Retroreflective material

Abstract

To provide a retroreflective material having retroreflective properties, capable of providing unprecedented interest.SOLUTION: A retroreflective material 1 comprises a retroreflective layer 2 having retroreflective properties, and a colored reflective layer 3 that is colored and has light reflectivity. The retroreflective layer 2 comprises a plurality of transparent beads 6, and a resin part 7 that is colored and in which at least some of the beads 6 are embedded. The colored reflective layer 3 overlaps the retroreflective layer 2 so as to be in contact with the retroreflective layer 2, and the colored reflective layer 3 and the resin part 7 are colored differently from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a retroreflective material having retroreflective properties. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, retroreflective sheeting having retroreflective properties has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The retroreflective sheeting described in Patent Document 1 includes a substrate (support) having an adhesive layer, and a large number of beads fixed to the surface of the substrate by the adhesive layer. In the retroreflective sheeting described in Patent Document 1, the planar filling rate of the beads is 83% or more. Therefore, this retroreflective sheeting can obtain excellent retroreflective properties. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-35711 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The retroreflective sheeting described in Patent Document 1 has excellent retroreflective properties, but it only performs retroreflection and is not interesting. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a retroreflective material having retroreflectivity that can provide an unprecedented level of interest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the retroreflective material of the present invention comprises a retroreflective layer having retroreflective properties, and a colored reflective layer that is colored and has light reflectivity, the retroreflective layer comprises a plurality of transparent beads and a resin part made of resin that is colored and in which at least a portion of the plurality of beads are embedded, the colored reflective layer overlaps the retroreflective layer so as to be in contact with the retroreflective layer, and the colored reflective layer and the resin part are colored in different colors.

[0006] In the retroreflective material of the present invention, a colored colored reflective layer overlaps a retroreflective layer having a colored resin part in which a plurality of transparent beads are embedded so as to be in contact with the retroreflective layer, and the colored reflective layer and the resin part are colored differently from each other. Therefore, according to the study by the present inventor, in the present invention, for example, when the color of the resin part is darker (stronger) than the color of the colored reflective layer, when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side with no light applied to the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, only the color of the retroreflective layer (i.e., the color of the resin layer) is visible, whereas when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side with light applied to the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, the color of the colored reflective layer can be visually recognized.

[0007] In addition, according to the inventors' investigations, in the present invention, for example, when the color of the resin part is light or pale, or when the color of the colored reflective layer is darker (stronger) than the color of the resin part, the color of the colored reflective layer can be seen even when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side with no light being shone on it from the retroreflective layer side, but the color of the colored reflective layer can be seen more clearly when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side with light being shone on the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side than the color of the colored reflective layer when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side with no light being shone on it from the retroreflective layer side.

[0008] That is, in the present invention, it is possible to change the appearance of the retroreflective material seen from the retroreflective layer side between a state where light is not irradiated from the retroreflective layer side and a state where light is irradiated from the retroreflective layer side. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to give the retroreflective material an interesting look that has not been seen in the past. In addition, in the present invention, it is possible to change the appearance of the retroreflective material seen from the retroreflective layer side between a state where light is not irradiated from the retroreflective layer side and a state where light is irradiated from the retroreflective layer side, so that it is possible to improve the design (decoration) of the retroreflective material.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the retroreflective material includes a plurality of colored reflective layers, the retroreflective layer covers all of the plurality of colored reflective layers from one side, and the plurality of colored reflective layers are arranged to form a predetermined pattern on the retroreflective layer. With this configuration, for example, when the color of the resin part is darker than the color of the colored reflective layer, the pattern formed by the plurality of colored reflective layers cannot be seen even when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side in a state where no light is applied to the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, but the pattern formed by the plurality of colored reflective layers can be seen when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side in a state where light is applied to the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side.

[0010] Furthermore, with this configuration, for example, when the resin part is a light or pale color or when the colored reflective layer is a darker color than the resin part, the pattern formed by the multiple colored reflective layers appears vague when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side with no light shining on it from the retroreflective layer side, but when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side with light shining on it from the retroreflective layer side, it becomes clearly visible. This makes it possible to increase the interest of the retroreflective material and to further improve the design of the retroreflective material.

[0011] In the present invention, for example, the retroreflective material includes a second reflective layer having light reflectivity, and the second reflective layer overlaps all of the colored reflective layers so as to contact the surface of the colored reflective layer opposite to the surface contacting the retroreflective layer. In this case, when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side in a state where light is applied to the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, the color of the second reflective layer can be visually recognized in the areas where the colored reflective layer is not arranged.

