Decorative sheet and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The decorative sheet (1) comprises: a skin layer (3) that is translucent; an intermediate layer (4) disposed on the back side of the skin layer (3); and an outer layer (5) disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer (4) having an outer appearance area (50) depicting a predetermined appearance. The skin layer (3) has a display area (30) that displays the appearance by light shining from the back side onto the outer appearance area (50). The outer appearance area (50) is disposed across the entire surface of the display area (30) without gaps when viewed from the front, and has higher translucency than the intermediate layer (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative sheet for, for example, interior components of a vehicle, and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of vehicle interior design, the development of decorative sheets is being promoted that allow for switching of the appearance visible from inside 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 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 light transmittance of 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.

[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 In the case of the display device described in the same document, a dimming sheet is required. Furthermore, the light transmittance of the dimming sheet must be adjusted based on the display control device. Therefore, the layer structure and electronic configuration become more complex. Additionally, in the case of the display device described in the same document, when the light-emitting display is lit, the patterned layers arranged side-by-side cooperate with the gaps to display the desired appearance on the front side of the surface protective layer.

[0007] Here, the patterned layer and the voids are stacked without any other layers sandwiched between the front and back sides of the surface protective layer. Furthermore, the patterned layer has low light transmittance, while the voids have high light transmittance. Therefore, the contrast is significant, and the boundary between the patterned layer and the voids is easily defined. Thus, when the light-emitting display is turned off, the patterned layer and the voids can be transparently displayed on the front side of the surface protective layer.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a decorative sheet and a method for manufacturing the same, which has a simple layer structure and electronic structure, and can suppress the situation where the appearance area of ​​the appearance layer is transparently displayed on the front side of the skin layer when the backlight is off.

[0009] 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 an outer layer disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer, having an outer appearance area depicting a predetermined appearance, characterized in that the skin layer has a display area that displays the appearance by light irradiating the outer appearance area from the back side, the outer appearance area being disposed across the entire surface of the display area without gaps when viewed from the front, and having higher light transmittance than the intermediate layer.

[0010] According to this configuration, components for adjusting the light transmittance of the layer (e.g., the display control device and dimming sheet of Patent Document 1) are not necessary. Therefore, the layer configuration and electronic configuration are simple. Furthermore, the outer surface area of ​​the outer layer is arranged across the entire display area without gaps when viewed from the front. Therefore, there are no boundaries between the outer surface portion and gaps within the outer surface area. Thus, when the backlight is off, the situation where the outer surface area of ​​the outer layer is transparently displayed on the front of the skin layer can be suppressed.

[0011] Suppose that the light transmittance of the outer layer is lower than that of the intermediate layer. In this case, the intermediate layer becomes more transparent than the outer layer. Therefore, when the backlight is off, the outer layer's outer area is easily visible through the intermediate layer, transparently displaying itself on the front of the epidermis.

[0012] In this respect, according to this structure, the light transmittance of the outer layer is higher than that of the intermediate layer. Therefore, the intermediate layer is less transparent than the outer layer. Thus, when the backlight is off, it is possible to suppress the situation where the outer area of ​​the outer layer is transparently displayed on the front side of the epidermis through the intermediate layer.

[0013] (1-1) In the configuration described in (1) above, it is preferable to configure the skin layer to have uneven surfaces. According to this configuration, when the backlight is off, light from the outside can be diffusely reflected between the uneven surfaces. Therefore, the boundary of the appearance area of ​​the appearance layer can be blurred (for example, in the case where the appearance area of ​​the appearance layer has a wood grain pattern, the parts where the intensity of the wood grain is obvious). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the boundary of the appearance area is transparently displayed on the front side of the skin layer.

[0014] (1-2) In the configuration described in (1) above, it is preferable to configure the outer layer as a printed layer with a predetermined pattern formed by printing. According to this configuration, for example, compared with the case where the outer layer is a coating, it is possible to suppress the inconsistency of the outer layer thickness. In addition, it is possible to suppress the case where the outer layer thickness becomes too large.

