Decorative acrylic sheet unit and method for manufacturing the decorative acrylic sheet unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a decorative acrylic sheet unit that can improve the degree of freedom in color expression and pattern expression, thereby enhancing visual effects, and a method for manufacturing the decorative acrylic sheet unit. [Solution] A decorative acrylic plate unit comprising multiple light-transmitting acrylic plates 1A, 1B, 1C, arranged in a stacked manner in the thickness direction thereof, wherein the multiple acrylic plates 1A, 1B, 1C are of different colors, the thickness dimension t of each acrylic plate 1A, 1B, 1C is 1 mm ≤ t ≤ 4 mm, the acrylic plates 1A, 1B, 1C have multiple through holes 20 and a pattern 15 formed by the arrangement of multiple through holes 20, the diameter dimension D of each through hole 20 is 0.05 mm ≤ D ≤ 0.5 mm, multiple patterns 15 are provided, and the multiple patterns 15 include multiple types of patterns 15 in which the inter-hole clearance h of adjacent through holes 20 is different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative acrylic plate unit and a method for manufacturing a decorative acrylic plate unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, many decoration methods have been widely used, in which light is irradiated onto a transparent light-transmitting acrylic plate to make various patterns, designs and colors applied on the acrylic plate stand out for display. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a decorative acrylic plate unit that displays various patterns, designs and colors whose visual effects are enhanced by reflection of irradiated light.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Studies conducted by the inventor of the present invention have revealed that there is room for improvement in the visual effect of this type of decorative acrylic plate unit in terms of expanding the degree of freedom in color expression, pattern expression and the like.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a decorative acrylic plate unit capable of improving the degree of freedom in color expression, pattern expression and the like and enhancing visual effects, and a method for manufacturing the decorative acrylic plate unit.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The present invention provides the following means to solve the above problem.

[0007] [Aspect 1 of the Present Invention] A decorative acrylic plate unit comprising multiple light-transmitting acrylic plates, wherein the multiple acrylic plates are stacked in the thickness direction, the multiple acrylic plates being different colors from each other, the thickness dimension t of each acrylic plate being 1 mm ≤ t ≤ 4 mm, the acrylic plates having multiple through holes penetrating the acrylic plate in the thickness direction, and a pattern formed by the arrangement of the multiple through holes, the diameter dimension D of each through hole being 0.05 mm ≤ D ≤ 0.5 mm, and multiple patterns being provided, the multiple patterns including multiple types of patterns in which the inter-hole clearances between adjacent through holes are different from each other.

[0008] [Aspect 2 of the present invention] The decorative acrylic plate unit according to Embodiment 1, wherein the through-hole has a straightness of 0.05 mm or less, and the burr height of the edge opening onto the surface of the acrylic plate is 10 μm or less.

[0009] [Aspect 3 of the present invention] The decorative acrylic plate unit according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the inter-hole clearance is 0.1 mm or less, and the adjacent through holes are formed without communicating with each other.

[0010] [Aspect 4 of the present invention] A method for manufacturing a decorative acrylic plate unit in which multiple light-transmitting acrylic plates are stacked in the thickness direction, comprising: a perforation step of drilling multiple through holes in each acrylic plate that penetrate the acrylic plate in the thickness direction, and forming a pattern formed by the arrangement of multiple through holes; and a lamination step of stacking multiple acrylic plates of different colors in the thickness direction, wherein the thickness dimension t of each acrylic plate is 1 mm ≤ t ≤ 4 mm, the diameter dimension D of each through hole is 0.05 mm ≤ D ≤ 0.5 mm, and the lamination step adjusts the color of the pattern according to the degree of overlap between the through holes of one acrylic plate and the through holes of other acrylic plates when viewed from the thickness direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention, a decorative acrylic plate unit is provided that can improve the degree of freedom in color expression and pattern expression, thereby enhancing the visual effect, and a method for manufacturing the decorative acrylic plate unit is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a simplified side view (side cross-sectional view) showing a display system for a decorative acrylic plate unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a simplified side view (side cross-sectional view) of a decorative acrylic plate unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a simplified plan view showing one of the multiple acrylic panels included in the decorative acrylic panel unit, and a detailed illustration of the through-hole is omitted. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a magnified image showing one of the various patterns found on an acrylic sheet. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the function of the decorative acrylic panel unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating the various color patterns expressed by the decorative acrylic panel unit and its display system in this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an image illustrating the various color patterns expressed by the decorative acrylic panel unit and its display system in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] A display system 100 for a decorative acrylic plate unit 10, the decorative acrylic plate unit 10, and a method for manufacturing the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The display system 100 and the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 of this embodiment are devices that illuminate transparent acrylic plates 1A to 1C that can transmit light (have light transmittance) with light to display various patterns, designs, and colors applied to the acrylic plates 1A to 1C in a conspicuous manner. In this embodiment, the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 may be simply referred to as unit 10.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the display system 100 for the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 comprises the decorative acrylic plate unit 10, a base 4, a magnifying glass 5, a light intensity adjustment sheet 6, a light source 7, a power supply 8, a switch 9, and wiring 11. The decorative acrylic plate unit 10 also comprises a plurality of acrylic plates 1A to 1C, a positioning pin 2, and a spacer 3. In this embodiment, the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 is provided with three acrylic plates 1A to 1C made of light-transmitting acrylic resin. The three (or more) acrylic plates 1A, 1B, and 1C are arranged overlapping in the direction of their plate thickness. Note that in Figure 1, the light intensity adjustment sheet 6, positioning pin 2, and spacer 3 are not shown.

