Design module

Abstract

This design module provides an improved degree of freedom in arranging light sources in light-transmitting decorative areas. [Solution] The design module 1 comprises a light guide plate 10 and a decorative cover 40. The light guide plate 10 includes a light incident surface 20, a first reflective surface 21, a second reflective surface 22, and a light emission surface 23. In a plan view of the decorative cover 40, the light emission surface 23 is separated from the light incident surface 20. The decorative cover 40 is a light-transmitting decorative region 42 facing the light emission surface 23. The light beam 27 is totally reflected at the first reflective surface 21, travels along the light guide plate 10 from the first reflective surface 21 to the second reflective surface 22 while being totally reflected at the surface of the light guide plate 10, and is totally reflected towards the light emission surface 23 at the second reflective surface 21.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a design module.

Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2020 / 196906 (Patent Document 1) discloses a display device with a decorative sheet including a display device and a decorative sheet disposed opposite to the display device. The decorative sheet includes a base film, a design layer, and a light shielding layer. Holes as light transmission portions are formed in the design layer and the light shielding layer. When the display device is in an off state, a person viewing the display device with the decorative sheet visually recognizes the design layer. When the display device is in an on state, the person viewing the display device with the decorative sheet visually recognizes image light from the display device through the holes.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a design module capable of improving the degree of freedom in arrangement of a light source with respect to a light-transmissive decorative region.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The design module of this disclosure comprises a light guide plate and a decorative cover. The light guide plate includes a light incident surface, a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface, and a light output surface. The decorative cover includes a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region. In a plan view of the decorative cover, the light output surface is separated from the light incident surface. The first region is a light-transmitting decorative region facing the light output surface. A light beam incident on the light guide plate from the light incident surface is totally reflected at the first reflecting surface, travels along the light guide plate from the first reflecting surface to the second reflecting surface while being totally reflected at the surface of the light guide plate which is the interface between the light guide plate and the gas surrounding the light guide plate, and is totally reflected toward the light output surface at the second reflecting surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The design module of this disclosure can improve the degree of freedom in arranging light sources in light-transmitting decorative areas. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of the design module of the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the design module of the embodiment along the section line II-II shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic, partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the first region of the design module of the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic, partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the second region of the design module of the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic plan view of the design module in an embodiment where the object is not visible. [Figure 6] This is a schematic plan view of the design module in an embodiment where the object is visible. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a design module of the first modified embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic plan view of a design module of a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the design module of the second modified embodiment along the section line IX-IX shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a design module of a third modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a design module of a fourth modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a design module of a fifth modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic plan view of the design module of the sixth modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the design module of the sixth modified embodiment along the section line XIV-XIV shown in Figure 13. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. The same components will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0009] The design module 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The design module 1 is, for example, a cover panel for the interior panel of a car. The design module 1 comprises a light guide plate 10 and a decorative cover 40. The design module 1 may also comprise a light source 26, a collimating lens 29, and a printed circuit board 28. The design module 1 may further comprise a case 30 and fixing devices 33, 36.

[0010] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the light guide plate 10 is made of a material that can transmit visible light, such as the light beam 27 emitted from the light source 26. The light guide plate 10 is made of a thermoplastic resin with high light transmittance, such as polycarbonate resin, acrylic resin, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin.

[0011] The light guide plate 10 includes, for example, a first side surface 11, a second side surface 12 opposite to the first side surface 11, a first main surface 13, a second main surface 14 opposite to the first main surface 13, a first end surface 15, and a second end surface 16 opposite to the first end surface 15.

