Vehicle interior article

Abstract

To improve appearance of a vehicle interior article with a solar cell.SOLUTION: An instrument panel (1) includes: a base material (23); a solar cell (33) provided on a surface of the base material (23); and a skin material (47) provided so as to cover a front side of the base material (23) including the solar cell (33). A light transmissivity of the skin material (47) in a thickness direction is 25% or more and 80% or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle interior trim. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide solar cells in vehicle interior parts. A vehicle interior part with solar cells is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. The vehicle interior part disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an instrument panel part of which is formed by solar cells. In this instrument panel, the solar cells form the surface of the panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-188192 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the vehicle interior accessories with solar cells as described above, the solar cells form part of the surface. Therefore, the solar cells are visible from the exterior of the vehicle interior accessories. The solar cells are configured to take in light. As a result, the gaps between the cells and the electrodes inside the solar cells are visible from the outside. When such solar cells are exposed to the outside, they stand out and detract from the appearance of the vehicle interior accessories.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the appearance of vehicle interior accessories equipped with solar cells. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, in the technique of the present disclosure, a solar cell provided in a vehicle interior part is covered with a skin material, and the light transmittance in the thickness direction of the skin material is devised.

[0007] Specifically, a first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle interior trim. The vehicle interior trim of the first aspect includes a base material, a solar cell provided on the surface of the base material, and a skin material provided to cover the front side of the base material including the solar cell. The light transmittance in the thickness direction of the skin material is 25% or more and 80% or less.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle interior part of the first aspect, wherein the skin material is made of synthetic resin. The skin material has a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. The type A hardness of the skin material is 30 or more and 90 or less.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle interior part of the first aspect, wherein the skin material is made of fabric.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle interior part of any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a cushion layer provided between the solar cell and the substrate and the skin material, wherein at least a portion of the cushion layer corresponding to the solar cell is translucent.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle interior part of the fourth aspect, wherein the cushion layer has a light transmittance in the thickness direction of 32% or more and less than 100%. A translucent covering including the cushion layer and the skin material, which is provided to cover the solar cell, has a light transmittance in the thickness direction of 25% or more and 80% or less.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle interior part of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the solar cell is flexible.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle interior part of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the vehicle interior part is an instrument panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In a first aspect, a skin material is provided to cover the front side of the substrate, including the solar cells. The light transmittance in the thickness direction of the skin material is 25% or more and 80% or less. If the light transmittance of the skin material is less than 20%, the amount of light irradiating the solar cells will be reduced, and the solar cells may not function effectively. If the light transmittance of the skin material exceeds 80%, the solar cells will be easily visible even through the skin material. By setting the light transmittance of the skin material to 25% or more and 80% or less, the solar cells can be covered by the skin material, making them less visible, while still allowing them to function effectively. This improves the appearance of vehicle interior accessories equipped with solar cells.

[0015] In a second embodiment, a resin skin material is used, the thickness of which is 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and the type A hardness of which is 30 or more and 90 or less, thereby improving the tactile feel of the surface of the vehicle interior part.

[0016] In the third aspect, a fabric skin material is used, and the surface of the vehicle interior part is made of fabric, which improves the feel and design of the surface of the vehicle interior part.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, a cushion layer is provided between the solar cell and the substrate and the skin material. This provides cushioning to the surface of the vehicle interior part through the cushion layer. This is advantageous for improving the tactile feel of the surface of the vehicle interior part. Furthermore, even if there is a step between the surface of the solar cell and the surface of the substrate, the step is absorbed so that it is not reflected in the skin material, making it difficult for the outline of the solar cell to appear in the exterior of the vehicle interior part. Furthermore, at least the portion of the cushion layer corresponding to the solar cell is translucent. This allows light from the front side of the vehicle interior part to pass through the cushion layer and reach the solar cell, allowing the solar cell to function effectively.

