Printed materials and display devices

Abstract

To provide printed materials in which the image on the front side is clearly visible when there is no light source illuminating the back side. [Solution] One aspect of the present disclosure is a printed material comprising a translucent substrate and a pattern printing layer, wherein the transmittance clarity of the printed material, as measured using an optical comb with a width of 0.5 mm, is less than 25%.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to printed materials and display devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, printed materials with wood grain or abstract patterns printed on substrates such as paper or film have been used for decorating walls and other surfaces. In this case, the printed wood grain or abstract pattern is the visible design element. However, depending on the usage scenario, it may be necessary for the visible pattern to change depending on whether or not a light source from the back is used, such as when a switch button is displayed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printed material having a light source beneath the printing layer, in which, when the light source is off, a pattern is visible due to the reflected light from the printing layer composed of RGB interference pigments, and on the other hand, when the light source is on, a pattern is visible due to the transmitted light from the CMY printing layer (see Figure 11 of Patent Document 1). Patent Document 2 also discloses a decorative sheet having two patterns using interference pigments, in which the patterns are visible when the image on the reverse side is not displayed, and the image on the reverse side is visible when it is displayed (see Figures 1 and 2 of Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5725581 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6839319 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Printed materials are required to have a visible image on the front side when there is no light source from the back, and to be able to see the content of the light source through the image when there is light. Conventional printed materials have room for improvement in terms of the visibility of the image on the front side when there is no light source from the back.

[0006] This disclosure provides a printed material in which the image on the front side is clearly visible when there is no light source from the back side. This disclosure also provides a display device equipped with such a printed material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of this disclosure provides a printed material comprising a translucent substrate and a pattern printing layer, wherein the transmittance clarity of the printed material, as measured using an optical comb with a width of 0.5 mm, is less than 25%. As a result, the pattern on the front side of the printed material is clearly visible when there is no light source illuminating from the back. Furthermore, when there is a light source illuminating from the back of such a printed material, the content of the light source is clearly visible through the pattern, and reflections of the viewer are reduced.

[0008] In the above-mentioned printed material, the transmittance clarity of the printed material, as measured using an optical comb with a width of 0.125 mm, may be less than 25%. This allows the image on the front side of the printed material to be more clearly visible when there is no light source illuminating the back side. Furthermore, when there is a light source illuminating the back side of such a printed material, the content of the light source is clearly visible through the image, and reflections of the viewer are reduced.

[0009] In the above-mentioned printed material, the sum of the transmittance clarity of the printed material, measured using four types of optical combs with widths of 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm, may be less than 150%. This makes the image on the front side of the printed material more clearly visible when there is no light source from the back. Furthermore, when there is a light source from the back of such a printed material, the content of the light source is clearly visible through the image, and reflections of the viewer are reduced.

[0010] The printed matter may have a concavo-convex shape on the surface on the side of the translucent substrate.

[0011] The printed matter may further include a surface protection layer on the side of the surface opposite to the pattern printing layer with respect to the translucent substrate.

[0012] In the printed matter, the pattern printing layer is provided on one surface side of the translucent substrate and includes a pattern layer composed of a plurality of dots. Each of the plurality of dots includes a binder and a plurality of pigment chips dispersed inside the binder, and the plurality of pigment chips may be interference pigments.

[0013] The pattern layer includes a first-color pattern layer composed of a plurality of first-color dots provided on one surface side of the translucent substrate, and a second-color pattern layer composed of a plurality of second-color dots provided on the first-color pattern layer. Each of the first-color dots includes a first-color binder and a plurality of first-color pigment chips dispersed inside the first-color binder. Each of the second-color dots includes a second-color binder and a plurality of second-color pigment chips dispersed inside the second-color binder. Either one of the first-color pigment chips and the second-color pigment chips emits color as interference light on the reflection light side and includes a plurality of interference pigments of different colors. The other of the first-color pigment chips and the second-color pigment chips emits color as interference light on the reflection light side and includes one type of interference pigment having a color different from the mixed color indicated by the plurality of interference pigments included in either one of them, and the interference light may be additive color mixing.

[0014] The printed matter further has a white pattern layer provided on the pattern printing layer and composed of a plurality of silver dots, and each of the plurality of silver dots may include a silver binder and a plurality of silver pigment chips dispersed inside the silver binder.

[0015] The printed matter may further have a transmissive smoke printing layer provided on the outermost surface on the side opposite to the light-transmissive base material with respect to the pattern printing layer.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a display device including the printed matter and a light source. In such a display device, when the light source is not lit, the pattern on the front side of the printed matter can be clearly visible. Also, in such a display device, when the light source is lit, the display content of the light source can be clearly visible through the printed matter, and the reflection of the viewer is reduced.

[0017] The light source may be a display device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, a printed matter in which the pattern on the front side can be clearly visible when the light source on the back side is not lit is provided. Also, according to the present disclosure, a display device including such a printed matter is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a printed matter and a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a printed matter and a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a printed matter and a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a printed matter and a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a printed matter and a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a printed matter and a display device according to another embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] The embodiments of the printed materials and display devices relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. For the sake of ease of understanding, the drawings may be simplified or exaggerated in some parts, and the dimensional ratios, etc., are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0021] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the display device 10 as an example comprises a printed material 1 and a light source 11. The printed material 1 is a sheet for displaying a pattern. The printed material 1 comprises a translucent substrate 2 and a pattern printing layer 3. The printed material 1 is positioned opposite the light source 11. The printed material 1 is placed in front of the light source 11 (between the viewer and the light source 11, above in Figure 1).

