JP2008210528A - Casing with illuminated switch and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a casing with an illuminated switch that has no malfunction due to an input failure. <P>SOLUTION: The casing with an illuminated switch has a laminated body in which a casing, a decorative layer, and a light transmissive electrode are laminated in that order. The casing is made of a light transmissive material. The decorative layer displays a light-transmitting-part pattern and a light-shielding-part pattern. The light transmissive electrode is made of a mesh electrically-conductive thin-film while its formation region is superposed on at least a part of the light-transmitting-part pattern. A light source is arranged on the side of the light transmissive electrode so as to light the light-transmitting-part pattern from behind. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a housing with an illumination switch that does not malfunction due to input failure.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a housing provided with an illumination unit is well known as a housing used for a three-dimensional cover of a mobile phone, a digital camera, a portable player, an audio, a television, a front panel of a washing machine, and the like.

  On the other hand, a capacitive touch panel is known as one of means for selecting and inputting displayed options with a finger. As shown in Patent Document 1, a general configuration of this capacitive touch panel is provided with a transparent conductive film 21 having a predetermined surface resistance value as an electrode on the entire surface of a transparent substrate 20, and the transparent conductive film. Electrode terminals 22 are provided at a constant pitch at the peripheral edge of 21, and the transparent conductive film 21 and an external touch position detection circuit (not shown) are connected via the electrode terminals 22 (see FIG. 14). When a finger touches (touches) an arbitrary point (coordinates) on the transparent conductive film 21, the transparent conductive film 21 is grounded through the capacitance of the human body at the touched point, A change occurs in the resistance value between. This change is detected by the touch position detection circuit, and thereby coordinates on the panel are input.

  In addition, since the capacitance type touch panel can be input simply by positioning the finger at an arbitrary point (coordinates) on the transparent conductive film 21 without directly touching the transparent conductive film 21, for example, as shown in the figure. In addition, an intermediate protective film 23, an antiglare film (antiglare film) 24, a protective film 25, and the like are sequentially stacked on the transparent conductive film 21, and the surface of the protective film 25 can be used as the touch surface ST. Moreover, a more robust touch panel can be obtained by disposing a rigid transparent member such as tempered glass or a transparent resin plate on the transparent conductive film 21.

Therefore, since the capacitive touch panel can be input by simply placing the finger at an arbitrary point (coordinates) on the transparent conductive film without directly touching the transparent conductive film, the casing having the illumination unit is provided. If a touch panel is arranged inside and is illuminated through the touch panel, it is also possible to input in the illumination unit.
JP 05-324203 A

  However, since ITO used for the transparent conductive film of the conventional capacitive touch panel has low conductivity, a protective layer is provided so that the finger of the input person does not directly touch the surface of the transparent conductive film. If this is the case, the sensitivity will deteriorate. This is especially true when the thickness is thick. When the sensitivity is deteriorated, there is a case where the input cannot be surely performed, which causes a malfunction.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a housing with an illumination switch that solves the above-described problems and does not malfunction due to input failure.

  In order to achieve the above object, a casing with an illumination switch according to the present invention includes a casing made of a translucent material, a decorative layer displaying a translucent part pattern and a light shielding part pattern, and a mesh-shaped conductive thin film. And the translucent electrode in which the formation region overlaps at least a part of the translucent part pattern is laminated in the order of the translucent electrode, the decorative layer, and the housing, and the translucent part is arranged on the translucent electrode side from behind. A light source for shining the pattern is arranged (first embodiment).

  The casing with the illumination switch of the present invention includes a casing made of a light-transmitting material, a decorative layer displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, and the formation region thereof is at least A light-transmitting electrode overlapping a part of the light-transmitting part pattern is laminated in the order of a decorative layer, a light-transmitting electrode, and a housing, and a light source for illuminating the light-transmitting part pattern from behind is arranged on the decorative layer side. (Second embodiment).

  The casing with the illumination switch of the present invention includes a casing made of a light-transmitting material, a decorative layer displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, and the formation region thereof is at least A light-transmitting electrode that overlaps a part of the light-transmitting part pattern is laminated in the order of the light-transmitting electrode, the housing, and the decorative layer, and a light source that illuminates the light-transmitting part pattern from behind is arranged on the light-transmitting electrode side (Third embodiment).