[0012] The first side surface 11 faces, for example, a decorative cover 40. The first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12 extend, for example, in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The first main surface 13 and the second main surface 14 are each connected to the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12. The first main surface 13 and the second main surface 14 extend, for example, in the second direction DR2 and a third direction DR3 perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The distance between the first main surface 13 and the second main surface 14 is the thickness of the light guide plate 10. The first end surface 15 and the second end surface 16 are each connected to the first side surface 11, the second side surface 12, the first main surface 13, and the second main surface 14. The area of each of the first side surface 11, the second side surface 12, the first end surface 15, and the second end surface 16 is smaller than the area of the first main surface 13 and smaller than the area of the second main surface 14. The area of each of the first end surface 15 and the second end surface 16 may be smaller than the area of the first side surface 11 and may be smaller than the area of the second side surface 12.

[0013] The light guide plate 10 includes a light incident surface 20, a first reflecting surface 21, a second reflecting surface 22, and a light exit surface 23.

[0014] The light incident surface 20 is a region of the light guide plate 10 where a light beam 27 emitted from a light source 26 enters the light guide plate 10. The light incident surface 20 is, for example, an interface between the light guide plate 10 and a gas (e.g., air) surrounding the light guide plate 10, and is a surface of the light guide plate 10 in contact with the gas. It is preferable that light scattering at the light incident surface 20 is low. The light incident surface 20 is, for example, a smooth surface having an arithmetic average roughness Ra of 0.1 μm to 1.0 μm or less. The arithmetic average roughness Ra is measured in accordance with the provisions of Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) B0601:2001. The light incident surface 20 is, for example, a part of the second side surface 12.

[0015] The first reflecting surface 21 is an interface between the light guide plate 10 and gas around the light guide plate 10 (for example, air), and is a surface of the light guide plate 10 that is in contact with the gas. Due to the difference between the refractive index of the light guide plate 10 and the refractive index of the gas around the light guide plate 10, the light beam 27 is totally reflected by the first reflecting surface 21. The light beam 27 totally reflected by the first reflecting surface 21 travels through the light guide plate 10 from the first reflecting surface 21 to the second reflecting surface 22 while being totally reflected by the surfaces of the light guide plate 10 that are interfaces between the light guide plate 10 and the gas around the light guide plate 10 (for example, the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12). The first reflecting surface 21 is, for example, a part of the first end surface 15, and faces the light incident surface 20 in the third direction DR3.

[0016] The second reflecting surface 22 is an interface between the light guide plate 10 and gas around the light guide plate 10 (for example, air), and is a surface of the light guide plate 10 that is in contact with the gas. Due to the difference between the refractive index of the light guide plate 10 and the refractive index of the gas around the light guide plate 10, the light beam 27 is totally reflected by the second reflecting surface 22. The second reflecting surface 22 reflects the light beam 27 toward the light exit surface 23. The second reflecting surface 22 is, for example, a part of the second end surface 16, and faces the light exit surface 23 in the third direction DR3.

[0017] The light exit surface 23 is a region of the light guide plate 10 from which the light beam 27 exits the light guide plate 10. The light exit surface 23 is, for example, an interface between the light guide plate 10 and gas around the light guide plate 10 (for example, air), and is a surface of the light guide plate 10 that is in contact with the gas. The light exit surface 23 may be a rougher surface than the light incident surface 20. The light exit surface 23 is, for example, a roughened surface. The light exit surface 23 is, for example, a part of the first side surface 11. In a plan view of the decorative cover 40 (in the present embodiment, a plan view from the third direction DR3), the light exit surface 23 is spaced apart from the light incident surface 20. In the plan view of the decorative cover 40, the shortest distance D between the light incident surface 20 and the light exit surface 23 may be 0.3 m or more, 0.5 m or more, or 0.7 m or more.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the decorative cover 40 includes a first region 41 and a second region 43 adjacent to the first region 41.

[0019] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the first region 41 is a light-transmitting decorative region 42 facing the light-emitting surface 23 of the light guide plate 10. The first region 41 is the region of the decorative cover 40 that is illuminated by the light beam 27. The direction of propagation of the light beam 27 incident on the first region 41 (e.g., the third direction DR3) may be parallel to the direction of propagation of the light beam 27 incident on the light incident surface 20 (e.g., the third direction DR3).

