Cover panel, caulking sheet and display device

Abstract

To improve visibility of a display screen, a cover panel or a decorative sheet of a display device at a portion where a pattern layer, a transparent or semi-transparent matte layer and a transparent or semi-transparent glossy layer overlap each other.SOLUTION: A pattern layer 22 has a pattern colored with an interference pigment 22p that develops color with interference of reflected light of a second visible light that is made incident into a surface exposed region EX from the outside. A gloss layer 24 is arranged on a layer surface 23s of a matte layer 23. The gloss layer 24 is a layer that forms convex parts 24p and concave parts 24r in the surface exposed region EX to increase the surface roughness of the surface exposed region EX compared to when the gloss layer 24 is not present, and is configured so that a haze value of the surface exposed region EX is 40% or more and 85% or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover panel having an interference pigment, a decorative sheet having an interference pigment, and a display device having an interference pigment. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional display devices use a pattern layer having a pattern colored with an interference pigment, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 6839319) and Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 5725581). A pattern colored with an interference pigment is difficult to view with transmitted light, but is easily viewed with reflected light. In such a display device, when visible light emitted from the display screen passes through the pattern colored with the interference pigment, the display on the display screen is visible without being obstructed by the pattern. Of course, when no visible light is emitted from the display screen of the display device, the pattern colored with the interference pigment is visible mainly by visible light incident on the pattern layer from outside the display device. For such display devices, it is conceivable to apply a gloss layer and a matte layer, as shown in Patent Document 3 (JP Patent Publication No. 2000-62081), for example, to impart a desired tactile feel to the exposed surface area of ​​the display screen on which the image is projected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6839319 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5725581 [Patent Document 3] JP 2000-62081 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a pattern (pattern layer) colored with an interference pigment, a gloss layer (shiny layer), and a matte layer are superimposed, the display screen becomes harder to see than when there is no pattern (pattern layer) colored with an interference pigment. The reason why the display screen becomes harder to see and visibility is reduced is thought to be due to the unevenness caused by the matte layer and gloss layer and the interference pigment in the pattern layer.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve the visibility of a display screen, cover panel, or decorative sheet of a display device at a location where a pattern layer having an interference pigment, a transparent or translucent matte layer, and a transparent or translucent glossy layer overlap. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In the following, several aspects will be described as means for solving the problems. These aspects can be arbitrarily combined as necessary. A cover panel according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided for a display screen that radiates a first visible light to visually display information or an image, and is disposed in a surface-exposed region of a display device that transmits the first visible light radiated from the display screen. The cover panel includes a transparent or semi-transparent base film, a pattern layer, a transparent or semi-transparent matte layer, and a transparent or semi-transparent gloss layer. The transparent or semi-transparent base film has a first main surface to which the first visible light radiated from the display screen is incident, and a second main surface from which the first visible light is emitted. The pattern layer is disposed on the first main surface side of the base film, and has a pattern colored with an interference pigment that develops color due to interference of reflected light of the second visible light that is incident on the surface-exposed region from the outside. The matte layer is disposed on the second main surface side of the base film, and is a layer for matting the surface-exposed region. The gloss layer is disposed on the layer surface of the matte layer. The gloss layer is a layer that forms convex and concave portions in the exposed surface area to increase the surface roughness of the exposed surface area compared to when the gloss layer is not present, and is configured so that the haze value of the exposed surface area is 40% or more and 85% or less. According to the cover panel of the first aspect, by setting the haze value of the cover panel including the pattern layer colored with an interference pigment to 40% or more and 85% or less, the gloss layer can impart a tactile feel of concave and convex portions to the exposed surface area, and the boundaries between the convex and concave portions can be made less noticeable, improving the visibility of the cover panel.

[0007] The cover panel according to the second aspect is configured such that the concave and convex portions in the cover panel according to the first aspect are made of a gloss layer having a wavy shape in which concave and convex portions are repeated. In the cover panel according to the second aspect, the gloss layer can provide a difference in haze value between the convex portions and the concave portions, and the haze value of the cover panel can be easily set to an appropriate value, making it easy to improve visibility. The cover panel according to the third aspect is the cover panel according to the second aspect, wherein the gloss layer is configured so that the gradation of the recesses is 30% or more and 60% or less. In the cover panel according to the third aspect, since the gradation of the recesses is 30% or more and 60% or less, it is easy to appropriately set the difference in haze value between the protrusions and the recesses, and it is easy to improve visibility.

[0008] A cover panel according to a fourth embodiment is the cover panel according to the third embodiment, wherein the bottom surface of the recess is formed of the surface of the matte layer. In the cover panel according to the fourth embodiment, the haze value of the bottom surface of the recess can be set to the haze value of the matte layer, making it easier to set the haze value of the recess and to improve visibility. In the cover panel according to the fifth embodiment, the region of the laminate made of the base film and the matte layer in the cover panel according to the fourth embodiment has a haze value of 65% or more and 80% or less. In the cover panel according to the fifth embodiment, by setting the haze value of the region of the laminate made of the base film and the matte layer to 65% or more and 80% or less, blurring of the display on the display screen can be suppressed, and visibility is significantly improved. The cover panel of the sixth embodiment is the cover panel of the first to fifth embodiments, in which the haze value of the cover panel is 60% or more and 70% or less. This makes it possible to suppress the prominence of the boundaries between the recesses and protrusions while suppressing a decrease in the contrast of the display on the display screen, thereby significantly improving visibility.

