Upholstery cover material and automobile interior trim

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an upholstery cover material which allows for improved design flexibility and which can be used to keep costs down without additional members or an increase in manufacturing work-hours. [Solution] Provided is an upholstery cover material 20 formed from a resin material and laminated onto a base material 10 of prescribed shape, the upholstery cover material 20 comprising: a front surface 21 serving as a design surface; and a rear surface 22 laminated onto the base material 10. A cylindrical protrusion 23 projecting to the rear side and accommodating a light source 12 provided on the base material 10 is formed integrally in a prescribed region of the rear surface 22. The upholstery cover material 20 is laminated onto the base material 10 and is light-transmissive, with the prescribed region being a light-transmissive region 24 that transmits light from the light source 12.

Description

Skin material and automotive interior parts

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a skin material that forms a design surface of an automotive interior part and an automotive interior part.

[0002] Automotive interior parts constituting instrument panels, door trims and the like comprise a base material formed of a resin material such as PP or ABS, and a skin material formed of a resin material such as urethane, which is covered on the surface of the base material to form a design surface. The surface of the skin material is decorated with decorative patterns such as stitch patterns and grain patterns. In addition, the skin material may sometimes be provided with a display portion for displaying characters and figures. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a display invention in which a substrate having a plurality of light emitting portions is covered with a lighting cover, and a light guide member that forms an isolation space for the light emitting portions and guides light from the light emitting portions is provided in the lighting cover. Patent Document 2 discloses an invention of a vehicle switch device in which a substrate having an LED is provided on the back side of a transparent panel base material, a soft skin having a light transmission region for light from the LED is provided on the front side of the panel base material, and a diffusion lens is provided between the panel base material and the substrate. An example is also shown here in which a mechanical press switch is provided on the substrate, so that the mechanical press switch can be pressed through the diffusion lens by pressing the soft skin.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7116719 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-40802

[0004] In the above conventional apparatus, in order to allow the light from the light emitting portion provided on the substrate to emit light through the skin material, it is necessary to interpose an additional member such as a light guide member or a diffusion lens between the substrate and the skin material. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a space for accommodating the additional member, which imposes restrictions on design freedom, and also increases the number of parts and manufacturing man-hours, leading to increased costs.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a skin material and an automotive interior part that can improve design freedom, and can suppress cost increase without increasing additional members and manufacturing man-hours.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the first configuration of the present disclosure is a surface material formed of a resin material and laminated onto a substrate of a predetermined shape, comprising a first surface on the front side which is a design surface, and a second surface on the back side which is laminated onto the substrate, wherein a predetermined region on the second surface integrally forms at least one convex portion protruding to the back side and / or at least one recessed portion recessed to the front side. Another embodiment of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, it is laminated onto the substrate having a light source and is light-transmitting, and the predetermined region is a light-transmitting region that transmits light from the light source. Another embodiment of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the convex portion is annular. Another embodiment of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the convex portion is a pair of plate-shaped plates arranged opposite to each other in a predetermined planar direction of the second surface. Another embodiment of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, a shielding layer is formed in the region surrounding the convex portion on the second surface that shields light from the light source. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, a shielding layer is formed in the region surrounding the recess on the second surface to shield light from the light source. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the tip of the protrusion is close to the light source in a laminated state on the substrate. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the protrusion is cylindrical and surrounds the light source. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the protrusion is a focusing protrusion that focuses light into a predetermined range within the light-transmitting region. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the protrusion is a plurality of diffusing protrusions that diffuse light into a predetermined range within the light-transmitting region. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the recess is a diffusing recess that diffuses light into a predetermined range within the light-transmitting region. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the material is laminated on the substrate having a light source and is translucent, the predetermined region is a light-transmitting region that transmits light from the light source, and the recess is formed in a predetermined range of the light-transmitting region.Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the predetermined range of the light-transmitting region is thinner than other light-transmitting regions. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, a light source is housed in the recess which is translucent, and the predetermined region is a light-transmitting region that transmits light from the light source. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the base material is provided with an operating part, the protrusion is formed in a region on the second surface facing the operating part, and the tip of the protrusion is close to the operating part when laminated on the base material. To achieve the above objective, a second configuration of the present disclosure is an automotive interior part, characterized in that a surface material described in any of the first configurations is laminated on a base material having a predetermined shape.

