Decorative sheet

Abstract

To provide a decorative sheet which suppresses an opening of a design layer from being viewed when a backlight is turned off.SOLUTION: A decorative sheet 1 comprises: a skin layer 3 having light permeability; an intermediate layer 4 which is arranged on a rear side of the skin layer 3, and has light permeability; a design layer 5 arranged on the rear side of the intermediate layer 4; and a base layer 6 which is arranged on the rear side of the design layer 5 and has light permeability. From the front view, the design layer 5 has: a screening part 50; and an opening 51 adjacent to the screening part 50 through a boundary A. From the front view, in the opening 51, multiple dot parts 510 are arranged. The multiple dot parts 510 are arranged so that, from the boundary A to the inside of the opening 51, the density becomes lower. The opening 51 has light permeability higher than that of the screening part 50 and the dot parts 510. The dot part 510 has light permeability equal to that of the screening part 50 or higher than that of the screening part 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a decorative sheet used for, for example, interior parts of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of vehicle interiors, development of a decorative sheet whose design visible from the interior of the vehicle can be switched by turning on and off a backlight is in progress. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a display device including a surface protection layer, a pattern layer (design layer) and a void portion, a base material, a dimming sheet, a light-emitting display (display), and a display control device. The surface protection layer, the pattern layer and the void portion, the base material, the dimming sheet, and the light-emitting display are laminated and arranged in this order from the front side (the vehicle interior side) toward the back side. The display control device is arranged separately from these members.

[0003] The surface protection layer is colorless and transparent. The pattern layer has patterns such as wood grain conduit patterns and marble patterns printed thereon. The pattern layer is printed on the surface of the base material. The void portion is juxtaposed to the pattern layer. The void portion corresponds to a portion of the surface of the base material where the pattern layer is not printed.

[0004] The display control device can adjust the light transmittance of the dimming sheet according to the lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting display. Specifically, the display control device can adjust the dimming sheet so as to transmit light when the light-emitting display is lit and not to transmit light when the light-emitting display is extinguished. When the light-emitting display is lit, since the dimming sheet transmits light, the design of the pattern layer is likely to appear on the surface of the surface protection layer. On the other hand, when the light-emitting display is extinguished, since the dimming sheet does not transmit light, the design of the pattern layer is less likely to appear on the surface of the surface protection layer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, according to the decorative sheet of the same document, when the light-emitting display is turned off, under certain conditions, the design of the pattern layer may be likely to appear on the surface of the surface protection layer. That is, when the light-emitting display is turned off, a part of the light from the outside (the front side of the decorative sheet) is reflected on the surface of the base material. A part of the light follows a path of the surface protection layer → the void portion → the surface of the base material → the void portion again → the surface protection layer again and is visually recognized by the user. Also, another part of the light from the outside is reflected on the back surface of the surface protection layer (without reaching the surface of the base material) and is visually recognized by the user. Here, when the difference between the reflection on the surface of the base material and the reflection on the back surface of the surface protection layer is excessively large, the void portion is likely to be visually recognized from the outside. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a decorative sheet in which the opening of the design layer is difficult to be visually recognized when the backlight is turned off.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] (1) To solve the above problems, the decorative sheet of the present disclosure includes a light-transmissive skin layer, an intermediate layer disposed on the back side of the skin layer and having light transmissivity, a design layer disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer, and a base layer disposed on the back side of the design layer and having light transmissivity. The decorative sheet is characterized in that, when viewed from the front side, the design layer has a shielding portion and an opening portion disposed adjacent to the shielding portion via a boundary. When viewed from the front side, a plurality of dot portions are disposed in the opening portion, and the plurality of dot portions are arranged so as to be denser to sparser from the boundary toward the inside of the opening portion. The opening portion has higher light transmissivity than the shielding portion and the dot portions, and the dot portions have the same light transmissivity as the shielding portion or higher light transmissivity than the shielding portion.

[0008] Assume a case where a plurality of dot portions are not arranged in the opening. In this case, when the backlight is turned off, a part of the light incident on the decorative sheet from the front side of the skin layer is reflected on the surface of the shielding portion (shielding portion reflection) and visually recognized by the user. Further, when the backlight is turned off, another part of the light incident on the decorative sheet from the front side of the skin layer passes through the opening and is reflected on the surface of the base layer (base layer reflection) and visually recognized by the user.

[0009] A difference occurs between the shielding portion reflection and the base layer reflection due to, for example, a difference in the light reflectance between the surface of the shielding portion and the surface of the base layer. Therefore, the boundary between the shielding portion and the opening is likely to be visually recognized by the user.

[0010] In this regard, according to this configuration, a plurality of dot portions are arranged in the opening. Further, the plurality of dot portions are arranged so as to be denser to sparser from the boundary between the shielding portion and the opening toward the inside of the opening. As described above, when the backlight is turned off, the boundary between the shielding portion and the opening is likely to be visually recognized. By arranging a plurality of dot portions densely in the vicinity of the boundary, the boundary can be blurred. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the boundary from being visually recognized by the user.

