JP2022156825A - Decorative member - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a decorative member having a decorative layer that can control a design change and changes design diversely, and to provide a method for manufacturing it.SOLUTION: A decorative member 1 has a decorative layer 3 in which at least a pattern layer 4 and a liquid crystal type light control layer 5 are laminated in this order on a surface of a base material 2. The liquid crystal type light control layer is disposed so as to be overlapped to the pattern layer at least partially, the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of a light control cell part having a liquid crystal layer, at least one portion of the light control cell part has different light control characteristics, or the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of a plurality of light control cell parts having a liquid crystal layer, and at least one of the plurality of light control cell parts has different light control characteristics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a decorative member provided with a decorative layer whose design change can be controlled.

Conventionally, as a new need for decorative members, a decorating technology that changes the design has been studied, and a decorating technology that changes the design mainly according to environmental conditions such as heat and light has been proposed. As a decoration technology whose design changes with heat, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an in-mold transfer film that is attached to an injection-molded article to perform decoration with a visual effect of changing the color of the molded article depending on temperature. disclosed.

In addition, as a decoration technology whose design changes with light, in Patent Document 2, it exhibits a unique coloration in response to irradiation with ultraviolet rays, and exhibits colorlessness in response to shielding from ultraviolet rays, even if it is exposed to the environment. A photochromic decorated body member with an available degree of lightfastness is disclosed.

These decorative technologies use heat and light to change the color of the ink to change the design, but in recent years there is a growing need for decorative materials that can express a wider variety of designs by controlling the change in design. ing. However, the decorative members of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 both depend on environmental conditions such as heat and light from the outside for design changes, so they are controlled to intentionally change the design to a desired state. It was difficult to do so, and it was not possible to sufficiently meet the above-mentioned needs.

In order to solve this problem, a decoration technology has been proposed in which the design is changed by electrical control. A light control film has been proposed in which a transparent state and an opaque state are electrically controlled by applying , and a design property is imparted by providing a transparent colored layer.

Japanese Patent No. 5745700 JP 2008-279425 A JP 2019-132927 A

However, in the light-modulating film of Patent Document 3, since the light-modulating layer has uniform light-modulating properties, the light-dark state of the transparent colored layer only changes and is visually recognized, and a design rich in a variety of variations is obtained. There was room for improvement. Accordingly, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a decorative member having a decorative layer capable of controlling design changes and allowing various design changes, and a method of manufacturing the same. That's what it is.

In order to solve the above problems, the decorative member of the present invention is a decorative member provided with a decorative layer in which at least a pattern layer and a liquid crystal type light control layer are laminated in this order on the surface of a base material. The liquid crystal type light control layer is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the pattern layer, and the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of one light control cell section having a liquid crystal layer, and at least a part of the light control cell section have different dimming characteristics.

A configuration in which a liquid crystal type light control layer having different light control characteristics in at least a part of the light control cell portion is laminated on a part or the entire surface of the pattern layer. By forming the decorative layer to be different, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is controlled and changed, it corresponds to the partial difference in the light control characteristics of the light control cell part in the part where the liquid crystal type light control layer is arranged. Since the visibility of the pattern layer can be changed by doing so, it is possible to control the design change and to obtain a decorative member with various design changes. The form in which the liquid crystal type light control layer is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the pattern layer is not limited to being in direct contact with the pattern layer, but also includes a form in which it is arranged without contact with the pattern layer. .

In another aspect, the decorative member of the present invention is a decorative member provided with a decorative layer in which at least a pattern layer and a liquid crystal type light control layer are laminated in this order on the surface of a base material. The liquid crystal type light control layer is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the pattern layer, and the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of a plurality of light control cell portions having a liquid crystal layer, and at least the plurality of light control cell portions One is that the dimming characteristics are different.

It is composed of a plurality of light control cell parts, and at least one of the plurality of light control cell parts has a structure in which a liquid crystal type light control layer having different light control characteristics is laminated on a part or the entire surface of the pattern layer. By using the decorative layer, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer of each light control cell part is controlled and changed, the light control characteristics differ for each light control cell part in the part where the liquid crystal type light control layer is arranged. Since the visibility of the pattern layer can be changed correspondingly, the design change can be controlled, and a decorative member with various design changes can be obtained.

Further, in the decorative member of the present invention, the liquid crystal type light control layer constituting the decorative layer is composed of a plurality of light control cell portions having a liquid crystal layer, and the plurality of light control cell portions having different light control characteristics are formed. , is also preferably arranged such that the dimming characteristics are gradually different. As a result, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer of each light-modulating cell section is controlled and changed, the light-modulating characteristics of the liquid crystal-type light-modulating layer gradually change according to the light-modulating characteristics and arrangement structure of the light-modulating cell section. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a decorative member having a controllable decorative layer so that the pattern layer changes in a gradation-like manner and is visually recognized.

Further, in the decorative member of the present invention, the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of a plurality of light control cell portions having a liquid crystal layer, and at least a part of the boundary of at least one light control cell portion is the other light control cell portion. It is also preferable that it is non-contact with the cell portion. Thus, by arranging light-modulating cell portions having different light-modulating characteristics at desired positions of the pattern layer and controlling and changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer of each light-modulating cell portion, a specific pattern on the pattern layer can be obtained. Since the visibility can be controlled and changed in tune with the region, it is possible to design a wider variety of variable designs.

