Display device

Abstract

A display device includes a first decorative layer that displays a decorative pattern; a light-transmitting region that is provided to the first decorative layer to transmit light; a scattering layer that is provided to a lower side of the first decorative layer to scatter light; a light source that is provided to a side of the scattering layer to irradiate light to the scattering layer; and a second decorative layer that is provided to a lower side of the scattering layer and overlaps with the light-transmitting region to display the decorative pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, the following technology was used: decorative pieces were pasted onto the surface of decorative object parts with three-dimensional shapes, such as various parts for vehicles (e.g., inner panels), by forming methods such as three-dimensional overlay method (TOM), thereby decorating the surface of the decorative object parts with various decorative patterns (e.g., metal patterns, wood grain patterns, etc.) and protecting the surface of the decorative object parts.

[0003] Furthermore, regarding such decorative sheets, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technology: by allowing light irradiated from a light source disposed on the back side of the decorative sheet to pass through a light-transmitting area formed in a light-shielding layer and having a predetermined appearance design shape, a light image with a predetermined appearance design shape can be displayed on the surface of the decorative sheet.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-11114 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in conventional decorative sheets with this structure, the light image formed by light passing through the decorative layer is displayed on the surface of the decorative sheet, and therefore the brightness of the light image is attenuated by the decorative layer. Conversely, if the transparency of the decorative layer is increased, the outline of the light-transmitting area is easily visually discernible when the light source is turned off.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] One embodiment of the display device includes: a first decorative layer displaying a decorative pattern; a light-transmitting area disposed on the first decorative layer to allow light to pass through; a scattering layer disposed on the underside of the first decorative layer to scatter light; a light source disposed on the side of the scattering layer to irradiate the scattering layer with light; and a second decorative layer disposed on the underside of the scattering layer and at a position overlapping with the light-transmitting area to display the decorative pattern.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to one embodiment of the display device, the brightness of the light image can be increased when the light source is lit, and the outline of the light-transmitting area can be made difficult to visually discern when the light source is turned off. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stacked structure of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stacked structure of a display device of a modified embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stacked structure of a display device of a modified embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] (Structure of display device 10)

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a display device 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stacked structure of a display device 10 according to one embodiment.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the display device 10 includes a display panel 100, a substrate 111, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 112.

[0021] The display panel 100 is a sheet-like or plate-like component with a decorative pattern (such as wood grain, metal grain, leather grain, etc.) applied to its surface. The display panel 100 is disposed on the surface of any decorative object component (such as the interior panel of an automobile), thereby decorating the surface of the decorative object component.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the display panel 100 includes, from the top side (top side in the figure), a base layer 102, a first decorative layer 103, a first color adjustment layer 104, a scattering layer 105, a second decorative layer 106, and a second color adjustment layer 107.

[0023] The base layer 102 is a layer formed using a substrate that serves as the base of the display panel 100. That is, the display panel 100 is formed by laminating other layers onto the base layer 102. For example, the base layer 102 is formed using a flexible, transparent sheet or plate-like substrate (such as PMMA (Poly Methyl Methacrylate), PC (Polycarbonate), polyurethane, ABS, glass, etc.).

[0024] The first decorative layer 103 displays decorative patterns (such as wood grain, metal grain, etc.) presented by the display panel 100. Figure 2 In the example shown, the first decorative layer 103 is formed on the back side of the substrate layer 102 (the lower side in the figure). For example, the first decorative layer 103 is formed by printing multiple colors of colored ink (e.g., CMYK) in pixel units onto the back side of the substrate layer 102 according to the pattern presented by the display panel 100.

[0025] The first decorative layer 103 allows light emitted from the LED 112 to partially pass through, thereby displaying a light image of a predetermined appearance design shape (e.g., text, symbols, graphics, etc.) on the surface of the display panel 100. Therefore, a light-transmitting area 103A with an opening shape identical to the light image is formed in the first decorative layer 103. For example, the light-transmitting area 103A is formed by printing translucent ink in a predetermined appearance design shape onto the back side of the substrate layer 102.