[0012] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the retroreflective material of the present invention comprises a retroreflective layer having retroreflective properties and a transparent resin layer made of a transparent resin, the retroreflective layer comprises a plurality of transparent beads and a resin part made of resin in which at least a portion of the plurality of beads is embedded, and the transparent resin layer overlaps the retroreflective layer so as to be in contact with the retroreflective layer.

[0013] In the retroreflective material of the present invention, a transparent resin layer overlaps the retroreflective layer so as to contact the retroreflective layer having a resin portion in which a plurality of transparent beads are embedded. Therefore, according to the study of the present inventor, in the present invention, when light is applied to the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, it is possible to make the part of the retroreflective material where the transparent resin layer is arranged less likely to be retroreflected to the retroreflective layer side, and as a result, when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side in a state where light is applied to the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, it is possible to make the color of the part of the retroreflective material where the transparent resin layer is arranged appear to be a different color from the color of the other parts. On the other hand, in the present invention, even if the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side in a state where light is not applied to the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, the color of the part of the retroreflective material where the transparent resin layer is arranged does not appear to be a different color from the color of the other parts.

[0014] That is, in the present invention, it is possible to change the appearance of the retroreflective material seen from the retroreflective layer side when light is not irradiated from the retroreflective layer side and when light is irradiated from the retroreflective layer side. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to give the retroreflective material an interesting look that has not been seen in the past. In addition, in the present invention, it is possible to change the appearance of the retroreflective material seen from the retroreflective layer side when light is not irradiated from the retroreflective layer side and when light is irradiated from the retroreflective layer side, so that it is possible to improve the design of the retroreflective material.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the retroreflective material has a plurality of transparent resin layers, the retroreflective layer covers all of the plurality of transparent resin layers from one side, and the plurality of transparent resin layers are arranged to form a predetermined pattern on the retroreflective layer. In this manner, when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side in a state where light is applied to the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, it is possible to make the color of the part where the plurality of transparent resin layers are arranged appear to be different from the color of the other parts, and as a result, it is possible to visually recognize the pattern formed by the plurality of transparent resin layers. Therefore, it is possible to increase the interest of the retroreflective material and further improve the design of the retroreflective material.

[0016] In the present invention, for example, the retroreflective material has a second reflective layer having light reflectivity, the resin portion is formed of a transparent resin or is formed of a resin colored a different color from the second reflective layer, and the second reflective layer overlaps all of the multiple transparent resin layers so as to contact the surface of the transparent resin layer opposite to the surface that contacts the retroreflective layer.

[0017] In this case, if the resin portion is formed from a transparent resin, when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side with no light shining on the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, only the color of the second reflective layer will be visible, whereas when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side with light shining on the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, the color of the second reflective layer can be seen in the areas where the transparent resin layer is not located, and the areas where the transparent resin layer is located can be darkened.

[0018] In this case, if the resin portion is formed from a resin colored a different color from the second reflective layer, when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side without light being shone on the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, only the color of the retroreflective layer will be visible, whereas when the retroreflective material is viewed from the retroreflective layer side with light being shone on the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side, the color of the second reflective layer will be visible in areas where the transparent resin layer is not located, and the color of the retroreflective layer will be visible in areas where the transparent resin layer is located. Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, the retroreflective material of the present invention can be made to have an interesting look that has not been seen before. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the retroreflective material according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] (A) is a photograph to explain the state of the retroreflective material shown in Figure 1 when viewed from the retroreflective layer side with no light shining on it, and (B) is a photograph to explain the state of the retroreflective material shown in Figure 1 when viewed from the retroreflective layer side with light shining on the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the retroreflective material shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating another example of a method for manufacturing the retroreflective material shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for illustrating the state of a colored reflective layer before being attached to the retroreflective layer or the second reflective layer shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a retroreflective material according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a retroreflective material according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7](A) is a photograph to explain the state of the retroreflective material shown in Figure 6 when viewed from the retroreflective layer side with no light shining on it, and (B) is a photograph to explain the state of the retroreflective material shown in Figure 6 when viewed from the retroreflective layer side with light shining on the retroreflective material from the retroreflective layer side. [Figure 8] 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for illustrating the state of a transparent resin layer before being attached to the retroreflective layer or the second reflective layer shown in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a retroreflective material according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] [Embodiment 1] (Configuration of retroreflective material) Fig. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a retroreflective material 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2(A) is a photograph for explaining the state of the retroreflective material 1 when viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with no light applied to the retroreflective material 1 shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 2(B) is a photograph for explaining the state of the retroreflective material 1 when viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light applied to the retroreflective material 1 shown in Fig. 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side.

