Capacitive input switch and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

This invention provides a capacitive input switch and a method for manufacturing the same, which can be manufactured by omitting a light source, thereby preventing the switch from becoming thick and bulky, and simplifying the design. [Solution] This capacitive input switch includes an insulating resin film 1, a conductive layer 10 laminated on the resin film 1, and a light-transmitting decorative plate 50 covering the conductive layer 10. A phosphorescent layer 20, which stores and emits light, is interposed between the conductive layer 10 and the decorative plate 50. This phosphorescent layer 20 is formed to a thickness of 65 μm or more using either an oxide-based phosphorescent pigment or a sulfide-based phosphorescent pigment with an average particle size of 2.5 μm to 160 μm. The light emission from the phosphorescent layer 20 eliminates the need for a light source such as an LED, thus eliminating the need for a light source and effectively preventing the capacitive input switch from becoming thick and bulky.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a capacitive input switch used for operating home appliances, portable devices, game consoles, automotive equipment, etc., and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional capacitive input devices, although not shown in the figures, generally comprise an insulating transparent substrate, a conductive layer laminated on this transparent substrate, and a transparent display plate covering this conductive layer to which a conductor finger makes contact. The input device is based on the principle that the capacitance changes when a finger approaches the electrodes of the conductive layer (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The conductive layer comprises multiple electrodes laminated on a transparent substrate to form a capacitance with the finger, and multiple routing circuits extending from these electrodes, with these routing circuits connected to a voltage application unit. A capacitance detection unit is connected to the multiple routing circuits to detect changes in capacitance between the finger and the electrodes, and a determination unit is connected to this capacitance detection unit. A light source, such as an LED, is connected to this determination unit to illuminate the transparent substrate from below and recognize the decoration on the display panel.

[0004] Capacitive input devices are sometimes equipped with an illumination function to improve operability in darkness (see Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4). In this case, the capacitive input device comprises, for example, a conductive sensor electrode layer, a light guide layer facing the sensor electrode layer that guides light rays from an external light source such as an LED in a planar direction, and a light diffusion pattern formed in the light-emitting region on the surface of the light guide layer that irradiates the light rays guided to the light guide layer outwards, with the light rays from the light source incident from the side. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4818216 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5517815 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6562557 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 6820926 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Conventional capacitive input devices are configured as described above, and a light source that recognizes the decoration on the display panel is crucial. However, when the light source is installed below the transparent substrate, it occupies a considerable amount of space, making the entire device thick and bulky. Furthermore, while the configuration of the capacitive input device can be simplified when the light beam from the light source is incident from the side, it requires the provision of a light guide pattern, which complicates the design of the device.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a capacitive input switch and a method for manufacturing the same that can be manufactured by omitting a light source, thereby preventing the switch from becoming thick and bulky, and simplifying the design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a switch comprising a conductive layer laminated on an insulating substrate layer and a light-transmitting decorative layer covering the conductive layer, It is characterized by the interposition of a phosphorescent layer, which stores and emits light rays, between the conductive layer and the decorative layer.

[0009] Furthermore, a protective coating layer can be interposed between the decorative layer and the phosphorescent layer. Furthermore, a design for operation can be formed on at least one of the decorative layer and the phosphorescent layer.

[0010] Furthermore, a white layer can be interposed between the conductive layer and the phosphorescent layer to enhance the design. Furthermore, it is preferable that the phosphorescent layer be formed to a thickness of 65 μm or more using either an oxide-based phosphorescent pigment or a sulfide-based phosphorescent pigment. Furthermore, the device may include a conductive layer laminated on an insulating substrate layer, a phosphorescent layer laminated on the conductive layer, a light-transmitting coating layer laminated on the phosphorescent layer for protection, and a light-transmitting decorative layer laminated on the coating layer, wherein the conductive layer is formed from a plurality of electrodes laminated on the insulating layer to form capacitance with a conductor, and a plurality of wiring lines extending outward from these electrodes, and an operational design may be formed on at least one of the phosphorescent layer, the coating layer, and the decorative layer.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a capacitive input switch as described in claim 1 or 2, The method is characterized by laminating a conductive layer onto an insulating substrate layer, applying a paint containing phosphorescent pigment to this conductive layer and drying and curing it to form a phosphorescent layer, and then covering the conductive layer with a light-transmitting decorative layer.

