U.S. patent application number 11/457965 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for textured structure for object surface.
This patent application is currently assigned to HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Takeshi Yamaguchi, Toshimichi Yamauchi.
Application Number | 20070020437 11/457965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37679388 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070020437 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamauchi; Toshimichi ; et
al. |
January 25, 2007 |
TEXTURED STRUCTURE FOR OBJECT SURFACE
Abstract
A textured structure is formed on the surface of an object. The
textured structure is composed of first convexities formed on the
surface of the object, and second convexities formed between the
first convexities. The second convexities are formed to be smaller
in width than the first convexities, and equal to or smaller than
the first convexities in height.
Inventors: |
Yamauchi; Toshimichi;
(Wako-shi, Saitama, JP) ; Yamaguchi; Takeshi;
(Wako-shik, Saitama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RANKIN, HILL, PORTER & CLARK LLP
4080 ERIE STREET
WILLOUGHBY
OH
44094-7836
US
|
Assignee: |
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
1-1, Minami-Aoyama 2-chome Minato-ku
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
37679388 |
Appl. No.: |
11/457965 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/151 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/24438 20150115;
B44F 9/12 20130101; B44C 5/0453 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/151 |
International
Class: |
D06N 3/00 20060101
D06N003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 20, 2005 |
JP |
2005-210394 |
Claims
1. A textured structure for an object surface, comprising: a
plurality of first convexities formed on a surface of an object so
as to be separated from each other; and a plurality of second
convexities formed between the first convexities, wherein the
second convexities are smaller in width than the first convexities,
and are either equal in height to the first convexities or are
smaller in height than the first convexities.
2. The textured structure of claim 1, wherein the second
convexities comprise pressure-receiving links that are formed so as
to link adjacent first convexities to each other.
3. The textured structure of claim 1, wherein the second
convexities comprise island-shaped pressure-receiving parts that
are not in contact with the first convexities.
4. The textured structure of claim 1, wherein the first convexities
are formed in rows.
5. The textured structure of claim 1, wherein the first convexities
are formed so as to have various different shapes and sizes in a
plan view.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement in a
textured structure composed of fine irregularities formed in the
surface of an object.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One example of a texture obtained by forming irregularities
in a surface of an object in order to create a surface pattern is
disclosed in JP-A-2003-117940. The plastic molding with a textured
pattern in this publication will be described with reference to
FIG. 9 hereof.
[0003] Furthermore, JP-A-5-51882 discloses a molded sheet in which
a leather pattern and sensation are obtained by forming a texture
in the surface of an object. This molded sheet is described with
reference to FIG. 10 hereof.
[0004] A molding 201 shown in FIG. 9, which is obtained by a method
for manufacturing a plastic molding with a textured pattern, has a
textured pattern 203 molded on a surface layer 202.
[0005] In the molded sheet 211 shown in FIG. 10, a texture 213 such
as natural leather is molded into a surface layer 212, and a
natural leather-like appearance and sensation are created.
[0006] However, with the plastic molding 201 having a textured
pattern in FIG. 9 and the molded sheet 211 in FIG. 10, the textured
pattern 203 or the shape of the texture 213 as such must be
modified in order to change the sensation. Changing the textured
pattern 203 or the shape of the texture 213 in this manner causes
problems in that significant changes are induced in the visual
appearance, i.e., design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a textured structure for an object surface comprising a
plurality of first convexities formed on the surface of the object
so as to be separated from each other, and a plurality of second
convexities formed between the first convexities, wherein the
second convexities are smaller in width than the first convexities,
and are either equal in height to the first convexities or are
smaller in height than the first convexities.
[0008] With this arrangement, when one feels the object surface
with their fingers, the skin of the fingers between the first
convexities comes in contact with the second convexities but does
not sink in any further. Accordingly, the surface pressure acting
on the fingers is slight and substantially uniform, resulting in a
smooth sensation. Furthermore, since the second convexities are
equal to or smaller in height than the first convexities, the
convexities are inconspicuous and the design changes only
minimally, but the sensation to the touch is different.
Accordingly, a smooth sensation can be achieved.
[0009] Preferably, the second convexities comprise
pressure-receiving links that are formed so as to link adjacent
first convexities to each other. As a result, the
pressure-receiving links and the fingers come in contact over a
greater surface area without detracting from the design, and an
even smoother sensation can be achieved. Furthermore, the strength
of the first convexities is increased because the first convexities
are linked together by the pressure-receiving links.
[0010] Desirably, the second convexities comprise island-shaped
pressure-receiving parts that are not in contact with the first
convexities. As a result, the island-shaped pressure-receiving
parts can be made even less conspicuous, and the desired surface
area of contact with the fingers can be ensured, allowing for a
smooth sensation.
[0011] The first convexities may be formed in rows.