[0023] The retroreflective material 1 of this embodiment includes a retroreflective layer 2 having retroreflective properties, a colored reflective layer 3 that is colored and has light reflectivity, and a reflective layer 4 as a second reflective layer having light reflectivity. The retroreflective material 1 of this embodiment is composed of one retroreflective layer 2, multiple colored reflective layers 3, and one reflective layer 4. The multiple colored reflective layers 3 are disposed at the same position in the thickness direction of the retroreflective material 1. The multiple colored reflective layers 3 have the same thickness. The retroreflective layer 2, the multiple colored reflective layers 3, and the reflective layer 4 are laminated in this order in the thickness direction of the retroreflective material 1.

[0024] The retroreflective layer 2 is formed in a film shape. The thickness of the retroreflective layer 2 is, for example, about 50 to 100 (μm). The retroreflective layer 2 includes a plurality of transparent beads 6 and a resin part 7 made of resin in which at least a portion of the plurality of beads 6 is embedded. Specifically, the retroreflective layer 2 includes a large number of beads 6, and at least a portion of the plurality of beads 6 is embedded in the resin part 7. The retroreflective layer 2 is composed of a large number of beads 6 and the resin part 7. The beads 6 are glass beads made of transparent glass. The beads 6 are formed in a spherical shape. However, the beads 6 may be made of transparent non-vitreous ceramics or a transparent resin material.

[0025] The resin portion 7 is formed of, for example, an acrylic resin. The resin portion 7 is formed of, for example, an ultraviolet-curable resin. The resin portion 7 is colored. That is, the resin forming the resin portion 7 contains a pigment. The color of the resin portion 7 in this embodiment is dark, and the resin portion 7 is colored, for example, black. The thickness of the resin portion 7 is approximately equal to the diameter of the beads 6. That is, the thickness of the retroreflective layer 2 is approximately equal to the diameter of the beads 6. Therefore, for example, even if the resin portion 7 is colored black, the light incident on the retroreflective layer 2 is likely to pass through the portion of the retroreflective layer 2 where the beads 6 are arranged, and as a result, it is possible to ensure the retroreflective function of the retroreflective layer 2. The resin portion 7 may be colored in a color other than black.

[0026] The colored reflective layer 3 is formed in a film shape. The colored reflective layer 3 includes, for example, a vapor deposition layer made of metal. As described above, a plurality of colored reflective layers 3 of the same thickness are arranged at the same position in the thickness direction of the retroreflective material 1. The color of the plurality of colored reflective layers 3 may be the same, or the plurality of colored reflective layers 3 may include colored reflective layers 3 of different colors. For example, all of the colored reflective layers 3 may be green, or the plurality of colored reflective layers 3 may include a green colored reflective layer 3, a purple colored reflective layer 3, and a blue colored reflective layer 3. The surface of the colored reflective layer 3 on the retroreflective layer 2 side is, for example, a mirror surface. The reflective layer 4 is formed, for example, of a colored hard resin. The reflective layer 4 is colored, for example, milky white.

[0027] As described above, the retroreflective layer 2, the multiple colored reflective layers 3, and the reflective layer 4 are laminated in this order in the thickness direction of the retroreflective material 1. That is, if the vertical direction in FIG. 1, which is the thickness direction of the retroreflective material 1, is the "vertical direction", the upper side of FIG. 1, which is one side of the vertical direction, is the "upper side", and the lower side of FIG. 1, which is the opposite side, is the "lower side", the retroreflective layer 2, the multiple colored reflective layers 3, and the reflective layer 4 are laminated in this order from the top. That is, the colored reflective layer 3 overlaps the retroreflective layer 2 so as to be in contact with the retroreflective layer 2, and the upper surface (surface on the retroreflective layer 2 side) of the colored reflective layer 3 contacts the lower surface of the retroreflective layer 2. The retroreflective layer 2 overlaps all of the multiple colored reflective layers 3, and covers all of the multiple colored reflective layers 3 from the top. In addition, the reflective layer 4 overlaps all of the multiple colored reflective layers 3 so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the colored reflective layer 3.

