Printed materials, display devices, solar cells, and solar panel systems.

Abstract

The invention relates to a printed article (100) comprising: a printed layer (110), in which there is an ink portion (111) made up of printing ink, and numerous holes (112) through which light passes; and a substrate (120) on which the printed layer is printed first. Each of the numerous holes is small, difficult to be perceived by the naked eye.

Description

Printed matter, display device, solar cell, and solar cell system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to printed matter, a display device using the printed matter, a solar cell using the printed matter, and a solar cell system using the printed matter.

[0002] Conventionally, in applying various designs such as characters, figures, patterns, colors, etc. to an article, a method of forming a film on the surface of a substrate by means such as painting or printing to apply the design has been used. For example, for the purpose of giving a high-class feeling, a dashboard with a wood grain pattern applied to the dashboard of an automobile interior may be used. A method using painting has been disclosed for manufacturing a material with a wood grain pattern (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, a method using printing has been disclosed for manufacturing a material with a wood grain pattern (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-158746, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-185455

[0004] The painted article of Patent Document 1 and the printed matter of Patent Document 2 have the surface of the substrate covered with a film such as paint or ink, suppressing the transmission of light. Therefore, for example, in order to display visual information on the dashboard to provide various information of an automobile, it is necessary to provide an information display part such as a display or an LED display part separately from the wood grain pattern part. From the viewpoint of design or cost, it may be desirable that visual information be directly displayed on a dashboard or the like with a wood grain pattern. Therefore, the light emitted from a light-emitting device installed on the back side of the dashboard or the like needs to pass through the decorative layer forming the wood grain pattern or the like and reach the user's eyes.

[0005] Furthermore, coatings may be formed on the surface of a substrate by means of painting or printing to provide design or various functions such as waterproofing. For example, in order to provide design or various functions such as waterproofing, a decorative layer may be formed on the surface side of a solar cell facing a light source by coating or the like. If the entire solar cell is covered with a decorative layer and light is suppressed, the function of the solar cell will deteriorate. Even when a decorative layer is formed on the surface side of a solar cell, it is necessary for light to pass through the decorative layer and reach the solar cell. In other words, even when a decorative layer is formed on an article to provide design or various functions, it is sometimes desirable for light to pass through.

[0006] This disclosure aims to solve the above problems and to provide printed materials, display devices, solar cells, and solar cell systems that allow light to pass through the printed layer even when a decorative layer is formed in the printed layer to impart design or various functions.

[0007] The printed material relating to this disclosure includes a printed layer having an ink portion composed of printed ink and having a plurality of pores through which light passes, and a substrate on which the printed layer is printed on the surface, wherein each of the plurality of pores is composed of fine pores that are difficult to see with the naked eye.

[0008] The display device according to this disclosure comprises a printed material having the above configuration and a light-emitting device that emits light and is located on the back side of the printed material. The printed material constitutes a display panel, and characters, figures, symbols, or images are displayed on the display portion by light transmitted through multiple holes from the back side by the light emitted by the light-emitting device.

[0009] The solar cell relating to this disclosure is a printed material having the above configuration, wherein the substrate is provided to be laminated with the printed layer and includes a power generation layer that generates electricity by light transmitted through a plurality of pores in the printed layer, and the printed layer is printed on the light-receiving surface side of the power generation layer.

[0010] The solar cell system relating to this disclosure is a printed material having the above configuration, comprising a printed material placed on the light-receiving surface side, and a solar cell placed opposite the printed material and generating electricity from light transmitted through a plurality of holes in the printed material, wherein the substrate is a transparent material that transmits light and is composed of a transparent substrate with a printed layer printed on its surface.

[0011] According to this disclosure, a printed material includes a printed layer having an ink portion composed of printed ink and having a plurality of pores through which light passes, and a substrate on which the printed layer is printed on the surface. Each of the plurality of pores is composed of a fine pore that is difficult to see with the naked eye. Even if a decorative layer is formed in the ink portion of the printed layer to impart a design or various functions to the printed material, light can be transmitted to the printed layer by the plurality of pores.

[0012] This is a plan view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 1. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a printed material according to Embodiment 1. This is a partial enlarged view showing an example of an enlarged view of part A in Figure 1 of the printed material according to Embodiment 1. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 3. This is a partial enlarged view showing another example of an enlarged view of part A in Figure 1 of the printed material according to Embodiment 1. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 5. This is a partial enlarged view of a printed material of a comparative example. This is a plan view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 2. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of the display part of the printed material according to Embodiment 2. This is an enlarged conceptual diagram of part E shown in Figure 8 of the printed material according to Embodiment 2. This is an enlarged conceptual diagram of another example of part E shown in Figure 8 of the printed material according to Embodiment 2. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display device using the printed material according to Embodiment 2. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of a printed material according to Embodiment 3. This is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the light-shielding ink part and the display part as seen in the stacking direction of the printed material according to Embodiment 3. This is a conceptual diagram showing another example of an enlarged cross-section of a printed material according to Embodiment 3. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display device using the printed material according to Embodiment 3. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of a printed material according to Embodiment 4. This is a conceptual diagram showing another example of an enlarged cross-section of a printed material according to Embodiment 4. This is a conceptual diagram showing yet another example of an enlarged cross-section of a printed material according to Embodiment 4. This is a conceptual diagram showing another example of an enlarged cross-section of a printed material according to Embodiment 4. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display device using a printed material according to Embodiment 4. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of a printed material according to Embodiment 5. This is a conceptual diagram showing another example of an enlarged cross-section of a printed material according to Embodiment 5. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display device using a printed material according to Embodiment 5. This is an exploded conceptual diagram showing an example of a solar cell according to Embodiment 6. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of a solar cell according to Embodiment 6. This is an exploded conceptual diagram showing an example of a solar cell system according to Embodiment 7. This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of a solar cell system according to Embodiment 7.

[0013] The following description will explain the printed materials, display devices, solar cells, and solar cell systems according to the embodiments, with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following drawings, including Figure 1, the relative dimensions and shapes of the components may differ from those of the actual components. Furthermore, in the following drawings, components with the same reference numerals are identical or equivalent, and this is consistent throughout the entire specification. In addition, terms indicating direction (e.g., up, down, left, right, front, back, front and back) will be used as appropriate to facilitate understanding; however, these notations are for explanatory convenience and do not limit the arrangement, direction, and orientation of the devices, instruments, or components.

[0014] Embodiment 1. [Printed Material 100] Figure 1 is a plan view showing an example of printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a cross-section of printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, printed material 100 is an article with printing applied to its surface.

[0015] The printed material 100 is, for example, a car dashboard or a solar panel, but is not limited to dashboards, etc., as long as it is an item to which printing is applied. Furthermore, by applying printing to an item, value such as design or function can be added to the outside of the item, and the appearance and texture of the item can be changed.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a printing layer 110 and a substrate 120. In Figure 2, the printing layer 110 is composed of one layer, but the printing layer 110 may be composed of multiple layers. The printed material 100 is a decorative layer on which various designs such as characters, figures, patterns, images, and color coding are applied by the ink portion 111 of the printing layer 110, which will be described later. Furthermore, the printed material 100 may be a decorative layer on which various functions such as waterproofing, water repellency, stain resistance, antibacterial properties, or rust prevention are applied by the ink portion 111 of the printing layer 110, which will be described later.

[0017] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged view showing an example of an enlarged view of part A in Figure 1 in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view showing another example of an enlarged view of part A in Figure 1 in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 5. Part A is a part specified to explain the enlarged form of the printed layer 110, and the position of part A is not limited to the position shown in the figure, but may be in other positions.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the printed layer 110 has an ink portion 111 composed of printed ink, and has a plurality of holes 112 through which light passes. The printed layer 110 includes the ink portion 111 and the plurality of holes 112.

