Interlayer filler, laminated structure, image display device, and instrument panel

Abstract

An interlayer filler 10 includes colored regions 11 disposed on sides 10A, 10C, and a transparent region 12 disposed at least in a region closer to the center than the colored regions 11. The colored regions 11 have a color gradation from side edges 10E, 10G toward the center region.

Description

Interlayer filler, laminated structure, image display device and instrument panel

[0001] The present invention relates to an interlayer filler, a laminated structure, an image display device, and an instrument panel.

[0002] In image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices and image display devices with touch panels, components such as cover glass, sensor glass, sensor film, and liquid crystal panel are generally bonded together using optically transparent resin (OCR), optically transparent adhesive (OCA), or the like. OCRs and OCAs are generally made transparent to ensure visibility of the image display element, but they may also contain a colorant. It is also known that a sheet of adhesive containing a colorant is used as an optical adhesive sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2013-67782 A

[0004] In recent years, the introduction of seamless designs has been considered as one of the trends for improving the design of electronic devices. For example, in the case of in-vehicle image display devices, it is conceivable to achieve a seamless color match between the liquid crystal display panel and the instrument panel, or to achieve a seamless connection between the image display unit and the surrounding frame (bezel).

[0005] However, although the optical adhesive sheet shown in Patent Document 1 contains a colorant, which allows the color tone of optical components such as displays to be adjusted, it is assumed that the colorant is contained uniformly throughout the sheet, making it difficult to achieve a seamless design for the image display device.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an interlayer adhesive that can achieve a seamless design with the color tone of various devices such as image display devices and peripheral components.

[0007] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by providing an interlayer filler with a colored region on at least one side, and by making the colored region have a color gradation from the side edge toward the center, and have thus completed the present invention. That is, the present invention provides the following [1] to

[16] . [1] An interlayer filler comprising a colored region arranged on at least one side, and at least a transparent region arranged in a region closer to the center than the colored region, wherein the colored region has a color gradation from the side edge toward the center. [2] The interlayer filler according to [1] above, comprising a colored layer constituting the colored region, the colored layer having a portion whose thickness decreases from the side edge toward the center. [3] The interlayer filler according to [1] or [2] above, comprising a colored layer constituting the colored region, the cross-sectional shape of the colored layer being any of a wedge, a trapezoid, and a triangle. [4] The interlayer filler according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the visible light transmittance in the colored region is 0% or more and less than 60%, and the visible light transmittance in the transparent region is 60% or more and 99% or less. [5] The interlayer filler according to any one of [1] to [4] above, which contains a thermoplastic resin. [6] The interlayer filler according to any one of [1] to [5] above, which contains at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetal resins, ionomer resins, and acrylic resins. [7] The interlayer filler according to any one of [1] to [6] above, which further comprises a black colored portion on at least one side. [8] The interlayer filler according to any one of [1] to [7] above, which has a thickness of 10 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. [9] The interlayer filler according to any one of [1] to [8] above, which is for use in an image display device.

[10] The interlayer filler according to any one of [1] to [9] above, which is for use in a touch panel.

[11] A laminated structure comprising first and second interlayer fillers, each of which is the interlayer filler according to any one of [1] to

[10] above, wherein the first and second interlayer fillers are laminated so that the colored regions are arranged on at least two or more sides of the laminated structure.

[12] The laminate structure according to

[11] above, wherein the colored regions of the first and second interlayer fillers are arranged on different sides of the laminate structure.

[13] An image display device comprising: the interlayer filler according to any one of [1] to

[10] above, or the laminate structure according to

[11] or

[12] above, and an image display element.

[14] The image display device according to

[13] above, wherein the color of the transparent region is superimposed on the screen color when the image display element is not operating, and substantially matches the color of a peripheral member of the image display device or the color of the colored region on at least one side.

[15] An instrument panel comprising the image display device according to

[13] or

[14] above, and a panel member, the image display device being attached to the panel member.

[16] The instrument panel according to

[15] above, wherein the color of the panel member substantially matches the color of the colored region on at least one side.

[0008] According to the present invention, various devices such as image display devices can be designed seamlessly.

[0009] 1 is a schematic plan view showing an embodiment of an interlayer filler; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an interlayer filler; FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an interlayer filler; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an interlayer filler; FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an interlayer filler; FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an interlayer filler; FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an interlayer filler; FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an interlayer filler; FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an interlayer filler; FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an interlayer filler; FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an interlayer structure; FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing an embodiment of a laminate structure; FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a laminate structure; FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which a black colored portion is provided; FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which a black colored portion is provided; FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to the second embodiment; FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to the third embodiment; FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to the fifth embodiment; FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to a seventh embodiment.

[0010] <Interlayer Filler> Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments. Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of the interlayer filler of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the interlayer filler 10 includes a colored region 11 disposed on at least some of the side portions 10A and 10C of the interlayer filler 10, and a transparent region 12 disposed at least in a region closer to the center than the colored region 11.

[0011] The side portions of the interlayer filler are regions along the sides of the interlayer filler, and if the side portion is polygonal, it has multiple sides to match the shape of the polygon, for example, the quadrangle shown in Fig. 1 has four sides 10A to 10D. In addition, in this specification, the side end portion means the side itself, and in the quadrangle shown in Fig. 1, the outer edges of each of the side portions 10A to 10D are side end portions 10E to 10H.

[0012] The colored regions 11 are colored regions, and in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, are provided on the side portions 10A and 10C. The colored regions 11 on each of the side portions 10A and 10C have a gradation region 11B having a color gradation from the edge portions 10E and 10G of each side portion 10A and 10C toward the center region. Because the colored regions 11 have a gradation, the interlayer filler 10 can be applied to various devices such as image display devices, thereby enabling the devices to have a seamless design.

[0013] (Colored Region) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the color of the colored region 11 changes from each of the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the boundary with the transparent region 12. It is preferable that at least a portion of the colored region 11 be a gradation region 11B having a gradation. However, as shown in FIG. 2 , the entire colored region 11 may be a gradation region 11B having a gradation. The gradation is not particularly limited as long as the color changes. It is sufficient that either the color density or the hue changes, but it is preferable that the color density changes. The color density can be changed by changing the content of the colorant in the colored region 11. Furthermore, changing the color density can also create a seamless design with a high level of design. Furthermore, from the perspective of further enhancing the design, it is more preferable that the color of the gradation lightens from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the center.

[0014] (Colorant) The interlayer filler may contain a colorant in the colored region. The colorant used is not particularly limited, and various colorants such as blue colorants, yellow colorants, red colorants, green colorants, purple colorants, black colorants, and white colorants can be used. Specific examples of colorants include inorganic particles, pigments, and dyes. Examples of inorganic particles used in the colorant include carbon black particles, iron oxide particles, zinc oxide particles, calcium carbonate particles, alumina particles, kaolin clay particles, calcium silicate particles, magnesium oxide particles, magnesium hydroxide particles, aluminum hydroxide particles, magnesium carbonate particles, talc particles, feldspar powder particles, mica particles, baryte particles, barium carbonate particles, titanium oxide particles, silica particles, and glass beads. The average particle diameter of the inorganic particles is preferably 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or more and 50 μm or less. The above average particle diameter refers to the weight-average particle diameter. The average particle size can be measured by dynamic light scattering using a light scattering measuring device, such as the DLS-6000AL manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd., using an Ar laser as a light source.

[0015] Examples of dyes include pyrene-based dyes, aminoketone-based dyes, anthraquinone-based dyes, and azo-based dyes. Examples of pyrene-based dyes include Solvent Green 5 (CAS 79869-59-3) and Solvent Green 7 (CAS 6358-69-6). Examples of aminoketone-based dyes include Solvent Yellow 98 (CAS 12671-74-8), Solvent Yellow 85 (CAS 12271-01-1), Solvent Red 179 (CAS 8910-94-5), and Solvent Red 135 (CAS 71902-17-5). Examples of anthraquinone dyes include Solvent Yellow 163 (CAS 13676091-0), Solvent Red 207 (CAS 15958-69-6), Disperse Red 92 (CAS 12236-11-2), Solvent Violet 13 (CAS 81-48-1), Disperse Violet 31 (CAS 6408-72-6), Solvent Blue 97 (CAS 61969-44-6), Solvent Blue 45 (CAS 37229-23-5), Solvent Blue 104 (CAS 116-75-6), and Disperse Red 92 (CAS 12236-11-2). Examples of azo dyes include Solvent Yellow 30 (CAS 3321-10-4), Solvent Red 164 (CAS 70956-30-8), and Disperse Blue 146 (CAS 88650-91-3).

[0016] The pigment used in the colorant may be an organic pigment or an inorganic pigment. The organic pigment may be an organic pigment having a metal atom or an organic pigment not having a metal atom. Examples of the organic pigment include phthalocyanine compounds (e.g., Phthalocyanine Blue Pigment Blue 15-1, Phthalocyanine Green Pigment Green 7), quinacridone compounds, azo compounds, pentaphene compounds, perylene compounds (e.g., Perylene Red Pigment Red 149), indole compounds, and dioxazine compounds. Examples of the inorganic pigment include carbon black, iron oxide, zinc oxide, and titanium oxide. The colorant may be used alone or in combination of two or more of the above.