[0015] Here, the Z-axis direction shown in each figure represents the vertical direction (up and down direction). In each figure, the +Z side corresponds to the upper side, and the -Z side corresponds to the lower side. In this embodiment, the thickness direction of each acrylic plate 1A, 1B, and 1C is the up and down direction, which corresponds to the Z-axis direction. In other words, the multiple acrylic plates 1A to 1C are arranged side by side in the up and down direction.

[0016] Further, each of the acrylic plates 1A, 1B, 1C is formed in a plate shape such as a polygonal plate shape, a circular plate shape, or an elliptical plate shape, for example, and as shown in FIG. 3, it is formed in a hexagonal plate shape in the present embodiment. The central axis O of each of the acrylic plates 1A, 1B, 1C extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the acrylic plates are arranged coaxially with each other. Further, in the present embodiment, the outer shapes of the acrylic plates 1A, 1B, 1C are the same as each other.

[0017] In the present embodiment, a direction orthogonal to the central axis O is referred to as a radial direction. In the radial direction, a direction approaching the central axis O is referred to as a radially inner side, and a direction away from the central axis O is referred to as a radially outer side. Further, a direction circling around the central axis O is referred to as a circumferential direction.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pedestal 4 is formed in, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Note that the pedestal 4 may be formed in a columnar shape other than a rectangular parallelepiped. The pedestal 4 is made of, for example, a metal or the like whose surface has specular gloss.

[0019] The pedestal 4 includes an upper surface 4a facing upward, and an accommodation hole 4b that extends inside the pedestal 4 and opens at least in the upper surface 4a. In the present embodiment, the upper surface 4a is formed in a planar shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. A decorative acrylic plate unit 10 is fixed or placed on the upper surface 4a of the pedestal 4.

[0020] The accommodation hole 4b has at least a hole-shaped light source accommodating portion 4c extending downward from the upper surface 4a. As shown in FIG. 1, the light source accommodating portion 4c may be formed in a tapered hole shape whose inner diameter increases toward the upper side, or as shown in FIG. 2, may be formed in a circular hole shape whose inner diameter is constant at each position in the vertical direction.

[0021] A light source 7 such as an LED lamp is arranged inside the light source accommodating portion 4c. Light emitted from the light source 7 is irradiated upward from the inside of the light source accommodating portion 4c. The color of the light emitted by the light source 7 is, for example, white.

[0022] Furthermore, the accommodating hole 4b has a separate opening distinct from the opening to the upper surface 4a. Specifically, this separate opening is, for example, located on the side or bottom surface of the base 4. A light source 7 is provided in the housing hole 4b (light source housing section 4c) of the base 4, and when the light source 7 emits light, the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 can be beautifully illuminated from below.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the magnifying glass 5 is positioned at least above the decorative acrylic plate unit 10. In this embodiment, the magnifying glass 5 is detachably mounted on the upper surface 4a of the base 4 and surrounds the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 from above and radially outward. By observing the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 from above through the magnifying glass 5, the user can easily see the fine patterns 15 described later.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the light intensity adjustment sheet 6 is positioned on the upper surface 4a of the base 4. The light intensity adjustment sheet 6 is a sheet that extends vertically and in a perpendicular direction, and is made of, for example, a transparent or translucent material. In the vertical direction, the light intensity adjustment sheet 6 is positioned between the light source housing 4c and the light source 7 and the acrylic plates 1A to 1C of the decorative acrylic plate unit 10. The light intensity adjustment sheet 6 adjusts the amount of light irradiated from the light source 7 toward the decorative acrylic plate unit 10.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the power supply 8 includes, for example, a button battery and a battery case. The switch 9 switches the light source 7 on (ON) and off (OFF). The light source 7, power supply 8, and switch 9 are electrically connected to each other via wiring 11.