[0012] Here, the base layer in the claims includes at least a light-transmitting glass plate or resin sheet, and the resin sheet includes a light-transmitting resin film. The conductive layer preferably has at least an electrode formed on the base layer and wiring lines extending from this electrode. The decorative layer preferably is formed of a light-transmitting resin material that covers at least the electrode of the conductive layer. The phosphorescent layer may be directly interposed between the conductive layer and the decorative layer, or it may be indirectly interposed through another layer. The oxide-based phosphorescent pigment and sulfide-based phosphorescent pigment of this phosphorescent layer preferably have an average particle size of 2.5 μm or more and 160 μm or less.

[0013] Regarding the numerical values related to the phosphorescent layer, when there is no difference in the effects of the present invention, in addition to measurement errors, different numerical values are included. Further, the capacitive input switch according to the present invention may be a self-capacitance type or a mutual-capacitance type. The up-down, front-back, left-right directions of the capacitive input switch according to the present invention are directions based on the drawing, and can be appropriately changed as necessary. Furthermore, although the object of the present invention is a capacitive input switch, configurations for other uses that are the same as the configuration of the present invention and can be applied to the capacitive input switch, when the effects of the present invention are achieved, configurations for other uses such as capacitive sensors belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0014] According to the present invention, the phosphorescent layer of the capacitive input switch absorbs light and stores its energy. When the usage environment of the capacitive input switch becomes dark, the phosphorescent layer releases the stored energy and continues to emit light for a certain period of time. Due to the light emission of this phosphorescent layer, a light source becomes unnecessary, so the light source can be omitted.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the capacitive input switch from becoming thick and bulky by omitting the light source, and there is an effect that the design of the capacitive input switch can be simplified.

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 2, since a coating layer for protecting the phosphorescent layer is interposed between the decorative layer and the phosphorescent layer, it is possible to prevent the phosphorescent layer from being soiled or damaged due to the adhesion of foreign matter. According to the invention described in claim 3, if a design for operation is formed on the phosphorescent layer, it is possible to provide convenience in cases where it hinders the formation of a design on the decorative layer. Conversely, if a design for operation is formed on the decorative layer, it is possible to provide convenience in cases where a design cannot be formed on the phosphorescent layer.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 4, since a white layer for making the design prominent is interposed between the conductive layer and the phosphorescent layer, the design is manifested and its outline etc. becomes clear, and the operability can be improved.

[0018] According to the invention described in claim 5, if the phosphorescent layer is formed using an oxide-based phosphorescent pigment, a long-lasting luminescence effect can be expected by repeating the charging and emission cycle. In contrast, if the phosphorescent layer is formed using a sulfide-based phosphorescent pigment, a long-lasting luminescence effect can be achieved with a short charging time. Furthermore, if the thickness of the phosphorescent layer is 65 μm or more, continuous luminescence for a certain period of time becomes possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the capacitive input switch according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the capacitive input switch according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a second embodiment of the capacitive input switch according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a third embodiment of the capacitive input switch according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the capacitive input switch according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the capacitive input switch in this embodiment comprises a flexible and insulating resin film 1, a conductive layer 10 laminated on the resin film 1, and a light-transmitting decorative plate 50 covering the conductive layer 10. The capacitance changes when a conductor, such as a finger, comes into contact with a predetermined location on the decorative plate 50. A phosphorescent layer 20, which is a light-emitting layer that stores and emits light rays, is interposed between the conductive layer 10 and the decorative plate 50. A light-transmitting coating layer 40 is laminated on the phosphorescent layer 20, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDG Goal 9 adopted at the UN Summit.

[0021] The resin film 1 is formed, for example, by processing an inexpensive and transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin film of a predetermined thickness to a predetermined size and shape. Polyethylene terephthalate resin film is used because it has excellent transparency, adhesion, durability, heat resistance, etc. The thickness of this resin film 1 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of thinning while preventing breakage, it is preferably 10 μm to 188 μm, more preferably 50 μm to 100 μm, and more preferably 50 μm to 80 μm. An example of such a resin film 1 is Cosmoshine (registered trademark) A4360 series [manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.: product name].

[0022] The conductive layer 10 comprises a plurality of electrodes 11 laminated on the surface of the resin film 1 to form capacitance with the finger, and a plurality of wiring lines 12 extending horizontally outward from the plurality of electrodes 11, the plurality of wiring lines 12 being connected to a voltage application means for applying voltage. The plurality of electrodes 11 are arranged in the required number in the X direction, Y direction, or XY direction, and each electrode 11 is formed into a thin film of a planar rectangle, polygon, circle, sector, C-shape, U-shape, etc. by a screen printing method using conductive ink.