[0011] Further, at least one of absorption, attenuation, and reflection of the light reflected on the surface of the base layer occurs on the side surface (the surface connecting the front surface and the back surface) of the dot portion. For this reason, the boundary (outer edge of the dot portion) between the dot portion and the portion in the opening where no dot portion is arranged (dot absent portion) can be blurred.

[0012] (1-1) In the configuration of (1) above, the base layer is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer and has a light diffusing property. The base layer made of a thermoplastic elastomer has a large number of pores. When viewed macroscopically, the surface of the base layer is white. For this reason, the surface of the base layer easily reflects light. Therefore, when the backlight is turned off, the boundary between the shielding portion and the opening is likely to be visually recognized. The decorative sheet of the present disclosure is suitable for a decorative sheet having such a base layer with high light reflectivity.

[0013] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, when viewed from the front side, inside the opening, an outer dot area arranged adjacent to the boundary and an inner dot area arranged adjacent to the outer dot area are partitioned. It is preferable that in the outer dot area, a plurality of the dot portions are densely arranged with respect to the inner dot area.

[0014] According to this configuration, inside the opening, an outer dot area where a plurality of dot portions are densely arranged and an inner dot area where a plurality of dot portions are sparsely arranged are partitioned. With these two types of dot areas, a plurality of dot portions can be arranged so as to be dense to sparse from the boundary toward the inside of the opening.

[0015] (3) In the configuration of (2) above, the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the boundary is defined as the width direction. Of the two ends in the width direction of the outer dot area, the end on the shielding portion side is defined as the outer end, and the end on the opening side is defined as the inner end. It is preferable that the outer end is the boundary, and with the total length of the opening in the width direction being 100%, the inner end is arranged at a position within 33% in the width direction from the boundary.

[0016] According to this configuration, with the total length of the opening in the width direction being 100%, compared with the case where the inner end is arranged at a position more than 33% in the width direction from the boundary, the width of the outer dot area (the area where the dot portions are densely arranged) can be set narrower, and the width of the inner dot area (the area where the dot portions are sparsely arranged) can be set wider. For this reason, the boundary can be blurred intensively. Also, it is possible to suppress an excessive decrease in the light transmittance of the opening.

[0017] (4) In the configuration of (2) above, when viewed from the front side, it is preferable that the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions in the outer dot area gradually decreases from the boundary toward the inside of the opening.

[0018] Assume that the arrangement density of a plurality of dot portions changes abruptly from the boundary between the shielding portion and the opening portion toward the inside of the opening portion. In this case, when the backlight is turned off, the boundary where the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions changes (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "boundary of the arrangement density") is likely to be visually recognized by the user. In this regard, according to this configuration, the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions gradually decreases from the boundary between the shielding portion and the opening portion toward the inside of the opening portion. Therefore, the boundary of the arrangement density can be blurred.

[0019] Also, the light transmittance is different between the portion where the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions is high and the portion where it is low. Therefore, when the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions changes abruptly from the boundary between the shielding portion and the opening portion toward the inside of the opening portion, the difference in light transmittance becomes large. Therefore, when the backlight is turned on, it is easy for the user to visually recognize the difference in light intensity. In this regard, according to this configuration, the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions gradually decreases from the boundary between the shielding portion and the opening portion toward the inside of the opening portion. Therefore, the difference in light transmittance is small. Therefore, when the backlight is turned on, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the difference in light intensity.

[0020] (5) In the configuration of (2) above, when viewed from the front side, it is preferable that the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions in the outer dot area is uniform. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a boundary in the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions in the outer dot area. Also, since it is difficult for the boundary of the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions to occur itself, the light transmittance tends to be uniform over the entire outer dot area. Therefore, when the backlight is turned on, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the difference in light intensity.

[0021] (6) In the configuration of (2) above, when viewed from the front side, assuming the area of the inner dot area is 100%, it is preferable that the total area of the plurality of dot portions in the inner dot area is 25% or more and 50% or less.

[0022] According to this configuration, when the total area of the plurality of dot portions is less than 25%, it is possible to suppress the opening portion from being visually recognized by the user when the backlight is turned off. Further, when the total area of the plurality of dot portions exceeds 50%, it is possible to suppress the light transmittance of the opening portion from decreasing when the backlight is turned on.

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

[0024] (8) In the configuration of (1) above, when viewed from the front side, it is preferable that the opening portion has a strip shape and the length in the short side direction of the opening portion is 3 mm or more. Here, "strip shape" means that the aspect ratio of the opening portion is (length in the short side direction: length in the long side direction) = (exceeding 1:1). When the length in the short side direction of the opening portion is 3 mm or more, the boundary between the shielding portion and the opening portion is likely to be visually recognized by the user when the backlight is turned off. According to this configuration, a plurality of dot portions can be arranged in an area (an area where the length in the short side direction of the opening portion is 3 mm or more) that can effectively exhibit the boundary blurring effect. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the boundary between the shielding portion and the opening portion from being visually recognized by the user when the backlight is turned off.

