Design sheet and image display device

Abstract

A design sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a design layer that includes one or more openings; and one or more lenses that are respectively provided to positions corresponding to the one or more openings, and that each focus and guide irradiation light from the outside to a corresponding opening among the one or more openings.

Description

Design sheet and image display device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a design sheet and an image display device equipped with the design sheet.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a decorative sheet having a design layer printed to include a plurality of halftone dots of the same color.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 162113

[0004] In an image display device having a design layer with fine holes, light irradiated from the rear surface of the design layer passes through the fine holes and reaches the viewer.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an image display device that can achieve high light utilization efficiency, and a design sheet that is suitable for such an image display device.

[0006] One embodiment of the decorative sheet of the present disclosure comprises a decorative layer having one or more openings, and one or more lenses each arranged at a position corresponding to the one or more openings, which focus and direct externally irradiated light to a corresponding one of the one or more openings.

[0007] An image display device as one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a design sheet and an illuminating unit that irradiates the design sheet with light, and has the design sheet as one embodiment of the present disclosure as the design sheet.

[0008] In the design sheet as one embodiment of the present disclosure and the image display device as one embodiment, the irradiation light focused by each of the one or more lenses passes through each of the one or more openings, thereby improving light utilization efficiency.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the design sheet shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view schematic diagram of the design sheet in region X shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4A is an enlarged schematic diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of a portion of the design sheet according to Variation 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is an enlarged schematic diagram showing another example of the planar configuration of a portion of the design sheet according to Variation 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 5A is an enlarged schematic diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of a portion of the design sheet according to Variation 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a portion of the design sheet according to Variation 2 of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration of an image display device according to Variation 3 of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is an enlarged schematic diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of a portion of the design sheet shown in FIG. 6A as viewed from the light-emitting section side. FIG. 6C is an enlarged schematic diagram showing another example of the planar configuration of a portion of the design sheet shown in FIG. 6A as viewed from the light-emitting section side. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration of an image display device according to Modification 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration of an image display device according to Modification 5 of the present disclosure. Fig. 8B is an enlarged schematic diagram showing an example of a planar configuration of a portion of the design sheet shown in Fig. 8A. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description is one specific example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following aspect. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangement, dimensions, dimensional ratios, etc. of each component shown in each drawing. The description will be given in the following order: 1. Embodiment (Example of an image display device having a design sheet with a design layer including an opening and a lens) 1-1. Overall configuration of the image display device 1-2. Actions and effects 2. Modifications 2-1. Modification 1 2-2. Modification 2 2-3. Modification 3 2-4. Modification 4 2-5. Modification 5

[0011] 1. Embodiments 1-1. Overall Configuration of Image Display Device FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of an image display device (image display device 1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] The image display device 1 is suitable for use in, for example, decorative panels. The image display device 1 has a laminated structure in which, for example, a substrate 30, a light-emitting unit 20, and a design sheet 10 are laminated in this order in the Z-axis direction, which is the thickness direction perpendicular to the XY plane. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the "first direction" in one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] The light emitting section 20 has a light emitting element layer 21 and a planarization layer 22 stacked in this order on a substrate 30. The light emitting element layer 21 includes a plurality of light emitting elements LE.

[0014] Each of the light-emitting elements LE is a solid-state light-emitting element that emits light in a predetermined wavelength band from its upper surface, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) chip. The LED chip refers to an element cut from a wafer used for crystal growth, and is not a packaged type covered with molded resin or the like. The LED chip is, for example, 100 μm or less in size and is known as a micro-LED.

[0015] Each of the light-emitting elements LE emits, for example, one of red light, green light, and blue light. The emitted light L emitted from each light-emitting element LE corresponds to a specific example of "irradiation light" according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] The planarization layer 22 is provided to cover the light emitting element layer 21 including the plurality of light emitting elements LE. The planarization layer 22 has a flat surface 22S on the side opposite to the light emitting element layer 21. The planarization layer 22 is formed of, for example, silicon oxide (SiO) or silicon nitride (SiN).

[0017] The substrate 30 is for supporting the light emitting section 20. The substrate 30 is made of, for example, a silicon (Si) substrate, a glass substrate, a glass epoxy substrate, or the like.