[0028] In this embodiment, the multiple colored reflective layers 3 are arranged to form a predetermined pattern on the retroreflective layer 2 and the reflective layer 4. Therefore, the retroreflective material 1 of this embodiment has parts where the colored reflective layers 3 are not arranged. Note that in Fig. 1, in the parts where the colored reflective layers 3 are not arranged, a gap is formed between the lower surface of the retroreflective layer 2 and the upper surface of the reflective layer 4, but in reality, the lower surface of the retroreflective layer 2 and the upper surface of the reflective layer 4 are in contact with each other.

[0029] The colored reflective layer 3 and the resin part 7 are colored in different colors. The colored reflective layer 3 and the reflective layer 4 are colored in different colors. In this embodiment, the resin part 7 and the reflective layer 4 are colored in different colors. In this embodiment, the color of the resin part 7 is darker (stronger) than the colors of the colored reflective layer 3 and the reflective layer 4. For example, as described above, the resin part 7 is colored black, the multiple colored reflective layers 3 are colored green, and the reflective layer 4 is colored milky white. The reflective layer 4 is, for example, a part of a resin model in the shape of a fish (see FIG. 2), and the multiple colored reflective layers 3 and the retroreflective layer 2 are laminated in this order on the surface of the reflective layer 4. In addition, the multiple colored reflective layers 3 are arranged on the retroreflective layer 2 and the reflective layer 4 so as to form, for example, a footprint pattern (see FIG. 2(B)).

[0030] When the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side without shining light (visible light) on the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, only the color of the retroreflective layer 2 (specifically, the color of the resin part 7) is visible (see FIG. 2(A)). Therefore, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side without shining light on the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the entire retroreflective material 1 appears, for example, black.

[0031] On the other hand, when light (visible light) is applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the light passes through the portion of the retroreflective layer 2 where the beads 6 are arranged. Therefore, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the color of the colored reflective layer 3 is visible in the portion where the colored reflective layer 3 is arranged, and the color of the reflective layer 4 is visible in the portion where the colored reflective layer 3 is not arranged (see FIG. 2(B)). Therefore, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, for example, green footprints formed by the multiple colored reflective layers 3 are seen floating against a milky white background.

[0032] (Method of manufacturing retroreflective material) Fig. 3(A) is a diagram for explaining one example of a method for manufacturing the retroreflective material 1 shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3(B) is a diagram for explaining another example of a method for manufacturing the retroreflective material 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the colored reflective layer 3 before being attached to the retroreflective layer 2 or the reflective layer 4 shown in Fig. 3.

[0033] When manufacturing the retroreflective material 1, first, a plurality of colored reflective layers 3 are attached to a reflective layer 4 (see FIG. 3(A)). The plurality of colored reflective layers 3 are formed into a predetermined shape by cutting with a cutting plotter, pressing, laser processing, or the like. Then, a retroreflective layer 2 is attached to the plurality of colored reflective layers 3. Alternatively, the plurality of colored reflective layers 3 are coated with the retroreflective layer 2.

[0034] A release film 10 is attached to both sides of the colored reflective layer 3 before it is attached to the reflective layer 4 (see FIG. 4). The colored reflective layer 3 is composed of, for example, a deposition layer 11, a transparent adhesive layer 12, a transparent resin layer 13, and a transparent adhesive layer 14. The deposition layer 11, the adhesive layer 12, the resin layer 13, and the adhesive layer 14 are laminated in this order in the thickness direction of the colored reflective layer 3. The resin layer 13 is formed, for example, by coating the adhesive layer 12 with a resin, and the adhesive layer 14 is formed, for example, by coating the resin layer 13 with an adhesive. The adhesive layer 14 may be a double-sided tape made of an acrylic, olefin, rubber, or urethane adhesive. The adhesive layer 14 may also be a polyamide or polyester iron-on heat adhesive sheet.

[0035] When the colored reflective layer 3 is attached to the reflective layer 4, one of the release films 10 is removed. The colored reflective layer 3 is attached to the reflective layer 4 by an adhesive layer 14. When the retroreflective layer 2 is attached to or coated on a plurality of colored reflective layers 3, the other release film 10 is removed. The colored reflective layer 3 shown in FIG. 4 has excellent elasticity. Therefore, in the case of the colored reflective layer 3 shown in FIG. 4, even if the reflective layer 4 is formed in a curved shape or the reflective layer 4 has an uneven surface, it is possible to attach the colored reflective layer 3 along the reflective layer 4 without causing wrinkles in the colored reflective layer 3.