[0018] In a fifth aspect, the cushion layer has a thickness-wise light transmittance of 32% or more and less than 100%. The translucent covering including the cushion layer and the skin material has a thickness-wise light transmittance of 25% or more and 80% or less. This allows the solar cells in a vehicle interior part with a cushion layer to function effectively, while being concealed by the skin material and making them less visible.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, a flexible solar cell is used. Even if the vehicle interior part has a curved shape, such a solar cell can be incorporated into the vehicle interior part by deforming it to fit the curved shape. Therefore, the solar cell can be installed at a wide range of vehicle interior parts with a high degree of freedom.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, the vehicle interior part is an instrument panel. The instrument panel is disposed below the windshield panel at the front of the vehicle. The area of ​​the instrument panel onto which external light is irradiated through the windshield panel is relatively wide. Therefore, solar cells can be provided over a wide area with good light collection efficiency. If the solar cells were provided exposed on the surface of the instrument panel, they would be reflected on the windshield panel. In contrast, according to the vehicle interior part of the present disclosure, the solar cells are covered by a skin material so that they are difficult to see, and therefore are unlikely to be reflected on the windshield panel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of an instrument panel according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of the instrument panel taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a solar cell provided on an instrument panel. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the appearance of an instrument panel according to changes in the light transmittance of the covering material. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the instrument panel of the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the instrument panel of the third embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a vehicle interior part according to the present disclosure will be described by taking as an example a case where the vehicle interior part is applied to an instrument panel. Note that the drawings are intended to conceptually explain the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, in the drawings, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified to facilitate understanding of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0023] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, for convenience of explanation, the front side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle will be referred to as "front" and the rear side as "rear," the left side in the vehicle width direction when facing the front of the vehicle will be referred to as "left" and the right side as "right," and the upper side in the vehicle height direction will be referred to as "upper," and the lower side will be referred to as "lower." Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc. described below are merely used to distinguish between terms to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the terms.

[0024] First Embodiment The vehicle interior accessory of this first embodiment is an instrument panel 1 shown in Fig. 1. The instrument panel 1 is an instrument panel including a portion on which various instruments such as an engine tachometer and a speedometer are mounted, and is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle compartment. The instrument panel 1 is supported by an instrument panel reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction and attached to the vehicle body. The instrument panel 1 is mounted on the rear side (cabin side) of the dash panel that separates the engine compartment from the cabin.

[0025] Although not shown, a front window panel is provided above the instrument panel 1. The front window panel is tilted rearward and gently curved to form a convex shape toward the front of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction. The peripheral edge of the front window panel is adhered to the front edge of the roof of the vehicle body, the peripheral edge of the opening for the front window panel in the front pillar, etc., and fixed to the vehicle body.

[0026] <Outline of instrument panel configuration> The instrument panel 1 in this example is a panel for a left-hand drive vehicle in which the driver's seat is located on the left side of the vehicle body. The instrument panel 1 extends in the vehicle width direction, bulging out toward the rear of the vehicle body. A pad section 3 is provided over most of the upper surface of the instrument panel 1. The pad section 3 is a section that gives the surface of the instrument panel 1 a soft feel. The pad section 3 in this example is made of a skin material 47.

[0027] A meter hood section 5 is provided on the left side of the instrument panel 1, which corresponds to the driver's seat. Inside the meter hood section 5, a meter panel including instruments such as a speedometer is mounted, located in front of the driver along with the steering wheel. A projection opening 7 is formed in the instrument panel 1 at a position in front of the vehicle body of the meter hood section 5.

[0028] A head-up display (hereinafter referred to as "HUD") device is installed on the rear side of the instrument panel 1 at a location corresponding to the projection opening 7. The HUD device is configured to project an image onto the front window panel by projecting display light for displaying an image onto the front window panel through the projection opening 7.

[0029] An air outlet 9 for a defroster is provided in a region near the front end of the vehicle body in the center portion in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 1. This air outlet 9 is a ventilation opening that blows warm air sent from an air conditioning unit (not shown) installed inside the instrument panel 1 toward the front window panel in order to remove fogging caused by condensation on the front window panel.

