Illuminating material

Abstract

To provide a light-emitting member which improves visibility of a mark part.SOLUTION: A push-button switch 10 includes a light transmissive resin layer 11, a light transmissive adjustment layer 12, a colored layer 15 that hardly transmits light, and a bright-colored layer 14 having high brightness compared to the colored layer 15, wherein the resin layer 11, the adjustment layer 12, the bright-colored layer 14 and the colored layer 15 are formed in this order from the side irradiated with backlight, a mark part 16 composed of the colored layer 15 and light-emitting parts 17 where the bright-colored layer 14 is partially removed and the adjustment layer 12 is exposed are further provided, and the light-emitting parts 17 are adjacent to each other so as to surround the mark part 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light-emitting section that is illuminated by backlight. Material Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a light-emitting member used in a switch or panel that can illuminate a mark such as a character by illumination from a backlight. In such a light-emitting member, a colored layer is formed on the surface of a light-transmitting layer, and a mark is formed by removing a part of the colored layer to expose the light-transmitting layer. In recent years, from the viewpoint of improving design, a light-colored layer having high brightness such as white is sometimes formed on the surface of the light-transmitting layer in the light-emitting member instead of a colored layer. In such a light-emitting member, when the backlight is illuminated, a contrast difference between the light-transmitting layer and the light-colored layer can be ensured, whereas when the backlight is not illuminated, the lightness of both the light-transmitting layer and the light-colored layer is high, and therefore the contrast difference cannot be ensured, and the visibility of the mark is reduced.

[0003] In response to this, for example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 changes the light-transmitting layer around the mark to a dark color by irradiating it with laser light, thereby ensuring a difference in contrast between the mark and its surroundings and improving the visibility of the mark. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-104243 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, from the viewpoint of improving design, a light-colored layer may be formed on the surface of the light-transmitting layer, and the mark part may be made of a colored layer. When such a configuration is realized by the technology of Patent Document 1, the light-transmitting layer around the mark part made of the colored layer is changed to a dark color, so that even if backlight light is irradiated, the backlight light hardly transmits around the mark part, and it is not possible to ensure a difference in contrast between the mark part and the area around the mark part, resulting in a problem of reduced visibility of the mark part.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting section that improves the visibility of a mark section. Materials The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the light-emitting member of the present invention comprises a light-transmitting layer capable of transmitting light, a colored layer through which the light is difficult to transmit, and a light-colored layer having a higher brightness than the colored layer, the light-transmitting layer, the light-colored layer, and the colored layer being formed in this order from the side where the light is irradiated, the light-transmitting layer being formed as a mark section and a light-emitting section in which the light-colored layer is partially removed to expose the light-transmitting layer, the light-emitting section being adjacent to the mark section. The light emitting portion is disposed so as to surround the mark portion. . Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the light-emitting section, in which the light-colored layer is partially removed to expose the light-transmitting layer, is adjacent to the mark section made of a colored layer. In other words, the light-transmitting layer around the mark section is only exposed and is not changed to a dark color, so that a difference in contrast between the mark section and its surroundings can be ensured, improving the visibility of the mark section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a push button switch as a light emitting member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Diagram 3]11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the relationship in size between an operator's finger and a light-emitting portion as a groove. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are process diagrams illustrating a method for forming a mark portion and a light-emitting portion as a manufacturing method for a light-emitting member according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first modified example of the push button switch in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the push button switch in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of the push button switch in the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a push button switch 10 as a light emitting member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1. Note that Fig. 1 shows only a portion of the push button switch 10.

[0012] 1 and 2, the push button switch 10 includes, for example, a resin layer 11 (light-transmitting layer) forming the base of the push button switch 10, an adjustment layer 12 formed on the resin layer 11, a light absorption layer 13 formed on the adjustment layer 12, a light color layer 14 formed on the light absorption layer 13, and a colored layer 15 partially formed on the light color layer 14.

[0013] In the push button switch 10, a space (not shown) or a diffusion member (not shown) that diffuses received light is formed below the resin layer 11, and further, for example, a backlight (not shown) made of an LED lamp is arranged. The backlight shines backlight toward the resin layer 11. Therefore, in the push button switch 10, the resin layer 11, the adjustment layer 12, the light absorption layer 13, the light color layer 14, and the colored layer 15 are formed in this order from the side irradiated with the backlight light.

[0014] The resin layer 11 is made of a material that is bright and capable of transmitting light, for example, a white resin. The color of the resin that constitutes the resin layer 11 is not limited to white, and may be milky white or gray as long as it is capable of transmitting light. The resin layer 11 may constitute the entire base of the push button switch 10, or may constitute a part of the base of the push button switch 10.

