Light-transmissive sheet

Abstract

To provide a light-transmissive sheet with good design visibility.SOLUTION: A light-transmissive sheet according to an embodiment comprises: a light-transmissive base material layer; a design layer provided on a side of the base material layer irradiated with light, the design layer having light-transmissive portions and light-blocking portions, and a coloring layer provided to face the base material layer via the design layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light-transmitting sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an artificial leather sheet having a light-transmitting laminated structure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6271135 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of functionality, as the design that appears through the light becomes blurred, reducing visibility.

[0005] One of the objects of the non-limiting examples of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and provide a light-transmitting sheet that provides good visibility of a design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The light-transmitting sheet of the embodiment comprises a base layer that transmits light, a design layer that is provided on the side of the base layer where the light is irradiated and has a light-transmitting portion and a light-blocking portion, and a colored layer that is provided opposite the base layer via the design layer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a light-transmitting sheet with improved visibility of a design.

[0008] Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decoration system including a light-transmitting sheet according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet having a base layer with irregularities according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the design layer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet provided with a color shifting layer according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet having transmission holes provided in a colored layer according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet provided with a protective layer according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet provided with a color shifting layer according to a first modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet having transmission holes provided in a colored layer according to a second modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet provided with a functional layer according to a fourth modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet in which a design layer is provided adjacent to a base material layer according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet having a colored protective layer and no colored layer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet provided with a reflective layer according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet according to a first modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet according to a second modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a design layer of a light-transmitting sheet according to a second modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system including a light-transmitting sheet according to a third modified example of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a light-transmitting decoration system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The light-transmitting decoration system 100 includes a light-transmitting sheet 1 and a light source 40. The light-transmitting sheet 1 includes a base layer 10, a design layer 20, and a colored layer 30. The base layer 10, the design layer 20, and the colored layer 30 can be made of a sheet-like light-transmitting material such as a resin film, a resin sheet, or a thin resin plate. Furthermore, the base layer 10 can be made of a sheet-like light-transmitting material, and then the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30 can be formed by bonding them together or by laminating them by a method such as printing.

[0013] The base layer 10 is the support for the light-transmitting sheet 1, and supports the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30. More specifically, the surface onto which light 40L is irradiated from the light source 40 is the back surface of the base layer 10, and the opposite side is the front surface, with the design layer 20 provided on the back surface, and the colored layer 30 provided on the side closest to the light source 40.

[0014] The base layer 10 is also elastic and transmits light 40L from the light source 40. The material used for the base layer 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably an elastomer material that is elastic and transmits light 40L. An elastomer material is a polymer material that is elastic and can be molded. Examples of elastomer materials include, but are not limited to, polyester, urethane, and silicone materials.

[0015] The thickness of the base layer 10 is preferably such that it provides a soft feel to the user. Specifically, a thickness of about 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm is preferable, but is not limited to this range. Furthermore, since it is desirable for the base layer 10 to have elasticity when pressure is applied, a thickness of 0.5 mm or more is even more preferable.

[0016] Furthermore, the base layer 10 must be light-transmitting, and is therefore preferably transparent or translucent. As long as it can transmit a predetermined amount of light, it may be colorless or colored. In this case, the transmittance of the base layer 10 to light 40L is preferably 50% or more.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorative system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet having a base layer 10 with irregularities according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the surface of the base layer 10 may be provided with irregularities 10a. The irregularities 10a are formed by an irregularity processing. For example, by providing leather-patterned irregularities 10a on the surface of the base material, it is possible to give the user a leather-like appearance and feel. Note that the shape of the irregularities 10a is not important as long as it gives the user a sense of decorativeness. For example, a metallic hairline finish, an irregularity processing that gives the impression of wood grain, or an irregularity processing that gives the impression of fabric may be applied.

[0018] In addition, when the design or textured finish is such that it evokes the user's impression of a hard material, such as a metallic hairline finish or wood grain finish, it is desirable to use a material for the base layer 10 that has a modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) corresponding to the hardness of the appearance. By having the base layer 10 have a rigidity corresponding to the modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) corresponding to the appearance, it is possible to provide the user with a hard feel that is in line with the design or finish that evokes the impression of a hard material. In this case, possible materials for the base layer 10 include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate.

[0019] The method for forming the irregularities 10a on the surface of the base layer 10 is not particularly limited as long as it can form the irregularities 10a on the surface of the base layer 10, and examples include thermal imprint transfer, in-mold molding, resin coating, etc. For example, when using the thermal imprint transfer method, a mold having the irregularities to be formed on the surface is pressed against a semi-cured ultraviolet-curable resin containing a hard coat material to transfer the shape, and ultraviolet light is irradiated while the mold is pressed against the resin, thereby forming the irregularities 10a on the surface of the base layer 10.

[0020] On the back surface of the base material layer 10, the design layer 20 is provided adjacent to the base material layer 10. In other words, the design layer 20 is provided at a position closer to the base material layer 10 than the colored layer 30.

[0021] 3 is a front view of the design layer 20 according to one example of the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the design layer 20 has a light-shielding portion 21 that blocks light and a light-transmitting portion 22 that transmits light. The design layer 20 has a light-shielding portion 21 that blocks light 40L from the light source 40, thereby making a design such as letters, figures, patterns, icons, or a combination thereof appear in the shape of the light-transmitting portion 22. Note that the light-shielding portion 21 may form a design such as letters, figures, patterns, icons, or a combination thereof, and the light-transmitting portion 22 may transmit light, causing the shape of the light-shielding portion 21 to appear on the surface.

[0022] The design layer 20 can be formed on the back surface of the base layer 10 using a screen printing technique in which ink is placed on a screen in which areas not required for printing (transparent areas 22) are solidified with emulsion, and the ink (light-shielding areas 21) is transferred by rubbing with a squeegee. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the transparent areas 22 can be formed in parts of a film with a cutout in the shape of the design, or by irradiating a painted sheet member such as a painted film or painted plate with a laser to form openings (holes).

[0023] By providing the design layer 20 between the base layer 10 and the colored layer 30, the order in which light 40L emitted from the light source 40 passes is the colored layer 30, the design layer 20, and the base layer 10. In other words, the light 40L that passes through the light-transmitting portion 22 is not affected by the light diffusion properties of the colored layer 30.

[0024] In contrast, if the design layer 20 is stacked closer to the light source 40 than the colored layer 30, the order in which light 40L from the light source 40 passes is the design layer 20, the colored layer 30, and the base layer 10. In this case, the light that has passed through the light-transmitting portion 22 passes through the colored layer 30 and is affected by the light diffusion properties of the colored layer 30, so the outline of the design that would have passed through in the form of the light-transmitting portion 22 and been displayed on the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1 may become unclear.

[0025] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the design layer 20 is laminated on the base layer 10 side of the colored layer 30, in other words, the design layer 20 is placed between the base layer 10 and the colored layer 30, thereby preventing the light 40L passing through the translucent portion 22 from being affected by the light diffusion properties of the colored layer 30 and obscuring the outline of the design, thereby improving the visibility and design of the design.

[0026] In addition, the transmittance of light 40L of the light-shielding portions 21 of the design layer 20 is preferably 5% or less. This is because the light-shielding portions 21 do not transmit light 40L, allowing the shape of the light-transmitting portions 22 or the design of the light-shielding portions 21 to stand out on the surface of the sheet.

[0027] As described above, the colored layer 30 is provided on the back side of the design layer 20. That is, the colored layer 30 is provided so as to face the base layer 10 via the design layer 20. The colored layer 30 is light-transmitting and has a coloring function for coloring the light-transmitting sheet 1. The colored layer 30 also has a function of making the boundary between the light-transmitting portion 22 and the light-shielding portion 21 of the design layer 20 less noticeable.

[0028] The colored layer 30 may be formed by screen printing, similar to the decorative layer 20 described above, but is not limited to this. For example, smoke paint or smoke film may be used.

[0029] In addition, Figures 1 to 3 and the following figures show a situation in which, even if a colored layer 30 is formed on the translucent portion 22 of the design layer 20, the colored layer 30 does not affect the translucent portion 22, such as when a colored layer 30 formed as a resin film is bonded to a design layer 20 formed as a resin film.