[0009] The decorative sheet according to the seventh aspect is a decorative sheet provided for a display screen that radiates a first visible light to visually display information or an image, and disposed in a surface-exposed region of a display device that transmits the first visible light radiated from the display screen. This decorative sheet includes a transparent or semi-transparent base film, a pattern layer, a transparent or semi-transparent matte layer, and a transparent or semi-transparent gloss layer. The base film has a first main surface onto which the first visible light radiated from the display screen is incident, and a second main surface from which the first visible light is emitted. The pattern layer is disposed on the first main surface side of the base film, and has a pattern colored with an interference pigment that develops color due to interference of reflected light of the second visible light that is incident on the surface-exposed region from the outside. The matte layer is disposed on the second main surface side of the base film, and is a layer for matting the surface-exposed region. The gloss layer is disposed on the layer surface of the matte layer. The gloss layer is a layer that forms convex and concave portions in the exposed surface area to increase the surface roughness of the exposed surface area compared to when the gloss layer is not present, and is configured so that the haze value of the area corresponding to the exposed surface area is 40% or more and 85% or less. In the decorative sheet of the seventh aspect, by setting the haze value of the decorative sheet including the pattern layer colored with an interference pigment to 40% or more and 85% or less, the gloss layer can impart a tactile feel of concave and convex parts to the surface exposed area, and the boundaries between the convex and concave parts can be made less noticeable, improving the visibility of the decorative sheet.

[0010] A display device according to an eighth aspect includes a display screen that radiates a first visible light to visually display information or an image, and a cover panel that is disposed in an exposed surface area of ​​the display screen and transmits the first visible light radiated from the display screen. The cover panel of the display device includes a transparent or semi-transparent base film, a pattern layer, a transparent or semi-transparent matte layer, and a transparent or semi-transparent gloss layer. The base film has a first main surface to which the first visible light radiated from the display screen is incident, and a second main surface from which the first visible light is emitted. The pattern layer is disposed on the first main surface side of the base film, and has a pattern colored with an interference pigment that develops color due to interference of reflected light of the second visible light that is incident on the exposed surface area from the outside. The matte layer is disposed on the second main surface side of the base film, and is a layer for matting the exposed surface area. The gloss layer is disposed on the layer surface of the matte layer. The gloss layer is a layer that forms convex and concave portions in the exposed surface area to increase the surface roughness of the exposed surface area compared to when the gloss layer is not present, and is configured so that the haze value of the exposed surface area of ​​the cover panel is 40% or more and 85% or less. According to the display device of the eighth aspect, by setting the haze value of the cover panel including the pattern layer colored with an interference pigment to 40% or more and 85% or less, the gloss layer can impart a tactile feel of concave and convex portions to the exposed surface area, and the boundaries between the convex and concave portions can be made less noticeable, improving the visibility of the cover panel. Effect of the Invention

[0011] The cover panel, the decorative sheet or the display screen of the display device according to the present invention has improved visibility. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a smartphone according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cover panel according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the gradation of a recessed portion and a haze value. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial plan view showing a part of the design of the design layer. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a partial plan view showing a portion of an example of a pattern of a gloss layer. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial plan view showing a part of a display screen of the smartphone. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of an interference pigment forming a pattern. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the change in appearance caused by an interference pigment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cover panel according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining lamination of a decorative sheet according to one modified example. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the configuration of a smartphone using a decorative sheet. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining lamination of a decorative sheet according to another modified example. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the configuration of a smartphone using a decorative sheet. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating air bubbles that may occur during lamination of the decorative sheet. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cover panel according to Modification Example C. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cover panel according to modification example D. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the cover panel according to modification example D. FIG. [Figure 18] 13A to 13C are process diagrams showing the manufacturing process of the cover panel according to modification example E. [Figure 19] 1 is a drawing substitute photograph showing an enlarged icon on a display screen of a conventional smartphone in which a geometric pattern is formed with a glossy layer. [Figure 20] 1 is a drawing substitute photograph showing an enlarged icon on the display screen of a smartphone on which a geometric pattern is formed by a glossy layer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21]13 is a drawing substitute photograph showing an enlarged icon on the display screen of a smartphone on which a geometric pattern is formed by a gloss layer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] 1 is a drawing substitute photograph showing an enlarged icon on a display screen of a conventional smartphone in which a wood grain pattern is formed by a gloss layer. [Figure 23] 10 is a drawing substitute photograph showing an enlarged icon on a display screen of a smartphone on which a wood grain pattern is formed by a gloss layer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] 13 is a drawing substitute photograph showing an enlarged icon on the display screen of a smartphone on which a wood grain pattern is formed by a gloss layer according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 25] 1 is a drawing substitute photograph showing an enlarged icon pattern formed by a conventional concealing layer in which a wood grain pattern is formed by a gloss layer. [Figure 26] 1 is a drawing substitute photograph showing an enlarged icon pattern of a concealment layer according to a first embodiment in which a wood grain pattern is formed by a gloss layer. [Figure 27] 13 is a drawing substitute photograph showing an enlarged icon pattern of a concealment layer according to a second embodiment in which a wood grain pattern is formed by a gloss layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] First Embodiment (1) Overall structure 1 shows a smartphone 1 as an example of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the smartphone 1 is taken as an example of a display device, but the display device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the smartphone 1, and may be, for example, a display device built into a mobile computer, a display device for an automobile, or a monitor for various devices. Examples of display devices for an automobile include a monitor for an automobile navigation system and a heat control panel. The smartphone 1 includes a display screen 10. Information or images are visually displayed on the display screen 10. The information displayed on the display screen 10 includes, for example, text information, information conveyed by symbols such as graphic symbols, and visualized information such as graphs. The images displayed on the display screen 10 may be still images or moving images. The images displayed on the display screen 10 include, for example, photographs, illustrations, and maps. For example, an icon 11 displayed on the smartphone 1 is both information and images. When the display screen 10 is displaying, the display screen 10 becomes bright, and when the display is not being performed, the display screen 10 becomes dark. In other words, when the display screen 10 is displaying, the first visible light is emitted from the display screen 10, and when the display is not being performed, the first visible light is not emitted from the display screen 10. For example, when the display screen 10 is a liquid crystal screen, the first visible light is light emitted from a backlight. For example, when the display screen 10 is an organic EL screen, the first visible light is light emitted from the organic EL screen. Here, EL is an abbreviation for electroluminescence.

