Decorative sheet

Abstract

The decorative sheet (1) has: a skin layer (3) having light transmittance; an intermediate layer (4) disposed on the back side of the skin layer (3) and having light transmittance; an appearance layer (5) disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer (4); and a base layer (6) disposed on the back side of the appearance layer (5) and having light transmittance. The appearance layer (5) has a shielding portion (50) and an opening portion (51) disposed adjacent to the shielding portion (50) via a boundary (A) as viewed from the front side. A plurality of dot portions (510) are disposed within the opening portion (51) as viewed from the front side. The plurality of dot portions (510) are disposed to become denser toward the inside of the opening portion (51) from the boundary (A). The opening portion (51) has higher light transmittance than the shielding portion (50) and the dot portions (510). The dot portions (510) have the same light transmittance as the shielding portion (50) or higher light transmittance than the shielding portion (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative sheet for, for example, interior trim parts for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of vehicle interior design, the development of decorative sheets is being promoted that allow the appearance to be switched from the inside of the vehicle cabin by turning backlighting on and off. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a display device comprising a surface protective layer, a patterned layer (appearance layer) and gaps, a substrate, a dimming sheet, a light-emitting display (display), and a display control device. The surface protective layer, patterned layer and gaps, substrate, dimming sheet, and light-emitting display are stacked in this order from the front side (inside the vehicle cabin) towards the back side. The display control device is configured independently of these components.

[0003] The surface protective layer is colorless and transparent. Patterns such as wood grain pipe designs and marble patterns are printed on the patterned layer. The patterned layer is printed on the substrate surface. Voids are arranged side-by-side on the patterned layer. The voids correspond to the unprinted areas of the substrate surface.

[0004] The display control device can adjust the light transmittance of the dimming sheet according to the lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting display. Specifically, the display control device can adjust the dimming sheet so that light passes through when the light-emitting display is lit and does not pass through when the light-emitting display is extinguished. When the light-emitting display is lit, the dimming sheet allows light to pass through, thus making it easy to display the appearance of the patterned layer on the front side of the surface protective layer. On the other hand, when the light-emitting display is extinguished, the dimming sheet does not allow light to pass through, thus making it difficult to display the appearance of the patterned layer on the front side of the surface protective layer.

[0005] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-162723. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, according to the decorative sheet described in the same document, sometimes when the light-emitting display is off, under certain conditions, the appearance of the patterned layer is easily visible on the front side of the surface protective layer. That is, when the light-emitting display is off, a portion of the light from the outside (the front side of the decorative sheet) is reflected on the substrate surface. A portion of the light follows a path of surface protective layer → voids → substrate surface → voids again → surface protective layer again, and is visually recognized by the user. Additionally, another portion of the light from the outside is reflected on the back side of the surface protective layer (not reaching the substrate surface), and is visually recognized by the user. Here, if the difference between the reflection on the substrate surface and the reflection on the back side of the surface protective layer is too large, the voids become easily visible from the outside. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a decorative sheet in which the openings of the appearance layer are difficult to visually recognize when the backlight is off.

[0007] means for solving problems (1) In order to solve the above problems, the decorative sheet of the present invention comprises: a skin layer having light transmittance; an intermediate layer disposed on the back side of the skin layer and having light transmittance; an outer layer disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer; and a base layer disposed on the back side of the outer layer and having light transmittance, characterized in that, viewed from the front side, the outer layer has a shielding portion and an opening disposed adjacent to the shielding portion via a boundary, and viewed from the front side, a plurality of dots are disposed in the opening, the plurality of dots being arranged from dense to sparse from the boundary toward the inside of the opening, the opening having higher light transmittance than the shielding portion and the dots, and the dots having the same light transmittance as the shielding portion or higher light transmittance than the shielding portion.

[0008] Assuming no multiple points are arranged within the opening, in this case, when the backlight is off, a portion of the light entering the decorative sheet from the front side of the outer layer is reflected on the front of the shielding portion (shielding portion reflection), and is visually perceived by the user. Additionally, when the backlight is off, another portion of the light entering the decorative sheet from the front side of the outer layer passes through the opening and is reflected on the front of the base layer (base layer reflection), and is visually perceived by the user.

[0009] The difference between the reflection from the obstruction and the reflection from the substrate arises due to the different reflectivities of the light on the front of the obstruction and the front of the substrate. Therefore, the boundary between the obstruction and the opening becomes easily discernible to the user.

[0010] In this respect, according to this configuration, a plurality of dots are arranged within the opening. Furthermore, the plurality of dots are arranged such that they decrease in density from the boundary between the obstruction and the opening toward the inside of the opening. As described above, when the backlight is off, the boundary between the obstruction and the opening is easily visually discernible. By densely arranging a plurality of dots near this boundary, the boundary can be blurred. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the boundary is visually discernible by the user.

[0011] Furthermore, on the side of the dot (the surface connecting the front and back), at least one of absorption, attenuation, or reflection of light reflected from the front of the substrate occurs. Therefore, the boundary (outer edge of the dot) between the dot and the portion within the opening where no dot is disposed (the part where no dot exists) can be blurred.