[0022] Printed material 1 transmits light L from a light source 11. The light source 11 is, for example, a display device. The light source 11 has a power supply, which can be switched ON / OFF. For example, the light source 11 appears black when the power is OFF, that is, when it is not emitting light L. Printed material 1 is, for example, fully light-transmitting. Therefore, when the power supply of the light source 11 is ON, that is, when the light source 11 is emitting light L, the viewer sees the light from the light source 11 that has passed through the printed material 1. When the power supply of the light source 11 is OFF, the viewer sees the image displayed on the printed material 1.

[0023] The transmission clarity (C) of printed material 1 is measured using an optical comb with a width of 0.5 mm. 0.5 The transmission clarity (C) is less than 25%. This ensures that the image on the front side of printed material 1 is clearly visible when there is no light source illuminating from the back. 0.5 The transmission clarity (C) is preferably 20% or less, more preferably 15% or less, and even more preferably 5% or less. 0.5 If the transmission clarity (C) is below the above upper limit, the image on the front side of printed material 1 will be even more clearly visible when there is no light source illuminating from the back.0.5 ) is preferably 0.5% or more, more preferably 0.8% or more, and still more preferably 2.0% or more. The transparency clarity (C 0.5 ) being at or above the above lower limit value, the printed matter 1 tends to be able to clearly visually recognize the display content of the light source through the pattern when the light source is lit.

[0024] The transparency clarity (C of the printed matter 1 measured using an optical brush with a width of 0.125 mm 0.125 ) is preferably less than 25%, more preferably 20% or less, still more preferably 15% or less, and particularly preferably 5% or less. When the transparency clarity (C 0.125 ) is at or below the above upper limit value, the printed matter 1 is such that the front - side pattern is more clearly visible when there is no lighting of the light source from the back side. The transparency clarity (C 0.125 ) is preferably 0.5% or more, more preferably 0.8% or more, and still more preferably 2.0% or more. The transparency clarity (C 0.125 ) being at or above the above lower limit value, the printed matter 1 tends to be able to clearly visually recognize the display content of the light source through the pattern when the light source is lit.

[0025] The sum (T of the transparency clarities of the printed matter 1 measured using four types of optical brushes with widths of 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm c ) is the sum value of the transparency clarities C 0.25 (%), C 0.5 (%), C1(%), and C2(%). The sum (T of the transparency clarities c ) is preferably less than 150%, more preferably 100% or less, still more preferably 50% or less, and particularly preferably 30% or less. When it is at or below the above upper limit value, the printed matter 1 is such that the front - side pattern is more clearly visible when there is no lighting of the light source from the back side. The sum (T of the transparency clarities cThe percentage of ) is preferably 10.0% or more, more preferably 15.0% or more, and even more preferably 20.0% or more. When it is above the lower limit of the above, the printed material 1 tends to have a tendency for the content of the light source to be clearly visible through the image when the light source is on.

[0026] The transmitted image clarity is measured by the transmitted image clarity measurement test specified in JIS K 7374:2024. The transmitted image clarity measurement test measures the amount of light transmitted from a printed material through an optical comb with a width n (mm) that moves perpendicular to the light ray axis of the transmitted light. Specifically, it is measured using an image clarity measuring instrument (manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd.). The image clarity measuring instrument consists of an optical device that detects light transmitted through a slit as parallel rays, incident perpendicularly from the side of the translucent substrate, and the transmitted light through a moving optical comb, and a measurement system that records the fluctuation of the detected light amount as a waveform. The optical comb has a ratio of the width of the bright part to the width of the dark part of 1:1, and its width n (mm) is 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2.

[0027] Transparent clarity C n (%) represents the maximum amount of transmitted light when the transmitted portion (bright area) of the optical comb is on the optical axis in the transmitted image clarity measurement test. n The minimum amount of transmitted light when the light-shielding portion (dark area) of the optical comb is on the light ray axis is m n In that case, it is calculated using the following formula. C n ={(M n -m n ) / (M n +m n )} × 100

[0028] Transparent clarity C n This can be adjusted, for example, by changing the surface roughness of the outermost layer of printed material 1. The surface roughness of the outermost layer of printed material 1 may be adjusted by forming an uneven surface and changing its shape. Alternatively, the surface roughness of the outermost layer of printed material 1 may be adjusted by performing a matte treatment on the outermost layer, such as blasting or coating.

[0029] The printed material 1 has an uneven surface on the surface 1a on the translucent substrate 2 side. In this embodiment, the uneven surface is provided on the translucent substrate 2. The uneven surface is not particularly limited, but examples include wood grain, stone surface unevenness, fabric surface texture, pearlescent finish, sand texture, hairline finish, and fine grooves. When the light source is a display device, the uneven surface is preferably pearlescent in order to minimize afterimage retention of the displayed image.