[0030] However, when forming the design layer 20, if the light-shielding portion 21 is formed by screen printing, or if the light-transmitting portion 22 is formed by cutting out a portion of a light-shielding resin film, for example, if the colored layer 30 is formed by printing, it is possible that part of the colored layer 30 will actually get into the part that corresponds to the light-transmitting portion 22. However, since this does not affect the actual function, this disclosure will explain it as a schematic diagram showing the state when the colored layer 30 does not affect the light-transmitting portion 22, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and the subsequent figures.

[0031] The colored layer 30 is formed so that at least the color of the portion facing the light-transmitting portion 22 is close to the color of the light-shielding portion 21 .

[0032] Here, "similar colors" refers to, for example, the same hue but different lightness or saturation on the PCCS color wheel. Alternatively, in the PCCS color wheel, hues are assigned numbers from 1 to 24, and if the hue number of the colored layer 30 differs by about 1 to 3 from the hue number of the light-shielding portion 21, the colors can be said to be similar. The PCCS color wheel is a color system developed by the Japan Color Research Institute, a general incorporated foundation.

[0033] For example, if the light-shielding portion 21 is yellow with a hue number of 8, and the colored layer 30 is reddish yellow with a hue number of 7, the colors are considered to be close.

[0034] Another way to describe colors that are close in color is that the color difference is small. Color difference is an index that shows the difference between two colors or the colors of two objects. For example, it is the distance between the coordinates of two colors when the colors of two objects are assigned to color coordinates in a three-dimensional color space such as the L*a*b color space, RGB color space, or XYZ color space. The color difference in each color space is calculated using the color difference formula established by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). Colors that are close in color are those in which the color difference is small and the difference between the colors is difficult to distinguish.

[0035] In this case, the color difference between the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30 in each color space is ΔE, and the color difference between the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30 should be ΔE≦5.0. Preferably, ΔE≦3.0. More preferably, ΔE≦1.5. By having a smaller color difference between the light-shielding portion 21 and the colored layer 30, it is possible to further prevent the design of the design layer 20 from being seen through when light 40L is not being irradiated from the light source 40, thereby achieving stealth properties.

[0036] It is sufficient that the color of at least the portion of the colored layer 30 facing the light-transmitting portion 22 is formed so that the color difference ΔE from the color of the light-shielding portion 21 is small. Having the color of the portion of the colored layer 30 facing the light-transmitting portion 22 and the color of the light-shielding portion 21 close in hue can have the effect of making the boundary between the light-transmitting portion 22 and the light-shielding portion 21 of the design layer 20 less noticeable when the light source 40 is not irradiating light 40L. In this case, the portion of the colored layer 30 that is not in contact with the light-transmitting portion 22, in other words, the portion that is not facing the light-transmitting portion 22, does not need to be formed so that the color is close. Furthermore, the portion of the colored layer 30 that is not in contact with the light-transmitting portion 22 does not need to function as the colored layer 30. In other words, it may not be light-transmitting or may be colorless.

[0037] Furthermore, the transmittance of the colored layer 30 to the light 40L is preferably 50% or more.

[0038] Furthermore, a layer having another function (for example, an adhesive layer, a reinforcing layer, etc.) that does not impair the original function of the light-transmitting sheet 1 may be disposed between the base material layer 10 and the design layer 20, and between the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30. In this case, too, in order to clarify the outline of the design, the order in which the base material layer 10, the design layer 20, and the colored layer 30 are stacked may be the colored layer 30, the design layer 20, and the base material layer 10 in the order in which the light 40L irradiated from the light source 40 passes through.

[0039] (First Modification) The first modification differs from the light transmitting sheet 1 of the first embodiment in that the light transmitting sheet 1 has a color shifting layer 50.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decoration system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1 provided with a color shifting layer 50 according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The color shifting layer 50 is provided on the light source 40 side of the colored layer 30 (the back side of the colored layer 30). By providing the color shifting layer 50 in a position closest to the light source 40, it is less likely to affect the color of the colored layer 30 when viewed from the front side of the base layer 10. The color shifting layer 50 may be provided between the colored layer 30 and the design layer 20, or between the design layer 20 and the base layer 10. The location of the color shifting layer 50 is not important as long as it is not closer to the front side of the base layer 10 than the light source 40.

[0041] The color shift layer 50 is translucent and has the function of changing the color of light. Without the color shift layer 50, it is conceivable that the color of the light 40L emitted from the light source 40 would change as it passes through the colored layer 30. For example, if the color of the light 40L to be displayed on the surface is green, and the colored layer 30 is yellow, even if the light 40L from the light source 40L is green, the colors displayed on the surface may be mixed and become a color different from green.

[0042] In contrast, with the color shift layer 50, when the color of light 40L emitted from light source 40 changes as it passes through colored layer 30, the color of the light can be shifted as it passes through color shift layer 50, thereby making the color tone of the light that passes through the surface of base layer 10 closer to the color tone of the light originally emitted by light source 40. For example, if the color of light 40L to be displayed on the surface is white and colored layer 30 is yellow, a blue-green color shift layer 50 can be used.

[0043] Note that possible materials for color shifting layer 50 include a color filter that transmits only light of a specific color tone, a colored color film, etc. However, the material and method are not limited to these as long as they can change the color of light source 40.

[0044] (Second Modification) In the second modification, the colored layer 30 of the light-transmitting sheet 1 differs from the light-transmitting sheet 1 of the first embodiment in that it has transmission holes 30a.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1 having transmission holes 30a formed in a colored layer 30A according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] The transparent hole 30a is provided to prevent the light from the light source 40 from being affected by the colored layer 30 and to allow the light to pass through the transparent portion 22 of the design layer 20, and it is sufficient that it is provided at least in the part facing the transparent portion 22.

[0047] In this case, the diameter of the transmission holes 30a is formed to be smaller than the width of the light-transmitting portion 22. More preferably, a plurality of minute dot-shaped transmission holes 30a that are not discernible to the naked eye may be provided. Due to the presence of the transmission holes 30a, light passing through the light-transmitting portion 22 is separated into light that passes through the colored layer 30 and light that passes through the transmission holes 30a. The color of the light that passes through the colored layer 30 changes due to the influence of the color of the colored layer 30, but at the same time, the intensity and energy of the light are attenuated by the colored layer 30.

[0048] In contrast, light passing through the transmission holes 30a does not pass through the main body portion of the colored layer 30 (the portion where the transmission holes 30a are not formed) that functions as a color filter or the light-shielding portion 21 (e.g., ink), and therefore has greater intensity and energy than light that passes through the main body portion of the colored layer 30. Therefore, the light that passes through the transmission holes 30a appears more dominant than the light that passes through the colored layer 30. As a result, it is possible to suppress changes in the color of the light 40L emitted by the light source 40 by the colored layer 30. This makes it possible to suppress color changes from the light source 40 without impairing the sheet coloring and stealth properties of the colored layer 30.

[0049] (Third Modification) The third modification differs from the light-transmitting decoration system 100 of the first embodiment in that the color of the light 40L of the light source 40 is set by working backward from the color of the colored layer 30.

[0050] As described in the first modified example, there is a possibility that the color of the light 40L emitted from the light source 40 may change when passing through the colored layer 30.

[0051] In the third modified example, the color of the light 40L of the light source 40 is set to produce a target color by shifting the color in the colored layer 30. That is, the color of the light source 40 is set by calculating backward from the target color when the light 40L emerges to the surface and the rate of change in chromaticity coordinates caused by the colored layer 30. The color of the light 40L of the light source 40 is changed by the colored layer 30, so that it is the target color when it emerges to the surface.

[0052] For example, if you want to transmit green color through the sheet surface but the colored layer 30 is blue, you can pre-set the color of light 40L from the light source 40 to be yellow, and the color of light 40L that appears on the sheet surface will be green.

[0053] The color of the light source 40 may be set based on the material and optical properties of the color of the colored layer 30. For example, if the colored layer 30 is a brown filter, the brown filter absorbs blue light and transmits red and green light, and therefore, by setting the color of the light source 40 to white light, yellow will appear on the surface.

[0054] This makes it possible to prevent the color of the light 40L from the light source 40 transmitted through the sheet surface from being affected by the colored layer 30 and differing from the intended color.