[0018] (Configuration of design sheet 10) Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of the design sheet (design sheet 10) shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic planar enlarged view of the design sheet 10 in area X shown in Fig. 2.

[0019] 2 shows an example of the planar configuration of the design sheet 10 when emitted light L is irradiated from the light-emitting unit 20. When emitted light L is irradiated from the light-emitting unit 20, a predetermined design D1 is displayed in a planar view on the design sheet 10. On the other hand, when the irradiation of emitted light L from the light-emitting unit 20 is stopped, the predetermined design is not displayed in a planar view on the design sheet 10, and only the design D2 on the surface of the design layer 12 described below is displayed.

[0020] The decorative sheet 10 has a base layer 11, a decorative layer 12, and a plurality of lenses 13.

[0021] The substrate layer 11 is disposed between the design layer 12 and the plurality of lenses 13 and supports the design layer 12 and the plurality of lenses 13. The substrate layer 11 is formed of glass or resin that transmits the emitted light L. Examples of resins that can be used to form the substrate layer 11 include ABS resin, acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and cyclic polyolefin. The substrate layer 11 may be a single layer or a multilayer structure using two or more materials. The material of the substrate layer 11 may be the same as the material of the plurality of lenses 13. The substrate layer 11 may also be integrally molded with the plurality of lenses 13. The refractive index of the substrate layer 11 for the emitted light L may be higher than the refractive index of the lenses 13 for the emitted light L. In this case, the emitted light L is further focused when it enters the substrate layer 11 from the lenses 13. Therefore, providing the substrate layer 11 can compensate for the refractive power of the lenses 13.

[0022] A design D2 is applied to the surface of the design layer 12 by printing or the like. The design layer 12 is formed, for example, using ink used in UV (ultraviolet) printing and screen printing. The design layer 12 may be formed, for example, using a metal plate, stone, wood, paper, or the like. The design layer 12 has multiple openings 12H that transmit the emitted light L. Each of the multiple openings 12H is located on the optical axis of a corresponding one of the multiple lenses 13. Each of the multiple openings 12H has a substantially circular shape in a plan view. The multiple openings 12H have a diameter that prevents a viewer located at a predetermined viewing distance from the design layer 12 of the image display device 1 from viewing the image. For example, when the viewing distance is 50 cm, i.e., when the viewer is viewing the image display device 1 from a position 50 cm away from the design layer 12, the diameter of each of the multiple openings 12H is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less. The multiple openings 12H are provided, for example, in an array in plan view.

[0023] The plurality of lenses 13 are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of openings 12H of the design layer 12. Each of the plurality of lenses 13 focuses the emitted light L and guides it to a corresponding one of the plurality of openings 12H. The lenses 13 are formed using, for example, ink that transmits the emitted light L from the light-emitting element LE.

[0024] [1-2. Actions and Effects] The decorative sheet 10 of this embodiment is provided with a decorative layer 12 having one or more openings 12H, and one or more lenses 13 that are provided at positions corresponding to the one or more openings 12H and that focus the light L emitted from the light-emitting unit 20 and direct it to a corresponding one of the one or more openings 12H. This improves light utilization efficiency. This is described below.

[0025] Image display devices equipped with a typical design sheet, for example, use a design sheet with a certain light transmittance for the irradiated light. By irradiating the backside of the design sheet with strong image light, the image light transmitted through the design sheet is visible to the viewer from the front side of the design sheet. Such image display devices present problems, such as changes in color tone and a significant reduction in the amount of light itself as the image light passes through the design sheet. To address this, image display devices have been proposed that provide multiple fine apertures in the design sheet, allowing the viewer to view the image light that passes through these multiple fine apertures. However, in design sheets containing multiple fine apertures, it is desirable to minimize the ratio of the opening area of ​​the multiple fine apertures to the display area of ​​the design sheet, i.e., the aperture ratio, so that the viewer does not see the presence of the multiple fine apertures when the image light is not irradiated from the backside of the design sheet. This makes it difficult to increase the amount of light transmitted through the design sheet.

