Light-emitting components

Abstract

To provide a light-emitting member having good appearance.SOLUTION: A push-button switch 10 includes a light transmissive resin layer 11, a protective layer 12, a colored layer 13 that hardly transmits light, a light absorption layer 14, and a bright-colored layer 15 having high brightness compared to the colored layer 13, where the resin layer 11, the protective layer 12, the colored layer 13, the light absorption layer 14 and the bright-colored layer 15 are formed in this order from the side irradiated with backlight, a display part 16 where the colored layer 13, the light absorption layer 14 and the bright-colored layer 15 are partially removed and the protective layer 12 is exposed is further provided, and in the display part 16, the resin layer 11 can be visually checked through the protective layer 12, and the colored layer 13 remains in at least a part of the periphery of the exposed resin layer 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides a light-emitting section illuminated by backlight. Material Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Light-emitting components are known for use in switches and panels that can illuminate a display section, such as characters, by being illuminated by backlight. In such light-emitting components, a colored layer is formed on the surface of a light-transmitting layer, and the display section is formed by removing a portion of the colored layer to expose the light-transmitting layer. Since the light-transmitting layer typically has a high brightness, there is a large difference in contrast between the light-transmitting layer and the colored layer, and the user can clearly see the display section even when the light-transmitting layer is not illuminated by backlight.

[0003] Recently, in order to improve design, a light-colored layer with high brightness, such as white, is sometimes formed on the surface of a light-transmitting layer in a light-emitting component, instead of a colored layer. In such a light-emitting component, when backlight is applied, the contrast difference between the light-transmitting layer and the light-colored layer can be ensured, but when backlight is not applied, the brightness of both the light-transmitting layer and the light-colored layer is high, so the contrast difference cannot be ensured, resulting in a problem of reduced visibility of the display unit.

[0004] To address this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology in which a colored layer is formed on a light-colored layer so as to surround and frame the periphery of the display section, thereby ensuring a difference in contrast between the periphery of the display section and the display section, thereby improving the visibility of the display section. Also, Patent Document 2 proposes a technology in which the periphery of the display section is changed to a dark color by irradiating it with laser light, thereby ensuring a difference in contrast between the periphery of the display section and the display section, thereby improving the visibility of the display section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-84341 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-104243 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the technology of Patent Document 1, because the colored layer is formed by printing, the printing position of the colored layer may be misaligned, resulting in an uneven width of the colored layer around the display area and a poor appearance. Also, with the technology of Patent Document 2, it is difficult to control discoloration due to irradiation with laser light, resulting in uneven brightness in the dark areas around the display area, again resulting in a poor appearance.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting member that has a good appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the light emitting member of the present invention comprises: a light-transmitting layer capable of transmitting light; It consists of a single layer, a colored layer that is difficult for light to transmit and a light-colored layer that is brighter than the colored layer, the light-transmitting layer, the colored layer, and the light-colored layer being formed in this order from the side where the light is irradiated, and a display section in which the colored layer and the light-colored layer are partially removed to expose the light-transmitting layer, The light color layer has an end portion exposed at least partially around the exposed light-transmitting layer in the display portion, and the color layer has In the display unit, at least a part of the periphery of the exposed light-transmitting layer Each of the light-emitting elements has a first end portion located on the light-color layer side and a second end portion located on the light-transmitting layer side, the first end portion being formed in the same plane as the end portion of the light-color layer in the display unit, and the second end portion being formed in the display unit so as to protrude further inward than the first end portion. Remaining, the second end The thickness of the light-colored layer is The aforementioned It is less thick than the pigmented layer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the colored layer and the light-colored layer are partially removed in the display area to expose the light-transmitting layer, and the colored layer remains at least partially around the exposed light-transmitting layer. That is, the colored layer around the light-transmitting layer is not formed by printing or discoloration due to irradiation with laser light. This prevents misalignment of the printing position of the colored layer and uneven discoloration due to irradiation with laser light, and provides a light-emitting component with a good appearance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] 10A to 10C are process diagrams illustrating a method for forming a display portion as a method for manufacturing a light-emitting member according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first modified example of the push button switch according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the push button switch according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of the push button switch according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a fourth modified example of the push button switch in the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 1 and 2, the push button switch 10 includes, for example, a resin layer 11 (light-transmitting layer) that forms the base of the push button switch 10, a protective layer 12 formed on the resin layer 11, a colored layer 13 formed on the protective layer 12, a light-absorbing layer 14 formed on the colored layer 13, and a light-colored layer 15 formed on the light-absorbing layer 14.