[0015] (2) 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 50% 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 outer layer, etc.). The luminous intensity of the incident light is set as I0, and the luminous intensity of the light after passing through the sample is set as 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 appearance of the outer area when the backlight is on can be improved. In addition, compared with the case where the visible light transmittance exceeds 50%, the situation where the appearance of the outer area is transparently displayed on the front of the epidermis when the backlight is off can be suppressed.

[0016] (3) In the configuration described in (1) above, it is preferable to configure the visible light transmittance of the appearance area to be 5% or more and 90% or less. According to this configuration, compared with the case where the visible light transmittance is less than 5%, it is possible to suppress the situation where the appearance of the appearance area is transparently displayed on the front of the epidermis when the backlight is off. In addition, compared with the case where the visible light transmittance exceeds 90%, it is possible to improve the visual recognizability of the appearance of the appearance area when the backlight is on.

[0017] (4) 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.

[0018] (5) 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 an outer layer disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer, having an outer appearance area depicting a predetermined appearance. The decorative sheet is characterized in that the skin layer has a display area that displays the appearance by light irradiating the outer appearance area from the back side, and the outer appearance area is disposed across the entire surface of the display area without gaps when viewed from the front side, and has higher light transmittance than the intermediate layer. The method of manufacturing the decorative sheet is characterized in that the method of manufacturing the decorative sheet comprises: an intermediate layer printing step, in which the intermediate layer is printed on the back side of the skin layer; and an outer layer printing step, in which the outer appearance layer is printed on the back side of the intermediate layer.

[0019] According to this configuration, for example, compared to cases where the intermediate layer is a coating, inconsistent thickness of the intermediate layer can be suppressed. Furthermore, it can suppress the situation where the intermediate layer becomes excessively thick. The outer layer also has the same effect as the intermediate layer. Additionally, it can suppress positional shifts between the three layers (epidermal layer, intermediate layer, and outer layer) along the layer direction (the layer unfolding direction, the direction intersecting the stacking direction).

[0020] Invention Effects According to the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method of the present invention, the layer structure and electronic structure are simplified. Furthermore, when the backlight is off, it is possible to suppress the transparent display of the appearance area of ​​the outer layer on the front side of the outer skin layer. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view of a door trim panel equipped with the decorative sheet of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The 3D view within frame II.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The exploded 3D view within frame II.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along the IV-IV direction.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the decorative sheet material in the front and back directions according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the decorative sheet material in the front and back directions according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following describes embodiments of the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0028] <First Implementation> Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a door trim panel equipped with the decorative sheet of 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 2 Sectional view along the IV-IV direction (front and back direction section view) (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 1-4 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).

[0029] like Figures 3-4 As shown, the decorative sheet 1 has a skin layer 3, a middle layer 4, and an outer layer 5, extending from the front side to the back side. Figure 1 As shown, the front (upper surface) of the outer skin layer 3 is exposed inside the vehicle interior. The outer skin layer 3 is made of synthetic leather and is layered. The outer skin layer 3 is translucent and soft. The outer skin layer 3 has a display area 30 and a textured portion (undulating portion) 31 on its surface. The textured portion 31 is arranged across the entire front surface of the outer skin layer 3. Light shines from the light source 8 on the rear side onto the appearance area 50, which will be described later. Through this light, the wood grain pattern of the appearance area 50 is displayed in the display area 30.

[0030] The intermediate layer 4 is located on the dorsal 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 flexible. The translucency 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 also colored and transparent.

[0031] The outer layer 5 is disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer 4. The outer layer 5 is made of translucent ink and is layered. The outer layer 5 is translucent and flexible. The translucentness of the outer layer 5 is higher than that of the intermediate layer 4. The outer layer 5 is colored and transparent. The outer layer 5 has an outer area 50 that displays a wood grain pattern when viewed from the front. The wood grain pattern is included in the concept of "predetermined appearance" of the present invention. When viewed from the front, the outer area 50, the display area 30, and the light source 8 are repeated. When viewed from the front, the outer area 50 is disposed across the entire surface of the display area 30 without gaps.

