3D emblem

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional emblem easy to recognize even at night or in a dark part.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional emblem 1 comprises a retroreflective sheet 10 in which a surface F3 on one side into which light L enters and exits is projected and a recess 1D is formed on a surface F6 on the other side facing the projected surface F3, a cured resin 30 provided in the recess 1D, and an adhesive layer 40 provided on the side opposite to the retroreflective sheet 10 side with the cured resin 30 serving as a reference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional emblem. [Background technology]

[0002] Three-dimensional emblems with metallic luster have been known as emblems for decorating the surface of automobile bodies, and for example, the three-dimensional emblem proposed in the following Patent Document 1. The three-dimensional emblem described in Patent Document 1 is made by processing a thermoplastic film having a metallic luster film laminated on one side into a three-dimensional shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-202808 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the three-dimensional emblem described in Patent Document 1 is merely a thermoplastic film with a metallic gloss film laminated thereon, so there is a concern that the three-dimensional emblem may blend into the darkness and become difficult to recognize at night or in dark places. Therefore, there is a demand for a three-dimensional emblem that is easy to recognize even at night or in dark places.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional emblem that is easy to recognize even at night or in dark areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the three-dimensional emblem of the present invention is characterized by comprising a retroreflective sheet having a protruding surface on one side through which light enters and exits and a recess formed on the other side opposite the protruding surface, a cured resin provided within the recess, and an adhesive layer provided on the opposite side of the cured resin from the retroreflective sheet side.

[0007] In this three-dimensional emblem, the retroreflective sheeting protrudes from one side where light enters and exits. By protruding the retroreflective sheeting in this manner, a desired three-dimensional shape representing predetermined characters, patterns, figures, etc. can be formed on the side opposite the adhesive layer. Therefore, when light is irradiated onto the three-dimensional emblem at night or in a dark place, the light is retroreflected by the retroreflective sheeting without being blocked by the cured resin. Therefore, a viewer can clearly recognize the three-dimensional emblem through the retroreflected light, even at night or in a dark place. On the other hand, during the day or in a bright place, a viewer can directly view the three-dimensional emblem.

[0008] Furthermore, in this three-dimensional emblem, the cured resin provided in the recessed portion increases the rigidity of the three-dimensional emblem, thereby preventing unnecessary deformation of the three-dimensional emblem.

[0009] The three-dimensional emblem may further include a thermoplastic resin layer laminated between the retroreflective element layer and the cured resin.

[0010] By providing a thermoplastic resin layer between the retroreflective element layer and the cured resin in this manner, the rigidity of the three-dimensional emblem can be reinforced.

[0011] The three-dimensional emblem may further include a surface protection layer laminated on the side of the support layer opposite to the retroreflective element layer.

[0012] Such a surface protective layer can effectively protect the retroreflective sheeting.

[0013] Further, in a cross-section along the thickness direction of the three-dimensional emblem, the retroreflective sheet includes a top portion and side portions that form the recess, and in the cross-section, the side portions may be inclined outward from the top portion with respect to a line extending along the thickness direction from the top portion.

[0014] According to such a configuration, in a front view of the three-dimensional emblem viewed from the top portion side, the width of the three-dimensional emblem can be made wider compared to the case where the side portions are parallel to the above-described line. Therefore, the characters, patterns, and figures represented by the three-dimensional emblem can be made to appear thicker.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] As described above, according to the present invention, a three-dimensional emblem that is easily recognizable even at night or in a dark area can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a front view showing an example of a three-dimensional emblem according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view along the thickness direction schematically showing a part of the retroreflective sheet shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing the three-dimensional emblem shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a view showing a state of a lamination step of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a view showing a state before pressing in a molding step of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a view showing a state after pressing in a molding step of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a view showing a configuration example of a filling device used in a filling step. [Figure 9] It is a view showing a state before filling in a filling step of the first embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state during filling in a filling step of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a view showing a part of a retroreflective sheet according to a second embodiment of the present invention, taken from the same perspective as FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing the three-dimensional emblem shown in FIG. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a lamination process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state before pressing in a molding step of a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state after pressing in a molding step of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state before filling in a filling step of a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state during filling in a filling step of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Below, embodiments for implementing the three-dimensional emblem according to the present invention are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved from the following embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification, the dimensions of each component may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding.