[0007] According to this disclosure, since a convex portion and / or recess protruding to the back side is integrally formed in a predetermined area on the second surface, the convex portion and / or recess can be used as a functional member that performs a predetermined function, thereby improving the degree of design freedom. Furthermore, since only a simple structure is required to form the convex portion and / or recess, cost increases can be suppressed without increasing the number of additional members and manufacturing man-hours. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effect, since a predetermined area on the second surface is provided on the base material and transmits light from a light source, the convex portion or recess can be used as a functional member that provides a decorative function, and the design of the first surface (brightness, shading, emphasis of patterns, etc.) can be broadly set by the light source. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effect, since the convex portion is annular, the light from the light source can be locally guided to the first surface. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effect, since the convex portion is a pair of plate-like shapes arranged opposite each other in the predetermined planar direction of the second surface, the convex portion can be easily formed. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, since a shielding layer is formed in the region surrounding the protrusion, the light-emitting area on the first surface can be easily defined, and the area where the shielding layer is formed can be easily set using the protrusion as a guide. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, since a shielding layer is formed in the region surrounding the recess, the boundary between the light-transmitting area and its surroundings when light is emitted is less likely to blur. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, since the tip of the protrusion is close to the light source in a laminated state on the substrate, light loss can be suppressed and the light from the light source can be projected directly onto the first surface. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, since the protrusion is cylindrical and surrounds the light source, the light from the light source can be locally guided onto the first surface, and the positioning of the protrusion relative to the light source can also be accurately performed. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, the convex portion is a light-gathering convex portion that focuses light into a predetermined range within the light-transmitting region, so that light from the light source can be locally guided to the first surface, and by appropriately changing the thickness, area, and shape of the light-gathering convex portion, an expression that matches the design of the first surface can be obtained.According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, the convex portion is a plurality of diffusing convex portions that diffuse light within a predetermined range within the light-transmitting region, so by appropriately changing the shape, size, number, and arrangement of the diffusing convex portions, an expression that matches the surface design can be obtained. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, the concave portion is a diffusing concave portion that diffuses light within a predetermined range within the light-transmitting region, so by appropriately changing the shape, size, and depth of the diffusing concave portion, an expression that matches the surface design can be obtained. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, since the concave portion is formed within a predetermined range within the light-transmitting region, the brightness of light in the concave portion and its surroundings can be made different, giving emphasis to the design of the first surface. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, since the predetermined range within the light-transmitting region where the concave portion is provided is thinner than other light-transmitting regions, the brightness of light in the concave portion is greater than in the surrounding area, resulting in the effect of emphasizing the design on the first surface side of the concave portion. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, since the light source is housed in a recess formed in a translucent surface material, assembly workability is improved, and an improvement in the positional accuracy of the light source can also be expected. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, since the tip of the protrusion is close to the operating part provided on the base material in a laminated state on the base material, the protrusion can be suitably used as an operating member to operate the operating part.

[0008] This is a partial perspective view of the armrest of Example 1. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the display operation unit of Example 1. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the display operation unit of Example 2. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the display operation unit of Example 3. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the display operation unit of Example 4. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the display operation unit showing a modified example of Example 4. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the display operation unit of Example 5. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the display operation unit showing a modified example of Example 5. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the display operation unit of Example 6. This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the display operation unit of Example 7.