[0055] (Fourth Modification) In the fourth modification, the light-transmitting sheet 1 differs from the light-transmitting sheet of the first embodiment in that a functional layer 68 is provided between each layer.

[0056] The functional layer 68 may be, for example, an ultraviolet-cutting layer or an adhesive layer that improves adhesion between layers. The functional layer 68 can be formed using common printing techniques (screen printing, resin application techniques, etc.). For example, an ultraviolet-cutting layer can be expected to have the effect of suppressing deterioration of the light-transmitting sheet 1. Furthermore, if the functional layer 68 is an adhesive layer, when, for example, a design layer 20 is provided using ink printing techniques, it can suppress peeling or the appearance of floating due to poor ink adhesion. The functional layer 68 may be disposed closest to the light source 40.

[0057] (Configuration and Effects of the First Embodiment) The configuration and effects of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0058] The light-transmitting sheet 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a base layer 10 that transmits light, a design layer 20 that is provided on the back side of the base layer 10 where light is irradiated and has a light-shielding portion 21 and a light-transmitting portion 22, and a coloring layer 30 that is provided on the design layer 20 so as to face the base layer 10 via the design layer 20 and adjusts the overall color, and the coloring layer 30 is configured so that the color of at least the portion facing the light-transmitting portion 22 is close to the color of the light-shielding portion 21.

[0059] According to the above configuration, the colored layer 30 is configured so that at least the color of the portion facing the light-transmitting portion 22 is close to the color of the light-shielding portion 21, so that the light passing through the light-transmitting portion 22 is not affected by the light diffusion properties of the colored layer 30, and blurring of the design when viewed from the surface of the sheet is suppressed, thereby improving the design and visibility of the design. Therefore, the user can enjoy visual beauty, and the design, including information such as letters and symbols, can be clearly seen, allowing the user to accurately and quickly grasp the information.

[0060] Furthermore, the light-transmitting sheet 1 prevents the design from becoming visible when light 40L is not irradiated, achieving stealth properties. This prevents the user from mistakenly thinking that the design is displayed, allowing information to be presented appropriately to the user. Furthermore, because the design is not visible when light is not transmitted through the sheet, it becomes a decorative sheet reminiscent of wood grain, leather, etc., and can evoke a beautiful appearance for the user.

[0061] In the light-transmitting sheet 1, the colored layer 30 is configured so that the color difference of the light-shielding portion 21 is a predetermined value or less.

[0062] According to this configuration, the color difference between the colored layer 30 and the light-shielding portion 21 is set to a predetermined value or less, so that the design is prevented from appearing when the light 40L is not irradiated, thereby achieving stealth properties. This further reduces the possibility of the user mistaking the design. In addition, it is possible to prevent the design from appearing when the light 40L is not irradiated, thereby obscuring the leather pattern and impairing the aesthetic appearance.

[0063] In the light-transmitting sheet 1, the colored layer 30 is configured so that the color difference between it and the light-shielding portion 21 satisfies ΔE≦5.0.

[0064] According to this configuration, the colored layer 30 is configured so that the color difference with the light-shielding portion 21 is ΔE≦5.0, preventing the design from appearing when the light 40L is not irradiated, and achieving stealth properties. This further reduces the possibility of the user mistaking the design. In addition, it is possible to prevent the design from appearing when the light 40L is not irradiated, and to prevent the emerged design from visually interfering with the leather pattern or the like, thereby impairing the aesthetic appearance.

[0065] In the light-transmitting sheet 1, the colored layer 30 is configured so that the color difference between it and the light-shielding portion 21 satisfies ΔE≦3.0.

[0066] According to this configuration, the colored layer 30 is configured so that the color difference with the light-shielding portion 21 is ΔE≦3.0, which further prevents the design from appearing to stand out when the light 40L is not irradiated. This further reduces the possibility of the user mistaking the design. In addition, it further prevents the design from appearing to stand out when the light 40L is not irradiated, and the visual interference with the leather pattern or the like, which would otherwise impair the appearance, can be prevented.

[0067] In the light-transmitting sheet 1, the colored layer 30 is configured so that the color difference between it and the light-shielding portion 21 satisfies ΔE≦1.5.

[0068] According to this configuration, the colored layer 30 is configured so that the color difference with the light-shielding portion 21 is ΔE≦1.5, which further prevents the design from appearing to be floating when the light 40L is not irradiated. This further reduces the possibility of the user mistaking the design. In addition, it is further prevented that the design will be floating when the light 40L is not irradiated, and the floating design will visually interfere with the leather pattern, etc., and impair the appearance.

[0069] In addition, the light-transmitting sheet 1 further includes a color shifting layer 50 on the back side of the base layer 10, the side onto which light 40L is irradiated from the light source 40 that emits light, the color shifting layer 50 correcting the color of the light 40L.

[0070] According to this configuration, the color shifting layer 50 that corrects the color of the light 40L is provided on the back surface of the base layer 10, so that the color of the light 40L displayed on the sheet surface that has changed due to the influence of the colored layer 30 can be corrected by the color shifting layer 50. Therefore, the color of the light 40L is displayed more accurately, allowing the user to properly interpret the information obtained through the color.

[0071] Furthermore, the light-transmitting sheet 1 has light-transmitting holes 30a in the portion of the design layer 20 facing the light-transmitting portion 22, and the light-transmitting holes 30a have a diameter smaller than the width of the light-transmitting portion 22.

[0072] According to this configuration, a small transmission hole 30a is opened in the portion of the colored layer 30 facing the light-transmitting portion 22 of the design layer 20, so that the portion of the light 40L that passes through the transmission hole 30a is not affected by the colored layer 30, and the diameter of the transmission hole 30a is smaller than the width of the light-transmitting portion 22, thereby maintaining stealth properties. Therefore, when light 40L is not irradiated, the design does not emerge, reducing the possibility of the user misinterpreting the information. When light 40L is irradiated, the color of the light 40L is displayed accurately and the intensity of the light 40L is not impaired, allowing the user to accurately recognize the design and the information indicated by the design.

[0073] In the light-transmitting sheet 1, the light-shielding portion 21 has a transmittance of 5% or less for the light 40L.

[0074] According to this configuration, the transmittance of light 40L through light-shielding portion 21 is 5% or less, and therefore light 40L is hardly transmitted through light-shielding portion 21. Therefore, the design can be made to stand out in the shape of light-transmitting portion 22, and the user can more accurately recognize the shape of the design.

[0075] In the light-transmitting sheet 1, the colored layer 30 has a transmittance of 50% or more for the light 40L.

[0076] According to this configuration, the colored layer 30 has a transmittance of 50% or more for the light 40L, and therefore the colored layer 30 effectively transmits the light 40L, so that the light-transmitting sheet 1 can make the design stand out on the sheet surface with the light 40L.

[0077] In the light-transmitting sheet 1, the base layer 10 has irregularities 10a on its surface.

[0078] This configuration allows the light-transmitting sheet 1 to have the appearance and feel of a design with an uneven shape such as wood grain, leather, or hairline processing, improving the design, and therefore providing users with a beautiful appearance.

[0079] In the light-transmitting sheet 1, the base layer 10 is an elastomer sheet.

[0080] According to this configuration, since the base layer 10 is an elastomer sheet, the light transmitting sheet 1 can acquire elasticity and can be used for members to which pressure is applied.

[0081] Furthermore, in the light-transmitting decoration system 100, the color of the light 40L from the light source 40 is set so as to produce a desired color by being color-shifted by the colored layer 30.

[0082] With this configuration, the color of light 40L from light source 40 is set taking into consideration the effect of color on colored layer 30, so that the design can be displayed in the desired color on the sheet surface after light 40L passes through colored layer 30. Therefore, the accurate display of colors allows the user to properly interpret the information obtained through the colors.

[0083] (Second embodiment) 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1A provided with a protective layer according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has a protective layer 60.

[0084] In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0085] The light-transmitting sheet 1A according to the second embodiment includes an elastic substrate layer 10 that transmits light. The surface of the substrate layer 10 facing the light source 40 is the back surface of the substrate layer 10, and the opposite surface is the front surface of the substrate layer 10. On the front surface side of the substrate layer 10, a protective layer 60 is provided that reinforces at least one of the abrasion resistance, hardness, light resistance, and chemical resistance of the substrate layer 10.