[0030] A center equipment installation section 11 is provided on the rear side of the vehicle body in the center portion in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 1. A display device and a center panel are installed in the center equipment installation section 11. The center panel is a panel component of the center cluster that groups together switches for audio equipment and air conditioning equipment. A first opening 13 is formed in the center equipment installation section 11 and is used to install the display device.

[0031] A speaker installation section 15 is provided in front of the center equipment installation section 11 in the instrument panel 1. A speaker is installed in the speaker installation section 15. The speaker is disposed on the rear side of the display device. The speaker and the display device are used for a car navigation system, audio, etc. A second opening 17 is formed in the speaker installation section 15 and is used for installing the speaker.

[0032] An airbag door portion 19 is provided on the right side of the instrument panel 1 corresponding to the passenger seat. The airbag door portion 19 is provided with a breakable portion 21 and a hinge portion (not shown). The airbag door portion 19 is a so-called seamless type in which the breakable portion 21 cannot be seen from the front side of the instrument panel 1. An airbag device is installed on the back side of the instrument panel 1 at a location corresponding to the airbag door portion 19.

[0033] The breakable portion 21 is a portion that breaks when the airbag device is activated. The breakable portion 21 consists of a central break line extending in the vehicle width direction and side break lines that extend diagonally outward in a V-shape from both ends of the central break line to the front and rear. The hinge portion extends between the terminal ends of the left and right side break lines and between the terminal ends of the front and rear side break lines, and defines the airbag door portion 19 together with the breakable portion 21. The breakable portion 21 and the hinge portion are each formed by a thin-walled portion of the base material 23.

[0034] The airbag door portion 19 is configured so that, when the airbag device is activated, the breakable portion 21 breaks and the airbag door portion 19 rotates around the hinge portion toward the front and opens. The airbag door portion 19 in this example is configured as a four-way opening type that is divided into main door portions on both the front and rear sides and sub-door portions on both the left and right sides by the breakable portion 21. The airbag door portion 19 may be configured as a double-opening type (double-door type) consisting of a pair of door portions on both the front and rear sides, or as a single-opening type consisting of a single door portion.

[0035] 2, the instrument panel 1 includes a base material 23, a plurality of solar cells 33, and a skin material 47. The surface of the base material 23, the surface of each solar cell 33, and the surface of the skin material 47 are preferably all similar in color to reduce the visibility of the solar cells 33.

[0036] Color has three attributes: hue (color tone), lightness (brightness, brightness), and saturation (vividness). A group of hues with the same lightness and saturation is called a tone. In this specification, "similar colors" includes combinations of colors that differ only in lightness or saturation, combinations of colors with the same hue but different tones, and combinations of adjacent colors with the same tone. "Similar colors" also includes cases where the colors are identical.

[0037] <Base material> The base material 23 is a plate-like member that serves as the base of the instrument panel 1 and is made of a hard synthetic resin. Examples of materials for the base material 23 include polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC). The base material is formed by, for example, injection molding. The thickness of the base material 23 is, for example, 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

[0038] The base material 23 is exposed from the covering material 47 in the center equipment installation section 11 and the speaker installation section 15. The first opening 13 and the second opening 17 are each formed in the exposed portion of the base material 23. The exposed portion of the base material 23 in the center equipment installation section 11 is covered by the display device and the center panel. The exposed portion of the base material 23 in the speaker installation section 15 is covered by the speaker.

[0039] The substrate 23 has a light-blocking property. In this specification, "light-blocking property" means the property of blocking visible light. The light transmittance in the thickness direction of the substrate 23 is 0%. The "light transmittance" in this specification is measured in accordance with JIS K 7361 using a commercially available transmittance meter. For example, a spectroradiometer SR-LEDW manufactured by Topcon Corporation is used as the transmittance meter.

[0040] Although not shown, a mountain-shaped V-groove is formed on the back surface of the base material 23, extending in the shape of a straight line extending in the vehicle width direction with inverted arrows added to both ends, so as not to reach the surface of the base material. This V-groove forms a thin-walled portion of the base material 23. The thin-walled portion of the base material 23 formed by the V-groove constitutes the intended breaking portion 21. In addition, the portion of the base material 23 corresponding to the hinge portion is also recessed on the back side and formed thin-walled. Furthermore, a plurality of storage recesses 25 are formed on the surface of the base material 23.