[0012] (1-1) In the configuration described in (1) above, it is preferable to configure the substrate as follows: the substrate is a thermoplastic elastomer with light diffusing properties. The thermoplastic elastomer substrate has a large number of micropores. From a macroscopic perspective, the front of the substrate is white. Therefore, the front of the substrate easily reflects light. Therefore, when the backlight is off, the boundary between the obstruction and the opening is easily visually identified. For decorative sheets with such a highly light-reflective substrate, the decorative sheet of the present invention is preferred.

[0013] (2) In the above (1) configuration, it is preferable to configure it as follows: from the front side, the opening is divided into: an outer point region arranged adjacent to the boundary; and an inner point region arranged adjacent to the outer point region, and a plurality of points are densely arranged in the outer point region relative to the inner point region.

[0014] According to this configuration, the opening is divided into: an outer point region where multiple points are densely arranged; and an inner point region where multiple points are sparsely arranged. Through these two point regions, the multiple points can be arranged to become sparser from the boundary toward the inside of the opening.

[0015] (3) In the above (2) configuration, it is preferable to configure it as follows: the direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the boundary is set as the width direction, the end of the shielding part side of the two ends of the width direction of the outer point region is set as the outer end, the end of the opening part side is set as the inner end, the outer end is the boundary, the full length of the width direction of the opening is set as 100%, and the inner end is positioned within 33% of the width direction from the boundary.

[0016] According to this configuration, by setting the width of the opening to 100% of its total length, compared to the case where the inner end is positioned at a position exceeding 33% of the width from the boundary, the width of the outer dot region (the region with densely arranged dots) can be narrowed while the width of the inner dot region (the region with sparsely arranged dots) can be widened. Therefore, the boundary can be blurred more effectively. Furthermore, it can suppress the excessive reduction of light transmittance at the opening.

[0017] (4) In the above (2) configuration, it is preferable to configure it as follows: when viewed from the front side, the configuration density of the plurality of points in the outer point region gradually decreases from the boundary toward the inside of the opening.

[0018] Assume a scenario where the density of multiple dots changes abruptly from the boundary between the obstruction and the opening towards the inside of the opening. In this case, when the backlight is off, the boundary where the density of the multiple dots changes (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "density boundary") becomes easily visually discernible to the user. In this configuration, the density of the multiple dots gradually decreases from the boundary between the obstruction and the opening towards the inside of the opening. Therefore, the density boundary can be blurred.

[0019] Furthermore, the light transmittance differs between areas with high and low density of the multiple dots. Therefore, when the density of the multiple dots changes abruptly from the boundary between the obstruction and the opening towards the inside of the opening, the difference in light transmittance becomes greater. Consequently, when the backlight is on, the user can easily visually perceive the difference in brightness. In contrast, according to this configuration, the density of the multiple dots gradually decreases from the boundary between the obstruction and the opening towards the inside of the opening. Therefore, the difference in light transmittance is smaller. Consequently, when the backlight is on, the user finds it difficult to visually perceive the difference in brightness.

[0020] (5) In the configuration described in (2) above, it is preferable to configure it such that, when viewed from the front, the arrangement density of the plurality of dots in the outer dot region is uniform. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the situation where the boundary of the arrangement density of the plurality of dots is generated in the outer dot region. In addition, since it is difficult to generate the boundary of the arrangement density of the plurality of dots itself, the light transmittance is easily made uniform throughout the entire outer dot region. Therefore, when the backlight is on, it is difficult for the user to visually perceive the difference in luminance.

[0021] (6) In the above (2) configuration, it is preferable to set it as follows: when viewed from the front side, the area of ​​the inner point region is set to 100%, and the total area of ​​the plurality of points in the inner point region is 25% or more and 50% or less.

[0022] According to this configuration, compared to cases where the total area of ​​the multiple dots is less than 25%, it can suppress the situation where the opening can be visually recognized by the user when the backlight is off. Furthermore, compared to cases where the total area of ​​the multiple dots exceeds 50%, it can suppress the situation where the light transmittance of the opening decreases when the backlight is on.

[0023] (7) In the configuration described in (1) above, it is preferable to configure the dot portion such that, when viewed from the front side, the diameter of the circumscribed circle is 1.5 mm or less. According to this configuration, compared to the case where the diameter of the circumscribed circle exceeds 1.5 mm, it is possible to suppress the situation where the dot portion itself is visually recognized by the user when the backlight is off.

[0024] (8) In the configuration described in (1) above, it is preferable to configure the opening as follows: when viewed from the front, the opening is strip-shaped, and the length of the short side of the opening is 3 mm or more. Here, "strip-shaped" means that the aspect ratio of the opening is (length of the short side: length of the long side) = (more than 1:1). When the length of the short side of the opening is 3 mm or more, the boundary between the obstruction and the opening becomes easily visually discernible to the user when the backlight is off. According to this configuration, multiple dots can be arranged in the area where the boundary blurring effect can be effectively achieved (the area where the length of the short side of the opening is 3 mm or more). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the boundary between the obstruction and the opening is visually discernible to the user when the backlight is off.