[0019] The ink portion 111 is the portion in the printed layer 110 where ink is placed. The ink portion 111 is, for example, a halftone dot. The ink portion 111 is the portion formed when printed ink is placed on the substrate 120. The ink portion 111 is the portion that forms an ink film on the substrate 120. The arrangement of the dots in the ink portion 111 is, for example, irregular in the printed material 100. The arrangement of the dots in the ink portion 111 may be regularly arranged in the printed material 100, but it is preferable that they be irregular.

[0020] The ink portion 111 and the printed layer 110 are formed by printing. The ink portion 111 may be formed by so-called solid printing, as shown in Figure 3. Solid printing is a type of printing in which a predetermined printing area on the printed surface of the printed material 100 is filled with ink without any gaps. The ink portion 111 may be formed by so-called dot-like granular printing, as shown in Figure 5. The ink portion 111 may be formed by ink that suppresses light transmission. The ink portion 111 may be formed by light-shielding ink that does not transmit light. The ink portion 111 is printed directly or indirectly onto the substrate 120.

[0021] The printed layer 110 has a pattern formed by the ink portion 111. The printed layer 110 expresses the pattern by halftone dot representation using the ink portion 111. Halftone dots are mesh-like dots used to represent the shades of gray in printed materials. For example, the printed layer 110 may have a wood grain pattern formed by the ink portion 111. The printed layer 110 may also have various designs such as characters, figures, colors, and patterns formed by the ink portion 111.

[0022] The multiple holes 112 are holes that penetrate the printed layer 110. Even if the printed layer 110 contains multiple layers, the multiple holes 112 are holes that penetrate multiple layers. Each of the multiple holes 112 is composed of a fine hole that is difficult to see with the naked eye. Each of the multiple holes 112 has, for example, a diameter D of 2 microns or more and 10 microns or less. Alternatively, each of the multiple holes 112 has, for example, a diameter D of 5 microns or more and 100 microns or less. It is desirable that the holes 112 are formed in greater numbers in the densely printed areas of the printed layer 110 than in the thinly printed areas.

[0023] The multiple holes 112 may be arranged in a point-like manner as shown in Figure 3, or they may be formed by gaps in the ink portion 111 as shown in Figure 4. Note that the arrangement of the ink portion 111 and holes 112 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is just one example and is not limited to the illustrated configuration.

[0024] The base material 120 is a component on which a printing layer 110 is printed on its surface. The base material 120 is printed directly or indirectly by the ink unit 111. The base material 120 according to Embodiment 1 is a transparent component that transmits light, as shown in Figure 4, and is a transparent base material on which a printing layer 110 is printed on its surface. The base material 120 according to Embodiment 1 is, for example, a synthetic resin or glass, but is not limited to these materials.

[0025] The base material 120 may be a plate-shaped member or a thin film-like member. Furthermore, the base material 120 may be not only a flat member but also a three-dimensional curved member. The white arrows shown in Figures 4 and 6 indicate light transmission. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, light passes through the multiple holes 112 and is transmitted through the printed layer 110.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, light directed from the front side of the printed material 100 towards the printed material 100 can pass through each of the multiple holes 112, penetrate the substrate 120, and reach the back side of the printed material 100. Also, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, light directed from the back side of the printed material 100 towards the printed material 100 can pass through the substrate 120, pass through each of the multiple holes 112, and reach the front side of the printed material 100.

[0027] Light passes through the multiple holes 112, through the printing layer 110, through the substrate 120, and through the printed material 100. In other words, the printed material 100 can transmit light through the multiple holes 112 in the printing layer 110.

[0028] Furthermore, the layers constituting the printed material 100 are not limited to just two layers: the printing layer 110 and the substrate 120. For example, the printed material 100 may have a protective layer made of a transparent material above the printing layer 110 to protect the printing layer 110.

[0029] Figure 7 is a partially enlarged view of the comparative example print 100L. In typical prints, as shown in the comparative example print 100L, the dots in the ink area 111L are aligned vertically and horizontally. In contrast, in the print 100 of Embodiment 1, the dots in the ink area 111 are arranged irregularly. The irregular arrangement of the dots in the ink area 111 of the print 100 prevents moiré patterns. Moiré patterns are striped patterns that occur when geometrically regularly distributed dots or lines are superimposed.

[0030] [Effects of the Printed Material] The printed material 100 includes a printed layer 110 having an ink portion 111 composed of printed ink and having a plurality of pores 112 through which light passes, and a substrate 120 on which the printed layer 110 is printed. Each of the plurality of pores 112 is composed of fine pores that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Even if a decorative layer is formed in the ink portion 111 of the printed layer 110 to impart a design or various functions, the plurality of pores 112 allow light to pass through the printed layer 110. Furthermore, if the substrate 120 is made of a transparent material that transmits light, light passes through the plurality of pores 112 of the printed layer 110 and the substrate 120, and passes through the printed material 100 from the front side to the back side or from the back side to the front side.

[0031] Furthermore, each of the multiple holes 112 in the printed material 100 is composed of fine holes that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Therefore, when light does not pass through the printed layer 110, the presence of the multiple holes 112 cannot be recognized, and the presence of the ink portion 111 of the printed layer 110 can be made to stand out. When a decorative layer for adding design or various functions is formed on the printed layer 110 by the ink portion 111 of the printed layer 110, the presence of the multiple holes 112 cannot be recognized when light does not pass through the printed layer 110. Therefore, when light does not pass through the printed layer 110, the decorative layer formed by the ink portion 111 can be made to stand out.

[0032] Each of the multiple holes 112 has a diameter D of 2 microns or more and 10 microns or less. Alternatively, each of the multiple holes 112 has a diameter D of 5 microns or more and 100 microns or less. Each of the multiple holes 112 is formed with an aperture diameter of the size described above, making it difficult to see with the naked eye. Furthermore, when each of the multiple holes 112 has a diameter D of 2 microns or more and 10 microns or less, it becomes even more difficult to see with the naked eye than when the diameter D is 5 microns or more and 100 microns or less. With this configuration, even if a decorative layer is formed in the ink portion 111 of the printed layer 110 to impart a design or various functions to the printed material 100, light can be transmitted to the printed layer 110 by the multiple holes 112.

[0033] The ink section 111 may be composed of light-blocking ink that does not transmit light. When the ink section 111 is composed of light-blocking ink that does not transmit light, the printed material 100 can block light in the ink section 111 and transmit light in the perforated section 112, thus clearly separating the parts where light should be transmitted from the parts where light should be transmitted.

[0034] Embodiment 2. Figure 8 is a plan view showing an example of a printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of the display section 210 of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2. Components having the same function and operation as those in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The white arrows shown in Figure 9 indicate light passing through the holes 112. Hereinafter, the configuration of Embodiment 2 will be described using Figures 8 to 9, etc., focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1. Components not described in Embodiment 2 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0035] The printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2 has a display section 210. The display section 210 will be described below. As shown in Figure 9, when the side of the printed layer 110 that the user looks at is considered the front side, and the back side of the front side is considered the back side, the printed layer 110 has a display section 210 that constitutes a portion on the front side where characters, figures, symbols, or images are displayed, as shown in Figure 8. The display section 210 is composed of a collection of multiple holes 112, and characters, figures, symbols, or images are displayed by light passing through the multiple holes 112 from the back side.