[0014] A cover panel 20 is provided for the display screen 10. Specifically, the display screen 10 is covered with the cover panel 20. The cover panel 20 is transparent or semi-transparent. Therefore, the first visible light emitted from the display screen 10 passes through the cover panel 20. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the cover panel 20. The cover panel 20 includes a base film 21, a pattern layer 22, a matte layer 23, and a glossy layer 24. The base film 21 is transparent or translucent. The base film 21 has a first main surface 21a onto which the first visible light emitted from the display screen 10 is incident, and a second main surface 21b from which the first visible light is emitted. That is, the first visible light emitted from the display screen 10 is incident on the first main surface 21a of the base film 21, passes through the base film 21, and is emitted from the second main surface 21b. The first visible light enters and exits in the direction indicated by the arrow AR1 in FIG. 2, and the second visible light enters and exits in the direction indicated by the arrow AR2.

[0015] The design layer 22 is disposed on the first main surface 21a side of the base film 21. The design layer 22 is disposed, for example, on a transparent or semi-transparent molded resin 19 which is one of the components of the display screen 10. The molded resin 19 is, for example, a resin substrate which constitutes the display screen 10. The resin used for the molded resin 19 is, for example, polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA) or polycarbonate resin (PC). Instead of the molded resin 19, for example, a glass substrate may be used. The pattern layer 22 has, for example, a pattern colored with an interference pigment, or a pattern colored with an interference pigment and a metallic ink pattern. The binder resin for holding the interference pigment of the pattern layer 22 is transparent or translucent. The interference pigment of the pattern layer 22 develops color due to interference of reflected light of the second visible light incident on the cover panel 20 from the outside of the smartphone 1. Therefore, the interference pigment does not develop color in the first visible light transmitted through the pattern layer 22, or the color is extremely weak even if it does develop color. Therefore, when a display is being performed on the display screen 10 of the smartphone 1, the pattern of the pattern layer 22 does not substantially affect the display on the display screen 10. In other words, when a display is being performed on the display screen 10 of the smartphone 1, the operator 100 of the smartphone 1 does not recognize the pattern of the pattern layer 22, and when the display screen 10 is not being displayed, the operator 100 of the smartphone 1 recognizes the pattern of the pattern layer 22. The pattern layer 22 having a metallic ink pattern can reflect a relatively large amount of incident light incident from the front surface of the metallic ink pattern and transmit a part of incident light incident from the back surface. The thickness of the metallic ink is, for example, 0.5 μm to 5 μm. The metallic ink is, for example, an ink in which metal powder is uniformly dispersed in a transparent binder resin. By providing the metallic ink pattern, more light can be reflected on the surface of the cover panel 20 compared to a case in which the metallic ink pattern is not provided, making the pattern of the pattern layer 22 look brighter.

[0016] The matte layer 23 is disposed on the second main surface 21b side of the base film 21. An example in which the matte layer 23 is provided directly on the base film 21 is shown in Fig. 2. However, the matte layer 23 does not have to be provided directly on the base film 21, and another transparent or translucent layer may be provided between the matte layer 23 and the base film 21. The matte layer 23 is a layer for making the cover panel 20 matte. The matte layer 23 contributes to suppressing reflection of the second visible light in the cover panel 20 and uniformly diffusing the first visible light, thereby improving the visibility of the display screen 10. Therefore, the haze value of the region of the laminate in which the matte layer 23 is provided on the base film 21 is larger than the haze value of only the base film 21. The haze value is measured in accordance with the test method described in JIS-K7136. Since the cover panel 20 also has other components such as the pattern layer 22 and the gloss layer 24 other than the base film 21 and the matte layer 23, it may be difficult to measure the haze value of the portion consisting of only the base film 21 and the matte layer 23 using the cover panel 20 in the test method described in JIS-K7136. Therefore, the concept of a laminate consisting of the base film 21 and the matte layer 23 is introduced, and such a laminate is, for example, a film in which the matte layer 23 is formed on the entire surface of one base film 21. The haze value of the region of the laminate consisting of the base film 21 and the matte layer 23 is the haze value excluding other components than the base film 21 and the matte layer 23. In other words, the haze value of such a region of the laminate can be obtained, for example, by measuring the haze value of the material of the cover panel 20 in which only the matte layer 23 is formed on the base film 21. The glossy layer 24 is disposed on the layer surface 23s of the matte layer 23. The glossy layer 24 is a layer for forming the convex portion 24p and the concave portion 24r in the surface exposed region EX of the cover panel 20. The surface exposed region EX is a portion of the cover panel 20 of the smartphone 1 shown in FIG. 1 other than the edge 2. Here, the surface exposed region EX also extends around the display screen 10, but the surface exposed region EX may be limited to the display screen 10. Also, the region in which the convex portion 24p and the concave portion 24r are formed may be limited to a portion of the display screen 10. The surface roughness of the surface exposed region EX is increased by repeatedly forming the convex portion 24p and the concave portion 24r in the surface exposed region EX. As a result, when the operator's finger touches the surface exposed region EX, the finger feels that the surface exposed region EX is rough due to the glossy layer 24. The surface exposed region EX of the cover panel 20 in the case where the glossy layer 24 is not formed in the surface exposed region EX is smoother than the case in which the glossy layer 24 is formed. For example, in the portion of the cover panel 20 that is not exposed, such as the edge 2 of the smartphone 1, since it is not necessary to impart a desired feel, the glossy layer 24 may not be provided, or the glossy layer 24 may be provided but the pattern formed by the convex portions 24p and the concave portions 24r may not be formed. In the case where the glossy layer 24 is provided but the pattern formed by the convex portions 24p and the concave portions 24r is not formed, for example, the glossy layer 24 under the edge 2 will be only the convex portions 24p, only the concave portions 24r, or the matte layer 23.

