Design module

Abstract

To provide a design module with improved aesthetic appeal. [Solution] The design module 1 comprises a light guide plate 10, a decorative molded product 20, a plurality of first light sources 40, and a plurality of second light sources 45. The decorative molded product 20 is positioned opposite the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10. The plurality of first light sources 40 are positioned opposite the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10. The plurality of second light sources 45 are positioned opposite the second main surface 12 of the light guide plate 10. The decorative molded product 20 includes a decorative sheet 21 and a molded body 28. The decorative sheet 21 includes a design layer 23 and a shielding layer 24. The luminance of each of the plurality of second light sources 45 is greater than the second luminance of each of the plurality of first light sources 40.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-18809 (Patent Document 1) discloses a lighting device including an optical unit, a housing, and a cover. The housing accommodates the optical unit. The cover is a light-transmissive resin plate member attached to an opening of the housing. The cover includes a first region and a second region. A light diffusion treatment is applied to the first region. No light diffusion treatment is applied to the second region. The optical unit includes a light source. The optical unit is rotatable between a first state and a second state. When the optical unit is in the first state, the first region is irradiated with light emitted from the light source, and the lighting device emits diffused light. When the optical unit is in the second state, the second region is irradiated with light emitted from the light source, and the lighting device emits spot light.

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 with improved design.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The design module of this disclosure comprises a light guide plate, a decorative molded article, a plurality of first light sources, and a plurality of second light sources. The light guide plate includes a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, and a first side surface connected to the first and second main surfaces. The decorative molded article is positioned opposite the first main surface. The plurality of first light sources are positioned opposite the first side surface. The plurality of second light sources are positioned opposite the second main surface. The second main surface is a rougher surface than the first main surface. The decorative molded article includes a decorative sheet and a molded body. The molded body supports the decorative sheet and is positioned between the decorative sheet and the light guide plate. The decorative sheet includes a design layer and a shielding layer. The shielding layer is positioned between the design layer and the molded body. The luminance of each of the plurality of second light sources is greater than the second luminance of each of the plurality of first light sources. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The design module of this disclosure has improved design quality. [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 cross-sectional view of the design module of the embodiment along the section line III-III shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a schematic, partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a decorative molded product included in the design module of the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic plan view of the shielding layer included in the design module of the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a control block diagram of the design module of the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic plan view of the design module of an embodiment where multiple first light sources and multiple second light sources are turned off. [Figure 8]This is a schematic plan view of the design module of the embodiment during the first time period when multiple first light sources and multiple second light sources are illuminated. [Figure 9] This is a schematic plan view of the design module of the embodiment in the second time period when multiple first light sources and multiple second light sources are illuminated. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a design module of a modified embodiment. [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] An embodiment of the design module 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The design module 1 is, for example, an interior panel for a car or a cover panel for an interactive computer. The design module 1 comprises a light guide plate 10, a decorative molded product 20, a plurality of first light sources 40, and a plurality of second light sources 45. The design module 1 may further comprise printed circuit boards 41, 46. The design module 1 may further comprise a plurality of light diffusion members 47. The design module 1 may further comprise a controller 50.

[0010] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the light guide plate 10 is formed of a material that can transmit visible light. The light guide plate 10 is formed of a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate resin, acrylic resin, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin.

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

[0012] The first main surface 11 and the second main surface 12 have a larger area than other surfaces of the light guide plate 10 (e.g., the first side surface 13, the second side surface 14, the first end surface 15, and the second end surface 16). The first main surface 11 and the second main surface 12 extend in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The second direction DR2 may be perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 may be the width direction of the light guide plate 10 in a plan view of the first main surface 11. The second direction DR2 may be the longitudinal direction of the light guide plate 10 in a plan view of the first main surface 11.

[0013] The thickness direction of the light guide plate 10 is a third direction DR3 perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The light guide plate 10 has a second length L2 that is the distance between the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 12. The second length L2 of the light guide plate 10 is the thickness of the light guide plate 10. For example, the second length L2 is 5 mm or less. The second length L2 may be 2.5 mm or less.

[0014] The second main surface 12 has a rougher surface than the first main surface 11. For example, the second side surface 14 is a surface subjected to roughening, and the first side surface 13 is a surface not subjected to roughening. The second main surface 12 may become rougher as it gets farther away from the first side surface 13.