[0017] Among the above colorants, graphene, graphite, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes are preferred as black colorants, and carbon black (Pigment Black 7 (CAS 1333-86-4)) is particularly preferred. When a black colorant such as carbon black is used, the black colorant such as carbon black may be used alone or in combination with other colorants. By incorporating a black colorant such as carbon black, the colored region can be made black or a color close to black. On the other hand, components (peripheral components) arranged around the interlayer filler, such as the bezel of an image display device or the instrument panel, are often black or a black-based color. Therefore, by using a black colorant such as carbon black as a colorant, it becomes easier to match the hue of the interlayer filler with that of the peripheral components, resulting in a more suitable seamless design.

[0018] The colorant content in the colored region is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.001% by mass or more and 10.3% by mass or less, more preferably 0.005% by mass or more and 4.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.011% by mass or more and 2% by mass or less. The interlayer filler may have a colorant content within these ranges in the portion of the gradation region with the lowest visible light transmittance. By setting the colorant content at or above the lower limit, the colored region can be appropriately colored, making it easier to achieve a suitable seamless design. Furthermore, by setting the colorant content at or below the upper limit, a color density commensurate with the content can be achieved, and varying the content for each region makes it easier to create shades of color. Furthermore, setting the colorant content at or below the upper limit facilitates increasing the plastic light transmittance in the gradation region, particularly in the colored region near the transparent region, which, when used in, for example, an image display device, facilitates improving the visibility of the image display section. The colorant content in the colored region and the transparent region described below means the content of the colorant in the entire single-layer structure or multi-layer structure (i.e., in the case where a resin layer not containing a colorant is included, the content of the colorant in the entire thickness including the resin layer), regardless of whether the interlayer filler has a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0019] The colorant content in the colored region may decrease from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the center in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. As will be described later, the colorant content in the colored region may decrease toward the center by decreasing the thickness of the colored layer from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the center, but may also be decreased toward the center by other means.

[0020] The transparency of the colored region of the interlayer filler is reduced by coloring, and the colored region preferably has a visible light transmittance lower than that of the transparent region. The visible light transmittance of the colored region of the interlayer filler is preferably less than 60%, more preferably 50% or less, and even more preferably 30% or less. A low visible light transmittance of the colored region allows it to be appropriately colored, making it easier to match the hue of surrounding components and achieving a suitable seamless design. The visible light transmittance of the colored region may be 0% or more, but is preferably 5% or more, and more preferably 10% or more. By maintaining a visible light transmittance above a certain value, the interlayer filler can be made transparent up to the edge or near the edge. Therefore, when applied to an image display device, for example, it becomes easier to properly display images at or near the edge of the image display unit. The visible light transmittance of the colored region 11 can be determined by measuring the portion of the gradation region 11B with the lowest visible light transmittance. The colored regions 11 provided on each side (sides 10A and 10C in this embodiment) may have the same or different visible light transmittance, but preferably have the same visible light transmittance. The visible light transmittance of the colored region 11 (gradation region 11B) typically varies so as to increase from the side edges 10E and 10G toward the center.

[0021] The length L1 of the colored region 11 on each side is not particularly limited, but may be less than 50% of the length L of the interlayer filler 10, and can be set appropriately depending on the required design. Setting the length L1 to less than 50% allows the transparent region 12 to have an appropriate size, making it easier to ensure the transparency and visibility of the device or component to which the interlayer filler 10 is applied. The length L1 is preferably 2 mm or more and 100 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or more, even more preferably 20 mm or more, and more preferably 50 mm or less. Setting the length to 2 mm or more allows the gradation region to have an appropriate size, making it easier to improve the design. Furthermore, the region can be made to easily cover the bezel portion of a typical image display element. The ratio of the length L1 of the colored region 11 on each side to the length L of the interlayer filler 10 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 5% or more and 50% or less, more preferably 10% or more and 40% or less, even more preferably 15% or more and 30% or less, and even more preferably 20% or less. The length L of the interlayer filler 10 is the length of the interlayer filler 10 in a direction perpendicular to the edge portion that constitutes the side portion on which the colored region 11 is provided, and in the case of an interlayer filler 10 having a rectangular planar shape, it corresponds to the length of one side of the interlayer filler 10, and in the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , for example, it corresponds to the length of the short side. The length L1 of the colored region 11 is the length of the colored region 11 in a direction perpendicular to the edge portion that constitutes the side portion on which the colored region 11 is provided. The length L1 of the colored region 11 on each side may be different or the same for each side.

[0022] (Transparent Region) The transparent region 12 is provided in a central region 10I, which is a region closer to the center of the side portions 10A to 10D of the interlayer filler 10. The central region 10I is a region located farther from the edge portions 10E to 10H than the side portions 10A to 10D, and is a region surrounded by the side portions 10A to 10D. When there are side portions 10B and 10D without colored regions 11, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the transparent region 12 extends to the side portions 10B and 10D.

[0023] The transparent region 12 in the interlayer filler 10 is preferably a region that does not contain a colorant. However, the transparent region 12 may contain a colorant as long as the visible light transmittance in the transparent region 12 is within the range described below. The colorant used in the transparent region 12 may be appropriately selected from the colorants described above. The content of the colorant in the transparent region 12 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, less than 0.1% by mass, preferably less than 0.001% by mass, more preferably less than 0.0001% by mass, and most preferably 0% by mass.

[0024] The visible light transmittance of the transparent region of the interlayer filler is preferably 60% or more, more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 80% or more. By setting the visible light transmittance of the transparent region to a certain value or more, when the filler is applied to various devices and parts such as image display devices, the transparency and visibility of the devices and parts can be ensured. Furthermore, the visible light transmittance of the transparent region of the interlayer filler may be less than 100%, but is more preferably 99% or less, and even more preferably 98% or more.

[0025] The visible light transmittance of the transparent and colored regions of the interlayer filler can be measured using a laminated glass sample obtained by bonding two clear glass plates together via the interlayer filler. In this case, a 2.0 mm thick float glass plate (Central Glass Co., Ltd., float glass plate FL2) can be used as the clear glass plate. Because such clear glass has a high visible light transmittance, the visible light transmittance of the interlayer filler can be essentially confirmed by checking the visible light transmittance of the laminated glass sample. The preparation conditions for preparing the laminated glass sample are as follows. Furthermore, the visible light transmittance can be measured using a spectrophotometer in accordance with JIS R 3212 (2015). (Preparation Conditions) The interlayer filler is sandwiched between two clear glass plates and heated and pressed for 5 minutes using a vacuum laminator at a temperature of 90°C, a vacuum pressure of 0.1 kPa, and a press pressure of 100 kPa to obtain a pre-pressed laminated intermediate. Next, the laminated intermediate body is further heated and pressed in an autoclave under conditions of a temperature of 140° C., a pressure of 1.3 MPa, and a holding time of 30 minutes to obtain a laminated glass sample.

[0026] The interlayer filler of the present invention is preferably in the form of a film. The thickness of the interlayer filler is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 50 μm or more, even more preferably 100 μm or more, and is preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 800 μm or less, and even more preferably 500 μm or less. When the thickness of the interlayer filler is equal to or greater than the above-mentioned lower limit, it becomes easier to create a color gradation. In addition, it becomes easier to ensure impact resistance, impact absorption, adhesiveness, etc. On the other hand, when the thickness is equal to or less than the above-mentioned upper limit, it becomes easier to achieve excellent transparency in the transparent region. In addition, it becomes easier to thin various devices, such as image display devices, to which the interlayer filler is applied.

[0027] The interlayer filler 10 of the present invention may contain a resin, and preferably contains a thermoplastic resin as the resin. By containing a thermoplastic resin, the interlayer filler 10 can easily bond two members together.

[0028] (Thermoplastic Resin) The specific type of thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include acrylic resins, polyvinyl acetal resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins (PVA), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers (POE), polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers (TPU), polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, and other polyolefin resins, cyclic olefin copolymers (COC) and other cyclic olefin copolymers (COP), ionomer resins, saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVOH), ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer resins, isobutylene resins, styrene-isoprene copolymer resins, and styrene-butadiene copolymer resins. These thermoplastic resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among the above resins, polyvinyl acetal resins, ionomer resins, and acrylic resins are preferred, and polyvinyl acetal resins are particularly preferred from the viewpoints of impact absorption, adhesiveness, and the like.

[0029] Examples of polyvinyl acetal resins include polyvinyl acetal resins obtained by acetalizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with an aldehyde. The aldehyde is not particularly limited, but generally, an aldehyde having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is preferably used. The aldehyde having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include n-butylaldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, n-valeraldehyde, 2-ethylbutyraldehyde, n-hexylaldehyde, n-octylaldehyde, n-nonylaldehyde, n-decylaldehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzaldehyde. These aldehydes may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among the above, n-butylaldehyde, n-hexylaldehyde, and n-valeraldehyde are preferred, with n-butylaldehyde being more preferred. Therefore, the polyvinyl acetal resin is preferably a polyvinyl butyral resin.

[0030] Polyvinyl acetal resins typically have acetal groups, hydroxyl groups, and acetyl groups in their side chains. The polyvinyl acetal resin may be an unmodified polyvinyl acetal resin, or a modified polyvinyl acetal resin having a modifying group other than an acetal group, a hydroxyl group, or an acetyl group in its side chain. Examples of the modifying group include a carboxamido group (-CONHR), an acyl group other than an acetyl group (-COR), and a polyoxyalkylene group. R in each of the carboxamido group and the acyl group is a hydrocarbon group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group having 3 to 24 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkyl group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of the polyoxyalkylene group include a polyoxyethylene group, a polyoxypropylene group, a polyoxybutylene group, and a group consisting of a copolymer of two or more types selected from oxyethylene, oxypropylene, and oxybutylene.