[0017] The haze value of the cover panel 20 is set to 40% or more and 85% or less. However, in order to ensure good visibility, it is preferable that the haze value of the cover panel 20 is set to 60% or more and 70% or less. When the haze value of the cover panel 20 is set within the above-mentioned range, the haze value of the region of the laminate consisting of two layers, the base film 21 and the matte layer 23, is set to 70% or more and 90% or less. The haze value of the region of the laminate consisting of three layers, the base film 21, the matte layer 23, and the glossy layer 24, is set to 40% or more and 65% or less. When the haze value is this, the glossy layer 24 is in a smooth state without unevenness on the entire surface, in other words, the same state as the convex portion 24p is spread all over without forming the concave portion 24r. For example, if a sheet in which the glossy layer 24 is formed on the base film 21 and the matte layer 23 prepared as the material of the cover panel 20 is used, the haze value of the region of the laminate consisting of three layers, the base film 21, the matte layer 23, and the glossy layer 24, can be easily measured. The haze value when the gloss layer 24 is formed so that it has only the recesses 24r is larger than when it has only the protrusions 24p. In other words, when the gloss layer 24 is formed with a uniform thickness over the entire surface as shown in Fig. 3, the smaller the gradation of the recesses 24r, the larger the haze value. The haze value of the cover panel 20 is set to 40% or more and 85% or less, including the influence of the pattern of the alternatingly arranged protrusions 24p and recesses 24r. Here, the gradation of the recess 24r will be described. For example, a large number of dots D1 are printed in the recess 24r. When a part of the recess 24r is extracted and enlarged and viewed in a plan view, the large number of dots D1 may be separated from each other or may be in contact with each other depending on the type of plate used to print the recess 24r and the protrusion 24p. In this specification, the case where all dots are attached and the amount of resin per unit volume is the same as that of the protrusion 24p is defined as 100% gradation, the case where there are no dots D1 is defined as 0% gradation, and the density of dots D1 where the amount of resin per unit volume is half that of the protrusion 24p is defined as 50% gradation. When the protrusion 24p is printed using the same method as the recess 24r, the gradation of the dots D1 of the recess 24r becomes 100% means that the entire surface is printed in the same manner so that the density of the dots D1 is maximized, and the surface is already flush and the protrusion 24p and the recess 24r cannot be distinguished from each other. For example, when forming the gloss layer 24 by printing, if dots of the same shape are used for the recessed portions 24r and the protruding portions 24p, the protruding portions 24p can be printed so that the dot density is maximum, and the recessed portions 24r can be printed so that the dot density is sparser than that of the protruding portions 24p, thereby forming a surface on the cover panel 20 that gives the impression that the protruding portions 24p and the recessed portions 24r are repeated alternately. As long as the amount of resin per unit area of ​​the protrusions 24p and the recesses 24r can be changed, the protrusions 24p and the recesses 24r may be formed by a method other than printing with dots. For example, the recesses 24r and the protrusions 24p may be formed by pressing a plate having projections and recesses. To obtain even better visibility, the haze value of the cover panel 20 is preferably set to 50% or more and 85% or less. When the haze value of the cover panel 20 is set within the above-mentioned range, the haze value of the region of the laminate consisting of two layers, the base film 21 and the matte layer 23, is set to 80% or more and 90% or less. The haze value of the region of the laminate consisting of three layers, the base film 21, the matte layer 23, and the glossy layer 24, is set to 50% or more and 65% or less. When forming unevenness in the surface exposed area EX by the glossy layer 24, if the difference in haze value between the convex portion 24p and the concave portion 4r of the glossy layer 24 is too large, visibility decreases. However, if the haze value of the cover panel 20 is too low, the contrast of the uneven pattern disappears and the design decreases. The haze value range of the cover panel 20, from 40% to 85%, is a range in which both design and visibility can be achieved. The difference in haze value between the region of the laminate consisting of only the base film 21, the matte layer 23, and the glossy layer 24 and the region of the laminate consisting of only the base film 21 and the matte layer 23 is preferably set to 20% or more and 40% or less. The haze value of the region of the laminate consisting of only the base film 21 and the matte layer 23 can be obtained, for example, by measuring the haze value of a film in which the matte layer 23 is formed on the base film 21 as a material for manufacturing the cover panel 20. In addition, the haze value of the region of the laminate consisting of only the base film 21, the matte layer 23, and the glossy layer 24 can be obtained, for example, by measuring the haze value of a film in which the matte layer 23 and the glossy layer 24 are formed on the base film 21 as a material for manufacturing the cover panel 20. Note that there may be a portion in which the region in which only the matte layer 23 and the glossy layer 24 are formed on the base film 21 as a material for the cover panel 20 and the region in which only the matte layer 23 is formed on the base film 21 are continuous over a wide area. In such a case, if the haze value of each large area portion can be measured using the film, the haze values ​​of the region of the laminate where only the matte layer 23 and the glossy layer 24 are formed on the base film 21 and the region of the laminate where only the matte layer 23 is formed on the base film 21 may be directly measured using the cover panel 20. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the difference in haze value between the region of the laminate consisting of only the base film 21, the matte layer 23, and the glossy layer 24, and the region of the laminate consisting of only the base film 21 and the matte layer 23 be set to 20% or more and 30% or less.

[0018] The haze value varies from location to location in the exposed surface region EX due to the pattern formed by the recesses 24r and protrusions 24p of the glossy layer 24. When the minimum area measurable by a haze measuring device is smaller than the area of ​​the exposed surface region EX, if the measured haze value of any location in the exposed surface region EX satisfies the condition of 40% or more and 85% or less, it can be determined that the visibility of the location that satisfies that condition has been improved.