[0036] The display unit 210 is, for example, a part that displays information. The display unit 210 includes, for example, a first display unit 211 that displays characters, etc., a second display unit 212 that displays graphics, etc., a third display unit 213 that displays symbols or images, etc., as shown in Figure 8. Characters include numbers, and graphics include, for example, patterns or designs. The display unit 210 may be one or more.

[0037] Figure 8 shows examples of characters, figures, symbols, or images displayed by the first display unit 211, the second display unit 212, and the third display unit 213, but the displayed content is not limited to the examples shown. For example, the first display unit 211 may consist of multiple characters, or it may consist of kanji characters or numbers, etc. For example, the third display unit 213 may be a symbol or image related to the weather, as shown in Figure 8, or it may be information related to cars, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, although Figure 8 shows the first display unit 211, the second display unit 212, and the third display unit 213 for the purpose of explaining the display unit 210, the display unit 210 may consist of one or more of the first display unit 211, the second display unit 212, and the third display unit 213. Also, the display unit 210 may consist of multiple units of each of the first display unit 211, the second display unit 212, and the third display unit 213.

[0039] Figure 10 is an enlarged conceptual diagram of section E shown in Figure 8 of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 11 is an enlarged conceptual diagram of another example of section E shown in Figure 8 of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 10, the multiple holes 112 are formed such that the number of holes in the part constituting the display section 210 is greater than the number of holes in the part that does not constitute the display section 210. In Figure 10, multiple holes 112 are formed in the part that does not constitute the display section 210, but the part that does not constitute the display section 210 may not have holes 112 and may be composed of so-called solid printing by the ink section 111. The multiple holes 112 may be arranged irregularly as shown in Figure 10, or they may be arranged regularly vertically and horizontally as shown in Figure 11.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the printed layer 110 is composed of a pattern formed by the ink portion 111. The pattern is, for example, a wood grain pattern as shown in Figures 1 and 8, but is not limited to a wood grain pattern. The pattern includes any design. As shown in Figure 9, the display unit 210 is displayed by light passing through multiple holes 112 from the back side, so that the light passes through the pattern and makes it appear to float on the pattern, as shown in Figure 8. When light does not pass through the multiple holes 112 from the back side, the display unit 210 is not displayed on the pattern, as shown in Figure 1, and the appearance of the pattern is maintained.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 9, the base material 120 according to Embodiment 2 is a transparent member through which light can pass, and is a transparent base material with a printing layer 110 printed on its surface. The base material 120 according to Embodiment 2 is, for example, a synthetic resin or glass, etc., but is not limited to such materials. The base material 120 may be a plate-shaped member or a thin-film-shaped member such as a film. Also, the base material 120 may not be a planar member only, but may also be a three-dimensional curved surface member. The white arrows shown in FIG. 9 indicate the transmission of light. As shown in FIG. 9, light passes through the plurality of hole portions 112 and passes through the printing layer 110.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9, the light directed from the back side of the printed matter 100 toward the printed matter 100 can pass through the base material 120, pass through each of the plurality of hole portions 112, and head toward the front side of the printed matter 100. Light passes through the base material 120, passes through the plurality of hole portions 112, passes through the printing layer 110, and passes through the printed matter 100. That is, the printed matter 100 can transmit light at the portions of the plurality of hole portions 112 of the printing layer 110.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display device 500 using the printed matter 100 according to Embodiment 2. The display device 500 includes the printed matter 100 and a light-emitting device 400 that emits light and is disposed on the back side of the printed matter 100. In the display device 500, the printed matter 100 constitutes a display panel, and by the light emission of the light-emitting device 400, characters, figures, symbols, or images are displayed on the display portion 210 by the light passing through the plurality of hole portions 112 from the back side.

[0044] The light-emitting device 400 constitutes a portion that emits light in the display device 500. The light-emitting device 400 emits light when it is in the ON state and does not emit light when it is in the OFF state. When light is emitted from the light-emitting device 400, the light passes through the plurality of hole portions 112 of the printed matter 100 and the light passes through the printing layer 110. When light is not emitted from the light-emitting device 400, the light does not pass through the plurality of hole portions 112 of the printed matter 100 and the light does not pass through the printing layer 110.

[0045] When the light-emitting device 400 emits light, the display unit 210 appears to float on the surface of the printed matter 100 due to the light passing through the plurality of holes 112. When the light-emitting device 400 does not emit light, light does not pass through the plurality of holes 112, and the display unit 210 does not appear to float on the surface of the printed matter 100.

[0046] The light-emitting device 400 includes, for example, a light source substrate 410 and a light-emitting element 420 serving as a light source. The light source substrate 410 is, for example, a plate-shaped substrate on which the light-emitting element 420 is mounted. The light source substrate 410 is provided with a light source circuit including the light-emitting element 420.

[0047] The light-emitting element 420 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light-emitting device 400 is, for example, a COB (Chip On Board)-LED (Light Emitting Diode). Note that the light-emitting device 400 shown in FIG. 12 is conceptually shown, and the number and arrangement of the light-emitting elements 420 are not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0048] Note that the light-emitting element 420 may be a solid light-emitting element other than an LED, such as an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) or a laser. Further, the light-emitting device 400 may be any device that emits light, such as a device using a light bulb or the like, and is not limited to a device on which an LED is mounted.

[0049] The light-emitting device 400 or the light-emitting element 420 may be provided, for example, for each of the first display unit 211, the second display unit 212, and the third display unit 213 (see FIG. 8). When a plurality of display units 210 are provided, the light-emitting device 400 or the light-emitting element 420 may be provided for each display unit 210.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, the display device 500 is displayed such that light passes through the plurality of holes 112 from the back side and the display unit 210 appears to float on the pattern as shown in FIG. 8. When light does not pass through the plurality of holes 112 from the back side, the display unit 210 is not displayed on the pattern as shown in FIG. 1, and the appearance of the pattern of the printing layer 110 is maintained.

[0051] [Effects of the Printed Material] The printed layer 110 of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2 has a display section 210 on the surface side, which constitutes a portion where characters, figures, symbols, or images are displayed, as shown in Figure 8. The display section 210 is composed of a collection of multiple holes 112, and characters, figures, symbols, or images are displayed by light passing through the multiple holes 112 from the back side. The substrate 120 is a transparent material that transmits light, and is a transparent substrate with the printed layer 110 printed on its surface. When light does not pass through the printed layer 110 of the printed material 100, the presence of the display section 210 cannot be recognized. Therefore, when light does not pass through the printed layer 110 of the printed material 100, the design of the decorative layer by the ink section 111 can be made to stand out. When light passes through the printed layer 110 via the multiple holes 112 of the printed material 100, the presence of the display section 210 can be recognized. Therefore, the printed material 100 can display the content of the display unit 210 when light is transmitted through the printed layer 110, and can transmit information such as the content of the display unit 210.

[0052] Furthermore, the multiple holes 112 are formed such that the number of holes in the part constituting the display section 210 is greater than the number of holes in the part that does not constitute the display section 210. With this configuration, the printed material 100 can clearly distinguish the difference in brightness between the display section 210 and the parts other than the display section 210, and the display of the display section 210 can be made clear.

[0053] Furthermore, the display unit 210 is displayed so that it appears to float on the pattern of the printed layer 110 when light passes through the multiple holes 112 from the back side. When light does not pass through the multiple holes 112 from the back side, the display unit 210 is not displayed on the pattern of the printed layer 110, and the appearance of the pattern of the printed layer 110 is maintained. With this configuration, the printed material 100 can make the presence of the display unit 210 recognizable when light passes through the printed layer 110 through the multiple holes 112. With this configuration, the printed material 100 can make the design of the decorative layer by the ink unit 111 stand out when light does not pass through the printed layer 110.