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In Examples 2 and later, the same reference numerals are used for components common to Example 1, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of an armrest 1, which is an example of an automotive interior part according to the second configuration of this disclosure. The armrest 1 is installed on the inside of an automobile door and has a surface material 20 according to the first configuration of this disclosure laminated on its surface, and is equipped with a display operation unit 2. Figure 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the display operation unit 2. The armrest 1 has a base material 10 and a surface material 20 that covers the surface of the base material 10. The base material 10 is a molded product of a resin material such as PP or ABS. In the display operation unit 2, a circular housing recess 11 that is recessed inward is integrally formed in the base material 10. A light source 12 is housed in the housing recess 11. The light source 12 is formed, for example, from one or more LEDs. An outlet 13 for lead wires 14 connected to the light source 12 is formed at the bottom of the housing recess 11. The surface material 20 is a molded product of a resin material such as a light-transmitting elastomer, and has a surface 21 that serves as a design surface and a back surface 22, the back surface 22 is laminated and bonded to the base material 10. Surface surface 21 is an example of the first surface of this disclosure. Back surface surface 22 is an example of the second surface of this disclosure. A protrusion 23 is integrally formed on the back surface surface 22 of the surface material 20. The protrusion 23 is cylindrical in shape, protruding toward the base material 10 and reaching into the housing recess 11. The protrusion 23 houses the light source 12 within the housing recess 11. Therefore, the area of ​​the surface material 20 surrounded by the protrusion 23 becomes a light-transmitting area 24 through which light from the light source 12 located directly behind is transmitted.

[0011] In this armrest 1, when the light source 12 is energized and emits light, the emitted light passes through the light-transmitting region 24, causing the surface 21 to emit light as indicated by the dotted arrow. At this time, the distance between the light source 12 and the light-transmitting region 24 is short, so light loss can be minimized. Therefore, by changing the thickness of the light-transmitting region 24, or by adding letters, pictures, or patterns to the light-transmitting region 24, it is possible to create shadows on the surface 21 or make letters or pictures stand out. By changing the radial thickness of the protrusion 23, the amount of light transmitted to the light-transmitting region 24 changes, so shadows can be created even with the same light source 12. In addition, since the light source 12 is located within the annular protrusion 23, the positioning of the surface material 20 and the light source 12 can be easily performed.

[0012] In the armrest 1 of Embodiment 1, the surface material 20 comprises a surface 21 that serves as the design surface and a back surface 22 that is laminated onto the base material 10. A protrusion 23 that projects to the back side is integrally formed in a predetermined area of ​​the back surface 22. With this configuration, the protrusion 23 can be used as a functional member that performs a predetermined function (decorative function in this example), thereby improving design flexibility. Furthermore, since the structure for forming the protrusion 23 is simple, it is possible to suppress cost increases without increasing the number of additional members and manufacturing man-hours.

[0013] In particular, the surface material 20 is laminated on the substrate 10 having a light source 12 and is translucent, and a predetermined area is a light-transmitting area 24 that transmits light from the light source 12. Therefore, the protrusions 23 can be used as functional members that provide a decorative function, and the design of the surface 21 (brightness, shading, emphasis of patterns, etc.) by the light source 12 can be broadly set. The protrusions 23 are cylindrical and surround the light source 12. Therefore, the light from the light source 12 can be locally guided to the surface 21, and the positioning of the protrusions 23 relative to the light source 12 can also be accurately performed. In the first embodiment, the protrusions may not be cylindrical extending to accommodate the light source, but may be annular with the end face remaining in front of the light source. In this case as well, the light from the light source can be efficiently guided to the surface. The protrusions are not limited to cylindrical or annular shapes, but may be a pair of plates facing each other at a predetermined distance in the direction of the back surface. In this case, the light source is placed between the pair of protrusions. By making them a pair of plates, the protrusions can be easily formed.

[0014] In the display operation unit 2 of the armrest 1A shown in Figure 3, the light source 12 is located on the back side of the base material 10. Plate-shaped or rod-shaped protrusions 23A are integrally formed on the surface material 20. The cross-sectional shape of the plate-shaped protrusions 23A is, for example, rectangular, oval, or elliptical. The cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped protrusions 23A is, for example, circular, square, or polygonal. The protrusions 23A penetrate through holes 15 provided in the base material 10, and their lower end surfaces are close to the light source 12. The area directly above the protrusions 23A is the light-transmitting region 24. In addition, a shielding layer 16 is formed around the protrusions 23A between the surface material 20 and the base material 10. The shielding layer 16 is formed, for example, by a shielding paint applied to the back surface of the surface material 20. In addition to painting, the shielding layer 16 can also be formed by attaching a shielding film to the back surface of the surface material 20, interposing a shielding film between the surface material 20 and the base material 10, or applying a shielding print to the back surface 22 of the surface material 20 and / or the upper surface of the base material 10.