Further, in the decorative member of the present invention, it is also preferable that at least one of the light control cell portions has a different thickness of the liquid crystal layer. As a result, when the liquid crystal type light control layer consists of one light control cell portion, the light control characteristics of a part of the light control cell portion can be easily adjusted by only partially changing the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. When the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of a plurality of light control cell portions, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer can be changed by changing the thickness of the liquid crystal layer even if the light control cell portions have the same structure. Since the dimming characteristics can be easily changed, the visibility of the pattern layer can be improved according to the partial differences in the dimming characteristics of the dimming cell section when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is controlled and changed. can be easily obtained. In addition, by applying the same components to the liquid crystal layer constituting each light control cell section and changing only the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, the light control characteristics can be easily changed, so that the production cost can be suppressed. can also

Further, in the decorative member of the present invention, it is also preferable that the thickness of the liquid crystal layer of the light-modulating cell portion is gradually changed. As a result, it is possible to gradually change the light control characteristics for each light control cell unit, so that when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is controlled and changed, a unique design change accompanied by a gradation-like change can be achieved. A decorative member having a decorative layer can be obtained.

Further, in the decorative member of the present invention, it is also preferable that the pattern layer is composed of a plurality of pattern regions, and the above-mentioned liquid crystal type light control layer is arranged corresponding to the pattern regions. As a result, the visibility of the pattern layer can be changed by controlling the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer corresponding to the pattern region constituting the pattern layer, so that the decorative layer whose design changes in tune with the pattern layer. It is possible to obtain a decorative member with

Further, in the decorative member of the present invention, it is also preferable that the liquid crystal type light control layer is provided with a second pattern layer on the side opposite to the pattern layer side. As a result, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell section is controlled and changed, the pattern layer and the second pattern layer change in combination according to the change in the light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer. Since a design can be obtained, it is possible to obtain a decorative member having a decorative layer that can be changed in a wider variety of designs.

Moreover, the decorative member of the present invention preferably has a protective layer on the surface of the decorative layer. Thereby, the pattern layer or the liquid crystal type light control layer can be protected from external physical or chemical deterioration factors.

It is also preferable that the decorative member of the present invention has unevenness on the surface of the substrate, and the decorative layer is laminated along the uneven shape. As a result, not only a visual design effect but also a textured texture can be imparted to the decorative layer.

In addition, the method for manufacturing a decorative member of the present invention is characterized in that at least a pattern layer and a liquid crystal type light control layer consisting of one light control cell portion having a liquid crystal layer are laminated in this order on the surface of a base material. A method for manufacturing a decorative member having a plastic decorative layer, comprising: a heat softening step of heating and softening a decorative film having a decorative layer; A decorative layer obtained by laminating a decorative film elongated and deformed on the surface of a base material at the same time as or after the deformation step, in which a part is elongated and deformed, so that the light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer are partially different. and a lamination step of forming a As a result, even if the decorative film before the heat softening step has uniform light control characteristics of the liquid crystal light control layer over the entire surface, the thickness of at least a part of the liquid crystal light control layer can be easily reduced in the deformation step. By changing , the light control characteristics can be partially changed. Therefore, when the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell part is controlled and changed, the partial area of the light control cell part It is possible to obtain a decorative member provided with a decorative layer in which the visibility of the pattern layer changes according to the difference in dimming properties. In addition, when the decorative film before the heat softening process partially differs in the light control properties of the liquid crystal type light control layer, the light control properties can be further compounded by the above effects of the heat softening process and the deformation process. When the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell part is controlled and changed, the pattern layer is formed in accordance with the partial difference in the light control characteristics of the light control cell part. It is also possible to obtain a decorative member having a decorative layer whose visibility changes in a more complicated manner.

Further, in the method for manufacturing a decorative member of the present invention, at least a pattern layer and a liquid crystal type light control layer composed of a plurality of light control cell portions having a liquid crystal layer are laminated in this order on the surface of the base material. A method for manufacturing a decorative member provided with a thermoplastic decorative layer comprising: a heat softening step of heating and softening a decorative film provided with a decorative layer; and a plurality of dimming of the softened decorative film. A deformation step of stretching and deforming at least one of the cell portions, and simultaneously or after the deformation step, laminating the stretch-deformed decorative film on the surface of the base material to partially change the light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer. and a lamination step of forming a decorative layer. As a result, even if the decorative film before the heat softening step is a liquid crystal type light control layer formed by combining a plurality of light control cell portions having the same light control characteristics, the liquid crystal type light control layer is formed in the deformation step. By changing the thickness of the liquid crystal layer of at least one of the light-modulating cell portions constituting the layer, the light-modulating characteristics can be easily varied. When this is done, it is possible to obtain a decorative member provided with a decorative layer in which the visibility of the pattern layer changes according to the partial difference in the light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer. In addition, when the decorative film before the heat softening step has a decorative layer made of a liquid crystal type light control layer with partially different light control characteristics of at least one light control cell portion, the present production method can be used. Furthermore, it is possible to form a decorative layer with different dimming characteristics in a composite manner, and when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer in the dimming cell part is controlled and changed, the liquid crystal type dimming layer can be partially dimmed. It is also possible to obtain a decorative member provided with a decorative layer in which the visibility of the pattern layer changes according to the difference in light characteristics.