[0032] The light source section 8 is disposed on the back side of the outer layer 5 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 (layer unfolding direction, direction intersecting with the layering direction, surface direction). The front surface of the light source section 8 can emit light across the entire surface. The light from the light sources 80 passes through the outer layer 5, the intermediate layer 4, and the skin layer 3 to reach the front surface of the door trim panel 9.

[0033] (Functions of decorative sheets) Next, the function of the decorative sheet in this embodiment will be explained. When the light source 8 is turned off, the light source 80 is extinguished. That is, the backlight is extinguished relative to the decorative sheet 1. Here, the light transmittance of each layer is set in order of increasing light transmittance as follows: the outer skin layer 3 (most easily transmits light), the outer appearance layer 5, and the intermediate layer 4 (least easily transmits light). Therefore, it is difficult for the user to visually identify the appearance area 50 of the outer appearance layer 5 from the front side (inside the vehicle compartment) of the decorative sheet 1. In addition, the user can easily visually identify the three-dimensional shape of the texture portion 31 of the display area 30 of the outer skin layer 3 and the color of the intermediate layer 4 from the front side (inside the vehicle compartment) of the decorative sheet 1.

[0034] When the light source 8 is turned on, the light source 80 is illuminated. That is, the backlight is already lit relative to the decorative sheet 1. The light initially passes through the outer layer 5 closest to the light source 8, so the light from the light source 8 preferentially displays the color scheme of the outer area 50 (i.e., the wood grain pattern), making it easy for the user to visually identify the wood grain pattern. In this way, the decorative sheet 1 can display two different appearances on the display area 30 depending on whether the light source 8 is turned on or off.

[0035] (Manufacturing method of decorative sheet material) Next, the manufacturing method of the decorative sheet according to this embodiment will be described. The manufacturing method of the decorative sheet 1 includes an intermediate layer printing process and an outer layer printing 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 (e.g., 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. Furthermore, if the outer layer 5 has a multi-layer structure (e.g., a structure where multiple layers are stacked to create a wood grain pattern when viewed from the side), each layer is printed sequentially.

[0036] (Effects) Next, the effects of the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method according to this embodiment will be explained. According to the decorative sheet 1 of this embodiment, there is no need for components that adjust the light transmittance of the intermediate layer 4 and the outer layer 5 (e.g., the display control device and dimming sheet of Patent Document 1). Therefore, the layer structure and electronic structure are simple. Furthermore, the outer surface area 50 of the outer layer 5 is arranged across the entire surface of the display area 30 without gaps when viewed from the front. Therefore, there is no boundary between the outer surface portion (wood grain pattern portion) and the gap in the outer surface area 50. Therefore, when the backlight (light source 8) is off, the situation where the outer surface area 50 of the outer layer 5 is transparently displayed on the front side of the skin layer 3 can be suppressed.

[0037] Suppose that the light transmittance of the outer layer 5 is lower than that of the intermediate layer 4. In this case, the intermediate layer 4 becomes more transparent than the outer layer 5. Therefore, when the backlight is off, the outer area 50 (i.e., the wood grain pattern) of the outer layer 5 is easily visible through the intermediate layer 4 and transparently displayed on the front side of the epidermis layer 3.

[0038] In this respect, according to the decorative sheet 1 of this embodiment, the light transmittance of the outer layer 5 is higher than that of the intermediate layer 4. Therefore, the intermediate layer 4 is less transparent than the outer layer 5. Thus, when the backlight is off, it is possible to suppress the situation where the outer area 50 of the outer layer 5 is transparently displayed on the front side of the skin layer 3 through the intermediate layer 4.

[0039] The epidermal layer 3 has textured portions 31 on its surface. Therefore, when the backlight is off, light from the outside can be diffusely reflected between the unevenness of the textured portions 31. Therefore, the boundary of the appearance area 50 of the appearance layer 5 (the part where the wood grain pattern of the appearance area 50 is distinct) can be blurred. Therefore, the situation where the boundary of the appearance area 50 is transparently displayed on the front side of the epidermal layer 3 can be suppressed. In addition, the epidermal layer 3 is colorless and transparent, and its light transmittance is higher than that of the appearance layer 5 and the intermediate layer 4. Therefore, the textured portions 31 are mainly prominent when the backlight is off.