[0031] Furthermore, when a thermoplastic resin is used, the interlayer filler may contain a plasticizer, and the interlayer filler may be formed from a resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin and a plasticizer. Furthermore, when a polyvinyl acetal resin is used, a plasticizer is preferably used as the interlayer filler, and the interlayer filler is also preferably formed from a resin composition containing a polyvinyl acetal resin and a plasticizer. The inclusion of a plasticizer makes the interlayer filler flexible, thereby improving flexibility and making it easier to improve impact resistance and impact absorption. It also makes it easier to improve adhesion to other components. Examples of plasticizers include polyhydric alcohol compounds such as glycol, ester compounds of glycol with monobasic organic acids or polybasic organic acids, and ether compounds of monohydric or polyhydric alcohols and polyoxyalkylenes. The content of the plasticizer in the resin composition is, for example, 10 to 100 parts by mass, preferably 20 to 70 parts by mass, and more preferably 25 to 60 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin. By including a plasticizer in the interlayer filler, the flexibility, adhesiveness, etc. of the interlayer filler are likely to be improved. The interlayer filler may preferably contain a thermoplastic resin, or a thermoplastic resin and a plasticizer as the main components, and the total content of the thermoplastic resin and the plasticizer in the interlayer filler is usually 70% by mass or more, preferably 80% by mass or more, and more preferably 90% by mass or more but less than 100% by mass, based on the total amount of the interlayer filler.

[0032] The interlayer filler may have a single-layer structure consisting of a single resin layer, or a multilayer structure consisting of multiple resin layers (e.g., the first resin layer 16 and the second resin layer 17 described below), but a multilayer structure is preferred. In the case of a multilayer structure, each resin layer preferably contains a thermoplastic resin, and an embodiment consisting of a resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin and a plasticizer is also preferred. When each resin layer contains a plasticizer, the content of the plasticizer in each resin layer is as described above. Furthermore, each resin layer may be mainly composed of a thermoplastic resin, or a thermoplastic resin and a plasticizer, and the total content of the thermoplastic resin and the plasticizer in each resin layer is usually 70% by mass or more, preferably 80% by mass or more, and more preferably 90% by mass or more, based on each resin layer. Furthermore, the total content of the thermoplastic resin and the plasticizer in each resin layer may be 100% by mass or less, but if each resin layer contains a colorant or other additives, it may be less than 100% by mass.

[0033] The interlayer filler may contain, in addition to resins, colorants, plasticizers, etc., other additives other than colorants and plasticizers. Examples of other additives include adhesion modifiers, moisture resistance improvers, light stabilizers, antioxidants, infrared absorbers, fluorescent brighteners, crystal nucleating agents, antistatic agents, antiblocking agents, and refractive index modifiers. The other additives may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the interlayer filler has a multilayer structure, each resin layer may contain one or more of the above additives as necessary.

[0034] Furthermore, the interlayer filler 10 preferably has multiple resin layers in the colored region 11, and at least one resin layer in the multilayer structure preferably contains a colorant and is a colored layer (e.g., the second resin layer 17 described below). By decreasing the thickness of the colored layer from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the central region, the colored region 11 can have a color gradation. The colorant content in the colored layer is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.003% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less, more preferably 0.015% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.03% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less. The "content" here refers to the colorant content in each colored layer. From the perspective of ease of manufacturing, it is preferable that the colorant content (i.e., the colorant concentration) in each colored layer be constant.

[0035] On the other hand, the interlayer filler 10 may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure in the transparent region 12. Each resin layer constituting the transparent region 12 (also referred to as a "transparent layer," for example, the first resin layer 16 described below) may not contain a colorant, or if it does, may contain a colorant in an amount such that the visible light transmittance in the transparent region 12 falls within the above-mentioned range. A transparent layer may be provided not only in the transparent region 12 but also in the colored region 11. The interlayer filler 10 may have a multilayer structure consisting of a transparent layer and a colored layer in the colored region 11. The colorant content in the transparent layer (the first resin layer 16 described below) is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, less than 0.1% by mass, preferably less than 0.001% by mass, more preferably less than 0.0001% by mass, and most preferably 0% by mass. The "content" referred to here refers to the colorant content in each transparent layer.

[0036] (Layer Structure) A specific layer structure of the interlayer filler 10 of this embodiment is shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the interlayer filler 10 has a first resin layer 16 and a second resin layer 17 in the colored region 11. Also, the interlayer filler 10 has a first resin layer 16 in the transparent region 12. Here, the second resin layer 17 is a colored layer containing a colorant. Also, the first resin layer 16 is a transparent layer as described above.

[0037] In the colored region 11, the second resin layer 17 is preferably disposed between the first resin layers 16 disposed on both surfaces in the thickness direction, and is structured so as to be embedded between the first resin layers 16, 16. The thickness of the second resin layer 17 decreases continuously from the edge portions 10E, 10G toward the central region (central region 10I) along a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the second resin layer 17 is triangular. In the region beyond the tip of the tapered shape, the first resin layers 16, 16 are directly laminated and integrated, essentially forming a single first resin layer 16, and the transparent region 12 is formed by the transparent first resin layer 16.

[0038] The cross-sectional shape of the second resin layer 17 in the colored region 11 is not limited to a triangle, as long as it is a wedge shape in which the thickness decreases from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the center along a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. It may also be a trapezoid as shown in FIG. 3 . Shapes other than a trapezoid or a triangle may also be used, such as a combination of a trapezoid and a triangle. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in the colored region 11, the thickness of the first resin layers 16, 16 may change in accordance with the change in the thickness of the second resin layer 17. In the region in which the thickness of the second resin layer 17 decreases from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the center, the thickness of the first resin layers 16, 16 may increase from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the center.

[0039] 1 to 3, the entire colored region 11 is made up of the gradation region 11B, but the colored region 11 may also include regions other than the gradation region. Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, for example, the colored region 11 may include a dark color region 11A and a gradation region 11B.

[0040] In an embodiment having a dark color region 11A, the dark color region 11A, gradation region 11B, and transparent region 12 are arranged in this order in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the central region 10I. In this embodiment, the gradation region 11B also has a color gradation from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the central region. Meanwhile, the dark color region 11A is a region where the color does not change, and the colorant content in the dark color region 11A is preferably constant along the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the dark color region 11A is a region where the thickness of the second resin layer 17 (colored layer) is constant. Therefore, the second resin layer 17 has a portion with a constant thickness from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the central region and a portion with a thickness that decreases from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the central region. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape can be said to be a wedge shape having a constant thickness on the side edges 10E and 10G, and in the example of Figure 5, it is a combination of a rectangle and a triangle. However, the cross-sectional shape is not limited to a combination of a rectangle and a triangle, and may be, for example, a combination of a rectangle and a trapezoid. Even in the embodiment having the dark color region 11A, the colored region 11 of the interlayer filler 20 has a gradation, so that when applied to various devices such as image display devices, various devices can have a seamless design.

[0041] In the above description, the colored region 11 includes two first resin layers 16 and one second resin layer, while the transparent region 12 includes substantially one first resin layer 16. However, the layer configuration is not limited to the above. For example, the first resin layers 16, 16 may have different compositions, and the transparent region 12 may also include a two-layer configuration. Furthermore, a resin layer other than the above may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, another resin layer may be laminated on either outer surface of the first resin layer 16. The other resin layer may be a transparent layer (first resin layer 16A). Furthermore, a resin layer such as a transparent layer may be laminated on both outer surfaces of the first resin layer 16. The second resin layer 17 may also have a structure in which two or more layers are laminated.

[0042] As described above, in an interlayer filler having a second resin layer (colored layer) and a first resin layer (transparent layer), the thickness of the first resin layer varies depending on the position. The minimum thickness of the first resin layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 μm or more, more preferably 10 μm or more, even more preferably 20 μm or more, and is preferably 900 μm or less, more preferably 700 μm or less, and even more preferably 400 μm or less. The maximum thickness of the first resin layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 50 μm or more, even more preferably 100 μm or more, and is preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 800 μm or less, and even more preferably 500 μm or less. The thickness of the first resin layer described above refers to the total thickness of the first resin layer in the interlayer filler at each position, and the same applies to the second resin layer described below. The minimum thickness of the first resin layer is usually the total thickness of the first resin layer in the dark color region 11A or the position where the visible light transmittance is lowest in the gradation region 11B. The maximum thickness of the first resin layer is usually the total thickness of the first resin layer in the transparent region 12.

[0043] In an interlayer filler having a second resin layer (colored layer) and a first resin layer (transparent layer), the thickness of the second resin layer varies depending on the position. The maximum thickness of the second resin layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 μm or more, more preferably 10 μm or more, and even more preferably 20 μm or more, and is preferably 900 μm or less, more preferably 700 μm or less, and even more preferably 400 μm or less. The maximum thickness of the second resin layer is usually the thickness of the second resin layer at the position where the visible light transmittance is lowest in the gradation region 11B or in the dark color region 11A.

[0044] In the above description, the interlayer filler has a color gradation in the colored region by providing a colored layer (second resin layer) and a transparent layer (first resin layer) and varying the thickness of the second resin layer. However, the color gradation may be achieved by a configuration other than varying the thickness of the second resin layer. For example, a color gradation may be achieved by varying the colorant content depending on the position in a single resin layer. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the colorant content (i.e., the colorant concentration) in the resin layer 18 may decrease from the edge portions 10E and 10G toward the center. In this case, the colored region 11 of the interlayer filler does not need to consist solely of the gradation region 11B. It may also include a region other than the gradation region 11B, such as the dark color region 11A shown in FIG. 4 . If the colored region 11 includes the dark color region 11A, the colorant content of the resin layer 18 in the dark color region 11A may be constant. Furthermore, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, when the content of the colorant in the resin layer 18 is changed, the interlayer filler 10 may consist of only the resin layer 18, or another resin layer such as a transparent layer may be laminated on one or both surfaces of the resin layer 18.