[0020] The first region 41 includes, for example, a decorative sheet 51. The decorative sheet 51 includes a front surface 51a and a back surface 51b opposite to the front surface 51a. The back surface 51b faces the light guide plate 10. A person viewing the design module 1 views the design module 1 from the side of the front surface 51a. The first region 41 may also be a decorative molded article 50. The decorative molded article 50 includes the decorative sheet 51 and a molded body 57. The decorative molded article 50 may further include an adhesive layer 58.

[0021] Referring to Figure 3, the decorative sheet 51 includes a design layer 53 and a shielding layer 54. The decorative sheet 51 may also include a transparent film 52.

[0022] Referring to Figure 3, the design layer 53 can transmit visible light, such as a light beam 27 from a light source 26. The design layer 53 includes, for example, a binder and a pigment dispersed in the binder. The pigment is, for example, an interference pigment, an absorption pigment, or a metallic pigment, or a combination of two or more of these pigments. An interference pigment is a pigment that produces colored light through the interference of light reflected by the interference pigment. An absorption pigment is a pigment that produces colored light by absorbing light of a certain wavelength from the light incident on the absorption pigment. A metallic pigment is a pigment that exhibits metallic luster, such as metal flakes such as aluminum flakes. A pattern such as a wood grain pattern or a tile pattern may be formed on the design layer 53. The design layer 53 may also be a colored layer. The design layer 53 may be a single layer or multiple layers.

[0023] Referring to Figure 3, the shielding layer 54 is positioned on the design layer 53. The shielding layer 54 is positioned on the side of the design layer 53 opposite to the side of the transparent film 52. The shielding layer 54 is positioned between the design layer 53 and the molded body 57. The shielding layer 54 blocks visible light such as the light beam 27 from the light source 26 and also conceals objects on the back surface 51b side of the decorative sheet 51 (e.g., the light guide plate 10) from anyone viewing the design module 1. The shielding layer 54 includes, for example, a binder and pigments dispersed in the binder.

[0024] Referring to Figure 3, for example, if the design layer 53 contains an absorbing pigment or a metallic pigment, holes 55 may be provided in the shielding layer 54. The holes 55 form a desired shape such as letters, numbers, icons, symbols, or figures.

[0025] Referring to Figure 3, the transparent film 52 is transparent to visible light, such as a light beam 27 from a light source 26. The transparent film 52 is formed of, for example, at least one of a resin or an elastomer. Examples of resins that make up the transparent film 52 include polyester resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, polypropylene (PP) resin, acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin, triacetylcellulose resin, styrene resin, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin. Examples of elastomers that make up the transparent film 52 include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include amide-based TPE (TPA), ester-based TPE (TPC), olefin-based TPE (TPO), styrene-based TPE (TPS), and urethane-based TPE (TPU). The transparent film 52 may be a single-layer film or a multi-layer film.

[0026] The transparent film 52 may be a base film supporting the design layer 53 and the shielding layer 54. The transparent film 52 is positioned, for example, near the front surface 51a of the decorative sheet 51 relative to the design layer 53. The transparent film 52 may contain a weather-resistant agent. The weather-resistant agent is, for example, an ultraviolet absorber, a light stabilizer, or an ultraviolet blocker. This improves the weather resistance of the decorative sheet 51.

[0027] The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 51 is, for example, 5% or more. The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 51 may be 10% or more. This improves the visibility of the object 7 (see Figure 6) viewed through the decorative sheet 51. The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 51 is, for example, 50% or less. This prevents the shielding layer 54 from seeing objects on the back surface 51b side of the decorative sheet 51 (e.g., the light guide plate 10). The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 51 may be 30% or less. The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 51 is, for example, 5% or more and 50% or less. The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 51 may be 10% or more and 30% or less.

[0028] Referring to Figure 3, the molded body 57 is positioned on the back surface 51b side of the decorative sheet 51. The molded body 57 supports the decorative sheet 51. The molded body 57 is positioned between the decorative sheet 51 and the light guide plate 10. The molded body 57 is transparent to visible light, such as the light beam 27 from the light source 26. The molded body 57 is formed from a resin such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin, or glass. The molded body 57 is shaped into a three-dimensional form, such as a flat plate or a curved plate.