[0015] The adjustment layer 12 is made of a material that can transmit light. In particular, the adjustment layer 12 is preferably made of a material with high brightness, for example, a white resin, from the viewpoint of improving visibility. In the present embodiment, as an example, a white resin is used for the adjustment layer 12. The color of the adjustment layer 12 is not limited to white, and may be any color that is at least brighter than the colored layer 15. For example, a milky white resin, a grayish white resin, a light yellow resin, a light blue resin, or a light green resin may be used as a material constituting the adjustment layer 12. The color of the adjustment layer 12 may be adjusted to be the same color as the color of the light color layer 14 described later, or may be adjusted to be a color different from the color of the light color layer 14.

[0016] The light absorbing layer 13 is a layer that efficiently absorbs laser light, which will be described later, and improves the efficiency of laser processing in which the light-colored layer 14 and the colored layer 15 are burned off by irradiation with laser light. The light absorbing layer 13 is formed, for example, from a silver resin containing aluminum powder in order to promote absorption of laser light. The color of the light absorbing layer 13 is not limited to silver, and may be any color that can promote absorption of laser light, for example, black or gray. When the color of the light absorbing layer 13 is black, the light absorbing layer 13 is formed from a black resin containing a carbon-based material such as carbon black.

[0017] The light color layer 14, like the adjustment layer 12, is made of a material with high brightness, for example, a white resin. This white resin is formed by mixing a white color material with a resin. As the white color material, a known white pigment or white dye, such as pure white or pearl white, can be used. The color of the light color layer 14, like the adjustment layer 12, is not limited to white, and may be any color that is at least brighter than the colored layer 15. For example, the material constituting the light color layer 14 may be a milky white resin, a grayish white resin, a light yellow resin, a light blue resin, or a light green resin.

[0018] The colored layer 15 is made of a material that is difficult for light to transmit. In particular, the colored layer 15 is preferably made of a material with low brightness, for example, a dark-colored resin, from the viewpoint of enhancing visibility. In this embodiment, as an example, a dark-colored resin is used for the colored layer 13. This dark-colored resin is formed by mixing a dark-colored color material with a resin. As the dark-colored color material, a known dark-colored pigment or dark-colored dye can be used. The color of the dark-colored pigment or dark-colored dye is not limited to black, and may be dark blue, dark gray, dark green, or dark purple, which has low brightness and high color density. In this embodiment, "difficult for light to transmit" refers to "shielding the backlight light and not allowing it to transmit." In the push button switch 10, the colored layer 15 is made of one layer and has a thickness of 5 μm or more. In this embodiment, the color of the colored layer 15 is not limited to a dark color, and may be, for example, blue, red, yellow, or green.

[0019] In the push button switch 10, for example, a mark section 16 made of a colored layer 15 is formed on its top surface. The mark section 16, which presents, for example, a character, a figure, or a symbol, is formed by trimming an excess section 15a of the colored layer 15 partially formed on the light colored layer 14 in the push button switch 10. In addition, in the push button switch 10, a light emitting section 17 is formed adjacent to the mark section 16. The light emitting section 17 is formed by exposing a part of the adjustment layer 12 by removing a part of the light colored layer 14 and the light absorbing layer 13 covered by the excess section 15a of the colored layer 15 to be trimmed. That is, the light emitting section 17 is a groove dug in the top surface of the push button switch 10 so as to surround the mark section 16 (see FIG. 1), and the operator can visually observe the adjustment layer 12 in the light emitting section 17. The width of the light-emitting section 17 as a groove is narrow, and as shown in Fig. 3, even if an operator touches the periphery of the light-emitting section 17 with a finger 18, the fingertip will not enter the light-emitting section 17. Furthermore, the adjustment layer 12 in the light-emitting section 17 is simply exposed and does not discolor. As described above, the mark section 16 is made of the colored layer 15 formed on the light-colored layer 14, and therefore the height of the mark section 16 from the bottom of the light-emitting section 17 is equal to or greater than the height of the light-colored layer 14 from the bottom of the light-emitting section 17.

[0020] The method of forming the adjustment layer 12, the light absorption layer 13, the light color layer 14, and the colored layer 15 is not particularly limited, and a known printing method such as screen printing or pad printing, or a known coating method can be used. In particular, the adjustment layer 12, the light color layer 14, and the colored layer 15 are formed by printing or applying an ink in which a pigment or dye and a resin are dissolved in a solvent.

[0021] In the push button switch 10, when the backlight shines on the light-emitting portion 17, the backlight passes through the resin layer 11 and the adjustment layer 12, while the colored layer 15 of the mark portion 16 surrounded by the light-emitting portion 17 does not allow the backlight to pass through, so that the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 17 makes the mark portion 16 stand out as a dark portion. Even when the backlight does not shine on the light-emitting portion 17, the light-colored adjustment layer 12 is exposed in the light-emitting portion 17, and the mark portion 16 surrounded by the light-emitting portion 17 is made of the colored layer 15, so that a difference in contrast between the mark portion 16 and the light-emitting portion 17 can be ensured. This makes it possible to improve the visibility of the mark portion 16 regardless of whether or not the backlight is illuminating the mark portion 16.