[0045] Although the above-described interlayer filler 10 illustrates an embodiment in which the colored regions 11 are provided on two of the side portions 10A-10D, the colored regions 11 are not particularly limited as long as they are provided on one or more side portions. For example, the colored regions 11 may be provided on only one of the side portions 10A-10D (see FIG. 8 ), or on three or four of the side portions (not shown). However, from the perspective of ease of manufacturing, it is preferable that the interlayer filler be provided on only one side portion 10A as shown in FIG. 8 , or on two opposing side portions 10A, 10C as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 . Furthermore, from the perspective of design, it is more preferable that the interlayer filler be provided on two opposing side portions 10A, 10C. Note that an interlayer filler 10 having colored regions 11 on only one side portion or on two opposing side portions can be easily manufactured by extrusion molding or the like.

[0046] In the interlayer filler 10, the two opposing side portions 10A and 10C on which the colored regions 11 are provided preferably constitute long sides, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 . That is, the two opposing side portions 10A and 10C on which the colored regions 11 are provided are preferably longer than the side portions 10B and 10D. Providing the colored regions 11 along the long sides increases the length of the periphery that can be seamless, thereby making it easier to enhance the design. In particular, when the interlayer filler 10 is used without being laminated with another interlayer filler, such as in a laminated structure described below, it is preferable that the colored regions 11 be located on the side portions that constitute the long sides. Of course, the two sides on which the colored regions 11 are provided may constitute short sides, or a combination of a long side and a short side may be used. Similarly, when the side on which the colored region 11 is provided is a single side portion 10A of the interlayer filler 10, the side portion 10A preferably constitutes the long side, but may also constitute the short side.

[0047] In the above description, it is assumed that the planar shape of the interlayer filler is a rectangle in which two opposing sides are longer than the other two opposing sides, but the planar shape of the interlayer filler is not limited to a rectangle and may be a square, a quadrangle other than a square or a rectangle, a polygonal shape other than a quadrangle, or any other shape. In a quadrangle or other polygon, the corners where the two sides connect may be curved.

[0048] The method for producing the interlayer filler is not particularly limited, and molding may be performed by extrusion molding, press molding, or the like, with extrusion molding being preferred. In extrusion molding, each resin layer may be formed by extruding a resin that constitutes each resin layer of the interlayer filler, or a resin composition that contains additives such as a plasticizer and a colorant in addition to the resin. Furthermore, when the interlayer filler has a multilayer structure, the interlayer filler can be obtained by laminating each resin layer. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the colorant content varies depending on the position in a single resin layer, a method of mixing the colorant into the resin and molding the resin layer so that the colorant is unevenly distributed, or a method of allowing the colorant to penetrate, can be used.

[0049] When the interlayer filler is multilayered, coextrusion is preferred. Coextrusion can be achieved by using a coextruder equipped with multiple extruders and a multilayer feed block. In the coextruder, the resins or resin compositions for forming each resin layer are preferably fed from each extruder to a multilayer feed block, where they are joined and coextruded. For example, when first and second resin layers are present as described above, a preferred method is to feed the components for forming the first resin layer to a first extruder and the components for forming the second resin layer to a second extruder, and then attach multilayer feed blocks to the tips of the first and second extruders to perform coextrusion. Each resin layer (e.g., the first and second resin layers) generally has a thickness that varies in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, or there is a region where one of the resin layers (e.g., the second resin layer) is not provided. In such cases, the thickness can be varied by adjusting the amount of resin supplied, or to provide a region where no resin layer is provided.

[0050] <Laminate Structure> Two or more interlayer fillers of the present invention may be laminated to form a laminate structure. A case in which an interlayer filler forms a laminate structure will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 . The laminate structure of the present invention includes at least first and second interlayer fillers, each of which is the above-described interlayer filler of the present invention. The first and second interlayer fillers are preferably laminated so that colored regions are located on at least two or more of the multiple side portions of the laminate structure. The side portions of the laminate structure refer to regions along the sides that form the outer periphery of the laminate structure. If the side portions are polygonal, they have multiple sides that match the polygonal shape. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , if the planar shape of the laminate structure 20 is quadrangular, they have four sides 20A-20D. The four side portions 20A-20D are each formed by the side portions 10A-10D of each interlayer filler.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of a laminated structure 20 shown in FIG. 9 , the first interlayer filler 21 has colored regions 11 on opposing sides 10A and 10C, and the second interlayer filler 22 has colored regions 11 on opposing sides 10B and 10D. In this embodiment, with this configuration, the colored regions 11 of the first interlayer filler 21 and the colored regions 11 of the second interlayer filler 22 are disposed on different sides of the laminated structure 20. However, it is easy to manufacture the laminated structure 20 by disposing colored regions on two opposing sides (10A and 10C, or 10B and 10D). Therefore, with this easy-to-manufacture configuration, many sides of the laminated structure 20 can be provided with colored regions. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , it is possible to dispose colored regions 11 on all sides 20A to 20D of the laminated structure 20. In this embodiment, all of the side portions 20A to 20D are colored regions 11, so that various devices such as image display devices can have a seamless design all around, thereby further improving the design.

[0052] In the above-described preferred embodiment, at corners 21A to 21D, which are the connection portions of side portions 20A to 20D of laminated structure 20, colored region 11 of first interlayer filler 21 and colored region 11 of second interlayer filler 22 overlap. Therefore, corners 21A to 21D have a lower visible light transmittance than other portions, but even if the visible light transmittance of the corners is low, the essential features of the seamless design are not lost, and high designability can be ensured.

[0053] In the laminated structure 20, the first interlayer filler 21 and the second interlayer filler 22 may be laminated directly to each other, or the first interlayer filler 21 and the second interlayer filler 22 may be laminated with a layer other than these between them. At least one member selected from other members than the interlayer fillers, such as an adhesive layer or a base material, which will be described later, may be disposed between the first and second interlayer fillers 21 and 22.

[0054] Furthermore, the laminate structure 20 is not limited to an embodiment in which both the first and second interlayer fillers 21, 22 have the colored region 11 on both of their opposing sides (10A and 10C, or 10B and 10D), but may be any first and second interlayer fillers 21, 22 having the colored region 11 on at least one of their sides. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, a first interlayer filler 21 having the colored region 11 arranged on one side 10A of the four sides 10A to 10D and a second interlayer filler 22 having the colored region 12 arranged on one side 10B may be laminated.

[0055] 9 and 10, the colored regions 11 of the first interlayer filler 21 are preferably arranged on the long side (10A and 10C, or 10A), and the colored regions 11 of the second interlayer filler 22 are preferably arranged on the short side (10B and 10D, or 10B). The stacking order of the first and second interlayer fillers 21 and 22 is not particularly limited, but when applied to various devices such as image display devices and components such as cover members, the second interlayer filler 22 is preferably arranged closer to the surface (i.e., the visible side) than the first interlayer filler 21, but this is not particularly limited.

[0056] 9 and 10 , the first interlayer fillers 21 and 22 may have any configuration as long as the side where the colored region 11 of the second interlayer filler 22 is disposed is different from the side where the colored region 11 of the first interlayer filler 21 is disposed. For example, the colored region 11 of the first interlayer filler 21 may be disposed on the side 10A or 10C (i.e., the side 20A or 20C), and the colored region 11 of the second interlayer filler 22 may be disposed on the side 10B (i.e., the side 20B). Alternatively, the colored region 11 of the first interlayer filler 21 may be disposed on the side 10A (i.e., the side 20A), and the colored region 11 of the second interlayer filler 22 may be disposed on the side 10B or 10D (i.e., the side 20B or 20D).

[0057] 9 and 10 , the side portions (side portions 10B and 10D, or side portion 10B) on which the colored regions 11 of the second interlayer filler 22 are arranged are all different from the side portions (side portions 10A and 10C, or side portion 10A) on which the colored regions 11 of the first interlayer filler 21 are arranged. However, the side portions on which the colored regions 11 of the second interlayer filler 22 are arranged may partially coincide with the side portions on which the colored regions 11 of the first interlayer filler 21 are arranged, as long as they are at least partially different. Therefore, in the laminate structure 20, the side portions on which the colored regions 11 are arranged may overlap. For example, the colored regions 11 of the first interlayer filler 21 may be provided on the side portions 10A and 10B, and the colored regions 11 of the second interlayer filler 22 may be provided on the side portions 10B and 10C.

[0058] Furthermore, three or more interlayer fillers may be stacked in the laminated structure 20. For example, when three interlayer fillers (i.e., first to third interlayer fillers) are provided, the side where the colored region of the second interlayer filler is provided may be different from the side where the colored region of the first interlayer filler is provided, and the side where the colored region of the third interlayer filler is provided may be different from the side where the colored regions of the first and second interlayer fillers are provided. For example, the colored region 11 of the first interlayer filler may be provided on side 10A, the colored region 11 of the second interlayer filler may be provided on side 10B, and the colored region 11 of the third interlayer filler may be provided on side 10C. However, the side where the colored regions 11 of the third interlayer filler are arranged may be the same as the side where the colored regions of the first interlayer filler, the second interlayer filler, or both of these are arranged, or they may be partly the same and partly different. For example, the colored regions 11 of the first interlayer filler may be provided on sides 10A and 10C, the colored regions 11 of the second interlayer filler may be provided on sides 10B and 10D, and the colored region 11 of the third interlayer filler may be provided on side 10C.