[0040] The outer layer 5 is a printed layer with a wood grain pattern, formed by printing. Therefore, compared to the case where the outer layer 5 is a coating, inconsistencies in the thickness (thickness in the front and back directions) of the outer layer 5 can be suppressed. In addition, the situation where the thickness of the outer layer 5 becomes too large can be prevented.

[0041] The visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer 4 is 8%. That is, the visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer 4 falls within the range of 3% to 50%. Therefore, compared to cases where the visible light transmittance is less than 3%, the visual recognizability of the wood grain pattern in the appearance area 50 when backlit can be improved. Conversely, compared to cases where the visible light transmittance exceeds 50%, the visual recognizability of the wood grain pattern in the appearance area 50 when backlit can be reduced. 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)... 2 A 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.

[0042] The visible light transmittance of the appearance area 50 (measured using the method described above) is 55%. That is, the visible light transmittance of the appearance area 50 falls within the range of 5% to 90%. Therefore, compared to cases where the visible light transmittance is less than 5%, the situation where the appearance of the appearance area 50 is transparently displayed on the front side of the epidermal layer 3 can be suppressed when the backlight is off. Furthermore, compared to cases where the visible light transmittance exceeds 90%, the visual recognizability of the appearance of the appearance area 50 when the backlight is on can be improved.

[0043] Decorative sheet 1 is disposed on door trim panel 9. Therefore, the appearance and texture of door trim panel 9 can be dual-sided by switching the backlight on and off. Specifically, a leather-style appearance can be displayed on door trim panel 9 when the light source 8 is off, and a wood-grain-style appearance can be displayed on door trim panel 9 when the light source 8 is on.

[0044] 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.

[0045] <Second Implementation> The difference between the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method in this embodiment and the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method in the first embodiment is that a flexible layer is additionally provided. Here, only the difference will be explained.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the front and back sides of the decorative sheet according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to denote... Figure 4 The corresponding part. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a flexible layer 6 is inserted between the outer layer 5 and the light source 8. The flexible layer 6 is disposed on the back side of the outer layer 5. The flexible layer 6 is a thermoplastic elastic material and has flexibility, light transmittance, and light diffusion properties. Light from the light source 80 diffuses along the layer direction through the flexible layer 6. Therefore, the entire front side of the flexible layer 6 emits light.

[0047] For the common components, the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method of this embodiment have the same effect as the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method of the first embodiment. The decorative sheet 1 of this embodiment includes a soft layer 6. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the user can touch the door trim panel 9 (see reference 1). Figure 1 The light source 80 is flexible and can diffuse light along the layer direction. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the light source section 8 can emit light uniformly across its entire surface.

[0048] <Third Implementation Method> The difference between the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method in this embodiment and the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method in the second embodiment is that a base layer is additionally provided. Here, only the difference will be explained.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the front and back sides of the decorative sheet according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to denote... Figure 5 The corresponding part. For example... Figure 6 As shown, a base layer 7 is inserted between the flexible layer 6 and the light source part 8. The base layer 7 is disposed on the back side of the flexible layer 6. The base layer 7 is made of resin and has light transmittance and flexibility.

[0050] For the common components, the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method of this embodiment have the same effect as the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method of the second embodiment. The decorative sheet 1 of this embodiment includes a base layer 7. The base layer 7 is harder than the other layers (outer skin layer 3, intermediate layer 4, outer layer 5, and flexible layer 6). Therefore, the shape retention of the decorative sheet 1 can be ensured.

[0051] <Other> The embodiments of the decorative sheet and its manufacturing method 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.

[0052] (Regarding the composition) The composition of the area outside the appearance area 50 of the appearance layer 5 is not particularly limited. The area outside the appearance area 50 can be arranged to cover the entire surface of the area outside the display area 30 without gaps when viewed from the front or side. Alternatively, gaps (empties, recesses, etc.) can be provided in the area outside the appearance area 50.