The decorative member of the present invention has a decorative layer having a structure in which a liquid crystal type light control layer is laminated on the surface side of the pattern layer, and the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of a light control cell portion having a liquid crystal layer, At least a part of the light-modulating cell portions has a structure with different light-modulating characteristics or is composed of a plurality of light-modulating cell portions, and at least one of the plurality of light-modulating cell portions has a structure with different light-modulating characteristics. Since the visibility of the pattern layer can be controlled and changed corresponding to the partial difference in the light control properties of the light control layer, it is possible to obtain a decorative member with various design changes. Further, the method for manufacturing a decorative member of the present invention is a thermoplastic thermoplastic layer in which at least a pattern layer and a liquid crystal type light control layer composed of a single or a plurality of light control cell portions having a liquid crystal layer are laminated in this order. a heat softening step of heating and softening a decorative film having a decorative layer; a deformation step of stretching and deforming at least one of a plurality of light control cell portions of the softened decorative film; a lamination step of laminating a decorative film deformed by elongation on the surface of a base material to form a decorative layer in which the light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer are partially different, and a heat softening step. By changing the thickness of at least a part of the liquid crystal type light control layer in the deformation step, the light control characteristics can be partially changed. It is possible to easily obtain a decorative member provided with a decorative layer in which the visibility of the pattern layer changes corresponding to the difference in the light control characteristics of the partial regions of the light control cell portion when the light control cell portion is closed.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a structural example of the decorative member according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a liquid crystal type light control layer that constitutes the decorative member of the present invention. Schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a structural example in which the thickness of the liquid crystal layer of the light-modulating cell section constituting the decorative member according to the first embodiment of the present invention is changed to partially change the light-modulating characteristics. is. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a structural example of a decorative member according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Schematic for explaining a structural example in which the thickness of one of a plurality of light-modulating cell portions constituting the decorative member according to the first embodiment of the present invention is changed to partially differ light-modulating characteristics. is a typical cross-sectional view. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a structural example in which a plurality of light-modulating cell portions constituting the decorative member according to the second embodiment of the present invention are made of different liquid crystal layers. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a structural example in which light-modulating cell portions that constitute a liquid crystal-type light-modulating layer that constitutes the decorative member of the present invention are arranged discontinuously. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a structural example in which the pattern layer of the decorative layer that constitutes the decorative member of the present invention is composed of a plurality of pattern regions; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a structural example in which the decorative layer that constitutes the decorative member of the present invention includes a second pattern layer.

(First embodiment)
A decorative member according to a first embodiment of the present invention is a decorative member provided with a decorative layer in which at least a pattern layer and a liquid crystal type light control layer are laminated in this order on the surface of a base material, The liquid crystal type light control layer is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the pattern layer, and the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of one light control cell section having a liquid crystal layer, and at least a part of the light control cell section have different dimming characteristics. As a specific example, the decorative member 1 shown in FIG. In this example, the thickness of the region 5b near the center of is made thinner than that of the region 5a, thereby making the dimming characteristic of the region 5b different from that of the region 5a. With such a structure, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell portion is controlled and changed, the visibility of the pattern layer 4 is improved corresponding to the partial difference in the light control characteristics of the light control cell portion. Since it can be changed, the decoration layer 3 can be controlled to change the design in various ways. The decorative layer 3 constituting the decorative member 1 shown in FIG. may be In the case of this structural example, it is more preferable that the liquid crystal type light control layer 5 has a pattern shape with a design.

Here, the light control characteristic in the present invention means the light transmittance in the thickness direction of the light control cell portion when the alignment state of the liquid crystal changes between the light blocking state and the transparent state, the change rate of the light transmittance, and the light transmittance. rate of change in transmittance. At this time, when the light transmittance is changed between the light-shielding state and the transparent state under the same control conditions, any one of the light-modulating characteristics of the light-modulating cell portion is different. defined as 'different'. The light transmittance of the light-modulating cell portion can be defined as the total light transmittance of visible light in the wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm (in accordance with JIS K7105 "Testing methods for optical properties of plastics").

(Base material)
The base material 2 constituting the decorative member 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, and known materials such as resins, metals, and ceramics used as base materials for conventional decorative members. is formed by molding the Examples of resins include acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyamide resin, polyacetal resin, polycarbonate resin, Examples include ionomer resins and acrylic resins. Examples of metals include iron, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and alloys thereof. When used as a decorative member for vehicles, the base material 2 is preferably a resin containing an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer from the viewpoint of lightness, mechanical strength, and the like. As a means for molding the base material 2, a known molding method such as injection molding or hot press can be applied. Moreover, the shape of the base material 2 is not particularly limited, and may be any desired shape, which may be a planar shape or a curved shape.

(picture layer)
The pattern layer 4 constituting the decorative layer 3 is formed by a direct printing method such as gravure printing, offset printing, silk screen printing, or ink jet printing using a known printing ink, or by thermal transfer, sublimation transfer, hydraulic transfer, or the like. A printed pattern formed by a known printing method such as transfer printing, a metal film formed by metal vapor deposition, plating, or the like is used alone or in combination to form a pattern. As the printing ink, for example, an ink containing a urethane-based resin, an acrylic resin, or the like as a component can be used. Examples of metals forming the metal film include tin, indium, chromium, aluminum, nickel, copper, silver, gold, platinum, zinc, and alloys containing at least one of these. Any pattern can be used as the pattern of the pattern layer 4. For example, a wood grain pattern, a stone pattern, a texture pattern, an abstract pattern, a geometric pattern, or a combination of two or more of these patterns can be used. The pattern layer 4 also includes a colored plain transparent or opaque structure having no pattern.