[0054] With this configuration, the printed material 100 can make the display of the display unit 210 stand out on the pattern of the printed layer 110 by light passing through the printed layer 110, allowing the viewer of the printed material 100 to recognize the presence of the display unit 210. Furthermore, with this configuration, when light does not pass through the printed layer 110, the printed material 100 does not display the display unit 210 on the printed layer 110, and the viewer of the printed material 100 does not become aware of the presence of the display unit 210. In other words, the printed material 100 can switch between allowing the viewer of the printed material 100 to recognize the presence of the display unit 210 and not allowing the viewer to recognize the presence of the display unit 210, depending on whether or not light passes through the printed material 100 through the multiple holes 112.

[0055] Furthermore, the display device 500 includes a printed material 100 and a light-emitting device 400 that emits light and is positioned on the back side of the printed material 100. In the display device 500, the printed material 100 constitutes a display panel, and the light emitted by the light-emitting device 400 transmits light through a plurality of holes 112 from the back side, displaying characters, figures, symbols, or images on the display unit 210. With this configuration, the display device 500 can make the presence of the display unit 210 of the printed material 100 recognizable when light emitted from the light-emitting device 400 transmits through the plurality of holes 112 to the printed layer 110. With this configuration, the display device 500 can make the design of the decorative layer made by the ink portion 111 of the printed material 100 stand out when light is not emitted from the light-emitting device 400 and light does not transmit through the printed layer 110 of the printed material 100.

[0056] With this configuration, the display device 500 allows the display of the display unit 210 to stand out on the pattern of the printed layer 110 of the printed material 100 by allowing light emitted from the light-emitting device 400 to pass through the printed layer 110. Therefore, the display device 500 allows the viewer of the printed material 100 to recognize the presence of the display unit 210 through the light emitted by the light-emitting device 400. Furthermore, with this configuration, when the light-emitting device 400 does not emit light and the light does not pass through the printed layer 110, the display unit 210 is not displayed on the printed layer 110, and the viewer of the printed material 100 is not aware of the presence of the display unit 210. When the viewer of the printed material 100 is not aware of the presence of the display unit 210, the display device 500 can make the design of the decorative layer of the printed material 100 made by the ink unit 111 stand out.

[0057] The display device 500 allows the viewer of the printed material 100 to recognize the presence of the display unit 210 by the light transmitted through the printed material 100 when the light-emitting device 400 is turned ON. Conversely, the display device 500 can prevent the viewer of the printed material 100 from recognizing the presence of the display unit 210 by turning OFF the light-emitting device 400, which eliminates the transmission of light through the printed material 100. In other words, the display device 500 can switch the display of the display unit 210 on or off by switching the light-emitting device 400 ON or OFF.

[0058] The ink section 111 may be composed of light-blocking ink that does not transmit light. When the ink section 111 is composed of light-blocking ink that does not transmit light, the boundary between the ink section 111 and the multiple holes 112 of the printed material 100 becomes clear. The arrangement of the multiple holes 112 offers the following advantages when displaying characters, figures, symbols, or images on the display section 210. When the ink section 111 of the printed material 100 is composed of light-blocking ink, the outlines and boundaries of characters, etc., can be clearly distinguished, improving visibility compared to when it is composed of ink with low light-blocking properties.

[0059] Embodiment 3. Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 3. Components having the same function and operation as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The white arrows shown in Figure 13 indicate light passing through the holes 112. Hereinafter, the configuration of Embodiment 3 will be described using Figure 13 and other figures, focusing on the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2. Components not described in Embodiment 3 are the same as those in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0060] The printed material 100 of Embodiment 3 has a display printing layer 310 having a plurality of light-blocking ink portions 311 made of light-blocking ink that does not transmit light. The printed material 100 can block the transmission of light by the light-blocking ink portions 311. The light-blocking ink portions 311 and the display printing layer 310 are formed by printing. In the printed material 100, the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310 are arranged in a stacked state, with the printing layer 110 on the front side and the display printing layer 310 on the back side relative to the printing layer 110. As an example, the display printing layer 310 is arranged on the opposite side from the printing layer 110 with the substrate 120 in between.

[0061] In the stacking direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310 of the printed material 100, the multiple light-shielding ink portions 311 are arranged to face the ink portions 111 of the printing layer 110. In the stacking direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310 of the printed material 100, the light-shielding ink portions 311 are arranged to be located in portions that do not face the holes 112 that constitute the display portion 210. In other words, in the stacking direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310 of the printed material 100, the light-shielding ink portions 311 are arranged to be located in portions that do not face the holes 112 that constitute the display portion 210.

[0062] The light-shielding ink portion 311 may face the holes 112 that do not constitute the display portion 210. The space between adjacent light-shielding ink portions 311 is configured to face one or more holes 112. The printed material 100 can block the transmission of light by the light-shielding ink portion 311, and by blocking the transmission of light to parts other than the display portion 210, the display of figures, etc., in the display portion 210 that light transmits can be made clearer.

[0063] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the light-shielding ink portion 311 and the display portion 210 as viewed in the stacking direction T of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 3. Note that Figure 14 is, for example, portion E of Figure 8. In Figure 14, the left side shows the display printing layer 310, and the right side shows the printing layer 110. The multiple light-shielding ink portions 311 are arranged, for example, along the outer edge 215 of the display portion 210 in the stacking direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310.

[0064] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of an enlarged cross-section of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 3. The stacking order of the printing layer 110, the substrate 120, and the display printing layer 310 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 15, the display printing layer 310 may be placed between the printing layer 110 and the substrate 120. The printing layer 110 is printed on the substrate 120 via the display printing layer 310. The printed material 100 only needs to be formed so that the patterns, etc., formed on the printing layer 110 are visible to the user. Furthermore, the layers constituting the printed material 100 are not limited to the three layers of the printing layer 110, the substrate 120, and the display printing layer 310. For example, the printed material 100 may have a protective layer made of a transparent material above the printing layer 110 to protect the printing layer 110.

[0065] Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display device 500 using a printed material 100 according to Embodiment 3. The display device 500 comprises a printed material 100 and a light-emitting device 400 that emits light and is positioned on the back side of the printed material 100. In the display device 500, the printed material 100 constitutes a display panel, and characters, figures, symbols, or images are displayed on the display unit 210 by light transmitted through a plurality of holes 112 from the back side by the light emitted by the light-emitting device 400.

[0066] The substrate 120 according to Embodiment 3 is a transparent member that transmits light, as shown in Figures 13, 15, and 16, and is a transparent substrate with a printed layer 110 printed on its surface. The substrate 120 according to Embodiment 3 is, for example, a synthetic resin or glass, but is not limited to these materials. The substrate 120 may be a plate-shaped member or a thin film-like member. Furthermore, the substrate 120 may be not only a flat member but also a three-dimensional curved member. The white arrows shown in Figures 13, 15, and 16 indicate the transmission of light. As shown in Figures 13, 15, and 16, light passes through a plurality of holes 112 and is transmitted through the printed layer 110.

[0067] As shown in Figures 13, 15, and 16, light directed from the back side of the printed material 100 towards the printed material 100 can pass through the substrate 120, through each of the multiple holes 112, and towards the front side of the printed material 100. The light passes through the substrate 120, through the multiple holes 112, through the printing layer 110, and through the printed material 100. In other words, the printed material 100 can transmit light through the portions of the multiple holes 112 in the printing layer 110.