[0018] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a front view showing an example of a three-dimensional emblem according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the thickness direction of the three-dimensional emblem. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the thickness direction, which schematically shows a part of the retroreflective sheeting shown in Fig. 2.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the three-dimensional emblem 1 mainly comprises a surface protection layer 300, a retroreflective sheet 10, a thermoplastic resin layer 20, a cured resin 30, and an adhesive layer 40, which are laminated together.

[0020] The surface protective layer 300 is a light-transmitting layer covering the surface of the retroreflective sheeting 10. As shown in FIG. 3, it has a surface F1, which is the outermost surface of the three-dimensional emblem 1, and a surface F2 opposite to surface F1. In this embodiment, light L enters and exits the three-dimensional emblem 1 through surface F1. The material of this surface protective layer 300 is not particularly limited, but typically, resins such as acrylic resin, alkyd resin, fluororesin, vinyl chloride resin, polyester resin, urethane resin, and polycarbonate resin can be used alone or in combination. Among these, acrylic resin, polyester resin, and vinyl chloride resin are preferred from the standpoints of weather resistance and processability, and acrylic resin and polyester resin are particularly preferred from the standpoints of coating suitability and colorant dispersibility during coloring. The thickness of this surface protective layer 300 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, between 60 μm and 120 μm.

[0021] A light-transmitting adhesive layer 310 is provided on the surface F2 of the surface protective layer 300. One surface F3 of the retroreflective sheeting 10 is adhered to the surface protective layer 300 via this adhesive layer 310. Examples of materials for this adhesive layer 310 include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, vinyl acetate resin, nitrile rubber resin, and silicone rubber resin. The thickness of this adhesive layer 310 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 20 μm or more and 60 μm or less.

[0022] The other side of the retroreflective sheet 10, which is opposite to the surface protective layer 300 side, is adhered to the thermoplastic resin layer 20 via the adhesive layer 50. Examples of the material forming the adhesive layer 50 include the same materials as the above-described adhesive layer 310. However, the adhesive layer 50 may be opaque. Further, the thickness of the adhesive layer 50 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 30 μm or more and 35 μm or less.

[0023] The thermoplastic resin layer 20 is a layer made of a thermoplastic resin. The material for forming such a thermoplastic resin layer 20 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin, PC (polycarbonate) resin, or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin. Further, the thickness of the thermoplastic resin layer 20 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 170 μm or more and 230 μm or less.

[0024] As described above, the laminate in which the surface protective layer 300, the retroreflective sheet 10, and the thermoplastic resin layer 20 are laminated in this order from the front side to the back side is embossed so that, as shown in FIG. 2, one side, which is the surface protective layer 300 side, protrudes, and a recess 1D is formed on the other side, which is the thermoplastic resin layer 20 side, facing the protruding one side. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the laminate composed of the surface protective layer 300, the retroreflective sheet 10, and the thermoplastic resin layer 20 protrudes as described above, so that the three-dimensional emblem 1 has a three-dimensional shape with a generally T-shaped bulge.

[0025] In the cross section along the thickness direction shown in FIG. 2, the retroreflective sheet 10 of the present embodiment includes a top portion 10T and a side portion 10S that form the recess 1D. In this cross section, the side portion 10S is inclined at a predetermined angle θ outside the top portion 10T with respect to a line SL extending along the thickness direction from the top portion 10T. The inclination angle θ may be, for example, greater than 0° and 45° or less, or may be greater than 0° and 15° or less.

[0026] The cured resin 30 is filled and provided in the recess 1D. Examples of the material used for the cured resin 30 include thermosetting resins or ultraviolet curable resins. Examples of thermosetting resins include urethane resins, epoxy resins, silicone resins, etc., and examples of ultraviolet curable resins include radical polymerization acrylic resins, cationic polymerization epoxy resins, etc. In the case of thermosetting resins, a two-component type in which the cured resin and the crosslinking agent are mixed immediately before use may be adopted. Examples of such two-component thermosetting resins include two-component curable non-foaming urethane resins. Note that, as components of the cured resin 30, any one or a plurality of crosslinking agents, polymerization initiators, stabilizers, flame retardants, antioxidants, antistatic agents, antifungal agents, etc. may be contained.