[0029] The molded body 57 may be formed on the back surface 51b of the decorative sheet 51 by insert molding or in-mold molding. The molded body 57 may be bonded to the back surface 51b of the decorative sheet 51 using an adhesive layer 58. The adhesive layer 58 is transparent to visible light, such as a light beam 27 from a light source 26. The adhesive layer 58 is formed of, for example, an optically transparent adhesive (OCA) or an optically transparent resin (OCR).

[0030] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the second region 43 is a region that blocks visible light, such as a light beam 27 from a light source 26. The second region 43 may be a decorative region and may include a decorative sheet 51. The second region 43 may also be a decorative molded product 50. For example, the second region 43 is configured similarly to the first region 41, but the shielding layer 54 does not have holes 55.

[0031] The second region 43 may include a design layer 53 that is opaque to visible light, such as a light beam 27 from a light source 26, and may not include a shielding layer 54.

[0032] As the light beam 27 travels along the light guide plate 10, it undergoes total internal reflection at the interface between the light guide plate 10 and the gas surrounding it (e.g., air) on the surface of the light guide plate 10 (e.g., the first reflective surface 21, the first side surface 11, the second side surface 12, and the second reflective surface 22), and the second region 43 is not illuminated by the light beam 27. Therefore, the second region 43 may be transparent to visible light such as the light beam 27 from the light source 26. Specifically, the second region 43 may include a transparent film 52 and a design layer 53 but not a shielding layer 54, or it may include a transparent film 52 but not the design layer 53 or the shielding layer 54.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the light source 26 emits a light beam 27. The light beam 27 is visible light, such as white light, red light, green light, or blue light. The light source 26 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The light source 26 is fixed to a printed circuit board 28. The printed circuit board 28 includes wiring (not shown) that is a current or voltage supply path to the light source 26.

[0034] Referring to Figure 2, the collimating lens 29 collimates the light beam 27 emitted from the light source 26. The light beam 27 collimated by the collimating lens 29 is incident on the light incident surface 20 of the light guide plate 10. The collimating lens 29 is positioned, for example, at a location facing the light incident surface 20 of the light guide plate 10, and is approximately parallel to the light incident surface 20. The collimating lens 29 is positioned, for example, between the light incident surface 20 of the light guide plate 10 and the light source 26.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the case 30 houses the light guide plate 10. The case 30 may further house a light source 26, a printed circuit board 28, and a collimating lens 29. An opening 31 is provided in the case 30. A decorative cover 40 is attached to the opening 31 of the case 30.

[0036] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the light guide plate 10 is fixed to the case 30 by fasteners 33 and 36. Fastener 33 is attached to the first part of the light guide plate 10. Fastener 36 is attached to the second part of the light guide plate 10. The first and second parts of the light guide plate 10 are out of the optical path of the light beam 27. In the light guide plate 10 of this embodiment, the light beam 27 travels through the light guide plate 10 while undergoing total internal reflection at the surface of the light guide plate 10 (for example, the first reflective surface 21, the first side surface 11, the second side surface 12, and the second reflective surface 22), so the optical path of the light beam 27 is known in advance. Therefore, it is easy to position the fasteners 33 and 36 in positions that avoid the optical path of the light beam 27.

[0037] For example, a hole 17 is provided in the first part of the light guide plate 10. The hole 17 is, for example, a hole into which a fixing device 33 is fitted, or a screw hole into which the fixing device 33 is screwed. A hole 18 is provided in the second part of the light guide plate 10. The hole 18 is, for example, a hole into which a fixing device 36 is fitted, or a screw hole into which the fixing device 36 is screwed. The holes 17 and 18 may be provided on the first main surface 13. The holes 17 and 18 may extend from the first main surface 13 to the second main surface 14, or they may penetrate the light guide plate 10.