[0019] (2) Configuration of each part of the cover panel 20 (2-1) Base film 21 The base film 21 is, for example, a transparent or semi-transparent resin film, a transparent or semi-transparent elastomer film, or transparent or semi-transparent glass. The resin film constituting the base film 21 may be, for example, a thermoplastic resin film made of a single resin, a thermoplastic resin film made of a mixture of multiple resins, or a film made of multiple layers of thermoplastic resin films. The resin film may be, for example, a resin film made of polyester resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin, triacetyl cellulose resin, styrene resin, or ABS resin, a multilayer film of acrylic resin and ABS resin, or a multilayer film of acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin. The thickness of the base film 21 is selected from the range of 10 μm to 1000 μm, for example.

[0020] (2-2) Pattern layer 22 The pattern of the pattern layer 22 is, for example, a geometric pattern as shown in Fig. 4. The pattern layer 22 contains a pattern (here, a geometric pattern) that is visible when the display screen 10 is not lit. The geometric pattern shown in Fig. 4 is a grayscale pattern in which a plurality of areas separated by straight lines are expressed in different gradations. Although Fig. 4 shows a geometric pattern as the pattern of the pattern layer 22, the pattern is not limited to a geometric pattern and may be a natural pattern such as a wood grain pattern that imitates the shapes and patterns of plants, animals, topography, etc. that exist in nature. The thickness of the design layer 22 is selected from the range of, for example, 1 μm to 50 μm. The design layer 22 is formed on the base film 21 by, for example, screen printing, offset printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, or digital printing using inkjet or toner. The binder of the design layer 22 is composed of, for example, one or more of vinyl chloride acetate copolymer resin, acrylic resin, thermoplastic urethane resin, and polyester resin.

[0021] FIG. 7 shows a schematic example of a cross-sectional structure of a particle of the interference pigment 22p. The interference pigment 22p has, for example, a core portion 201 and a thin shell portion 202 covering the core portion 201. Both the core portion 201 and the shell portion 202 transmit visible light. The core portion 201 and the shell portion 202 are made of materials with different refractive indices. For example, the refractive index of the core portion 201 is smaller than that of the shell portion 202. Arrows AR2 and AR3 indicate incident light (second visible light) that is incident on the shell portion 202 of the interference pigment 22p. A portion of the incident light indicated by the arrow AR3 travels through the shell portion 202 and is reflected by the core portion 201 to become reflected light indicated by the arrow AR31. Also, a portion of the incident light indicated by the arrow AR2 is reflected by the surface of the shell portion 202 to become reflected light indicated by the arrow AR21. The reflected light indicated by the arrow AR21 and the reflected light indicated by the arrow AR31 interfere with each other and reinforce each other, so that an interference light of a specific wavelength is strongly visible. For example, if the wavelength that is intensified by interference is made to be a blue wavelength by adjusting the thickness of the shell portion 202, a blue interference pigment can be obtained. First visible light irradiated from the display screen 10 also enters the interference pigment 22p. The light that enters the interference pigment 22p, indicated by an arrow AR1 in Fig. 7, is the first visible light. The visible light indicated by the arrow AR1 enters the interference pigment 22p, passes through the interference pigment 22p, and exits in the opposite direction from the interference pigment 22p. This first visible light that passes through the interference pigment 22p is the transmitted light indicated by an arrow AR11. For example, an icon 11 is displayed on the display screen 10 by the transmitted light indicated by the arrow AR11.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 8, when the reflection angle of the incident light IL1 and the reflected light RL1 that strike the interference pigment 22p differs from the reflection angle of the incident light IL1w and the reflected light RL1w, the light path differs, and the color of the interference light also changes. Also, when the reflection angle of the incident light IL1 and the reflected light RL1 differs from the reflection angle of the incident light IL1w and the reflected light RL1w, the reflectance also differs, and the magnitude of the spectral components contained in the interference light also changes. Also, when the reflection angle differs, the ratio of the spectral components of each frequency contained in the interference light also changes. For example, the angle of reflection between the incident light IL1w and the reflected light RL1w is larger than the angle of reflection between the incident light IL1 and the reflected light RL1, so the reflected light RL1w is stronger than the reflected light RL1. Also, compared to the reflected light RL1, the reflected light RL1w has a different color because the magnitude of the spectral components it contains differs for each frequency. The design layer 22 may be formed by laminating a plurality of layers each containing an interference pigment 22p that emits different colors.

[0023] (2-3) Matte layer 23 The mat layer 23 can be formed by dispersing transparent fine particles in a transparent resin. Examples of the transparent resin include acrylic resin, silicone resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, epoxy resin, and polyurethane resin. Examples of the transparent fine particles include acrylic crosslinked particles, styrene crosslinked particles, talc, glass beads, and silicone particles. The transparent fine particles for forming the mat layer 23 have an average particle diameter of 2 to 20 μm. The transparent fine particles may include, for example, two or more types of particles having a difference in average particle diameter of 1.5 μm or more. The matte layer 23 may be configured to cause diffuse reflection by roughening the surface of a transparent or translucent layer without using fine particles, in addition to roughening the surface of the matte layer 23 by using transparent fine particles to cause diffuse reflection.