[0027] The adhesive layer 40 is provided on the side opposite to the retroreflective sheet 10 with respect to the cured resin 30. In the present embodiment, the adhesive layer 40 is a tape-shaped member and seals the cured resin 30 filled in the recess 1D. The thickness of the adhesive layer 40 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 120 μm or more and 130 μm or less. The adhesive layer 40 in the present embodiment is composed of an adhesive layer 41 that adheres to each of the cured resin 30 and the thermoplastic resin layer 20, and a release paper 42 attached to one surface of the adhesive layer 41. When using the three-dimensional emblem 1, the release paper 42 is peeled off to expose the surface of the adhesive layer 41 opposite to the cured resin 30 side, and the three-dimensional emblem 1 can be attached to the object by attaching this surface to the object.

[0028] Next, the retroreflective sheet 10 will be described in detail.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the retroreflective sheet 10 in the present embodiment is a so-called encapsulated bead type retroreflective sheet. The retroreflective sheet 10 mainly includes a holding layer 12 and a retroreflective element layer 13, and has a structure in which these layers are laminated. The thickness of the retroreflective sheet 10 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 98 μm or more and 105 μm or less.

[0030] The holder layer 12 is a light-transmitting layer that holds the microscopic glass beads of the retroreflective element layer 13, which will be described later. The adhesive layer 310 is provided on one side F3 of the holder layer 12, and the retroreflective element layer 13 is laminated on the other side F4. In this embodiment, the side F3 of the holder layer 12 is the outermost surface of the retroreflective sheeting 10 and protrudes by the embossing process. Resins such as acrylic resin, alkyd resin, fluororesin, vinyl chloride resin, polyester resin, urethane resin, and polycarbonate resin can typically be used alone or in combination to form the holder layer 12. From the standpoints of weather resistance and processability, acrylic resin, polyester resin, and vinyl chloride resin are preferred, while acrylic resin is preferred when considering factors such as coating suitability and colorant dispersibility during coloring.

[0031] The retroreflective element layer 13 includes a plurality of microscopic glass spheres 19 and a focus forming layer 15 .

[0032] The focus forming layer 15 is a light-transmitting layer for positioning the specular reflective layer 16 (described later) at the focal position of the microscopic glass beads 19. Resins such as acrylic resin, alkyd resin, fluororesin, vinyl chloride resin, polyester resin, urethane resin, polycarbonate resin, and butyral resin can usually be used alone or in combination as materials for forming the focus forming layer 15. It is preferable to use acrylic resin from the viewpoints of weather resistance, coatability, and thermal stability.

[0033] The plurality of micro glass beads 19 preferably have a diameter of 20 μm to 150 μm, more preferably 30 μm to 120 μm, and even more preferably 50 μm to 100 μm, and are arranged at predetermined intervals. Approximately the upper half of each of the micro glass beads 19, a spherical surface 19A, is enclosed within the holder layer 12 from the other surface F4 of the holder layer 12, thereby holding the plurality of micro glass beads 19 in the holder layer 12. The focus forming layer 15 covers the other surface F4 of the holder layer 12 and approximately the lower half of each of the micro glass beads 19, a spherical surface 19B, that is not enclosed in the holder layer 12.

[0034] The specular reflection layer 16 is a layer for reflecting the light transmitted through the micro glass spheres 19. This specular reflection layer 16 is laminated on the surface F5 opposite to the holding body layer 12 side of the focus forming layer 15, and is disposed at the respective focal positions of the plurality of micro glass spheres 19 via the focus forming layer 15. In the present embodiment, the surface F6 opposite to the focus forming layer 15 side of the specular reflection layer 16 is the rearmost surface of the retroreflective sheet 10 and is the other surface facing the surface F3 of the holding body layer 12. A recess is formed in this surface F6 by the above-described embossing. The specular reflection layer 16 may be formed by means such as vacuum deposition or sputtering using a metal such as aluminum, silver, chromium, nickel, magnesium, gold, or tin. In order to uniformly form a metal thin film reflecting the shape of the focus forming layer 15, the deposition method is preferable.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, when light L is incident from the surface F1 of the surface protection layer 300, the light L is incident on the holding body layer 12 from the surface F3 on one side of the retroreflective sheet 10, and passes through the micro glass spheres 19 and the light-transmissive focus forming layer 15. As described above, the specular reflection layer 16 is disposed at the focal position of the micro glass spheres 19 via the focus forming layer 15. Therefore, after passing through the focus forming layer 15, the light L is retroreflected by the specular reflection layer 16 located at the focus of the micro glass spheres 19. Thereafter, the light L passes through the micro glass spheres 19 and the holding body layer 12, exits from the surface F3 on one side of the retroreflective sheet 10 into the surface protection layer 300, passes through the surface protection layer 300, and then exits from the surface F1 to the outside of the three-dimensional emblem 1.