[0059] In the laminate structure, the region where the transparent regions of all of the interlayer fillers included in the laminate structure overlap is a transparent region with high transparency (hereinafter also referred to as a "laminate structure transparent region"). On the other hand, the region where the colored region of at least one of the interlayer fillers included in the laminate structure is provided is a colored region in the laminate structure (hereinafter also referred to as a "laminate structure colored region"). For example, in the laminate structure 20 shown in FIG. 9, the side portions 20A to 20D where the colored region 11 is provided are laminate structure colored regions 31, and the central region 20I, which is the region on the central side of the side portions 20A to 20D, is a laminate structure transparent region 32. In the laminate structure 20 shown in FIG. 10, the side portions 20A and 20B are laminate structure colored regions 31, and the central region 20I and the side portions 20C and 20D are laminate structure transparent regions 32. The laminate structure colored regions 31 arranged in the side portions have a color gradation from the edge portion toward the central region, and have a gradation region. The transparent region 31 of the laminated structure may also have a gradation region and a dark color region. The gradation region and the dark color region arranged on each side of the laminated structure can be configured in the same manner as the interlayer filler, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. However, there may be no gradation region at the corners where the sides connect.

[0060] The colored region of the laminate structure has reduced transparency due to the presence of the colored region 11, and the visible light transmittance thereof is preferably lower than that of the transparent region of the laminate structure. The visible light transmittance of the colored region of the laminate structure is preferably less than 60%, more preferably 50% or less, and even more preferably 30% or less. By reducing the visible light transmittance of the colored region of the laminate structure, the laminate structure is appropriately colored, making it easier to match the hue of the laminate structure with surrounding components when used in various devices such as image display devices. Furthermore, the visible light transmittance of the colored region of the laminate structure may be 0% or more, but is preferably 5% or more, and more preferably 10% or more. By setting the visible light transmittance of the colored region of the laminate structure to a certain value or more, transparency can be maintained all the way to the edges of the laminate structure. Therefore, when used in, for example, an image display device, images can be appropriately displayed at or near the edges of the image display unit. The visible light transmittance of the colored region of the laminate structure can be determined by measuring the portion of the gradation region of the colored region of the laminate structure having the lowest visible light transmittance.

[0061] On the other hand, the visible light transmittance of the transparent region of the laminate structure is preferably 60% or more, more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 80% or more. By setting the visible light transmittance of the transparent region of the laminate structure to a certain value or more, when applied to various devices such as image display devices, it becomes easier to ensure the transparency and visibility of the device. Furthermore, the visible light transmittance of the transparent region of the laminate structure may be less than 100%, but is more preferably 99% or less, and even more preferably 98% or more.

[0062] Note that the laminated structure may contain components other than the interlayer filler as described above. In such cases, the visible light transmittance of the colored region and the transparent region of the laminated structure refers to the visible light transmittance of the colored region and the transparent region of the laminated structure, excluding components other than the interlayer filler. The visible light transmittance of the transparent region and the colored region of the laminated structure can be measured using a laminated glass sample obtained by bonding two clear glass plates together via the laminated structure. The clear glass plates used, the method for measuring the visible light transmittance, and the conditions for preparing the laminated glass sample are the same as those used when measuring the visible light transmittance of the colored region and the transparent region of the interlayer filler. However, when preparing the laminated glass sample, a laminated structure can be sandwiched between the two clear glass plates instead of the interlayer filler. In this case, the sandwiched laminated structure may be a laminated structure previously prepared from multiple interlayer fillers, or the multiple interlayer fillers constituting the laminated structure may be sandwiched between the two clear glass plates before the laminated structure is prepared (i.e., before being bonded to each other).

[0063] The visible light transmittance of the colored region and transparent region of each interlayer filler used in the laminate structure may be adjusted so that the plastic light transmittance of the colored region and transparent region of the laminate structure is within the above-mentioned range. Therefore, the visible light transmittance of the colored region and the visible light transmittance of the transparent region of the interlayer filler used in the laminate structure may be within the above-mentioned range, but are not necessarily within the above-mentioned range. The laminate structure is not particularly limited, but can be obtained by bonding two interlayer fillers together by thermocompression bonding or the like. Furthermore, when another member such as a substrate is placed between two interlayer fillers, the laminate structure can be similarly obtained by bonding the interlayer filler and the other member together by thermocompression bonding or the like.

[0064] [Black-Colored Portion] The interlayer filler 10 may have a black-colored portion on at least one side thereof. As shown in FIG. 11 , the black-colored portion 19 may be disposed on the periphery of the interlayer filler 10 so as to overlap the sides 10A to 10D (part of the colored region 11 in the side where the colored region 11 is provided). The black-colored portion 19 may be disposed on one side of the interlayer filler 10. In laminates used in various devices, such as image display devices, and various components, such as cover members, the black-colored portion 19 may be disposed on the front side (i.e., the visible side) of the interlayer filler 10. The black-colored portion 19 may be disposed around the entire periphery, and may be disposed in the shape of a rectangular frame that matches the shape of the interlayer filler 10, as shown by the hatching in FIG. 11 . Furthermore, as long as the black-colored portion 19 overlaps the sides 10A to 10D, it may be disposed such that a portion of the black-colored portion 19 overlaps the sides 10A to 10D and a portion of the black-colored portion 19 is disposed outside the sides 10A to 10D, as shown by the dotted lines. Furthermore, although not shown, all of the black colored portions may be positioned outside the side portions 10A to 10D. However, even in this case, the inner periphery of the black colored portion may be provided along the side edges 10E to 10G of the interlayer filler 10, and for example, the inner periphery of the black colored portion may be positioned so as to coincide with the side edges 10E to 10G.

[0065] The black colored portion 19 does not need to be arranged in a rectangular frame shape and may be arranged, for example, on some of the sides 10A to 10D. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the black colored portion 19 may be arranged on the sides 10B and 10D where the colored region 11 is not provided. While not particularly limited, the black colored portion 19 may be arranged linearly along the edge portions 10F and 10H. By providing the black colored portion 19 on the sides 10B and 10D where the colored region 11 is not provided, as shown in FIG. 12, the internal structure of various devices, such as an image display device, can be hidden in the sides where a seamless design is not required, thereby improving the design. The black colored portion 19 may also be arranged on the sides 10A and 10C where the colored region 11 is provided. In this case, the black colored portion 19 is preferably arranged on the side of the surface opposite the visible side, i.e., the black colored portion is preferably arranged below the colored region or colored layer. This arrangement allows for compatibility with the seamless design achieved by the colored region. Furthermore, by arranging a black colored portion below the colored region or colored layer, even if the colored portion is light in color, the black colored portion blocks light from below, thereby preventing the internal structure from being visible.

[0066] The black colored portion 19 is a black shielding portion and may be formed, for example, from black ceramic or from a black paint other than black ceramic. It may also be formed from a resin layer containing a colorant. The black colored portion 19 is provided, for example, to ensure light-blocking properties or to protect the outer periphery of a device or component to which the interlayer filler 10 is applied. The black colored portion 19 may be formed by coating the interlayer filler 10, or may be laminated on the interlayer filler 10 by extrusion molding or the like. The black colored portion 19 may also be formed on a substrate of the laminate described below, for example, on one of the cover glasses. The black colored portion 19 may also be provided on a component other than a component constituting the laminate. For example, it may be formed on a frame disposed on the surface of an image display device or a cover member.

[0067] Even when the interlayer filler is used as the laminated structure 20, it is preferable that a black-colored portion be provided on at least one side of the laminated structure. The configuration of the black-colored portion is as described above for the interlayer filler. However, when provided for the laminated structure 20, it is preferable that the black-colored portion be disposed on the side of the laminated structure 20 instead of the side portions 10A to 10D of the interlayer filler 10. Details are the same as above except that the side portions 10A to 10D are replaced with the side portions 20A to 20D, and therefore will not be described here. Note that when the black-colored portion 19 is provided on the side where the colored region 11 or the laminated structure colored region 31 is provided, it is preferable that the color of the colored region 11 of the interlayer filler 10 or the laminated structure colored region 31 approximately matches the color of the black-colored portion 19 from the viewpoint of improving design, and therefore it is preferable that the color be black or gray.

[0068] The interlayer filler or laminate structure of the present invention may be applied to various components such as devices such as image display devices and touch panels, and cover members. In devices or various components to which the interlayer filler or laminate structure of the present invention is applied, the interlayer filler may be incorporated in a position visible from the outside of the device or component. By incorporating the interlayer filler and laminate structure in a position visible from the outside in various devices such as electronic devices, the color tone of the colored region arranged on the edge or the colored region of the laminate structure can be made seamless with the color of surrounding components, thereby realizing a seamless design of various devices and various components. The interlayer filler of the present invention is preferably used for automotive applications. Furthermore, since the interlayer filler of the present invention can improve impact resistance and impact absorption, when installed in an automobile, the device to which the interlayer filler is applied is less likely to be damaged in the event of a vehicle collision or other accident.