[0036] In addition, when the retroreflective layer 2 is attached to a plurality of colored reflective layers 3 (i.e., when the retroreflective layer 2 is attached to the vapor deposition layer 11), the resin part 7 has adhesiveness. In addition, when manufacturing the retroreflective material 1, a plurality of colored reflective layers 3 may be attached to the retroreflective layer 2 first (see FIG. 3(B)). In this case, the reflective layer 4 is then attached to the plurality of colored reflective layers 3. In addition, a plurality of colored reflective layers 3 may be formed on the upper surface of the reflective layer 4 by performing screen printing, letterpress printing, or intaglio printing on the reflective layer 4. In addition, a predetermined pattern may be formed on the reflective layer 4 by a thermal transfer foil using a heat press, or by paste printing or double-sided tape, and then a metal vapor deposition foil may be transferred to form a plurality of colored reflective layers 3 on the upper surface of the reflective layer 4 so that the plurality of colored reflective layers 3 form a predetermined pattern on the reflective layer 4.

[0037] (Main effects of this form) As described above, in this embodiment, the colored reflective layer 3 overlaps the retroreflective layer 2 so as to be in contact with the retroreflective layer 2, and the resin portion 7 of the retroreflective layer 2, the colored reflective layer 3, and the reflective layer 4 are colored in different colors. In addition, in this embodiment, the color of the resin portion 7 is darker than the colors of the colored reflective layer 3 and the reflective layer 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side in a state in which no light is applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, only the color of the retroreflective layer 2 is visible, whereas when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side in a state in which light is applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the color of the colored reflective layer 3 is visible in the portion where the colored reflective layer 3 is arranged, and the color of the reflective layer 4 is visible in the portion where the colored reflective layer 3 is not arranged.

[0038] That is, in this embodiment, the appearance of the retroreflective material 1 seen from the retroreflective layer 2 side changes depending on whether light is being applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side or not. Therefore, this embodiment can impart an unprecedented level of interest to the retroreflective material 1. Also, in this embodiment, the appearance of the retroreflective material 1 seen from the retroreflective layer 2 side changes depending on whether light is being applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side or not, making it possible to improve the design of the retroreflective material 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, the multiple colored reflective layers 3 are arranged to form a predetermined pattern on the retroreflective layer 2 and the reflective layer 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the pattern formed by the multiple colored reflective layers 3 stands out and is visible. For example, as described above, green footprints formed by the multiple colored reflective layers 3 stand out and are visible against a milky white background (see FIG. 2(B)). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the interest of the retroreflective material 1 and to further improve the design of the retroreflective material 1.

[0040] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, the color of the resin part 7 may be a light or pale color, and the color of the colored reflective layer 3 may be a darker (stronger) color than the color of the resin part 7. In these cases, the color of the colored reflective layer 3 can be visually recognized when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side in a state where no light is applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, but the color of the colored reflective layer 3 can be more clearly recognized when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side in a state where light is applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side than the color of the colored reflective layer 3 when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side in a state where no light is applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side.

[0041] That is, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with no light shining on it from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the pattern formed by the multiple colored reflective layers 3 appears vague, but when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light shining on it from the retroreflective layer 2 side, it becomes clearly visible. That is, even in these cases, the appearance of the retroreflective material 1 viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side changes depending on whether light is shining on the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side or not, so that it is possible to give the retroreflective material 1 an interesting look that was not available before and to enhance the design of the retroreflective material 1.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the retroreflective material 1 may be composed of one retroreflective layer 2, one colored reflective layer 3, and one reflective layer 4. In the first embodiment, the reflective layer 4 may be formed in a film-like form. In this case, the retroreflective material 1 is a sheet-like retroreflective sheet.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the retroreflective material 1 may not include the reflective layer 4. That is, the retroreflective material 1 may be composed of the retroreflective layer 2 and the colored reflective layer 3. In this case, the retroreflective material 1 is a sheet-like retroreflective sheet. In this case, for example, the surface of the retroreflective material 1 on the side of the multiple colored reflective layers 3 is attached to the surface of a substrate having light reflectivity. For example, the surface of the retroreflective material 1 on the side of the multiple colored reflective layers 3 is attached to a resin substrate or a glass substrate by double-sided tape, adhesive, or the like. Alternatively, in this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the surface of the retroreflective material 1 on the side of the retroreflective layer 2 is attached to the surface of a transparent resin substrate 18.