[0026] Next, we will describe in detail each component of the decorative acrylic panel unit 10. Multiple acrylic sheets 1A, 1B, and 1C are arranged in this order from top to bottom. Each of the multiple acrylic sheets 1A, 1B, and 1C is transparent. Specifically, each acrylic sheet 1A, 1B, and 1C is a transparent sheet with a predetermined color.

[0027] Multiple acrylic plates 1A, 1B, and 1C have different colors from each other. In this embodiment, the colors of the three acrylic plates 1A, 1B, and 1C are the three primary colors or colors close to them, specifically yellow, cyan, and magenta. More specifically, for example, of the three acrylic plates 1A to 1C arranged stacked vertically, the acrylic plate 1A located at the top is transparent yellow, the acrylic plate 1C located at the bottom is transparent magenta, and the acrylic plate 1B located in the center vertically is transparent cyan.

[0028] In this embodiment, the term "transparent" includes the concept of "semi-transparent." More specifically, "transparent" refers to a state where, when a user views the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 from above, the light from the light source 7 passes through each acrylic plate 1A to 1C and is visible to the naked eye.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the thickness dimension t of each acrylic plate 1A to 1C is 1 mm ≤ t ≤ 4 mm, and preferably, for example, 2 to 3 mm. In this embodiment, the thickness dimension t of each acrylic plate 1A to 1C is set to 2 mm.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a plan view of any one of the three acrylic plates 1A to 1C, 1B (or 1A or 1C; the same applies hereafter), as seen from the thickness direction. As shown in Figure 3, in a plan view of acrylic plate 1B as seen from the thickness direction, the external dimensions of acrylic plate 1B are, for example, 24 mm for the external dimensions between the diagonals of acrylic plate 1B (corresponding to the diameter of the circumscribed circle of acrylic plate 1B, which is not shown), and 21 mm for the external dimensions between opposite sides of acrylic plate 1B (corresponding to the diameter of the inscribed circle of acrylic plate 1B, which is not shown).

[0031] The acrylic sheet 1B (1A, 1C) has multiple patterns 15 and pin insertion holes 18. In this embodiment, the multiple patterns 15 include a plurality (five) of patterns 15A to 15D arranged in the circumferential direction around the central axis O of the acrylic plate 1B, and a single pattern 15E positioned on the central axis O of the acrylic plate 1B (i.e., in the center). Specifically, the plurality of patterns 15A to 15D are each located radially between the central axis O of the acrylic plate 1B and the outer corner portion.

[0032] The multiple patterns 15 include multiple types of patterns 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E, each with a different configuration. In this embodiment, for example, five types of patterns 15A to 15E are provided on the acrylic plate 1B. However, the number of types of patterns 15 is not limited to the above five types; it may be four or fewer types, or six or more types.

[0033] Here, Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of one arbitrary pattern 15C(15) from among the multiple patterns 15. As shown in Figure 4, the pattern 15C(15) is composed of multiple through holes 20 arranged together, penetrating the acrylic plate 1B(1A,1C) in the thickness direction. That is, each of the acrylic plates 1A to 1C has multiple through holes 20.

[0034] The through-holes 20 are circular in shape and extend in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the acrylic plate 1B (1A, 1C). The diameter dimension (inner diameter dimension) D of each through-hole 20 is 0.05 mm ≤ D ≤ 0.5 mm. In this embodiment, the diameter dimension D of the through-holes 20 is, for example, 0.1 mm. The diameter dimension D of all multiple through-holes 20 is the same.

[0035] The length of the through-hole 20 (total length dimension) is the same as the thickness dimension t of the acrylic plate 1B (1A, 1C). The length of the through-hole 20 is greater than the diameter dimension D. The aspect ratio of each through-hole 20 (the ratio of the length of the through-hole 20 to the diameter dimension D) is, for example, 10 to 40, preferably 20 to 30, and in this embodiment, 20.

[0036] Furthermore, the straightness of the through-hole 20 (straightness along the direction in which the through-hole 20 extends) is 0.05 mm or less. Also, the burr height of the edge (opening edge) of the through-hole 20 that opens onto the surface of the acrylic plate 1B (1A, 1C) is 10 μm or less. No burrs or other debris are formed on the opening edges located at both ends of the through-hole 20.

[0037] The symbol C shown in Figure 3 represents the center C of each pattern 15. Each pattern 15 has rhombic elements 16 and 17 arranged radially from the center C. Each rhombic element 16 and 17 is formed into a rhombic shape by the dense arrangement of multiple through holes 20. Specifically, the rhombic elements 16 and 17 have the same external shape, and of the major and minor axes connecting the diagonals of the rhombuses, the major axis extends in a direction perpendicular to the center C of the pattern 15 (the diameter direction of the pattern 15).