[0069] <Laminate> The interlayer filler and laminate structure of the present invention may be used as a laminate having other components in addition to the interlayer filler or laminate structure. Examples of other components include various substrates such as organic material substrates and inorganic material substrates, image display elements, adhesive layers, etc. The interlayer filler of the present invention may be disposed between two other components in the laminate and used as a component for adhering the two components. The laminate structure may also be disposed between two other components. However, when multiple interlayer fillers constituting the laminate structure are directly laminated, the two other components may be adhered via a laminate structure composed of multiple interlayer fillers. When multiple interlayer fillers constituting the laminate structure are not directly laminated but other components other than the interlayer fillers are further disposed between them, the components disposed between the interlayer fillers and the other components may be adhered via each interlayer filler.

[0070] The substrate used in the laminate of the present invention is preferably a transparent substrate. Examples of organic material substrates used as the substrate include organic resin plates and resin films. Organic resin plates are also called organic glass plates. Examples of organic resin plates include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate plates, (meth)acrylic plates such as polymethyl methacrylate plates, polyester plates such as acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer plates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer plates, and polyethylene terephthalate plates, and various organic glass plates such as fluorine-based resin plates, polyvinyl chloride plates, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride plates, polypropylene plates, polystyrene plates, polysulfone plates, epoxy resin plates, phenolic resin plates, unsaturated polyester resin plates, and polyimide resin plates. The organic resin plates may be appropriately surface-treated. Among the above, polycarbonate plates are preferred because of their excellent transparency and impact resistance, and (meth)acrylic plates are preferred because of their high transparency, weather resistance, and mechanical strength, with polycarbonate plates being more preferred. The thickness of the organic resin plate is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.4 mm or more, and is preferably 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 3.0 mm or less.

[0071] The resin film is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyester resin films such as acrylic resin films, polycarbonate films, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films, and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) films; polyolefin resin films such as polyethylene films and polypropylene films; cyclic polyolefin (COP) films, triacetyl cellulose (TAC) films, polyethersulfone (PES) resin films, and polyimide resin films. A surface layer such as a hard coat layer made of an acrylic resin may be provided on the surface of the resin film. The thickness of the resin film is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30 μm or more, more preferably 50 μm or more, and preferably 500 μm or less, and more preferably 450 μm or less. While a relatively thick, low-flexibility, and generally unbendable material is referred to as an organic resin plate, a relatively thin, generally bendable material is generally referred to as a resin film, but these are not clearly distinguished from each other.

[0072] Examples of inorganic material substrates include inorganic glass plates. The inorganic glass plates are not particularly limited, but include various glass plates such as float glass, tempered glass, colored glass, polished glass, patterned glass, wired glass, lined glass, ultraviolet absorbing glass, infrared reflecting glass, infrared absorbing glass, and green glass. The inorganic glass may be subjected to surface treatment. The thickness of the inorganic glass is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 1.0 mm or more, and is preferably 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 3.0 mm or less.

[0073] The organic material substrate or inorganic material substrate may be appropriately provided with an electrode, a sensor, or the like. The electrode is composed of a conductive layer laminated on each of the above substrates. Examples of sensors include touch sensors. A touch sensor is a sensor that detects touch input when a finger, a touch pen, or other object approaches or touches the substrate, and is composed of a conductive layer laminated on the above substrate. When a finger, a touch pen, or other object approaches or touches the substrate, an electrical change such as capacitance, current, or voltage occurs in the conductive layer, and the touch sensor detects the touch input based on this electrical change. The conductive layer is not particularly limited, and any conventionally known transparent electrode material can be used without particular limitation. Examples include an indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive film, a tin oxide conductive film, a zinc oxide conductive film, and a polymer conductive film. Furthermore, an organic material substrate (particularly a film) on which a conductive layer such as an electrode or a sensor is laminated may have the above-mentioned hard coat layer formed on the surface opposite the surface on which the conductive layer is provided. Furthermore, the substrate may constitute a part of an image display element.

[0074] Among the above, preferred substrates include inorganic glass plates, organic glass plates, inorganic or organic glass plates with sensors such as touch sensors (also referred to as sensor glass), and resin films with sensors such as touch sensors (also referred to as sensor films). Preferred organic glass plates include polycarbonate plates and (meth)acrylic plates, and preferred resin films include PET films, COP films, and polycarbonate films.

[0075] As the image display element, a known image display panel may be used, and a liquid crystal display element, an organic EL display element, or the like may be used. For example, in the case of a liquid crystal display element, a polarizing plate (polarizing film) is preferably provided on the outermost surface of the front side of the image display element. The surface of the image display element refers to the surface that constitutes the image display unit on which an image is displayed. In the case of an image display device, it is the surface on which a cover glass, a sensor-equipped substrate, or the like is laminated. In other words, in devices such as image display devices, the surface can also be said to be the surface that is visible from the outside. Furthermore, polarizing plates (polarizing films) generally have a configuration in which protective films are provided on both sides of a polarizer such as a polyvinyl alcohol resin film. The protective films are made of the above-mentioned resin films, preferably any of a PET film, a COP film, and a TAC film. Furthermore, even if a polarizing plate (polarizing film) is not provided on the front side of the image display element, a protective film made of a resin film may be provided on the outermost surface of the front side. Therefore, an organic material substrate is generally provided on the outermost surface of the front side of the image display element. Therefore, as will be described later, a sensor-equipped substrate, a cover glass, or the like may be adhered to the surface of the image display element via an adhesive layer or an interlayer filler, and in this case, the adhesive layer or the interlayer filler may be adhered to the organic material substrate on the outermost surface of the image display element. The image display element may also be an image display element with a built-in touch panel, which is called an in-cell.

[0076] In addition, examples of adhesive layers other than the interlayer filler used in the laminate include thermoplastic resin films other than the above-mentioned interlayer filler, known optically transparent resins (OCRs) and optically transparent adhesives (OCAs), and among these, OCRs and OCAs are preferably used.

[0077] In the laminate of the present invention, when the laminate includes components such as a sensor-equipped substrate or an image display element, the interlayer filler or the laminate structure is preferably arranged on the side that is visible from the outside, i.e., the surface side, relative to the components such as the sensor-equipped substrate or the image display element. With this stacking order, the interlayer filler or the laminate structure can hide the peripheral portions of the sensor-equipped substrate or the image display element by the colored regions 11 and the laminate structure colored regions 31 provided on the sides, thereby achieving good design without the need for separate components to cover these peripheral portions. Meanwhile, in the laminate, at least one cover glass is preferably arranged closer to the surface than the interlayer filler. By arranging the cover glass closer to the surface than the interlayer filler, impact resistance can be improved.

[0078] The laminate of the present invention preferably has an image display element and constitutes an image display device. The laminate also preferably has either a sensor glass or a touch sensor and constitutes a touch panel, and the laminate also preferably has both a sensor glass or a touch sensor and an image display element and constitutes an image display device with a touch panel. An image display device with a touch panel can also be called an image display device or a touch panel. The image display device or the image display device with a touch panel is preferably an in-vehicle image display device. In general, an in-vehicle image display device is preferably provided in the front part in front of the driver's seat, and in particular, it is preferably placed below the windshield of the automobile and in front of either the driver's seat or the passenger seat. Furthermore, when the image display device is an in-vehicle image display device, it is preferably attached to the instrument panel.

[0079] (Image Display Device) FIG. 13 shows a first embodiment in which the laminate of the present invention is an image display device. As shown in FIG. 13, the image display device 40A according to the first embodiment is an image display device with a touch panel. The image display device 40A includes an image display element 41, and further includes an adhesive layer 42, a sensor-equipped substrate 43, an interlayer filler 10, and a cover glass 44, in this order, on the surface of the image display element 41. Here, the image display element 41 and the adhesive layer 42 are as described above. The sensor-equipped substrate 43 may be either sensor glass or a sensor film, but inorganic glass or a resin film with a touch sensor attached is more preferred. The sensor-equipped substrate 43 is bonded to the image display element 41 via the adhesive layer 42. The cover glass 44 is preferably either an organic resin plate or an inorganic glass plate, but is preferably an inorganic glass plate. The cover glass 44 is bonded to the sensor-equipped substrate 43 via the interlayer filler 10.

[0080] By providing the interlayer filler 10, the image display device 40A can have a seamless design with respect to the bezel portion, instrument panel, and the like provided around the image display device 40A, thanks to the colored regions 11 provided on the edges of the interlayer filler 10. Meanwhile, the image displayed on the surface side of the image display element 10 can be viewed through the transparent region 12 on the central side of the interlayer filler 10, preventing impairment of the visibility of the image display unit. Furthermore, since the image display device 40A includes a cover glass 44 bonded by the interlayer filler 10, the impact resistance of the surface side of the image display device 40A is good, and the image display device 40A is less likely to break, for example, even when used in a vehicle.

[0081] FIG. 14 shows an image display device 40B according to a second embodiment. The image display device 40B does not include the sensor-equipped substrate 43 and the adhesive layer 42. Instead, a cover glass 44 is bonded to the front side of the image display element 41 via an interlayer filler 10. Details of the image display element 41 and the cover glass 44 are as described above. In this embodiment, the image display element 41 may be an image display element with a built-in touch panel, thereby making the image display device 40B an image display device with a touch panel. However, the image display element 41 does not need to have a built-in touch panel, and therefore the image display device 40B may be an image display device without a touch panel. In this embodiment, the provision of the interlayer filler 10 in the image display device 40B allows for a seamless design without impairing the visibility of the image display unit. Furthermore, the image display device 40B has good impact resistance, making it less susceptible to breakage even when used in a vehicle.