[0025] (9) In the configuration of (1) above, it is preferable that the visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer is 3% or more and 30% or less. In the present disclosure, "visible light" refers to electromagnetic waves in the wavelength range that can be sensed as light by the human eye. The wavelength range of visible light is, for example, 360 nm or more and 830 nm or less. Further, the "visible light transmittance" τ refers to the ratio of visible light passing through a sample (for example, the intermediate layer, etc.). Assuming the luminous intensity of the incident light is I0 and the luminous intensity of the light passing through the sample is I, the visible light transmittance τ (%) = (I / I0) × 100. According to this configuration, the visibility of the opening at the time of backlight lighting can be improved as compared with the case where the visible light transmittance is less than 3%. Also, as compared with the case where the visible light transmittance exceeds 30%, it is possible to suppress the opening on the surface of the skin layer from being displayed through when the backlight is turned off.

[0026] (10) In the configuration of (1) above, it is preferable that it is configured to be arranged on an interior member of a vehicle. According to this configuration, by switching the backlight on and off, the design of the interior member can be given a two-sided property.

Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the decorative sheet of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the opening of the design layer from being visually recognized when the backlight is turned off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the decorative sheet of the present disclosure will be described.

[0030] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a partial perspective view of a door trim in which the decorative sheet of the present embodiment is arranged. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view within frame II of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view within frame II of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows a surface view of the design layer within frame II of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view within frame V of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the VI-VI direction of FIG. 5. In these figures, the front-rear direction corresponds to the "extending direction of the boundary" of the present disclosure, and the left-right direction corresponds to the "width direction" and "short side direction" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0031] (Arrangement and Configuration of Decorative Sheet) First, the arrangement and configuration of the decorative sheet of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the decorative sheet 1 is arranged on the door trim 9 of the passenger compartment. The door trim 9 is included in the concept of the "interior member" of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the door trim 9 includes the decorative sheet 1 and the light source unit 8. The decorative sheet 1 and the light source unit 8 are laminated in this order from the front side (upper side, inside the passenger compartment) to the back side (lower side, outside the passenger compartment).

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the decorative sheet 1 includes an epidermal layer 3, an intermediate layer 4, a design layer 5, and a base layer 6 from the front side to the back side. As shown in FIG. 1, the surface (upper surface) of the epidermal layer 3 is exposed in the passenger compartment. The epidermal layer 3 is made of synthetic leather and has a layered structure. The epidermal layer 3 has light transmissivity and flexibility. As shown in FIG. 6, the epidermal layer 3 has uneven concavo-convex portions 31 on its surface. The concavo-convex portions 31 are arranged over the entire surface of the epidermal layer 3. The design layer 5 described later is irradiated with light from the light source portion 8 on the back side through the base layer 6 described later. Due to the light, the design (such as the opening 51 and dot portion 510) of the design layer 5 is displayed on the surface of the epidermal layer 3.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the intermediate layer 4 is arranged on the back side of the epidermal layer 3. The intermediate layer 4 is made of light-transmissive ink and has a layered structure. The intermediate layer 4 has light transmissivity and flexibility. The intermediate layer 4 has lower light transmissivity than the epidermal layer 3. The intermediate layer 4 is smoky translucent. The intermediate layer 4 is colored transparent.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the design layer 5 is arranged on the back side of the intermediate layer 4. The design layer 5 has a layered structure. The design layer 5 has flexibility. The design layer 5 has higher light transmissivity than the intermediate layer 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, when viewed from the front side, the design layer 5 has two shielding portions 50, an opening 51, and a boundary A. The two shielding portions 50 are arranged along the left and right edges of the design layer 5. The shielding portion 50 has a strip shape extending in the front-rear direction. The shielding portion 50 is made of light-shielding (light-impermeable) ink and has light-shielding properties.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the opening 51 is disposed between the two left and right shielding portions 50 (inner side in the left - right direction). The opening 51 is a space and has light - transmissivity. The opening 51 is disposed adjacent to the shielding portion 50 via the boundary A. The opening 51 has a strip - shape extending in the front - rear direction. When viewed from the front side, a plurality of dot portions 510 are dispersedly arranged in the opening 51. Specifically, in the opening 51, a plurality of dot portions 510 are arranged from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51 (the center in the left - right direction of the opening 51) in a decreasing density order. The dot portions 510 have an elliptical shape that is long in the left - right direction. The areas of the plurality of dot portions 510 are uniform. The dot portions 510 are made of light - shielding ink and have light - shielding properties. The opening 51 (specifically, the portion in the opening 51 where the dot portions 510 are not arranged. Dot - absent portion) has a higher light - transmissivity than the shielding portion 50 and the dot portions 510. The dot portions 510 have the same or higher light - transmissivity than the shielding portion 50. That is, the relationship of the light - transmissivity from high to low is "opening 51>dot portion 510≧shielding portion 50".