[0041] The accommodating recesses 25 are portions that accommodate the solar cells 33 and are formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. As shown in Fig. 1 , the accommodating recesses 25 in this example are provided in the left side of the meter hood portion 5, in the front and rear portions of the projection opening 7, in the left and right portions of the speaker installation portion 15, in the portion between the speaker installation portion 15 and the air outlet 9, and in the front and right portions of the airbag door portion 19. The depth of each accommodating recess 30 corresponds to the thickness of the solar cells 33 accommodated in the accommodating recess 25.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, a pair of insertion holes 27 are formed in the bottom surface of each accommodating recess 25. The pair of insertion holes 27 are holes for inserting conductive wires 37 of solar cells 33, and are located separately near opposing sides of the accommodating recess 25. Each insertion hole 27 penetrates the base material 23 in the thickness direction and opens to the back surface of the base material 23. A first conductive plate 43 (shown by a dashed line in Fig. 1) and a second conductive plate 45 (shown by a dashed double-dashed line in Fig. 1) are provided on the back surface of the base material 23.

[0043] The first conductive plate 43 extends to pass near the rear opening of one of the insertion holes 27 in each of the accommodating recesses 25. The first conductive plate 43 constitutes wiring that is electrically connected to the positive pole side of the solar cell 33. The second conductive plate 45 extends to pass near the rear opening of the other of the insertion holes 27 in each of the accommodating recesses 25. The second conductive plate 45 constitutes wiring that is electrically connected to the negative pole side of the solar cell 33. The first conductive plate 43 and the second conductive plate 45 are attached to the base material 23 using a bonding material such as double-sided tape or adhesive.

[0044] First conductive plate 43 and second conductive plate 45 are electrically connected to an in-vehicle battery. First conductive plate 43 and second conductive plate 45 may be electrically connected to in-vehicle electrical devices. Examples of in-vehicle electrical devices include a radio, a room lamp, a drive recorder, an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection system), and a radar detector. The electrical devices electrically connected to first conductive plate 43 and second conductive plate 45 are operated by power generated by solar cell 33.

[0045] <Solar Cells> The solar cells 33 are provided on the surface of the base material 23. Specifically, each solar cell 33 is housed in an accommodating recess 25 of the base material 23. The surface of the solar cell 33 is generally flush with the surface of the base material 23 outside the accommodating recess 25. The solar cells 33 are flexible. This allows the solar cells 33 to be provided on the instrument panel 1 in a bent state so as to follow the curved shape of the instrument panel 1. The solar cell 33 is a module formed by combining multiple cells 35.

[0046] The multiple cells 35 are arranged in a rectangular shape as a whole and fixed with resin, glass, or the like. Each cell 35 is an element that outputs current from light due to the photovoltaic effect. Wiring such as busbar electrodes, grid electrodes (finger electrodes), and interconnectors are provided on the multiple cells 35. The output voltage of each cell 35 is, for example, 0.6 V or more and 1.0 V or less. Each solar cell 33 is configured to generate a predetermined voltage (for example, 12 V) by connecting the multiple cells 35 in series and in parallel.

[0047] The solar cell 33 has a pair of conductive wires 37. One of the conductive wires 37 includes a first conductive wire 39 and a second conductive wire 41. The first conductive wire 39 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of each cell 35. The first conductive wire 39 is drawn from one side of the solar cell 33 to the back side of the base material 23 through the insertion hole 27 and connected to a first conductive plate 43. The second conductive wire 41 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of each cell 35. The second conductive wire 41 is drawn from the other side of the solar cell 33 to the back side of the base material 23 through the insertion hole 27 and connected to a second conductive plate 45.

[0048] The solar cells 33 are electrically connected to the first conductive plate 43 and the second conductive plate 45, respectively, and are thereby connected in parallel to one another via the first conductive plate 43 and the second conductive plate 45. Perovskite solar cells are used as the solar cells 33 in this example. Perovskite solar cells have excellent flexibility and are relatively lightweight. For these reasons, perovskite solar cells are suitable as solar cells to be installed in vehicle interior accessories.