[0053] There are no particular limitations on the number, position, size, or shape of the display area 30 and the appearance area 50. The layer structure of each layer (outer skin layer 3, intermediate layer 4, appearance layer 5, soft layer 6, and base layer 7) 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 (however, except between the soft layer 6 and the base layer 7). Additionally, other layers can be arranged on the front side of the outer skin layer 3.

[0054] 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 may be arranged in a portion of the epidermal layer 3. Additionally, when viewed from the front, the outer layer 5 may be arranged in a portion of the intermediate layer 4. Furthermore, when viewed from the front, the intermediate layer 4 may be arranged in a portion of the outer layer 5.

[0055] 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.

[0056] There are no particular restrictions on the appearance of the appearance area 50 of the appearance layer 5. It is best to have an appearance (color, etc.) that is different from that of the intermediate layer 4. In this way, it is easy to make the appearance of the display area 30 have a duality depending on whether the backlight is on or off.

[0057] The appearance of the appearance area 50 includes, for example, one or more appearances selected from patterns (wood grain, marble, stone wall, water droplet, stripe, checkered, etc.), text (letters, hiragana, katakana, kanji, numbers, Braille, etc.), graphics (polygons, circles, etc.), and symbols (buttons for operating equipment, icons indicating the status of equipment, etc.).

[0058] The color of the display area 30 on the epidermal layer 3 can be monochrome or polychrome. The color can be selected from one or more of the layers and the light source 80 to be displayed in the display area 30. The light transmittance of each layer is not particularly limited; it can be colored transparent, semi-transparent, 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 textured portions 31 or other uneven surfaces. The front surface of the epidermal layer 3 can, for example, be a smooth surface.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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.).

[0061] (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.).

[0062] 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.

[0063] The material of the outer layer 5 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.

[0064] The material of the soft layer 6 is not specifically limited. For example, examples include styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers, and foams such as polyurethane foam.

[0065] The material of the base layer 7 is not specifically limited. Examples include acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, polyester, epoxy, polyurethane, styrene thermoplastic elastomers, olefin thermoplastic elastomers, dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers, and other resins and elastomers.

[0066] The method of imparting light diffusing properties is not specifically limited to situations where each layer has light diffusing properties. For example, a light diffusing agent (silicone, acrylic, titanium dioxide, etc.) with a different refractive index than the host material can be dispersed in a transparent host material.

[0067] 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).

[0068] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1: Decorative sheet; 3: Surface layer; 30: Display area; 31: Textured part; 4: Intermediate layer; 5: Outer layer; 50: Outer area; 6: Soft layer; 7: Base layer; 8: Light source part; 80: Light source; 9: Door trim panel (interior component).

Claims

1. A decorative sheet material, characterized in that, This decorative sheet material has the following features: The epidermis is translucent; An intermediate layer, disposed on the dorsal side of the epidermis; and An outer layer, disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer, has an outer area depicting a predetermined appearance. The epidermis has a display area that displays the appearance by light shining from the back onto the appearance area. The outer appearance area is arranged across the entire surface of the display area without gaps when viewed from the front and side, and has higher light transmittance than the intermediate layer.

2. The decorative sheet according to claim 1, wherein, The visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer is above 3% and below 50%.

3. The decorative sheet according to claim 1, wherein, The visible light transmittance of the exterior area is above 5% and below 90%.

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

5. A method for manufacturing a decorative sheet, characterized in that, This decorative sheet material has the following features: The epidermis is translucent; An intermediate layer, disposed on the dorsal side of the epidermis; and An outer layer, disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer, has an outer area depicting a predetermined appearance. The epidermis has a display area that displays the appearance by light shining from the back onto the appearance area. The outer appearance area, when viewed from the side, covers the entire surface of the display area without any gaps and has higher light transmittance than the intermediate layer. The method for manufacturing the decorative sheet includes: Intermediate layer printing process, wherein the intermediate layer is printed on the back side of the outer skin layer; and The outer layer printing process involves printing the outer layer on the back side of the intermediate layer.

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