[0025] (9) In the configuration described in (1) above, it is preferable to configure the intermediate layer to have a visible light transmittance of 3% or more and 30% or less. In this invention, "visible light" refers to electromagnetic waves within the wavelength range that are perceived as light by the human eye. The wavelength range of visible light is, for example, 360 nm or more and 830 nm or less. Furthermore, "visible light transmittance" τ refers to the proportion of visible light that passes through the sample (e.g., the intermediate layer). The luminous intensity of the incident light is set to I0, and the luminous intensity of the light after passing through the sample is set to I, and the visible light transmittance τ (%) is expressed as (I / I0) × 100. According to this configuration, compared with the case where the visible light transmittance is less than 3%, the visual recognizability of the opening when the backlight is on can be improved. In addition, compared with the case where the visible light transmittance exceeds 30%, the case where the opening is transparently displayed on the front of the epidermis when the backlight is off can be suppressed.

[0026] (10) In the configuration described in (1) above, it is preferable to configure it as an interior component disposed in a vehicle. According to this configuration, the appearance of the interior component can be made dual-sided by switching the backlight on and off.

[0027] Invention Effects According to the decorative sheet of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the visual recognition of the opening of the outer layer when the backlight is off. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view of a door trim panel equipped with the decorative sheet of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The 3D view within frame II.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The exploded 3D view within frame II.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front view of the exterior layer within frame II.

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view within frame V.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view along the VI-VI direction.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a partial front view of the exterior layer of the decorative sheet according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a partial front view of the exterior layer of the decorative sheet according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 (A) is a front view of the dotted portion of the decorative sheet in another embodiment (1). Figure 9 (B) is a front view of the dotted portion of the decorative sheet in another embodiment (2). Figure 9 (C) is a front view of the dotted portion of the decorative sheet in another embodiment (3). Figure 9 (D) in the figure is a front view of the dotted portion of the decorative sheet in another embodiment (4). Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following describes embodiments of the decorative sheet material of the present invention.

[0038] <First Implementation> Figure 1 A partial perspective view showing the door trim panel of the decorative sheet disposed in this embodiment. Figure 2 express Figure 1 The 3D view within frame II. Figure 3 express Figure 1 The exploded 3D view within frame II. Figure 4 express Figure 1 Front view of the exterior layer within frame II. Figure 5 express Figure 4 Enlarged view within frame V. Figure 6 express Figure 5 The VI-VI sectional views. In these views, the front-back direction corresponds to the "extension direction of the boundary" of the invention, and the left-right direction corresponds to the "width direction" and "short side direction" of the invention.

[0039] (Configuration and composition of decorative sheets) First, the configuration and structure of the decorative sheet in this embodiment will be explained. For example... Figure 1 As shown, decorative sheet 1 is disposed on door trim panel 9 of the vehicle compartment. Door trim panel 9 is included in the concept of "interior components" of this invention. Figures 1-6 As shown, the door trim panel 9 includes a decorative sheet 1 and a light source section 8. The decorative sheet 1 and the light source section 8 are stacked in this order from the front side (upper side, interior of the vehicle compartment) toward the back side (lower side, exterior of the vehicle compartment).

[0040] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the decorative sheet 1, from the front side to the back side, has a skin layer 3, an intermediate layer 4, an outer layer 5, and a base layer 6. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the front (upper surface) of the outer skin layer 3 is exposed inside the carriage. The outer skin layer 3 is made of synthetic leather and is layered. The outer skin layer 3 is translucent and soft. (As shown...) Figure 6 As shown, the epidermal layer 3 has a textured surface 31. The textured surface 31 is arranged across the entire front surface of the epidermal layer 3. Light is emitted from the back light source 8 through the base layer 6 (described later) to the outer layer 5 (described later). Through this light, the appearance of the outer layer 5 (openings 51, dots 510, etc.) is displayed on the front surface of the epidermal layer 3.

[0041] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the intermediate layer 4 is disposed on the back side of the epidermal layer 3. The intermediate layer 4 is made of translucent ink and is layered. The intermediate layer 4 is translucent and soft. The translucentness of the intermediate layer 4 is lower than that of the epidermal layer 3. The intermediate layer 4 is a semi-transparent layer with a frosted finish. The intermediate layer 4 is colored and transparent.