[0026] In contrast, the design sheet 10 of this embodiment includes a design layer 12 having a plurality of fine openings 12H, and includes a plurality of lenses 13, each positioned corresponding to the plurality of openings 12H, which focus the emitted light L and direct it to a corresponding one of the plurality of openings 12H. This increases the amount of light transmitted through the openings 12H. Therefore, the image display device 1 equipped with the design sheet 10 of this embodiment can improve light utilization efficiency while maintaining the color tone of the image light. Furthermore, the image display device 1 equipped with the design sheet 10 of this embodiment can be expected to improve brightness with low power consumption due to the improved light utilization efficiency. Furthermore, according to the image display device 1 equipped with the design sheet 10 of this embodiment, the provision of the lenses 13 allows the opening area of ​​the openings 12H to be reduced regardless of the size of the light-emitting element LE. Therefore, sufficient brightness can be ensured when displaying image light, and the presence of the openings 12H is less noticeable to the viewer when image light is not being displayed.

[0027] 2. Modifications [2-1. Modification 1] Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of a portion of design sheet 10a-1 according to Modification 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram showing another example of the planar configuration of a portion of design sheet 10a-2 according to Modification 1 of the present disclosure.

[0028] In the decorative sheet 10 of the above embodiment, an example of a decorative layer 12 in which a plurality of approximately circular openings 12H are arranged in an array when viewed in a plane is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0029] The multiple openings 12a-1 of the design sheet 10a-1 of this modified example are each approximately square in shape in a plan view and are arranged in an array. The multiple openings 12a-2 of the design sheet 10a-2 of this modified example are each approximately square in shape in a plan view and are arranged randomly. Except for the above points, the configurations of the design sheets 10a-1 and 10a-2 are substantially the same as the design sheet 10 of the above embodiment.

[0030] Even with this configuration, the design sheets 10a-1 and 10a-2 can achieve the same effects as those of the above embodiment.

[0031] [2-2. Modification 2] Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the planar configuration of a portion of the design sheet 10b according to Modification 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 5B is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of a portion of the design sheet according to Modification 2 of the present disclosure.

[0032] In the design sheet 10b of this modified example, each of the multiple openings 12b is a slit extending in a direction inclined with respect to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Each of the multiple lenses 13b is a cylindrical lens whose axial direction is the extension direction of the slit (Figure 5B). That is, each of the multiple openings 12b is a slit whose longitudinal direction is the Y-axis direction. Each of the multiple lenses 13b is a cylindrical lens whose axial direction is the Y-axis direction. Except for the above points, the configuration of the design sheet 10b is substantially the same as that of the design sheet 10 of the above embodiment.

[0033] Even in such a configuration, the design sheet 10b can achieve the same effects as those of the above embodiment. The design sheet 10b can also be used as a parallax barrier mounted in a stereoscopic display device, for example.

[0034] [2-3. Modification 3] Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration of an image display device 1C according to Modification 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 6B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of a portion of the design sheet 10c according to Modification 3 of the present disclosure, as viewed from the light-emitting unit 20 side. Fig. 6C is a schematic diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of a portion of the design sheet 10c according to Modification 3 of the present disclosure, as viewed from the light-emitting unit 20 side.

[0035] The image display device 1C of this modified example further includes one or more first members 131 provided around at least a portion of the periphery of each of the plurality of lenses 13. The height in the Z-axis direction of each of the one or more first members 131 is greater than the height in the Z-axis direction of each of the plurality of lenses 13. The first members 131 are formed using ink that transmits the emitted light L from the light-emitting element layer 21.

[0036] 6B , in a plan view, one first member 131 is provided so as to surround the peripheries of the plurality of lenses 13. As shown in FIG. 6C , the plurality of first members 131 may be provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of lenses 13, respectively.

[0037] Except for the above points, the configuration of the image display device 1C is substantially the same as that of the image display device 1 of the above embodiment.

[0038] By providing the first member 131, which is taller than the lens 13, around the lens 13, the surface of the lens 13 facing the light-emitting unit 20 is prevented from being rubbed by external force, vibration, etc. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in light utilization efficiency due to damage to the surface of the lens 13 facing the light-emitting unit 20. Furthermore, by providing the first member 131, which is taller than the lens 13, around the lens 13, variation in the distance between the light-emitting element layer 21 and the lens 13 in the Z-axis direction is reduced. This allows the lens 13 to efficiently focus the emitted light L from the light-emitting element layer 21 onto the opening 12H in the design layer 12, thereby improving light utilization efficiency.