[0014] 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, a backlight (not shown) made of, for example, 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, protective layer 12, colored layer 13, light-absorbing layer 14, and light-colored layer 15 are formed in this order from the side that is irradiated with backlight.

[0015] Resin layer 11 is made of a material that is bright and capable of transmitting light, such as a white resin. The color of the resin that makes up resin layer 11 is not limited to white, and it may be milky white or gray as long as it is capable of transmitting light. Resin layer 11 may make up the entire base of push button switch 10, or may make up only a part of the base of push button switch 10.

[0016] The protective layer 12 is a transparent layer that protects the resin layer 11 from, for example, car wash solvents, detergents, ultraviolet rays, and beverages. The protective layer 12 is made of a material that has chemical durability, such as a transparent resin material such as urethane acrylate or a known hard coating agent. The color of the protective layer 12 is not limited to transparency and may be milky white, light blue, or the like.

[0017] The colored layer 13 is made of a material that is difficult for light to transmit. In particular, the colored layer 13 is preferably made of a material with low brightness, such as a dark-colored resin, to enhance visibility. In this embodiment, a dark-colored resin is used for the colored layer 13. This dark-colored resin is formed by mixing a dark coloring material with a resin. Known dark pigments and dark dyes can be used as the dark coloring material. The color of the dark pigment or dark dye is not limited to black, but may be dark blue, dark gray, dark green, or dark purple, which have low brightness and high color density. In this embodiment, "difficult for light to transmit" refers to "blocking backlight and preventing its transmission." In the push button switch 10, the colored layer 13 is made of a single layer and has a thickness of 20 μm or more. The color of the colored layer 13 in this embodiment is not limited to a dark color; any color can be used as long as the boundary with the light-colored layer 15, described below, is visually recognizable. For example, the color of the colored layer 13 may be blue, red, yellow, or green.

[0018] The light-absorbing layer 14 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 15 is burned off by irradiation with laser light. The light-absorbing layer 14 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 14 is not limited to silver, and may be any color that can promote absorption of laser light, such as black or gray. When the color of the light-absorbing layer 14 is black, the light-absorbing layer 14 is formed from a black resin containing a carbon-based material such as carbon black.

[0019] The light color layer 15 is made of a material with high brightness, such as a white resin. This white resin is formed by mixing a white colorant with a resin. Known white pigments or white dyes, such as pure white or pearl white, can be used as the white colorant. The color of the light color layer 15 is not limited to white, and any color can be used as long as it is at least brighter than the colored layer 13. For example, the material for the light color layer 15 may be a milky white resin, a grayish white resin, a light yellow resin, a light blue resin, or a light green resin. The light color layer 15 may be formed using a resin with the same brightness as the resin forming the resin layer 11. In this case, the color of the portion of the display unit 16 (described later) that can be illuminated by backlight light can be matched with the overall color of the push button switch 10, enhancing the design.

[0020] In push button switch 10, display unit 16 is formed, for example, on its top surface. Display unit 16 displays, for example, letters, figures, or symbols, and is formed by partially removing colored layer 13, light-absorbing layer 14, and light-colored layer 15 in push button switch 10 to expose a portion of protective layer 12. In other words, display unit 16 is a groove dug in the top surface of push button switch 10, and in display unit 16, an operator can see white resin layer 11 through transparent protective layer 12. Furthermore, the depth of the groove in display unit 16 is about several tens of μm, so that even when an operator touches it with their finger, they are not aware that display unit 16 is a groove.