[0042] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the outer layer 5 is disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer 4. The outer layer 5 is layered. The outer layer 5 is flexible. The light transmittance of the outer layer 5 is higher than that of the intermediate layer 4. Figures 3-5 As shown, viewed from the front side, the outer layer 5 has two blocking portions 50, an opening 51, and a boundary A. The two blocking portions 50 are arranged along the left and right edges of the outer layer 5. The blocking portions 50 are strips extending in the front-to-back direction. The blocking portions 50 are made of light-blocking (opaque) ink and have light-blocking properties.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the opening 51 is disposed between the two blocking portions 50 (inner side in the left-right direction). The opening 51 is a space and is translucent. The opening 51 is disposed adjacent to the blocking portion 50 via boundary A. The opening 51 is a strip extending in the front-back direction. Viewed from the front, a plurality of dots 510 are dispersedly disposed in the opening 51. Specifically, the plurality of dots 510 are disposed in the opening 51 in a manner that decreases from dense to sparse from boundary A toward the inner side of the opening 51 (center of the opening 51 in the left-right direction). The dots 510 are elongated ellipses in the left-right direction. The area of ​​the plurality of dots 510 is uniform. The dots 510 are made of light-blocking ink and are light-blocking. The opening 51 (specifically, the portion of the opening 51 where the dots 510 are not disposed, i.e., the part where the dots do not exist) has higher light transmittance than the blocking portion 50 and the dots 510. The dot portion 510 has the same light transmittance as the blocking portion 50, or higher light transmittance than the blocking portion 50. That is, the relationship of light transmittance from high to low is "opening portion 51 > dot portion 510 ≥ blocking portion 50".

[0044] The opening 51 is divided into two outer point regions B and an inner point region C. The outer point region B is located adjacent to the boundary A within the opening 51. The inner point region C is adjacent to the outer point region B, located within the opening 51, and is located inside the outer point region B in the left-right direction. Multiple point parts 510 are densely arranged in the outer point region B and sparsely arranged in the inner point region C.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, the base layer 6 is disposed on the back side of the outer layer 5. The base layer 6 is a thermoplastic elastic material, possessing flexibility, light transmittance, and light diffusion properties. Light from the light source 80 passes through the base layer 6 and diffuses along the layer direction (the direction in which the layers unfold, intersecting with the stacking direction (vertical direction), and the surface direction). Therefore, the entire front surface of the base layer 6 emits light.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, the light source section 8 is disposed on the back side of the base layer 6 of the decorative sheet 1. The light source section 8 has multiple light sources (LEDs) 80. The multiple light sources 80 are distributed throughout the light source section 8 along the layer direction. Light from the light sources 80 passes through the base layer 6, the outer layer 5, the intermediate layer 4, and the skin layer 3 to reach the front of the door trim panel 9.

[0047] (Manufacturing method of decorative sheet material) Next, the manufacturing method of the decorative sheet material according to this embodiment will be described. The manufacturing method of the decorative sheet material 1 includes an intermediate layer printing process, an outer layer printing process, and a base layer preparation process. Furthermore, this manufacturing method... Figures 1-4The decorative sheet 1 shown is flipped upside down during the process. In the intermediate layer printing process, an intermediate layer 4 is printed on the back (upper surface) of the skin layer 3 of the textured portion 31 using a screen printing machine. Furthermore, if the intermediate layer 4 has a multi-layer structure (for example, a structure having a surface layer (transparent layer) and a back layer (colored layer)), each layer is printed sequentially. In the outer layer printing process, an outer layer 5 is printed on the back (upper surface) of the intermediate layer 4 using a screen printing machine. Specifically, two blocking portions 50 are printed on both sides of the opening 51 in the left-right direction, and a plurality of dots 510 are printed inside the opening 51. In the base layer placement process, a pre-formed base layer 6 is laminated on the back of the outer layer 5.

[0048] (Effects) Next, the effects of the decorative sheet material according to this embodiment will be explained. Assume that no plurality of dots 510 are disposed within the opening 51. In this case, when the backlight is off (when the light source 8 is off), a portion of the light incident on the decorative sheet material 1 from the front side of the skin layer 3 is reflected on the front side of the blocking portion 50 (reflected by the blocking portion 50), and is visually recognized by the user. Furthermore, when the backlight is off, another portion of the light incident on the decorative sheet material 1 from the front side of the skin layer 3 passes through the opening 51 and is reflected on the front side of the base layer 6 (reflected by the base layer 6), and is visually recognized by the user.

[0049] Here, a difference arises between the reflection from the shielding part 50 and the reflection from the base layer 6 due to the difference in light reflectivity between the front surface of the shielding part 50 and the front surface of the base layer 6. Therefore, boundary A is easily visually discernible by the user.

[0050] In this respect, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the decorative sheet 1 according to this embodiment, a plurality of dots 510 are arranged within the opening 51. Furthermore, the dots 510 are arranged such that they decrease in density from the boundary A between the blocking portion 50 and the opening 51 toward the inside of the opening 51. By densely arranging the dots 510 near the boundary A, which is easily visually discernible when the backlight is off, the boundary A can be blurred. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the boundary A is visually discernible by the user.

[0051] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, at least one of absorption, attenuation, and reflection of light reflected from the front surface of the base layer 6 occurs in the side surface of the dot portion 510 (the surface extending along the stacking direction (front and back direction, up and down direction, the surface connecting the front and back surfaces). Therefore, the boundary (outer edge of the dot portion 510) between the dot portion 510 and the portion of the opening 51 where the dot portion 510 is not disposed (the part where the dot does not exist) can be blurred.