[0039] 2-4. Modification 4 FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of an image display device 1D according to Modification 4 of the present disclosure.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 7, the image display device 1D of this modified example further includes an embedding layer 14 that covers the surfaces of the plurality of lenses 13 opposite the design layer 12. The embedding layer 14 flattens the surfaces of the plurality of lenses 13 facing the light-emitting section 20d. The refractive index of the embedding layer 14 is lower than the refractive index of each of the plurality of lenses 13. The embedding layer 14 is formed using ink that transmits the emitted light L from the light-emitting element layer 21. An adhesive layer 23 is provided between the embedding layer 14 and the flattening layer 22. The adhesive layer 23 is formed using, for example, an OCA (optically clear adhesive) or the like.

[0041] Except for the above points, the configuration of the image display device 1D is substantially the same as that of the image display device 1 of the above embodiment.

[0042] By using an embedding layer 14 with a refractive index lower than that of the lens 13, the design sheet 10d is flattened on the light-emitting section 20d side while maintaining the light-collecting optical system. This makes it easy to bond the light-emitting section 20d and the design sheet 10d together during the manufacturing process without trapping air bubbles between them.

[0043] [2-5. Modification 5] Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration of an image display device 1E according to Modification 5 of the present disclosure. Fig. 8B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the planar configuration of a portion of a design sheet 10e according to Modification 5 of the present disclosure.

[0044] The image display device 1E of this modification further includes, in addition to the image display device 1D of modification 4, a plurality of second members 121 arranged to surround each of the plurality of openings 12He. The outer shape of each of the plurality of second members 121 is larger than the outer shape of each of the plurality of openings 12H of the present embodiment. The diameter of each of the plurality of openings 12He is smaller than the diameter of each of the plurality of openings 12H of the present embodiment. The transmittance of the emitted light L in the plurality of second members 121 is higher than the transmittance of the emitted light L in the design layer 12 and lower than the transmittance of the emitted light L in the plurality of openings 12H. The transmittance of the emitted light L in the second members 121 is, for example, 40% or more and 50% or less. Except for the above points, the configuration of the image display device 1E is substantially the same as that of the image display device 1 of the above embodiment.

[0045] The image display device 1E of this modified example includes a light-transmitting second member 121 for each of the multiple openings 12He. The outer shape of each of the multiple second members 121 is larger than the outer shape of each of the multiple openings 12H of the present embodiment. Meanwhile, the diameter of each of the multiple openings 12He is smaller than the diameter of each of the openings 12H of the present embodiment. As a result, the average transmittance of each of the multiple openings 12He is approximately equal to the transmittance of each of the multiple openings 12H of the present embodiment, thereby maintaining the overall aperture ratio of the decorative sheet 10e. Furthermore, when the light source distribution of the light-emitting unit 20 is narrow, even the emitted light L that is positioned outside the openings 12He is collected along the optical axis of the lens 13, thereby suppressing a decrease in light utilization efficiency. On the other hand, when the light source distribution of the light-emitting unit 20 is wide, the amount of emitted light L collected on the optical axis can be further increased, thereby improving light utilization efficiency.

[0046] Although the present technology has been described above with reference to the embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, etc., and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, etc., the light-emitting element layer 21 is a point light source, but the present technology is not limited to this. For example, the image display device 1 may be a surface light source such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or organic EL lighting.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component constituting the image display device 1 etc. has been specifically described, but it is not necessary to include all components, and other components may also be included. For example, in the above embodiments, an example in which there are multiple light-emitting element layers 21 has been shown, but this is not limited to this. For example, the image display device 1 may have only one light-emitting element layer 21. Furthermore, the image displayed by the image display device is not limited to a still image, but may also be a moving image.

[0048] Furthermore, the "opening" in the present disclosure is not limited to a physically opened hole, but may be any area through which irradiated light can pass. Therefore, the opening 12H described in the above embodiment may be filled with a transparent resin.

[0049] Furthermore, the above modifications 1 to 5 can be combined with each other in any way.

[0050] Note that, when using a light-emitting element LE that is sufficiently small relative to the opening 12H, the refractive index of the lens 13 may be extremely low. If the light-emitting element LE has a size that is sufficiently small relative to the area of ​​the opening 12H and the distance between the opening 12H and the light-emitting element LE in the Z-axis direction can be made extremely small, the lens 13 may not be provided, as in the image display device 2 shown in Fig. 9. However, in the image display device 2 of the above embodiment, the area of ​​the opening 12H in the design layer 12 is limited by the size of the light-emitting element LE.