[0038] The diamond-shaped elements 16 and 17 have different aperture ratios per unit area on the surface of the acrylic plate 1B (1A, 1C) (the ratio of the area where the through holes 20 open on the plate surface). Specifically, the aperture ratio per unit area of ​​the diamond-shaped element 16 is greater than that of the diamond-shaped element 17. In this embodiment, since the diameter dimension D of each through hole 20 is the same, the arrangement pitch of the through holes 20 of the diamond-shaped element 16 and the arrangement pitch of the through holes 20 of the diamond-shaped element 17 are different from each other.

[0039] More specifically, in this embodiment, the pitch (distance between hole centers) between adjacent through holes 20 in the rhombic element 16 is 0.11 mm. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the clearance (hole clearance) h between adjacent through holes 20 in the rhombic element 16 is 0.01 mm. Although not specifically shown, the pitch (distance between hole centers) between adjacent through holes 20 in the rhombic element 17 is 0.155 mm. Therefore, the clearance h between adjacent through holes 20 in the rhombic element 17 is 0.055 mm. Note that the rhombic element 16 may be referred to as the first rhombic element 16, and the rhombic element 17 may be referred to as the second rhombic element 17.

[0040] In this embodiment, the clearance h between adjacent through holes 20 within the pattern 15 is set to 0.1 mm or less. Furthermore, the adjacent through holes 20 are formed separately and independently, without communicating with each other (without breaking through each other).

[0041] The various patterns 15A to 15E shown in Figure 3 will be explained in detail. Pattern 15A has three rhombic elements 16. The three rhombic elements 16 are arranged at equal intervals (120° intervals) in the rotational direction around the center C of pattern 15A. In the illustrated example, two patterns 15A are provided on the acrylic plate 1B.

[0042] Furthermore, pattern 15B has three rhombic elements 16. The three rhombic elements 16 are arranged at equal pitches (120° pitches) in the rotational direction around the center C of pattern 15B. The three rhombic elements 16 of pattern 15B are shifted by 60° (or 180°) in phase (angle position) in the rotational direction around the center C from the three rhombic elements 16 of pattern 15A.

[0043] Furthermore, the pattern 15C has six rhombic elements 16. The six rhombic elements 16 are arranged at equal intervals (60° intervals) in the rotational direction around the center C of the pattern 15C.

[0044] Furthermore, pattern 15D has six rhombic elements 17. The six rhombic elements 17 are arranged at equal intervals (60° intervals) in the rotational direction around the center C of pattern 15D.

[0045] Furthermore, the pattern 15E has three rhombic elements 16 and three rhombic elements 17. The rhombic elements 16 and 17 are arranged alternately at equal pitches (60° pitches) in the rotational direction around the center C of the pattern 15E.

[0046] Thus, the acrylic plates 1A to 1C are provided with multiple patterns 15, and these multiple patterns 15 include multiple types of patterns 15A to 15E in which the inter-hole clearance h of adjacent through-holes 20 differs from one another.

[0047] Furthermore, when the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 is viewed from the thickness direction (up and down direction) of the acrylic plates 1A to 1C, the patterns 15 of acrylic plate 1A, the patterns 15 of acrylic plate 1B, and the patterns 15 of acrylic plate 1C are arranged in an overlapping manner. Specifically, the three patterns 15 that overlap in the thickness direction are arranged coaxially with center C when viewed from the thickness direction. Of the three patterns 15 that overlap in the thickness direction, at least one pattern 15 is different from the other patterns 15 in terms of type or phase (angular position) in the rotational direction around center C.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the pin insertion holes 18 penetrate the acrylic plate 1B (1A, 1C) in the thickness direction. The pin insertion holes 18 are circular in shape and extend in the thickness direction. Multiple pin insertion holes 18 are provided in the acrylic plate 1B (1A, 1C). The multiple pin insertion holes 18 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the central axis O of the acrylic plate 1B (1A, 1C). In this embodiment, six pin insertion holes 18 are provided in the acrylic plate 1B (1A, 1C) at equal pitches in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, each pin insertion hole 18 is located at the outer corner of the acrylic plate 1B.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, the positioning pins 2 are cylindrical in shape and extend in the thickness direction (vertical direction). The positioning pins 2 are inserted through each pin insertion hole 18 of the multiple acrylic plates 1A to 1C. Specifically, the positioning pins 2 are fitted into the pin insertion holes 18. Multiple positioning pins 2 are provided. In this embodiment, six positioning pins 2 are provided at equal pitches in the circumferential direction. The positioning pins 2 restrict the relative radial and circumferential movement of the multiple acrylic plates 1A, 1B, and 1C. The positioning pins 2 fix the multiple acrylic plates 1A, 1B, and 1C in a positioned state in directions other than the thickness direction.