[0052] The thermoplastic elastomer base layer 6 has numerous micropores. In macroscopic observation, the front surface of the base layer 6 is white. Therefore, the front surface of the base layer 6 readily reflects light. Consequently, when the backlight is off, the boundary A is easily visually discernible. For decorative sheets 1 having such a highly reflective base layer 6, the decorative sheet of the present invention is preferred.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, viewed from the side, the opening 51 is divided into an outer dot region B, in which multiple dots 510 are densely arranged, and an inner dot region C, in which multiple dots 510 are sparsely arranged. Through these two dot regions, the multiple dots 510 can be arranged from dense to sparse from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51 (inner side in the left-right direction).

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the ends of the outer point region B on the side of the obstruction portion 50 in the left and right directions are designated as outer end B1 (i.e., boundary A). The ends of the outer point region B on the side of the opening portion 51 in the width direction are designated as inner end B2. The total length of the opening portion 51 in the left and right directions is set to 100%, and the inner end B2 is positioned within 33% of the left and right sides from boundary A. Therefore, compared to the case where the inner end B2 is positioned more than 33% of the left and right sides from boundary A, the width of the outer point region (the region where the dots 510 are densely arranged) B can be narrowed, and the width of the inner point region (the region where the dots 510 are sparsely arranged) C can be widened. Therefore, boundary A can be blurred more effectively. Furthermore, the excessive reduction of light transmittance of the opening portion 51 can be suppressed.

[0055] Figure 5 As shown, viewed from the side, two rows of points L1 to L2 are arranged in the outer point region B, extending from the outer end B1 (boundary A) towards the inner end B2. The two rows of points L1 to L2 are arranged in the left-right direction. Each of the points L1 to L2 has multiple points 510 connected in a straight line (dashed line). Each of the points L1 to L2 extends in the front-back direction.

[0056] In the two rows of dot columns L1 to L2, the spacing between adjacent pairs of dots 510 in the front-back direction is the same. That is, the spacing between adjacent pairs of dots 510 is set such that dot column L1 = dot column L2. Therefore, the arrangement density of the plurality of dots 510 in the outer dot region B (the number of dots 510 per unit area in any dot column L1 to L2) is uniform from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the boundary of the arrangement density of the plurality of dots 510 is generated in the outer dot region B. In addition, since it is difficult to generate the boundary of the arrangement density of the plurality of dots 510, the light transmittance is easily made uniform throughout the entire outer dot region B. Therefore, when the backlight is on (when the light source 8 is on), it is difficult for the user to visually perceive the difference in luminance.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, viewed from the side, with the area of ​​the inner point region C set to 100%, the total area of ​​the multiple points 510 in the inner point region C is between 25% and 50%. Therefore, compared to the case where the total area of ​​the multiple points 510 is less than 25%, the situation where the opening 51 can be visually recognized by the user when the backlight is off can be suppressed. Furthermore, compared to the case where the total area of ​​the multiple points 510 exceeds 50%, the situation where the light transmittance of the opening 51 decreases when the backlight is on can be suppressed.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, viewed from the side, the major axis of the elliptical dot 510 extends in the left-right direction. Both ends of the major axis in the left-right direction abut against the circumscribed circle E. The diameter of the circumscribed circle E is 1.5 mm or less. Therefore, compared to cases where the diameter of the circumscribed circle E (i.e., the length of the major axis of the dot 510) exceeds 1.5 mm, the dot 510 itself can be visually recognized by the user when the backlight is off.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, viewed from the side, the opening 51 extends in a strip shape along the front-to-back direction (long side direction). The length of the opening 51 in the left-to-right direction is 3mm or more. That is, the aspect ratio of the opening 51 is (left-to-right length: front-to-back length) = (more than 1:1). When the length (opening width) of the opening 51 in the left-to-right direction is 3mm or more, the boundary A becomes easily visible to the user when the backlight is off.

[0060] In this respect, according to the decorative sheet 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of dots 510 are arranged in the area where the blurring effect of the boundary A can be effectively achieved (the area where the length of the opening 51 in the left-right direction is 3 mm or more). Therefore, when the backlight is off, it is possible to suppress the situation where the boundary A can be visually recognized by the user.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer 4 is 3% to 30%. Therefore, compared to the case where the visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer 4 is less than 3%, the visual recognizability of the opening 51 when the backlight is on can be improved. Furthermore, compared to the case where the visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer 4 exceeds 30%, the situation where the opening 51 is transparently displayed on the front side of the epidermal layer 3 when the backlight is off can be suppressed. The method for measuring visible light transmittance will be explained below. First, in a dark room without illumination, using an LED light source (brightness 3000 cd / m²)... 2A sample was placed on the sample, and an LED light source was turned on. Next, at a position 1000 mm away from the measurement location on the sample (a circular portion with a diameter of approximately 4 mm), the luminance I0 of the incident light and the luminance I of the light passing through the sample were measured using a colorimeter (manufactured by Konica Minolta, model CS-160). Then, based on the measurement results, the visible light transmittance τ (%) was calculated using the formula (I / I0) × 100.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the decorative sheet 1 of this embodiment is disposed on the interior components of the vehicle, namely the door trim panel 9. Therefore, the appearance of the door trim panel 9 can be made dual-sided by switching the backlight on and off.