[0049] <Skin material> The skin material 47 is provided to cover the front side of the base material 23, including the solar cells 33. The skin material 47 is both stretchable and flexible, and forms the surface (design surface) of the instrument panel 1. The skin material 47 is a sheet-like material made of synthetic resin containing pigment. Examples of materials for the skin material 47 include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic urethane (TPU). The skin material 47 is formed by, for example, calendar molding, slush molding, or injection molding.

[0050] The outer peripheral portion of the skin material 47 covers the outer edge of the base material 23, is wrapped around the back side of the base material 23, and is fixed to the base material 23 using a bonding material such as double-sided tape or adhesive. The thickness of the skin material 47 is, for example, 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. The skin material 47 contains a pigment such as black, but the content is relatively small, making it translucent. In this specification, "translucent" means the property of transmitting visible light.

[0051] 4, the higher the light transmittance in the thickness direction of the skin material 47, the more the amount of light received by the solar cells 33 can be secured, but the more easily the outer edges and wiring of the solar cells 33 can show through the skin material 47. On the other hand, the lower the light transmittance in the thickness direction of the skin material 47, the less easily the outer edges and wiring of the solar cells 33 can show through the skin material 47, but the less light the solar cells 33 receive. The light transmittance in the thickness direction of the skin material 47 is 25% or more and 80% or less.

[0052] If the light transmittance of the skin material 47 is less than 20%, the solar cells 33 may not function effectively. If the light transmittance of the skin material 47 exceeds 80%, the solar cells 33 may be easily seen through the skin material 47. For these reasons, the light transmittance of the skin material 47 in the thickness direction is set within the above range. The light transmittance of the skin material 47 in the thickness direction is preferably 40% or more and 60% or less.

[0053] The Type A hardness of the skin material 47 is, for example, 30 or more and 90 or less. The "Type A hardness" referred to in this specification refers to the hardness value measured using a Type A durometer, which is specified in JIS K 6253 and is intended for general medium-hardness rubber materials. The Type A hardness can be measured, for example, using an Asker rubber hardness tester, Model A, manufactured by ASKER. If the Type A hardness of the skin material 47 is less than 30, it is easily scratched and is not suitable as a surface element for vehicle interior parts. If the Type A hardness of the skin material 47 exceeds 90, the skin material 47 cannot be wrapped around the substrate 23, and the design cannot be ensured. Furthermore, the skin material 47 becomes too hard and has a poor feel. For these reasons, the Type A hardness of the skin material 47 is set within the above range.

[0054] -Features of the first embodiment- In the instrument panel 1 of this embodiment 1, the skin material 47 is provided to cover the front side of the base material 23, including the solar cells 33. The light transmittance of the skin material 47 in the thickness direction is 25% or more and 80% or less. This allows the solar cells 33 to function effectively, while being concealed by the skin material 47 and making them less visible. This improves the appearance of the instrument panel 1 with the solar cells 33.

[0055] The instrument panel 1 of this embodiment 1 uses a resin skin material 47. The thickness of the skin material 47 is 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and the type A hardness of the skin material 47 is 30 or more and 90 or less. This improves the tactile feel of the surface of the instrument panel 1.

[0056] The instrument panel 1 of this embodiment 1 uses a flexible solar cell 33. Even if the instrument panel 1 has a curved shape, such a solar cell 33 can be deformed to fit the curved shape and incorporated into the instrument panel 1. Therefore, there is a high degree of freedom in the installation location of the solar cell 33, and the solar cell can be installed over a wide area of ​​the instrument panel 1.

[0057] The instrument panel 1 of this embodiment 1 is configured with solar cells 33. The area of ​​the instrument panel 1 onto which external light is irradiated through the front window panel is relatively wide. Therefore, the solar cells 33 can be provided over a wide area with good light collection efficiency. Furthermore, according to the instrument panel 1 of this embodiment 1, the solar cells 33 are covered by the skin material 47 so that they are difficult to see, and therefore are unlikely to be reflected on the front window panel.