[0024] (2-4) Gloss layer 24 As shown in FIG. 2, the gloss layer 24 has a convex portion 24p and a concave portion 24r. The gloss layer 24 has a wavy shape in which the concave portions 24r and the convex portions 24p are repeated. The pattern formed by the repetition of the concave portions 24r and the convex portions 24p is, for example, a geometric pattern as shown in FIG. 5. Such a pattern by the gloss layer 24 is viewed superimposed on the display of the display screen 10 as shown in FIG. 6. A predetermined design can be imparted by such a pattern by the repetition of the concave portions 24r and the convex portions 24p, but it is also important to prevent a decrease in visibility due to the repetition of the concave portions 24r and the convex portions 24p. It is also important to provide the desired feel to the surface exposed region EX by repeating the recesses 24r and protrusions 24p of the glossy layer 24. The feel of the recesses 24r and protrusions 24p of the glossy layer 24 becomes harder to feel as the gradation of the recesses 24r approaches 100%. Therefore, it is preferable to set the gradation of the recesses of the glossy layer 24 to 60% or less. In order to improve visibility, it is preferable to set the gradation of the recesses 24r of the glossy layer 24 to 30% or more so as not to make the Haze value of the recesses 24r and protrusions 24p too large. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the gradation of the recesses 24r of the glossy layer 24 is set to 40%. For example, when the glossy layer 24 is formed by printing, the gradation of the dots D1 in the recesses 24r can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of ink used to print the recesses 24r using the dot tone. This type of printing allows the printing of the recesses 24r and the protrusions 24p of the glossy layer 24 to be done at the same time, saving time and effort. For example, if the amount of ink per unit area where the recesses 24r are printed is half the amount of ink per unit area where the protrusions 24p are printed, the gradation of the dots D1 in the recesses 24r will be 50% (half). Resins used for the gloss layer 24 include, for example, polyvinyl resins, polyamide resins, polyacrylic resins, polyurethane resins, polyvinyl acetal resins, polyester urethane resins, cellulose ester resins, and alkyd resins.

[0025] <Second embodiment> (3) Overall structure In the smartphone 1 and the cover panel 20, which are examples of the display device of the first embodiment, the recessed portion 24r and the protruding portion 24p are formed by adjusting the gradation of the recessed portion 24r of the glossy layer 24. Therefore, the surface of the recessed portion 24r and the surface of the protruding portion 24p are both made of the material forming the glossy layer 24. 9, in the cover panel 20 of the second embodiment, the convex portion 24p is formed by the glossy layer 24. However, the glossy layer 24 is not formed in the concave portion 23r. In other words, by setting the gradation of the concave portion 24r of the glossy layer 24 of the first embodiment to 0%, the cover panel 20 of the second embodiment has unevenness in the surface exposed area EX. In other words, the bottom surface of the concave portion 23r of the cover panel 20 of the second embodiment is formed by the surface of the matte layer 23. The base film 21 and the design layer 22 of the cover panel 20 of the second embodiment can be configured similarly to the base film 21 and the design layer 22 of the cover panel 20 of the first embodiment. In the cover panel 20 of the second embodiment, the bottom surface of the recess 23r becomes the surface of the matte layer 23, so the laminate consisting of the base film 21 and the matte layer 23 has a haze value set to 65% or more and 80% or less. The haze value of the cover panel 20 is configured to be 40% or more and 85% or less. As in the first embodiment, in order to obtain even better visibility, it is more preferable that the haze value of the cover panel 20 is configured to be 60% or more and 70% or less.

[0026] (4) Variations (4-1) Variation A As shown in FIG. 10, a cover panel 20 can be formed on a smartphone 1, which is a display device, using a decorative sheet 50. The decorative sheet 50 shown in FIG. 10 includes a base film 21, a pattern layer 22, a matte layer 23, and a gloss layer 24, which are similar to those in the first embodiment. In forming the cover panel 20, the decorative sheet 50 of a size required for the cover panel 20 is cut out from the original roll of the decorative sheet 50. An adhesive 18 for dry lamination is applied to the pattern layer 22 of the decorative sheet 50. The decorative sheet 50 to which the adhesive 18 is applied is superimposed on the molded resin 19, and pressure is applied. The decorative sheet 50 and the molded resin 19 are bonded by the pressure, and the cover panel 20 is provided on the molded resin 19, as shown in FIG. 11. The molded resin 19 and the cover panel 20 are part of the smartphone 1.

[0027] (4-2) Variation B The decorative sheet 50 shown in Fig. 12 includes a base film 21, a pattern layer 22, a matte layer 23, and a gloss layer 24 similar to those in the second embodiment. The decorative sheet 50 to which the adhesive 18 for dry lamination is applied and the molded resin 19 are stacked and pressed together to provide a cover panel 20 on the molded resin 19, similar to the smartphone 1 shown in Fig. 11. However, the decorative sheet 50 in Fig. 12 has a larger uneven step due to the gloss layer 24 than the decorative sheet 50 shown in Fig. 10. Therefore, the risk of air bubbles Bu (see Figs. 13 and 14) remaining is reduced in the decorative sheet 50 shown in Fig. 10 compared to the decorative sheet 50 shown in Fig. 12. (4-3) Variation C In the above first and second embodiments, the case where the matte layer 23 is formed on the base film 21 has been described. However, as shown in Fig. 15, the base film 21A may be configured to have the function of the matte layer. For example, the base film 21 may be provided with a matte function by using a base film 21 having transparent fine particles kneaded therein. In other words, the base film 21A provided with a matte function may be used as a laminate consisting of the base film 21 and the matte layer 23. (4-4) Variation D In the first and second embodiments, the icon 11 displayed on the display screen 10 of the smartphone 1 has been described. However, even if the technology described in the first and second embodiments is applied to a case where an icon is displayed using, for example, a black concealing layer patterned with an icon shape, it is possible to prevent the icon from becoming difficult to see due to the unevenness caused by the matte layer 23 and the glossy layer 24. FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 show an example in which an icon is displayed by light emitted from the LED 80 toward the matte layer 23 and the glossy layer 24 of the cover panel 20. The concealing layer 25 provided between the LED 80 and the matte layer 23 and the glossy layer 24 has an icon-shaped patterning 25a formed thereon. The light from the LED 80 passes through this patterning 25a, thereby displaying the icon in the surface exposed area EX. The difference between the cover panels 20 in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 is whether or not a transparent polycarbonate sheet 26 is provided between the concealing layer 25 and the molding resin 19. Another transparent sheet may be provided instead of the polycarbonate sheet 26. The concealing layer 25 is formed by printing with, for example, black ink. Instead of the transparent or translucent molding resin 19, transparent or translucent glass may be used. (4-5) Variation E In the above second embodiment, the case where the matte layer 23 is formed by laminating it on the base film 21 has been described. However, the cover panel may be produced by transfer printing. Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of a process for producing the cover panel 20 by transfer printing. First, a matte ink 61 and a glossy ink 62 are printed, for example, by gravure printing, on a prepared carrier film 60. In the example shown in Fig. 18, the matte ink 61 is printed, for example, on the entire surface of the carrier film 60, and the glossy ink 62 is printed partially so as to overlap the matte ink 61. Next, a transparent resin is coated to form a top layer 63. Furthermore, a design layer 64 is printed on the coated top layer 63 by, for example, gravure printing. The top layer 63 and the design layer 64 are transferred to the molding resin 19, and the carrier film 60, the matte ink 61, and the glossy ink 62 do not remain on the cover panel 20. The surface state of the matte ink 61 is transferred to the convex surface 63x of the top layer 63 included in the cover panel 20. In addition, the surface state of the glossy ink 62 is transferred to the concave surface 63y of the top layer 63. As a result, the haze value of the surface exposed region EX consisting of the convex surface 63x and the concave surface 63y can be set to 40% or more and 85% or less. The haze value of the convex surface 63x can be set to 65% or more and 80% or less. The haze value of the concave surface 63y can be set to 30% or more and 60% or less. Resins used for the top layer 63 include, for example, acrylic resin, silicone resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, epoxy resin, and polyurethane resin.