[0026] The first hue adjustment layer 104 is formed on the back side (lower side in the figure) of the first decorative layer 103. For example, by printing the first hue adjustment layer 104 in overlap with the first decorative layer 103, light leakage from pinholes or the like in the first decorative layer 103 is prevented. Furthermore, for example, the first hue adjustment layer 104 is formed in a single color and printed in overlap with the first decorative layer 103, thereby adjusting the overall brightness, hue, and chroma of the first decorative layer 103. It should be noted that in the first hue adjustment layer 104, a light-transmitting region 104A having an opening shape identical to the light-transmitting region 103A is formed overlapping with the light-transmitting region 103A, so that light emitted from the LED 112 can pass through the light-transmitting region 103A. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first decorative layer 103 and the first hue adjustment layer 104 are integrally formed on the base layer 102 by printing.

[0027] The scattering layer 105 is disposed at a position separate from the lower side of the first tone adjustment layer 104 and overlapping with the light-transmitting area 103A when viewed from above. The scattering layer 105 scatters the light emitted from the LED 112, causing the surface of the scattering layer 105 to emit light uniformly. Thus, the scattering layer 105 causes the light image displayed on the surface of the display panel 100 through the light-transmitting area 103A to emit light uniformly.

[0028] The scattering layer 105 is formed into a plate shape by containing light-scattering particles such as silica in a transparent resin material such as PMMA (Poly Methyl Methacrylate) or PC (Polycarbonate). Therefore, the scattering layer 105 has high transparency when light is not incident from the LED 112, and can uniformly scatter light when light is incident from the LED 112. It should be noted that the scattering layer 105 is not limited to a plate shape and can be made into any desired shape.

[0029] Furthermore, the particle size of the scattering particles contained in the scattering layer 105 is preferably less than 1 μm. As a result, the scattering particles contained in the scattering layer 105 can be made virtually invisible from the surface side of the display panel 100.

[0030] Furthermore, the haze of the scattering layer 105 is preferably 4% or less. This results in high transparency of the scattering layer 105, which improves the visual visibility of the second decorative layer 106 via the scattering layer 105 from the surface side of the display panel 100.

[0031] The second decorative layer 106 is disposed on the underside of the scattering layer 105. The second decorative layer 106 is a layer with the same decorative pattern as the first decorative layer 103 but without a transparent area 103A. For example, the second decorative layer 106 is formed by printing multiple colors of color ink (e.g., CMYK) on the back side of the scattering layer 105 in pixel units using a thermal transfer printing method.

[0032] It should be noted that the decorative pattern represented by the second decorative layer 106 has the same hue and chroma as the decorative pattern represented by the first decorative layer 103, but has a different brightness than the decorative pattern represented by the first decorative layer 103.

[0033] For example, when the decorative pattern represented by the first decorative layer 103 is a bright color (e.g., brightness L1 > 50), the brightness L2 of the decorative pattern represented by the second decorative layer 106 is set to be higher than the brightness L1 of the decorative pattern represented by the first decorative layer 103.

[0034] Additionally, for example, when the decorative pattern represented by the first decorative layer 103 is dark (e.g., brightness L1 < 50), the brightness L2 of the decorative pattern represented by the second decorative layer 106 is set to be lower than the brightness L1 of the decorative pattern represented by the first decorative layer 103.

[0035] The second tone adjustment layer 107 is formed on the back side (lower side in the figure) of the second decorative layer 106. For example, by printing the second tone adjustment layer 107 in overlap with the second decorative layer 106, light leakage from pinholes or the like in the second decorative layer 106 is prevented. Furthermore, for example, the second tone adjustment layer 107 is formed in a single color and printed in overlap with the second decorative layer 106, thereby adjusting the overall brightness, hue, and chroma of the second decorative layer 106. Moreover, similar to the aforementioned relationship between the first decorative layer 103 and the second decorative layer 106, if the first tone adjustment layer 104 is a light color, the brightness of the second tone adjustment layer 107 is set to be higher than that of the first tone adjustment layer 104; if the first tone adjustment layer 104 is a dark color, the brightness of the second tone adjustment layer 107 is set to be lower than that of the first tone adjustment layer 104.