[0021] In the display unit 16, the end 15a of the light color layer 15, the end 14a of the light absorption layer 14, and the upper end 13a of the colored layer 13 are located at the same position in a plan view, and only the lower end 13b of the colored layer 13 protrudes toward the inside of the display unit 16 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, in a plan view, the display unit 16 appears to have the colored layer 13 remaining around the exposed protective layer 12.

[0022] The methods for forming the protective layer 12, the colored layer 13, the light-absorbing layer 14, and the light colored layer 15 are not particularly limited, and may be any known printing method such as screen printing or pad printing, or any known coating method. In particular, the colored layer 13 and the light 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.

[0023] In the push button switch 10, when the backlight emits light, the light passes through the resin layer 11 and the protective layer 12 in the display unit 16, allowing the operator to easily recognize the display unit 16. Even when the backlight does not emit light, the low-brightness colored layer 13 remains around the high-brightness resin layer 11 in the display unit 16, ensuring a difference in contrast and allowing the operator to easily recognize the display unit 16.

[0024] Next, a method for manufacturing the light emitting member according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a process chart for explaining a method for forming the display section 16 as a method for manufacturing the light emitting member according to this embodiment.

[0025] 3, first, a protective layer 12, a colored layer 13, a light-absorbing layer 14, and a light-colored layer 15 are laminated from below on a resin layer 11. The protective layer 12, the colored layer 13, the light-absorbing layer 14, and the light-colored layer 15 may be formed so as to cover the entire surface of the resin layer 11, or may be formed partially so as to cover the area where the display section 16 is to be formed and its surrounding area.

[0026] Next, a laser beam L1 is irradiated onto the area where the display section 16 is to be formed (FIG. 3(A)). L1is equal to the width W of the display section 16. First, when laser light L1 is irradiated onto light color layer 15, the white resin that forms light color layer 15 is burned off, and the portion of light color layer 15 that is irradiated with laser light L1 is removed. Because light color layer 15 is made of white resin, there is a risk that it may reflect laser light L1, but in push button switch 10, light absorption layer 14 located below light color layer 15 absorbs laser light L1 and prevents reflection. This allows the thermal energy of laser light L1 to be efficiently transferred to light color layer 15, and light color layer 15 can be efficiently removed.

[0027] Next, as the irradiation of the laser light L1 continues, the light color layer 15 is removed and the light absorption layer 14 is exposed, but the laser light L1 also burns away the silver resin that forms the light absorption layer 14. As a result, the portion of the light absorption layer 14 that is irradiated with the laser light L1 is also removed. This process continues even after the light absorption layer 14 is removed and the colored layer 13 is exposed, and the laser light L1 burns away the colored layer 13 as well (FIG. 3(B)).

[0028] The laser beam L1 has a width W L1 The light-colored layer 15, the light-absorbing layer 14, and the colored layer 13 have uniform intensity in the direction of the width W. L1 The particles are removed evenly in the direction of the arrow.

[0029] Thereafter, when the colored layer 13 has been removed to a certain extent by the laser light L1, the laser light L2 is irradiated instead of the laser light L1 toward the area where the display section 16 will be formed (FIG. 3(C)). This process continues until the colored layer 13 in the area irradiated with the laser light L2 is removed and the protective layer 12 is exposed. After that, when the protective layer 12 is exposed, the irradiation of the laser light L2 is stopped.