[0015] The first side surface 13 and the second side surface 14 are respectively connected to the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 12. The first side surface 13 and the second side surface 14 respectively extend in the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3. The light guide plate 10 has a first length L1 that is the distance between the first side surface 13 and the second side surface 14. In a plan view of the first main surface 11, the first length L1 of the light guide plate 10 may be the length of the short side of the light guide plate 10 (the length of the light guide plate 10 in the width direction).

[0016] The first end surface 15 and the second end surface 16 are respectively connected to the first main surface 11, the second main surface 12, the first side surface 13, and the second side surface 14. The first end surface 15 and the second end surface 16 respectively extend in the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the decorative molded article 20 has a front surface 20a and a back surface 20b opposite to the front surface 20a. The decorative molded article 20 is disposed opposite to the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10. Specifically, the back surface 20b of the decorative molded article 20 is opposite to the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10. Referring to FIG. 4, the decorative molded article 20 includes a decorative sheet 21 and a molded body 28. The decorative molded article 20 may include an adhesive layer 29.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 4, the decorative sheet 21 includes a design layer 23 and a shielding layer 24. The decorative sheet 21 may include a transparent film 22 and a protective layer 25.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 4, the design layer 23 includes, for example, a binder and a pigment dispersed in the binder. The pigment is, for example, an interference pigment, an absorption pigment, a metallic pigment, or a combination of two or more of these pigments. An interference pigment is a pigment that generates colored light by interference of light reflected by the interference pigment. An absorption pigment is a pigment that generates colored light by absorbing light having a certain wavelength among light incident on the absorption pigment. A metallic pigment is a pigment that develops metallic luster, and is, for example, metal flakes such as aluminum flakes. A pattern such as a wood grain pattern or a tile pattern (see FIG. 7) may be formed on the design layer 23. The design layer 23 may be a single layer or may be a plurality of layers.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 4, the shielding layer 24 is disposed on the design layer 23. The shielding layer 24 is disposed near the back surface 20b of the decorative molded article 20 with respect to the design layer 23. The shielding layer 24 is disposed on the side opposite to the transparent film 22 side with respect to the design layer 23. The shielding layer 24 is disposed between the design layer 23 and the molded body 28. The shielding layer 24 blocks visible light such as first light from the plurality of first light sources 40 and second light from the plurality of second light sources 45, and conceals objects on the back side of the decorative sheet 21 (for example, the light guide plate 10 and the plurality of second light sources 45, etc.) from a viewer viewing the design module 1. The shielding layer 24 includes, for example, a binder and a black pigment dispersed in the binder.

[0021] Referring to Figure 5, the shielding layer 24 may have a plurality of holes 24a. Each of the plurality of holes 24a is of a size that is difficult for a viewer of the design module 1 to see. The plurality of holes 24a as a whole form a pattern. For example, the plurality of holes 24a of the shielding layer 24 shown in Figure 5 form a wave pattern as a whole. In a plan view of the front surface 20a of the decorated molded product 20, the shape of each of the plurality of holes 24a is not particularly limited, but may be circular, elliptical, triangular, square, or hexagonal, etc. If the shielding layer 24 has the desired transmittance, the plurality of holes 24a may not be formed in the shielding layer 24.

[0022] The protective layer 25 constitutes the front surface 20a of the decorated molded product 20. The protective layer 25 can transmit visible light, such as first light from a plurality of first light sources 40 and second light from a plurality of second light sources 45, and can prevent the design layer 23 from being mechanically damaged. The protective layer 25 is a hard coat layer having a higher hardness than the design layer 23. The protective layer 25 has a higher hardness than the layers of the decorative sheet 21 adjacent to the protective layer 25 (e.g., the transparent film 22). The protective layer 25 may have a hardness of HB or higher in a pencil hardness test (load 750g) in accordance with JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) K 5600-5-4. The protective layer 25 is formed of, for example, an ultraviolet (UV) curable resin such as polyester acrylate or urethane acrylate, an ionizing radiation curable resin, or a thermosetting resin such as an acrylic resin or a urethane resin.

[0023] The transparent film 22 is transparent to visible light, such as first light from a plurality of first light sources 40 and second light from a plurality of second light sources 45. The transparent film 22 is formed of, for example, at least one of a resin or an elastomer. Examples of resins that make up the transparent film 22 include polyester resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) 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 22 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 22 may be a single-layer film or a multi-layer film.