[0012] The first convexities may also be formed so as to have
various different shapes and sizes in top plan.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail below, by way of example only, with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sheet having the first textured
structure of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of section 2 of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of
FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing a comparative example of
a textured structure;
[0019] FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing a textured structure
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing a textured structure
according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as seen
with naked eyes;
[0021] FIG. 6B is a view of the second convexities in the second
textured structure shown in FIG. 6A, with the convexities
exaggerated so as to be visible;
[0022] FIG. 7A is a diagram of a third textured structure of the
present embodiment as seen with the naked eye;
[0023] FIG. 7B is a view of the second convexities in the third
textured structure shown in FIG. 7A, with the convexities
exaggerated so as to be visible;
[0024] FIG. 8A is a diagram of a fourth textured structure of the
present embodiment as seen with the naked eye;
[0025] FIG. 8B is a view of the second convexities in the fourth
textured structure shown in FIG. 8A, with the convexities
exaggerated so as to be visible;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic molding with a
conventional texture; and
[0027] FIG. 10 is a diagram of another conventional molded
sheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] A first textured structure 11A shown in FIG. 1 is composed
of multiple first convexities 14A formed in the surface 13 of a
sheet 12, and second convexities 16A (see FIG. 2) that are formed
between the first convexities 14A so as to be smaller in width in a
plan view. The letter p indicates the pitch of the first
convexities 14A, and the letter F indicates a finger.
[0029] The first textured structure 11A is used as a pattern for
the interior material of an automobile, such as the interior
material of the doors of an automobile, the armrests of the seats,
or the instrument panel, for example. Other possible examples for
which the textured structure can be used include containers,
consumer electronics, and other objects that come into tactile
contact when handled.
[0030] The material for the sheet 12 is arbitrary, and rubber or a
resin can be used, for example.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the first convexities 14A of
the first textured structure 11A are all formed with a diameter D
and a height H. The narrow second convexities 16A are formed with a
width W and a height h. The diameter D is also the width Wb of the
first convexities 14A.
[0032] The second convexities 16A include pressure-receiving links
21A that link adjacent first convexities 14A together,
pressure-receiving parts 22A each of which is linked to only one
first convexity 14A, and island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23A
that are formed into island shapes and that are separate from and
not connected to any first convexities 14A. The combination of
these pressure-receiving parts 21A, 22A, 23A is arbitrary.
[0033] Specifically, the second convexities 16A may be formed
solely by the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23A, the
pressure-receiving parts 22A, or the pressure-receiving links
21A.
[0034] It is also possible to form pressure-receiving links 21A and
pressure-receiving parts 22A; pressure-receiving links 21A and
island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23A; or pressure-receiving
links 21A, pressure-receiving parts 22A, and island-shaped
pressure-receiving parts 23A.
[0035] The widths W of the second convexities 16A have a certain
tolerance and can be the widths of the pressure-receiving links
21A, the widths of the pressure-receiving parts 22A, or the widths
of the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23A. Also, the widths
W are smaller than the widths Wb (diameters D) of the first
convexities 14A. The widths W can be arbitrarily set within a range
that is narrower than the widths Wb of the first convexities
14A.
[0036] For example, the widths W of the second convexities 16A may
be set small enough (narrow enough) to be undistinguishable to the
naked eye. If the widths W are set to be undistinguishable to the
naked eye, and if small second convexities 16A are formed as shown
in FIG. 2, then the visual appearance of the first textured
structure 11A changes only minimally when viewed as in FIG. 1, but
the sensation of the texture to the touch is different.
[0037] The heights h of the second convexities 16A have a certain
tolerance, and are the heights of the pressure-receiving links 21A,
the heights of the pressure-receiving parts 22A, or the heights of
the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23A. The heights h are
smaller than the heights H of the first convexities 14A by a
difference of .delta.h, and are set to about 0.5.times.H.
[0038] In the example shown herein, the second convexities 16A are
formed to be smaller than the heights H of the first convexities
14A, but the heights h of the second convexities 16A may also be
formed to be equal to the heights H of the first convexities 14A.
In other words, the heights h of the second convexities 16A may be
such that h=H.
[0039] The first textured structure 11A can be produced by any
method, such as shaping a surface by etching, or performing
embossing, injection molding, or blow molding, for example.
[0040] Next, the state of the first textured structure when in
tactile contact will be described.
[0041] In FIG. 5A, when a regular textured structure 222 is touched
with the finger F, the skin of the finger F sinks in to a depth G
between a convexity 221 and an adjacent convexity 221, and the
surface pressure p1 that acts on the finger F increases. As a
result, the normal textured structure 222 has a rough and dry
sensation.
[0042] In the first textured structure 11A in FIG. 5B, when the
second convexities 16A are formed between the first convexities 14A
and are touched with the finger F, the skin of the finger F
positioned between the first convexities 14A presses on the second
convexities 16A and does not sink in between the first convexities
14A, and the surface pressure p2 acting on the finger F is low,
resulting in a substantially uniform surface pressure p2.
Therefore, the first textured structure 11A has a smooth
sensation.
[0043] The second convexities 16A have widths W (see FIGS. 2 and 3)
and heights h, but are much smaller than the first convexities 14A
and are inconspicuous. As a result, the design changes only
minimally, but the sensation to the touch is different.