[0036] As described above, the three-dimensional emblem 1 of the present embodiment includes a retroreflective sheet 10 in which the surface F3 on one side where the light L enters and exits protrudes and a recess 1D is formed in the surface F6 on the other side facing the protruding surface F3, a cured resin 30 provided in the recess 1D, and an adhesive layer 40 provided on the side opposite to the retroreflective sheet 10 side with reference to the cured resin 30.

[0037] In this three-dimensional emblem 1, the retroreflective sheet 10 protrudes on one side where light L enters and exits. By protruding the retroreflective sheet 10 in this manner, a desired three-dimensional shape representing predetermined characters, patterns, figures, etc. can be formed on the side opposite the adhesive layer 40. Therefore, when light L is irradiated onto the three-dimensional emblem 1 at night or in a dark place, the light L is retroreflected by the retroreflective sheet 10 without being blocked by the cured resin 30. Therefore, a viewer can clearly recognize the three-dimensional emblem through the retroreflected light L, even at night or in a dark place. On the other hand, a viewer can directly view the three-dimensional emblem during the day or in a bright place.

[0038] Furthermore, in this three-dimensional emblem 1, the cured resin 30 is provided in the recess 1D, which increases the rigidity of the three-dimensional emblem. This makes it possible to prevent the three-dimensional emblem from deforming unnecessarily.

[0039] Furthermore, since the three-dimensional emblem 1 of this embodiment includes a thermoplastic resin layer 20 laminated between the retroreflective sheet 10 and the cured resin 30, the rigidity of the three-dimensional emblem 1 can be reinforced compared to when such a thermoplastic resin layer 20 is not included.

[0040] The three-dimensional emblem 1 of this embodiment further includes a surface protection layer 300 laminated on the side of the retroreflective sheeting 10 opposite the adhesive layer 40. Such a surface protection layer 300 can effectively protect the retroreflective sheeting 10.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side portions 10S of the retroreflective sheet 10 are inclined outward relative to the line SL relative to the top portion 10T. This configuration allows the width of the three-dimensional emblem 1 to be wider in a front view of the three-dimensional emblem 1 from the top portion 10T side than when the side portions 10S are parallel to the line SL. This makes the letters, patterns, and figures represented by the three-dimensional emblem 1 appear thicker.

[0042] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the three-dimensional emblem 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a manufacturing method for the three-dimensional emblem 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the manufacturing method for the three-dimensional emblem 1 mainly comprises a laminating step P1, a molding step P2, a filling step P3, a curing step P4, and a trimming step P5.

[0044] <Lamination process P1> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing this step. As shown in Fig. 5, first, a surface protection layer 300 is adhered to one surface of the retroreflective sheeting 10 via an adhesive layer 310. Then, a thermoplastic resin layer 20 is adhered to the other surface of the retroreflective sheeting 10 via an adhesive layer 50. In this way, a laminate 70 consisting of the surface protection layer 300, the retroreflective sheeting 10, and the thermoplastic resin layer 20 is produced.

[0045] For convenience, the adhesive layer 50 and the adhesive layer 310 are omitted from FIG. 5 and from FIGS. 6, 7, 9, and 10, which will be described later.

[0046] <Forming process P2> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the state before embossing in this step. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the state after embossing in this step. As shown in Fig. 6, in this step, the laminate 70 is embossed using a convex mold 80. This convex mold 80 includes a flat plate portion 81 and a protruding portion 82 protruding from the flat plate portion 81. The protruding portion 82 is formed in a trapezoidal shape whose width narrows with increasing distance from the flat plate portion 81. In this step, first, the laminate 70 is placed on the protruding portion 82 of the convex mold 80 so that the surface of the laminate 70 on the thermoplastic resin layer 20 side faces the protruding portion 82.