[0024] The transparent film 22 may be a base film supporting the design layer 23 and the shielding layer 24. The transparent film 22 is positioned, for example, near the front surface 20a of the decorated molded product 20 relative to the design layer 23. The transparent film 22 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 21.

[0025] The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 21 is, for example, 5% or more. The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 21 may be 10% or more. This improves the visibility of the object 7 (see Figures 8 and 9) visible through the decorative molded product 20. The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 21 is, for example, 50% or less. This prevents the shielding layer 24 from making visible objects on the back surface 20b side of the decorative molded product 20 (e.g., the light guide plate 10 and multiple second light sources 45). The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 21 may be 30% or less. The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 21 is, for example, 5% or more and 50% or less. The overall total light transmittance of the decorative sheet 21 may be 10% or more and 30% or less.

[0026] Referring to Figure 4, the molded body 28 is positioned on the back side of the decorative sheet 21. The molded body 28 supports the decorative sheet 21. The molded body 28 is positioned between the decorative sheet 21 and the light guide plate 10. The molded body 28 is transparent to visible light such as first light from a plurality of first light sources 40 and second light from a plurality of second light sources 45. The molded body 28 is formed of a resin such as a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, or glass, for example. The molded body 28 is shaped into a three-dimensional form such as a flat plate or a curved plate.

[0027] The molded body 28 may be bonded to the back surface 20b of the decorative sheet 21 using an adhesive layer 29. The adhesive layer 29 is transparent to visible light, such as first light from a plurality of first light sources 40 and second light from a plurality of second light sources 45. The adhesive layer 29 is formed of, for example, an optically transparent adhesive (OCA) or an optically transparent resin (OCR).

[0028] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the multiple first light sources 40 are, for example, light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). More specifically, the multiple first light sources 40 are top-emitting LEDs. The multiple first light sources 40 are arranged facing the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10. The multiple first light sources 40 are arranged along the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10 (for example, along the second direction DR2). The multiple first light sources 40 may be arranged periodically along the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10 (for example, in the second direction DR2). The multiple first light sources 40 may emit light of multiple colors. The color of the first light emitted by the multiple first light sources 40 may be different from the color of the second light emitted by the multiple second light sources 45.

[0029] Multiple first light sources 40 are fixed to a printed circuit board 41. The printed circuit board 41 includes first wiring (not shown) which is a current or voltage supply path to the multiple first light sources 40.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the multiple second light sources 45 are, for example, light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Various types of LEDs, such as top-emitting LEDs or side-emitting LEDs, can be used as the multiple second light sources 45. Furthermore, considering the diffusion and directionality of the light emitted from these types of LEDs, at least two of these types of LEDs may be used as the multiple second light sources 45.

[0031] Multiple second light sources 45 are arranged facing the second main surface 12 of the light guide plate 10. In this embodiment, the multiple second light sources 45 are arranged irregularly in two dimensions in a plan view of the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10. That is, the multiple second light sources 45 are arranged irregularly in the first direction DR and the second direction DR2. The multiple second light sources 45 may be arranged regularly in two dimensions in a plan view of the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10. That is, the multiple second light sources 45 may be arranged regularly in the first direction DR and the second direction DR2. The multiple second light sources 45 may be arranged irregularly in three dimensions. That is, the multiple second light sources 45 may be arranged irregularly in the first direction DR, the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3. The multiple second light sources 45 may be arranged regularly in three dimensions. In other words, the multiple second light sources 45 may be regularly arranged in the first direction DR, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3.

[0032] Multiple second light sources 45 may emit light of multiple colors. The luminance of each of the multiple second light sources 45 is greater than the second luminance of each of the multiple first light sources 40. The directivity of the second light emitted by each of the multiple second light sources 45 may be higher than the directivity of the first light emitted by each of the multiple first light sources 40.

[0033] Multiple second light sources 45 are fixed to a printed circuit board 46. The printed circuit board 46 includes second wiring (not shown) which is a current or voltage supply path to the multiple second light sources 45.