[0030] Width W of the irradiated laser beam L2 L2 is the width W of the laser beam L1 L1Since the distance between the laser beam L2 and the laser light L1 is narrower than the distance between the laser beam L1 and the laser light L1, when the protective layer 12 is exposed, the unremoved colored layer 13' (hereinafter referred to as the "remaining colored layer 13') remains on both sides of the laser beam L2 (see FIG. 2), and the remaining colored layer 13' forms an edge that frames the exposed protective layer 12. Furthermore, the intensity of the laser beam L2 is set to be greater than the intensity of the laser beam L1, but the intensity of the laser beam L2 may be the same as the intensity of the laser beam L1.

[0031] Note that, since a portion of the colored layer 13 has been removed by the laser light L1, the remaining colored layer 13' has a smaller thickness than the thickness of the colored layer 13 covered with the light colored layer 15 and the light absorption layer 14. The amount of the light colored layer 15, the light absorption layer 14, and the colored layer 13 removed by the laser light L1 and the laser light L2 can be adjusted by controlling the output and irradiation time of the laser light L1 and the laser light L2.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the colored layer 13, the light-absorbing layer 14, and the light-colored layer 15 are partially removed by irradiating them with the laser light L1 or L2, thereby exposing the protective layer 12 and forming the display section 16. In addition, when the colored layer 13 is removed to a certain extent by the laser light L1, the width W of the laser light L1 is reduced. L1 Narrower width than W L2 The colored layer 13 is further removed by irradiating it with laser light L2 having a wavelength of 1000 nm. This leaves a residual colored layer 13' around the protective layer 12 exposed in the display section 16. In other words, it is not necessary to form the colored layer 13 around the exposed protective layer 12 by printing or discoloration due to irradiation with laser light. This prevents misalignment of the printing position of the colored layer 13 and uneven discoloration of the colored layer 13 due to irradiation with laser light, and as a result, it is possible to provide a push button switch 10 with a good appearance.

[0033] Furthermore, the output of the laser beam can be accurately controlled, and the stopping of the laser beam irradiation can also be accurately controlled. Therefore, the width and thickness of the remaining colored layer 13' can also be accurately controlled. This ensures that the colored layer 13 remains around the exposed protective layer 12, thereby further improving the appearance of the push button switch 10.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the thickness of the colored layer 13 is 20 μm or more, it is possible to prevent all of the portion irradiated with the laser light L1 from being removed, and it is possible to ensure that the remaining colored layer 13′ remains around the exposed protective layer 12.

[0035] Furthermore, the colored layer 13 is not discolored by irradiation with laser light, but is formed by printing or applying ink in which a pigment, dye, and resin are dissolved in a solvent. Therefore, the color of the colored layer 13 can be easily changed by changing the pigment or dye, and as a result, the design of the display unit 16 can be easily changed.

[0036] 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.

[0037] For example, in the above-described push button switch 10, the remaining colored layer 13' around the exposed protective layer 12 in the display unit 16 forms an edge, but as shown in FIG. 1, the remaining colored layer 13' continuously and uninterruptedly surrounds the protective layer 12 of the display unit 16. However, as long as an operator can recognize the difference in contrast between the remaining colored layer 13 and the resin layer 11 seen through the protective layer 12, the remaining colored layer 13' does not need to continuously surround the protective layer 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the remaining colored layer 13' may be provided so as to discontinuously surround the protective layer 12 of the display unit 16. This allows for a greater variety in the design of the display unit 16 and increases the degree of freedom in design. In addition, when the remaining colored layer 13' is arranged so as to intermittently surround the protective layer 12 of the display section 16, for example, by alternately irradiating the colored layer 13 with laser light L1 and laser light L2 when laser processing the colored layer 13, parts where the remaining colored layer 13' is present and parts where the remaining colored layer 13' is not present are formed.