[0086] A textured surface is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the protective layer 60. A colored layer 30 is provided on the back surface side of the base material layer 10, and a design layer 20 is provided on the back surface side of the colored layer 30, i.e., the outermost layer.

[0087] The protective layer 60 is formed of a material that complements the performance of the base layer 10 in at least one of abrasion resistance, hardness, light resistance, and chemical resistance.

[0088] The base material layer 10 is required to be elastic and flexible, and is preferably made of an elastomer material. However, when an elastomer material is used, depending on the material properties, it may not be practical for use in vehicle interiors, etc., in terms of abrasion resistance, etc.

[0089] In this case, for example, the protective layer 60 is made of a material that is more abrasion resistant than the base layer 10. By providing the protective layer 60 made of a material that is more abrasion resistant than the base layer 10, it is possible to obtain sufficient abrasion resistance when used in vehicle interiors, and practical application is possible. In this way, even if the light-transmitting sheet 1A is implemented as an interior material for a vehicle, for example, and it is difficult to achieve reliability in some areas due to the material properties of the base layer 10, providing the protective layer 60 can ensure and improve reliability.

[0090] The protective layer 60 preferably has elasticity and is formed of a resin such as an acrylic resin or a polyester resin. It is desirable that the protective layer 60 has a structure including a hard coating material. Examples of hard coating materials include, but are not limited to, ceramic materials and chromium materials. The protective layer 60 may also be formed of a hard coating material that does not have elasticity.

[0091] The thickness of the protective layer 60 is preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. In this case, the thickness of the base material layer 10 is preferably 0.5 mm or more. By providing the base material layer 10 on the back side of the protective layer 60 and by making the protective layer 60 thinner than the base material layer 10, it is possible to obtain an elastic feel by taking advantage of the elasticity of the base material layer 10.

[0092] The surface of the protective layer 60 has irregularities 60a, imparting irregularities to the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1A. This allows the light-transmitting sheet 1A to have a design with irregularities such as a leather pattern or wood grain pattern, giving it a refined appearance. Furthermore, since the protective layer 60 has irregularities 60a on its surface, the surface of the base material layer 10 can be made smooth.

[0093] In contrast, when the surface of the base layer 10 has irregularities and a hard coat is provided on that surface, it has been necessary to either form the protective layer 60 directly on the surface to match the irregularities of the base layer 10, or to form and adhere the protective layer 60 to match the irregularities of the base layer 10. However, in this case, there is a possibility that the adhesion between the protective layer 60 and the base layer 10 will be poor. By forming irregularities 60a on the surface of the protective layer 60 and smoothing the base layer 10, the adhesion will improve and the durability will be enhanced.

[0094] The method for forming the irregularities 60a on the surface of the protective layer 60 is not particularly limited as long as it can form the irregularities 60a on the surface of the protective layer 60, and examples include thermal imprint transfer. When using the thermal imprint transfer method, for example, a mold having the irregularities to be formed on the surface is pressed against a semi-cured ultraviolet-curable resin containing a hard coat material to transfer the shape, and ultraviolet light is irradiated while the mold is pressed against the resin, thereby forming the irregularities 60a on the surface of the protective layer 60. Other possible methods include in-mold molding and screen printing using a paste-like resin.

[0095] Furthermore, the transmittance of the protective layer 60 to the light 40L from the light source 40 is preferably 50% or more. The protective layer 60 is formed of a colorless and transparent material. This allows the design formed by the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30 to be displayed directly on the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1A. Note that even if the protective layer 60 is colored, the color does not matter as long as it has high light transmittance and does not obscure the design formed by the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30 and displayed on the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1A.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 6, in the light-transmitting sheet 1A according to the second embodiment, the colored layer 30 is provided adjacent to the back surface of the base material layer 10. That is, the colored layer 30 is provided on the back surface of the base material layer 10, closer to the base material layer 10 than the design layer 20. Furthermore, the design layer 20 is provided on the surface of the colored layer 30 opposite the surface that contacts the base material. This allows the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1A to be colored by the colored layer 30, and also provides stealth properties that make the boundary between the light-shielding portion 21 and the light-transmitting portion 22 of the design layer 20 less noticeable when the light source 40 is turned off.

[0097] (First Modification) As with the first modified example of the first embodiment, the light-transmitting sheet 1A according to this modified example differs from the second embodiment in that it includes a color-shifting layer 50. In this modified example, a design layer 20 and a colored layer 30 are laminated in this order from the back surface side of the base layer 10.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1A provided with a color shifting layer 50 according to a first modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] The color shifting layer 50 is provided on the light source 40 side of the coloring layer 30 (the back side of the coloring layer 30). By providing the color shifting layer 50 in a position closest to the light source 40, it is less likely to affect the color of the coloring layer 30 when viewed from the front side of the base layer 10. The color shifting layer 50 may be provided between the coloring layer 30 and the design layer 20, or between the design layer 20 and the base layer 10. The location of the color shifting layer 50 is not important as long as it is not on the front side of the light-transmitting sheet 1 relative to the base layer 10.

[0100] The color shift layer 50 is translucent and has the function of changing the color of light. Without the color shift layer 50, it is conceivable that the color of the light 40L emitted from the light source 40 would change as it passes through the colored layer 30. For example, if the color of the light 40L to be displayed on the surface is green, and the colored layer 30 is yellow, even if the light 40L from the light source 40L is green, the colors displayed on the surface may be mixed and become a color different from green.

[0101] In contrast, with the color shift layer 50, when the color of light 40L emitted from light source 40 changes as the light passes through colored layer 30, the color of the light can be shifted as it passes through color shift layer 50, so that the color tone of the light passing through the surface of base layer 10 can be made closer to the color tone of the light originally emitted by light source 40. For example, if the color of light 40L to be displayed on the surface is white and colored layer 30 is yellow, a blue-green color shift layer 50 can be used.

[0102] Note that possible materials for color shifting layer 50 include a color filter that transmits only light of a specific color tone, a colored color film, etc. However, the material and method are not limited to these as long as they can change the color of light source 40.

[0103] (Second Modification) As with the second modified example of the first embodiment, the colored layer 30 of this modified example differs from that of the second embodiment in that it has a transmission hole 30a. Note that, as with the first modified example of the second embodiment, this modified example also shows an example in which the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30 are laminated in this order from the back surface side of the base layer 10.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1A having transmission holes 30a formed in a colored layer 30A according to a second modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] The transparent hole 30a is provided to prevent the light from the light source 40 from being affected by the colored layer 30 and to allow the light to pass through the transparent portion 22 of the design layer 20, and it is sufficient that it is provided at least in the part facing the transparent portion 22.

[0106] In this case, the diameter of the transmission holes 30a is formed to be smaller than the width of the light-transmitting portion 22. More preferably, a plurality of minute dot-shaped transmission holes 30a that are not discernible to the naked eye may be provided. Due to the presence of the transmission holes 30a, light passing through the light-transmitting portion 22 is separated into light that passes through the colored layer 30 and light that passes through the transmission holes 30a. The color of the light that passes through the colored layer 30 changes due to the influence of the color of the colored layer 30, but at the same time, the intensity and energy of the light are attenuated by the colored layer 30.

[0107] In contrast, light passing through the transmission holes 30a does not pass through the main body portion of the colored layer 30 (the portion where the transmission holes 30a are not formed) that functions as a color filter or the light-shielding portion 21 (e.g., ink), and therefore has greater intensity and energy than light that passes through the main body portion of the colored layer 30. Therefore, the light that passes through the transmission holes 30a appears more dominant than the light that passes through the colored layer 30. As a result, it is possible to suppress changes in the color of the light 40L emitted by the light source 40 by the colored layer 30. This makes it possible to suppress color changes from the light source 40 without impairing the sheet coloring and stealth properties of the colored layer 30.

[0108] (Third Modification) As with the third modified example of the first embodiment, it differs from the light-transmitting decoration system 100 of the second embodiment in that the color of the light 40L of the light source 40 is set by working backwards from the color of the colored layer 30.

[0109] As described in the first modified example, there is a possibility that the color of the light 40L emitted from the light source 40 may change when passing through the colored layer 30.