[0038] Fixing device 33 includes, for example, a column 34 and a fixing member 35. The column 34 is fixed to the case 30. A hole is provided in the column 34. The fixing member 35 is, for example, a pin or screw, which is fitted or screwed into the hole and hole 17 of the column 34. Fixing device 36 includes, for example, a column 37 and a fixing member 38. The column 37 is fixed to the case 30. A hole is provided in the column 37. The fixing member 38 is, for example, a pin or screw, which is fitted or screwed into the hole and hole 18 of the column 37.

[0039] The operation of the design module 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Referring to Figure 5, when the light source 26 does not output the light beam 27, the first region 41 is not illuminated by the light beam 27, and a person viewing the design module 1 can see the design layers 53 of the first region 41 and the second region 43 of the decorative cover 40 (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0040] Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 6, when the light source 26 outputs a light beam 27, the light beam 27 is collimated by the collimating lens 29 and enters the light guide plate 10 from the light incident surface 20. The light beam 27 travels through the light guide plate 10 while undergoing total internal reflection at the surface of the light guide plate 10 (for example, the first reflective surface 21, the first side surface 11, the second side surface 12, and the second reflective surface 22). The first region 41, which is a light-transmitting decorative region 42, is illuminated by the light beam 27 emitted from the light-emitting surface 23. The light beam 27 passes through the holes 55 and the design layer 53. Thus, a viewer of the design module 1 sees the light passing through the holes 55 (see Figure 3) of the decorative sheet 51, in addition to the design layer 53 of the first region 41 and the second region 43, as object 7.

[0041] Referring to Figure 7, the design module 1 of the first modified example of this embodiment further comprises reinforcing ribs 24, 25. The reinforcing rib 24 is provided around the first portion of the light guide plate 10 in which the holes 17 are provided. The reinforcing rib 25 is provided around the second portion of the light guide plate 10 in which the holes 18 are provided. The reinforcing ribs 24, 25 are positioned away from the optical path of the light beam 27 within the light guide plate 10. The reinforcing ribs 24, 25 are formed of, for example, resin. The reinforcing ribs 24, 25 may be formed of the same material as the light guide plate 10. The reinforcing ribs 24, 25 may be integrally molded with the light guide plate 10. This can improve the mechanical strength of the portion of the light guide plate 10 around the fixtures 33, 36. The reinforcing ribs 24, 25 can be provided on any portion of the light guide plate 10, as long as they do not affect the optical path of the light beam 27. The reinforcing ribs 24 and 25 may be provided not only around the holes 17 and 18 of the light guide plate 10, but also on other parts of the light guide plate 10 that are away from those holes. This can improve the overall mechanical strength of the light guide plate 10.

[0042] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the design module 1 of the second modification of this embodiment further comprises light-diffusing ribs 60. The light-diffusing ribs 60 protrude from the light-emitting surface 23 of the light guide plate 10. The surface of the light-diffusing ribs 60 is rougher than the light-emitting surface 23. The surface of the light-diffusing ribs 60 is, for example, a roughened surface. The light-diffusing ribs 60 may be integrally molded with the light guide plate 10. The light-transmitting decorative area 42 is illuminated more uniformly by the light beam 27 diffused by the light-diffusing ribs 60. The design quality of the design module 1 is improved.

[0043] Referring to Figure 10, in the third modification of this embodiment, the light beam 27 is a plurality of light beams 27a, 27b, and 27c having different wavelengths. The plurality of light beams 27a, 27b, and 27c have different colors. The light source 26 includes a plurality of light sources, each of which emits a corresponding light beam from the plurality of light beams 27a, 27b, and 27c. For example, the plurality of light sources include a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED, where light beam 27a is red light emitted by the red LED, light beam 27b is green light emitted by the green LED, and light beam 27c is blue light emitted by the blue LED. The plurality of light sources can be controlled independently of each other, and the color of the light beam 27 is variable. This can improve the design of the first region 41. Furthermore, the light-transmitting decorative region 42 can be enlarged by widening the spacing between the light beams 27a, 27b, and 27c in the light-emitting surface 23 and the light-transmitting decorative region 42.