[0030] The translucent substrate 2 has recesses H that constitute an uneven surface. In a cross-section extending along the thickness direction (vertical direction in Figure 1) of the printed material 1, the recesses H are, for example, V-shaped. However, the shape of the recesses H in this cross-section is not limited to a V-shape, but may also be U-shaped or rectangular, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0031] For example, printed material 1 has a plurality of recesses H. For example, the plurality of recesses H are distributed on the surface 1a. As an example, the plurality of recesses H are distributed substantially evenly on the surface 1a. "The plurality of recesses H are distributed substantially evenly" means that the recesses are evenly distributed, and includes, for example, a state in which the recesses are arranged symmetrically to one another, a state in which the recesses are arranged in a grid, a state in which the recesses are arranged in a staggered pattern, or a state in which the recesses are distributed concentrically. However, the arrangement of the recesses is not particularly limited. The arrangement of the plurality of recesses H may be adjusted depending on the configuration of the pattern printing layer 3.

[0032] For example, the depth D of the recess H may be 3.0 μm or more and 30.0 μm or less. The depth D of the recess H refers to the length in the thickness direction of the printed material 1 from the surface 1a of the printed material 1 to the innermost part of the recess H.

[0033] The visible light transmittance of the printed material 1 may be, for example, 10% or more and 70% or less. A visible light transmittance of 10% or more allows light L from the light source 11 to pass through the printed material 1 more easily. A visible light transmittance of 70% or less allows the pattern on the pattern printing layer 3 to be displayed clearly.

[0034] The total light transmittance of printed material 1 may be, for example, 30% to 70%. When the total light transmittance is 30% or more, when printed material 1 is placed in front of a light source, the image printing layer 3 becomes difficult to see due to the light from the light source, and the image of the light source, etc., becomes more clearly visible. When the total light transmittance is 70% or less, even if the light source is black, the image on the image printing layer 3 will not appear dark, which can be suppressed.

[0035] Transmittance refers to the value measured using a spectrophotometer (for example, Shimadzu Corporation's "UV-3600i Plus").

[0036] The following describes each layer of Printed Material 1.

[0037] (Translucent base material) The translucent substrate 2 is a substrate that transmits visible light. The translucent substrate 2 is, for example, made of a transparent resin. Examples of transparent resins include PET, PMMA, polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. The translucent substrate 2 may also be a glass substrate. The thickness of the translucent substrate 2 is, for example, 25 μm to 250 μm. In the case of a glass substrate, it is, for example, several mm to about 10 mm. The translucent substrate 2 may be a single layer or two or more layers.

[0038] (Picture print layer) The pattern printing layer 3 is provided on one surface 2a of the translucent substrate 2. The pattern printing layer 3 is located between the light source 11 and the translucent substrate 2. The pattern printing layer 3 is the layer that represents the pattern of the printed material 1. The pattern on the pattern printing layer 3 is the pattern that appears on the surface of the printed material 1 when the power to the light source 11 is OFF (when the light source 11 is not irradiating with light L), and is, for example, a wood grain pattern, a stone pattern, or an abstract pattern.

[0039] The method for forming the pattern printing layer 3 is not particularly limited and includes, for example, inkjet printing, screen printing, gravure printing, or offset printing. The thickness of the pattern printing layer 3 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably between 1 μm and 15 μm. As an example, the pattern printing layer 3 may contain a curing agent. In this case, the heat resistance and adhesion of the pattern printing layer 3 can be improved.

[0040] The pattern printing layer 3 is a layer that expresses the pattern of the printed material 1. The pattern printing layer 3 includes a first color pattern layer 3A provided on one surface 2a of the translucent substrate 2, and a second color pattern layer 3B provided on top of the first color pattern layer 3A.

[0041] The first color pattern layer 3A can be formed on surface 2a by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing. The first color pattern layer 3A is composed of a plurality of first color dots. Here, in this specification, "dot" means a point that constitutes an element of the printed image, and its shape is not limited to circles, but may be rectangular, polygonal, or other shapes. Each of the plurality of first color dots contains a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed inside the first color binder. The content of the plurality of first color pigment chips is, for example, in the range of 0.5 parts by weight or more and 20 parts by weight or less, when the first color binder is 100 parts by weight.

[0042] Examples of binders for the first color include vinyl resins, acrylic resins, thermoplastic urethane resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The thickness of the first color pattern layer 3A is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The first color pattern layer 3A may contain a curing agent. In this case, the heat resistance of the first color pattern layer 3A and the adhesion of the first color pattern layer 3A to the translucent substrate 2 can be improved.

[0043] Multiple first-color pigment chips are first-interference pigments of multiple colors that generate different interference light from each other. Each of the multiple-color first-interference pigments consists of a thin flake that transmits visible light and a metal oxide film that covers the flake. Of the light incident from the translucent substrate 2 to the first-color pattern layer 3A, the light reflected at the surface of the metal oxide film and the light that passes through the metal oxide film and is reflected at the surface of the flake interfere with each other, generating interference light. By adjusting the thickness of the metal oxide film and the refractive index of the metal oxide film, interference light with a desired wavelength can be generated.

[0044] Each of the multiple first interference pigments is titanium dioxide-coated mica. The particle size range of the titanium dioxide-coated mica includes, for example, a range of 25 μm to 60 μm. In this specification, "particle size" means the longest diameter of the particle cross-section. The flakes constituting the first interference pigment may be other than mica, for example, silica, alumina, glass, or polysilicate. The metal oxide film constituting the first interference pigment may be other than titanium dioxide, for example, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, or tin oxide.