[0063] The manufacturing method of decorative sheet 1 includes an intermediate layer printing process and an outer layer printing process. Therefore, compared with cases where, for example, the intermediate layer 4 is a coating, inconsistencies in the thickness of the intermediate layer 4 can be suppressed. In addition, the situation where the thickness of the intermediate layer 4 becomes excessive can be suppressed. The outer layer 5 also has the same effect as the intermediate layer 4. Furthermore, positional shifts along the layer direction between the three layers (skin layer 3, intermediate layer 4, and outer layer 5) can be suppressed.

[0064] <Second Implementation> The difference between the decorative sheet of this embodiment and the decorative sheet of the first embodiment is that the dot portion is an isosceles triangle. Here, only the difference will be explained. Figure 7 This is a partial front view showing the exterior layer of the decorative sheet according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to denote... Figure 5 The corresponding part.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, viewed from the side, point 510 is an isosceles triangle extending in the left-right direction. In any sequence of points L1 to L2, any pair of adjacent point portions 510 in the front-back direction are arranged such that the orientation of their vertices or bases is opposite to each other. That is, multiple point portions 510 are arranged in an alternating pattern.

[0066] The decorative sheet of this embodiment and the decorative sheet of the first embodiment share the same functional effect for their common components. As with the decorative sheet of this embodiment, the shape of the dot portion 510 can be set as an isosceles triangle. Furthermore, the multiple dots 510 can be arranged in an interlaced pattern.

[0067] <Third Implementation Method> The difference between the decorative sheet of this embodiment and the decorative sheet of the first embodiment is that the density of the plurality of dots in the outer dot region gradually decreases from the boundary toward the inside of the opening. Here, only the difference will be described. Figure 8This is a partial front view showing the exterior layer of the decorative sheet according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to denote... Figure 5 The corresponding part.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, viewed from the side, three rows of dots L1 to L3 are arranged in the outer point region B, extending from the outer end B1 (boundary A) towards the inner end B2. The three rows of dots L1 to L3 are arranged in the left-right direction. The dots L1 to L3 have multiple points 510 connected in a straight line (dashed line). The dots L1 to L3 extend in the front-back direction.

[0069] In the three rows of dots L1 to L3, the spacing between adjacent pairs of dots 510 is set to gradually increase (become gradually wider). That is, the spacing between adjacent pairs of dots 510 is set in the order of dot column L1 → dot column L2 → dot column L3, starting from the narrower side. Therefore, the arrangement density of the multiple dots 510 in the outer dot region B gradually decreases (gradually reduces) from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51.

[0070] The decorative sheet of this embodiment has the same effect on the common parts of the structure of the decorative sheet of the first embodiment. Assume that in the three rows of dot columns L1 to L3, the density of the plurality of dots 510 changes abruptly from boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51. In this case, when the backlight is off, the boundary between adjacent dot columns (dot column L1 and dot column L2, dot column L2 and dot column L3) (the boundary of the density of the plurality of dots 510) becomes easily visually discernible to the user. In this respect, according to the decorative sheet of this embodiment, in the three rows of dot columns L1 to L3, the density of the plurality of dots 510 gradually decreases from boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51. Therefore, the boundary between adjacent dot columns L1 to L3 can be blurred.

[0071] Furthermore, the light transmittance differs between areas with high and low density of the multiple dots 510. Therefore, in the three rows of dots L1 to L3, where the density of the multiple dots 510 changes abruptly from boundary A towards the inside of the opening 51, the difference in light transmittance becomes greater. Consequently, when backlit, the user can easily visually perceive the difference in brightness. In contrast, according to the decorative sheet of this embodiment, in the three rows of dots L1 to L3, the density of the multiple dots 510 gradually decreases from boundary A towards the inside of the opening 51. Therefore, the difference in light transmittance is smaller. Consequently, when backlit, the user finds it difficult to visually perceive the difference in brightness.

[0072] <Other> The embodiments of the decorative sheet material of the present invention have been described above. However, the embodiments are not particularly limited to the above-described manner. Various modifications and improvements can also be made by those skilled in the art.

[0073] (Regarding composition) The shape of the front of the dot 510 is not specifically limited. Figure 9 (A) ~ Figure 9 In the figure, (D) represents a front view of the dotted portion of the decorative sheet in other embodiments (1) to (4). Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to denote... Figure 5 The corresponding part.

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown in (A), point 510 can be a square. Of course, it can also be other regular polygons (equilateral triangles, regular pentagons, regular hexagons, etc.). In addition, it can also be a rectangle, parallelogram, etc. That is, the shape of point 510 can be isotropic or anisotropic.