[0044] Referring to Figure 11, in the fourth modification of this embodiment, the light source 26 and the collimating lens 29 are positioned facing the first side surface 11 and between the decorative cover 40 and the light guide plate 10. The light incident surface 20 and the light emission surface 23 are part of the first side surface 11. The first reflective surface 21 is part of the first end surface 15 and faces the light incident surface 20 in the third direction DR3. The second reflective surface 22 is part of the second end surface 16 and faces the light emission surface 23 in the third direction DR3. The light beam 27 travels along the light guide plate 10 while undergoing total internal reflection at the surface of the light guide plate 10 (e.g., the first reflective surface 21, the second side surface 12, and the second reflective surface 22), which are the interface between the light guide plate 10 and the gas (e.g., air) surrounding the light guide plate 10. This improves the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the light source 26. The components of the design module 1 other than the light guide plate 10 (for example, the decorative cover 40, the light source 26, and the collimating lens 29) can be arranged to be concentrated on one side relative to the light guide plate 10.

[0045] Referring to Figure 12, in the fifth modification of this embodiment, the second end face 16 of the light guide plate 10 faces the decorative cover 40. The light incident surface 20 is part of the second side surface 12. The first reflective surface 21 is part of the first end face 15 and faces the light incident surface 20 in the third direction DR3. The second reflective surface 22 is part of the second side surface 12 and faces the light emission surface 23 in the second direction DR2. The light emission surface 23 is part of the second end face 16. In a plan view of the decorative cover 40 (a plan view from the second direction DR2 in the fifth modification of this embodiment), the light emission surface 23 is separated from the light incident surface 20. The light beam 27 travels along the light guide plate 10 while undergoing total internal reflection at the interface between the light guide plate 10 and the gas (e.g., air) surrounding the light guide plate 10 (e.g., the first reflective surface 21, the first side surface 11, and the second reflective surface 22). The direction of travel of the light beam 27 may be bent by the light guide plate 10. The direction of travel of the light beam 27 incident on the first region 41 of the decorative cover 40 (e.g., the second direction DR2) may be antiparallel to the direction of travel of the light beam 27 incident on the light incident surface 20 (e.g., the third direction DR3). This improves the degree of freedom in arranging the light source 26 of the design module 1. As a result, the light guide plate 10 and the light source 26 can be arranged in a device with many intricately arranged components (e.g., precision equipment). The design module 1 can be applied to such a device.

[0046] The light guide plate 10 may be held in place by fasteners 33 and 36. For example, fastener 33 may contact the first side surface 11 of the light guide plate 10, and fastener 36 may contact the second side surface 12 of the light guide plate 10. This allows the light guide plate 10 to be stably installed using fasteners 33 and 36 without providing holes 17 and 18 in the light guide plate 10, even if it is difficult to provide holes 17 and 18 in the light guide plate 10 due to the small size of the third direction DR3 of the light guide plate 10.

[0047] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in the sixth modification of this embodiment, the first main surface 13 faces the decorative cover 40. The first main surface 13 and the second main surface 14 extend, for example, in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12 extend, for example, in the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3. The light incident surface 20 is part of the second main surface 14. The second reflective surface 22 is, for example, part of the first main surface 13. In the sixth modification of this embodiment, the thickness of the design module 1 in the third direction DR3 can be reduced. Also, since the width of the light emission surface 23 in the first direction DR1 and the width of the first region 41 (light-transmitting decorative region 42) in the first direction DR1 can be increased, the design quality of the first region 41 can be improved.

[0048] The light guide plate 10 may be held in place by fasteners 33 and 36. For example, fastener 33 may contact the first side surface 11 of the light guide plate 10, and fastener 36 may contact the second side surface 12 of the light guide plate 10. This allows the light guide plate 10 to be stably installed using fasteners 33 and 36 without providing holes 17 and 18 in the light guide plate 10, even if it is difficult to provide holes 17 and 18 in the light guide plate 10 due to the small size of the third direction DR3 of the light guide plate 10.