[0058] <<Variation>> In this modified instrument panel 1, the covering material 47 is made of fabric. The covering material 47 is a fabric sheet made of synthetic fibers such as polyester (PES) or rayon (R), or a fabric sheet made of natural fibers such as silk, cotton, or hemp. The fabric sheet referred to here may be woven or knitted. The covering material 47 is a sheet made of a cloth material such as woven jersey, tricot, or moquette.

[0059] The covering material 47 may also be a sheet material in which a backing material made of synthetic resin is applied to the rear surface of the fabric sheet as described above. Examples of materials for the backing material include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, polycarbonate (PC), and thermoplastic olefin (TPO).

[0060] The light transmittance in the thickness direction of the covering material 47 of this example is also 25% or more and 80% or less. The light transmittance of the covering material 47 here includes light that passes through gaps such as the knitting and weaving of the fabric seat. As in the first embodiment, this allows the solar cells 33 to function effectively while being covered and hidden by the covering material 47, making them less visible, thereby improving the appearance of the instrument panel 1 with the solar cells 33.

[0061] -Features of the modified version- The instrument panel 1 of this modified example uses a fabric covering material 47. This allows the surface of the instrument panel 1 to be made of fabric, thereby improving the feel and design of the surface of the instrument panel 1.

[0062] Second Embodiment The instrument panel 1 of this embodiment 2 differs from the above-described embodiment 1 in the configuration of the base material 23 and in the inclusion of a cushion layer 49. Note that in this embodiment 2, the configuration of the instrument panel 1 that differs from that of the above-described embodiment 1 will be described, and details of the same configuration will be omitted, with the same configuration being left to the description of the above-described embodiment 1.

[0063] 5, a pair of wiring recesses 29 are formed on the surface of the base material 23 together with a plurality of accommodating recesses 25. The pair of wiring recesses 29 are provided so as to extend on both sides in the width direction of each accommodating recess 25. One of the wiring recesses 29 accommodates a first conductive plate 43. The other wiring recess 29 accommodates a second conductive plate 45. An insertion passage 31 is provided between each of the wiring recesses 29 and each of the accommodating recesses 25.

[0064] The insertion passage 31 is formed by a gap between the cushion layer 49 and a protrusion that separates the accommodating recess 25 and the wiring recess 29 in the base material 23. The first conductive wire 39 is drawn from one side of the solar cell 33 through the insertion passage 31 to the wiring recess 29 and connected to the first conductive plate 43. The second conductive wire 41 is drawn from the other side of the solar cell 33 through the insertion passage 31 to the wiring recess 29 and connected to the second conductive plate 45. Note that the base material 23 of this example does not have the insertion hole 27 described in the first embodiment above.

[0065] In this example, the instrument panel 1 further includes a cushion layer 49 in addition to the base material 23, the plurality of solar cells 33, and the skin material 47. The cushion layer 49 is provided between the solar cells 33 and the base material 23 and the skin material 47. The cushion layer 49 covers the front sides of the accommodating recesses 25, the wiring recesses 29, and the insertion passages 31, and together with the skin material 47, constitutes the pad portion 3. The cushion layer 49 has both flexibility and elasticity, and serves to impart cushioning and flexibility to the pad portion 3.

[0066] The cushion layer 49 is a plate- or sheet-shaped integrally molded product made of a porous material. Examples of materials for the cushion layer 49 include foamed polyurethane (PU) such as non-yellowing urethane, and foamed resin such as foamed silicone. The cushion layer 49 may be made of a three-dimensional mesh structure or other cushioning material. The thickness of the cushion layer 49 is, for example, 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0067] The cushion layer 49 has a relatively low hardness. The surface hardness of the cushion layer 49 is a hardness value measured using a Type C durometer, which is specified in JIS K 7312 and is intended for various foams and soft rubbers. The surface hardness of the cushion layer 49 can be measured using, for example, an Asker rubber hardness tester Type C manufactured by ASKER. The surface of the cushion layer 49 is preferably similar in color to the surface of the skin material 47.