(liquid crystal type light control layer)
The liquid crystal type light control layer 5 that constitutes the decorative layer 3 changes the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage to the electrodes, thereby forming an opaque state that scatters the incident light and an opaque state that scatters the incident light. It is a light-modulating cell section that has the effect of controlling and changing the visibility of the pattern layer 4 by switching between a transparent state and a transparent state. For example, as shown in FIG. This is an example of a structure in which the liquid crystal layer 5L is sandwiched and sealed between the surfaces on which the respective transparent conductive films of 5Fb are formed. The transparent conductive resin film 5F is a film in which transparent conductive films 5E (5Ea, 5Eb) are formed on the surface of the transparent resin film 5B (5Ba, 5Bb). acrylic resins such as methyl), polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate resins, cellulose derivatives such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyether sulfone (PES) resins, polyimides Films made of resins, polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene can be exemplified, but the materials are not necessarily limited to these. Further, the transparent resin film 5B may be added with an ultraviolet absorbent, a stabilizer, or the like, and an ultraviolet absorbing layer, a heat ray reflecting layer, a barrier layer, or the like may be provided on either side of the transparent resin film 5B. may be Further, the transparent resin film 5B may be appropriately subjected to an easy-adhesion treatment, an antistatic treatment, or the like, and may be further provided with a reinforcing base material or the like. For the transparent conductive film 5E, a known transparent electrode material such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive film, a tin oxide conductive film, an aluminum-doped zinc oxide conductive film, or a polymer conductive film can be appropriately selected and applied. The liquid crystal layer 5L is a type of PNLC (polymer network liquid crystal) in which liquid crystal molecules are arranged in voids formed inside a polymer network made of resin formed in a three-dimensional mesh shape, or dispersed in a polymer. A known liquid crystal material such as PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) of a type having liquid crystal molecules with a thickness can be applied. Further, the liquid crystal layer 5L includes a normal type and a reverse type, and either one can be appropriately selected and applied according to the application. A normal type liquid crystal layer becomes transparent with a small light scattering degree (haze) when an appropriate AC voltage is applied, and becomes opaque with a large haze when no voltage is applied. On the other hand, the reverse type liquid crystal layer is the opposite, consumes less power than the normal type, and becomes transparent when no voltage is applied due to a power failure or the like. In the liquid crystal type light control layer 5 of FIG. 3, the transparent resin film 5F and the liquid crystal layer 5L are omitted from the illustration on the assumption that the transparent resin film 5F has the same component and thickness. The difference in the thickness of the region of the layer 5 (light control cell portion) is illustrated as the difference in thickness of the liquid crystal layer 5L.

The structure in which the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 5L is changed in order to partially change the light control characteristics of the light control cell section can be appropriately set according to the way the design of the decorative layer 3 is changed. ) or FIG. 3B, by gradually changing the thickness in the thickness direction, the decorative layer 3 can be made to change in design partially with a gradation visual effect. Further, as another form in which the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 5L is partially changed, the thickness may be changed so as to form a plurality of rectangular embossed structures, or a plurality of regions having different thicknesses may be formed into dots. The structure may be arranged in a pattern such as a shape or lattice pattern. By adopting such a form, the design in which the light control cell portion having patterned thickness change and the pattern layer 4 are combined and the light control property change corresponding to the thickness change pattern of the light control cell portion are fused. A decorative member 1 having a decorative layer 3 whose unique design can be changed is obtained.

In the combination of the liquid crystal type light control layer 5 and the pattern layer 4 that constitute the decorative layer 3, when the pattern layer 4 is a pattern including a wood grain pattern, a stone pattern, a texture pattern, an abstract pattern, a geometric pattern, or the like. By controlling and changing the light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer 5, while changing the visibility of the pattern, by partially changing the way of change, the pattern is variably expressed as a variety of designs. be done. Further, when the pattern layer 4 is a single-color layer or a metal layer having no pattern, the light-dark pattern of the liquid crystal-type light-modulating layer 5, which varies partially differently with the pattern layer 4 as the background, is variable. It is recognized as a design.

(Second embodiment)
A decorative member according to a second embodiment of the present invention is a decorative member provided with a decorative layer in which at least a pattern and a liquid crystal type light control layer are laminated in this order on the surface of a substrate 2 to be decorated. The liquid crystal type light control layer is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the pattern layer, and the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of a plurality of light control cell portions, and at least one of the plurality of light control cell portions have different dimming characteristics. As a specific example, the decorative member 10 of FIG. Three light-modulating cell portions 50a having the same light-modulating characteristics and a light-modulating cell portion 50b having different light-modulating characteristics from the light-modulating cell portions 50a are arranged between the two light-modulating cell portions 50a. It is composed of a dimming cell section. With this configuration, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is controlled and changed, the visibility of the pattern layer 4 can be changed according to the difference in the light control characteristics of each light control cell section. , the design of the decorative layer 30 can be changed in various ways. Further, in each light control cell portion, the decorative layer 30 constituting the decorative member 10 shown in FIG. 4 may be arranged in part. In the case of this structure, it is more preferable that the liquid crystal type light control layer 50 has a pattern shape with designability.