[0015] In this armrest 1A, when the light source 12 is energized and emits light, the emitted light passes through the light-transmitting region 24 via the protrusion 23A, causing the surface 21 of the skin material 20 to emit light. Since the light source 12 is close to the lower end surface of the protrusion 23A and a shielding layer 16 is formed around the protrusion 23A, the light passes through the protrusion 23A without diffusion, causing the light-transmitting region 24 to emit light locally. Therefore, by changing the cross-sectional shape and size of the protrusion 23A, or by adding letters, pictures, or patterns to the surface of the skin material 20, it is possible to create shadows on the skin material 20 or make letters or pictures stand out.

[0016] In the armrest 1A of Embodiment 2, a protrusion 23A that projects to the back side is integrally formed in a predetermined area on the back surface 22 of the surface material 20. Therefore, the protrusion 23A can be used as a functional member that performs a predetermined function (decorative function in this example), thereby improving design flexibility. Furthermore, since the structure for forming the protrusion 23A is simple, it is possible to suppress cost increases without increasing the number of additional members and manufacturing steps. In particular, since the protrusion 23A is plate-shaped or rod-shaped, light from the light source 12 can be locally guided to the surface 21.

[0017] A shielding layer 16 is formed in the region surrounding the protrusion 23A on the back surface 22 to block light from the light source 12. Therefore, the light-emitting area on the surface 21 can be easily defined, and the formation area of ​​the shielding layer 16 can be easily set using the protrusion 23A as a guide. The tip of the protrusion 23A is close to the light source 12. Therefore, light loss can be suppressed and the light from the light source 12 can be projected directly onto the surface 21. In Embodiment 2, the shielding layer can be omitted. Multiple protrusions can be provided.

[0018] In the display operation section 2 of the armrest 1B shown in Figure 4, a circular light-gathering protrusion 25 is formed on the lower surface of the inner region of the cylindrical protrusion 23 formed on the surface material 20. The light-gathering protrusion 25 is a convex curved surface that bulges downward (towards the base material 10) from the radially outer side toward the center. In this armrest 1B, when the light source 12 emits light, the emitted light is focused as it passes through the light-gathering protrusion 25, causing a predetermined range of the light-transmitting region 24 of the surface material 20 to emit light locally. In other words, the light-gathering protrusion 25 functions as a light-gathering lens. Therefore, by applying letters, pictures, or patterns to the surface of the surface material 20, the letters or pictures on the surface material 20 can be emphasized and made to stand out.

[0019] In the armrest 1B of Embodiment 3, a protrusion 23 and a light-gathering protrusion 25 are integrally formed in a predetermined area on the back surface 22 of the surface material 20. Therefore, the protrusion 23 and the light-gathering protrusion 25 can be used as functional members that perform a predetermined function (decorative function in this example), thereby improving design flexibility. Furthermore, since only a simple structure is required to form the protrusion 23 and the light-gathering protrusion 25, cost increases can be suppressed without increasing the number of additional members and manufacturing man-hours. In particular, since a light-gathering protrusion 25 that concentrates light in a predetermined area of ​​the light-transmitting region 24 is provided in addition to the protrusion 23, light from the light source 12 can be locally guided to the surface 21, and by appropriately changing the thickness, area, and shape of the light-gathering protrusion 25, an expression that matches the design of the surface 21 can be obtained. Note that in Embodiment 3, the protrusion is not cylindrical, but may be a short ring or a pair of plates. The protrusion may also be omitted, and only the light-gathering protrusion may be provided.

[0020] In the display operation section 2 of the armrest 1C shown in Figure 5, a plurality of diffusing protrusions 26, 26... are integrally formed on the lower surface of the inner region of the cylindrical protrusion 23 of the surface material 20. The diffusing protrusions 26 are, for example, small pyramidal or conical protrusions. In this armrest 1C, when the light source 12 emits light, the emitted light is refracted as it passes through the diffusing protrusions 26, 26... and diffuses from a predetermined range of the light-transmitting region 24 of the surface material 20. In other words, the diffusing protrusions 26 function as diffusing lenses. Therefore, by applying letters, pictures, or patterns to the surface of the surface material 20, the letters or pictures on the surface material 20 can be emphasized and made to stand out.