[0044] In addition, when the retroreflective material 1 is composed of the retroreflective layer 2 and the colored reflective layer 3, the retroreflective material 1 can be used as a car wrapping attached to the body of an automobile. In addition, when the retroreflective material 1 is composed of the retroreflective layer 2 and the colored reflective layer 3, the retroreflective material 1 may be integrally molded with a resin part when manufacturing a predetermined resin part by resin molding, or the retroreflective material 1 may be attached to the surface of the resin part by performing in-mold molding, vacuum molding, or Tom molding. In addition, the retroreflective material 1 can be attached to, for example, car supplies such as helmets and headlights, apparel supplies such as badges, outdoor supplies such as lanterns and tents, lighting fixture covers such as street lamps, pet supplies such as pet clothes and accessories, miscellaneous goods such as key chains, and signs.

[0045] [Embodiment 2] (Configuration of retroreflective material) Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a retroreflective material 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7(A) is a photograph for explaining the state of the retroreflective material 1 as viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with no light applied to the retroreflective material 1 shown in Fig. 6, and Fig. 7(B) is a photograph for explaining the state of the retroreflective material 1 as viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light applied to the retroreflective material 1 as shown in Fig. 6 from the retroreflective layer 2 side.

[0046] The difference between the retroreflective material 1 of this embodiment and the retroreflective material 1 of embodiment 1 is that the retroreflective material 1 of this embodiment has a transparent resin layer 23 made of a transparent resin instead of the multiple colored reflective layers 3, and that the resin part 7 of the retroreflective layer 2 is made of a transparent resin. The structure of the retroreflective material 1 of this embodiment will be described below, focusing on these differences. Note that in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components as those of embodiment 1.

[0047] The retroreflective material 1 of this embodiment is composed of one retroreflective layer 2, multiple transparent resin layers 23, and one reflective layer 4. The transparent resin layer 23 is formed in a film shape. The multiple transparent resin layers 23 are arranged at the same position in the thickness direction of the retroreflective material 1. The multiple transparent resin layers 23 have the same thickness. The transparent resin layer 23 and the resin section 7 are formed of, for example, a transparent acrylic resin. Furthermore, the transparent resin layer 23 and the resin section 7 are formed of, for example, an ultraviolet-curable resin.

[0048] The retroreflective layer 2, the multiple transparent resin layers 23, and the reflective layer 4 are laminated in this order in the thickness direction of the retroreflective material 1. That is, the transparent resin layer 23 overlaps the retroreflective layer 2 so as to be in contact with the retroreflective layer 2, and the surface of the transparent resin layer 23 on the retroreflective layer 2 side is in contact with the retroreflective layer 2. The retroreflective layer 2 overlaps all of the multiple transparent resin layers 23, covering all of the multiple transparent resin layers 23 from one side. In addition, the reflective layer 4 overlaps all of the multiple transparent resin layers 23 so as to be in contact with the surface of the transparent resin layer 23 on the reflective layer 4 side (i.e., the surface of the transparent resin layer 23 opposite to the surface in contact with the retroreflective layer 2).

[0049] In this embodiment, the multiple transparent resin layers 23 are arranged to form a predetermined pattern on the retroreflective layer 2 and the reflective layer 4. Therefore, the retroreflective material 1 of this embodiment has parts where the transparent resin layers 23 are not arranged. Note that in Fig. 6, a gap is formed between the retroreflective layer 2 and the reflective layer 4 in the parts where the transparent resin layers 23 are not arranged, but in reality, the retroreflective layer 2 and the reflective layer 4 are in contact with each other.

[0050] As in the first embodiment, the reflective layer 4 is, for example, a part of a resin model in the shape of a fish (see FIG. 7), and a plurality of transparent resin layers 23 and a retroreflective layer 2 are laminated in this order on the surface of the reflective layer 4. The plurality of transparent resin layers 23 are also arranged relative to the retroreflective layer 2 and the reflective layer 4 so as to form, for example, the character "Liberte" (see FIG. 7(B)).