Specific structural examples for making the light control characteristics of the light control cell section 50b different include a structure in which the components of the liquid crystal layer 5L are different from those of the light control cell section 50a, and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 5L (thickness of the light control cell layer). ) are different, and these may be applied singly or in combination. As a specific example of a mode in which the thickness of the light control cell section is varied, the decorative member 10 shown in FIG. The decorative layer 30 is laminated in order, and the liquid crystal type light control layer 50 is composed of two light control cell portions 50a and one light control cell portion 50b' each made of a liquid crystal layer composed of the same component. , and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell portion 50b' is smaller than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell portion 50a. The light control cell portion constituting the liquid crystal type light control layer 50 in FIG. 5A has the same structure as the light control cell portion shown in FIG. is applied, the illustration of the transparent resin film 5F and the liquid crystal layer 5L is omitted. (the same applies to the light-modulating cell portions 50b, 50b', and 52b' in FIG. 5B and FIGS. 6 to 9, which will be described later). In the structure of FIG. 5A, the light control cell section 50b' has at least a higher light transmittance than the light control cell section 50a if the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is the same. Conversely, if the thickness of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell portion 50b' is made larger than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell portion 50a, the light transmittance of the light control cell portion 50b' is smaller than that of the light control cell portion 50a. can.

As another structural example in which the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the light-modulating cell portion is varied, the decorative member 10 shown in FIG. The decorative layer 30 is laminated in this order with the layer 50, and the liquid crystal type light control layer 50 is composed of two light control cell portions 50a and one light control cell portion 50a each made of a liquid crystal layer composed of the same component. 50b', and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell portion 50b' is gradually reduced from both ends toward the center. With this structure, at least the light transmittance gradually changes in the thickness direction of the light-modulating cell portion 50b'. Therefore, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is controlled and changed, the light-modulating characteristic changes like a gradation. The decorative layer 30 can be made to change the design by changing the visibility of the pattern layer with the action of changing.

Further, the liquid crystal type light control layer 50 may have a structure in which a plurality of light control cell portions having different light control characteristics are arranged such that the light control characteristics gradually differ. As a specific example, the decorative member 10 shown in FIG. The type light control layer 51 is a structural example in which three light control cell portions 51a, 51b, and 51c having different light control characteristics in order are arranged so that the light control characteristics gradually differ. With this structure, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is controlled and changed, the light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer 51 can be gradually changed, so that the pattern layer changes in gradation and is visually recognized. The decorative member 10 having the decorative layer 31 can be obtained.

Further, in at least one of the plurality of light control cell portions constituting the liquid crystal type light control layer, at least a part of the boundary of the light control cell portion may be non-contact with other light control cell portions. Examples of forms in which at least part of the boundaries of a plurality of light-modulating cell parts are non-contact include a form in which a part of the boundary of a light-modulating cell part is adjacent to another light-modulating cell part, or a form in which a part of the boundary of a light-modulating cell part is adjacent to another light-modulating cell part. It is a form in which the whole is arranged discontinuously without being in contact with other dimming cell parts. For example, the decorative member 10 shown in FIG. 7A includes a decorative layer 32 in which the pattern layer 4 and the liquid crystal type light control layer 52 are laminated in this order on the surface of the base material 2. The liquid crystal type light control layer 52 includes two light control cell portions 52a having the same liquid crystal component and light control characteristics of the liquid crystal layer, and a light control cell portion 52b thinner than the light control cell portion 52a and having different light control characteristics. ', and three light-modulating cell portions 52b' are arranged between two light-modulating cell portions 52a. The decorative member 10 shown in FIG. 7B includes two light control cell portions 52a in which the liquid crystal type light control layer 52 has the same light control characteristics as the liquid crystal component of the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer 52a is composed of a liquid crystal component different from that of the light control cell portion 52a, and the light control cell portion 52b has a light control characteristic different from that of the light control cell portion 52a. It is an example of a structure arranged as follows. By adopting such a structure, a plurality of light control cell portions including light control cell portions having different light control characteristics can be arranged at desired positions (regions) of the pattern layer 4, so that the liquid crystal of each light control cell portion By controlling and changing the orientation state of the layers, the decorative member 10 is provided with the decorative layer 32 capable of changing visibility in synchronization with a specific pattern region of the pattern layer 4 . It should be noted that the separation distance and the arrangement pattern between the dimming cell portions can be appropriately set according to the desired effect of the design change.

The description of the structure of the single light-modulating cell portion that constitutes the base material 2, the pattern layer 4, and the liquid crystal light-control layers 50, 51, and 52 that constitute the decorative member 10 according to the second embodiment, and the definition of the light-modulating characteristics are as follows: , are common to the first embodiment, so description thereof is omitted.