[0045] When light L is incident on the first color pattern layer 3A from each of the multiple first interference pigments, different first interference lights are generated from each of them. The wavelength characteristics of each of these different first interference lights are different from each other. In other words, the wavelength characteristics of the interference light generated from the first color pattern layer 3A consist of two types of wavelength characteristics. The first interference pigments exhibit color mixing. Each of the first interference pigments is, for example, a red interference pigment (red pearl pigment) and a gold interference pigment (gold pearl pigment). In this case, each of the first interference lights exhibits red and gold, respectively. The proportions of each first interference pigment may be the same or may be different from each other.

[0046] The second color pattern layer 3B can be formed on the first color pattern layer 3A by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing. The second color pattern layer 3B is composed of a plurality of second color dots. Each of the plurality of second color dots contains a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed inside the second color binder. The content of the plurality of second color pigment chips is, for example, in the range of 0.5 parts by weight or more and 20 parts by weight or less, when the amount of second color binder is 100 parts by weight.

[0047] Examples of binders for the second color include vinyl resins, acrylic resins, thermoplastic urethane resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The thickness of the second color pattern layer 3B is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The second color pattern layer 3B may contain a curing agent. In this case, the heat resistance of the second color pattern layer 3B and the adhesion of the second color pattern layer 3B to the first color pattern layer 3A can be improved.

[0048] Multiple second-color pigment chips are second-interference pigments that generate a single interference light different from the color mixing shown by the first interference pigment. The second-interference pigment consists of a thin flake that transmits visible light and a metal oxide film covering the flake. The light incident from the translucent substrate 2 to the second-color pattern layer 3B interferes with the light reflected at the surface of the metal oxide film and the light that passes through the metal oxide film and is reflected at the surface of the flake, generating interference light. By adjusting the thickness of the metal oxide film and the refractive index of the metal oxide film, interference light with a desired wavelength can be generated.

[0049] The second interference pigment is titanium dioxide-coated mica. The particle size range of the titanium dioxide-coated mica includes, for example, a range of 25 μm to 60 μm. The flakes constituting the second interference pigment may be other than mica, for example, silica, alumina, glass, or polysilicate. The metal oxide film constituting the second interference pigment may be other than titanium dioxide, for example, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, or tin oxide.

[0050] When light L is incident on the second color pattern layer 3B from the second interference pigment, a single second interference light is generated. The second interference light generated from each of the multiple second interference pigments has the same wavelength characteristics. In other words, the wavelength characteristics of the interference light generated from the second color pattern layer 3B consist of only one type of wavelength characteristic. The second interference pigment can be any interference pigment that generates a single second interference light different from the color mixing shown by the first interference pigment, for example, a green interference pigment (green pearl pigment). In this case, the second interference light will be green.

[0051] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the printed material 1 according to this embodiment will be described. First, the translucent substrate 2 is subjected to thermal embossing to form an uneven surface (step for forming the uneven surface). Next, a pattern printing layer 3 is formed on the translucent substrate 2 by printing (step for forming the pattern printing layer). After these steps, the series of steps for manufacturing the printed material 1 is completed.

[0052] [Second Embodiment] Next, the printed material and display device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Some of the configurations of the printed material and display device according to the second embodiment are the same as some of the configurations of the printed material 1 and display device 10 described above. Therefore, in the following, explanations that overlap with the descriptions of the printed material 1 and display device 10 described above will be appropriately omitted and the same reference numerals will be used.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2, the display device 10A comprises a printed material 1A and a light source 11. Printed material 1A differs from printed material 1 in that it further comprises a surface protection layer 4 on the side opposite to the pattern printing layer 3 on the translucent substrate 2. In printed material 1A, the second color pattern layer 3B, the first color pattern layer 3A, the translucent substrate 2, and the surface protection layer 4 are arranged in this order from the light source 11 side.

[0054] (Surface protective layer) The surface protection layer 4 is provided on the surface 2b of the translucent substrate 2 opposite to the surface 2a on which the pattern printing layer 3 is provided. The surface protection layer 4 is also called the coating layer (topcoat layer). The surface protection layer 4 is provided to ensure the weather resistance of the printed material 1A, etc.

[0055] The surface protection layer 4 is made of resin. For example, the surface protection layer 4 is composed of an acrylic resin. For example, the surface protection layer 4 may contain a matting agent. For example, the matting agent is composed of silica (silicon dioxide). The printed material 1A exhibits an effect of reducing gloss by having the surface protection layer 4. For example, the surface protection layer 4 is thinner than the translucent substrate 2. For example, the thickness of the surface protection layer 4 is 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0056] In printed material 1A, the surface protective layer 4 and the translucent substrate 2 each have an uneven surface shape. The surface protective layer 4 has a first recess (recess H) that constitutes the uneven surface shape. The translucent substrate 2 has a second recess that constitutes the uneven surface shape.

[0057] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the printed material 1A according to this embodiment will be described. First, the translucent substrate 2 is subjected to thermal embossing to form an uneven surface (step of forming an uneven surface on the translucent substrate). Then, a surface protective layer 4 is applied to the translucent substrate 2 (step of applying the surface protective layer). At this time, the first recess (recess H) is formed when the surface protective layer 4 is applied to the second recess of the translucent substrate 2 (step of forming an uneven surface on the surface protective layer). After that, a pattern printing layer 3 is formed on the translucent substrate 2 by printing (step of forming the pattern printing layer). The series of steps for manufacturing the printed material 1A is completed after these steps.