[0051] In this embodiment, when light is applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the portion of the retroreflective material 1 where the transparent resin layer 23 is disposed is less likely to be retroreflected toward the retroreflective layer 2 side, and when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the portion of the retroreflective material 1 where the transparent resin layer 23 is disposed appears to be a different color from the other portions. Specifically, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, only the portion of the retroreflective material 1 where the transparent resin layer 23 is disposed appears darker than the other portions.

[0052] On the other hand, even when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with no light applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the color of the portion of the retroreflective material 1 where the transparent resin layer 23 is disposed does not appear to be a different color from the other portions. Specifically, even when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with no light applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the portion of the retroreflective material 1 where the transparent resin layer 23 is disposed does not appear darker than the other portions.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side without light being applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, only the color of the reflective layer 4 is visible. In other words, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side without light being applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the entire retroreflective material 1 appears, for example, milky white (see FIG. 7(A)).

[0054] On the other hand, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light shining on the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the portion where the transparent resin layer 23 is disposed becomes dark, and the color of the reflective layer 4 is visible in the portion where the transparent resin layer 23 is not disposed (see FIG. 7(B)). Therefore, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light shining on the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, for example, the letters "Liberte" formed by the multiple transparent resin layers 23 appear to float against a milky white background.

[0055] (Method of manufacturing retroreflective material) FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the transparent resin layer 23 before it is attached to the retroreflective layer 2 or the reflective layer 4 shown in FIG.

[0056] When manufacturing the retroreflective material 1, first, a plurality of transparent resin layers 23 are attached to the retroreflective layer 2. The plurality of transparent resin layers 23 are formed into a predetermined shape by cutting with a cutting plotter, pressing, laser processing, or the like. Then, the reflective layer 4 is attached to the plurality of transparent resin layers 23. Before being attached to the retroreflective layer 2, a release film 30 is attached to one surface of the transparent resin layer 23 (see FIG. 8). The transparent resin layer 23 is composed of, for example, a transparent adhesive layer 32 and a transparent resin layer 33.

[0057] When attaching the transparent resin layer 23 to the retroreflective layer 2, the release film 30 is removed, and the resin layer 33 is attached to the retroreflective layer 2 by the adhesive layer 32. Alternatively, the resin part 7 has adhesiveness, and the resin layer 33 is directly attached to the retroreflective layer 2. When attaching the reflective layer 4 to a plurality of transparent resin layers 23, the reflective layer 4 is attached to the plurality of transparent resin layers 23 by, for example, a transparent double-sided tape, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, a polypropylene (PP) film, or the like, or the reflective layer 4 is attached to the plurality of transparent resin layers 23 by the adhesive layer 32.

[0058] The plurality of transparent resin layers 23 may be printed directly on the retroreflective layer 2. For example, the plurality of transparent resin layers 23 may be printed directly on the retroreflective layer 2 by screen printing, letterpress printing, intaglio printing, or inkjet printing. When manufacturing the retroreflective material 1, the plurality of transparent resin layers 23 may first be attached to the reflective layer 4, and then the retroreflective layer 2 may be attached to or coated on the plurality of transparent resin layers 23.

[0059] (Main effects of this form) As described above, in this embodiment, the transparent resin layer 23 overlaps with the retroreflective layer 2 so as to be in contact with the retroreflective layer 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side in a state where no light is applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, only the color of the reflective layer 4 is visible, whereas when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side in a state where light is applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the portion where the transparent resin layer 23 is disposed becomes dark, and the color of the reflective layer 4 is visible in the portion where the transparent resin layer 23 is not disposed.

[0060] That is, in this embodiment, the appearance of the retroreflective material 1 seen from the retroreflective layer 2 side changes depending on whether light is being applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side or not. Therefore, this embodiment can impart an unprecedented level of interest to the retroreflective material 1. Also, in this embodiment, the appearance of the retroreflective material 1 seen from the retroreflective layer 2 side changes depending on whether light is being applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side or not, making it possible to improve the design of the retroreflective material 1.

[0061] In this embodiment, the multiple transparent resin layers 23 are arranged to form a predetermined pattern on the retroreflective layer 2 and the reflective layer 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light shining on the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the portion where the multiple transparent resin layers 23 are arranged becomes dark, and the pattern formed by the multiple transparent resin layers 23 stands out and can be visually recognized. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the interest of the retroreflective material 1 and further improve the design property of the retroreflective material 1.

[0062] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the resin part 7 may be made of a resin colored in a color different from the color of the reflective layer 4. For example, the resin part 7 may be made of a resin colored black. In this case, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side in a state where no light is applied to the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, only the color of the retroreflective layer 2 is visible.