[0023] Conductive inks are not limited to any particular type, but examples include conductive polymer materials, silver ink, and carbon ink. Examples of conductive polymer materials include the conductive polymer PEDOT / PSS (manufactured by Matsuo Sangyo Co., Ltd.: product name) and the Orgacon ICP series (manufactured by Agfa Materials Japan Co., Ltd.: product name), which have excellent stability and transparency.

[0024] Examples of silver inks include the Picosil® series (manufactured by Daicel Corporation), the JELCON RK Silver Paste series (manufactured by Jujo Chemical Co., Ltd.), and the Silver Paste LS series (manufactured by Asahi Chemical Research Institute Co., Ltd.). Examples of carbon inks include the Carbon Paste TU series (manufactured by Asahi Chemical Research Institute Co., Ltd.), the JELCON RK Carbon Paste series (manufactured by Jujo Chemical Co., Ltd.), and the Carbon Paste NC series (manufactured by Tonichi Electric Co., Ltd.).

[0025] Multiple wiring lines 12 are connected to capacitance detection means that detect changes in capacitance between a finger in contact with the surface of the decorative plate 50 and an electrode 11. These capacitance detection means are connected to determination means that determine whether or not there is input by comparing the changed capacitance value with a predetermined threshold. Each wiring line 12 is formed into an elongated line, for example, by a screen printing method using silver nanoparticles with excellent conductivity, or by etching a metal foil made of gold, silver, copper, nickel, etc.

[0026] The phosphorescent layer 20 is laminated on at least several electrodes 11 of the resin film 1 and conductive layer 10, and functions to absorb light rays from sunlight or artificial light sources, store their energy, and release the stored energy when the surrounding environment becomes dark, so that it continues to emit colored light for a certain period of time. This phosphorescent layer 20 is formed as a rechargeable thin film using a paste coating paint made by dispersing powdered pigment with an average particle size of 2.5 μm to 160 μm and excellent durability in a binder resin solution, and the design 30 for operation is formed after the thin film is formed.

[0027] The thickness of the thin film phosphorescent layer 20 is preferably 65 μm or more, more preferably 65 μm to 800 μm, more preferably 65 μm to 700 μm, and even more preferably 67 μm to 650 μm, from the viewpoint of maintaining continuous luminescence for a certain period of time (e.g., 2 hours or more). This is because if the thickness of the phosphorescent layer 20 is less than 65 μm, the duration of luminescence of the phosphorescent layer 20 will be shortened, leading to a decrease in practicality. When forming the thin film phosphorescent layer 20, screen printing, offset printing, inkjet, bar coater, comma coater, etc., can be used as appropriate.

[0028] The pigment in the phosphorescent layer 20 may be either a chromatic oxide-based phosphorescent pigment or a sulfide-based phosphorescent pigment (for example, light yellow-green, light white-yellow, light yellow, light red, etc.), but oxide-based phosphorescent pigments are preferred because they can be expected to emit light for a long time and have high brightness. Examples of oxide-based phosphorescent pigments include powdered alumina, strontium, and strontium aluminate. In contrast, sulfide-based phosphorescent pigments include powdered zinc sulfide and calcium sulfide. From the viewpoint of ensuring appropriate luminescence intensity, the average particle size D50 (μm) of these pigments should be between 2.5 μm and 160 μm, preferably between 2.5 μm and 50 μm, and more preferably between 2.5 μm and 30 μm.

[0029] The excitation conditions for the pigment in the phosphorescent layer 20 are preferably a light source of 10 lux to 1000 lux, more preferably 50 lux to 500 lux, and more preferably 50 lux to 400 lux. The wavelength range of the excitation light is preferably 200 nm to 780 nm from the viewpoint of expanding the range. Examples of pigments for such a phosphorescent layer 20 include N-Luminous Luminova (registered trademark) [manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd.: product name], Kyokko [manufactured by Tateyama Science Co., Ltd.: product name], and Luminite [manufactured by Komatsu Process Co., Ltd.: product name].