[0058] [Third Embodiment] Next, the printed material and display device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. In the description of the third embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted. As shown in Figure 3, the display device 10B comprises a printed material 1B and a light source 11. Printed material 1B differs from printed material 1 in that it further comprises a white pattern layer 5 on the side opposite to the translucent substrate 2 relative to the pattern printing layer 3. In printed material 1B, the white pattern layer 5, the second color pattern layer 3B, the first color pattern layer 3A, and the translucent substrate 2 are arranged in this order from the light source 11 side.

[0059] (White pattern layer) The white pattern layer 5 can be formed on the second color pattern layer 3B by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing. The white pattern layer 5 is composed of multiple silver dots. Each of the multiple silver dots contains a silver binder and multiple silver pigment chips dispersed inside the silver binder. The content of the multiple silver pigment chips is, for example, in the range of 0.5 parts by weight to 20 parts by weight, when the silver binder is 100 parts by weight.

[0060] Examples of binders for silver include vinyl resins, acrylic resins, thermoplastic urethane resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The thickness of the white pattern layer 5 is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The white pattern layer 5 may also contain a hardening agent. In this case, the heat resistance of the white pattern layer 5 and the adhesion of the white pattern layer 5 to the second color pattern layer 3B can be improved.

[0061] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the printed material and display device according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. In the description of the fourth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those of the first to third embodiments described above will be omitted. As shown in Figure 4, the display device 10C comprises a printed material 1C and a light source 11. Printed material 1C differs from printed material 1B in that it further comprises a translucent smoke printing layer 6 on the side opposite to the pattern printing layer 3 relative to the white pattern layer 5. In printed material 1C, the translucent smoke printing layer 6, white pattern layer 5, second color pattern layer 3B, first color pattern layer 3A, and translucent substrate 2 are arranged in this order from the light source 11 side.

[0062] (Translucent smoke print layer) The translucent smoke printing layer 6 has the function of attenuating light from the viewpoint side that penetrates the printed material 1C. The translucent smoke printing layer 6 is provided on the outermost surface opposite to the translucent substrate 2 relative to the pattern printing layer 3. The translucent smoke printing layer 6 can be provided on the white pattern layer 5 by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing, using an ink in which a small amount of carbon black is dispersed in a resin binder such as vinyl, acrylic, urethane, polyester, or polycarbonate. The thickness of the translucent smoke printing layer 6 is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The translucent smoke printing layer 6 may also contain a curing agent. In this case, the heat resistance of the translucent smoke printing layer 6 and the adhesion of the translucent smoke printing layer 6 to the white pattern layer 5 can be improved.

[0063] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the printed material and display device according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. In the description of the fifth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with the first to fourth embodiments described above will be omitted. As shown in Figure 5, the display device 10D comprises a printed material 1D and a light source 11. The printed material 1D differs from the printed material 1C in that it does not have a white pattern layer 5. In the printed material 1D, the transparent smoke printing layer 6, the second color pattern layer 3B, the first color pattern layer 3A, and the light-transmitting substrate 2 are arranged in this order from the light source 11 side.

[0064] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, the printed material and display device according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. In the description of the sixth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with the first to fifth embodiments described above will be omitted. As shown in Figure 6, the display device 10E comprises a printed material 1E and a light source 11. The printed material 1E comprises, from the light source 11 side, a translucent smoke printing layer 6, a pattern printing layer 3, a second translucent substrate 2B, and a first translucent substrate 2A in this order.

[0065] The first translucent substrate 2A and the second translucent substrate 2B may be the same as the translucent substrate 2 in the above embodiment.

[0066] The pattern printing layer 3 has a design portion 3a that forms a design and a transparent portion 3b that does not form a design. The design portion 3a is composed of a plurality of design portion dots. The design portion dots may be the same as the first color dots and second color dots. The transparent portion 3b may be a void such as a hole that penetrates the pattern printing layer 3 in the thickness direction, or it may be formed of a transparent resin, for example. Light incident on the transparent portion 3b is transmitted without obstruction.

[0067] The transparent smoke printing layer 6 may have non-dark areas that do not contain pigments or dyes. In other words, as shown in Figure 6, the transparent smoke printing layer 6 may have a dark area 6a containing pigments or dyes and a non-dark area 6b that does not contain pigments or dyes. The non-dark area 6b may be a void such as a hole penetrating the transparent smoke printing layer 6 in the thickness direction, as shown in Figure 6, or it may be formed of, for example, a transparent resin. The non-dark area 6b may be located at approximately the same position as the transparent area 3b in the thickness direction of the printed material 1E.

[0068] The various embodiments of the printed material and display device described herein have been explained above. However, the printed material and display device described herein are not limited to the embodiments described above and may be modified within the scope of the gist described in the claims. That is, the configuration, shape, size (thickness), material, number, and arrangement of each part of the printed material and display device can be appropriately changed within the scope of the gist described above.

[0069] For example, the printed material may further include a substrate. The substrate may be located on the light source side relative to the image printing layer. The substrate may be the same as that used for translucent substrates. The substrate may be bonded to other layers with an adhesive or tack.