[0068] [Effects of the Printed Material] The printed material 100 of Embodiment 3 has a display printing layer 310 having a plurality of light-shielding ink portions 311 made of light-shielding ink that does not transmit light. In the printed material 100, the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310 are arranged in a stacked state, with the printing layer 110 being on the surface side and the display printing layer 310 being on the back side relative to the printing layer 110. In the stacking direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310, the plurality of light-shielding ink portions 311 are arranged to face the ink portions 111 of the printing layer 110.

[0069] The printed material 100, due to the light-blocking properties of the light-blocking ink section 311, clearly distinguishes the brightness difference between the display section 210 and the parts other than the display section 210, making the display on the display section 210 clearer. With this configuration, the boundary between the ink section 111 and the multiple holes 112 becomes clearer in the printed material 100. When the light-blocking ink section 311 of the printed material 100 is composed of light-blocking ink, the outlines and boundaries of characters, etc., can be clearly distinguished, improving visibility compared to when it is composed of ink with low light-blocking properties.

[0070] In Embodiment 3, the multiple light-shielding ink portions 311 of the printed material 100 are arranged to be positioned along the outer edge 215 of the display portion 210 in the lamination direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310. With this configuration, the boundary between the ink portions 111 and the multiple holes 112 of the printed material 100 becomes clear. With this configuration, the outlines and boundaries of characters and the like can be clearly distinguished, improving the visibility of the display portion 210.

[0071] The display printing layer 310 is positioned on the opposite side of the substrate 120 from the printing layer 110. Alternatively, the display printing layer 310 may be positioned between the printing layer 110 and the substrate 120. Depending on the usage conditions or the configuration of the printing device, the arrangement of the display printing layer 310, the printing layer 110, and the substrate 120 can be selected.

[0072] Furthermore, the display device 500 includes a printed material 100 and a light-emitting device 400 positioned on the back side of the printed material 100. In the display device 500, the printed material 100 constitutes a display panel, and the light emitted by the light-emitting device 400 transmits light through multiple holes 112 from the back side, displaying characters, figures, symbols, or images on the display unit 210. The display device 500 can switch the display on or off of the display unit 210 by switching the light-emitting device 400 ON or OFF. With this configuration, the display device 500 can achieve the same effects as the display device 500 of Embodiment 1.

[0073] Embodiment 4. Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 4. Components having the same function and operation as those in the printed material 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The white arrows shown in Figure 17 indicate light passing through the holes 112. Hereinafter, the configuration of Embodiment 4 will be described using Figure 17 and other figures, focusing on the differences from Embodiments 1 to 3. Components not described in Embodiment 4 are the same as those in Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0074] The printed material 100 of Embodiment 4 has a display printing layer 310 having a plurality of translucent ink portions 312 composed of translucent ink that transmits light. The translucent ink portions 312 and the display printing layer 310 are formed by printing. In the printed material 100, the plurality of translucent ink portions 312 are composed of at least one color ink. The translucent ink portions 312 may be one color, or different colors may be used depending on where the ink is placed. For example, different colors of ink may be used for the first display portion 211, the second display portion 212, and the third display portion 213 (see Figure 8).

[0075] In the printed material 100, the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310 are arranged in a stacked state, with the printing layer 110 located on the front side and the display printing layer 310 located on the back side relative to the printing layer 110. For example, the display printing layer 310 is located on the opposite side from the printing layer 110, with the substrate 120 in between.

[0076] In the stacking direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310, the translucent ink portion 312 is positioned to face the display portion 210. In the stacking direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310, the translucent ink portion 312 is positioned to face the holes 112 that constitute the display portion 210. The translucent ink portion 312 may also have a portion facing the ink portion 111 in the stacking direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310. That is, in the stacking direction T, the translucent ink portion 312 may be configured to face one or more holes 112.

[0077] Figure 18 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of an enlarged cross-section of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 4. In Figure 18, the type of hatching is changed to clearly distinguish adjacent translucent ink portions 312. The stacking order of the printing layer 110, substrate 120, and display printing layer 310 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 18, the display printing layer 310 may be placed between the printing layer 110 and the substrate 120. The printing layer 110 is printed on the substrate 120 via the display printing layer 310. The printed material 100 only needs to be formed so that the patterns, etc., formed on the printing layer 110 are visible to the user. Furthermore, the layers constituting the printed material 100 are not limited to the three layers of the printing layer 110, substrate 120, and display printing layer 310. For example, the printed material 100 may have a protective layer made of a transparent material above the printing layer 110 to protect the printing layer 110. In addition, other ink components or fillers may be used between adjacent translucent ink sections 312.

[0078] Figure 19 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of an enlarged cross-section of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 19, the printed material 100 may have a translucent ink portion 312 arranged in the hole portion 112. As shown in Figure 19, the printed material 100 may be configured such that at least a portion of the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310 form the same layer.

[0079] Figure 20 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of an enlarged cross-section of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 4. The multiple translucent ink sections 312 may include, for example, multiple color inks of different densities. As shown in Figure 20, the multiple translucent ink sections 312 may include, for example, a translucent ink section 312A composed of a relatively dense color ink and a translucent ink section 312B composed of a relatively dilute color ink.

[0080] Figure 21 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display device 500 using a printed material 100 according to Embodiment 4. The display device 500 comprises a printed material 100 and a light-emitting device 400 that emits light and is positioned on the back side of the printed material 100. In the display device 500, the printed material 100 constitutes a display panel, and characters, figures, symbols, or images are displayed on the display unit 210 by light transmitted through a plurality of holes 112 from the back side by the light emitted by the light-emitting device 400.

[0081] The substrate 120 according to Embodiment 4 is a transparent member that transmits light, as shown in Figures 17 to 20, and is a transparent substrate with a printed layer 110 printed on its surface. The substrate 120 according to Embodiment 4 is, for example, a synthetic resin or glass, but is not limited to these materials. The substrate 120 may be a plate-shaped member or a thin film-like member. Furthermore, the substrate 120 may be not only a flat member but also a three-dimensional curved member. The white arrows shown in Figures 17 to 20 indicate the transmission of light. As shown in Figures 17 to 20, light passes through a plurality of holes 112 and is transmitted through the printed layer 110.

[0082] As shown in Figures 17 to 20, light directed from the back side of the printed material 100 towards the printed material 100 can pass through the substrate 120, through each of the multiple holes 112, and towards the front side of the printed material 100. The light passes through the substrate 120, through the multiple holes 112, through the printing layer 110, and then through the printed material 100. In other words, the printed material 100 can transmit light through the multiple holes 112 in the printing layer 110.

[0083] [Effects of the Printed Material] The printed material 100 of Embodiment 4 has a display printing layer 310 having a plurality of translucent ink portions 312 composed of translucent ink that transmits light. In the printed material 100, the plurality of translucent ink portions 312 are composed of at least one color ink. In the printed material 100, the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310 are arranged in a stacked state, with the printing layer 110 located on the surface side and the display printing layer 310 located on the back side relative to the printing layer 110. As an example, the display printing layer 310 is located on the opposite side from the printing layer 110, with the substrate 120 in between. In the stacking direction T of the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310, the translucent ink portions 312 are provided to be located in the portion facing the display portion 210.

[0084] With this configuration, the printed material 100 can color the display of the display unit 210 by the color of the ink that passes through the translucent ink unit 312. Because the printed material 100 can color the display of the display unit 210 with this configuration, the color-coded display unit 210 can be used to distinguish between different types of information based on the color coding. For example, with the color-coded display unit 210, the printed material 100 can distinguish between the importance of the displayed information, such as a red display unit 210 indicating high importance, a yellow display unit 210 indicating medium importance, and a blue display unit 210 indicating low importance.