[0036] In the opening 51, two outer dot areas B on the left and right and an inner dot area C are partitioned. The outer dot area B is disposed in the opening 51 adjacent to the boundary A. The inner dot area C is disposed adjacent to the outer dot area B, inside the opening 51 and on the inner side in the left - right direction of the outer dot area B. The plurality of dot portions 510 are arranged densely in the outer dot area B and sparsely in the inner dot area C.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, the base layer 6 is disposed on the back side of the design layer 5. The base layer 6 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer and has flexibility, light - transmissivity, and light - diffusibility. The light from the light source 80 is diffused by the base layer 6 in the layer - along direction (layer - spreading direction. A direction intersecting the stacking direction (up - down direction). Plane direction). For this reason, the surface of the base layer 6 emits light over the entire surface.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the light source unit 8 is disposed on the back side of the base layer 6 of the decorative sheet 1. The light source unit 8 includes a plurality of light sources (LEDs) 80. The plurality of light sources 80 are distributed throughout the light source unit 8 in the layer direction. The light from the light source 80 reaches the surface of the door trim 9 via the base layer 6, the design layer 5, the intermediate layer 4, and the skin layer 3.

[0039] (Method for manufacturing a decorative sheet) Next, the method for manufacturing the decorative sheet of the present embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing the decorative sheet 1 includes an intermediate layer printing step, a design layer printing step, and a base layer arranging step. Note that the manufacturing method is executed with the decorative sheet 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 turned upside down. In the intermediate layer printing step, the intermediate layer 4 is printed on the back surface (upper surface) of the skin layer 3 with the embossed portion 31 by a silk screen printing machine. When the intermediate layer 4 has a multilayer structure (for example, a structure having a surface layer (transparent layer) and a back layer (colored layer)), each layer is printed in order. In the design layer printing step, the design layer 5 is printed on the back surface (upper surface) of the intermediate layer 4 by a silk screen printing machine. Specifically, two shielding portions 50 are printed on both sides in the left-right direction of the opening portion 51, and a plurality of dot portions 510 are printed in the opening portion 51. In the base layer arranging step, a preformed base layer 6 is laminated on the back surface of the design layer 5.

[0040] (Function and effect) Next, the function and effect of the decorative sheet of the present embodiment will be described. Assume a case where a plurality of dot portions 510 are not arranged in the opening portion 51. In this case, when the backlight is turned off (when the light source unit 8 is turned off), a part of the light incident on the decorative sheet 1 from the front side of the skin layer 3 is reflected on the surface of the shielding portion 50 (shielding portion 50 reflection) and visually recognized by the user. Also, when the backlight is turned off, another part of the light incident on the decorative sheet 1 from the front side of the skin layer 3 passes through the opening portion 51 and is reflected on the surface of the base layer 6 (base layer 6 reflection) and visually recognized by the user.

[0041] Here, a difference occurs between the reflection of the shielding portion 50 and the reflection of the base layer 6 due to, for example, a difference in the light reflectivity between the surface of the shielding portion 50 and the surface of the base layer 6. Therefore, the boundary A becomes easier to be visually recognized by the user.

[0042] In this regard, as shown in FIG. 5, according to the decorative sheet 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of dot portions 510 are arranged in the opening 51. The plurality of dot portions 510 are arranged so as to be denser to sparser from the boundary A between the shielding portion 50 and the opening 51 toward the inside of the opening 51. By arranging the dot portions 510 densely in the vicinity of the boundary A that is easily visually recognized when the backlight is turned off, the boundary A can be blurred. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the boundary A from being visually recognized by the user.

[0043] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, at least one of absorption, attenuation, and reflection of the light reflected by the surface of the base layer 6 occurs on the side surface of the dot portion 510 (the surface extending in the stacking direction (front-back direction, up-down direction); the surface connecting the front surface and the back surface). Therefore, the boundary (outer edge of the dot portion 510) between the dot portion 510 and the portion in the opening 51 where the dot portion 510 is not arranged (dot absent portion) can be blurred.