[0036] Thus, the second hue adjustment layer 107 and the second decorative layer 106 are formed such that, when viewed from above by a person with the LED 112 off, they are visually indistinguishable from the decorative surface formed by the first hue adjustment layer 104 and the first decorative layer 103.

[0037] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the brightness of the first decorative layer 103 and the second decorative layer 106 is changed. However, it is not necessary to change the brightness as long as the decorative surface formed by the first hue adjustment layer 104 and the first decorative layer 103 can be visually distinguished from the decorative surface formed by the second hue adjustment layer 107 and the second decorative layer 106 when viewed from above by a person when the LED 112 is off.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, the first decorative layer 103 and the second decorative layer 106 are set to the same hue and chroma, but they can also be adjusted as needed so that when a person observes from above the display device 10 with the LED 112 off, the decorative surface formed by the first hue adjustment layer 104 and the first decorative layer 103 is almost indistinguishable from the decorative surface formed by the second hue adjustment layer 107 and the second decorative layer 106.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, the second decorative layer 106 and the second hue adjustment layer 107 are integrally formed on the scattering layer 105 by printing, and are separately disposed on the underside of the integrally formed base layer 102, the first decorative layer 103, and the first hue adjustment layer 104, but they can also be integrally formed without separation.

[0040] Furthermore, although a first tone adjustment layer 104 and a second tone adjustment layer 107 are provided in this embodiment, they are not necessarily required. Also, the first decorative layer 103 or the second decorative layer 106 does not necessarily need to be formed as a single layer; it can be formed as multiple layers. Moreover, when the first decorative layer 103 or the second decorative layer 106 is formed as multiple layers, it can also be formed by including a tone adjustment layer within the first decorative layer 103 or the second decorative layer 106.

[0041] Substrate 111 and LED 112 are disposed on the side of scattering layer 105. Substrate 111 is a flat plate. For example, PWB (Printed Wired Board) or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) can be used as substrate 111. LED 112 is an example of a "light source" and is mounted on the upper surface of substrate 111. LED 112 illuminates the side of scattering layer 105 at predetermined times. The timing of LED 112 emission is controlled externally.

[0042] (The function and effect of display device 10)

[0043] One embodiment of the display device 10, by having the above-described structure, enables the light emitted from the LED 112 to illuminate the side of the scattering layer 105 and to enter the scattering layer 105 from the side of the scattering layer 105. Furthermore, the display device 10 of this embodiment enables the light incident on the scattering layer 105 to be scattered within the scattering layer 105 and to pass through a light-transmitting area 103A having a predetermined appearance design shape. Thus, the display device 10 can display a light image of a predetermined appearance design shape on the surface of the display panel 100.

[0044] It should be noted that, for the display device 10 of one embodiment, when the LED 112 is not emitting light, no light image is displayed on the surface of the decorative object component 110, and the decorative pattern can only be visually recognized.

[0045] In particular, one embodiment of the display device 10 includes: a first decorative layer 103 displaying a decorative pattern; a light-transmitting region 103A disposed on the first decorative layer 103 to allow light to pass through; a scattering layer 105 disposed on the underside of the first decorative layer 103 to scatter light; an LED 112 disposed on the side of the scattering layer 105 to irradiate light onto the scattering layer 105; and a second decorative layer 106 disposed on the underside of the scattering layer 105 and overlapping with the light-transmitting region 103A to display a decorative pattern.

[0046] Therefore, for the display device 10 of one embodiment, when the LED 112 is lit, the light incident from the side of the scattering layer 105 and passing through the light-transmitting area 103A will not be attenuated by the first decorative layer 103, thus improving the brightness of the light image displayed on the surface of the display panel 100 when the LED 112 is lit.

[0047] Furthermore, as a result, in one embodiment of the display device 10, when the LED 112 is turned off, the LED and the like are not visible from the light-transmitting area 103A, and the decorative pattern of the second decorative layer 106 is visually recognizable, thus making it difficult to visually recognize the outline of the light-transmitting area 103A.

[0048] In addition, in one embodiment, the display device 10 has LEDs 112 arranged on the side of the scattering layer 105, thereby enabling the device to be made thinner overall compared to the conventional structure in which the light source is placed on the back side of the display panel 100.