[0028] (5) Features (5-1) The cover panel 20 of the smartphone 1, which is a display device, or the decorative sheet 50 used in the smartphone 1 is provided on the display screen 10, which emits a first visible light to visually display information or images, and is arranged in a surface exposed area EX that transmits the first visible light emitted from the display screen 10. The cover panel 20 comprises a transparent or translucent base film 21, a pattern layer 22, a transparent or translucent matte layer 23, and a transparent or translucent gloss layer 24. The base film 21 has a first main surface 21a on which the first visible light emitted from the display screen 10 is incident, and a second main surface 21b from which the first visible light is emitted. The pattern layer 22 is disposed on the first main surface 21a side of the base film 21, and has a pattern colored with an interference pigment 22p that develops color due to interference of reflected light of the second visible light that is incident on the surface exposed region EX from the outside. The matte layer 23 is disposed on the second main surface 21b side of the base film 21, and is a layer for matting the surface exposed region EX. The gloss layer 24 is disposed on a layer surface 23s of the matte layer 23. The gloss layer 24 is a layer for forming convex portions 24p and concave portions 24r in the surface exposed region EX to increase the surface roughness of the surface exposed region EX compared to the case where the gloss layer 24 is not present, and is configured so that the Haze value of the surface exposed region EX is 40% or more and 85% or less. By setting the haze value of the cover panel 20 or decorative sheet 50 including the pattern layer 22 colored with the interference pigment 22p to be 40% or more and 85% or less, the gloss layer 24 can impart a tactile feel to the surface exposed area EX due to the recesses 24r and protrusions 24p, and even for displays in which the visibility of transmitted light is slightly reduced due to the interference pigment 22p, the boundaries between the protrusions 24p and the recesses 24r can be made less noticeable, thereby improving the visibility of the cover panel 20 or decorative sheet 50.

[0029] (5-2) The cover panel 20 shown in Fig. 2 or the decorative sheet 50 shown in Fig. 10 is configured such that the recesses 24r and the protrusions 24p are made of a glossy layer 24 having a wavy shape in which the recesses 24r and the protrusions 24p are repeated. In the cover panel 20 of Fig. 2 or the decorative sheet 50 of Fig. 10, a difference in haze value between the protrusions 24p and the recesses 24r can be provided in the glossy layer 24, and the haze value of the cover panel 20 or the decorative sheet 50 can be easily set to an appropriate value, making it easy to improve visibility. The cover panel 20 of Fig. 2 or the decorative sheet 50 of Fig. 10 is used in, for example, a smartphone 1, but may also be used in display devices other than the smartphone 1. (5-3) In the cover panel 20 of Fig. 2 or the decorative sheet 50 of Fig. 10, the gloss layer 24 is configured so that the gradation of the recessed portion 24r is, for example, 30% or more and 60% or less. Therefore, the cover panel 20 of Fig. 2 or the decorative sheet 50 of Fig. 10 is configured so that the difference in haze value between the protruding portion 24p and the recessed portion 24r can be easily set appropriately, and visibility can be easily improved. The cover panel 20 of Fig. 2 or the decorative sheet 50 of Fig. 10 is used in, for example, the smartphone 1, but may also be used in display devices other than the smartphone 1.

[0030] (5-4) In the cover panel 20 shown in Fig. 9 or the decorative sheet 50 shown in Fig. 12, the bottom surface of the recess 23r is formed by the surface of the matte layer 23. In the cover panel 20 in Fig. 9 or the decorative sheet 50 in Fig. 12, the haze value of the bottom surface of the recess 23r can be set to the haze value of the matte layer 23, making it easier to set the haze value of the recess 23r and to improve visibility. (5-5) In the cover panel 20 in Fig. 9 or the decorative sheet 50 in Fig. 12, the haze value of the laminate consisting of the base film 21 and the matte layer 23 is set to 65% or more and 80% or less. Therefore, in the cover panel 20 in Fig. 9 or the decorative sheet 50 in Fig. 12, blurring of the display on the display screen 10 can be suppressed, and visibility is significantly improved.