[0044] The base layer 6 made of a thermoplastic elastomer has a large number of pores. When viewed macroscopically, the surface of the base layer 6 is white. Therefore, the surface of the base layer 6 easily reflects light. Therefore, the boundary A is easily visually recognized when the backlight is turned off. The decorative sheet of the present disclosure is suitable for the decorative sheet 1 having such a highly light-reflective base layer 6.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the front side, an outer dot area B where a plurality of dot portions 510 are densely arranged and an inner dot area C where a plurality of dot portions 510 are sparsely arranged are partitioned in the opening 51. By these two types of dot areas, the plurality of dot portions 510 can be arranged so as to be denser to sparser from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51 (inside in the left-right direction).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, of both ends in the left - right direction of the outer dot area B, the end on the shielding part 50 side is defined as the outer end B1 (that is, the boundary A). Also, of both ends in the width direction of the outer dot area B, the end on the opening 51 side is defined as the inner end B2. Taking the total length in the left - right direction of the opening 51 as 100%, the inner end B2 is arranged at a position within 33% inward in the left - right direction from the boundary A. Therefore, compared with the case where the inner end B2 is arranged at a position more than 33% inward in the left - right direction from the boundary A, the width of the outer dot area (the area where the dot parts 510 are densely arranged) B can be set narrower, and the width of the inner dot area (the area where the dot parts 510 are sparsely arranged) C can be set wider. Thus, the boundary A can be blurred intensively. Also, it is possible to suppress the excessive decrease in the light transmittance of the opening 51.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the front side, in the outer dot area B, two lines L1 to L2 are arranged from the outer end B1 (boundary A) toward the inner end B2. The two dot rows L1 to L2 are arranged side by side in the left - right direction. The dot rows L1 to L2 each include a plurality of dot parts 510 connected linearly (dot - line - like). The dot rows L1 to L2 each extend in the front - rear direction.

[0048] In the two dot rows L1 to L2, the intervals between a pair of adjacent dot parts 510 in the front - rear direction are the same. That is, the intervals between a pair of adjacent dot parts 510 are set so that dot row L1 = dot row L2. Therefore, the arrangement density of the plurality of dot parts 510 in the outer dot area B (the number of dot parts 510 arranged per unit area in any of the dot rows L1 to L2) is uniform from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a boundary in the arrangement density of the plurality of dot parts 510 in the outer dot area B. Also, since the boundary itself of the arrangement density of the plurality of dot parts 510 is difficult to occur, the light transmittance is likely to be uniform over the entire outer dot area B. For this reason, when the backlight is lit (when the light source unit 8 is lit), it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the difference in light intensity.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 5, when viewed from the front side, taking the area of the inner dot area C as 100%, the total area of the plurality of dot portions 510 in the inner dot area C is 25% or more and 50% or less. Therefore, compared with the case where the total area of the plurality of dot portions 510 is less than 25%, it is possible to suppress the opening 51 from being visually recognized by the user when the backlight is turned off. Also, compared with the case where the total area of the plurality of dot portions 510 exceeds 50%, it is possible to suppress the light transmittance of the opening 51 from decreasing when the backlight is turned on.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, when viewed from the front side, the major axis of the elliptical dot portion 510 extends in the left-right direction. Both left and right ends of the major axis are in contact with the circumscribed circle E. The diameter of the circumscribed circle E is 1.5 mm or less. Therefore, compared with the case where the diameter of the circumscribed circle E (that is, the length of the major axis of the dot portion 510) exceeds 1.5 mm, it is possible to suppress the dot portion 510 itself from being visually recognized by the user when the backlight is turned off.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4, when viewed from the front side, the opening 51 extends in a strip shape in the front-rear direction (longitudinal direction). The length of the opening 51 in the left-right direction is 3 mm or more. That is, the aspect ratio of the opening 51 is (length in the left-right direction: length in the front-rear direction) = (more than 1:1). When the length of the opening 51 in the left-right direction (opening width) is 3 mm or more, the boundary A is likely to be visually recognized by the user when the backlight is turned off.

[0052] In this regard, according to the decorative sheet 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of dot portions 510 are arranged in an area (an area where the length of the opening 51 in the left-right direction is 3 mm or more) that can effectively exhibit the blurring effect of the boundary A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the boundary A from being visually recognized by the user when the backlight is turned off.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer 4 is 3% or more and 30% or less. Therefore, compared with the case where the visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer 4 is less than 3%, the visibility of the opening 51 when the backlight is lit can be improved. Further, compared with the case where the visible light transmittance of the intermediate layer 4 exceeds 30%, it is possible to suppress the opening 51 from being seen through and displayed on the surface of the skin layer 3 when the backlight is turned off. Hereinafter, the method for measuring the visible light transmittance will be described. First, in a dark room without illumination, a sample is set on an LED light source (luminance: 3000 cd / m 2 ), and the LED light source is turned on. Next, at a position 1000 mm away from the measurement location (circular portion with a diameter of approximately 4 mm) of the sample, the luminous intensity I0 of the incident light and the luminous intensity I of the light that has passed through the sample are measured using a color luminance meter (manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc., model number CS-160). Then, from the measurement results, the visible light transmittance τ (%) = (I / I0) × 100 is used to calculate the visible light transmittance.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the decorative sheet 1 of the present embodiment is disposed on the door trim 9, which is an interior member of the vehicle. Therefore, by switching the backlight on and off, the design of the door trim 9 can be given a two-sided property.