[0068] At least the portion of the cushion layer 49 corresponding to the solar cell 33 is translucent. In this example, the cushion layer 49 is an integrally molded product, and therefore is translucent throughout. A translucent covering 60 including the cushion layer 49 and a skin material 47 is provided on the front side of the instrument panel 1. The translucent covering 60 is provided so as to cover the solar cell 33. The light transmittance of the translucent covering 60 in the thickness direction is 25% or more and 80% or less.

[0069] The light transmittance in the thickness direction of the skin material 47 and the light transmittance in the thickness direction of the cushion layer 49 are each adjusted so that the light transmittance in the thickness direction of the light-transmitting covering 60 falls within the above-mentioned ranges. The light transmittance in the thickness direction of the skin material 47 is greater than 25% and less than 80%. The light transmittance in the thickness direction of the cushion layer 49 is greater than 32% and less than 100%. The cushion layer 49 is obtained by punching or cutting a large piece of cushion material.

[0070] -Features of the second embodiment- In the instrument panel 1 of this second embodiment, a cushion layer 49 is provided between the solar cell 33 and the substrate 23 and the skin material 47. This provides cushioning to the surface of the instrument panel 1 by the cushion layer 49. This is advantageous in improving the tactile feel of the surface of the instrument panel 1.

[0071] In the instrument panel 1 of this second embodiment, the cushion layer 49 is provided so as to cover the boundary between the solar cell 33 and the base material 23. As a result, even if there is a step or gap between the surface of the solar cell 33 and the surface of the base material 23, the step or gap is absorbed so that it is not reflected in the skin material, and the outline of the solar cell 33 is less likely to appear in the exterior of the instrument panel 1.

[0072] In the instrument panel 1 of this second embodiment, the portion of the cushion layer 49 that corresponds to the solar cell 33 is translucent. This allows light from the front side of the instrument panel 1 to pass through the cushion layer 49 and reach the solar cell 33, allowing the solar cell 33 to function effectively.

[0073] In the instrument panel 1 of the second embodiment, the light transmittance in the thickness direction of the light-transmitting covering 60 including the cushion layer 49 and the skin material 47 is 25% or more and 80% or less. This allows the solar cells 33 to function effectively in the instrument panel 1 with the cushion layer 49, but the solar cells 33 are hidden by the skin material 47, making them less visible, thereby improving the appearance of the instrument panel 1.

[0074] Third Embodiment In the instrument panel 1 of this embodiment 3, the configuration of the cushion layer 49 is different from that of the above-described embodiment 2. Note that in this embodiment 3, the configuration of the instrument panel 1 that is different from that of the above-described embodiments 1 and 2 will be described, and the details of the same configuration will be omitted and will be omitted.

[0075] In this example, the cushion layer 49 is partially translucent. Specifically, only the portion of the cushion layer 49 corresponding to the solar cell 33 and its surrounding area is translucent. As shown in Fig. 6, the cushion layer 49 is composed of a first cushion material 51 and a plurality of second cushion materials 55. It is preferable that the surface of the first cushion material 51 and the surface of each second cushion material 55 are the same color as the surface of the skin material 47, etc.

[0076] The first cushion material 51 is provided in a portion of the base material 23 other than the recess 30 consisting of the accommodating recess 25, the wiring recess 29, and the insertion passage 31. A plurality of openings 53 are formed in the first cushion material 51. Each opening 53 is formed in a position, shape, and size corresponding to the recess 30 of the base material 23. The first cushion material 51 has light-blocking properties. The light transmittance of the first cushion material 51 in the thickness direction is, for example, not less than 0% and not more than 5%. The first cushion material 51 is made of a foamed resin such as foamed polyurethane (PU).