[0050] Spacer 3 is cylindrical in shape and extends in the thickness direction (vertical direction). Spacer 3 is placed between adjacent acrylic plates 1A, 1B, and 1C in the thickness direction. Specifically, multiple spacer 3 are provided between acrylic plate 1A and acrylic plate 1B, and between acrylic plate 1B and acrylic plate 1C. Positioning pins 2 are inserted inside each spacer 3. The vertical dimension of spacer 3 is, for example, 4 mm.

[0051] The upper end surface of spacer 3 contacts the lower surface of acrylic plate 1A or acrylic plate 1B. The lower end surface of spacer 3 contacts the upper surface of acrylic plate 1B or acrylic plate 1C. The provision of spacer 3 provides a predetermined gap G between acrylic plate 1A and acrylic plate 1B, and between acrylic plate 1B and acrylic plate 1C. The dimension of the gap G corresponds to the vertical dimension of spacer 3, and in this embodiment, it is, for example, 4 mm.

[0052] Next, we will explain the manufacturing method of the decorative acrylic plate unit 10. The manufacturing method for the decorative acrylic sheet unit 10 comprises a drilling step of drilling a plurality of through holes 20 that penetrate through each acrylic sheet 1A to 1C in the thickness direction, thereby forming a pattern 15 composed of a collection of multiple through holes 20, and a lamination step of stacking a plurality of acrylic sheets 1A to 1C, each of different colors, in the thickness direction.

[0053] Although not specifically shown in the diagram, in the drilling process, the acrylic plate 1A (1B, 1C) is sandwiched between a pair of backing plates from both sides in the thickness direction, and through holes 20 are drilled into the acrylic plate 1A (1B, 1C) by drilling holes in the pair of backing plates and the acrylic plate 1A (1B, 1C). This suppresses the generation of burrs on the opening edge of the through hole 20 (the edge that opens onto the surface of the acrylic plate 1A (1B, 1C)). The thickness dimension t of each acrylic plate 1A (1B, 1C) and the diameter dimension D of each through hole 20 are as described above.

[0054] In this embodiment, the number of through holes 20 drilled in one acrylic plate 1A (1B, 1C) is, for example, 1100 to 1300 holes. As the drill, for example, a product name: Epoch (registered trademark) Micro Step Borer series manufactured by MOLDINO Co., Ltd. can be suitably used.

[0055] In the lamination process, multiple acrylic plates 1A to 1C, positioning pins 2, and spacers 3 are assembled as described above, and the multiple acrylic plates 1A to 1C are stacked in the thickness direction (vertical direction). Through this lamination process, the color of the pattern 15 is adjusted according to the degree of overlap between the through-holes 20 of one acrylic plate (1A, 1B, or 1C) and the through-holes 20 of the other acrylic plates (1A, 1B, or 1C) when viewed from the thickness direction.

[0056] Here, Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) that simply explains the function of the decorative acrylic plate unit 10. Note that in Figure 5, the diameter dimension D of the through hole 20 is shown larger (deformed) than the actual size in order to clearly explain the function of the unit 10.

[0057] Before explaining color using Figure 5, let's first explain the three primary colors of light. The three primary colors of light are red, green, and blue. When red and green light are mixed, yellow light is produced; when green and blue light are mixed, cyan (sky blue) light is produced; when blue and red light are mixed, magenta (reddish-purple) light is produced; and when all three colors of light (red, green, and blue) are mixed, white light is produced. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, when white light (a mixture of red, green, and blue) L is shone from the light source 7 towards the unit 10 from below, the color of the light L1 that passes through the through-hole 20 in the lower magenta acrylic plate 1C remains white (a mixture of red, green, and blue). When this light L1 further passes through the main body (the solid part other than the through-hole 20) of the central cyan acrylic plate 1B, the red is cut off, resulting in cyan light (a mixture of green and blue) L2. When this light L2 further passes through the main body of the upper yellow acrylic plate 1A, the blue is cut off, leaving only green light, which becomes green light L3. Furthermore, when the white light L (a mixture of red, green, and blue) emitted from the light source 7 passes through the main body of the lower magenta-colored acrylic plate 1C, the green is cut off, resulting in magenta-colored light L4 (a mixture of red and blue). The color of the light L5 after this light L4 passes through the through-hole 20 of the central cyan-colored acrylic plate 1B remains magenta-colored (a mixture of red and blue). Similarly, the color of the light L6 after this light L5 passes through the through-hole 20 of the upper yellow-colored acrylic plate 1A also remains magenta-colored (a mixture of red and blue). In this way, the color of the pattern 15 is adjusted according to the combination of each main body of the multiple acrylic plates 1A to 1C and each through-hole 20.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, depending on the degree of overlap between the through holes 20 of the multiple acrylic plates 1A to 1C, multiple fine colors appear to be mixed together appropriately (subtractive color mixing function is obtained), so the colors of the pattern 15 can be adjusted in various ways.