[0031] (5-6) The cover panel 20 or the decorative sheet 50 preferably has a Haze value of 60% or more and 70% or less. By setting the Haze value of the cover panel 20 or the decorative sheet 50 in this manner, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the contrast of the display on the display screen 10 while suppressing the conspicuousness of the boundaries between the recesses 24r, 23r and the protrusions 24p, and to significantly improve visibility. 19 to 21 show an enlarged view of one icon on the display screen when the gloss layer forms a geometric pattern. FIG. 19 shows an example of a conventional display screen 110. FIG. 20 shows the display screen 10 of the smartphone 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 21 shows the display screen 10 of the smartphone 1 according to the second embodiment. Looking at FIG. 19, the uneven pattern caused by forming the gloss layer on the icon 111 is visible in the icon, damaging the aesthetics. In addition, the display of the boundary of the unevenness of the characters 112 under the icon in FIG. 19 is unclear. Comparing FIG. 19 with FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the boundary of the uneven pattern caused by forming the gloss layer 24 is difficult to see, and the characters are easy to read, and it can be seen that the contrast is improved by adopting the configuration of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. 22 to 24 show an enlarged view of one icon on the display screen when the gloss layer has a wood grain pattern. FIG. 22 shows an example of a conventional display screen. FIG. 23 shows the display screen 10 of the smartphone 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 24 shows the display screen 10 of the smartphone 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the icon and the characters are blurred by forming the gloss layer on the icon, making them difficult to see. Furthermore, when comparing FIG. 22 with FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, it can be seen that the blurring of the outlines of the icon and the characters is suppressed even though there is a wood grain pattern on the gloss layer 24 of FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, and the contrast is improved by adopting the configuration of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. 25 to 27 show an enlarged view of an icon in the case where the gloss layer depicts a wood grain pattern and the concealing layer is used to display the icon. FIG. 25 shows an example of an icon pattern 125a of an automobile panel 170 using a conventional concealing layer. FIG. 26 shows an icon pattern 25a (see FIGS. 16 and 17) of an automobile panel 70 in which a wood grain pattern is depicted by the gloss layer 24 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 27 shows an icon pattern 25a (see FIGS. 16 and 17) of an automobile panel 70 in which a wood grain pattern is depicted by the gloss layer 24 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, the wood grain pattern appears around the icon pattern 125a due to the formation of the gloss layer, and the beauty of the icon pattern 125a is impaired. Furthermore, when comparing Figures 25, 26, and 27, it can be seen that even though there is a wood grain pattern in the gloss layer 24, the icon patterning 25a and its surroundings are neat, and that the aesthetic appearance has been improved by adopting the configuration of the first or second embodiment. Although the first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. In particular, the multiple embodiments and modifications described in this specification can be arbitrarily combined as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1. Smartphone 10 Display screen 20 Cover Panel 21 Base film 22 Design layer 23 Matte layer 24 Gloss layer 24p convex part 24r,23r recess 50 Decorative Sheet EX surface exposed area

Claims

1. A cover panel is provided for a display screen that radiates a first visible light to visually display information or an image, and is disposed on a surface exposed area of ​​a display device that transmits the first visible light radiated from the display screen, a transparent or translucent base film having a first main surface onto which the first visible light emitted from the display screen is incident and a second main surface from which the first visible light is emitted; a pattern layer disposed on the first main surface side of the base film, the pattern being colored with an interference pigment that develops color due to interference of reflected light of a second visible light that is incident on the exposed surface region from the outside; A transparent or semi-transparent matte layer is disposed on the second main surface side of the base film to matte the exposed surface area; a transparent or semi-transparent glossy layer disposed on the surface of the matte layer; Equipped with the gloss layer is a layer for forming convex portions and concave portions in the exposed surface region, thereby increasing the surface roughness of the exposed surface region compared to a case in which the gloss layer is not present; The cover panel is configured so that the haze value of the exposed surface area is 40% or more and 85% or less.

2. The concave portion and the convex portion are made of the gloss layer having a wavy shape in which the concave portion and the convex portion are repeated. The cover panel according to claim 1 .

3. The glossy layer is configured so that the gradation of the dot portion in the recess where the dots are formed is 30% or more and 60% or less. The cover panel according to claim 2 .

4. The bottom surface of the recess is formed by the surface of the mat layer. The cover panel according to claim 3.

5. A region of the laminate consisting of the base film and the matte layer has a haze value of 65% or more and 80% or less. The cover panel according to claim 4.

6. The haze value of the exposed surface region is configured to be 60% or more and 70% or less. A cover panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A decorative sheet is provided for a display screen that radiates first visible light to visually display information or an image, and is disposed in a surface exposed area of ​​a display device that transmits the first visible light radiated from the display screen, a transparent or translucent base film having a first main surface onto which the first visible light emitted from the display screen is incident and a second main surface from which the first visible light is emitted; a pattern layer disposed on the first main surface side of the base film, the pattern being colored with an interference pigment that develops color due to interference of reflected light of a second visible light that is incident on the exposed surface region from the outside; A transparent or semi-transparent matte layer is disposed on the second main surface side of the base film to matte the exposed surface area; a transparent or semi-transparent glossy layer disposed on the surface of the matte layer; Equipped with the gloss layer is a layer for forming convex portions and concave portions in the exposed surface region, thereby increasing the surface roughness of the exposed surface region compared to a case in which the gloss layer is not present; The decorative sheet is configured so that the haze value of the portion corresponding to the exposed surface region is 40% or more and 85% or less.

8. a display screen that radiates the first visible light to visually display information or an image; a cover panel disposed on an exposed surface area of ​​the display screen and transmitting the first visible light emitted from the display screen; Equipped with The cover panel includes: a transparent or translucent base film having a first main surface onto which the first visible light emitted from the display screen is incident and a second main surface from which the first visible light is emitted; a pattern layer disposed on the first main surface side of the base film, the pattern being colored with an interference pigment that develops color due to interference of reflected light of a second visible light that is incident on the exposed surface region from the outside; A transparent or semi-transparent matte layer is disposed on the second main surface side of the base film to matte the exposed surface area; a transparent or semi-transparent glossy layer disposed on the surface of the matte layer; Equipped with the gloss layer is a layer for forming convex portions and concave portions in the exposed surface region, thereby increasing the surface roughness of the exposed surface region compared to a case in which the gloss layer is not present; A display device configured so that a haze value of the exposed surface area of ​​the cover panel is equal to or greater than 40% and equal to or less than 85%.

Images