[0075] like Figure 9 As shown in (B), the point portion 510 can be rhomboid. Like the rhomboid point portion 510, when the point portion 510 is anisotropic, the direction of its major axis is not particularly limited. It can be in the left-right direction, the front-back direction, or an inclined direction (the direction intersecting the left-right and front-back directions). The outer edge of the point portion 510 can abut against the circumcircle E at at least two points.

[0076] like Figure 9 As shown in (C), the point portion 510 can be a perfect circle. In this case, the outer edge of the point portion 510 coincides with the circumcircle E. Figure 9 As shown in (D), multiple points 510 can be connected to each other. The multiple connected points 510 can be displayed as a line. Alternatively, multiple lines can be overlapped to display a shaded line. The continuous direction of the multiple points 510 is not particularly limited. It can be left-right, front-back, or oblique. The areas of the multiple points 510 can be the same or different.

[0077] The arrangement of the multiple points 510 in the opening 51 is not particularly limited. They can be arranged regularly or irregularly. The multiple points 510 can be arranged such that they become less dense and more sparse as they move from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51.

[0078] Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8The extension direction of the point sequences L1 to L3 shown is not particularly limited. It can be left-right, front-back, or inclined. The direction in which multiple point sequences L1 to L3 are arranged side-by-side is not particularly limited. It can be left-right, front-back, or inclined. In any point sequence L1 to L3, the spacing between adjacent pairs of points 510 is not particularly limited. They can be equal or different.

[0079] The shape of the side surface of the dot 510 is not particularly limited. It can be a planar shape extending along the stacking direction, a convex shape bulging along the stacking direction, a concave shape recessed along the stacking direction, or a shape formed by combining at least two of these surface shapes.

[0080] The shape, position, and number of openings 51, dots 510, and obstructions 50 in the outer layer 5 are not particularly limited. The light transmittance of openings 51, dots 510, and obstructions 50 is not particularly limited. The light transmittance can be arranged in the order of "opening 51 > dot 510 > obstruction 50" from highest to lowest. Alternatively, the light transmittance can be arranged in the order of "opening 51 > dot 510 = obstruction 50".

[0081] The layer structure of each layer (epidermal layer 3, intermediate layer 4, outer layer 5, and base layer 6) is not particularly limited. It can be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Other layers can be sandwiched between two layers adjacent to each other in the front and back directions. In addition, other layers can be arranged on the front side of epidermal layer 3.

[0082] There are no particular limitations on the differences in area between the layers when viewed from the front or side. For example, when viewed from the front, the intermediate layer 4 and the outer layer 5 can be arranged in a portion of the epidermal layer 3. Additionally, when viewed from the front, the outer layer 5 can be arranged in a portion of the intermediate layer 4. Furthermore, when viewed from the front, the intermediate layer 4 can be arranged in a portion of the outer layer 5.

[0083] The color displayed on the surface of the epidermal layer 3 can be monochrome or polychrome. The color can be selected from each layer and the light source 8 and displayed on the front of the epidermal layer 3. The light transmittance and transparency of each layer (except for the occluding portion 50 of the outer layer 5) are not particularly limited. They can be colorless transparent, colored transparent, translucent, etc. The color (hue, chroma, brightness) of each layer and the light source 80 is not particularly limited. The epidermal layer 3 may not have a textured portion 31. The front of the epidermal layer 3 can, for example, be a smooth surface.

[0084] The position and number of light sources 80 in the light source unit 8 are not particularly limited. Furthermore, a single light source 80 can have multiple LEDs. In this case, the colors of the multiple LEDs can each be different. For example, if a single light source 80 has red, green, and blue LEDs, it can illuminate not only red, green, and blue light, but also white light.

[0085] The brightness of the light source 80 is not particularly limited. The type, quantity, and location of the light source 80 are not particularly limited. The light source 80 can be an organic EL sheet, an inorganic EL sheet, a photoluminescent sheet, etc. Additionally, the light source unit 8 may include the light source 80 and a light guide plate (e.g., an acrylic plate).

[0086] There are no particular limitations on the types of interior components equipped with decorative sheet 1. Examples include door panels 9, seats, armrests, floor panels, roof panels, dashboards, glove boxes, steering wheels, center consoles, and air conditioning vents. The front of the interior component (the front of the skin layer 3) can be flat or curved. There are no particular limitations on the orientation of the interior component (the orientation of the front and back of the decorative sheet 1). That is, the front and back orientation can be vertical, horizontal, or a direction intersecting the vertical and horizontal directions. Decorative sheet 1 can be installed on interior components of transportation equipment (two-wheeled vehicles, ships, airplanes, etc.) and buildings (buildings, residences, etc.). In addition, decorative sheet 1 can also be installed on exterior components (exterior walls of transportation equipment, buildings, etc.).

[0087] (Regarding materials) The material of the outer skin layer 3 is not specifically limited. Examples include synthetic leather, resin, elastomers, non-woven fabrics, and various types of fabrics (woven materials, woven fabrics, etc.). Specifically, synthetic leather, resins, and elastomers include acrylic acid, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, epoxy, polyurethane, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, and dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers. Non-woven fabrics and various types of fabrics include polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and cotton. The outer skin layer 3 may contain colorants (colored polyethylene, etc.), light diffusing agents (silicone, acrylic acid, titanium dioxide, etc.), and light absorbers (titanium black, carbon black, etc.).