[0070] In the second embodiment, a printed material 1B was described in which the surface protective layer 4 has an uneven shape and the translucent substrate 2 has an uneven shape. However, a printed material may also exist in which the surface protective layer 4 has an uneven shape and the translucent substrate 2 does not have an uneven shape. That is, the translucent substrate does not have recesses, and only the surface protective layer may have recesses. In this case, the surface protective layer may be thicker than the surface protective layer 4 described above, and may be composed of, for example, multiple gravure printing layers. Thus, the embodiments of the translucent substrate and the surface protective layer can also be changed as appropriate.

[0071] Furthermore, regarding the display device, the light source may be a display device. The display device may be an LED, liquid crystal, organic EL, etc., and if it has a local dimming function, the image can be made sharper.

[0072] [Summary of this disclosure] The summary of this disclosure is as follows: [1] A printed material comprising a translucent substrate and a patterned printing layer, A printed material whose transmission clarity, as measured using an optical comb with a width of 0.5 mm, is less than 25%. [2] The print described in [1], wherein the transmittance clarity of the print, as measured using an optical comb with a width of 0.125 mm, is less than 25%. [3] The printed material described in [1] or [2], wherein the sum of the transmission clarity of the printed material, as measured using four types of optical combs with widths of 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm, is less than 150%. [4] A printed material according to any one of [1] to [3], having an uneven surface on the translucent substrate side. [5] The printed material according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a surface protective layer on the side opposite to the pattern printing layer of the translucent substrate. [6] The pattern printing layer is provided on one side of the translucent substrate and includes a pattern layer composed of multiple dots. Each of the above multiple dots includes a binder and multiple pigment chips dispersed within the binder. The above-mentioned multiple pigment chips are interference pigments, as described in any of the printed materials listed in [1] to [5]. [7] The above pattern layer is A first-color pattern layer, composed of multiple first-color dots, is provided on one side of the above translucent substrate, The device comprises a second color pattern layer, which is provided on the first color pattern layer described above and consists of a plurality of second color dots, Each of the above first-color dots includes a first-color binder and a plurality of first-color pigment chips dispersed inside the first-color binder. Each of the above second-color dots includes a second-color binder and a plurality of second-color pigment chips dispersed inside the second-color binder. Either the first-color pigment chip or the second-color pigment chip described above produces color as interference light on the reflected light side, and contains multiple interference pigments of different colors. The other of the above-mentioned first-color pigment chip and second-color pigment chip produces a color as interference light on the reflected light side, and contains one interference pigment that produces a color different from the mixed color shown by the multiple interference pigments contained in either of the above-mentioned chips. The printed material described in [6] uses additive color mixing of the above-mentioned interference light. [8] A white pattern layer is provided on the above-mentioned pattern printing layer and further comprises a plurality of silver dots, Each of the above-mentioned multiple silver dots comprises a silver binder and multiple silver pigment chips dispersed inside the silver binder, as described in any of [1] to [7]. [9] The printed material according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising a transparent smoke printing layer provided on the outermost surface opposite to the translucent substrate with respect to the above-mentioned pattern printing layer.

[10] A display device comprising a printed material described in any of [1] to [9] and a light source.

[11] The above light source is a display device, as described in

[10] . [Examples]

[0073] The present disclosure will be described below based on examples. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following examples.

[0074] [Manufacturing of printed materials] (Example 1) A transparent polypropylene (PP) film (thickness: 100 μm) was prepared. One surface of the transparent PP film was heat-embossed with a wood grain pattern. This resulted in a translucent substrate with a wood grain texture on its surface. A surface protective layer (acrylic resin) was coated onto the translucent substrate. This formed a surface protective layer with a wood grain texture. A first-color pattern layer was formed on the side of the translucent substrate opposite the surface protective layer by screen printing. The first-color pattern layer was formed using an ink composed of a first-color binder (urethane resin) and a first interference pigment dispersed within the first-color binder. A green interference pigment with a particle size range of 10 μm to 40 μm was used as the first interference pigment. The content of the green interference pigment was 4 parts by weight when the first-color binder was 100 parts by weight. A second-color pattern layer was formed on top of the first-color pattern layer by screen printing. The second color pattern layer was formed using an ink composed of a second color binder (urethane resin) and a second interference pigment dispersed within the second color binder. As the second interference pigment, a red interference pigment with a particle size range of 10 μm to 40 μm and a gold interference pigment with a particle size range of 10 μm to 60 μm were used. The content of the red and gold interference pigments was 8 parts by weight of the red interference pigment and 5 parts by weight of the gold interference pigment, based on 100 parts by weight of the second color binder. In this way, a wood grain pattern printing layer was formed. A translucent smoke printing layer was formed on the second color pattern layer. The translucent smoke printing layer was provided by screen printing using an ink in which a small amount of carbon black was dispersed in a resin binder (urethane resin). This resulted in a first laminate comprising a translucent smoke printing layer, a second color pattern layer, a first color pattern layer, a translucent substrate, and a surface protective layer in this order. The first layer was used as the printed material in this example.

[0075] (Example 2) A first laminate was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. A smoked acrylic sheet (substrate, transmittance 30%) was attached to the side of the first laminate facing the transparent smoked printing layer using an adhesive. This resulted in a second laminate having the following layers in this order: substrate, adhesive layer, transparent smoked printing layer, second color pattern layer, first color pattern layer, translucent substrate, and surface protective layer. The second laminate was used as the printed material in this example.

[0076] (Example 3) A printed material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the shape of the heat embossing applied to one surface of the transparent polypropylene (PP) film was made matte.