Specifically, the pressure-receiving links 21A result in a greater
surface area of contact with the finger F, allowing an even
smoother sensation to be achieved.
[0044] The presence of the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts
23A makes it possible for the second convexities 16A to be even
less conspicuous, ensuring the desired surface area of contact with
the finger F and allowing for a smooth sensation.
[0045] Thus, the first textured structure 11A has first convexities
14A formed on the surface 13 of a sheet (object) 12. Second
convexities 16A positioned between the first convexities 14A are
formed to be smaller in width W than the widths Wb (diameters D) of
the first convexities 14A, and smaller in height h than the heights
H of the first convexities 14A. The second convexities 16A are
therefore inconspicuous. Accordingly, the design of the first
textured structure 11A changes only minimally, but the sensation to
the touch is different from that of a textured structure composed
only of first convexities, and a smooth sensation can be
achieved.
[0046] Forming the second convexities 16A with pressure-receiving
links 21A makes it possible to link the first convexities 14A
together, which improves the strength of the first convexities
14A.
[0047] An example was described in which the heights h of the
second convexities 16A were about 0.5.times.H in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 3, but any height within a range can be selected as
long as the range is h.ltoreq.H. Smaller heights h result in a
rougher, drier sensation, and greater heights h result in a
smoother sensation. An even smother sensation can be achieved if
the heights h are greater than 0.5.times.H. In other words, if the
heights h of the second convexities 16A are equal to the heights H,
then the design changes only minimally, but an even smoother
sensation can be achieved.
[0048] Next, the second textured structure will be described with
reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0049] Configurations similar to those of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 2 through 4 use the same numerical symbols, and descriptions
thereof are omitted.
[0050] The second textured structure 11B shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B
has first convexities 14B formed in the surface 13 of a sheet 12 in
a leather-like pattern, and narrow second convexities 16B formed
between the first convexities 14B.
[0051] The first convexities 14B have cloud shapes. Their heights
are H. The gaps between the first convexities 14B are set
appropriately.
[0052] The second convexities 16B are formed only from
pressure-receiving links 21B.
[0053] The second textured structure 11B has a leather-like pattern
that is different from the pattern of the first textured structure
11A but produces the same effects as those of the first textured
structure 11A. In the second textured structure 11B, forming the
second convexities 16B provides the first convexities 14B with the
same appearance but results in a different sensation.
[0054] Next, a third textured structure will be described with
reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.
[0055] Configurations similar to those of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 2 through 4 use the same numerical symbols, and descriptions
thereof are omitted.
[0056] The third textured structure 11C shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is
formed using a molded surface obtained by etching, and has first
convexities 14C formed in a leather-like pattern in the surface 13
of a sheet 12, and narrow second convexities 16C formed between the
first convexities 14C.
[0057] The first convexities 14C have cloud shapes. Their heights
are H. The gaps between the first convexities 14C are set
appropriately.
[0058] The second convexities 16C include pressure-receiving links
21C, pressure-receiving parts 22C that are linked to the first
convexities 14C at one end, and pressure-receiving parts 23C that
are formed into island shapes.
[0059] The third textured structure 11C has a leather-like pattern
that is different from the pattern of the first textured structure
11A but produces the same effects as those of the first textured
structure 11A. In the third textured structure 11C, forming the
second convexities 16C provides the first convexities 14C with the
same appearance but results in a different sensation.
[0060] In the third textured structure 11C, fine irregularities are
formed in the surface of the first convexities 14C, which provides
a coarse sensation to the first convexities 14C themselves.
[0061] Next, a fourth textured structure will be described with
reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0062] Configurations similar to those of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 2 through 4 use the same numerical symbols, and descriptions
thereof are omitted.
[0063] The fourth textured structure 11D shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B
has first convexities 14D formed in the surface 13 of a sheet 12,
and narrow second convexities 16D formed between the first
convexities 14D.
[0064] The first convexities 14D have star shapes. Their heights
are H. The gaps between the first convexities 14D are set
appropriately.
[0065] The second convexities 16D include pressure-receiving links
21D, pressure-receiving parts 22D that are linked to the first
convexities 14D at one end, and island-shaped pressure-receiving
parts 23D that are formed into island shapes.
[0066] The fourth textured structure 11D has a different pattern
than the first textured structure 11A but produces the same effects
as those of the first textured structure 11A.
[0067] The textured structures of the present embodiments were
formed on sheets in these examples, but they may also be used on
panels, cylinders, and molded articles. Examples were described in
which the shapes of the first convexities were circles, cloud
shapes, fine irregularities formed into the convex surfaces, and
star shapes, such as in the first through fourth textured
structures, but in the present invention, the shapes are not
limited to those in these embodiments, and any shapes may be
used.
[0068] The first through fourth textured structures may be
manufactured by any method, including etching, embossing, or
lasers.
[0069] The textured structure of the present invention is suitable
for the interiors of automobiles, trains, and other vehicles, and
for containers, consumer electronics, and other objects that come
into tactile contact when handled.
[0070] Obviously, various minor changes and modifications of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teaching. It
is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described.
* * * * *