[0047] 7, the laminate 70 is embossed by, for example, vacuum or pressure forming so that the surface protection layer 300 side of the laminate 70 protrudes. Alternatively, a convex mold and a concave mold may be pressed against the laminate 70 so that the surface protection layer 300 side of the laminate 70 protrudes. In this step, it is preferable to heat and soften the laminate 70 before embossing.

[0048] In this way, a predetermined embossed shape is transferred to the laminate 70. In this embodiment, trapezoidal recesses are formed when viewed from the thermoplastic resin layer 20 side of the laminate 70, and trapezoidal protrusions are formed when viewed from the surface protection layer 300 side of the laminate 70. The shape of the protrusions formed on the laminate 70 by embossing may be letters, symbols, figures, or the like.

[0049] <Filling process P3> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a filling device used in this process. As shown in Fig. 8, in the present embodiment, this process is performed using a filling device including, as main components, a conveying path 91, a pressure roller 92, a resin injection nozzle 93, and a base 94.

[0050] The conveying path 91 is, for example, a belt conveyor type conveying path. A base 94 placed on the conveying path is moved in a conveying direction D1. A storage space SP is provided on the mounting surface of the base 94 to store the protrusions formed on the laminate 70 in the molding process P2.

[0051] The pressure roller 92 is disposed above the conveying path 91, and in this embodiment is an elevation roller that moves up and down toward or away from the conveying path 91. The rotation direction D2 of this pressure roller 92 is the same as the conveying direction D1, and the surface of the pressure roller 92 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0052] An adhesive layer 40 is disposed between the pressing roller 92 and the conveyance path 91. Note that the release paper 42 side of the adhesive layer 40 faces the roller surface of the pressing roller 92, and the adhesive layer 41 side of the adhesive layer 40 faces the conveyance surface of the conveyance path 91. This adhesive layer 40 moves at a predetermined speed in the conveyance direction D1 of the conveyance path 91 by a feeding mechanism.

[0053] The resin injection nozzle 93 is disposed above the conveyance path 91 and upstream of the pressing roller 92 in the conveyance direction D1, and injects a prescribed amount of the curable resin 30 at a predetermined pressure.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a view showing the state before filling in this step. FIG. 10 is a view showing the state during filling in this step. As shown in FIG. 9, first, with the convex portions formed on the laminate 70 accommodated in the accommodation space SP of the pedestal 94, the laminate 70 is placed on the pedestal 94.

[0055] Note that in order to suppress deformation of the convex portions of the laminate 70 due to pressing, the depth DP of the accommodation space SP is preferably set to a depth such that there is a gap between the convex portions of the laminate 70 placed on the pedestal 94.

[0056] Next, the curable resin 30 is injected at a predetermined pressure in a prescribed amount via the resin injection nozzle 93 onto the first portion other than the concave portions on the surface of the laminate 70 on the thermoplastic resin layer 20 side, and the curable resin 30 is disposed at the first portion.

[0057] In the case of this embodiment, first, among the peripheral edges of the recess, a pressing roller 92 is arranged on the downstream side in the conveying direction D1 with respect to the recess. Next, the pedestal 94 is moved in the conveying direction D1 and the pressing roller 92 is rotated in the rotational direction D2. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, the adhesive layer 40 is pressed against the first portion by the pressing roller 92. In this state, the pressing roller 92 passes above the recess from the first portion and moves to the second portion other than the recess. As a result, the adhesive layer 40 is pressure-bonded to the surface of the laminated body 70 on the thermoplastic resin layer 20 side, and the recess of the laminated body 70 is filled with the cured resin 30. Further, the cured resin 30 that has not been filled in the recess is moved to the upstream end of the laminated body 70 while being pressed by the adhesive layer 40. Alternatively, the cured resin 30 that could not be filled in the recess may be filled in the recess of the next laminated body 70 on the upstream side.

[0058] Note that after filling the recess of the laminated body 70 with the cured resin 30, the laminated body 70 may be pressed again from the surface on the thermoplastic resin layer 20 side. Further, a squeegee may be applied instead of the pressing roller 92.