Further, in the decorative members according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention, the pattern layer constituting the decorative layer is composed of a plurality of pattern regions, and the light control cell portions corresponding to the pattern regions regions having different light control characteristics, or light control cell portions having different light control characteristics among a plurality of light control cell portions may be arranged. For example, the decorative member 1 shown in FIG. 8(a) has a pattern layer 40 consisting of three pattern regions 40a, 40b, and 40c on the surface of the base material 2, and a liquid crystal type light control layer 5 consisting of one light control cell portion. and the decorative layer 33 laminated in this order. It has optical characteristics. The decorative member 10 shown in FIG. 8(b) has three light-modulating cell portions 50a, 50b, and 50c having different light-modulating characteristics on the surface of the pattern layer 40 consisting of three pattern regions 40a, 40b, and 40c. A decorative layer 34 is provided by laminating liquid crystal type light control layers 50 arranged adjacent to each other, and each light control cell portion is arranged corresponding to each pattern area of the pattern layer 40. . The decorative member 10 shown in FIG. 8(c) has three light-modulating cell portions 52a and 52b having different liquid crystal components and light-modulating characteristics on the surface of the pattern layer 40 consisting of three pattern regions 40a, 40b and 40c. , 52c are arranged to replace the liquid crystal type light control layer 50, and the decoration layer 34 is provided. For example. By making the decorative layer 34 have such a structure, by controlling and changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell section, each region of the light control cell section or each light control cell section can be controlled. It is possible to obtain the decorative member 10 having the decorative layer 34 whose characteristics are synchronized with each pattern region of the pattern layer 40 and whose visibility can be changed. Further, as an application of this structure, the pattern layer 40 has a structure in which a first pattern composed of a plurality of pattern areas and a second pattern composed of a plurality of pattern areas are arranged so as not to overlap each other. A first light control cell group composed of a plurality of light control cell parts is arranged so as to cover each pattern area of the first picture, and a plurality of light control cells are arranged so as to cover each pattern area of the second picture. By forming the liquid crystal type light control layer having a structure in which the second light control cell group composed of the optical cell part is arranged, the light control property of each light control cell group is individually controlled, thereby realizing the first pattern. , and the second pattern can be switched and visually recognized. In this case, even if the light control characteristics of the plurality of light control cell portions constituting the light control cell group are the same, the first light control cell group and the second light control cell group have different light control characteristics. Alternatively, some of the plurality of light control cell units forming each light control cell group may have different light control characteristics.

Further, the decorative member of the present invention including the first embodiment and the second embodiment exemplified above has a second pattern layer on the surface opposite to the pattern layer side of the liquid crystal type light control layer. may be configured. For example, in the decorative member 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the decorative member 1 shown in FIG. This is a structural example in which the second pattern layer 6 is laminated on the second pattern layer 6 to constitute the decorative layer 35 together with the pattern layer 4 and the liquid crystal type light control layer 5 , and the decorative layer 35 is arranged on the surface of the base material 2 . The decorative member 10 shown in FIG. 9B corresponds to the decorative member 10 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. This is a structural example in which the second pattern layer 6 is laminated on the second pattern layer 6 to constitute the decorative layer 36 together with the pattern layer 4 and the liquid crystal type light control layer 50 , and the decorative layer 36 is arranged on the surface of the base material 2 . Also, the second pattern layer 6 may be configured to be formed on a part of the surface of the liquid crystal type light control layer 50 like the decorative member 10 shown in FIG. 9(c). In the second pattern layer 6, at least a part of the pattern layer 4 can be visually recognized through the liquid crystal type light control layer 5 (50). Alternatively, a color clear pattern formed with ink having transparency can be applied. The pattern layer 4 and the second pattern layer 6 may have the same pattern or may have different patterns. The components and formation method of the second pattern layer 6 are the same as those of the decorative layer 4 . With such a structure, the pattern layer 4 and the second pattern layer 6 are combined, and the liquid crystal type light control layer changes the light control characteristics by controlling and changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell part. The decorative member 1 (10) provided with the decorative layer 35 (36) which changes variously by various combinations of colors and patterns can be obtained by viewing the decorative member 1 (10) in combination with 5 (50). As a specific example, the entire pattern layer 4 is a solid blue color, the second pattern layer 6 is a solid red color, and the light transmittance of the liquid crystal type light control layer 5 is changed from the maximum state to the light blocking state. , the pattern layer 4 and the second pattern layer 6 are mixed in color, and the design is visually recognized as purple. In addition, the design can be changed such that only the red color of the second pattern layer 6 is visible when the liquid crystal type light control layer 5 (50) is completely blocked. As another specific example, the pattern layer 4 has a circular pattern and the pattern layer 6 has a square pattern, and the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer of the light control cell portion is controlled to control the light control action of the liquid crystal type light control layer 5 (50). By changing , it is possible to change the design such that a square pattern appears in the circular pattern. Furthermore, by adding color to each pattern, it is possible to change the design as a combination of pattern changes and color changes.

As another embodiment of the decorative member of the present invention, the substrate 1 may have unevenness on its surface, and the decorative layer may be laminated along the unevenness. As a result, the decorative member can have a combination of the effect of changing the visual design of the decorative layer and the uneven feel.

Further, as still another embodiment of the decorative member of the present invention, a protective layer may be provided on the decorative layer. Thereby, the decorative layer can be protected from physical or chemical external factors. The protective layer may have various properties such as scratch resistance, chemical resistance, and weather resistance, depending on the application. In addition, the material of the protective layer is not particularly limited as long as it has transparency to the extent that the decorative layer can be visually recognized. can be appropriately selected according to the performance of As the thermosetting material, for example, a polyurethane-based resin composition composed of polyol or polyisocyanate can be applied, and as the ultraviolet-curable material, for example, an acrylate-based resin composition can be applied.