[0077] (Example 4) A printed material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the shape of the heat embossing applied to one surface of the transparent polypropylene (PP) film was made matte.

[0078] (Example 5) A transparent polypropylene (PP) film (thickness: 100 μm) was prepared. One surface of the transparent polypropylene (PP) film was heat-embossed with a wood grain pattern. This resulted in a first translucent substrate with a wood grain pattern formed on its surface. A surface protective layer (acrylic resin) was coated onto the first translucent substrate to form a surface protective layer with a pattern of irregularities. This resulted in a first laminate comprising the first translucent substrate and the surface protective layer.

[0079] A PET film (thickness: 50 μm) was prepared as the second translucent substrate. A patterned printing layer having a design portion and a transparent portion was formed on one surface of the second translucent substrate by gravure printing. A translucent smoke printing layer was formed on the surface of the patterned printing layer. The translucent smoke printing layer was provided by gravure printing using an ink in which a small amount of carbon black was dispersed in a resin binder (urethane resin). The translucent smoke printing layer had a non-dark portion that did not contain pigments or dyes. The non-dark portion was provided at approximately the same position as the transparent portion in the thickness direction of the patterned printing layer. Thus, a second laminate was obtained comprising the second translucent substrate, the patterned printing layer, and the translucent smoke printing layer in this order.

[0080] The first laminate and the second laminate were bonded together with an adhesive. The laminates were bonded so that the first translucent substrate of the first laminate and the second translucent substrate of the second laminate faced each other. This resulted in a third laminate having, in this order, a translucent smoke printing layer, a pattern printing layer, a second translucent substrate, an adhesive layer, a first translucent substrate, and a surface protection layer. The third laminate was used as the printed material in this example.

[0081] (Example 6) A third laminate was obtained in the same manner as in Example 5. A smoked acrylic sheet (substrate, transmittance 30%) was attached to the side of the third laminate facing the transparent smoked printing layer using an adhesive. This resulted in a fourth laminate having the following layers in this order: substrate, adhesive layer, transparent smoked printing layer, pattern printing layer, second translucent substrate, adhesive layer, first translucent substrate, and surface protection layer. The fourth laminate was used as the printed material in this example.

[0082] (Example 7) A first laminate was obtained in the same manner as in Example 5. A PET film (thickness: 75 μm) was prepared as the third translucent substrate. A translucent smoke printing layer was formed on one surface of the third translucent substrate. The translucent smoke printing layer was formed by gravure printing using an ink in which a small amount of carbon black was dispersed in a resin binder (urethane resin). The translucent smoke printing layer had non-dark areas that did not contain pigments or dyes. A pattern printing layer having design areas and translucent areas was formed on the surface of the translucent smoke printing layer by gravure printing. The translucent areas were positioned approximately at the same location as the non-dark areas in the thickness direction of the pattern printing layer. This resulted in a second laminate having the third translucent substrate, the translucent smoke printing layer, and the pattern printing layer in this order.

[0083] A PET film (thickness: 75 μm) was prepared as the second translucent substrate. The second translucent substrate was attached to the pattern printing layer of the second laminate using an adhesive. This resulted in a third laminate comprising the third translucent substrate, a translucent smoke printing layer, a pattern printing layer, an adhesive layer, and the second translucent substrate in that order.

[0084] The first laminate and the third laminate were bonded together with an adhesive. The laminates were bonded together so that the first translucent substrate of the first laminate and the second translucent substrate of the third laminate faced each other. This resulted in a fourth laminate having the following layers in this order: third translucent substrate, translucent smoke printing layer, pattern printing layer, adhesive layer, second translucent substrate, adhesive layer, first translucent substrate, and surface protection layer. The fourth laminate was used as the printed material in this example.

[0085] (Comparative Example 1) A transparent PET film (thickness: 100 μm) was used as the translucent substrate. A patterned print layer was formed on one surface of the translucent substrate by screen printing. The patterned print layer was formed using an ink composed of a binder (vinyl resin) and an interference pigment dispersed within the binder. A gold interference pigment with a particle size range of 10 μm to 60 μm was used as the interference pigment. The content of the gold interference pigment was 5 parts by weight when the binder was 100 parts by weight. A translucent smoke print layer was formed on top of the patterned print layer. The translucent smoke print layer was provided by screen printing using an ink in which a small amount of carbon black was dispersed in a resin binder (vinyl resin). This resulted in a first laminate having the translucent smoke print layer, the patterned print layer, and the translucent substrate in this order. The first laminate was used as the printed material in this example.

[0086] (Comparative Example 2) A transparent PET film (thickness: 100 μm) was used as the translucent substrate. A patterned print layer having a design area and a transparent area was formed on one surface of the translucent substrate by gravure printing. A translucent smoke print layer was formed on top of the patterned print layer. The translucent smoke print layer was formed by gravure printing using an ink in which a small amount of carbon black was dispersed in a resin binder (urethane resin). The translucent smoke print layer had non-dark areas that did not contain pigments or dyes. The non-dark areas were located at approximately the same position as the transparent areas in the thickness direction of the patterned print layer. This resulted in a first laminate comprising a translucent substrate, a patterned print layer, and a translucent smoke print layer. The first laminate was used as the printed material in this example.