[0021] In the armrest 1C of Embodiment 4, a protrusion 23 and a diffusion protrusion 26 are integrally formed on a predetermined area of ​​the back surface 22 of the surface material 20. Therefore, the protrusion 23 and the diffusion protrusion 26 can be used as functional members that perform a predetermined function (decorative function in this example), thereby improving design flexibility. Furthermore, since the formation of the protrusion 23 and the diffusion protrusion 26 requires a simple structure, it is possible to suppress cost increases without increasing the number of additional members and manufacturing man-hours. In particular, since a diffusion protrusion 26 that diffuses light is provided in addition to the protrusion 23 within a predetermined range of the light-transmitting region 24, the shape, size, number, and arrangement of the diffusion protrusion 26 can be appropriately changed to obtain an expression that matches the surface design. Note that in Embodiment 4, the protrusion may not be cylindrical, but may be a short ring or a pair of plates. The protrusion may also be omitted, and only the diffusion protrusion may be provided.

[0022] Furthermore, light diffusion is not limited to a structure with multiple diffusing protrusions 26; as shown in Figure 6, a circular diffusing recess 27 may be formed in plan view on the lower surface of the inner region of the cylindrical protrusion 23 formed on the surface material 20. The diffusing recess 27 is a concave curved surface that bulges upward (towards the surface 21) from the radially outer side toward the center. When the light source 12 emits light, the emitted light is refracted as it passes through the diffusing recess 27 and diffuses from a predetermined range of the light-transmitting region 24 of the surface material 20. Therefore, by appropriately changing the shape, size, and depth of the diffusing recess 27, an expression that matches the surface design can be obtained.

[0023] In the display operation unit 2 of the armrest 1D shown in Figure 7, a recess 28 is formed in a predetermined area (in this case, the central part) on the lower surface of the light-transmitting region 24 of the surface material 20 that faces the light source 12. Therefore, the thickness of the light-transmitting region 24 differs between the recess 28 and its surroundings. In this armrest 1D, when the light source 12 emits light, the emitted light passes through the light-transmitting region 24 including the recess 28, causing the surface of the surface material 20 to emit light. Therefore, by applying letters, pictures, or patterns to the surface of the surface material 20, it is possible to create shadows on the surface material 20 or make letters or pictures stand out. In particular, because the thickness of the central part of the light-transmitting region 24 is reduced by the recess 28, the brightness of the light in the central part is greater than in the surrounding area, resulting in the effect of emphasizing the design on the surface 21 side.

[0024] In the armrest 1D of Example 5, since the recess 28 is integrally formed in a predetermined range of the light-transmitting region 24, the recess 28 can be used as a functional member that performs a predetermined function (decorative function in this example), thereby improving design flexibility. Furthermore, since the structure for forming the recess 28 is simple, it is possible to suppress cost increases without increasing the number of additional members and manufacturing man-hours. In particular, since the recess 28 is provided in a predetermined range of the light-transmitting region 24, the brightness of light can be made different between the recess 28 and its surroundings, giving the surface design a sense of contrast. The depth of the recess can be changed as appropriate. To make it deeper, for example, as shown in Figure 8, a thickened portion 29 can be provided in the surface material 20 so that the thickness of the light-transmitting region 24 is greater than that of the surrounding area, and the depth can be increased by providing the recess 28 in the thickened portion 29.

[0025] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, the base material 10 may not have a housing recess, and the light source 12 may be provided on the upper surface of the base material 10, while a bulge 30 may be provided on the surface material 20 above the light source 12, and a recess 31 for housing the light source 12 may be provided inside the bulge 30. In this case, the bulge 30 and the recess 31 can be used as decorative functional members. Furthermore, since the light source 12 can be housed in the recess 31 on the surface material 20 side and laminated onto the base material 10, the workability of assembly is improved, and an improvement in the positional accuracy of the light source 12 can also be expected. In addition, the uneven shape of the base material 10 is reduced and simplified, which is more cost-effective than other examples. Note that the recesses in Figures 7 and 8, and the bulge and recess in Figure 9 may each be provided in multiples. The shape of the bulge in Figure 9 can be changed as appropriate. The bulge may be extended in a straight or curved shape to house multiple light sources in the recess.