[0034] The number of multiple first light sources 40 may be greater than, equal to, or less than the number of multiple second light sources 45. The number of multiple first light sources 40 and the number of multiple second light sources 45 are determined according to the design of object 7 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0035] The first spacing G1 between multiple first light sources 40 and the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10 is smaller than the second spacing G2 between multiple second light sources 45 and the second main surface 12 of the light guide plate 10. If the multiple spacings between multiple first light sources 40 and the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10 are not equal to each other, the first spacing G1 is the smallest of the multiple spacings between multiple first light sources 40 and the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10. If the multiple spacings between multiple second light sources 45 and the second main surface 12 of the light guide plate 10 are not equal to each other, such as when multiple second light sources 45 are arranged irregularly in three dimensions, the second spacing G2 is the largest of the multiple spacings between multiple second light sources 45 and the second main surface 12 of the light guide plate 10. The sum of the first spacing G1 and the first length L1 of the light guide plate 10 is greater than the sum of the second spacing G2 and the second length L2 of the light guide plate 10. The first length L1 is the distance between the first side surface 13 and the second side surface 14. The second length L2 is the distance between the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 12.

[0036] The first light emitted by the multiple first light sources 40 enters the light guide plate 10 from the first side surface 13 and travels through the light guide plate 10 while being scattered by the second main surface 12. The first light is emitted as a planar light from the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10 toward the decorated molded product 20. The first light illuminates the decorated molded product 20 in a planar manner. The first light forms the background of object 7 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0037] The second light emitted by the multiple second light sources 45 enters the light guide plate 10 from its second main surface 12, is scattered by the second main surface 12, and travels through the light guide plate 10. The second light is emitted from the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10 as a spot of light toward the decorated molded product 20. The second light partially illuminates the decorated molded product 20 in a spot-like manner. The second light forms a spot of light in the background of the object 7 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0038] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the multiple light-diffusing members 47 are, for example, multiple light-diffusing plates. The surface of each of the multiple light-diffusing members 47 facing the second main surface 12 of the light guide plate 10 (light-emitting surface) may be a concave surface. Each of the multiple light-diffusing members 47 is positioned between the second main surface 12 of the light guide plate 10 and the corresponding second light source 45 from among the multiple second light sources 45. The multiple light-diffusing members 47 prevent a viewer of the design module 1 from seeing the multiple second light sources 45. The multiple light-diffusing members 47 provide a soft spot light to a viewer of the design module 1.

[0039] Referring to Figure 6, the controller 50 can control a plurality of first light sources 40 and a plurality of second light sources 45. The controller 50 may control each of the plurality of first light sources 40 independently. The controller 50 may also control each of the plurality of second light sources 45 independently.

[0040] The controller 50 is a microcomputer that includes, for example, a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory). A CPU (Central Processing Unit) may be used as the processor. RAM functions as working memory for temporarily storing data processed by the processor. The storage device stores, for example, a program executed by the processor. In this embodiment, the controller 50 controls the multiple first light sources 40 and the multiple second light sources 45 by having the processor execute the program stored in the storage device. The various processes in the controller 50 are not limited to being executed by software, but may also be implemented by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0041] The controller 50 can, for example, control the first light source 40 to supply a background light that changes over time to the viewer of the design module 1, and can also control a plurality of second light sources 45 to supply a spot light that flashes randomly to the viewer of the design module 1. For example, the controller 50 can independently control a plurality of first light sources 40 to provide the viewer of the design module 1 with a bright area and two dark areas that are darker than the bright area. The bright area is between the two dark areas. The controller 50 can independently control a plurality of first light sources 40 to move the bright area and the two dark areas. The controller 50 can independently control a plurality of second light sources 45 to flash the plurality of second light sources 45 randomly. In this way, the viewer of the design module 1 can be provided with a fantastical object 7 (see Figures 8 and 9) that includes a background that appears to be moving and a soft spot light that flashes randomly.

[0042] Referring to Figure 6, the design module 1 may further include an imaging device 53 capable of acquiring an image of the area surrounding the design module 1. The imaging device 53 is, for example, a camera. The controller 50 may, for example, control at least one of a plurality of first light sources 40 or a plurality of second light sources 45 in response to the image of the area surrounding the design module 1.

[0043] For example, if the design module 1 is applied to the interior panel of a car, the imaging device 53 may acquire an image of the scenery around the car, and the controller 50 may control at least one of the multiple first light sources 40 or the multiple second light sources 45 to provide the design module 1 with an object 7 that resembles the scenery around the car to the viewer. If the design module 1 is applied to the interior panel of a car, the imaging device 53 may acquire an image of the scenery around the car, and if the controller 50 determines from this image that another car or pedestrian is approaching the car, the controller 50 may control at least one of the multiple first light sources 40 or the multiple second light sources 45 to provide the driver of the car with an object 7 that informs them of the situation around the car.