[0110] In the third modified example, the color of light 40L from the light source 40 is set to produce a target color by shifting the color in the colored layer 30. That is, the color of the light source 40 is set by calculating backward from the target color when the light 40L emerges to the surface and the rate of change in chromaticity coordinates caused by the colored layer 30. The color of the light 40L from the light source 40 is changed by the colored layer 30, so that it has the target color when it emerges to the surface.

[0111] For example, if you want to transmit green color through the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1A but the colored layer 30 is blue, you can pre-set the color of the light 40L from the light source 40 to be yellow, and the color of the light 40L that appears on the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1A will be green.

[0112] The color of the light source 40 may be set based on the material and optical properties of the color of the colored layer 30. For example, if the colored layer 30 is a brown filter, the brown filter absorbs blue light and transmits red and green light, and therefore, by setting the color of the light source 40 to white light, yellow will appear on the surface.

[0113] This prevents the color of the light 40L from the light source 40 that is transmitted through the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1A from being affected by the colored layer 30 and differing from the intended color.

[0114] (Fourth Modification) As with the fourth modified example of the first embodiment, the light-transmitting sheet 1A differs from the second embodiment in that it has a functional layer 68 between each layer. Note that, unlike the first modified example (FIG. 7) and the second modified example (FIG. 8) of the second embodiment, this modified example shows an example in which a colored layer 30 and a design layer 20 are laminated in this order from the back surface side of the base layer 10, as in the second embodiment (FIG. 6).

[0115] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decoration system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1A provided with a functional layer 68 according to a fourth modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The functional layer 68 can be, for example, an ultraviolet-cutting layer or an adhesive layer that enhances adhesion between layers. The functional layer 68 can be formed using a general printing technique (screen printing, resin application method, etc.). For example, an ultraviolet-cutting layer can be expected to have the effect of suppressing deterioration of the light-transmitting sheet 1A. Furthermore, if the functional layer 68 is an adhesive layer, it can prevent peeling or the appearance of floating due to poor ink adhesion when, for example, a design layer 20 is provided using an ink printing technique.

[0116] (Fifth Modification) The fifth modified example differs from the second embodiment in that the order in which the colored layer 30 and the design layer 20 are laminated is reversed.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1A in which a design layer 20 is provided adjacent to a base material layer 10 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] As shown in Figure 10, the design layer 20 is provided on the back side of the base layer 10, and the colored layer 30 is provided on the back side of the design layer 20. In other words, the design layer 20 is provided closer to the base layer 10 than the colored layer 30. As a result, the order in which light 40L emitted from the light source 40 passes is the colored layer 30, the design layer 20, and the base layer 10. In other words, the light that passes through the translucent portion 22 of the design layer 20 is not affected by the light diffusion properties of the colored layer 30, and therefore, the outline of the design can be prevented from appearing unclear.

[0119] However, when the design layer 20 is provided adjacent to the base layer 10, the colored layer 30 will no longer cover the design layer 20, and the boundary between the light-shielding portion 21 and the light-transmitting portion 22 may become visible, causing the design to stand out.

[0120] To address the above problem, in the fifth modification, the colored layer 30 is formed so that the color of at least the portion facing the light-transmitting portion 22 is close to the color of the light-shielding portion 21. A "similar color" state can be, for example, a state in which the colored layer 30 has the same hue but different lightness or saturation in the PCCS color wheel. Alternatively, the PCCS color wheel assigns numbers from 1 to 24 to hues, and if the hue number of the colored layer 30 differs by about 1 to 3 from the hue number of the light-shielding portion 21, the colored layer 30 can be said to have similar colors. The PCCS color wheel is a color system developed by the Japan Color Research Institute, a general incorporated foundation.

[0121] For example, if the light-shielding portion 21 is yellow with a hue number of 8, and the colored layer 30 is reddish yellow with a hue number of 7, the colors are considered to be close.

[0122] In other words, a state in which colors are close can be said to have a small color difference. Color difference is an index that represents the difference between two colors or the colors of objects. For example, it refers to the distance between the coordinates of two colors when the colors of two objects are assigned to color coordinates in a three-dimensional color space, such as the L*a*b color space, the RGB color space, or the XYZ color space. The color difference in each color space is calculated using the color difference formula established by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). A state in which colors are close means that the color difference is small and the difference between the colors is difficult to distinguish. When the colors of the light-shielding portion 21 and the colored layer 30 are close or have a small color difference, the design of the design layer 20 can be prevented from being seen through when light 40L is not irradiated from the light source 40, thereby achieving stealth properties.

[0123] (Sixth Modification) The sixth modified example differs from the second embodiment in that the colored layer 30 is not provided and the protective layer 60 has a color.

[0124] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the protective layer 60 is colored and the light-transmitting sheet 1A does not include a colored layer 30. As shown in Fig. 11, the protective layer 60 is colored, which also has the effect of imparting a color to the entire light-transmitting sheet 1A. The protective layer 60 also has light-transmitting properties.

[0125] A possible method for coloring the protective layer 60 is, for example, screen printing using a paste-like resin, mixing a coloring agent into the paste-like resin, and forming the protective layer 60 from a pre-colored resin material. Note that any method may be used as long as it can form a colored protective layer 60.

[0126] This makes it possible to reduce the number of steps for printing the colored layer 30 and to produce the light-transmitting sheet 1A at lower costs.

[0127] (Configuration and Effects of the Second Embodiment) The configuration and effects of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0128] A light-transmitting sheet 1A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base layer 10 that transmits light, a design layer 20 having light-transmitting portions 22 and light-shielding portions 21 on the back side of the base layer 10 where light 40L is irradiated from a light source 40, a coloring layer 30 that adjusts the overall color on the back side of the base layer 10, and a protective layer 60 that complements at least one of the abrasion resistance, hardness, chemical resistance, and light resistance of the base layer 10 on the surface of the base layer 10 opposite the back side of the base layer 10. The surface of this protective layer 60 that is not in contact with the base layer 10 has irregularities 60a.

[0129] According to the above configuration, since the protective layer 60 is provided on the surface of the base layer 10, reliability that is difficult to ensure due to the material properties of the base layer 10 is improved by providing the protective layer 60, and since the protective layer 60 has the irregularities 60a, it is possible to obtain an appearance and feel with an irregular shape such as wood grain or leather, etc. This provides reliability and beauty for the user.

[0130] In the light-transmitting sheet 1A, the protective layer 60 is formed to be thinner than the base layer 10.

[0131] According to this configuration, the protective layer 60 is thinner than the base layer 10, so even when the protective layer 60 is provided, the elastic feel of the base layer 10 can be obtained. This allows the user to obtain a soft feeling when using the light-transmitting sheet 1A.

[0132] In the light-transmitting sheet 1A, the thickness t of the protective layer 60 is 0.05 mm. <t<0.5mmである。

[0133] According to this configuration, the thickness of the protective layer 60 is 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, so that the protective layer 60 can have the irregularities 60a and can be elastic, thereby allowing the user to use the light-transmitting sheet 1A and obtain a soft feeling and the beautiful appearance of leather or wood grain.

[0134] In the light-transmitting sheet 1A, the colored layer 30 is provided on the surface of the base layer 10 opposite to the surface on which the protective layer 60 is provided, and is located closer to the base layer 10 than the design layer 20 is.

[0135] With this configuration, the design layer 20 is located on the back side of the colored layer 30, so the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1A is colored by the colored layer 30, while the design layer 20 has stealth properties that make it difficult for it to emerge. Therefore, when light 40L is not irradiated, the design is difficult to emerge, reducing the possibility that the user will misinterpret the information.

[0136] In addition, in the light-transmitting sheet 1A, the design layer 20 may be provided on the side of the base layer 10 opposite to the side on which the protective layer 60 is arranged, and closer to the base layer 10 than the colored layer 30.

[0137] With this configuration, the colored layer 30 is located below the design layer 20, so that the light passing through the light-transmitting portion 22 is not affected by the light diffusion properties of the colored layer 30, preventing the design from becoming blurred on the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1A, thereby improving visibility and design. Therefore, the colors are displayed accurately, allowing the user to properly interpret the information obtained through the colors.