[0059] In the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 and its manufacturing method described above, multiple acrylic plates 1A to 1C that transmit light (have light-transmitting properties) are arranged in stacks in the thickness direction of the acrylic plates 1A to 1C. In addition, each acrylic plate 1A to 1C has multiple fine through holes 20, and a pattern 15 is formed by the clustering (dense arrangement) of multiple through holes 20.

[0060] When a user operates switch 9 to turn on light source 7 and shines light onto decorative acrylic plate unit 10 from the thickness direction (from below in this embodiment), various colored patterns 15 are expressed as the light is transmitted through or passes through each acrylic plate 1A to 1C. Specifically, light that has had some of its color cut off by the acrylic plates 1A to 1C by passing through the acrylic plates 1A to 1C (the main body portion) and light that does not change color by passing through the through holes 20 in the acrylic plates 1A to 1C are expressed in a variety of colors according to the pattern 15. More specifically, in the areas of the pattern 15 where there are through holes 20, the color of the light does not change even when light passes through, while in the areas where there are no through holes 20 (clearance h between holes), the color of the light changes when light is transmitted, so various colored patterns 15 are expressed by subtractive color mixing.

[0061] Furthermore, each through-hole 20 constituting the pattern 15 has a length dimension (corresponding to the thickness dimension t of the acrylic plates 1A to 1C) that is larger than the diameter dimension D of the hole. In other words, each through-hole 20 is a micro-hole that extends elongated in the thickness direction. For this reason, when a user views the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 from a direction intersecting the thickness direction (viewed from diagonally above), the light passing through the multiple through-holes 20 (group of through-holes 20) is not visible. On the other hand, when a user views the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 along the thickness direction (viewed from directly above), the light passing through the multiple through-holes 20 (group of through-holes 20) appears to suddenly stand out. In this way, the user can enjoy changes in color expression and pattern expression depending on the viewing angle of the decorative acrylic plate unit 10.

[0062] Furthermore, if the thickness t of acrylic sheets 1A to 1C becomes less than 1 mm, the aforementioned effect of light appearing to float (visual effect) becomes difficult to obtain. Also, if the thickness t of acrylic sheets 1A to 1C exceeds 4 mm, the color of the topmost acrylic sheet 1A may become too strong, making it difficult to express bright and aesthetically pleasing colors. For this reason, the thickness t of acrylic sheets 1A to 1C is set to be between 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0063] As in this embodiment, if, for example, three acrylic plates 1A to 1C of different colors are used in the decorative acrylic plate unit 10, then generally speaking, eight different colors can be expressed. Specifically, there are eight possible combinations: the color of light transmitted through only one acrylic plate 1A, 1B, or 1C (3 colors); the color of light transmitted through two acrylic plates 1A and 1B, 1B and 1C, or 1C and 1A (3 colors due to 3 possible combinations); the color of light transmitted through all three acrylic plates 1A to 1C (1 color); and the color of light that passes through each of the through-holes 20 of the three acrylic plates 1A to 1C (i.e., the original color of the light source 7, 1 color).

[0064] In this embodiment, multiple types of patterns 15A to 15E are provided on the acrylic plates 1A to 1C. Specifically, the multiple types of patterns 15A to 15E include patterns 15 in which the clearance h between adjacent and closest through holes 20 is different from one another. As a result, when viewed from the thickness direction, the through holes 20 of the multiple acrylic plates 1A to 1C are arranged in one of the following relationships: partially overlapping, partially not overlapping, completely overlapping, or completely not overlapping. The color of the pattern 15 is then adjusted according to the degree of overlap of the through holes 20 when viewed from the thickness direction. In more detail, the color of the pattern 15, as well as its shade and gradation, are also adjusted. Therefore, even when using three (three-color) acrylic plates 1A to 1C as in this embodiment, it is possible to express not only the eight color combinations mentioned above, but also many more color combinations (multi-stage, stepless color combinations).

[0065] More specifically, because the diameter dimension D of the through-hole 20 is small and minute, 0.5 mm or less, the color of the area where the through-hole 20 is present and the color of the area where it is not present (hole clearance h) blend together, making it possible to express various color patterns 15. Furthermore, the shades and gradations of colors that the user can see can be made finer and more detailed. In other words, it is possible to express the colors and patterns of an image with fine detail. On the other hand, if the diameter dimension D of the through-hole 20 exceeds 0.5 mm, it becomes difficult to express various colors through the aforementioned color mixing effect, and the image may become coarser in color and pattern, potentially compromising aesthetics.

[0066] Furthermore, because the diameter dimension D of the through-hole 20 is set to 0.05 mm or more, it becomes possible to stably drill a large number of through-holes 20 using a drill or the like when manufacturing the decorative acrylic plate unit 10.