[0030] The surface of the phosphorescent layer 20 is coated with an operational design 30 that indicates the function of a predetermined electrode 11, using a coating method with a predetermined industrial ink, specifically a screen printing method or an offset printing method. These phosphorescent layer 20 and design 30 are illuminated at an illuminance of 0.3 cd / m². 2 Preferably 0.3 cd / m²2 More than 3.0cd / m 2 More preferably, 0.31 cd / m² 2 More than 3.0cd / m 2 Further preferably, 0.33 cd / m² 2 More than 2.7cd / m 2 The illuminance should be visible under the following conditions. This illuminance can be measured using an optical instrument such as a light meter.

[0031] The design 30 is not particularly limited, but it is coated with a chromatic or achromatic (white, black) industrial ink to create a pattern (letters, emojis, figures, etc.) that facilitates understanding the function of the electrode 11.

[0032] The light-transmitting coating layer 40 is laminated on the surface of the phosphorescent layer 20 as needed and functions to cover and protect the phosphorescent layer 20. This coating layer 40 is printed using a printing method that uses a paste coating agent consisting of a transparent acrylate-based coating agent or a polylate-based coating agent, specifically by screen printing or offset printing. The thickness of the coating layer 40 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of protecting the phosphorescent layer 20, it is preferably 10 μm or more, preferably 10 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 15 μm to 150 μm, and even more preferably 20 μm to 100 μm.

[0033] The decorative plate 50 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is formed by processing a transparent acrylic resin plate or glass plate, which has excellent hardness and transparency, to a predetermined size and shape. If the decorative plate 50 is an insulating acrylic resin plate, the thickness of the acrylic resin plate is, for example, in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. Such an insulating decorative plate 50 is bonded to the surface of the coating layer 40 via an acrylic-based adhesive, and covers the conductive layer 10, the phosphorescent layer 20, and the design 30.

[0034] In the above configuration, when manufacturing a capacitive input switch, first, a resin film 1 is prepared and processed to a predetermined size and shape. Multiple electrodes 11 and multiple wiring lines 12 of the conductive layer 10 are printed on the surface of this resin film 1, and then dried and cured by a hot air drying method or the like. Preferably, the conductive layer 10 is printed with electrodes 11 to a thickness of 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less to ensure sufficient conductivity, and the wiring lines 12 are printed to a thickness of 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less to reduce thinness.

[0035] After printing a conductive layer 10 onto the surface of the resin film 1, a phosphorescent layer 20 is formed by coating the conductive layer 10 with a paste-like paint for the phosphorescent layer 20 and allowing it to dry and harden. An operational design 30 is then printed onto the surface of the phosphorescent layer 20 using a predetermined industrial ink and dried and hardened by a method such as hot air drying. When applying the paint, if a sufficient amount of light emission is to be reliably obtained, it is advisable to apply multiple coats of the paint for the phosphorescent layer 20.

[0036] Next, a coating layer 40 is printed onto the surface of the phosphorescent layer 20 and the design 30 using a paste coating agent, and the coating layer 40 is formed by drying and curing it using a hot air drying method or the like. After that, a decorative plate 50 is bonded to the surface of the coating layer 40 with an adhesive, thereby manufacturing a capacitive input switch.

[0037] As described above, the phosphorescent layer 20 of the capacitive input switch absorbs sunlight or indoor light and stores its energy. When the environment in which the capacitive input switch is used becomes dark, the phosphorescent layer 20 releases the stored energy and continues to emit colored light for a certain period of time, causing the operating design 30 to stand out and become recognizable. Because the phosphorescent layer 20 emits light, conventional light sources such as LEDs are unnecessary, so the light source can be omitted, effectively preventing the capacitive input switch from becoming thick and bulky. In addition, since there is no need to provide a light guide pattern, the design of the switch can be simplified.

[0038] Furthermore, since the phosphorescent layer 20 is 65 μm or thicker, it can store sufficient light energy, and continuous luminescence for a certain period of time can be expected. In addition, since the design for operation 30 is coated using a predetermined industrial ink rather than the pigment of the phosphorescent layer 20, the boundary between the design 30 and the phosphorescent layer 20 becomes clear, and improvements in design and aesthetics can be greatly expected. Also, since a conductive polymer material is used for the electrode 11, it will not be damaged even when bent, and can be installed on curved surfaces. Moreover, by coating the design for operation 30 on the surface of the phosphorescent layer 20, it becomes possible to provide convenience when it is not possible to coat the design 30 on the decorative plate 50.

