed at a position corresponding to icon 131, and is combined with the upper side of the first substrate 200 and spaced apart from the first substrate 200 to identify whether the driver touches icon 131.

[0077] In the injection molded material 400, a prism 410 is built into a position corresponding to the light-emitting diode 210. It is injection molded onto the second substrate 300 to be stacked. The stacked material is formed with a specified thickness to maintain the sensitivity of the touch sensor and make the light of the light-emitting diode 210 more obvious.

[0078] In particular, when the thickness A of the injection molded part 400, which is the distance between the touch sensor of the second substrate 300 and the touch portion of the film 100, is greater than 50 mm, the sensitivity of the touch sensor decreases, causing inconvenience to the driver. Therefore, it is preferable that the specified thickness A of the injection molded part 400 is at least 50 mm or less.

[0079] For example, prism 410 may be formed of a transparent material to allow light from LED 210 to pass through and to make contact between the touch sensor of second substrate 300 and film 100 to improve light transmittance and increase visibility in a way that makes icon 131 more prominent.

[0080] In the membrane 100, the membrane 100 having the structure described above is in the form of a thin plate in the shape of a unit and is disposed on the upper side of the injection molded product 400.

[0081] In this case, preferably, the thickness B of the membrane 100 is 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0082] This is because when the thickness B of the membrane 100 is less than 0.8 mm, the membrane 100 is too thin, which makes the manufacturing process difficult and may result in tearing or breakage. Therefore, preferably, the thickness B of the membrane 100 is at least 0.8 mm.

[0083] Furthermore, when the thickness B of the film 100 is greater than 1.2 mm, the thickness of the film 100 becomes thicker, and the light transmitted through the light-emitting diode 210 of the film 100 becomes weaker. In particular, when the solid wood sheet 150 of the film 100 is formed of a non-transparent material, the light of the light-emitting diode 210 can hardly be transmitted. Therefore, preferably, the thickness B of the film 100 is at least 1.2 mm or less.

[0084] Furthermore, the film 100 includes a touch portion 180, which is bent in a downward-facing concave shape at a position corresponding to the light-emitting diode 210, so that the driver can easily identify the position of the icon 131 and sense the position of the icon 131 by touch.

[0085] In particular, preferably, the recess length C of the touch portion 180 is 1.6 mm to 1.9 mm.

[0086] This is because when the recessed length C of the touch portion 180 is less than 1.6 mm, as the driver's tactile recognition ability decreases, the driver cannot be guided from the surrounding area of ​​the icon 131 to the position of the icon 131 while driving. The driver needs to visually confirm the position of the icon 131 before touching it. Therefore, preferably, the recessed length C of the touch portion 180 is at least 1.6 mm or more.

[0087] Furthermore, when the recess length C of the touch portion 180 is greater than 1.9 mm, as the bent portion of the film 100 bends rapidly, there is a possibility of breakage when the film 100 is formed. The broken portion becomes sharp, which reduces the tactile sensation felt by the driver and causes the driver to feel unpleasant. Therefore, it is preferable that the recess length C of the touch portion 180 is at least 1.9 mm or more.

[0088] In this case, the recess length C of the touch portion 180 means the distance between the surface of the membrane 100 and the most recessed part on the surface of the membrane 100.

[0089] On the other hand, the injection molded part 400 and the prism 410 include a groove 420. On the surface where the film 100 is disposed, the groove 420 is recessed in a manner corresponding to the shape of the touch part 180, and is used to place the touch part 180.

[0090] As mentioned above, in Figure 6A Parts and Figure 6BThe illustration shows a partial example of a concealed switch structure, including membrane 100, suitable for use in a vehicle.

[0091] Figure 6A Partially showing the hidden switch structure that is normally inactive. Figure 6B The hidden switch structure is partially shown, which is activated according to the driver's needs.

[0092] Reference Figure 6A In the inactive state, LED 210 is in the off state and icon 131 is hidden. With the hidden switch structure forming part of the vehicle interior design, the vehicle interior design becomes cleaner and forms a more sophisticated and differentiated design.

[0093] Moreover, compared to the bulky switch structure of the past, which is located in front of the center between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the hidden switch structure of the present invention is small and lightweight, and has the function of being inactive under normal circumstances. It can be set in the desired position according to the consumer's needs.

[0094] Furthermore, referring to Figure 6B If the driver touches the surface of the film 100 to activate the switch structure according to the driver's needs, the light-emitting diode 210 will be turned on to display the icon 131. The driver can more easily operate by touching the icon 131 using both sight and touch.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the invention having this shape and structure, a switch module is formed by touch. In particular, the icon of the switch module is hidden under normal conditions and displayed according to the driver's needs, thereby increasing the design freedom of the vehicle interior and improving aesthetics.

[0096] Furthermore, the use of wood film in a way that meets consumer needs provides a more premium and differentiated design, especially by improving the visibility of the wood film to enable drivers to more accurately identify icons.

[0097] Furthermore, drivers can sense the location of the icons through touch, making it convenient for them.

[0098] The above description illustrates the scenario where all structural elements constituting an embodiment of the present invention are combined into one or through combination, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, within the scope of the present invention, all structural elements can be selectively combined using more than one type of structural element to perform the operation.

[0099] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the invention. The scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention should be explained by the following claims. All technical concepts falling within the equivalent scope of the claims are included in the scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A membrane, characterized in that, include: The bottom layer is made of transparent material; The first adhesive layer is formed by applying an adhesive to the aforementioned substrate and then laminating them together. A masking layer, laminated and bonded to the first adhesive layer, is coated with an opaque paint and then laser-processed to form icons corresponding to the design of the vehicle's central dashboard. The second adhesive layer is formed by applying an adhesive to the aforementioned shielding layer and then laminating it; and A sheet, laminated on the second adhesive layer, is formed of solid wood in the form of a thin film; The second adhesive layer and sheet include a plurality of light-enhancing holes formed with a diameter of micrometers at positions corresponding to the icon, such that when light is shone from the bottom of the substrate, light is transmitted and the shape of the icon is exposed to the outside. It also includes a nonwoven fabric layer laminated between the aforementioned shielding layer and the second adhesive layer to prevent the aforementioned sheet from breaking; The aforementioned nonwoven fabric layer includes multiple light-enhancing holes, which are formed with a diameter of micrometers at the positions corresponding to the aforementioned icons.

2. A concealed switch structure, characterized in that, include: The first substrate is provided with multiple light-emitting diodes; The second substrate, which is spaced apart from the first substrate and joined together, is provided with a touch sensor; The injection molded material has a prism built into it at a position corresponding to the aforementioned light-emitting diode, allowing the light from the light-emitting diode to pass through, and is injection molded onto the aforementioned second substrate to be laminated; and The membrane as described in claim 1 is disposed on the upper side of the injection-molded article. The film also includes a touch portion, which is bent in a downwardly recessed shape at a position corresponding to the light-emitting diode, so that the driver can sense the position of the icon by touch. When the driver touches the membrane surface, the LED turns on and displays an icon; The aforementioned injection molded material and prism include a groove portion. On the surface where the aforementioned film is disposed, the groove portion is recessed in a manner corresponding to the shape of the aforementioned touch portion, for placing the aforementioned touch portion.

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