[0022] Next, a method for manufacturing the light emitting member according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a process chart for explaining a method for forming the mark portion 16 and the light emitting portion 17 as a method for manufacturing the light emitting member according to the present embodiment.

[0023] 4, first, the adjustment layer 12, the light absorption layer 13, the light color layer 14, and the colored layer 15 are laminated from below on the resin layer 11. The adjustment layer 12, the light absorption layer 13, and the light color layer 14 may be formed so as to cover the entire surface of the resin layer 11. Alternatively, they may be formed partially so as to cover the area where the mark section 16 is to be formed and its periphery. The colored layer 15 is formed partially so as to cover the area where the mark section 16 is to be formed and its periphery without covering the entire surface of the resin layer 11.

[0024] Next, the laser light L is irradiated toward the location where the light-emitting portion 17 is to be formed (FIG. 4(A)). The laser light L is irradiated toward the excess portion 15a of the colored layer 15 and a part of the light layer 14 adjacent to the excess portion 15a. At this time, the dark resin forming the excess portion 15a of the colored layer 15 and the white resin forming the light layer 14 are burned off by the laser light L, and the excess portion 15a of the colored layer 15 and the part of the light layer 14 irradiated with the laser light L are removed. Note that since the excess portion 15a of the colored layer 15 is made of a dark resin, it absorbs the thermal energy of the laser light L and is efficiently removed, but since the light layer 14 is made of a white resin, there is a risk that the laser light L will be reflected. However, in the push button switch 10, the light-absorbing layer 13 located below the light layer 14 absorbs the laser light L and prevents reflection. This allows the thermal energy of the laser light L to be efficiently transferred to the light layer 14, and the light layer 14 can be reliably removed. At this time, the laser light L is irradiated to the excess portion 15a of the colored layer 15 so as to border the entire periphery. This causes the excess portion 15a of the colored layer 15 to be trimmed all around, and the light layer 14 is removed so as to surround the colored layer 15. As a result, the light-emitting portion 17 surrounds the entire periphery of the mark portion 16.

[0025] Next, by continuing the irradiation of the laser light L, the excess portion 15a of the colored layer 15 is completely removed. That is, the excess portion 15a of the colored layer 15 is trimmed and the remaining colored layer 15 forms the mark portion 16. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the portion of the light-colored layer 14 irradiated with the laser light L is removed to expose the light-absorbing layer 13, but the laser light L also burns off the silver resin that forms the light-absorbing layer 13. As a result, the portion of the light-absorbing layer 13 irradiated with the laser light L is also removed. This process is continued until the light-absorbing layer 13 is removed and the adjustment layer 12 is exposed. The intensity of the laser light L is uniform in the width direction. As a result, the light-colored layer 14 and the light-absorbing layer 13 are evenly removed in the width direction.

[0026] Thereafter, when the adjustment layer 12 is exposed, the irradiation of the laser light L is stopped. As a result, a groove-shaped light-emitting portion 17 where the adjustment layer 12 is exposed is formed so as to surround the mark portion 16. In addition, since the irradiation of the laser light L is stopped when the adjustment layer 12 is exposed, the adjustment layer 12 is not continuously irradiated with the laser light L and is not discolored. The amount of removal of the excess portion 15a of the colored layer 15, the light color layer 14, and the light absorption layer 13 by the laser light L is adjusted by controlling the output of the laser light L and the irradiation time.

[0027] According to this embodiment, the light-emitting section 17, in which the high-brightness adjustment layer 12 is exposed, is adjacent to and surrounds the mark section 16 consisting of the low-brightness colored layer 15, and the adjustment layer 12 of the light-emitting section 17 does not discolor. Therefore, regardless of whether or not backlight light is illuminated, a difference in contrast between the mark section 16 and the light-emitting section 17 can be ensured, and the visibility of the mark section 16 can be improved.

[0028] In addition, the output of the laser light L can be accurately controlled, and the stopping of irradiation of the laser light L can also be accurately controlled. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the exposed adjustment layer 12 from being burned and discolored by the laser light L. Furthermore, since the laser light L has a strong tendency to travel in a straight line and is not easily diffused, it is possible to reliably remove only the excess portion 15a in the colored layer 15, preventing the shape of the mark portion 16 from being distorted, and improving the design of the mark portion 16.