[0087] (Comparative Example 3) A PET film (thickness: 75 μm) was prepared as the second translucent substrate. A translucent smoke printing layer was formed on one surface of the second translucent substrate. The translucent smoke printing layer was formed by gravure printing using an ink in which a small amount of carbon black was dispersed in a resin binder (urethane resin). The translucent smoke printing layer had non-dark areas that did not contain pigments or dyes. A pattern printing layer having design areas and translucent areas was formed on the surface of the translucent smoke printing layer by gravure printing. The translucent areas were positioned approximately at the same location as the non-dark areas in the thickness direction of the pattern printing layer. This resulted in a first laminate comprising the second translucent substrate, the translucent smoke printing layer, and the pattern printing layer in this order.

[0088] A PET film (thickness: 75 μm) was prepared as the first translucent substrate. The first translucent substrate was attached to the pattern printing layer of the first laminate using an adhesive. This resulted in a second laminate comprising the second translucent substrate, a translucent smoke printing layer, a pattern printing layer, and the first translucent substrate in that order. The second laminate was used as the printed material in this example.

[0089] [Transparency and clarity] The transmitted image clarity of each printed material was measured using the transmitted image clarity measurement test specified in JIS K 7374:2024. The transmitted image clarity measurement test measured the amount of light transmitted from the printed material through an optical comb with a width n (mm) that moved perpendicular to the light ray axis of the transmitted light. A photometric measuring instrument (manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd.) was used for the measurement. The optical combs had a ratio of 1:1 between the width of the bright and dark parts, and their widths n (mm) were 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2. Transmitted image clarity C n (%) represents the maximum amount of transmitted light when the transmitted portion (bright area) of the optical comb is on the optical axis in the transmitted image clarity measurement test. n The minimum amount of transmitted light when the light-shielding portion (dark area) of the optical comb is on the light ray axis is m n It was calculated using the following formula. Furthermore, the transmission clarity C 0.25 (%), C 0.5 The sum of (%), C1(%), and C2(%) is the sum (T c The result was calculated. The results are shown in Table 1. C n ={(Mn -m n ) / (M n +m n )} × 100

[0090] [Visibility] A display device comprising a printed material and a display device was obtained for each example. In Examples 1 to 5, the printed material and the display device were positioned so that the surface of the printed material opposite to the surface protective layer faced the display device. In Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the printed material and the display device were positioned so that the surface of the printed material opposite to the first translucent substrate faced the display device. The visibility of the display device from the printed material side was checked for both when the display device was powered ON and when the display device was powered OFF. Visibility was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0091] (When the power is ON) A: The display on the display device is clearly visible, and there is no reflection of the viewer. B: The display on the screen is visible, but there is a reflection of the viewer. (When the power is OFF) A: The image is clearly visible. There is no reflection of the viewer, and it blends well with the installation space. B: The image is visible. There is no reflection of the viewer, and it blends in with the installation space. C: The image is visible. However, there is a reflection of the viewer, and the installation space gives a somewhat sterile impression. D: The image is visible. However, reflections of viewers are noticeable, and the installation space gives an impersonal impression.

[0092] [Table 1] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1,1A,1B,1C,1D,1E…printed material, 2…transparent substrate, 3…painted pattern printing layer, 4…surface protective layer, 5…white patch layer, 6…transparent smok printing layer, 10,10A,10B,10C,10D,10E…display device, 11…light source.

Claims

1. A printed material comprising a translucent substrate and a pattern printing layer, A printed material whose transmission clarity, as measured using an optical comb with a width of 0.5 mm, is less than 25%.

2. The printed material according to claim 1, wherein the transmittance clarity of the printed material, as measured using an optical comb having a width of 0.125 mm, is less than 25%.

3. The printed material according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the transmission clarity of the printed material, measured using four types of optical combs having widths of 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm, is less than 150%.

4. The printed material according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the translucent substrate has an uneven shape.

5. The printed article according to claim 1, further comprising a surface protective layer on the side of the translucent substrate opposite to the pattern printing layer.

6. The aforementioned pattern printing layer is provided on one side of the translucent substrate and includes a pattern layer composed of a plurality of dots. Each of the aforementioned multiple dots comprises a binder and a plurality of pigment chips dispersed within the binder. The printed material according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pigment chips are interference pigments.

7. The aforementioned pattern layer is A first color pattern layer, composed of a plurality of first color dots, is provided on one side of the translucent substrate, The device comprises a second color pattern layer, which is provided on the first color pattern layer and is composed of a plurality of second color dots, Each of the first color dots comprises a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed within the first color binder. Each of the second color dots comprises a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed within the second color binder. Either the first color pigment chip or the second color pigment chip produces color as interference light on the reflected light side, and contains multiple interference pigments of different colors. The other of the first and second color pigment chips produces a color as interference light on the reflected light side and contains one interference pigment that produces a color different from the mixed color shown by the multiple interference pigments contained in either of the two chips. The printed material according to claim 6, wherein the interference light is additively mixed.

8. The aforementioned pattern printing layer is provided above and further comprises a white pattern layer composed of multiple silver dots, The printed material according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of silver dots includes a silver binder and a plurality of silver pigment chips dispersed inside the silver binder.

9. The printed article according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent smoke printing layer provided on the outermost surface opposite to the translucent substrate relative to the pattern printing layer.

10. A display device comprising a printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a light source.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the light source is a display device.

Images