[0039] Next, Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, in which, instead of coating the phosphorescent layer 20 with the design 30 for operation, the design 30 for operation is cut out from the decorative plate 50. The other parts are the same as in the above embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted. In this embodiment, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be expected, and moreover, since the design 30 for operation is cut out from the decorative plate 50, it is clear that this can be convenient when the design 30 for operation cannot be coated onto the phosphorescent layer 20.

[0040] Next, Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a white layer 60 that makes the operation design 30 stand out is interposed between the conductive layer 10 and the phosphorescent layer 20, and the operation design 30 is cut out of the decorative plate 50.

[0041] The white layer 60 is formed by coating at least a number of electrodes 11 of the resin film 1 and conductive layer 10 with an acrylic-based material, and then laminating it over the phosphorescent layer 20. The thickness of the white layer 60 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of making the design 30 clearly visible, it is preferably 5 μm to 20 μm, more preferably 5 μm to 15 μm, and more preferably 7 μm to 10 μm. When forming such a white layer 60, screen printing, offset printing, inkjet, bar coater, comma coater, etc., can be used as appropriate. The other parts are the same as in the above embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0042] In this embodiment, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be expected, and furthermore, since the design 30 is revealed by the white layer 60, the outline of the design 30 becomes clearer, and the prevention of misoperation can be greatly expected. In addition, if there is no white layer 60 base, the phosphorescent performance of the phosphorescent layer 20 may decrease, but by forming the white layer 60, the decrease in the phosphorescent performance of the phosphorescent layer 20 can be mitigated.

[0043] Next, Figure 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which a white layer 60 that makes the operation design 30 stand out is interposed between the conductive layer 10 and the phosphorescent layer 20, and the operation design 30 is printed on the phosphorescent layer 20 laminated on the conductive layer 10. The other parts are the same as in the above embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted. In this embodiment, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be expected, and furthermore, greater diversification of the configuration can be expected.

[0044] In addition, the resin film 1 in the above embodiment may be a polyethylene resin film, a polypropylene resin film, a polystyrene resin film, or the like. Furthermore, the electrodes 11 of the conductive layer 10 may be formed by a screen printing method using silver nanoparticles, or by etching a metal foil made of gold, silver, copper, nickel, or the like. The coating layer 40 may be omitted if it is not necessary.

[0045] Furthermore, the design 30 for operation can be formed on the decorative plate 50 and the phosphorescent layer 20, respectively, as needed. The decorative plate 50 may be a transparent polycarbonate resin plate or the like, or it may be colored. Also, the manufacturing process of the above embodiment is not limited to the order described. For example, parts of the manufacturing process may be deleted or the order of description may be changed. Furthermore, all technologies described herein are subject to patent protection through amendment or divisional application, etc. [Examples]

[0046] Hereinafter, examples of the capacitive input switch and its manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described together with comparative examples. [Example 1] To manufacture a test capacitive input switch, first, a resin film serving as a base material layer was prepared, processed into a predetermined size and shape, and a conductive layer was printed on the surface of this resin film using silver paste and dried and cured by a hot air drying method. The resin film was a transparent polyethylene terephthalate resin film with a thickness of 75 μm [manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.: product name Cosmo Shine A4360].

[0047] Next, a coating of the pasty paint was applied to the formed conductive layer using a bar coater and dried and cured by a hot air drying method to form a thin film of a phosphorescent layer with a thickness of 70 μm. For the paint for the phosphorescent layer, Juroku Chemical GLL-300M [manufactured by Juroku Chemical Co., Ltd.: product name], an oxide-based phosphorescent pigment, was used. Also, the drying temperature during drying and curing was set to a normal drying temperature of Max 139°C. After forming the phosphorescent layer in this way, a transparent decorative plate made of an acrylic resin plate was adhered to the surface of this phosphorescent layer using an acrylic-based adhesive to manufacture a capacitive input switch.

[0048] After manufacturing the test capacitive input switch, the phosphorescent layer of this capacitive input switch was made to absorb indoor light, and the visible time of the phosphorescent layer that emits light from the capacitive input switch was measured and summarized in Table 1. When the illuminance at this time was measured, it was 0.357 cd / m 2 Also, Table 1 summarizes the cases where the phosphorescent layer can be visually observed as ○, the cases where it can be visually observed with difficulty as △, and the cases where it cannot be visually observed as ×.