[0063] On the other hand, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light shining on the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, the color of the retroreflective layer 2 is visible in the area where the transparent resin layer 23 is arranged because it is difficult to retroreflect toward the retroreflective layer 2 side, whereas the color of the reflective layer 4 is visible in the area where the transparent resin layer 23 is not arranged. Therefore, even in this case, when the retroreflective material 1 is viewed from the retroreflective layer 2 side with light shining on the retroreflective material 1 from the retroreflective layer 2 side, for example, the black letters "Liberte" formed by the multiple transparent resin layers 23 are seen to emerge against a milky white background.

[0064] In the second embodiment, the retroreflective material 1 may be composed of one retroreflective layer 2, one transparent resin layer 23, and one reflective layer 4. In the second embodiment, the reflective layer 4 may be formed in a film shape. In the second embodiment, the retroreflective material 1 may not have the reflective layer 4. That is, the retroreflective material 1 may be composed of the retroreflective layer 2 and the transparent resin layer 23. In this case, for example, the surface of the retroreflective material 1 on the side of the multiple transparent resin layers 23 is attached to the surface of a substrate having light reflectivity. Alternatively, in this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the surface of the retroreflective material 1 on the side of the retroreflective layer 2 is attached to the surface of a substrate 18 made of transparent resin.

[0065] Furthermore, when the retroreflective material 1 is composed of the retroreflective layer 2 and the transparent resin layer 23, the retroreflective material 1 can be used as a car wrapping, similar to the first embodiment. In this case, the retroreflective material 1 may be integrally molded with a resin part when manufacturing the resin part by resin molding, or the retroreflective material 1 may be attached to the surface of the resin part by in-mold molding, vacuum molding, or Tom molding. The retroreflective material 1 of this embodiment can be used for various purposes, similar to the retroreflective material 1 of the first embodiment.

[0066] [Other embodiments] In the first and second embodiments, the resin portion 7 and the transparent resin layer 23 may be formed of a resin other than acrylic resin. For example, the resin portion 7 and the transparent resin layer 23 may be formed of a urethane resin or a vinyl chloride resin. Furthermore, the resin portion 7 and the transparent resin layer 23 may be formed of a resin other than an ultraviolet-curable resin. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the transparent resin layer 23 may be formed of a hard resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Retroreflective material 2. Retroreflective layer 3 Colored reflective layer 4 Reflective layer (second reflective layer) 6 Beads 7 Resin part 23 Transparent resin layer

Claims

1. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting sheet comprising: a retroreflective layer having retroreflective properties; and a colored reflective layer that is colored and has light reflectivity; The retroreflective layer includes a plurality of transparent beads and a resin portion that is colored and in which at least a portion of the plurality of beads is embedded, the colored reflective layer overlaps the retroreflective layer so as to be in contact with the retroreflective layer; The colored reflective layer and the resin portion are colored in different colors.

2. A plurality of the colored reflective layers are provided, The retroreflective layer covers all of the plurality of colored reflective layers from one side, 2. The retroreflective material according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of colored reflective layers are arranged on the retroreflective layer so as to form a predetermined pattern.

3. a second reflective layer having light reflectivity; The retroreflective material according to claim 2 , wherein the second reflective layer overlaps all of the plurality of colored reflective layers so as to contact the surface of the colored reflective layer opposite to the surface in contact with the retroreflective layer.

4. The optical fiber substrate includes a retroreflective layer having retroreflective properties and a transparent resin layer made of a transparent resin, The retroreflective layer includes a plurality of transparent beads and a resin portion made of resin in which at least a portion of the plurality of beads is embedded, The retroreflective material is characterized in that the transparent resin layer overlaps the retroreflective layer so as to be in contact with the retroreflective layer.

5. A plurality of the transparent resin layers are provided, The retroreflective layer covers all of the plurality of transparent resin layers from one side, 5. The retroreflective material according to claim 4, wherein the transparent resin layers are arranged on the retroreflective layer so as to form a predetermined pattern.

6. a second reflective layer having light reflectivity; the resin portion is formed of a transparent resin or a resin colored in a color different from that of the second reflective layer, The retroreflective material according to claim 5 , characterized in that the second reflective layer overlaps all of the plurality of transparent resin layers so as to contact the surface of the transparent resin layer opposite to the surface in contact with the retroreflective layer.

Images