  The casing with the illumination switch of the present invention includes a casing made of a light-transmitting material, a decorative layer displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, and the formation region thereof is at least A translucent electrode overlapping a part of the translucent part pattern is laminated in the order of the casing, the translucent electrode, and the decorative layer, and a light source for illuminating the translucent part pattern from behind is arranged on the casing side. (Fourth embodiment).

  The casing with the illumination switch of the present invention includes a casing made of a light-transmitting material, a decorative layer displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, and the formation region thereof is at least A translucent electrode that overlaps a part of the translucent part pattern and a translucent cover layer that protects the translucent electrode are laminated in the order of a decorative layer, a casing, a translucent electrode, and a translucent cover layer, The light source that shines the translucent pattern from behind is arranged on the decorative layer side (fifth embodiment).

  The casing with the illumination switch of the present invention includes a casing made of a light-transmitting material, a decorative layer displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, and the formation region thereof is at least A translucent electrode that overlaps a part of the translucent part pattern and a translucent cover layer that protects the translucent electrode are laminated in the order of a housing, a decorative layer, a translucent electrode, and a translucent cover layer. A light source that shines the translucent pattern from behind is arranged on the housing side (sixth embodiment).

  Moreover, it was comprised so that any one of the 1st thru | or 6th embodiment by which the transparent resin layer was arrange | positioned by the single layer or multiple layers in at least one among each interlayer and front and back of the said laminated body could be taken.

  Moreover, in each said structure, it comprised so that the said light source might be a sidelight type surface light source using the light-guide plate.

  Moreover, in each said structure, it comprised so that the said light source might be a thin film type electroluminescence.

  Moreover, in each said structure, it comprised so that the said light source might be a point light source.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the casing with an illumination switch of the present invention includes a decorative film in which a decorative layer for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on a base film, and a mesh-shaped conductive property on the base film. Prepare an electrode film on which a thin transparent electrode is formed and a light guide plate used for a sidelight type surface light source. Place all these elements in an injection mold, close the mold, A light guide plate of an integrally molded product that is formed by injecting a transparent resin into a tee to simultaneously mold a translucent material housing and integrating the elements into the housing, and after opening the mold By arranging a sidelight on the side surface, the casing with the illumination switch according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments is obtained, and among the elements placed in the injection mold筺Method for producing a lighted switch with a housing, wherein the bonding in advance a transparent adhesive layer before the same elements to each other to be integrated with the surface on the side is to be placed in the mold.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the casing with an illumination switch of the present invention includes a decorative film in which a decorative layer for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on a base film, and a mesh-shaped conductive property on the base film. Prepare an electrode film on which a transparent electrode made of a thin film is formed and a light guide plate used for a sidelight type surface light source, and select one or two of these elements and place them in an injection mold Then, the mold is closed and a casing made of a translucent material is molded by injecting a transparent resin into the cavity. At the same time, the selected elements are integrated into the casing, and after opening the mold, The remaining element is installed in the integrally molded product taken out, and the side light is installed on the side surface of the light guide plate to obtain the casing with the illumination switch according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments. Of the elements placed in the injection mold, the elements that are integrated on the same side of the casing are pasted with a transparent adhesive layer before being placed in the mold. Configured to match.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the casing with an illumination switch of the present invention includes a decorative film in which a decorative layer for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on a base film, and a mesh-shaped conductive property on the base film. Prepare an electrode film with a thin-film translucent electrode and thin-film electroluminescence, place all these elements in an injection mold, close the mold, and transparent resin in the cavity A casing made of a translucent material is molded by injecting the element, and at the same time, the element is integrated with the casing to obtain the casing with the illumination switch according to any of the first to sixth embodiments. Of the elements placed in the injection mold, the elements that are integrated on the same side of the casing are pasted with a transparent adhesive layer before being placed in the mold. It was constructed so as to I.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the casing with an illumination switch of the present invention includes a decorative film in which a decorative layer for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on a base film, and a mesh-shaped conductive property on the base film. Prepare an electrode film on which a light-transmitting electrode made of a thin film and a thin film type electroluminescence are prepared, select one or two of these elements, place them in an injection mold, and close the mold. In addition, a transparent resin is injected into the cavity to form a casing made of a translucent material, and at the same time, the selected elements are integrated into the casing, and the mold is opened and then taken out from the injection mold. A casing with an illumination switch according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments is obtained by installing the remaining elements on an object, wherein the elements placed in the injection mold Element by element, which are integrated into the same side of the Chi housing is constructed as bonded in advance a transparent adhesive layer before being placed in the mold.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the casing with an illumination switch of the present invention includes a decorative film in which a decorative layer for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on a base film, and a mesh-shaped conductive property on the base film. Prepare an electrode film on which a transparent electrode consisting of a thin film is formed. These elements are pasted together with a transparent adhesive layer, placed in an injection mold, and then closed in a cavity. A casing made of a translucent material is molded by injecting a transparent resin, and at the same time, the selected elements are integrated into the casing. The housing with the illumination switch according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments is obtained by being installed.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the casing with an illumination switch of the present invention includes a decorative film in which a decorative layer for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on a base film, and a mesh-shaped conductive property on the base film. An electrode film on which a light-transmitting electrode made of a thin film is formed is prepared, one of these elements is selected and placed in an injection mold, the mold is closed, and a transparent resin is injected into the cavity. By forming a casing made of a translucent material, the selected elements are integrated into the casing at the same time, and after the mold is opened, the remaining elements are installed in an integrally molded product taken out from the injection mold. By installing the point light source, the casing with the illumination switch according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments is obtained.