[0038] Furthermore, while the colored layer 13 in the above-described push button switch 10 is composed of a single layer, it may be composed of two layers, an upper layer 13c and a lower layer 13d, by repeating printing or painting twice, as shown in FIG. 5. This ensures a sufficient thickness of the colored layer 13. Furthermore, because a boundary is formed between the upper layer 13c and the lower layer 13d, heat transfer is blocked by this boundary during laser processing of the colored layer 13, and removal of the colored layer 13 by the laser light is temporarily stopped or slowed at this boundary. This makes it easier to leave the remaining colored layer 13' that will become the edge, thereby ensuring the edge of the display unit 16. Note that the colored layer 13 may be composed of three or more layers.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above-described push button switch 10, the protective layer 12 is formed between the resin layer 11 and the colored layer 13, but the protective layer 12 may be located above the resin layer 11, for example, between the colored layer 13 and the light-absorbing layer 14, or may be formed on the light-colored layer 15 to cover the entire surface of the push button switch 10.

[0040] Furthermore, to constitute the present invention, it is sufficient that push button switch 10 includes at least resin layer 11, colored layer 13, and light colored layer 15. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, push button switch 10 may include only resin layer 11, protective layer 12, colored layer 13, and light colored layer 15. In this case, in the method of forming display unit 16, colored layer 13 prevents reflection of laser light during laser processing of light colored layer 15. Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, push button switch 10 may include only resin layer 11, colored layer 13, light-absorbing layer 14, and light colored layer 15.

[0041] Furthermore, because a portion of the colored layer 13 and the light colored layer 15 are removed by the same laser light L1, the end 15a of the light colored layer 15 and the upper end 13a of the colored layer 13 are formed in the same plane in the display area 16 (FIG. 2). It is preferable that the end 14a of the light-absorbing layer 14 is also formed in the same plane as the end 15a of the light colored layer 15 and the upper end 13a of the colored layer 13.

[0042] In display unit 16, if end 15a of light layer 15 and upper end 13a of colored layer 13 are not formed in the same plane but form a staircase structure, the characters and figures displayed on display unit 16 appear to be misaligned. Furthermore, if end 15a of light layer 15 and upper end 13a of colored layer 13 form a staircase structure and light layer 15 and colored layer 13 are different colors, it becomes difficult to distinguish between remaining colored layer 13' and upper end 13a of colored layer 13, making it difficult to recognize the characters and figures displayed on display unit 16. However, in this embodiment, upper end 13a of colored layer 13 and end 15a of light layer 15 are formed in the same plane, so that when an operator views display unit 16 from the front side of push button switch 10, the layered structure consisting of colored layer 13 and light layer 15 is not recognized. As a result, the characters and figures displayed on display unit 16 appear to be misaligned, and these characters and figures become easier to recognize. As a result, the marketability of the push button switch 10 can be prevented from being reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 10 Push button switch 11 Resin layer 12 Protective layer 13 Colored layer 14 Light absorbing layer 15 Light layer 16 Display

Claims

1. The optical element comprises a light-transmitting layer capable of transmitting light, a colored layer formed as a single layer and hardly transmitting the light, and a light-colored layer having a higher lightness than the colored layer, the transparent layer, the colored layer, and the light-colored layer are formed in this order from the side onto which the light is irradiated, a display section in which the colored layer and the light colored layer are partially removed to expose the light-transmitting layer, the light color layer has an end portion exposed at least partially around the exposed light-transmitting layer in the display portion, the colored layers are exposed in at least a portion of the display area around the exposed light-transmitting layers, and have a first end portion located on the light-colored layer side and a second end portion located on the light-transmitting layer side; the first end is formed in the same plane as the end of the light color layer in the display unit, the second end portion remains in the display portion and protrudes further inward than the first end portion; The thickness of the second end portion of the light-emitting member is smaller than the thickness of the colored layer covered by the light-colored layer.

2. The light-emitting member according to claim 1 , wherein the second end portion of the display portion constitutes an edge portion of the display portion, and the edge portion is provided so as to surround the display portion continuously or intermittently.

3. The light emitting member according to claim 1 , wherein the colored layer has a thickness of 20 μm or more.

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

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