[0029] As described above, the width of light-emitting section 17 as a groove is narrow, and even if the operator touches the periphery of light-emitting section 17 with finger 18, the fingertip will not enter light-emitting section 17. As a result, the fingertip will not get caught on the end of light-emitting layer 14 or the end of light-absorbing layer 13 exposed in light-emitting section 17, and peeling of light-emitting layer 14 or light-absorbing layer 13 can be suppressed.

[0030] Furthermore, since the color tone of adjustment layer 12 and bright color layer 14 can be changed by selecting a pigment or dye, the color tone of adjustment layer 12 and the color tone of bright color layer 14 may be the same, in which case the color of light-emitting portion 17 when backlight light is not illuminating can be matched with the overall color of push button switch 10, creating a sense of uniformity in color tone in push button switch 10. On the other hand, the color tone of adjustment layer 12 and the color tone of bright color layer 14 may be different, in which case a contrast difference of light-emitting portion 17 relative to the entire push button switch 10 can be ensured, and as a result, the presence of mark portion 16 surrounded by light-emitting portion 17 can be emphasized.

[0031] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0032] For example, in the above-mentioned push button switch 10, as shown in Fig. 1, the entire periphery of the mark portion 16 is surrounded by the light-emitting portion 17. However, if an operator can recognize the difference in contrast between the light-emitting portion 17 and the mark portion 16, the light-emitting portion 17 does not need to surround the entire periphery of the mark portion 16. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the light-emitting portion 17 may be provided so as to surround the mark portion 16 intermittently. This allows for a greater variety in the design of the light-emitting portion 17, and increases the freedom of design.

[0033] Furthermore, a protective layer made of a material having chemical durability may be formed on the above-described push button switch 10. The protective layer may cover the entire surface of the push button switch 10, or may cover only the mark portion 16 and the light-emitting portion 17.

[0034] To constitute the present invention, the push button switch 10 only needs to include at least the resin layer 11, the light color layer 14, and the colored layer 15. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the push button switch 10 may include only the resin layer 11, the adjustment layer 12, the light color layer 14, and the colored layer 15. Furthermore, for example, as shown in Fig. 7, the push button switch 10 may include only the resin layer 11, the light absorption layer 13, the light color layer 14, and the colored layer 15.

[0035] In addition, since the excess portion 15a of the colored layer 15 and the light colored layer 14 are removed by the same laser light L, the end of the colored layer 15 and the end of the light colored layer 14 are formed in the same plane in the light-emitting portion 17 (FIG. 2). Note that it is preferable that the end of the light-absorbing layer 13 is also formed in the same plane as the end of the colored layer 15 and the end of the light colored layer 14.

[0036] In the light-emitting section 17, if the ends of the light layer 14 and the colored layer 15 are not formed in the same plane and form a staircase structure, the characters and figures presented by the mark section 16 appear to be misaligned. In addition, if the ends of the light layer 14 and the colored layer 15 form a staircase structure and the light layer 14 and the adjustment layer 12 have different colors, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the ends of the adjustment layer 12 and the colored layer 15, and the characters and figures presented by the mark section 16 become difficult to recognize. However, in this embodiment, since the ends of the colored layer 15 and the light layer 14 are formed in the same plane, when an operator looks at the mark section 16 from the front side of the push button switch 10, the layered structure consisting of the colored layer 15 and the light layer 14 is not recognized. As a result, it is possible to suppress the characters and figures presented by the mark section 16 from appearing to be misaligned, and these characters and figures become easier to recognize. As a result, it is possible to prevent the marketability of the push button switch 10 from decreasing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 10 Push button switch 11 Resin layer 12 Adjustment layer 13 Light absorbing layer 14 Light layer 15 colored layer 16 Mark Section 17 Light emitting part

Claims

1. The optical element includes a light-transmitting layer that can transmit light, a colored layer that is difficult for the light to transmit, and a light-colored layer that is brighter than the colored layer, the light-transmitting layer, the light-colored layer, and the colored layer are formed in this order from the side where the light is irradiated, a mark portion formed of the colored layer, and a light-emitting portion in which the light-colored layer is partially removed to expose the light-transmitting layer, The light emitting member is disposed so that the light emitting portion is adjacent to the mark portion and surrounds the mark portion.

2. The light emitting member according to claim 1 , wherein the height of the mark portion from the light transmitting layer is equal to or greater than the height of the light color layer from the light transmitting layer.

3. The light-emitting component according to claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment layer formed between the light layer and the translucent layer, transmitting the light, and capable of adjusting a color tone of the light-emitting portion, the adjustment layer covering the translucent layer in the light-emitting portion.

4. The light emitting member according to claim 1 , further comprising a light absorbing layer formed between the light layer and the light transmitting layer.

5. The light-emitting member according to claim 1 , wherein an end of the colored layer and an end of the light-colored layer in the light-emitting portion are formed in the same plane.

Images