[0059] <Curing step P4> This step is a step of curing the cured resin 30 filled in the recess. For example, when the cured resin 30 is an ultraviolet curable resin, it is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the cured resin 30 filled in the recess.

[0060] Further, when the cured resin 30 is a thermosetting resin, it may be cured by leaving it at room temperature, or instead of leaving it at room temperature, it may be heated to cure the thermosetting resin in a short time. However, when curing the thermosetting resin by leaving it at room temperature, heating equipment is not required, so it is possible to simply manufacture the three-dimensional emblem 1.

[0061] Thus, by this step, the recess is filled with the cured resin 30.

[0062] <Trimming step P5> This process mainly involves a step of cutting out a laminate 70 with an adhesive layer 40 attached thereto to a predetermined size. Note that before and after cutting out the laminate 70, resin protruding from the laminate 70 and the adhesive layer 40 may be removed. Also, burrs may be removed after cutting out the laminate 70.

[0063] By going through such a lamination process P1, a molding process P2, a filling process P3, a curing process P4, and a trimming process P5, a three-dimensional emblem 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured.

[0064] According to such a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional emblem, since a thermoplastic resin layer 20 is laminated on the retroreflective sheet 10, a laminate with higher rigidity can be embossed as compared with the case where the thermoplastic resin layer 20 is not laminated. Therefore, a more faithful embossed shape can be transferred to the laminate.

[0065] Also, in the filling process P3 of the present embodiment, a step of pressing an adhesive layer 40 against a first portion other than the concave portion on the other surface of the thermoplastic resin layer 20 using a pressing roller 92, and a step of moving the pressing roller 92 from the first portion through above the concave portion to a second portion other than the concave portion to attach the adhesive layer 40 to the thermoplastic resin layer 20 are performed. According to such a process, since the rigidity of the laminate 70 is kept high at the stage of filling the cured resin 30, even when pressure is applied to the laminate 70 from the pressing roller 92, the cured resin 30 can be filled without deforming the embossed shape formed on the laminate 70. In addition, the strength of the embossed portion can be increased by the curing of the cured resin 30 filled in the space that is the concave portion.

[0066] In addition, in the above lamination step P1, a predetermined protective film may be provided on the surface of the surface protective layer 300 opposite to the retroreflective sheet 10 side. This protective film may be, for example, low-density polyethylene, and the thickness of this protective film may be, for example, 35 μm or more and 40 μm or less. By providing such a protective film, it becomes possible to protect the surface protective layer 300 in each step. Further, this protective film may be peeled off after the trimming step P5.

[0067] Also, in this embodiment, it is not essential to provide the surface protective layer 300. However, as described above, by providing the surface protective layer 300, the retroreflective sheet 10 can be effectively protected.

[0068] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described. For components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given and redundant descriptions will be omitted, unless otherwise specifically described.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a view showing the three-dimensional emblem 1 according to this embodiment from the same perspective as FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 11, the three-dimensional emblem 1 of this embodiment does not have the surface protective layer 300, the adhesive layer 310, the adhesive layer 50, and the thermoplastic resin layer 20. In this regard, the three-dimensional emblem 1 of this embodiment is different from the three-dimensional emblem 1 of the first embodiment. In the retroreflective sheet 10 of the three-dimensional emblem 1 of this embodiment, the surface F3 of the holding layer 12 through which light enters and exits protrudes, and a concave portion 1D is formed on the surface F6 of the specular reflection layer 16 facing the protruding surface F3. And a cured resin 30 is provided in this concave portion 1D.

[0070] In this embodiment, since the thermoplastic resin layer 20 is not provided unlike the first embodiment, the configuration of the three-dimensional emblem 1 is simpler than that of the first embodiment.

[0071] Next, an example of the manufacturing method of the three-dimensional emblem 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the manufacturing method. As shown in FIG. 12, this manufacturing method mainly includes a lamination step P1, a molding step P2, a filling step P3, a curing step P4, a trimming step P5, and a peeling step P6. In this regard, the manufacturing method of the present embodiment is different from the manufacturing method of the first embodiment that does not have the peeling step P6.