[0085] With this configuration, the printed material 100 can color the display of the display unit 210, so that the color of the display unit 210 makes its presence stand out when it is displayed. For example, with the above configuration, the printed material 100 can make the color of the pattern made by the printing layer 110 and the color of the display unit 210 complementary colors. With the above configuration, the printed material 100 can clearly distinguish the color difference between the display unit 210 and the parts other than the display unit 210, making the display of the display unit 210 clearer.

[0086] The display printing layer 310 is positioned on the opposite side of the substrate 120 from the printing layer 110. Alternatively, the display printing layer 310 may be positioned between the printing layer 110 and the substrate 120. Depending on the usage conditions or the configuration of the printing device, the arrangement of the display printing layer 310, the printing layer 110, and the substrate 120 can be selected.

[0087] Furthermore, the display device 500 includes a printed material 100 and a light-emitting device 400 positioned on the back side of the printed material 100. In the display device 500, the printed material 100 constitutes a display panel, and the light emitted by the light-emitting device 400 transmits light through multiple holes 112 from the back side, displaying characters, figures, symbols, or images on the display unit 210. The display device 500 can switch the display on or off of the display unit 210 by switching the light-emitting device 400 ON or OFF. With this configuration, the display device 500 can achieve the same effects as the display device 500 of Embodiment 1.

[0088] Embodiment 5. Figure 22 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5. Components having the same function and operation as those in Embodiments 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The white arrows shown in Figure 22 indicate light passing through the holes 112. Hereinafter, the configuration of Embodiment 5 will be described using Figure 22 and other figures, focusing on the differences from Embodiments 1 to 4. Components not described in Embodiment 5 are the same as those in Embodiments 1 to 4.

[0089] The printed material 100 of Embodiment 5 has a display printing layer 310 having a plurality of translucent ink sections 312 composed of translucent inks that transmit light, and a light-blocking ink section 311 composed of light-blocking inks that do not transmit light. The plurality of translucent ink sections 312 are composed of at least one color ink.

[0090] In the printed material 100, the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310 are arranged in a stacked state, with the printing layer 110 located on the front side and the display printing layer 310 located on the back side relative to the printing layer 110. For example, the display printing layer 310 is located on the opposite side from the printing layer 110, with the substrate 120 in between.

[0091] In the printed material 100, the light-shielding ink portion 311 is positioned so as to face the ink portion 111 of the printed layer 110 in the stacking direction T between the printed layer 110 and the display printed layer 310. In the printed material 100, the light-shielding ink portion 311 is positioned so as to not face the holes 112 that constitute the display portion 210 in the stacking direction T between the printed layer 110 and the display printed layer 310. In other words, in the printed material 100, the light-shielding ink portion 311 is positioned so as to not face the display portion 210 in the stacking direction T between the printed layer 110 and the display printed layer 310. Note that the light-shielding ink portion 311 may face the holes 112 that do not constitute the display portion 210. The space between adjacent light-shielding ink portions 311 may be configured to face one or more holes 112.

[0092] In the printed material 100, the translucent ink portion 312 is positioned in the lamination direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310, facing the display portion 210. In the printed material 100, the translucent ink portion 312 is positioned in the lamination direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310, facing the holes 112 that constitute the display portion 210. The translucent ink portion 312 may also have a portion facing the ink portion 111 in the lamination direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310. That is, one light-shielding ink portion 311 may be configured to face one or more holes 112.

[0093] The light-shielding ink portion 311 may be positioned along the outer edge 215 of the display portion 210 in the lamination direction T between the printed layer 110 and the display printed layer 310 (see Figure 14).

[0094] Figure 23 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of an enlarged cross-section of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5. The stacking order of the printing layer 110, the substrate 120, and the display printing layer 310 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 22. As shown in Figure 23, the display printing layer 310 may be placed between the printing layer 110 and the substrate 120. The printing layer 110 is printed on the substrate 120 via the display printing layer 310. The printed material 100 only needs to be formed so that the patterns, etc., formed on the printing layer 110 are visible to the user. Furthermore, the layers constituting the printed material 100 are not limited to the three layers of the printing layer 110, the substrate 120, and the display printing layer 310. For example, the printed material 100 may have a protective layer made of a transparent material above the printing layer 110 to protect the printing layer 110.

[0095] Figure 24 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display device 500 using a printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5. The display device 500 comprises a printed material 100 and a light-emitting device 400 that emits light and is positioned on the back side of the printed material 100. In the display device 500, the printed material 100 constitutes a display panel, and characters, figures, symbols, or images are displayed on the display unit 210 by light transmitted from the back side through a plurality of holes 112 by the light emitted by the light-emitting device 400.

[0096] The substrate 120 according to Embodiment 5 is a transparent material that transmits light, as shown in Figures 22 to 24, and has a printed layer 110 printed on its surface. The substrate 120 according to Embodiment 5 is, for example, a synthetic resin or glass, but is not limited to these materials. The substrate 120 may be a plate-shaped material or a thin film-like material. Furthermore, the substrate 120 may be not only a flat material but also a three-dimensional curved material. The white arrows shown in Figures 22 to 24 indicate the transmission of light. As shown in Figures 22 to 24, light passes through a plurality of holes 112 and is transmitted through the printed layer 110.

[0097] As shown in Figures 22 to 24, light directed from the back side of the printed material 100 towards the printed material 100 can pass through the substrate 120, through each of the multiple holes 112, and towards the front side of the printed material 100. The light passes through the substrate 120, through the multiple holes 112, through the printing layer 110, and through the printed material 100. In other words, the printed material 100 can transmit light through the portions of the multiple holes 112 in the printing layer 110.

[0098] [Effects of the Printed Material] The printed material 100 of Embodiment 5 has a display printing layer 310 having a plurality of translucent ink portions 312 composed of translucent ink that transmits light, and a light-blocking ink portion 311 composed of light-blocking ink that does not transmit light. The plurality of translucent ink portions 312 are composed of at least one color ink. In the stacking direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310, the light-blocking ink portions 311 are arranged to face the ink portions 111 of the printing layer 110. In the stacking direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310, the translucent ink portions 312 are arranged to be located in the portion facing the display portion 210.

[0099] With this configuration, the printed material 100 can clearly distinguish the difference in brightness between the display section 210 and the parts other than the display section 210, making the display of the display section 210 clearer. With this configuration, the boundary between the ink section 111 and the multiple perforations 112 becomes clearer. When the light-blocking ink section 311 of the printed material 100 is composed of light-blocking ink, the outlines and boundaries of characters, etc., can be clearly distinguished, and visibility is improved compared to when it is composed of ink with low light-blocking properties.

[0100] With this configuration, the printed material 100 clearly defines the boundary between the ink portion 111 and the multiple perforations 112, and the display on the display portion 210 can be colored by the color of the ink that passes through the translucent ink portion 312. Because the printed material 100 can color the display on the display portion 210 with this configuration, the color-coded display portion 210 can be used to distinguish between different pieces of information based on color coding.

[0101] In Embodiment 5, the light-shielding ink portion 311 of the printed material 100 is positioned along the outer edge 215 of the display portion 210 in the lamination direction T between the printing layer 110 and the display printing layer 310. With this configuration, the boundary between the ink portion 111 and the multiple holes 112 of the printed material 100 becomes clear. With this configuration, the outlines and boundaries of characters and the like can be clearly distinguished, improving the visibility of the display portion 210.

[0102] The display printing layer 310 is positioned on the opposite side of the substrate 120 from the printing layer 110. Alternatively, the display printing layer 310 may be positioned between the printing layer 110 and the substrate 120. Depending on the usage conditions or the configuration of the printing device, the arrangement of the display printing layer 310, the printing layer 110, and the substrate 120 can be selected.