[0026] In the display operation section 2 of the armrest 1E shown in Figure 10, a switch 17 is housed on the back side of the base material 10. The switch 17 has a plunger 18 protruding from its upper surface, and outputs an ON signal when the plunger 187 is pressed in. The switch 17 is an example of an operating part of this disclosure. A rod-shaped protrusion 23B is formed on the surface material 20. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 23B can be, for example, circular, square, or polygonal. The protrusion 23B penetrates a through hole 15 provided in the base material 10, and its lower end surface is close to the plunger 18. A circular recess 32 is formed on the upper surface of the base material 10, centered on the through hole 15. The recess 32 provides space for the protrusion 23B and its surrounding parts to move downward. However, it is also possible to provide space for the movement of the protrusion 23B and its surrounding parts by making the diameter of the through hole 15 larger than that of the protrusion 23B without providing the recess 32. In this armrest 1E, when the area directly above the protrusion 23B of the surface material 20 is pressed toward the back surface 22, the protrusion 23B moves toward the switch 17, pushing in the plunger 18 and turning the switch 17 ON.

[0027] In the armrest 1E of Embodiment 6, a protrusion 23B that projects to the back side is integrally formed in a predetermined area on the back surface 22 of the surface material 20. Therefore, the protrusion 23B can be used as an operating member that performs a predetermined function (in this example, the function of operating a switch), thereby improving the degree of design freedom. Furthermore, since the structure for forming the protrusion 23B is simple, it is possible to suppress cost increases without increasing the number of additional members and manufacturing man-hours. In particular, since the tip of the protrusion 23B is close to the plunger 18 of the switch 17 in the laminated state on the base material 10, the protrusion 23B can be suitably used as the operating part of the switch 17.

[0028] Figure 11 shows another example where a shielding layer is provided. In the display operation section 2 of the armrest 1F, a recess 33 is integrally formed on the back surface 22 of the surface material 20. The recess 33 is ring-shaped and faces the light source 12. Therefore, the light-transmitting region 24 is formed in the inner region of the recess 33. The through hole 15 in the base material 10 is formed directly below the recess 33 with the same diameter as the outer diameter of the recess 33. The shielding layer 16 between the surface material 20 and the base material 10 is formed by painting, a shielding film, printing, etc., as in Example 2.

[0029] In this armrest 1F, when the light source 12 is energized and emits light, the emitted light passes through the light-transmitting region 24 inside the recess 33, causing the surface 21 of the skin material 20 to emit light. Since a shielding layer 16 is formed around the recess 33, the light does not diffuse, causing the light-transmitting region 24 to emit light locally. In particular, the presence of the recess 33 suppresses light leakage outside the light-transmitting region 24, narrowing the diffusion range and resulting in localized light emission.

[0030] In the armrest 1F of Example 7, a recess 33 is integrally formed in a predetermined area on the back surface 22 of the surface material 20. This allows the recess 33 to be used as a functional component that performs a predetermined function (decorative function in this example), thereby improving design flexibility. Furthermore, since the structure for forming the recess 33 is simple, it is possible to suppress cost increases without increasing the number of additional components or manufacturing steps. In particular, the recess 33 makes the boundary between the light-transmitting area 24 and its surroundings less blurred, so letters, pictures, patterns, etc. applied to the surface of the surface material 20 are displayed more clearly. In addition, since a ring-shaped protrusion is formed in the mold for forming the recess 33, it serves as a guide for masking, making it easier to form the shielding layer 16.

[0031] The shape and depth of the recess can be changed as appropriate. The recess can be a shape other than a circle, such as a square in plan view. The inside of the recess may be extended downwards to bring it closer to the light source. If the recess is made deeper upwards, the remaining thickness of the surface material will be reduced, further reducing the diffusion range and making diffusion more difficult. The recess does not have to be spot-shaped; for example, it may be a pair of grooves extending in a straight or curved shape, with multiple light sources arranged between the grooves. A shielding layer may be formed on the inner wall of the outer side of the recess.