[0072] <Lamination step P1> FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state of this step. As shown in FIG. 13, first, a thermoplastic resin layer 600 is laminated on the surface of the retroreflective sheet 10 on the side of the holding layer 12 via a protective film 500 to create a laminate 70. Examples of the material of the protective film 500 include low-density polyethylene. Examples of the material of the thermoplastic resin layer 600 include ABS resin, PC resin, or PET resin. Further, the thickness of the thermoplastic resin layer 600 may be, for example, 170 μm or more and 230 μm or less.

[0073] <Molding step P2> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the state before embossing in this step. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the state after embossing in this step. As shown in FIG. 14, in this step, the laminate 70 is embossed using the convex mold 80 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In this step, first, the laminate 70 is placed on the protruding portion 82 so that the surface of the laminate 70 on the side of the retroreflective sheet 10 faces the protruding portion 82 of the convex mold 80.

[0074] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the laminate 70 is embossed, for example, by vacuum or pressure-air molding, so that the thermoplastic resin layer 600 side of the laminate 70 protrudes. Alternatively, the convex mold and the concave mold may be pressed against the laminate 70 so that the thermoplastic resin layer 600 side of the laminate 70 protrudes. In this step, it is preferable to emboss the laminate 70 after heating and softening it.

[0075] In this way, a predetermined embossed shape is transferred to the laminate 70. In the present embodiment, a trapezoidal recess is formed when viewed from the retroreflective sheet 10 side of the laminate 70, and a trapezoidal protrusion is formed when viewed from the thermoplastic resin layer 600 side of the laminate 70. Note that the shape of the protrusion formed on the laminate 70 by embossing is a character, symbol, figure, or the like.

[0076] <Filling step P3> This step is performed using the filling device shown in FIG. 8 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the state before filling in this step, and FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the state during filling in this step. As shown in FIG. 16, first, with the protrusion formed on the laminate 70 accommodated in the accommodation space SP of the pedestal 94, the laminate 70 is placed on the pedestal 94.

[0077] Next, a predetermined amount of the curable resin 30 is injected at a predetermined pressure through the resin injection nozzle 93 onto the first portion other than the recess on the surface of the laminate 70 on the side of the retroreflective sheet 10, and the curable resin 30 is disposed on the above portion. In the case of the present embodiment, first, among the peripheral edges of the recess, the pressing roller 92 is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction D1 with respect to the recess as a reference. Next, the pedestal 94 is moved in the transport direction D^1 and the pressing roller 92 is rotated in the rotation direction D2. In this way, as shown in FIG. 17, the adhesive layer 40 is pressed against the first portion by the pressing roller 92. In this state, the pressing roller 92 passes above the recess from the first portion and moves to the second portion other than the recess. Thereby, the adhesive layer 40 is pressure-bonded to the surface of the laminate 70 on the side of the retroreflective sheet 10, and the recess of the laminate 70 is filled with the curable resin 30. Further, the curable resin 30 that has not been filled in the recess is moved to the upstream end of the laminate 70 while being pressed by the adhesive layer 40. Alternatively, the curable resin 30 that could not be filled in the recess may be filled in the recess of the next laminate 70 on the upstream side.

[0078] Note that after filling the recess of the laminate 70 with the curable resin 30, the laminate 70 may be pressed again from the surface on the side of the thermoplastic resin layer 20. Further, a squeegee may be applied instead of the pressing roller 92.

[0079] <Hardening process P4> Since this process is the same as the hardening process P4 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] <Trimming process P5> Since this process is the same as the trimming process P5 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] <Peeling process P6> This process is a process of peeling the protective film 500 and the thermoplastic resin layer 600 from the laminate 70. For example, one or more positions at one end of the protective film 500 are gripped, and a predetermined force is applied from that one end toward the other opposite end to peel off the protective film 500 and the thermoplastic resin layer 600 together.

[0082] By going through such a lamination process P1, molding process P2, filling process P3, hardening process P4, trimming process P5, and peeling process P6, the three-dimensional emblem 1 as shown in FIG. 11 is manufactured.

[0083] According to such a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional emblem, since the rigidity of the laminate can be increased by laminating the thermoplastic resin layer 600, a more faithful embossed shape can be transferred to the laminate compared to the case where the thermoplastic resin layer 600 is not laminated.