[0103] Furthermore, the display device 500 includes a printed material 100 and a light-emitting device 400 positioned on the back side of the printed material 100. In the display device 500, the printed material 100 constitutes a display panel, and the light emitted by the light-emitting device 400 transmits light through multiple holes 112 from the back side, displaying characters, figures, symbols, or images on the display unit 210. The display device 500 can switch the display on or off of the display unit 210 by switching the light-emitting device 400 ON or OFF. With this configuration, the display device 500 can achieve the same effects as the display device 500 of Embodiment 1.

[0104] Since the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5 includes the configuration of the printed material 100 according to Embodiments 3 and 4, it can achieve the same effects as the printed material 100 according to Embodiments 3 and 4.

[0105] Embodiment 6. Figure 25 is an exploded conceptual diagram showing an example of a solar cell 600 according to Embodiment 6. Figure 26 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of the solar cell 600 according to Embodiment 6. Components having the same function and operation as the printed material 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The white arrows shown in Figure 26 indicate light transmitted through the holes 112. Hereinafter, the configuration of Embodiment 6 will be described using Figures 25 and 26, etc., focusing on the differences from Embodiments 1 to 5. Components not described in Embodiment 6 are the same as those in Embodiments 1 to 5.

[0106] The printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6 is a solar cell 600. The solar cell 600 is a device that converts solar energy into electrical energy using the photovoltaic effect of semiconductors. The solar cell 600 is, as an example, a perovskite solar cell. However, the solar cell 600 is not limited to a perovskite solar cell. For example, the solar cell 600 may be other types of solar cells such as silicon-based solar cells.

[0107] The solar cell 600 includes a printed layer 110 having an ink portion 111 made of printed ink and having a plurality of holes 112 through which light passes, and a substrate 120 on which the printed layer 110 is printed.

[0108] The printed layer 110 of the solar cell 600 is the printed layer 110 of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1. The printed layer 110 constitutes a part of the layers that make up the solar cell 600 and is used to decorate the solar cell 600. The ink portion 111 in the printed layer 110 of Embodiment 6 may be a transparent ink.

[0109] Each of the multiple holes 112 is composed of a fine pore that is difficult to see with the naked eye. Each of the multiple holes 112 has, for example, a diameter D of 2 microns or more and 10 microns or less. Alternatively, each of the multiple holes 112 has, for example, a diameter D of 5 microns or more and 100 microns or less. The printed layer 110 of Embodiment 6 is, for example, a layer with a light transmittance of 60% or more and 90% or less.

[0110] The base material 120 is formed from a flexible, thin-film material. The base material 120 is a material on which a printed layer 110 is printed on its surface. The base material 120 is provided to be laminated with the printed layer 110 and includes a power generation layer 120A that generates electricity from light transmitted through a plurality of pores 112 in the printed layer 110. The printed layer 110 is printed on the light-receiving surface side of the power generation layer 120A. For example, the printed layer 110 is printed directly on the light-receiving surface of the power generation layer 120A. For example, the printed layer 110 is printed directly on the perovskite surface that constitutes the power generation layer 120A. Direct printing includes coating by printing. The perovskite surface may also have a coating applied to the top. The printed layer 110 may also be indirectly printed on the light-receiving surface of the power generation layer 120A via, for example, a transparent film.

[0111] The power generation layer 120A is a layer that generates photoelectric conversion upon irradiation with light, producing electrons and holes from excitons generated by absorbing light. The solar cell 600 is, for example, a film-type solar cell, and the power generation layer 120A is, for example, a flexible layer. The printing layer 110 and the power generation layer 120A constitute, for example, a part of a perovskite-type solar cell.

[0112] The substrate 120 includes a film layer 120B on the side of the power generation layer 120A opposite to the printed layer 110. The film layer 120B is made of a thin film-like material such as a film and is flexible. The film layer 120B is, for example, a synthetic resin, but is not limited to this material. The layers constituting the substrate 120 of the solar cell 600 are not limited to the two layers of the power generation layer 120A and the film layer 120B. Although not shown in the figures, the substrate 120 of the solar cell 600 has various layers other than the power generation layer 120A, such as an electrode layer, which have functions to enable the solar cell 600 to perform its functions.

[0113] The white arrows in Figure 26 indicate the transmission of light. As shown in Figure 26, light passes through the printed layer 110 by passing through the multiple holes 112. As shown in Figure 26, light traveling from the surface side of the solar cell 600 toward the power generation layer 120A passes through each of the multiple holes 112 in the printed layer 110. In other words, the light received by the solar cell 600 passes through the multiple holes 112, penetrates the printed layer 110, and reaches the power generation layer 120A of the solar cell 600.

[0114] [Effects of Printed Material] The solar cell 600 is a printed material 100, and the substrate 120 of the printed material 100 is provided to be laminated with a printed layer 110, and includes a power generation layer 120A that generates electricity by light transmitted through a plurality of holes 112 in the printed layer 110. The printed layer 110 is printed on the light-receiving surface side of the power generation layer 120A. Even if the decorative layer for adding design or various functions is made of the ink portion 111 of the printed layer 110, the solar cell 600 can generate electricity with the power generation layer 120A of the substrate 120 because light can be transmitted to the printed layer 110 through the plurality of holes 112. Since the solar cell 600 includes a printed layer 110, it can generate electricity in a way that makes use of the design of the printed layer 110.

[0115] Furthermore, the printed layer 110 and the power generation layer 120A constitute a part of the perovskite solar cell. Perovskite solar cells can be mass-produced using printing technology. Therefore, since the printed layer 110 and the power generation layer 120A of the solar cell 600 can be manufactured using printing technology, manufacturing becomes easier and manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to when the solar cell is not made using printing technology. Perovskite solar cells are resistant to distortion and can be made lightweight, so the solar cell 600 can be installed in places where silicon solar cells could not be installed, while the design and other functions of the printed layer 110 are utilized.

[0116] Furthermore, the printed layer 110 is a layer with a light transmittance of 60% to 90%. Since the solar cell 600 has a printed layer 110 with this configuration, it can generate electricity with the power generation layer 120A of the substrate 120. Because the solar cell 600 includes a printed layer 110, it can generate electricity in a way that takes advantage of the design of the printed layer 110.

[0117] Furthermore, the base material 120 is formed of a flexible thin film material. The power generation layer 120A is a flexible layer, and the solar cell 600 is a film-type solar cell. Because the solar cell 600 has this configuration, it is resistant to distortion and can be made lightweight, so the solar cell 600 can be installed in places where silicon solar cells could not be installed, while exhibiting the design of the printed layer 110 or various functions such as waterproofing.

[0118] Embodiment 7. Figure 27 is an exploded conceptual diagram showing an example of a solar cell system 700 according to Embodiment 7. Figure 28 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an enlarged cross-section of the solar cell system 700 according to Embodiment 7. Components having the same function and operation as the printed material 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The white arrows shown in Figure 28 indicate light transmitted through the holes 112. Hereinafter, the configuration of Embodiment 7 will be described using Figures 27 and 28, etc., focusing on the differences from Embodiments 1 to 6. Components not described in Embodiment 7 are the same as those in Embodiments 1 to 6.

[0119] The solar cell system 700 includes a printed material 100 placed on the light-receiving surface side, and a solar cell 600 placed opposite the printed material 100, which generates electricity from light transmitted through a plurality of holes 112 in the printed material 100.

[0120] The printed material 100 is the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1. The printed material 100 is used to decorate the solar cell 600. The printed material 100 includes a printed layer 110 having an ink portion 111 composed of printed ink and having a plurality of holes 112 through which light passes, and a substrate 120 on which the printed layer 110 is printed.