[0055] The manufacturing method of the decorative sheet 1 includes an intermediate layer printing step and a design layer printing step. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the intermediate layer 4 is a coating film or the like, variations in the layer thickness of the intermediate layer 4 can be suppressed. Further, it is possible to suppress the layer thickness of the intermediate layer 4 from becoming excessively large. The design layer 5 also has the same effect as the intermediate layer 4. In addition, misalignment in the layer direction between the three layers (skin layer 3, intermediate layer 4, design layer 5) can be suppressed.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> The difference between the decorative sheet of the present embodiment and the decorative sheet of the first embodiment is that the dot portion has an isosceles triangle shape. Here, only the differences will be described. FIG. 7 shows a partial surface view of the design layer of the decorative sheet of the present embodiment. Note that the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, when viewed from the front side, the dot portion 510 has an isosceles triangular shape extending in the left - right direction. In any dot columns L1 to L2, any pair of adjacent dot portions 510 in the front - rear direction are arranged such that the directions of their vertices or bases are reversed left - right with respect to each other. That is, the plurality of dot portions 510 are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0058] The decorative sheet of this embodiment and the decorative sheet of the first embodiment have the same effects with respect to the common - configured parts. Like the decorative sheet of this embodiment, the shape of the dot portion 510 may be an isosceles triangular shape. Also, the plurality of dot portions 510 may be arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0059] <Third Embodiment> The difference between the decorative sheet of this embodiment and the decorative sheet of the first embodiment is that the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions in the outer dot area gradually decreases from the boundary toward the inside of the opening. Here, only the differences will be described. FIG. 8 shows a partial surface view of the design layer of the decorative sheet of this embodiment. Note that the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, when viewed from the front side, in the outer dot area B, three dot columns L1 to L3 are arranged from the outer end B1 (boundary A) toward the inner end B2. The three dot columns L1 to L3 are arranged side - by - side in the left - right direction. The dot columns L1 to L3 include a plurality of dot portions 510 connected linearly (in a dotted - line shape). The dot columns L1 to L3 extend in the front - rear direction.

[0061] In the three dot columns L1 to L3, the interval between a pair of adjacent dot portions 510 is set to gradually increase (gradually become wider). That is, the interval between a pair of adjacent dot portions 510 is set in the order of dot column L1 → dot column L2 → dot column L3 from the narrower side. For this reason, the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions 510 in the outer dot area B gradually decreases (gradually reduces) from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51.

[0062] The decorative sheet of the present embodiment and the decorative sheet of the first embodiment have the same effects with respect to the common parts of the configuration. Suppose that in the three dot arrays L1 to L3, the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions 510 changes rapidly from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51. In this case, when the backlight is turned off, the boundary between adjacent dot arrays (dot array L1 and dot array L2, dot array L2 and dot array L3) (the boundary of the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions 510) is likely to be visually recognized by the user. In this regard, according to the decorative sheet of the present embodiment, in the three dot arrays L1 to L3, the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions 510 gradually decreases from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51. Therefore, the boundary between adjacent dot arrays L1 to L3 can be blurred.

[0063] Also, the light transmittance is different between the portion where the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions 510 is high and the portion where it is low. Therefore, when the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions 510 changes rapidly from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51 in the three dot arrays L1 to L3, the difference in light transmittance becomes large. Therefore, when the backlight is lit, the user can easily visually recognize the difference in light intensity. In this regard, according to the decorative sheet of the present embodiment, in the three dot arrays L1 to L3, the arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions 510 gradually decreases from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51. Therefore, the difference in light transmittance is small. Therefore, when the backlight is lit, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the difference in light intensity.

[0064] <Others> The embodiments of the decorative sheet of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the embodiments are not particularly limited to the above forms. It is also possible to implement various modified forms and improved forms that can be made by those skilled in the art.

[0065] (Regarding the configuration) The shape of the surface of the dot portion 510 is not particularly limited. FIGS. 9(A) to 9(D) show surface views of the dot portions of the decorative sheets of other embodiments (Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 4). Note that the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 9(A), the dot portion 510 may be square. Of course, it may be other regular polygons (such as an equilateral triangle, a regular pentagon, a regular hexagon, etc.). Further, it may be a rectangle, a parallelogram, etc. That is, the shape of the dot portion 510 may have isotropy or anisotropy.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 9(B), the dot portion 510 may be rhombic. When the dot portion 510 has anisotropy like the rhombic dot portion 510, the major axis direction is not particularly limited. It may be the left - right direction, the front - back direction, or the diagonal direction (a direction intersecting the left - right direction and the front - back direction). The outer edge of the dot portion 510 only needs to contact the circumscribed circle E at at least two points.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 9(C), the dot portion 510 may be circular. In this case, the outer edge of the dot portion 510 coincides with the circumscribed circle E. As shown in FIG. 9(D), a plurality of dot portions 510 may be connected to each other. A plurality of connected dot portions 510 may be displayed as a line. Further, hatching may be displayed by overlapping a plurality of lines. The continuous direction of the plurality of dot portions 510 is not particularly limited. It may be the left - right direction, the front - back direction, or the diagonal direction. The areas of the plurality of dot portions 510 may be the same or different.