[0138] In the light-transmitting sheet 1A, the colored layer 30 is configured so that the color of at least the portion facing the light-transmitting portion 22 has a color difference with the color of the light-shielding portion 21 that is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0139] According to this configuration, the color difference between the color of at least the portion of the colored layer 30 facing the light-shielding portion 21 and the color of the light-shielding portion 21 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, so that the design is prevented from appearing when the light 40L is not irradiated, thereby achieving stealth properties. This further reduces the possibility of the user being mistaken. In addition, it is possible to prevent the design from appearing when the light 40L is not irradiated, which would spoil the aesthetic appearance for the user.

[0140] In the light-transmitting sheet 1A, the base layer 10 is an elastomer sheet.

[0141] According to this configuration, since the base layer 10 is an elastomer sheet, the light transmitting sheet 1A can acquire elasticity and can be used for members to which pressure is applied.

[0142] The device further includes a color shifting layer 50 that corrects the color of the light source 40 .

[0143] According to this configuration, the color shifting layer 50 that corrects the color of light is provided on the back surface of the base layer 10, so that the color of the light 40L displayed on the sheet surface that has changed due to the influence of the colored layer 30 can be corrected by the color shifting layer 50. Therefore, the color of the light 40L is displayed more accurately, allowing the user to properly interpret the information obtained through the color.

[0144] The light-transmitting sheet 1A has light-transmitting holes 30a in the design layer 20 at portions facing the light-transmitting portions 22, and the light-transmitting holes 30a have a diameter smaller than the width of the light-transmitting portions 22.

[0145] According to this configuration, a small transmission hole 30a is opened in the portion of the colored layer 30 facing the light-transmitting portion 22 of the design layer 20, so that the portion of the light 40L that passes through the transmission hole 30a is not affected by the colored layer 30, and the diameter of the transmission hole 30a is smaller than the width of the light-transmitting portion 22, thereby maintaining stealth properties. Therefore, when light 40L is not irradiated, the design does not emerge, reducing the possibility of the user misinterpreting the information. When light 40L is irradiated, the color of the light 40L is displayed accurately and the intensity of the light 40L is not impaired, allowing the user to accurately recognize the design and the information indicated by the design.

[0146] Furthermore, in the light-transmitting decoration system 100, the color of the light 40L from the light source 40 is set so as to produce a desired color by being color-shifted by the colored layer 30.

[0147] With this configuration, the color of the light source 40 is set taking into consideration the effect of color on the colored layer 30, so that the design can be displayed in the desired color on the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1A as a result of light 40L passing through the colored layer 30. Therefore, the accurate display of colors allows the user to properly interpret the information obtained through the colors.

[0148] In the light-transmitting sheet 1A, the light-shielding portions 21 have a transmittance of 5% or less for the light 40L.

[0149] According to this configuration, the light-shielding portion 21 hardly transmits light 40L, so the design can be made to stand out in the shape of the light-transmitting portion 22. Therefore, the user can more accurately recognize the shape of the design.

[0150] In the light-transmitting sheet 1A, the colored layer 30 has a light transmittance of 50% or more.

[0151] According to this configuration, the colored layer 30 effectively transmits the light 40L, and therefore the light-transmitting sheet 1A can make the design stand out on the sheet surface with the light 40L.

[0152] (Third embodiment) 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decoration system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1B provided with a reflective layer according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a reflective layer 70 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 22A of the light-transmitting portion 22.

[0153] In the third embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first or second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions overlapping with those in the first or second embodiment may be omitted.

[0154] The light-transmitting decoration system 100 includes a light-transmitting sheet 1B and a light source 40. The light-transmitting sheet 1B includes a base layer 10, a design layer 20, and a colored layer 30. The base layer 10, the design layer 20, and the colored layer 30 can be made of a sheet-like light-transmitting material such as a resin film, a resin sheet, or a thin resin plate. Furthermore, the base layer 10 can be made of a sheet-like light-transmitting material, and then the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30 can be formed by bonding them together or by laminating them by a method such as printing.

[0155] On the back surface of the base material layer 10, the design layer 20 is provided adjacent to the base material layer 10. In other words, the design layer 20 is provided at a position closer to the base material layer 10 than the colored layer 30.

[0156] 12, in the design layer 20, the light-shielding portions 21 block light 40L from the light source 40, and the light-transmitting portions 22 transmit light, thereby making a design such as letters, figures, patterns, icons, or a combination thereof appear in the shape of the light-transmitting portions 22. Note that the light-shielding portions 21 may form a design such as letters, figures, patterns, icons, or a combination thereof, and the light-transmitting portions 22 may transmit light, causing the shape of the light-shielding portions 21 to appear on the surface.

[0157] The design layer 20 can be formed on the back surface of the base layer 10 using a screen printing technique in which ink is placed on a screen in which areas not required for printing (transparent areas 22) are solidified with emulsion, and the ink (light-shielding areas 21) is transferred by rubbing with a squeegee. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the transparent areas 22 can be formed in parts of a film with a cutout in the shape of the design, or by irradiating a painted sheet member such as a painted film or painted plate with a laser to form openings (holes).

[0158] By providing the design layer 20 between the base layer 10 and the colored layer 30, the order in which light 40L emitted from the light source 40 passes is colored layer 30, design layer 20, and base layer 10. In other words, light 40L that passes through the light-transmitting portions 22 is not affected by the light diffusion properties of the colored layer 30, and so the outline of the design that would have passed through in the shape of the light-transmitting portions 22 and been displayed on the surface of the light-transmitting sheet 1B becomes clear.

[0159] In other words, by providing the design layer 20 between the base layer 10 and the colored layer 30, the visibility and designability of the design can be improved.

[0160] Furthermore, a reflective layer 70 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 22A of the light-transmitting portion 22 of the design layer 20, that is, on the interface between the light-transmitting portion 22 and the light-shielding portion 21. This reflective layer 70 is formed from a material such as a metal thin film formed by metal vapor deposition or a highly reflective paint (e.g., white paint), and its surface has a lower absorption rate for light 40L compared to the material of the light-shielding portion 21, forming a reflective surface with a high reflectance.

[0161] More specifically, the reflectance is preferably 90% or more for the wavelength (wavelength range) of the light 40L. As a result, light 40L incident on the light-transmitting portion 22 is reflected by the reflective layer 70 as reflected light 40RL, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 12, and is emitted from the base material layer 10, thereby preventing the light 40L from being absorbed or attenuated by the light-shielding portion 21.

[0162] That is, the loss of the amount of light 40L emitted from light source 40 that passes through light transmitting portion 22 can be reduced. Therefore, when making the design visible, even if the amount of light 40L emitted from the light source 40 is the same, the amount of light passing through the light-transmitting sheet 1B increases, allowing the user to more clearly see the design formed by the light-transmitting portion 22.

[0163] In this case, since the inner peripheral surface 22A extends perpendicular to the visible surface of the base layer 10, it is not easy to directly view the reflective layer 70. Therefore, when the light source 40 is not irradiating light 40L, the effect of making the boundary between the light-transmitting portion 22 and the light-blocking portion 21 of the design layer 20 less noticeable is achieved, that is, the possibility of impairing the stealth properties of the design when light 40L is not irradiated is reduced.

[0164] In addition, it is preferable that the transmittance of light 40L of the light-shielding portions 21 of the design layer 20 is 5% or less. This is because the light-shielding portions 21 suppress the transmission of light 40L, thereby making the shape of the light-transmitting portions 22 or the design of the light-shielding portions 21 stand out on the surface of the sheet.

[0165] (First Modification) FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1B of a first modified example of the third embodiment. In the above third embodiment, a case where one light source 40 is arranged for multiple light-transmitting portions 22 of the light-transmitting sheet 1B is described, but in the first modified example, a light source 40 is arranged for each light-transmitting portion 22.

[0166] According to this configuration, by independently controlling each light source 40, it is possible to make each corresponding design appear on the sheet surface in a different manner (for example, one is always lit and the other is a flashing display, etc.).

[0167] Furthermore, with this configuration, it is only necessary to set the amount of light 40L emitted from each light source 40 to be sufficient for each light-transmitting portion 22, so there is no need to provide a light source 40 with a large amount of light. It is also possible to use light sources 40 that emit light 40L of different colors, or to use full-color LEDs that can change the emitted color as light sources 40, so that the emitted color can be changed independently.