[0082] FIG. 15 shows an image display device 40C according to a third embodiment. The image display device 40C according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a laminated structure 20 consisting of first and second interlayer fillers 21 and 22 is provided instead of the interlayer filler 10. Furthermore, in the laminated structure 20 according to this embodiment, the first interlayer filler 21 and the second interlayer filler 22 are directly laminated. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the cover glass 44 is adhered to the sensor-equipped substrate 43 via the laminated structure 20 consisting of the first and second interlayer fillers 21 and 22. In this embodiment, the image display device 40C includes the interlayer structure 20 having the first and second interlayer fillers 21 and 22. This allows the interlayer fillers 21 and 22 to be easily manufactured and seamless around more of the periphery, for example, the entire periphery. This allows for enhanced design while ensuring visibility of the image display unit. Furthermore, the impact resistance is improved, making the device less susceptible to breakage even when used in a vehicle.

[0083] The manner in which one cover glass 44 is provided is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations may be used. For example, in the third embodiment, the adhesive layer 42 and the sensor-equipped substrate 43 may be omitted, and the cover glass 44 may be adhered to the surface of the image display element 41 via the laminated structure 20. When the sensor-equipped substrate 43 is omitted, the image display element 41 may be an image display element with a built-in touch panel.

[0084] FIG. 16 shows an image display device 40D according to a fourth embodiment. The image display device 40D includes two cover glasses and an interlayer filler between the cover glasses. Similar to the first embodiment, the image display device 40D also includes a sensor-equipped substrate. That is, the image display device 40D according to this embodiment includes, on the front side of the image display element 41, an adhesive layer 42a, a sensor-equipped substrate 43, an adhesive layer 42b, a cover glass 44a, an interlayer filler 10, and a cover glass 44b, in this order. The sensor-equipped substrate 43 is bonded to the front side of the image display element 41 via the adhesive layer 42a. The cover glass 44a on the image display element 41 side is bonded to the sensor-equipped substrate 43 via the adhesive layer 42b, and the two cover glasses 44a, 44b are bonded via the interlayer filler 10. This structure allows a seamless design to be achieved in this embodiment without impairing the visibility of the image display unit. Furthermore, the surface of the image display device 40D is covered with two cover glasses 44a and 44b, which further improves the impact resistance.

[0085] 17 , an interlayer filler 21 may be provided instead of the adhesive layer 42b that bonds the cover glass 44a and the sensor-equipped substrate 43, and therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the laminated structure 20 may be formed of two interlayer fillers 21 and 22. In the laminated body 50E according to the fifth embodiment, the laminated structure 20 has a structure in which the cover glass 44a is disposed between two interlayer fillers 21 and 22.

[0086] FIG. 18 shows an image display device 40F according to a sixth embodiment. The sixth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that a laminated structure 20 consisting of first and second interlayer fillers 21 and 22 is provided instead of the interlayer filler 10. That is, in an embodiment in which two cover glasses 44a and 44b are provided, the laminated structure 20 may be disposed between the two cover glasses 44a and 44b. In the sixth embodiment, the first interlayer filler 21 and the second interlayer filler 22 constituting the laminated structure 20 are directly laminated. Therefore, the two cover glasses 44a and 44b are bonded to each other via the laminated structure 20 consisting of the first and second interlayer fillers 21 and 22. The image display devices 40E and 40F according to the fifth and sixth embodiments described above include the laminated structure 20, which allows the interlayer fillers 21 and 22 to be easily manufactured while being seamless over more of the periphery, for example, the entire periphery, thereby further enhancing design.

[0087] The manner in which the two cover glasses 44a, 44b are provided is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations may be used. For example, the sensor-equipped substrate 43 may not be provided. In such cases, in the fourth to sixth embodiments, the sensor-equipped substrate 43 and the adhesive layer 42a may be omitted, and the cover glass 44a on the image display element 41 side may be adhered to the image display element 41 via the adhesive layer 42b or an interlayer filler. Furthermore, when the sensor-equipped substrate 43 is not provided, the image display element 41 may be an image display element with a built-in touch panel.

[0088] 19 shows an image display device 40G according to a seventh embodiment. The image display device 40G according to the seventh embodiment is provided with three cover glasses and an interlayer filler between the cover glasses. Also, like the first embodiment, the image display device 40G includes a sensor-equipped substrate 43. That is, the image display device 40G according to this embodiment includes, in this order, an adhesive layer 42a, a sensor-equipped substrate 43, an adhesive layer 42b, a cover glass 44a, an interlayer filler 21, a cover glass 44b, an interlayer filler 22, and a cover glass 44c on the front surface side of the image display element 41. Details of the cover glasses 44a, 44b, and 44c are as described above, but it is preferable that each be an inorganic glass plate.

[0089] In the image display device 40G, the sensor-equipped substrate 43 is adhered to the surface side of the image display element 41 via an adhesive layer 42a. Furthermore, the cover glass 44a arranged closest to the image display element 41 is adhered to the sensor-equipped substrate 43 via an adhesive layer 42b. Furthermore, the cover glasses 44a and 44b are adhered to each other via an interlayer filler 21, and the cover glasses 44b and 44c are adhered to each other via an interlayer filler 22. Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, the two interlayer fillers 21 and 22 constitute the laminated structure 20. Note that in the image display device 40G, the laminated structure 20 has a structure in which the cover glass 44b is disposed between the two interlayer fillers 21 and 22.

[0090] The image display device 40G according to the seventh embodiment has the laminated structure 20, which allows for easy manufacturing of the interlayer fillers 21 and 22 while making more of the periphery, for example, seamless over the entire periphery, thereby improving the design without impairing the visibility of the image display unit. In addition, the provision of three cover glasses 44a, 44b, and 44c further improves impact resistance.

[0091] The manner in which the three cover glasses 44a, 44b, and 44c are provided is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations may be used. For example, the sensor-equipped substrate 43 may not be provided. In this case, in the seventh embodiment, the sensor-equipped substrate 43 and the adhesive layer 42a may be omitted, and the cover glass 44a on the image display element 41 side may be adhered to the image display element 41 via the adhesive layer 42b or an interlayer filler. Furthermore, if the sensor-equipped substrate 43 is not provided, the image display element 41 may be an image display element with a built-in touch panel. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide an interlayer filler between the cover glasses 44a and 44b and between the cover glasses 44b and 44c. As long as an interlayer filler is provided on only one side, the other may be an adhesive layer. However, it is preferable to provide an interlayer filler between the cover glasses 44b and 44c, which are located farther from the image display element 41. That is, it is preferable that the interlayer filler be disposed at least between the cover glasses 44 b and 44 c on the surface side of the laminate 10 G. When the interlayer filler is disposed between the cover glasses 44 b and 44 c on the surface side of the laminate 10 G, the coloring of the colored region 11 can be more easily displayed on the surface of the image display device 40 G, thereby further improving the design.

[0092] [Bezel portion] The image display device may be provided with a bezel portion. The bezel portion is generally rectangular frame-shaped. The bezel portion is generally black in color and may be configured with the black colored portion described above. When an interlayer filler or a laminated structure is applied to the image display device, the bezel portion may be provided so as to surround the interlayer filler or the laminated structure when viewed in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the inner periphery of the bezel portion may be connected to the interlayer filler or the laminated structure when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0093] The color of the bezel portion should preferably be substantially the same as the color of the colored region 11 of the interlayer filler 10. Furthermore, when the image display device includes a laminated structure 20, the color of the bezel portion should preferably be substantially the same as the color of the laminated structure colored region 31. Therefore, when a bezel portion is provided, the color of the colored region 11 of the interlayer filler 10 and the laminated structure colored region 31 may be black or gray. However, the color of the bezel portion is not limited to black and can be various colors, and a color other than black may be used as appropriate to match the color of the colored region 11. Whether the color of the colored region 11 or the laminated structure colored region 31 substantially matches the color of the bezel portion or the above-mentioned black colored portion can be determined by whether the color difference is below a threshold, as with the transparent region 12 described below. The same applies when comparing the color of the colored region 11 or the laminated structure colored region 31 described below with the color of a panel member.

[0094] [Instrument Panel] When used in a vehicle, the image display device is preferably attached to an instrument panel. The instrument panel preferably includes a panel member, and the image display device is attached by fitting into an opening provided in the panel member. In the instrument panel, the surface color of the panel member may be a color that substantially matches the color of the colored regions 11 arranged on the sides of the interlayer filler 10. Therefore, if the surface color of the panel member is black, the color of the colored regions 11 may also be black, and if the surface color of the panel member is red, the color of the colored regions 11 may also be red. Furthermore, if the image display device has a laminated structure 20, the surface color of the panel member may be a color that substantially matches the color of the laminated structure colored regions 31 arranged on the sides of the laminated structure 20.

[0095] In the image display device, the color of the transparent region 12 is preferably superimposed on the screen color when the image display element is not operating, so that it generally matches at least one of the colors of the colored regions 11 arranged on the side portions or the colors of the peripheral components of the image display device, and more preferably, it generally matches both colors. However, if the image display device has a laminated structure, the color of the laminated structure transparent region 32 is preferably superimposed on the screen color when the image display element is not operating, so that it generally matches at least one of the colors of the laminated structure colored regions 31 arranged on the side portions or the colors of the peripheral components, and more preferably, it generally matches both colors. Note that the peripheral components are components arranged around the image display element, such as the bezel portion of the image display device or the panel component of the instrument panel. Therefore, the color of the transparent region 12 or the laminated structure transparent region 32 is preferably superimposed on the screen color, so that it generally matches the color of, for example, one or both of the panel component and the bezel portion.