[0069] The arrangement of the plurality of dot portions 510 in the opening 51 is not particularly limited. They may be arranged regularly or irregularly. The plurality of dot portions 510 only need to be arranged so as to become denser from the boundary A toward the inside of the opening 51.

[0070] The extending direction of the dot rows L1 to L3 shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8 is not particularly limited. It may be the left - right direction, the front - back direction, or the diagonal direction. The juxtaposing direction of the plurality of dot rows L1 to L3 is not particularly limited. It may be the left - right direction, the front - back direction, or the diagonal direction. In any of the dot rows L1 to L3, the interval between a pair of adjacent dot portions 510 is not particularly limited. It may be equal or unequal.

[0071] The shape of the side surface of the dot portion 510 is not particularly limited. It may be planar extending in the stacking direction, convex bulging in the layer direction, concave in the layer direction, or a shape combining at least two of these surface shapes.

[0072] The shape, position, number of arrangements, etc. of the opening 51, dot portion 510, and shielding portion 50 in the design layer 5 are not particularly limited. The light transmittance of the opening 51, dot portion 510, and shielding portion 50 is not particularly limited. It is only necessary that the relationship of the light transmittance from high to low is "opening 51 > dot portion 510 > shielding portion 50". Or, it is only necessary that the relationship of the light transmittance from high to low is "opening 51 > dot portion 510 = shielding portion 50".

[0073] The layer structure of each layer (skin layer 3, intermediate layer 4, design layer 5, base layer 6) is not particularly limited. It may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Among each layer, another layer may be interposed between two adjacent layers in the front-back direction. Also, another layer may be arranged on the front side of the skin layer 3.

[0074] The similarity or difference in the area of each layer when viewed from the front side is not particularly limited. For example, when viewed from the front side, the intermediate layer 4 and the design layer 5 may be arranged on a part of the skin layer 3. Also, when viewed from the front side, the design layer 5 may be arranged on a part of the intermediate layer 4. Also, when viewed from the front side, the intermediate layer 4 may be arranged on a part of the design layer 5.

[0075] The color of the design displayed on the skin layer 3 may be a single color or multiple colors. The color may be expressed on the surface of the skin layer 3 by one or more selected from each layer and the light source portion 8. The light transmittance and transparency of each layer (excluding the shielding portion 50 of the design layer 5) are not particularly limited. It may be colorless transparent, colored transparent, translucent, etc. The color (hue, chroma, lightness) of each layer and the light source 80 is not particularly limited. The skin layer 3 may not have the embossed portion 31. The surface of the skin layer 3 may be, for example, a smooth surface.

[0076] The position and the number of arrangements of the light source 80 in the light source unit 8 are not particularly limited. Also, a single light source 80 may include a plurality of LEDs. In this case, the colors of the plurality of LEDs may be different from each other. For example, when a single light source 80 includes red, green, and blue LEDs, white light can be irradiated in addition to red, green, and blue.

[0077] The luminance of the light source 80 is not particularly limited. The type, the number of arrangements, and the position of the light source 80 are not particularly limited. The light source 80 may be an organic EL sheet, an inorganic EL sheet, a phosphorescent sheet, or the like. Also, the light source unit 8 may include the light source 80 and a light guide plate (for example, an acrylic plate).

[0078] The type of the interior member on which the decorative sheet 1 is arranged is not particularly limited. For example, a door trim 9, a seat, an armrest, a floor, a ceiling, an instrument panel, a glove box, a steering wheel, a center console, a register, and the like can be mentioned. The surface of the interior member (the surface of the skin layer 3) may be flat or curved. The orientation of the interior member (the orientation of the front and back of the decorative sheet 1) is not particularly limited. That is, the front and back direction may be the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or a direction intersecting the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The decorative sheet 1 may be arranged on interior members of transportation equipment other than vehicles (motorcycles, ships, airplanes, etc.), buildings (buildings, houses, etc.). Also, the decorative sheet 1 may be arranged on exterior members (the outer walls of transportation equipment or buildings, etc.).

[0079] (Regarding the material) The material of the skin layer 3 is not particularly limited. For example, synthetic leather, resin, elastomer, non-woven fabric, various fabrics (such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, etc.) can be mentioned. Specifically, as the synthetic leather, resin, and elastomer, acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, epoxy, polyurethane, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomer, etc. can be mentioned. As the non-woven fabric and various fabrics, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, cotton, etc. can be mentioned. The skin layer 3 may contain a colorant (such as colored polyethylene), a light diffusing agent (such as silicone, acrylic, titanium oxide, etc.), and a light absorber (such as titanium black, carbon black, etc.).