  Moreover, in each structure of the said manufacturing method except a previous paragraph, the said decorative film and the said electrode film share one base film, become one element, and add to the surface on the same side of the said base film, or a separate surface. The decorative layer and the translucent electrode were formed.

  Moreover, in each structure of the said manufacturing method, it comprised so that at least 1 may have peelability among the said base films which comprise the outermost layer of an integrally molded product, and it may peel and remove after injection molding.

  Moreover, in each structure of the said manufacturing method, it replaced with at least one of the said base films, and comprised so that the translucent resin plate could be used.

  According to the present invention, the translucency of the electrode is ensured without using a transparent conductive film such as ITO, and low resistance that improves input sensitivity can be realized. In a case with an illumination switch in which an input means is added to illuminate the switch portion, malfunction due to input failure does not occur.

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

  1 to 6 are exploded cross-sectional views illustrating a housing with an illumination switch according to the present invention.

  1-4, the casing with an illumination switch is composed of a casing made of a translucent material, a decoration layer displaying a translucent part pattern and a light shielding part pattern, and a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, and its formation region is The transparent electrode 1 overlapping at least a part of the transparent part pattern is laminated, and a light source for illuminating the transparent part pattern is disposed behind the transparent electrode 1.

  More specifically, in FIG. 1, the translucent electrode 1, the decorative layer 3, and the housing 2 are laminated in this order from the light source side (first embodiment).

  Moreover, FIG. 2 is laminated | stacked in order of the decoration layer 3, the translucent electrode 1, and the housing 2 from the light source side (2nd embodiment).

  Moreover, FIG. 3 is laminated | stacked in order of the translucent electrode 1, the housing 2, and the decoration layer 3 from the light source side (3rd embodiment).

  Moreover, FIG. 4 is laminated | stacked in order of the housing 2, the translucent electrode 1, and the decoration layer 3 from the light source side (4th embodiment).

  Also, in FIGS. 5 to 6, the housing with the illumination switch is composed of a housing made of a light-transmitting material, a decoration layer displaying a light-transmitting portion pattern and a light-shielding portion pattern, and a mesh-shaped conductive thin film. A translucent electrode whose region overlaps at least a part of the translucent part pattern and a translucent cover layer that protects the translucent electrode are laminated, and a light source for illuminating the translucent part pattern is disposed behind the translucent electrode. .

  More specifically, in FIG. 5, the decorative layer 3, the casing 2, the translucent electrode 1, and the translucent cover layer 5 are laminated in this order from the light source side (fifth embodiment).