[0168] In this case, in order to prevent the light actually incident on each light-transmitting portion 22 from mixing and becoming mixed in color, it is also possible to provide a partition 65 between both light sources 40, as shown by the dashed line frame in Fig. 13. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a partition wall so as to surround the periphery of each light source 40.

[0169] Furthermore, since the range of the light-transmitting portions 22 corresponding to the light 40L is limited, it is possible to arrange the light-transmitting portions 22 closer to the light source 40 than the distance between them, which effectively increases the amount of light and further improves visibility. Moreover, the configuration of the first modified example can be similarly applied to the first and second embodiments.

[0170] (Second Modification) FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decorating system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1C according to a second modified example of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the inner surface 22A of the light-transmitting portion 22 of the light-transmitting sheet 1C is formed perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the light-transmitting sheet 1B, but in the second modified example, the inner surface 22A of the light-transmitting portion 22 is formed in a tapered shape.

[0171] In other words, the light-transmitting sheet 1C of the second modified example differs from the light-transmitting sheet 1B of the third embodiment in that the light-shielding portion 21 is formed so that the orthogonal projection of the shape of the light-transmitting portion 22 on the surface of the design layer 20 seen from the base layer 10 side is within the orthogonal projection of the shape of the light-transmitting portion 21 on the surface of the design layer 20 where light 40L is irradiated.

[0172] As a result, when the design layer 20 is viewed from the base layer 10 side, the reflective surface (reflective layer 70) located at the boundary surface between the light-transmitting portion 22 and the light-shielding portion 21 can be prevented from being seen.

[0173] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the design layer 20 of a light-transmitting sheet 1C according to a second modified example of the third embodiment. In the example of Figure 15, the design shown in Figure 3 is applied as the design. As shown in Figure 15, in the second modified light-transmitting sheet 1B, the light-transmitting portion 22 is formed so that the orthogonal projection of the shape of the light-transmitting portion 22 on the surface of the design layer 20 seen from the base layer 10 side of the design layer 20 onto an imaginary plane parallel to the surface of the design layer 20 seen from the base layer 10 side is within the orthogonal projection of the shape of the light-transmitting portion 22 on the surface of the design layer 20 where light 40L is irradiated.

[0174] As a result, the inner circumferential surface 22A of the light transmitting portion 22 is tapered as shown in FIG. As a result, it is not easy to directly view the reflective layer 70 on the inner circumferential surface 22A of the light-transmitting portion 22.

[0175] Therefore, in the second variant, when the light source 40 is not irradiating light 40L, the effect of making the boundary between the light-transmitting portion 22 and the light-shielding portion 21 of the design layer 20 less noticeable is achieved, i.e., the possibility of impairing the stealth properties of the design when light 40L is not being irradiated is reduced.

[0176] Furthermore, according to the second variant, the opening area of ​​the design on the surface of the light-transmitting section 22 facing the base layer 10 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the design on the surface of the light-transmitting section 22 facing the colored layer 30, so that the light 40L incident from the colored layer 30 side is more concentrated and emitted toward the base layer 10 side, and even when the same light source 40 is used, a brighter display than in the first variant can be achieved.

[0177] (Third Modification) 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light-transmitting decoration system 100 including a light-transmitting sheet 1D according to a third modified example of the third embodiment. The light-transmitting sheet 1D according to the third modified example differs from the first modified example of the third embodiment in that a reflective layer 70A is provided not only on the inner circumferential surface 22A of the light-transmitting portion 22 but also on the surface of the design layer 20 facing the colored layer 30.

[0178] The light-transmitting decoration system 100 includes a light-transmitting sheet 1D, a light source 40, a substrate 80, and a substrate reflective layer 81.

[0179] The light-transmitting sheet 1D comprises a base layer 10, a design layer 20, and a colored layer 30. The base layer 10, design layer 20, and colored layer 30 can be made of a sheet-like light-transmitting material such as a resin film, a resin sheet, or a thin resin plate. Furthermore, the base layer 10 can be made of a sheet-like light-transmitting material, and then the design layer 20 and colored layer 30 can be formed by bonding them together or by laminating them by a method such as printing.

[0180] In the above configuration, a reflective layer 70A is provided on the inner surface 22A of the light-transmitting portion 22 of the design layer 20, that is, the interface between the light-transmitting portion 22 and the light-shielding portion 21, and the interface 22B between the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30.

[0181] Like the above-mentioned reflective layer 70, this reflective layer 70A is formed from a material such as a metal thin film formed by metal vapor deposition or a highly reflective paint (e.g., white paint), and its surface has a lower absorption rate for light 40L than the material of the light-shielding portion 21, forming a reflective surface with a high reflectance. More specifically, the reflectance is preferably 90% or more for the wavelength (wavelength range) of the light 40L.

[0182] Furthermore, the light source 40 is mounted on the surface of the substrate 80 (the surface on the side facing the colored layer 30), and a substrate reflective layer 81 is formed on the surface of the substrate 80.

[0183] Like the above-mentioned reflective layer 70, this substrate reflective layer 81 is formed from a material such as a metal thin film formed by metal vapor deposition or a highly reflective paint (e.g., white paint), and its surface forms a reflective surface with a low absorptivity of light 40L and a high reflectivity compared to the material of the light-shielding portion 21.

[0184] As a result, similarly to the first modification, light 40L that has directly entered the light-transmitting portion 22 is reflected by the reflective layer 70A and emitted from the base material layer 10 as reflected light 40RL, for example.

[0185] Furthermore, a portion of the reflected light 40RL1 reflected by the reflective layer 70A provided at the interface 22B between the design layer 20 and the colored layer 30 travels toward the substrate 80, is reflected by the substrate reflective layer 81 of the substrate 80, enters the translucent portion 22, and is reflected by the reflective layer 70A provided on the inner surface 22A of the translucent portion 22 of the design layer 20 to exit from the base material layer 10.

[0186] This makes it possible to prevent the light 40L emitted from the light source 40 from being absorbed or attenuated by the light-shielding portion 21. Furthermore, a portion of the light reflected by the substrate reflective layer 81 can be guided to the light-transmitting portion 22.

[0187] That is, the loss of the amount of light 40L emitted from light source 40 that passes through light transmitting portion 22 can be reduced.

[0188] Therefore, when making the design visible, even if the amount of light 40L emitted from the light source 40 is the same, the amount of light passing through the light-transmitting sheet 1D is greater than in the first modified example, and the user can more clearly see the design formed by the light-transmitting portion 22.

[0189] Even in this case, it is not easy to directly view the reflective layer 70A because the inner circumferential surface 22A extends perpendicular to the visible surface of the base layer 10. Therefore, when the light source 40 is not irradiating light 40L, the effect of making the boundary between the light-transmitting portion 22 and the light-blocking portion 21 of the design layer 20 less noticeable is achieved, that is, the possibility of impairing the stealth properties of the design when light 40L is not irradiated is reduced.

[0190] The above explanation is for the case where a substrate reflective layer 81 is provided on the substrate 80, but even if a substrate reflective layer 81 is not provided, it is possible to suppress the attenuation of the light amount by the reflected light 40RL1 reflected by the substrate 80, although the effect will be reduced.

[0191] The above description has been made with respect to a configuration corresponding to the first modified example of the third embodiment, but it is also applicable to a tapered light transmitting portion 22 similar to the second modified example.

[0192] (Other variations) As another modification, similar to the fourth modification of the first embodiment or the fourth modification of the second embodiment, the light-transmitting sheet 1 may have a functional layer 68 provided between each layer. In this case, the functional layer 68 may be, for example, an ultraviolet blocking layer, an adhesive layer that improves adhesion between the layers, etc. The functional layer 68 may be formed using a general printing technique (screen printing, resin application method, etc.). The functional layer 68 may be disposed closest to the light source 40.