[0044] Referring to Figure 6, the design module 1 may further include a sound collector 54 capable of detecting sounds in the vicinity of the design module 1. The sound collector 54 is, for example, a microphone. The controller 50 can control at least one of the plurality of first light sources 40 or the plurality of second light sources 45 in response to sounds in the vicinity of the design module 1. For example, if the design module 1 is applied to an interactive computer that has the function of interacting with a human, the sound collector 54 may detect a human voice speaking to the interactive computer, and the controller 50 may control at least one of the plurality of first light sources 40 or the plurality of second light sources 45 to provide the human with an object 7 indicating that the interactive computer is in the process of generating a response.

[0045] The operation of the design module 1 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Referring to Figure 7, when the multiple first light sources 40 and the multiple second light sources 45 are turned off, a person viewing the design module 1 can see the design layer 23 of the decorated molded product 20.

[0046] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, when the multiple first light sources 40 and the multiple second light sources 45 are lit, the multiple first light sources 40 emit first light, and the multiple second light sources 45 emit second light. A viewer of the design module 1 will perceive the first and second light passing through the multiple holes 24a (see Figure 4) of the shielding layer 24 of the decorative molded product 20, in addition to the design layer 23, as object 7 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0047] Specifically, the first light emitted by the multiple first light sources 40 enters the light guide plate 10 from the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10, travels through the light guide plate 10 while being scattered by the second main surface 12 of the light guide plate 10. The first light is emitted as planar light from the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10 toward the decorated molded product 20. The first light illuminates the decorated molded product 20 in a planar manner. The first light forms the background of object 7. The controller 50 may control the first light sources 40 to change the background of object 7 over time. The design module 1 may, for example, provide a viewer of the design module 1 with a fantastical object 7 that includes a moving background.

[0048] The second light emitted by the multiple second light sources 45 enters the light guide plate 10 from its second main surface 12, is scattered by the second main surface 12, and travels through the light guide plate 10. The second light is emitted as a spot light from the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10 toward the decorative molded product 20. The second light partially illuminates the decorative molded product 20 in a spot-like manner. The second light forms a spot light in the background of object 7. The controller 50 may control the multiple second light sources 45 to change the spot light of object 7 over time. The controller 50 may, for example, randomly blink the multiple second light sources 45. The design module 1 may provide the viewer of the design module 1 with a fantastical object 7 that includes, for example, a spot light that randomly blinks in a moving background.

[0049] For example, by arranging multiple second light sources 45 irregularly in three dimensions, the size of the spotlights within the object 7 (see Figures 9 and 10) can be made uneven. This improves the expressiveness of the object 7. Alternatively, if the multiple second light sources 45 are arranged regularly in two or three dimensions, by randomly emitting light from the multiple second light sources 45, the design module 1 can provide the viewer with a fantastical object 7.

[0050] Referring to Figure 10, in a modified version of this embodiment, the multiple first light sources 40 are side-emitting light-emitting elements such as multiple side-emitting LEDs. The design module 1 includes a submount 42 instead of a printed circuit board 41. The submount 42 is fixed to the printed circuit board 46. The multiple first light sources 40 are supported by the submount. The submount 42 includes wiring (not shown) and an insulating member (not shown) that supports the wiring. The wiring of the submount 42 is electrically connected to the multiple first light sources 40 and second wiring (not shown) of the printed circuit board 46. The insulating member is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum nitride (AlN). According to the modified version of this embodiment, the number of printed circuit boards can be reduced, and the design module 1 can be miniaturized.

[0051] 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, a decorative molded product 20, a plurality of first light sources 40, and a plurality of second light sources 45. The light guide plate 10 includes a first main surface 11, a second main surface 12 opposite to the first main surface 11, and a first side surface 13 connected to the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 12. The decorative molded product 20 is positioned opposite the first main surface 11. The plurality of first light sources 40 are positioned opposite the first side surface 13. The plurality of second light sources 45 are positioned opposite the second main surface 12. The second main surface 12 has a rougher surface than the first main surface 11. The decorative molded product 20 includes a decorative sheet 21 and a molded body 28. The molded body 28 supports the decorative sheet 21 and is positioned between the decorative sheet 21 and the light guide plate 10. The decorative sheet 21 includes a design layer 23 and a shielding layer 24. The shielding layer 24 is positioned between the design layer 23 and the molded body 28. The brightness of each of the multiple second light sources 45 is greater than the second brightness of each of the multiple first light sources 40.