[0067] Based on the above, this embodiment allows for an improvement (expansion) of the degree of freedom in color expression and pattern expression, thereby enhancing the visual effect.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the through-hole 20 has a straightness of 0.05 mm or less, and the burr height of the edge opening onto the surface of the acrylic plates 1A to 1C is 10 μm or less.

[0069] If the straightness of the through-holes 20 is 0.05 mm or less, even when multiple through-holes 20 are arranged closely together and the inter-hole clearance h is set to be small, as in this embodiment, the occurrence of the phenomenon of adjacent through-holes 20 unintentionally communicating with each other (hole tearing phenomenon) can be suppressed. In addition, since the burr height of the opening edge of the through-holes 20 is kept small at 10 μm or less, it becomes easier to stack the acrylic plates 1A to 1C without misalignment. Therefore, according to this embodiment, light scattering near the through hole 20 can be suppressed. As a result, the pattern 15 of the desired color can be expressed accurately and precisely.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inter-hole clearance h is 0.1 mm or less, and the adjacent through holes 20 are formed without communicating with each other.

[0071] In this embodiment, the clearance h between adjacent through holes 20 is small, at 0.1 mm or less. This ensures a stable color mixing effect where the color of the areas with through holes 20 and the color of the areas without holes (clearance h) blend nicely, allowing for the expression of various color patterns 15. Furthermore, the densely packed arrangement of through holes 20 enables beautiful color development (unintended color mixing is suppressed). This embodiment also suppresses the occurrence of unintended communication between adjacent through holes 20 (hole rupture phenomenon).

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications to the configuration, etc., are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, as described below, for example.

[0073] In the embodiment described above, the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 is equipped with a spacer 3, but the spacer 3 is not required. In this case, the multiple acrylic plates 1A, 1B, and 1C stacked in the thickness direction have their opposing surfaces in direct contact with each other. In the configuration without the spacer 3, the patterns 15 on each acrylic plate 1A to 1C are less likely to shift when viewed from the thickness direction, making the patterns 15 clearer and more vivid.

[0074] In the embodiment described above, an example was given in which three acrylic plates 1A to 1C are provided, but this is not limited to this. Although not specifically shown in the figures, there may be two acrylic plates, or four or more. Also, the color of each acrylic plate 1A to 1C is not limited to the yellow, cyan, and magenta mentioned above, but may be a different color.

[0075] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the acrylic plates 1A to 1C are hexagonal in shape, but the invention is not limited to this. The acrylic plates 1A to 1C may be polygonal, circular, elliptical, or other shapes other than hexagonal. Also, in the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the external shapes of each acrylic plate 1A, 1B, and 1C are identical, but the invention is not limited to this. The external shapes of each acrylic plate 1A, 1B, and 1C may be different from each other.

[0076] In the embodiments described above, examples were given in which each pattern 15 has rhombus-shaped elements 16 and 17 arranged radially around the center C of the pattern 15, but the invention is not limited to this. The shape elements of each pattern 15 may be, for example, polygons other than the rhombus described above, circles, ellipses, lines, points, symbols, letters, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the shape of the pattern 15 is not limited to a rotationally symmetric shape around the center C in a plan view of the acrylic plate, but may also be a rotationally symmetric shape.

[0077] Furthermore, the straightness of the through-hole 20 refers to the straightness along the direction in which the through-hole 20 extends, and is not limited to the straightness along the thickness direction of the acrylic plates 1A to 1C. Although not specifically shown in the diagram, for example, if the through-hole extends at an angle relative to the thickness direction of the acrylic plate, the straightness of the through-hole refers to the straightness along the direction in which the through-hole extends (the direction inclined relative to the thickness direction).

[0078] The present invention may be combined in any way that does not depart from the spirit of the invention, as described in the above embodiments and modifications, and the configurations may be added, omitted, substituted, or otherwise modified. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, but is limited only by the claims. [Examples]

[0079] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0080] Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating the various color patterns 15 expressed by the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 and its display system 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is an image illustrating the various color patterns 15 expressed by the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 and its display system 100 in an embodiment. The configuration of the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 and its display system 100 in the embodiment is as described in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0081] In the display system 100 for the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 of this embodiment, when the light source 7 is turned on and the user views the decorative acrylic plate unit 10 from above, multiple patterns 15, which are colored by light passing through or through each acrylic plate 1A to 1C, can be seen, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0082] Specifically, in this embodiment, in a plan view of unit 10 from above, the multiple patterns 15 include a plurality (6) of patterns 15-1 to 15-6 arranged in the circumferential direction around the central axis O of the acrylic plates 1A to 1C, and a single pattern 15-7 arranged on the central axis O of the acrylic plates 1A to 1C (i.e., in the center). Each of the patterns 15-1 to 15-7 has a hexagonal star shape because the patterns 15 of the plurality of acrylic plates 1A to 1C appear to overlap in the thickness direction (vertical direction). Furthermore, each of the patterns 15-1 to 15-7 is formed by six rhombus-shaped elements arranged in the rotational direction around the center C of the pattern 15. More specifically, each of the patterns 15-1 to 15-7 has three rhombus-shaped elements of two different colors, and the two types of rhombus-shaped elements are arranged alternately in the rotational direction around the center C of the pattern 15.