Further, the decorative member of the present invention may have a structure in which at least the base material and the decorative layer are adhered with an adhesive layer (in the present invention, an adhesive layer made of an adhesive is also included). The adhesive layer may be laminated between any of the pattern layer, the liquid crystal type light control layer, and the second pattern layer, which constitute the decorative layer, with an adhesive layer interposed therebetween. are selected. The component of the adhesive layer is not particularly limited, and known materials such as urethane-based and acrylic-based materials are appropriately selected according to the application position of the adhesive layer, the manufacturing method of the decorative member, and the like. Further, by coloring the adhesive layer by adding a pigment or the like, the design of the decorative member can be further diversified.

(Decoration layer control method)
In the decorative member of the present invention, the light control cell portions of the liquid crystal type light control layer constituting the decorative layer are electrically connected via each transparent conductive resin film (see FIGS. 1 and 2 to 9). is not shown), and the design of the decorative layer is variably changed by changing the light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer by voltage control using a known control method. At this time, the liquid crystal type light-modulating layer as a whole may be controlled collectively, or each light-modulating cell portion or each light-modulating cell portion group may be controlled.

(Manufacturing method of decorative member)
Next, the method for manufacturing the decorative member of the present invention will be specifically described based on the decorative member according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

(1) Step of forming liquid crystal type light control layer A first transparent conductive resin film having a transparent conductive film on the surface of the transparent resin film is prepared, and the surface side of the transparent electrode film of the first transparent conductive resin film is After forming a sealing member on the periphery using a known material and method, the area surrounded by the sealing member is filled with a liquid crystal composition by a known filling method. Next, a second transparent conductive resin film having a shape in which a transparent conductive film is formed on the surface of the transparent resin film and a rectangular convex portion is formed on the transparent conductive film side is prepared, and the transparent conductive film side is the liquid crystal composition. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the region 5b is reduced to obtain a liquid crystal type light control layer 5 having partially different light control characteristics.
(2) Step of forming decorative layer Next, the decorative layer 3 is formed by forming the pattern layer 4 on one side of the liquid crystal type light control layer 5 by a known means. The pattern layer 4 may be formed in advance on the surface of the first transparent conductive resin film opposite to the transparent electrode film in the step of forming the liquid crystal type light control layer 5. In this case, The process of forming the decorative layer 3 proceeds simultaneously with the completion of the process of forming the liquid crystal type light control layer.
(3) Lamination processing step of decorative layer A decorative member 1 is obtained by laminating the decorative layer 3 on the surface of the substrate 2 via an adhesive layer as necessary.

As another embodiment of the process of forming the liquid crystal type light control layer 5, transparent spacers having different heights are arranged between the first transparent conductive resin film and the second transparent conductive resin film, and the liquid crystal composition is applied. The filling may change the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in a partial area of the light control cell section to form a light control cell section having different light control characteristics.

Further, when the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of a plurality of light control cell portions like the decorative member according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. A light layer can be formed. First, on the surface side of the transparent electrode film of the above-described first transparent conductive resin film, a light-transmitting spacer having a predetermined height and serving as a boundary wall of the light control cell portion is formed using a known material and method. partition into multiple areas. Next, each region partitioned by the spacer is filled with a liquid crystal composition by a known filling method. At this time, the partitions corresponding to the light control cell portions 50a and 50b are filled with liquid crystal compositions having different light control characteristics. Next, after forming a sealing member on the peripheral edge of the first transparent resin film by a known material and method as necessary, the transparent electrode film side of the second transparent conductive resin film is brought into contact with the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition is sealed in each compartment by laminating the liquid crystal type light-modulating layer 50 in such a manner that the light-modulating characteristics of the light-modulating cell portion 50a and the light-modulating characteristics of the light-modulating cell portion 50b are different. obtain. In addition, as an example of this application, when partitioning with spacers, a region to be dimmed and a region not to be dimmed are each partitioned so as to have a desired arrangement, and then only the region to be dimmed is filled with a liquid crystal composition. The area not filled with the liquid crystal composition is filled with a translucent resin or the like, and then the area to be dimmed and the area not to be dimmed are collectively laminated with a second transparent conductive resin film. It is also possible to form a liquid crystal type light control layer 52 in which the light control cell portions are spaced apart like the decorative member 10 shown in FIG.

Moreover, as another method of manufacturing the decorative member according to the embodiment shown in FIG. The parts 52b are individually formed, and the dimming cell parts 52a, 52b (52b') previously formed on the surface of the pattern layer 4 formed on the surface of the member 2 to be decorated by a known method. can be laminated in a spaced apart arrangement via an adhesive layer as necessary to obtain the decorative member 10 .

In addition, there is another method for manufacturing a decorative member having a liquid crystal type light control layer with partially different light control characteristics by varying the thickness of the light control cell portion that constitutes the liquid crystal type light control layer of the decorative layer. As an embodiment of , a liquid crystal type light control layer, a pattern layer, and an adhesive layer, which are formed by using a thermoplastic transparent conductive resin film having a transparent conductive film, and which are composed of a single or a plurality of light control cell portions, are included. A thermal softening process in which sequentially laminated decorative films are prepared and heated to soften the decorative films, and at least part of the liquid crystal type light control layer of the softened decorative films is elongated and deformed in the plane direction or thickness direction. and a lamination step of forming a decorative layer having partially different light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer by laminating the elongated decorative film on the surface of the base material simultaneously or after the deformation step. , You may manufacture a decorating member according to order. In the case where the liquid crystal type light control layer of the decorative film is composed of a plurality of light control cell portions having a liquid crystal layer, the deforming step includes at least one of the plurality of light control cell portions of the softened decorative film. It also functions as a step of stretching and deforming the .