[0049] [Example 2] Basically, it is the same as Example 1, but a phosphorescent layer with a thickness of 100 μm was formed into a thin film by drying and curing by a hot air drying method. After manufacturing the test capacitive input switch, the phosphorescent layer of this capacitive input switch was made to absorb indoor light, and the visible time of the phosphorescent layer that emits light from the capacitive input switch was measured and summarized in Table 1. When the illuminance at this time was measured, it was 0.352 cd / m 2 It was.

[0050] [Example 3] The procedure was basically the same as in Example 1, but a 150 μm thick phosphorescent layer was formed on a thin film by drying and curing using a hot air drying method. After manufacturing a capacitive input switch for testing, the phosphorescent layer of this capacitive input switch was exposed to ambient light, and the visible time of the phosphorescent layer was measured and summarized in Table 1. The illuminance measured at this time was 0.351 cd / m². 2 That was the case.

[0051] [Example 4] The procedure was basically the same as in Example 1, but a 200 μm thick phosphorescent layer was formed on a thin film by drying and curing using a hot air drying method. After manufacturing a capacitive input switch for testing, the visible time of the phosphorescent layer on this capacitive input switch was measured and recorded in Table 1. The illuminance at this time was 0.451 cd / m². 2 That was the case.

[0052] [Example 5] The procedure was basically the same as in Example 1, but a 600 μm thick phosphorescent layer was formed on a thin film by drying and curing using a hot air drying method. After manufacturing a capacitive input switch for testing, the visible time of the phosphorescent layer on this capacitive input switch was measured and recorded in Table 1. The illuminance at this time was 2.54 cd / m². 2 That was the case.

[0053] [Comparative Example 1] The procedure was basically the same as in Example 1, but a 50 μm thick phosphorescent layer was formed on a thin film by drying and curing using a hot air drying method. After manufacturing a capacitive input switch for testing, the phosphorescent layer of this capacitive input switch was exposed to ambient light, and the visible time of the luminescent layer of the capacitive input switch was measured and summarized in Table 1. The illuminance measured at this time was 0.135 cd / m². 2 That was the case.

[0054] [Comparative Example 2] The procedure was basically the same as in Example 1, but a 60 μm thick phosphorescent layer was formed on a thin film by drying and curing using a hot air drying method. After manufacturing a capacitive input switch for testing, the visible time of the phosphorescent layer on this capacitive input switch was measured and recorded in Table 1. The illuminance at this time was 0.229 cd / m². 2 That was the case.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056] 〔evaluation〕 In each of the examples, the phosphorescent layer thickness was between 70 μm and 600 μm, allowing the phosphorescent layer to be visually observed for at least two hours, resulting in favorable results. In contrast, in each of the comparative examples, the phosphorescent layer thickness was less than 65 μm, making it impossible to visually observe the phosphorescent layer for even one hour, raising doubts about its practicality. [Industrial applicability]

[0057] The capacitive input switch and its manufacturing method according to the present invention are used in fields such as electrical and electronic equipment, home appliances, portable devices, game devices, automotive equipment, information equipment, and precision instruments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1. Resin film (base layer) 10. Conductive layer 11 electrodes 20 phosphorescent layer 30 Design 40 Coating layer 50 Decorative plate (decorative layer) 60 White layer

Claims

1. A capacitive input switch comprising a conductive layer laminated on an insulating substrate layer and a light-transmitting decorative layer covering the conductive layer, A capacitive input switch characterized by having a phosphorescent layer that stores and emits light rays interposed between a conductive layer and a decorative layer.

2. The capacitive input switch according to claim 1, wherein a coating layer protecting the phosphorescent layer is interposed between the decorative layer and the phosphorescent layer.

3. A capacitive input switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an operating design is formed on at least one of the decorative layer and the phosphorescent layer.

4. A capacitive input switch according to claim 3, wherein a white layer for enhancing the design is interposed between the conductive layer and the phosphorescent layer.

5. The capacitive input switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the phosphorescent layer is formed to a thickness of 65 μm or more using either an oxide-based phosphorescent pigment or a sulfide-based phosphorescent pigment.

6. A method for manufacturing a capacitive input switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a conductive layer is laminated on an insulating substrate layer, a phosphorescent layer is formed by applying a paint containing a phosphorescent pigment to the conductive layer and drying and curing it, and then a light-transmitting decorative layer is superimposed on the conductive layer to cover it.

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