[0032] The surface material and armrest of this disclosure may be formed by combining the above embodiments. For example, a protrusion of Embodiment 6 for operating a switch located on the back side of the base material may be formed adjacent to the cylindrical protrusion of Embodiment 1. A light source and a switch may be housed within the cylindrical protrusion, and a protrusion for operating the switch may be formed in the light-transmitting region. For example, any or a combination of the light-gathering protrusion, diffusion protrusion, diffusion recess, or recess of Embodiments 3 to 5 may be placed together within the formation region of the cylindrical protrusion of Embodiment 1. For example, the formation region of the light-gathering protrusion of Embodiment 3 and the formation region of the diffusion protrusion or diffusion recess of Embodiment 4 may be placed together within the light-transmitting region. For example, a recess of Embodiment 5 may be formed adjacent to the formation region of the light-gathering protrusion of Embodiment 3 or the formation region of the diffusion protrusion or diffusion recess of Embodiment 4. In Embodiments 1, 3 to 5, the shielding layer of Embodiment 2 may be formed on the lower surface of the surface material around the protrusions and recesses.

[0033] The armrest itself can also be modified as appropriate. For example, the position and shape of the display and operation unit may differ from those of the above embodiment. There may be multiple display and operation units, each of which may be provided with one or more of the above embodiment. Any of the above embodiments may be provided in locations other than the display and operation unit. This disclosure is not limited to instrument panels and door panels, but is also applicable to other automotive interior parts such as seat components (center console, armrest, etc.).

[0034] 1, 1A to 1F... Armrest, 2... Display operation unit, 10... Base material, 11... Receiving recess, 12... Light source, 16... Shielding layer, 17... Switch, 18... Plunger, 20... Surface material, 21... Surface, 22... Back, 23, 23A, 23B... Protrusions, 24... Light transmission area, 25... Light-collecting protrusion, 26... Diffusing protrusion, 27... Diffusing recess, 28, 31, 33... Recess, 30... Bulging part.

Claims

1. A surface material formed from a resin material and laminated onto a base material of a predetermined shape, comprising a first surface on the front side which serves as the design surface, and a second surface on the back side which is laminated onto the base material, wherein a predetermined region on the second surface integrally has at least one convex portion projecting to the back side and / or at least one recessed portion recessed to the front side.

2. The surface material according to claim 1, which is laminated on the substrate having a light source and is translucent, wherein the predetermined region is a light-transmitting region that transmits light from the light source.

3. The surface material according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion is annular.

4. The surface material according to claim 2, wherein the protrusions are a pair of plate-shaped portions arranged opposite to each other in a predetermined planar direction of the second surface.

5. The surface material according to claim 2, wherein a shielding layer is formed in the region surrounding the protrusion on the second surface to block light from the light source.

6. The surface material according to claim 2, wherein a shielding layer is formed in the region surrounding the recess on the second surface to block light from the light source.

7. The surface material according to claim 2, wherein the tip of the protrusion is in close proximity to the light source when laminated on the substrate.

8. The surface material according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is cylindrical and surrounds the light source.

9. The surface material according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is a light-focusing protrusion that focuses light into a predetermined range within the light-transmitting region.

10. The surface material according to claim 2, wherein the protrusions are a plurality of diffusing protrusions that diffuse light within a predetermined range within the light-transmitting region.

11. The surface material according to claim 2, wherein the recess is a diffusing recess that diffuses light within a predetermined range within the light-transmitting region.

12. The surface material according to claim 1, which is laminated on the substrate having a light source and is translucent, wherein the predetermined region is a light-transmitting region that transmits light from the light source, and the recess is formed in a predetermined range of the light-transmitting region.

13. The surface material according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined range of the light-transmitting region has a smaller thickness than the other light-transmitting regions.

14. The surface material according to claim 1, wherein it is translucent, a light source is housed in the recess, and the predetermined region is a light-transmitting region that transmits light from the light source.

15. The surface material according to claim 1, wherein the base material comprises an operating part, the protrusion is formed in a region of the second surface facing the operating part, and the tip of the protrusion is close to the operating part when laminated on the base material.

16. An automotive interior part comprising a base material having a predetermined shape, on which a surface material according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is laminated.

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