[0077] The plurality of second cushion materials 55 are provided at locations corresponding to the recesses 30 of the base material 23. Each second cushion material 55 is fitted into the opening 53 of the first cushion material 51, filling the opening 53 with almost no gaps. Each second cushion material 55 covers the recess 30 of the base material 23 and is surrounded by the first cushion material 51. The second cushion material 55 is translucent. The second cushion material 55 is made of a foamed resin such as non-yellowing urethane (PU). The second cushion material 55 may be made of a three-dimensional mesh structure or other cushioning material.

[0078] -Features of the third embodiment- In the instrument panel 1 of the third embodiment, a cushion layer 49 is also provided between the solar cells 33 and the base material 23 and the skin material 47, and the portion of the cushion layer 49 corresponding to the solar cells 33 is translucent. As in the second embodiment, in the instrument panel 1 with the cushion layer 49, the solar cells 33 can be effectively functioned while being covered by the skin material 47 to make them less visible, thereby improving the appearance of the instrument panel 1.

[0079] Other Embodiments In the above-described first to third embodiments, the solar cell 33 is a perovskite solar cell, but this is not limiting. The solar cell 33 may be a tandem solar cell having a structure in which different types of photoelectric conversion layers, such as a perovskite layer and a silicon layer, are stacked, and any type of solar cell can be used. The solar cell 33 is preferably flexible so that it can be fitted to the shape of a vehicle interior accessory.

[0080] In the above-described first to third embodiments, all of the solar cells 33 are connected in parallel to one another via the first conductive plate 43 and the second conductive plate 45, but this is not limiting. The first conductive wires 39 and second conductive wires 41 of the individual solar cells 33 may be integrated into one on the back side of the instrument panel 1 without using a conductive plate.

[0081] The solar cells 33 may also be divided into a plurality of groups and connected in parallel to each other via different first conductive plates 43 and second conductive plates 45 for each group. In this case, the power output from the solar cells 33 may be output separately for each group to an on-board battery or an electrical device.

[0082] In the above-described first to third embodiments, the radio, room lamp, drive recorder, ETC, and radar detector are given as examples of in-vehicle electrical devices that operate on the power generated by the solar cell 33, but the present invention is not limited to these. Depending on the power that can be extracted from the solar cell 33, the electrical devices may be electrical devices that require a larger amount of power to operate, such as a car navigation system or a display device.

[0083] In the above-described first to third embodiments, the technology of the present disclosure has been described as being applied to the instrument panel 1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to other vehicle interior parts such as door trims and rear trays.

[0084] As described above, preferred embodiments have been described as examples of the technology of the present disclosure. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the technology of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0085] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for vehicle interior parts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Instrument panel (vehicle interior parts) 23 Base material 33 Solar Cells 47 Skin material 49 Cushion layer 60 Transparent coating

Claims

1. a substrate (23); a solar cell (33) provided on the surface of the substrate (23); a skin material (47) provided so as to cover a front side of the base material (23) including the solar cell (33), The light transmittance in the thickness direction of the skin material (47) is 25% or more and 80% or less. A vehicle interior part characterized by:

2. The vehicle interior part according to claim 1, The skin material (47) is made of synthetic resin, The thickness of the skin material (47) is equal to or greater than 0.1 mm and equal to or less than 3.0 mm, The type A hardness of the skin material (47) is 30 or more and 90 or less. A vehicle interior part characterized by:

3. The vehicle interior part according to claim 1, The skin material (47) is made of fabric. A vehicle interior part characterized by:

4. The vehicle interior part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a cushion layer (49) is provided between the solar cell (33), the base material (23), and the skin material (47); At least a portion of the cushion layer (49) corresponding to the solar cell (33) is translucent. A vehicle interior part characterized by:

5. The vehicle interior part according to claim 4, The light transmittance in the thickness direction of the cushion layer (49) is 32% or more and less than 100%, a light transmittance in a thickness direction of a light-transmitting covering (60) including the cushion layer (49) and the skin material (47) provided so as to cover the solar cell (33) is 25% or more and 80% or less; A vehicle interior part characterized by:

6. The vehicle interior part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The solar cell (33) is flexible. A vehicle interior part characterized by:

7. The vehicle interior part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The instrument panel (1) A vehicle interior part characterized by:

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