[0096] The color of the transparent region 12 or the laminated structure transparent region 32 when superimposed on the screen color when the image display element is not operating refers to the color of the portion of the image display device where the transparent region 12 or the laminated structure transparent region 32 of the interlayer filler 10 is provided when the image display element is turned off. Whether the above-mentioned colors are approximately consistent can be determined, for example, by whether the color difference is below a threshold. That is, the color difference between the transparent region 12 of the interlayer filler 10 or the portion of the laminated structure transparent region 32 of the image display device when the image display element is turned off and the portion or surrounding component where the colored region 11 or the laminated structure colored region 31 is provided is calculated, and if the color difference is below a threshold, it can be determined that the colors are approximately consistent. Specifically, a color difference of 3 or less can be determined to be approximately consistent. The color difference threshold is preferably less than 3, more preferably 1.5 or less, and even more preferably 0.5 or less. The color difference is measured as follows. Measurement is performed in accordance with JIS Z 8722. More specifically, a spectrophotometer is used to measure the area where the transparent area 12 or the laminate structure transparent area 32 is provided, and the area where the colored area 11 or the laminate structure colored area 31 is provided, using a D65 light source, a 10° field of view, and a diffused illumination method (integrating sphere) de: 8°, and ΔE*ab (CIE1976) is calculated.

[0097] By roughly matching the colors of the transparent region 12 and the laminated structure transparent region 32 with the colors of the surrounding components and the colored regions as described above when the image display is off, the color of the central region of the screen when the image display is off can be made to roughly match the colors of the edges of the screen, the bezel, the panel components, etc. Therefore, the color of the central region does not stand out when the image display is off, and the screen color becomes unified, further improving the design.

[0098] Generally, bezels and panel components are often black. On the other hand, when the image display is off, the screen color corresponds to the color of the components constituting the image display element, but is often generally achromatic. Therefore, by making the transparent region 12 (or the laminated structure transparent region 32) also achromatic, the colors can be approximately matched as described above. To achieve an achromatic color, the transparent region 12 does not contain a colorant, or if it does, it may contain a small amount of a black-based colorant. However, if the screen color is colored when the image display is off, the transparent region 12 may be colored a complementary color that weakens the chromaticity of the colorant using a small amount of a colorant contained in the first resin layer. For example, if the screen color is greenish, the transparent region 12 may be colored reddish. In this case, the colored region 11 (or the laminated structure colored region 31) may be colored black or a color similar to black using a black-based colorant contained in the second resin layer. According to the above configuration, when the image display is turned off, the entire screen color approaches true black, giving a sophisticated impression.

[0099] Note that, from the viewpoint of design, the bezel portion or panel member may be colored a chromatic color other than black. In this case, a colorant corresponding to the color of the bezel portion or panel member may be contained in the transparent region 12, and the color of the transparent region 12 (or the laminated structure transparent region 32) of the image display device may also be a chromatic color. For example, if the panel member is red, a red-based colorant may be contained in the transparent region 12 while adjusting the visible light transmittance to fall within a desired range. If the color of the transparent region 12 (or the laminated structure transparent region 32) is chromatic, the image displayed on the image display unit may be discolored by the color of the transparent region 12 (or the laminated structure transparent region 32). Therefore, the image displayed on the image display unit may be color-adjusted to match the color of the transparent region 12 (or the laminated structure transparent region 32). Specifically, the color may be adjusted so that the intensity of a color complementary to the color of the transparent region 12 (or the laminated structure transparent region 32) is increased. For example, if the color of the transparent region 12 is red, the color of the displayed image may be adjusted so that the intensity of green is increased.

[0100] In the above explanation, examples have been described in which the laminate of the present invention is applied to an image display device or an image display device with a touch panel, but the laminate of the present invention may also be applied to devices other than image display devices, such as touch panels that do not have an image display device, or to cover members, etc.

[0101] (Cover Member) The cover member is a member that covers the surface of various devices to protect and decorate them, and is preferably composed of a laminate having at least one interlayer filler and at least one cover glass. The cover member may also include two or more interlayer fillers and have a laminated structure. Furthermore, the cover member may include a component other than the cover glass and the interlayer filler, such as an adhesive layer, as needed. By including the interlayer filler of the present invention, the cover member has a colored region with a color gradation disposed on or near the outer edge. This allows the device covered by the cover member to have a seamless design.

[0102] The cover member will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 13 to 19. In image display devices 40A and 40B shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a laminate of a cover glass 44 and an interlayer filler 10 laminated on one side of the cover glass 44 corresponds to the cover member 50A. In image display device 40C shown in FIG. 15, a laminate of a cover glass 44 and interlayer fillers 21 and 22 (i.e., laminated structure 20) laminated on one side of the cover glass 44 corresponds to the cover member 50C. In image display device 40D shown in FIG. 16, a laminate formed by laminating a cover glass 44b, an interlayer filler 10, a cover glass 44a, and an adhesive layer 42b in this order corresponds to the cover member 50D. In image display device 40E shown in FIG. 17, a laminate formed by laminating a cover glass 44b, an interlayer filler 22, a cover glass 44a, and an interlayer filler 21 in this order corresponds to the cover member 50E. In addition, in the image display device 40F shown in Fig. 18, a laminate formed by laminating a cover glass 44b, an interlayer filler 22, an interlayer filler 21, a cover glass 44a, and an adhesive layer 42b in this order corresponds to the cover member 50F. Furthermore, in the image display device 40G shown in Fig. 19, a laminate formed by laminating a cover glass 44c, an interlayer filler 22, a cover glass 44b, an interlayer filler 21, a cover glass 44a, and an adhesive layer 42b in this order corresponds to the cover member 50G. However, in the configurations of Figs. 16, 18, and 19, those without the adhesive layer 42b may be referred to as the cover members 50D, 50F, and 50G.

[0103] 13 to 19 show examples in which the cover members 50A, 50C to 50G are applied to an image display device, but the cover members 50A, 50C to 50G may be applied to devices other than image display devices, or may be laminated on a member other than an image display panel and used to cover a device other than an image display device. The touch panel may also be used for devices other than image display devices. In such cases, for example, the touch panel may be one in which the image display panel 41, or the image display panel 41 and the adhesive layer adjacent to the image display panel 41 (adhesive layer 42 or adhesive layer 42a) in the configurations of FIGS. 13 and 15 to 17 are omitted. Such a touch panel may be used alone, or may be attached to a member other than an image display panel via adhesive layer 42 or adhesive layer 42a, etc., and applied to a device other than an image display device.

[0104] The laminate of the present invention can be produced by preparing an interlayer filler and components other than the interlayer filler, and bonding the components together via the prepared interlayer filler by thermocompression bonding, etc. Furthermore, when the laminate has an adhesive layer, it is preferable to bond the two components together via the adhesive layer by thermocompression bonding, etc., but depending on the performance of the adhesive layer, they may be bonded by means other than thermocompression bonding.

[0105] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 21, 22 Interlayer filler 11 Colored region 11A Dark color region 11B Gradation region 12 Transparent region 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D Side portion of interlayer filler 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H Edge portion of interlayer filler 10I Central region of interlayer filler 16 First resin layer (transparent layer) 17 Second resin layer (colored layer) 19 Black colored portion 20 Laminated structure 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D Side portion of laminated structure 20I Central region of laminated structure 31 Colored region of laminated structure 32 Transparent region of laminated structure 40A to 40G Image display device 41 Image display element 42, 42a, 42b Adhesive layer 43 Substrate with sensor 44, 44a, 44b, 44c Cover glass 50A, 50C to 50G Cover member

Claims

1. An interlayer filler comprising a colored region disposed on at least one side portion and a transparent region disposed at least in a region closer to the center than the colored region, the colored region having a color gradation from the side end portion toward the central region.

2. The interlayer filler according to claim 1, comprising a colored layer constituting the colored region, the colored layer having a portion where the thickness decreases from the side end portion toward the central region.

3. The interlayer filler according to claim 1, comprising a colored layer constituting the colored region, the cross-sectional shape of the colored layer being any one of a wedge shape, a trapezoidal shape, and a triangular shape.

4. The interlayer filler according to claim 1, wherein the visible light transmittance in the colored region is 0% or more and less than 60%, and the visible light transmittance in the transparent region is 60% or more and 99% or less.

5. The interlayer filler according to claim 1, containing a thermoplastic resin.

6. The interlayer filler according to claim 1, containing at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyvinyl acetal resin, an ionomer resin, and an acrylic resin.

7. The interlayer filler according to claim 1, wherein a black colored portion is further provided on the at least one side portion.

8. The interlayer filler according to claim 1, having a thickness of 10 μm or more and 1000 μm or less.

9. The interlayer filler according to claim 1, for an image display device.

10. The interlayer filler according to claim 1, for a touch panel.

11. A laminated structure including first and second interlayer fillers which are the interlayer filler according to claim 1, wherein the first and second interlayer fillers are laminated such that the colored regions are disposed on at least two side portions of the laminated structure.

12. The laminated structure according to claim 11, wherein the colored regions respectively included in the first and second interlayer fillers are disposed on different side portions of the laminated structure.

13. An image display device including the interlayer filler according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or the laminated structure according to claim 11 or 12, and an image display element.

14. The image display device according to claim 13, wherein the color in the transparent region is overlapped with the screen color when the image display element is not operating, and substantially coincides with the color of a peripheral member of the image display device or the color in the colored region of at least one side portion.

15. An instrument panel comprising the image display device according to claim 13 and a panel member, wherein the image display device is attached to the panel member.

16. The instrument panel according to claim 15, wherein the color of the panel member substantially matches the color in the colored region of at least one side portion.

Images