[0049] In addition, in one embodiment of the display device 10, the scattering layer 105 is configured to contain scattering particles in a transparent material.

[0050] Therefore, in the display device 10 of one embodiment, the scattering layer 105 is not made cloudy, but its transparency is improved, and its light scattering property is also improved. Thus, in the display device 10 of one embodiment, the outline of the light-transmitting area 103A is made difficult to visually discern when the LED 112 is off, and the brightness of the light image displayed on the surface of the display panel 100 is improved when the LED 112 is on.

[0051] In addition, in one embodiment of the display device 10, the brightness of the decorative pattern on the second decorative layer 106 is different from that on the first decorative layer 103.

[0052] Therefore, for the display device 10 of one embodiment, when the LED 112 is turned off, when the display panel 100 is viewed from the surface side, the brightness of the first decorative layer 103 and the second decorative layer 106 is approximately equal, so the outline of the light-transmitting area 103A provided on the first decorative layer 103 is not conspicuous.

[0053] It should be noted that in the display device 10 of one embodiment, the first decorative layer 103 and the second decorative layer 106 can both be the decorative patterns representing the black color scheme.

[0054] Therefore, in one embodiment of the display device 10, when the LED 112 is off, the outline of the light-transmitting area 103A provided on the first decorative layer 103 is not conspicuous when the display panel 100 is viewed from the surface side.

[0055] Alternatively, in one embodiment of the display device 10, reflective processing can be performed on the surfaces of the scattering layer 105 that are orthogonal to and / or opposite to the incident surface of the light emitted from the LED 112. Examples of reflective processing include white coating, white stripes, and mirror finish.

[0056] Therefore, in one embodiment of the display device 10, when the LED 112 is lit, light leakage from the surface of the scattering layer 105 that is orthogonal to the incident surface and / or opposite to it can be suppressed, thereby improving the brightness of the light image displayed on the surface of the display panel 100.

[0057] Alternatively, in one embodiment of the display device 10, light absorption processing may be performed on the surfaces of the scattering layer 105 that face and / or are orthogonal to the incident surface of the light emitted from the LED 112. Examples of absorption processing include black coatings and black stripes.

[0058] Therefore, for the display device 10 of one embodiment, when the LED 112 is lit, light leakage from the surface of the scattering layer 105 facing the incident surface and / or orthogonal to it can be suppressed. Thus, for example, if an identical display device exists next to the display device 10, the display device 10 of one embodiment can suppress light incident on the scattering layer 105 from the surface of the scattering layer 105 facing the incident surface and / or orthogonal to the adjacent display device.

[0059] (Variation example)

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stacked structure of a modified embodiment of a display device 10-2.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, the difference between display device 10-2 and display device 10 is that the substrate 111 extends to a position overlapping with the light-transmitting area 103A, and the second decorative layer 106 and the second color adjustment layer 107 are formed on the substrate 111. Other aspects are the same as display device 10.

[0062] The display device 10-2 has a Figure 3 The structure shown can serve the same purpose as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same effect is achieved with the display device 10 shown.

[0063] It should be noted that in the display device 10-2, the surface of the substrate 111 on which the second decorative layer 106 and the second color adjustment layer 107 are formed can be further covered with a transparent or translucent coating material.

[0064] Furthermore, for display devices 10 and 10-2, the first decorative layer 103 and the second decorative layer 106 can be formed using the same manufacturing method, or they can be formed using different manufacturing methods.

[0065] In addition, in display devices 10 and 10-2, when the decorative patterns of the first decorative layer 103 and the second decorative layer 106 have patterns (such as checkered patterns), it is also possible to consider the difference in distance when viewing the display panel 100 from the surface side, so that the pattern of the decorative pattern of the second decorative layer 106 is larger than the pattern of the decorative pattern of the first decorative layer 103.

[0066] Therefore, when the LED 112 is turned off, when the display panel 100 is viewed from the surface side, the size of the decorative pattern of the second decorative layer 106 is approximately equal to the size of the decorative pattern of the first decorative layer 103 in appearance. Thus, the outline of the light-transmitting area 103A provided in the first decorative layer 103 is not conspicuous.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stacked structure of a modified embodiment of a display device 10-3. Figure 4 The difference between the display device 10-3 shown and the display device 10 is that it also has an electrostatic sensor 120, an adhesive layer 122 and an FPC 121, but is otherwise the same as the display device 10.