[0193] (Configuration and Effects of the Third Embodiment) The configuration and effects of the third embodiment will be described below. The light-transmitting sheet 1B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a base layer 10 that transmits light, a design layer 20 that is provided on the side of the base layer 10 where light is irradiated and has a light-transmitting portion 22 and a light-shielding portion 21, and a colored layer 30 that is provided opposite the base layer via the design layer 20, and comprises a reflective layer 70 formed on the surface of the inner circumferential surface 22A of the design layer 20 as the boundary surface between the light-shielding portion 21 and the light-transmitting portion 22. According to the above configuration, when light passes through the light-transmitting portion 22, it is possible to prevent the light from being absorbed or attenuated by the light-shielding portion 21.

[0194] That is, the loss of the amount of light 40L emitted from light source 40 that passes through light transmitting portion 22 can be reduced. Therefore, when making the design visible, even if the amount of light 40L emitted from the light source 40 is the same, the amount of light passing through the light-transmitting sheet 1B increases, allowing the user to more clearly see the design formed by the light-transmitting portion 22, thereby improving the visibility of the design. Therefore, users can clearly see the design, including information such as letters and symbols, and can grasp the information accurately and quickly.

[0195] Furthermore, since the inner peripheral surface 22A extends perpendicular to the visible surface of the base layer 10, it is not easy to directly view the reflective layer 70. Therefore, when the light source 40 is not irradiating light 40L, the effect of making the boundary between the light-transmitting portion 22 and the light-blocking portion 21 of the design layer 20 less noticeable is achieved, that is, the possibility of impairing the stealth properties of the design when light 40L is not irradiated is reduced.

[0196] This prevents the user from mistakenly thinking that the design is displayed, and allows the information to be presented appropriately to the user. Also, since the design is not visible when light is not transmitted, the decorative sheet can be made to resemble wood grain, leather, etc., and therefore, it can be aesthetically pleasing to the user.

[0197] Furthermore, in the light-transmitting sheet 1C, the shape of the light-transmitting portion 22 on the surface of the design layer 20 seen from the base layer 10 side is similar to the shape of the light-transmitting portion 22 on the surface of the design layer 20 where light is irradiated, and the shape of the light-transmitting portion 22 on the surface of the design layer 20 where light is irradiated is an enlarged shape of the light-transmitting portion 22 on the surface of the design layer 20 facing the base layer 10. Alternatively, the boundary surface between the light-shielding portion 21 and the light-transmitting portion 22 is tapered so as to widen from the base layer 10 side toward the colored layer 30.

[0198] Therefore, when making the design visible, even if the amount of light irradiated onto the light-transmitting sheet 1C is the same, the amount of light that passes through the light-transmitting sheet 1C increases, allowing the user to more clearly see the design formed by the light-transmitting portion 22.

[0199] Even in this case, it is not easy to directly view the reflective layer 70A because the inner circumferential surface 22A extends perpendicular to the visible surface of the base layer 10. Therefore, when the light source 40 is not irradiating light 40L, the effect of making the boundary between the light-transmitting portion 22 and the light-blocking portion 21 of the design layer 20 less noticeable is achieved, that is, the possibility of impairing the stealth properties of the design when light 40L is not irradiated is reduced.

[0200] This prevents the user from mistakenly thinking that the design is displayed, and allows the information to be presented appropriately to the user. Also, since the design is not visible when light is not transmitted, the decorative sheet can be made to resemble wood grain, leather, etc., and therefore, it can be aesthetically pleasing to the user.

[0201] The light-transmitting sheet 1D further includes a reflective layer 70A formed on the surface of the design layer 20 facing the light source 40. According to this configuration, the light reflected by the reflective layer 70A formed on the surface of the design layer 20 facing the light source 40 can be further reflected by a component (e.g., a substrate) located in an opposing position, thereby increasing the amount of light directed toward the translucent section 22 and further improving visibility.

[0202] (Other variations) Although the light-transmitting sheet according to the present disclosure has been described based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by a person skilled in the art may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above description, the light 40L from the light source 40 is configured to reach the light-transmitting portion 22 directly, but it is also possible to configure the light 40L to reach the light-transmitting portion 22 via a so-called light guide plate.

[0203] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0204] The light-transmitting sheet of the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a light-transmitting decoration system having a design display function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Light-transmitting sheet 10 Base material layer 10a,60a unevenness 20 Design Layer 21 Light blocking section 22 Translucent part 22A Inner surface 22B Interface 30,30A colored layer 30a Transmission hole 40 light source 40L light 40RL1 Reflected light 50 Color Shifting Layers 60 protective layer 65 Dividers 68 Functional Layer 70,70A reflective layer 80 boards 81 Substrate reflective layer 100 Light-transmitting decoration system

Claims

1. a light-transmitting substrate layer; a design layer provided on the side of the base layer where the light is irradiated, the design layer having a light-transmitting portion and a light-blocking portion; a colored layer provided so as to face the base layer via the design layer; A light-transmitting sheet comprising:

2. The colored layer is configured so that at least the color of the portion facing the light-transmitting portion is close to the color of the light-shielding portion. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 1 .

3. The color difference ΔE between the colored layer and the light-shielding portion is set to a predetermined value or less. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 2 .

4. The colored layer is configured so that the color difference ΔE≦5.

0. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 3 .

5. The colored layer is configured so that the color difference ΔE≦3.

0. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 3 .

6. The colored layer is configured so that the color difference ΔE≦1.

5. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 3 .

7. The light-shielding portion has a light transmittance of 5% or less. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 2 .

8. The colored layer has a light transmittance of 50% or more. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 2 .

9. The substrate layer has an uneven surface. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 2 .

10. The substrate layer is an elastomer sheet. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 2 .

11. The surface of the base layer on which the light is irradiated is the colored layer side, and a color shift layer that corrects the color of the light is further provided on the back side of the base layer. The light-transmitting sheet according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

12. the colored layer has a light-transmitting hole in a portion facing the light-transmitting portion of the design layer, The diameter of the transmission hole is smaller than the width of the light transmitting portion. The light-transmitting sheet according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

13. The color of the light is set to emit a predetermined color by being color-shifted by the colored layer. The light-transmitting sheet according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

14. a protective layer provided on a surface side of the base material layer opposite to the side irradiated with the light, the protective layer enhancing at least one of abrasion resistance, hardness, chemical resistance, and light resistance of the base material layer; The surface of the protective layer opposite to the base layer side has irregularities The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 1 .

15. The protective layer is formed to be thinner than the base layer. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 14.

16. The thickness t of the protective layer is 0.05 mm<t<0.5 mm. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 15.

17. The design layer is provided on the surface of the base layer opposite to the surface on which the protective layer is provided, at a position closer to the base layer than the colored layer. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 14.

18. The colored layer is provided on the surface of the base layer opposite to the surface on which the protective layer is provided, at a position closer to the base layer than the design layer. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 14.

19. The colored layer is configured so that the color of at least the portion facing the light-transmitting portion has a color difference with the color of the light-shielding portion that is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 18.

20. The substrate layer is an elastomer sheet. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 14.

21. Further provided with a color shifting layer that corrects the color of light The light-transmitting sheet according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

22. the colored layer has a light-transmitting hole in a portion facing the light-transmitting portion of the design layer, The diameter of the transmission hole is smaller than the width of the light transmitting portion. The light-transmitting sheet according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

23. The color of the light is set to a predetermined color by being color-shifted by the colored layer. The light-transmitting sheet according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

24. The light-shielding portion has a light transmittance of 5% or less. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 21.

25. The light-shielding portion has a light transmittance of 5% or less. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 22.

26. The light-shielding portion has a light transmittance of 5% or less. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 23.

27. The colored layer has a light transmittance of 50% or more. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 21.

28. The colored layer has a light transmittance of 50% or more. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 22.

29. The colored layer has a light transmittance of 50% or more. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 23.

30. The design layer includes a reflective layer formed on the boundary surface between the light-shielding portion and the light-transmitting portion. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 14.

31. The light-transmitting portion is formed so that the orthogonal projection of the light-transmitting portion on a virtual plane parallel to the surface of the design layer seen from the base layer side of the design layer falls within the orthogonal projection of the light-transmitting portion on the surface of the design layer where the light is irradiated. The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 30.

32. a boundary surface between the light-shielding portion and the light-transmitting portion is formed in a tapered shape so as to widen from the base material layer side toward the colored layer; The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 30.

33. a reflective layer formed on the surface of the design layer opposite to the substrate layer side; The light-transmitting sheet according to claim 30.

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