[0121] The substrate 120 according to Embodiment 7 is a transparent member that transmits light, as shown in Figure 28, and is a transparent substrate with a printed layer 110 printed on its surface. The substrate 120 according to Embodiment 7 is, for example, a synthetic resin or glass, but is not limited to these materials. The substrate 120 may be a plate-shaped member or a thin film-like member. Furthermore, the substrate 120 may be not only a flat member but also a three-dimensional curved member. The white arrows shown in Figure 28 indicate the transmission of light. As shown in Figure 28, light passes through the multiple holes 112 and is transmitted through the printed layer 110.

[0122] The white arrows shown in Figure 28 indicate the transmission of light. As shown in Figure 28, light passes through the multiple holes 112 and is transmitted through the printed layer 110. Light from the surface side of the solar cell system 700 toward the solar cell 600 passes through each of the multiple holes 112 in the printed layer 110, and the light received by the solar cell 600 passes through the multiple holes 112, is transmitted through the printed layer 110 and the substrate 120, and reaches the solar cell 600.

[0123] The solar cell 600 is, for example, a perovskite solar cell, but is not limited to perovskite solar cells. Perovskite solar cells are resistant to distortion and can be made lightweight, so they can be installed in places where silicon solar cells could not be installed. Therefore, if the solar cell 600 is a perovskite solar cell, the solar cell system 700 can install the solar cell 600 in places where silicon solar cells could not be installed, while allowing the design and other functions of the printed material 100 to be utilized.

[0124] [Effects of Printed Material] The solar cell system 700 includes a printed material 100 placed on the light-receiving surface side, and a solar cell 600 placed opposite the printed material 100, which generates electricity from light transmitted through a plurality of holes 112 in the printed material 100. The substrate 120 is a transparent material that transmits light, and is made of a transparent substrate with a printed layer 110 printed on its surface. In the solar cell system 700, even if the decorative layer for adding design or various functions to the printed material 100 is made of the ink portion 111 of the printed layer 110, light can be transmitted to the printed layer 110 through the plurality of holes 112, so that electricity can be generated by the solar cell 600. By attaching the printed material 100 to the solar cell 600, the solar cell system 700 can generate electricity in a way that makes use of the design of the printed material 100.

[0125] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations relating to the embodiments described above. In particular, the combination of components is not limited to the combinations in the embodiments and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of various modifications, applications, and uses that a person skilled in the art may make as needed is also included in the gist (technical scope) of the present disclosure.

[0126] 100 Printed material, 100L Printed material, 110 Printed layer, 111 Ink section, 111L Ink section, 112 Perforated section, 120 Substrate, 120A Power generation layer, 120B Film layer, 210 Display section, 211 First display section, 212 Second display section, 213 Third display section, 215 Outer edge, 310 Display printing layer, 311 Light-shielding ink section, 312 Light-transmitting ink section, 312A Light-transmitting ink section, 312B Light-transmitting ink section, 400 Light-emitting device, 410 Light source substrate, 420 Light-emitting element, 500 Display device, 600 Solar cell, 700 Solar cell system, T Stacking direction.

Claims

1. A printed material comprising: a printed layer having an ink portion composed of printed ink and having a plurality of pores through which light passes; and a substrate on which the printed layer is printed on its surface, wherein each of the plurality of pores is composed of fine pores that are difficult to see with the naked eye.

2. The printed material according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of holes has a diameter of 2 microns or more and 10 microns or less.

3. The printed material according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of holes has a diameter of 5 microns or more and 100 microns or less.

4. The printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ink portion is composed of light-blocking ink that does not transmit light.

5. The printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the side of the printed layer that is viewed by the user is considered the front side and the back side of the front side is considered the back side, the printed layer has a display portion on the front side that constitutes a portion on which characters, figures, symbols or images are displayed, the display portion is composed of a collection of the plurality of holes, and characters, figures, symbols or images are displayed by light transmitted through the plurality of holes from the back side, and the substrate is a transparent material that transmits light and has the printed layer printed on its surface.

6. The printed material according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of holes are formed such that the number of holes in the portion constituting the display portion is greater than the number of holes in the portion that does not constitute the display portion.

7. The printed material according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the printed layer is formed by the ink portion, and the display portion is displayed such that light passing through the plurality of holes from the back side causes the light to pass through the pattern and make it appear to float on the pattern, and when light does not pass through the plurality of holes from the back side, the display portion is not displayed on the pattern and the appearance of the pattern is maintained.

8. The printed material according to claim 5, further comprising a display printing layer having a plurality of light-shielding ink portions composed of light-shielding ink that does not transmit light, wherein the printing layer and the display printing layer are arranged in a stacked state, the printing layer is arranged on the surface side, the display printing layer is arranged on the back side with respect to the printing layer, and in the stacking direction of the printing layer and the display printing layer, the plurality of light-shielding ink portions are provided so as to face the ink portions of the printing layer.

9. The printed material according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of light-shielding ink portions are arranged to be positioned along the outer edge of the display portion in the lamination direction of the printed layer and the display printed layer.

10. The printed material according to claim 5, further comprising a display printing layer having a plurality of translucent ink portions composed of translucent inks that transmit light, wherein the plurality of translucent ink portions are composed of at least one color ink, the printing layer and the display printing layer are arranged in a stacked state, the printing layer is arranged on the surface side, the display printing layer is arranged on the back side with respect to the printing layer, and in the stacking direction of the printing layer and the display printing layer, the plurality of translucent ink portions are provided to be located in a portion facing the display portion.

11. The printed material according to claim 5, further comprising a display printing layer having a plurality of translucent ink portions composed of translucent inks that transmit light, and a plurality of light-blocking ink portions composed of light-blocking inks that do not transmit light, wherein the plurality of translucent ink portions are composed of at least one color ink, the printing layer and the display printing layer are arranged in a stacked state, the printing layer is located on the surface side, the display printing layer is located on the back side with respect to the printing layer, in the stacking direction of the printing layer and the display printing layer, the plurality of light-blocking ink portions are provided so as to face the ink portions of the printing layer, and the plurality of translucent ink portions are provided so as to be located in the portion facing the display portion.

12. The printed material according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of light-shielding ink portions are arranged to be positioned along the outer edge of the display portion in the lamination direction of the printing layer and the display printing layer.

13. The printed material according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the display printing layer is arranged on the opposite side of the substrate from the printing layer.

14. The printed material according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the display printing layer is disposed between the printing layer and the substrate.

15. A display device comprising: a printed material according to any one of claims 6 to 14; a light-emitting device disposed on the back side of the printed material, wherein the printed material constitutes a display panel, and characters, figures, symbols, or images are displayed on the display portion by light transmitted from the back side through the plurality of holes due to the light emitted by the light-emitting device.

16. A printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the substrate includes a power generation layer provided to be laminated with the printed layer and generating electricity by light transmitted through the plurality of pores in the printed layer, and the printed layer is a solar cell printed on the light-receiving surface side of the power generation layer.

17. The solar cell according to claim 16, wherein the printed layer and the power generation layer constitute a part of a perovskite solar cell.

18. The solar cell according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the printed layer is a layer with a light transmittance of 60% or more and 90% or less.

19. The solar cell according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the substrate is formed of a flexible thin film member.

20. A solar cell system comprising: a printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printed material is disposed on the light-receiving surface side; and a solar cell disposed opposite to the printed material and generating electricity by light transmitted through the plurality of holes in the printed material, wherein the substrate is a transparent member that transmits light and is composed of a transparent substrate on which the printed layer is printed.

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