[0084] Also, in the filling process P3 of the present embodiment, the pressing roller 92 is pressed against the laminate 70 whose rigidity has been increased by laminating the thermoplastic resin layer 600. Therefore, compared to the case where the pressing roller 92 is pressed against a laminate without laminating the thermoplastic resin layer 600, it is possible to fill the cured resin 30 without deforming the embossed shape formed on the laminate 70. Further, the strength of the embossed portion can be increased by the curing of the cured resin 30 filled in the space that is a recess.

[0085] Also, in this method for manufacturing the three-dimensional emblem, since the thermoplastic resin layer 600 is peeled off after embossing, it is possible to suppress an excessive increase in the rigidity of the three-dimensional emblem to such an extent that the surface followability of the three-dimensional emblem is lost.

[0086] Further, according to the method for manufacturing the three-dimensional emblem in the present embodiment, the filling step P3 is performed before peeling the thermoplastic resin layer 600, and the cured resin 30 is filled into the recess formed on the surface of the retroreflective sheet 10 side of the laminate 70. Then, after curing this cured resin 30, the peeling step P6 is performed. Therefore, compared with the case where the thermoplastic resin layer 600 is peeled off before the filling step P3, deformation of the laminate 70 caused by peeling the thermoplastic resin layer 600 can be suppressed.

[0087] In addition, in the laminating step P1, a protective film 500 may be provided also on the surface of the retroreflective sheet 10 opposite to the protective film 500 side. By doing so, the surface of the retroreflective element layer 13 side of the retroreflective sheet 10 can be protected.

[0088] As described above, the present invention has been described by taking the above embodiment as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the side portion 10S of the retroreflective sheet 10 is inclined with respect to the line SL and the recess 1D is trapezoidal has been described, but this configuration is not essential. For example, the inclination angle θ may be 0°, or the recess 1D may not be trapezoidal.

[0090] Also, in the above embodiment, an example in which the retroreflective sheet 10 is of the encapsulated bead type has been described, but this is not essential. The retroreflective sheet 10 may be, for example, a so-called capsule bead type, a so-called prism type, or a capsule prism type.

Industrial Applicability

[0091] According to the present invention, a three-dimensional emblem that is easy to recognize even at night or in dark areas is provided and can be used in fields such as stickers and decals.

Explanation of Signs

[0092] 1 ··· Three-dimensional emblem 1D ··· Concave portion 10 ··· Retroreflective sheet 10T ··· Top 10S ··· Side 20 ··· Thermoplastic resin layer 30 ··· Cured resin 40 ··· Adhesive layer 300 ··· Surface protection layer F3 ··· One side surface of the retroreflective sheet F6 ··· The other side surface of the retroreflective sheet

Claims

1. A retroreflective sheet in which a surface on one side where light enters and exits protrudes, and a recess is formed in the other surface facing the protruding surface on the one side; A cured resin provided in the recess; An adhesive layer provided on the side opposite to the retroreflective sheet side with respect to the cured resin as a reference; A thermoplastic resin layer laminated between the retroreflective sheet and the cured resin; An adhesive layer that adheres the retroreflective sheet and the thermoplastic resin layer; Comprising A three-dimensional emblem characterized by the above.

2. Further including a surface protection layer laminated on the side opposite to the adhesive layer side with respect to the retroreflective sheet The three-dimensional emblem according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The thickness of the surface protection layer is 60 μm or more and 120 μm or less, The thickness of the thermoplastic resin layer is 170 μm or more and 230 μm or less The three-dimensional emblem according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. Further including an adhesive layer that adheres the retroreflective sheet and the surface protection layer The three-dimensional emblem according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the above.

5. The adhesive layer that adheres the retroreflective sheet and the thermoplastic resin layer and the adhesive layer that adheres the retroreflective sheet and the surface protection layer are formed of the same material as each other. The three-dimensional emblem according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. The retroreflective sheet includes a planar top portion that forms the recess and a planar side portion connected to the periphery of the top portion and extending in a direction away from the top portion as it advances in the thickness direction of the top portion from the top portion. In a cross section perpendicular to the in-plane direction of each of the top portion and the side portion, the straight line along the thickness direction of the top portion and the in-plane direction of the side portion are greater than 0° and 15° or less. The three-dimensional emblem according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

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