[0083] Here, we will explain specific examples of each color represented by multiple patterns 15-1 to 15-7. Pattern 15-1 has three green diamond-shaped elements and three blue diamond-shaped elements. Pattern 15-2 has three light blue diamond-shaped elements and three pink diamond-shaped elements. Pattern 15-3 has three yellow diamond-shaped elements and three red diamond-shaped elements. Pattern 15-4 has three orange diamond-shaped elements and three dark blue diamond-shaped elements. The three orange diamond-shaped elements each have fine gradations. Pattern 15-5 has three navy blue diamond-shaped elements and three light purple diamond-shaped elements. Pattern 15-6 has three purple diamond-shaped elements and three yellow-green diamond-shaped elements. Pattern 15-7 has three vermilion diamond-shaped elements and three light blue diamond-shaped elements. Thus, in this embodiment, when viewing unit 10 from above in a plan view, each color represented by the multiple patterns 15-1 to 15-7 is different.

[0084] Although not specifically shown in the figures, as another example of the embodiment of the present invention, a predetermined acrylic plate 1A, 1B, or 1C from among a plurality of acrylic plates 1A to 1C was rotated by a predetermined angle around the central axis O and reassembled into the unit 10 (changing the circumferential phase), and the colors expressed by the plurality of patterns 15 were confirmed in a plan view of the unit 10 from above. Specifically, the predetermined acrylic plates 1A, 1B, or 1C were rotated by a predetermined angle around the central axis O to be an integer multiple of 60° (60°, 120°, 180°, etc.) and assembled into the unit 10.

[0085] As a result, it was found that multiple patterns 15 with different colors from the aforementioned patterns 15-1 to 15-7 could be expressed. In other words, it was confirmed that even more diverse patterns 15 could be expressed by rotating the acrylic plate by a predetermined angle around the central axis O and reassembling it into the unit 10. [Industrial applicability]

[0086] According to the present invention, a decorative acrylic plate unit that can improve the degree of freedom in color expression and pattern expression, thereby enhancing the visual effect, and a method for manufacturing the decorative acrylic plate unit are provided. Therefore, it has industrial applicability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1A, 1B, 1C…Acrylic sheet, 10…Decorative acrylic sheet unit, 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7…Pattern, 20…Through hole, D…Diameter dimension, h…Hole clearance, L, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6…Light, t…Sheet thickness dimension

Claims

1. A decorative acrylic plate unit comprising multiple light-transmitting acrylic plates, wherein the multiple acrylic plates are arranged in a stacked manner in the thickness direction thereof, The multiple acrylic plates are of different colors from each other. The thickness dimension t of each acrylic plate is 1 mm ≤ t ≤ 4 mm. The aforementioned acrylic plate is The acrylic plate has a plurality of through holes that penetrate in the thickness direction, The pattern is formed by the arrangement of multiple through holes, The diameter dimension D of each of the through holes is 0.05 mm ≤ D ≤ 0.5 mm. Multiple patterns are provided, The plurality of patterns include a plurality of types of patterns in which the inter-hole clearances of adjacent through-holes differ from one another. Decorative acrylic panel unit.

2. The aforementioned through hole is The straightness is 0.05 mm or less. The burr height of the edge opening on the surface of the acrylic plate is 10 μm or less. The decorative acrylic plate unit according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned hole clearance is 0.1 mm or less. The adjacent through holes are formed without communicating with each other. The decorative acrylic plate unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A method for manufacturing a decorative acrylic plate unit in which multiple light-transmitting acrylic plates are stacked in the thickness direction thereof, A perforation step is made in which multiple through holes are drilled in each of the acrylic plates, penetrating the acrylic plate in the thickness direction, and a pattern is formed by the arrangement of multiple through holes. The process includes a lamination step of stacking multiple acrylic plates of different colors in the thickness direction, The thickness dimension t of each acrylic plate is 1 mm ≤ t ≤ 4 mm. The diameter dimension D of each of the through holes is 0.05 mm ≤ D ≤ 0.5 mm. In the lamination process described above, the color of the pattern is adjusted according to the degree of overlap between the through-holes of one of the multiple acrylic plates and the through-holes of the other acrylic plates, when viewed from the thickness direction of the plates. A method for manufacturing decorative acrylic sheet units.

Images