[0088] The material of intermediate layer 4 is not specifically limited. Examples include acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, polyester, epoxy, polyurethane, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers, and other resins and elastomers. Intermediate layer 4 may contain the aforementioned colorants, light diffusing agents, and light absorbing agents.

[0089] The material of the outer layer 5 (shielding portion 50, dot portion 510) is not specifically limited. Examples include acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, polyester, epoxy, polyurethane, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers, and other resins and elastomers. The outer layer 5 may contain the aforementioned colorants, light diffusing agents, and light absorbing agents.

[0090] The opening 51 can be hollow (space) or solid. Specifically, the portion of the opening 51 without the dot 510 (the dot-free portion) can be hollow or solid. If the dot-free portion is solid, its material can be the same as the material of the aforementioned outer layer 5 (resin, elastomer). Of course, the dot-free portion can contain the aforementioned colorant, light diffusing agent, and light absorbing agent. If the dot-free portion is solid, the light transmittance order changes from high to low as "dot-free portion > dot 510 > blocking portion 50". Alternatively, the light transmittance order changes from high to low as "dot-free portion > dot 510 = blocking portion 50".

[0091] The material of base layer 6 is not specifically limited. Examples include elastomers and resins. Specifically, examples include styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers, and olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers. Additionally, examples include foams such as polyurethane foam. Furthermore, examples include resins such as acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, polyester, and epoxy.

[0092] When the intermediate layer 4 and the base layer 6 have light-diffusing properties, there are no particular limitations on the method of applying these properties. For example, a light-diffusing agent (silicone, acrylic, titanium dioxide, etc.) with a refractive index different from that of the main material can be dispersed in the transparent main material.

[0093] The layering method is not particularly limited. Screen printing (such as gravure printing), inkjet printing, flexographic printing, etc., can be used. Alternatively, layers can be layered by bonding, pressing, pasting, vapor deposition, welding, coating, etc. Other thin-film layers (such as the outer layer 5) can be bonded to the back of any layer (such as the intermediate layer 4). Furthermore, other layers (such as the intermediate layer 4) can be coated to the back of any layer (such as the skin layer 3).

[0094] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1: Decorative sheet; 3: Surface layer; 31: Textured part; 4: Intermediate layer; 5: Outer layer; 50: Obscuring part; 51: Opening part; 510: Dot part; 6: Base layer; 8: Light source part; 80: Light source; 9: Door trim panel (interior component); A: Boundary; B: Outer dot area; B1: Outer end; B2: Inner end; C: Inner dot area; E: Circumscribed circle; L1~L3: Dot array.

Claims

1. A decorative sheet material, comprising: The epidermis is translucent; An intermediate layer, which is disposed on the back side of the epidermis and is translucent; An outer layer, which is disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer; as well as The base layer, which is disposed on the back side of the outer layer and is translucent, Its features are, Viewed from the front, the outer layer has a shielding portion and an opening disposed adjacent to the shielding portion via a boundary. Viewed from the side, multiple dots are arranged within the opening. The plurality of said points are configured to decrease in density from dense to sparse as they move from the boundary toward the inside of the opening. The opening has higher light transmittance than the blocking portion and the dot portion. The dotted portion has the same light transmittance as the shielding portion, or higher light transmittance than the shielding portion.

2. The decorative sheet according to claim 1, wherein, Viewed from the side, the opening is divided into: The outer point region configured adjacent to the boundary; and An inner point region is configured adjacent to the outer point region. In contrast to the inner point region, a plurality of points are densely arranged in the outer point region.

3. The decorative sheet according to claim 2, wherein, The direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the boundary is defined as the width direction. The end on the blocking side of the width direction of the outer point region is defined as the outer end, and the end on the opening side is defined as the inner end. The outer end is the boundary. The width of the opening is set to 100%, and the inner end is positioned within 33% of the width direction from the boundary.

4. The decorative sheet according to claim 2, wherein, Viewed from the front, the density of the plurality of points in the outer point region gradually decreases from the boundary toward the inside of the opening.

5. The decorative sheet according to claim 2, wherein, Viewed from the side, the density of the plurality of points in the outer point region is uniform.

6. The decorative sheet according to claim 2, wherein, Viewed from the front, the area of ​​the inner point region is set to 100%, and the total area of ​​the plurality of points in the inner point region is more than 25% and less than 50%.

7. The decorative sheet according to claim 1, wherein, Viewed from the side, the diameter of the circumcircle of the point is less than 1.5 mm.

8. The decorative sheet according to claim 1, wherein, Viewed from the side, the opening is strip-shaped. The length of the short side of the opening is 3mm or more.

9. The decorative sheet according to claim 1, wherein, The visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer is above 3% and below 30%.

10. The decorative sheet according to claim 1, wherein, The decorative sheet is disposed on the interior components of the vehicle.

Images