[0052] When the multiple first light sources 40 and the multiple second light sources 45 are off, a viewer of the design module 1 can see the design layer 23 of the decorated molded product 20. When the multiple first light sources 40 and the multiple second light sources 45 are on, the first light emitted by the multiple first light sources 40 forms the background of the object 7, and the second light emitted by the multiple second light sources 45 forms spotlights in the background of the object 7. The design module 1 can provide a viewer of the design module 1 with an object 7 that includes background light and spotlights. As a result, the design quality of the design module 1 is improved.

[0053] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, the light guide plate 10 includes a second side surface 14 opposite to the first side surface 13. The first spacing G1 between the multiple first light sources 40 and the first side surface 13 is smaller than the second spacing G2 between the multiple second light sources 45 and the second main surface 12. The sum of the first spacing G1 and the first length L1 of the light guide plate 10 is greater than the sum of the second spacing G2 and the second length L2 of the light guide plate 10. The first length L1 is the distance between the first side surface 13 and the second side surface 14. The second length L2 is the distance between the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 12.

[0054] Because the decorative sheet 21 includes a shielding layer 24, the light transmittance of the decorative molded product 20 is not high. However, since the first interval G1 is smaller than the second interval G2, even if the thickness (second length L2) of the light guide plate 10 is small, the incidence efficiency of the first light emitted by the multiple first light sources 40 onto the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10 is improved. As a result, the design module 1 can provide a brighter background for the object 7 to the viewer. The design quality of the design module 1 is improved. In addition, the design module 1 is miniaturized and its power consumption is reduced.

[0055] Since the sum of the first interval G1 and the first length L1 of the light guide plate 10 is greater than the sum of the second interval G2 and the second length L2 of the light guide plate 10, the distance that the first light emitted by the multiple first light sources 40 travels through the light guide plate 10 increases. The first light is emitted from the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10 toward the decorated molded product 20 as planar light with reduced variation in maximum brightness. The variation in maximum brightness of the background of object 7 (see Figures 8 and 9) is reduced. The design quality of design module 1 is improved.

[0056] The design module 1 of this embodiment further comprises a plurality of light-diffusing members 47. Each of the plurality of light-diffusing members 47 is positioned between the second main surface 12 and a corresponding second light source 45 from among the plurality of second light sources 45.

[0057] Because the decorative sheet 21 includes a shielding layer 24, the light transmittance of the decorative molded product 20 is not high. In order to provide spotlight to the viewer of the design module 1, it is necessary to increase the brightness of each of the multiple second light sources 45. However, if the brightness of each of the multiple second light sources 45 is increased, the spotlight becomes too bright, and the object 7 tends to become monotonous. The multiple light diffusion members 47 scatter the second light emitted by the multiple second light sources 45, providing the viewer of the design module 1 with soft spotlight. As a result, the aesthetic appeal of the design module 1 is improved.

[0058] Furthermore, when the multiple second light sources 45 are turned off, the multiple light diffusion members 47 can prevent a viewer of the design module 1 from seeing the multiple second light sources 45. This improves the aesthetic appeal of the design module 1.

[0059] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, the number of multiple first light sources 40 is greater than the number of multiple second light sources 45.

[0060] Therefore, design module 1 can provide viewers with a wider variety of backgrounds for object 7.

[0061] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, the second main surface 12 becomes rougher as it moves away from the first side surface 13.

[0062] Therefore, the first light emitted by the multiple first light sources 40 is emitted from the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10 toward the decorated molded product 20 as planar light with reduced variation in maximum brightness. The variation in maximum brightness of the background of object 7 (see Figures 8 and 9) is reduced. The design quality of the design module 1 is improved.

[0063] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, the multiple first light sources 40 are arranged periodically along the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10. In a plan view of the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10, the multiple second light sources 45 are arranged irregularly.