[0051] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limited to those described, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0052] The present disclosure can also be configured as follows. According to the present disclosure configured as follows, light irradiated from the opposite side of the design layer from the lens is focused by the lens onto the opening in the design layer. This is expected to improve light utilization efficiency and brightness with low power consumption. (1) A design sheet comprising: a design layer having one or more openings; and one or more lenses, each provided at a position corresponding to the one or more openings, for focusing externally irradiated light and directing it to a corresponding one of the one or more openings. (2) The design sheet described in (1) above, wherein the lenses are formed using ink that transmits the irradiated light. (3) The design sheet described in (1) or (2) above, further comprising one or more first members provided around at least a portion of each of the one or more lenses, wherein the height in the first direction of each of the one or more first members is greater than the height in the first direction of each of the one or more lenses. (4) The design sheet described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein each of the one or more openings is located on the optical axis of a corresponding one of the one or more lenses. (5) The design sheet according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the one or more openings are a plurality of openings, and the plurality of openings are arranged in an array. (6) Each of the one or more openings is a slit with the second direction as its longitudinal direction, and each of the one or more lenses is a cylindrical lens with the second direction as its axial direction. (7) The design sheet according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a base layer provided between the design layer and the one or more lenses. (8) The design sheet according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising an embedding layer covering the surface of the one or more lenses opposite the design layer. (9) The design sheet according to (8), wherein the refractive index of the embedding layer is lower than the refractive index of each of the one or more lenses. (10) The design sheet according to any one of (1) to (9), further comprising one or more second members provided so as to surround each of the one or more openings.(11) The design sheet according to (10), wherein the transmittance of the irradiated light in the one or more second members is higher than the transmittance of the irradiated light in the design layer and lower than the transmittance of the irradiated light in the one or more openings. (12) An image display device comprising: a design sheet; and a light-emitting unit that irradiates the design sheet with irradiated light, wherein the design sheet has: a design layer having one or more openings; and one or more lenses that are provided at positions corresponding to the one or more openings and that each focus the irradiated light and direct it to a corresponding one of the one or more openings.

[0053] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-104288, filed on June 27, 2024, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and variations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors, and are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A design sheet comprising: a design layer having one or more openings; and one or more lenses each provided at a position corresponding to said one or more openings, each focusing externally irradiated light and directing it to a corresponding one of said one or more openings.

2. The design sheet according to claim 1, wherein the lenses are formed using ink that transmits the irradiated light.

3. The design sheet according to claim 1, further comprising one or more first members provided around at least a portion of the periphery of each of the one or more lenses, wherein the height in the first direction of each of the one or more first members is greater than the height in the first direction of each of the one or more lenses.

4. The design sheet according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more openings is located on the optical axis of a corresponding one of the one or more lenses.

5. The design sheet according to claim 1, wherein the one or more openings are a plurality of openings, and the plurality of openings are arranged in an array.

6. The design sheet according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more openings is a slit with the second direction as its longitudinal direction, and each of the one or more lenses is a cylindrical lens with the second direction as its axial direction.

7. The design sheet according to claim 1, further comprising a substrate layer provided between the design layer and the one or more lenses.

8. The design sheet according to claim 1, further comprising an embedding layer that covers the surface of the one or more lenses opposite the design layer.

9. The design sheet according to claim 8, wherein the refractive index of the embedding layer is lower than the refractive index of each of the one or more lenses.

10. The design sheet according to claim 1, further comprising one or more second members arranged to surround each of the one or more openings.

11. The design sheet according to claim 10, wherein the transmittance of the irradiated light in the one or more second members is higher than the transmittance of the irradiated light in the design layer and lower than the transmittance of the irradiated light in the one or more openings.

12. An image display device comprising a design sheet and a light-emitting unit that irradiates the design sheet with light, wherein the design sheet has a design layer having one or more openings, and one or more lenses that are respectively provided at positions corresponding to the one or more openings and that each focus the irradiated light and direct it to a corresponding one of the one or more openings.

Images