[0080] The material of the intermediate layer 4 is not particularly limited. For example, resins and elastomers such as acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, polyester, epoxy, polyurethane, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomer, etc. can be mentioned. The intermediate layer 4 may contain the aforementioned colorant, light diffusing agent, and light absorber.

[0081] The material of the design layer 5 (shielding portion 50, dot portion 510) is not particularly limited. For example, resins and elastomers such as acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, polyester, epoxy, polyurethane, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomer, etc. can be mentioned. The design layer 5 may contain the aforementioned colorant, light diffusing agent, and light absorber.

[0082] The opening 51 may be hollow (a space) or solid. Specifically, the portion within the opening 51 where the dot portion 510 is not disposed (dot-absent portion) may be hollow or solid. When the dot-absent portion is solid, the material of the dot-absent portion may be the same as the material of the aforementioned design layer 5 (resin, elastomer). Of course, the dot-absent portion may contain the aforementioned colorant, light diffusing agent, and light absorbing agent. When the dot-absent portion is solid, it is sufficient that the light transmittance relationship is "dot-absent portion > dot portion 510 > shielding portion 50" from the higher side. Or, it is sufficient that the light transmittance relationship is "dot-absent portion > dot portion 510 = shielding portion 50" from the higher side.

[0083] The material of the base layer 6 is not particularly limited. For example, elastomers and resins can be mentioned. Specifically, elastomers such as styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomers, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, and olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers can be mentioned. Further, foams such as polyurethane foam can be mentioned. Also, resins such as acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, polyester, and epoxy can be mentioned.

[0084] When the intermediate layer 4 and the base layer 6 have light diffusing properties, the method for imparting such light diffusing properties is not particularly limited. For example, a light diffusing agent (such as silicone, acrylic, titanium oxide, etc.) having a refractive index different from that of the base material may be dispersed in a transparent base material.

[0085] The lamination method of each layer is not particularly limited. Screen printing (such as silk screen printing), gravure printing, inkjet printing, flexographic printing, etc. may be used. Also, each layer may be laminated by adhesion, pressure bonding, sticking, vapor deposition, welding, coating, etc. A film-like other layer (such as the design layer 5) may be adhered to the back surface of an arbitrary layer (for example, the intermediate layer 4). Also, another layer (such as the intermediate layer 4) may be coated on the back surface of an arbitrary layer (for example, the skin layer 3).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 1: Decorative sheet, 3: Epidermal layer, 31: Uneven portion, 4: Intermediate layer, 5: Design layer, 50: Shielding portion, 51: Opening portion, 510: Dot portion, 6: Base layer, 8: Light source portion, 80: Light source, 9: Door trim (interior member), A: Boundary, B: Outer dot area, B1: Outer end, B2: Inner end, C: Inner dot area, E: Circumscribed circle, L1 - L3: Dot rows

Claims

1. A light-transmitting skin layer; an intermediate layer disposed on the back side of the skin layer and having optical transparency; A design layer disposed on the back side of the intermediate layer; A base layer that is disposed on the back side of the design layer and has optical transparency; A decorative sheet comprising: When viewed from the front side, the design layer has a shielding portion and an opening disposed adjacent to the shielding portion via a boundary, A plurality of dots are arranged within the opening as viewed from the front side, the dot portions are arranged so as to become denser and sparser from the boundary toward the inside of the opening, the opening has a higher light transmittance than the shielding portion and the dot portion, A decorative sheet, wherein the dot portion has the same light transmittance as the shielding portion or has a higher light transmittance than the shielding portion.

2. When viewed from the front side, within the opening, an outer dot area disposed adjacent the boundary; an inner dot area disposed adjacent to the outer dot area; is partitioned, The decorative sheet according to claim 1 , wherein the dot portions are arranged more densely in the outer dot area than in the inner dot area.

3. A direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the boundary is a width direction, Of the two ends in the width direction of the outer dot area, the end on the shielding portion side is the outer end, the end on the opening side is the inner end, As, the outer edge is the boundary, The decorative sheet according to claim 2 , wherein the inner end is located at a position within 33% of the boundary in the width direction, assuming that the entire width direction length of the opening is 100%.

4. The decorative sheet according to claim 2 , wherein an arrangement density of the plurality of dot portions in the outer dot area gradually decreases from the boundary toward the inside of the opening when viewed from the front side.

5. The decorative sheet according to claim 2 , wherein the dots are arranged at a uniform density in the outer dot area when viewed from the front side.

6. The decorative sheet according to claim 2 , wherein a total area of ​​the dot portions in the inner dot area is 25% to 50% of an area of ​​the inner dot area, the total area being 100% when viewed from the front side.

7. 2. The decorative sheet according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of a circumscribing circle of the dot portion when viewed from the front side is 1.5 mm or less.

8. When viewed from the front side, the opening has a strip shape, The decorative sheet according to claim 1 , wherein the widthwise length of the opening is 3 mm or more.

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

10. The decorative sheet according to claim 1, which is disposed on an interior member of a vehicle.

Images