[0049] The effects of the design module 1 of this embodiment will be explained. The design module 1 of this embodiment comprises a light guide plate 10 and a decorative cover 40. The light guide plate 10 includes a light incident surface 20, a first reflective surface 21, a second reflective surface 22, and a light emission surface 23. The decorative cover 40 includes a first region 41 and a second region 43 adjacent to the first region 41. In a plan view of the decorative cover 40, the light emission surface 23 is separated from the light incident surface 20. The first region 41 is a light-transmitting decorative region 42 facing the light emission surface 23. The light beam 27 that enters the light guide plate 10 from the light incident surface 20 is totally reflected at the first reflecting surface 21, and travels along the light guide plate 10 from the first reflecting surface 21 to the second reflecting surface 22 while being totally reflected at the surface of the light guide plate 10, which is the interface between the light guide plate 10 and the gas surrounding the light guide plate 10, and is totally reflected at the second reflecting surface 22 toward the light emission surface 23.

[0050] By using the light guide plate 10, the light-emitting surface 23 can be separated from the light-incident surface 20 in a plan view of the decorative cover 40. This improves the degree of freedom in arranging the light source 26 with respect to the light-transmitting decorative area 42. Furthermore, since the light beam 27 travels through the light guide plate 10 while undergoing total internal reflection at the surface of the light guide plate 10, which is the interface between the light guide plate 10 and the gas (e.g., air) surrounding it, there is no need to form a reflective layer on the surface of the light guide plate 10. As a result, the number of parts in the design module 1 is reduced, and the cost of the design module 1 is lowered.

[0051] The design module 1 of this embodiment further includes a fixing device (for example, a fixing device 33) for fixing the light guide plate 10. The portion of the light guide plate 10 to which the fixing device is attached is deviated from the optical path of the light beam 27.

[0052] Since the light beam 27 travels through the light guide plate 10 while undergoing total internal reflection on its surface, the optical path of the light beam 27 within the light guide plate 10 can be known in advance. Therefore, the portion of the light guide plate 10 to which the fixing device (for example, the fixing device 33) is attached can be easily removed from the optical path of the light beam 27. The portion of the light guide plate 10 to which the fixing device is attached can be easily determined, and the light guide plate 10 can be fixed using the fixing device without adversely affecting the illumination of the light-transmitting decorative area 42 by the light beam 27.

[0053] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, a hole (for example, hole 17) into which a fixing device (for example, fixing device 33) is fitted is provided in the portion of the light guide plate 10 to which the fixing device is attached.

[0054] Therefore, the light guide plate 10 can be fixed using a fixing device (for example, fixing device 33) without adversely affecting the illumination of the light-transmitting decorative area 42 by the light beam 27.

[0055] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, a screw hole (for example, hole 17) into which a fixing device (for example, fixing device 33) is screwed is provided in the portion of the light guide plate 10 to which the fixing device is attached.

[0056] Therefore, the light guide plate 10 can be fixed using a fixing device (for example, fixing device 33) without adversely affecting the illumination of the light-transmitting decorative area 42 by the light beam 27.

[0057] The design module 1 of this embodiment further comprises reinforcing ribs (e.g., reinforcing ribs 24). The reinforcing ribs are provided around the portion of the light guide plate 10 to which a fixing device (e.g., fixing device 33) is attached. The reinforcing ribs are positioned away from the optical path of the light beam 27.

[0058] The reinforcing ribs (e.g., reinforcing rib 24) improve the mechanical strength of the portion of the light guide plate 10 around the hole into which the fastener (e.g., fastener 33) is fitted or the screw hole into which the fastener is screwed. The vibration resistance of the design module 1 is improved, and the design module 1 can be applied to vehicles and the like.