[0064] Since the multiple first light sources 40 are periodically arranged along the first side surface 13 of the light guide plate 10, the first light emitted by the multiple first light sources 40 is emitted from the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10 toward the decorative molded product 20 as planar light with reduced variation in maximum brightness. The variation in the maximum brightness of the background of object 7 (see Figures 8 and 9) is reduced. As a result, the design quality of the design module 1 is improved. Since the multiple second light sources 45 are irregularly arranged in a plan view of the first main surface 11 of the light guide plate 10, the design module 1 can provide the viewer with soft spotlights in the background. As a result, the design quality of the design module 1 is improved.

[0065] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, the first color of the first light emitted by the multiple first light sources 40 is different from the second color of the second light emitted by the multiple second light sources 45.

[0066] Therefore, the background color of object 7 and the spotlight color of object 7 are different from each other. This improves the aesthetic appeal of design module 1.

[0067] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, the multiple first light sources 40 can emit light of multiple colors.

[0068] Therefore, the background color of object 7 may change. The aesthetic appeal of design module 1 is improved.

[0069] The design module 1 of this embodiment further comprises a controller 50. The controller 50 can control a plurality of first light sources 40 and a plurality of second light sources 45.

[0070] Therefore, the background and spotlight of object 7 can change over time. The aesthetic appeal of design module 1 is improved.

[0071] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, the controller 50 can control the first light source 40 to supply background light that changes over time to the viewer of the design module 1, and can also control a plurality of second light sources 45 to supply spot lights that flash randomly to the viewer of the design module 1.

[0072] Design module 1 can provide a fantastical object 7 that includes a background that changes over time and randomly flashing spotlights. The design quality of design module 1 is improved.

[0073] In the design module 1 of this embodiment, the controller 50 can control at least one of the first light source 40 or the second light source 45 in response to the image surrounding the design module 1 or the sound surrounding the design module 1.

[0074] Therefore, for example, design module 1 can provide an object 7 that informs the viewer of the design module 1 of the surrounding environment. Furthermore, if design module 1 is applied to an interactive computer that has the function of interacting with humans, design module 1 can provide an object 7 that indicates to the person speaking to the interactive computer (the viewer of design module 1) that the interactive computer is in the process of generating a response.

[0075] 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]

[0076] 1 Design module, 7 objects, 10 light guide plate, 11 first main surface, 12 second main surface, 13 first side surface, 14 second side surface, 15 first end surface, 16 second end surface, 20 decorative molded product, 20a front surface, 20b back surface, 21 decorative sheet, 22 transparent film, 23 design layer, 24 shielding layer, 24a hole, 25 protective layer, 28 molded body, 29 adhesive layer, 40 first light source, 41, 46 printed circuit board, 42 submount, 45 second light source, 47 light diffusion member, 50 controller, 53 imaging device, 54 sound collector.

Claims

1. A light guide plate including a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, and a first side surface connected to the first main surface and the second main surface, A decorative molded product arranged opposite the first main surface, A plurality of first light sources arranged opposite the first side surface, The system comprises a plurality of second light sources arranged opposite the second main surface, The second main surface is a rougher surface than the first main surface. The decorated molded product includes a decorative sheet and a molded body that supports the decorative sheet and is positioned between the decorative sheet and the light guide plate. The decorative sheet includes a design layer and a shielding layer disposed between the design layer and the molded body. A design module in which the luminance of each of the plurality of second light sources is greater than the second luminance of each of the plurality of first light sources.

2. The light guide plate includes a second side opposite to the first side, The first interval between the plurality of first light sources and the first side surface is smaller than the second interval between the plurality of second light sources and the second main surface. The sum of the first interval and the first length of the light guide plate is greater than the sum of the second interval and the second length of the light guide plate. The first length is the distance between the first side surface and the second side surface, The design module according to claim 1, wherein the second length is the distance between the first main surface and the second main surface.

3. The design module according to claim 1, wherein the second main surface becomes rougher as it moves away from the first side surface.

4. The plurality of first light sources are arranged periodically along the first side surface of the light guide plate. The design module according to claim 1, wherein, in a plan view of the first main surface of the light guide plate, the plurality of second light sources are irregularly arranged.

5. The design module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a controller capable of controlling the plurality of first light sources and the plurality of second light sources.

6. The design module according to claim 5, wherein the controller can control the first light source to supply a background light that changes over time to a viewer of the design module, and can control the plurality of second light sources to supply spot lights that flash randomly to a viewer of the design module.

Images