In the deformation step, the means for partially changing the thickness by stretching the liquid crystal type light control layer of the softened decorative film is not particularly limited. A method of partially stretching the decorative film by pressing a pressing element can be applied. In addition, when using a base material having a curved surface part or an uneven part on the side on which the decorative film is laminated, the decorative film is softened by heat and then placed along the curved surface part or the uneven part of the base material. By sticking the decorative film on the curved surface and the uneven part, the decorative film is stretched and the thickness of the liquid crystal type light control layer is reduced corresponding to the curved surface and the uneven part of the base material, resulting in light control characteristics. A decorative member may be formed by carrying out simultaneously with the laminating step a deforming step of forming a decorative layer in which the is partially changed. As specific processing means for which these manufacturing methods are effective, three-dimensional surface decoration molding represented by vacuum forming, TOM method and NGF method can be applied. When vacuum forming is applied, the vacuum-formed decorative film is placed in a mold, and the heat-melted resin that serves as the base material is injected into the mold to integrally mold with the decorative film for decoration. Parts can also be manufactured.

All of the above-described embodiments are illustrative of the present invention and not restrictive, and the present invention can be implemented in various other variations and modifications. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

The decorative member of the present invention includes a decorative layer having a liquid crystal type light control layer composed of a single or a plurality of light control cell portions on the viewer side of the pattern layer on the surface of the base material, and the liquid crystal By controlling the light control characteristics of the type light control layer, a variable design can be imparted, and the light control characteristics of a part of the light control cell portion or a part of the region within the light control cell portion are made different. It is possible to change the design variably and variably by controlling the alignment state of the liquid crystal in the dimming cell part, so as a new functional design member, it can be used for interior decoration panels of automobiles, home appliances, exterior housings, etc. Available.

Reference Signs List 1, 10 Decorative member 2 Base material 3, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 Decorative layer 4, 40 Pattern layer 5, 50, 51, 52 Liquid crystal type light control layer 50a, 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a Tone Optical cell section 5b, 50b, 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b, 5c Different light control cell section 5Ba, 5Bb Transparent resin film 5Ea, 5Eb Transparent conductive film 5Fa, 5Fb Transparent conductive resin film 5L Liquid crystal layer 6 Second pattern layer

Claims (12)

A decorative member provided with a decorative layer in which at least a pattern layer and a liquid crystal type light control layer are laminated in this order on the surface of a base material, wherein the liquid crystal type light control layer is at least part of the pattern layer. and the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of one light control cell portion having a liquid crystal layer, and at least part of the light control cell portions have different light control characteristics. Decorative material. A decorative member provided with a decorative layer in which at least a pattern layer and a liquid crystal type light control layer are laminated in this order on the surface of a base material, wherein the liquid crystal type light control layer is at least part of the pattern layer. and the liquid crystal type light control layer is composed of a plurality of light control cell portions having a liquid crystal layer, and at least one of the plurality of light control cell portions has a different light control characteristic. Decorative member to be. 3. The decorative member according to claim 2, wherein the liquid crystal type light control layer is arranged such that the plurality of light control cell portions having different light control characteristics are gradually different. 4. The decorative member according to claim 2, wherein at least part of a boundary of at least one of said light control cell portions is not in contact with other light control cell portions. The decorative member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the light control cell portions has a different thickness of the liquid crystal layer. 6. The decorative member according to claim 5, wherein the thickness of the liquid crystal layer changes gradually. The decoration according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pattern layer is composed of a plurality of pattern regions, and the liquid crystal type light control layer is arranged corresponding to the pattern region. Element. The decorative member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the liquid crystal type light control layer has a second pattern layer on the side opposite to the pattern layer side. The decorative member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a protective layer on the surface of the decorative layer. The decorative member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base material has unevenness on its surface, and the decorative layer is laminated along the shape of the unevenness. A method for producing a decorative member having a thermoplastic decorative layer in which at least a pattern layer and a liquid crystal type light control layer composed of one liquid crystal cell portion are laminated in this order on the surface of a base material, the method comprising:
A thermal softening step of heating and softening the decorative film provided with the decorative layer, a deformation step of stretching and deforming at least a part of the liquid crystal cell portion of the softened decorative film, and simultaneously with the deformation step or and a lamination step of laminating the stretch-deformed decorative film on the surface of the base material to form a decorative layer in which the light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer are partially different. A method for manufacturing a decorative member. A decorative member provided with a thermoplastic decorative layer in which at least a pattern layer and a liquid crystal type light control layer composed of a plurality of light control cell portions having a liquid crystal layer are laminated in this order on the surface of a base material. A manufacturing method of
A thermal softening step of heating and softening the decorative film having the decorative layer, a deforming step of stretching and deforming at least one of the plurality of light control cell portions of the softened decorative film, and the deforming step. At the same time or later, a lamination step of laminating the stretch-deformed decorative film on the surface of the base material to form a decorative layer in which the light control characteristics of the liquid crystal type light control layer are partially different. A method for manufacturing a decorative member, characterized by:

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