[0059] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, the light-emitting surface 23 has a rougher surface than the light-incident surface 20.

[0060] Therefore, the light-transmitting decorative area 42 is illuminated more uniformly by the light beam 27 diffused at the light-emitting surface 23. This improves the aesthetic appeal of the design module 1.

[0061] The design module 1 of this embodiment further comprises a light source 26 and a collimating lens 29. The light source 26 emits a light beam 27. The collimating lens 29 collimates the light beam 27. The light beam 27 collimated by the collimating lens 29 is incident on the light incident surface 20.

[0062] Even when a light-emitting element that emits a light beam 27 with low directivity, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), is used as the light source 26, the collimating lens 29 can improve the directivity of the light beam 27. The light beam 27 collimated by the collimating lens 29 travels through the light guide plate 10 with almost no spreading, so the light beam 27 is efficiently totally reflected in the light guide plate 10. This prevents the light beam 27 from leaking out from surfaces of the light guide plate 10 other than the light-emitting surface 23. This improves the utilization efficiency of the light beam 27 and reduces the power consumption of the light source 26. Even if the second region 43 is transparent to visible light such as the light beam 27 from the light source 26, deterioration of the design quality of the design module 1 can be prevented. Furthermore, because the light beam 27 can be efficiently totally reflected, the light source 26 can be positioned away from the light-emitting surface 23, and the printed circuit board 28 on which the light source 26 is mounted can be used as a control board for a device (e.g., an in-car display, an in-car audio system, or an in-car air conditioning system) on which the design module 1 is installed. This allows the light source 26 to be mounted on the control board of the device on which the design module 1 is installed, potentially reducing the number of components such as wiring.

[0063] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, the light beam 27 is a plurality of light beams 27 having different wavelengths from each other.

[0064] Therefore, the light-transmitting decorative area 42 is illuminated by light beams 27 having multiple colors. This improves the aesthetic appeal of the design module 1.

[0065] The embodiments and variations thereof disclosed herein should be considered illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 Design module, 7 Objects, 10 Light guide plate, 11 First side, 12 Second side, 13 First main surface, 14 Second main surface, 15 First end surface, 16 Second end surface, 17,18 Holes, 20 Light incident surface, 21 First reflective surface, 22 Second reflective surface, 23 Light emission surface, 24,25 Reinforcement ribs, 26 Light source, 27,27a,27b,27c Light beam, 28 Printed circuit board, 29 Collimating lens, 30 Case, 31 Aperture, 33,36 Fixing fixtures, 34,37 Columns, 35,38 Fixing members, 40 Decorative cover, 41 First region, 42 Light-transmitting decorative region, 43 Second region, 50 Decorative molded product, 51 Decorative sheet, 51a Front surface, 51b Back surface, 52 Transparent film, 53 54 Design layer, 55 Shielding layer, 57 Hole, 58 Molded body, 58 Adhesive layer, 60 Light diffusing rib.

Claims

1. A light guide plate including a light incident surface, a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and a light emission surface, The decorative cover comprises a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region, In a plan view of the decorative cover, the light-emitting surface is separated from the light-incident surface. The first region is a light-transmitting decorative region facing the light-emitting surface, A design module wherein a light beam incident on the light guide plate from the light incident surface is totally reflected at the first reflecting surface, travels along the light guide plate from the first reflecting surface to the second reflecting surface while being totally reflected at the surface of the light guide plate which is the interface between the light guide plate and the gas surrounding the light guide plate, and is totally reflected at the second reflecting surface toward the light emission surface.

2. The light guide plate is further provided with a fixing device, The design module according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the light guide plate to which the fixing device is attached is deviated from the optical path of the light beam.

3. The design module according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the light-emitting surface is a rougher surface than the light-incident surface.

4. A light source that emits the aforementioned light beam, The system further comprises a collimating lens that collimates the aforementioned light beam, The design module according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the light beam collimated by the collimating lens is incident on the light incident surface.

5. The design module according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the light beam is a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths from each other.

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