[0068] An electrostatic sensor 120 is disposed between the first hue adjustment layer 104 and the scattering layer 105. The electrostatic sensor 120 includes: a substrate 120A made of glass or PET (polyethylene terephthalate); and a sensor electrode 120B formed on the substrate 120A and made of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or the like, which functions as an electrostatic sensor electrode.

[0069] The adhesive layer 122 is made of OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) or OCR (Optical Clear Resin), etc., and fixes the surface of the sensor electrode 120B of the electrostatic sensor 120 to the lower surface of the base layer 102 which is provided with the first decorative layer 103 and the first color adjustment layer 104.

[0070] It should be noted that the substrate 120A, sensor electrode 120B, and adhesive layer 122 are made transparent, which hardly obstructs the light passing through the light-transmitting area 104A.

[0071] Sensor electrode 120B is connected to FPC121. Sensor electrode 120B is driven and outputs a detection signal.

[0072] Furthermore, the electrostatic sensor 120 can detect the contact position of an operating object (such as an operator's finger) relative to the surface of the display device 10-3. Therefore, the display device 10-3 can accept operating input corresponding to the contact position of the operating object.

[0073] The present invention has been described in detail above with respect to one embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications or alterations can be made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as described in the technical solution.

[0074] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-032836, filed on March 3, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0075] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0076] 10, 10-2, 10-3 display devices

[0077] 100 Display Panel

[0078] 102 Basal layer

[0079] 103 First Decorative Layer

[0080] 103A Light-transmitting area

[0081] 104 First Tone Adjustment Layer

[0082] 104A Light-transmitting area

[0083] 105 Scattering Layer

[0084] 106 Second decorative layer

[0085] 107 Second Tone Adjustment Layer

[0086] 111 substrate

[0087] 112 LEDs (light source)

[0088] 120 Electrostatic Sensor

[0089] 120A Substrate

[0090] 120B sensor electrode

[0091] 121 FPC

[0092] 122 Adhesive layer.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: The first decorative layer, which displays decorative patterns; A light-transmitting area is provided on the first decorative layer to allow light to pass through; A scattering layer is disposed on the underside of the first decorative layer to scatter the light; A light source is disposed to the side of the scattering layer to illuminate the scattering layer with light; as well as The second decorative layer, located below the scattering layer and overlapping the light-transmitting area, displays the decorative pattern. The second decorative layer has a different brightness level than the decorative pattern in the first decorative layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scattering layer is constructed by including light-scattering particles in a transparent material.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first decorative layer and the second decorative layer feature the decorative pattern in black.

4. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the scattering layer, reflective processing is performed on the surfaces orthogonal to the incident surface of the light emitted from the light source and / or the surfaces opposite to the incident surface to reflect the light.

5. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the scattering layer, the surfaces facing the incident surface of the light emitted from the light source and / or orthogonal to the incident surface are subjected to light absorption processing.

6. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: The first decorative layer, which displays decorative patterns; A light-transmitting area is provided on the first decorative layer to allow light to pass through; A scattering layer is disposed on the underside of the first decorative layer to scatter the light; A light source is disposed to the side of the scattering layer to illuminate the scattering layer with light; as well as The second decorative layer, located below the scattering layer and overlapping the light-transmitting area, displays the decorative pattern. Compared to the first decorative layer, the decorative pattern of the second decorative layer is larger.

7. The display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The scattering layer is constructed by including light-scattering particles in a transparent material.

8. The display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the first decorative layer and the second decorative layer feature the decorative pattern in black.

9. The display device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, In the scattering layer, reflective processing is performed on the surfaces orthogonal to the incident surface of the light emitted from the light source and / or the surfaces opposite to the incident surface to reflect the light.

10. The display device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, In the scattering layer, the surfaces facing the incident surface of the light emitted from the light source and / or orthogonal to the incident surface are subjected to light absorption processing.

Images