  Moreover, FIG. 6 is laminated | stacked in order of the housing 2, the decoration layer 3, the translucent electrode 1, and the translucent cover layer 5 from the light source side (6th embodiment).

In the translucent electrode 1, the outline of each mesh is composed of an ultrathin band, the band width of the ultrathin band is 50 μm or less, the total light transmittance of the electrode is 50% or more, and the four terminals of the electrode The surface resistance value according to the method is 1 Ω / cm ² or less. More preferably, the band width of the ultrathin band is 30 μm or less, and the total light transmittance of the electrode is 70% or more.

  Moreover, as a material of the said translucent electrode 1, metal films, such as silver, copper, aluminum, gold | metal | money, nickel, stainless steel, or the conductive paste material, carbon paste material, etc. containing these metal fine particles are used. A conductive pattern having a large number of openings C made of geometric figures is formed by photo-etching of a metal thin film, etching with a printing resist, or printing of a conductive paste. Copper or copper alloy is preferable from the viewpoint of high conductivity and low cost.

The material and thickness of the conductive portion of the translucent electrode 1 are determined so that the surface resistance value according to the four-terminal method is 1 Ω / cm ² or less with the opening C formed. If it is 1Ω / cm ² or less, even if a thick plate is placed in front of the electrode, or even if a front plate is placed with a gap in front of the electrode, the sensitivity is good and the input function is free from malfunction. It is possible to grant.

  The shape of the mesh opening is preferably a polygon. For non-polygonal ones, such as those with circular or elliptical openings, a thick band is formed between the openings even if the openings are arranged as closely as possible, so that the thick band is conspicuous. It is because it becomes a factor which reduces a light transmittance with it. In addition, it can be composed of one type or a combination of multiple types of shapes such as triangles, quadrangles, hexagons, etc., but the advantage is that a mesh with a single type of regular arrangement is less noticeable. There is.

  7 to 9 show an enlarged part of the mesh structure.

  In the electrode mesh pattern shown in FIG. 7, the conductive portions of the linear translucent electrode 1 extending in the X direction and the Y direction are formed in a lattice shape so that the light transmittance of the electrode can be secured to 50% or more. It has become.

  The light transmittance, which is a measure of transparency, means the total light transmittance for the total amount of light that has passed through the sample surface with light of any wavelength emitted from a light source having a specific color temperature. On the other hand, when the light transmittance is less than 50%, the conductive portion of the translucent electrode 1 appears dark during illumination. Therefore, its presence becomes an obstacle. A more preferable light transmittance is 70% or more.

  The light transmittance is measured using a spectrophotometer (model number NDH2000) manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. However, the light transmittance in the air layer is 100%.

  The line widths w of the X-direction ultrafine metal wire (extrafine band) 1i and the Y-direction ultrafine metal wire (extrafine band) 1j that form a rectangular outline are formed to be equal to 50 μm or less, respectively. When the line width w exceeds 50 μm, the mesh of the electrode becomes conspicuous at the time of illumination, and the design becomes poor. If the line width w is 50 μm or less, it is difficult to recognize the presence of an electrode during illumination. A more preferable line width w is 30 μm or less. It should be noted that when the film thickness of the ultrafine metal wire is such that the aspect ratio of line width w / film thickness t is 0.5 or more, it becomes easy to form an accurate electrode pattern.

  In the present embodiment, the light transmittance of the electrode is selected from a combination of the line width of the fine metal lines 1i and 1j and the size of the opening C formed by being surrounded by the fine metal lines 1i and 1j. Therefore, a light transmittance of 50% or more can be secured. A more preferable light transmittance is 70% or more.

  The electrode mesh pattern shown in FIG. 8 has a hexagonal core and is continuous in the X direction, the Ya direction, and the b direction.

  The line width w of the ultrafine metal wire 1k having a hexagonal outline is 50 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or less.

  The electrode mesh pattern shown in FIG. 9 has a ladder shape as a nucleus and is continuous in the X and Y directions. The line widths w of the ultrafine metal wires 1l and 1m that form a ladder-shaped outline are each 50 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or less.

  Thus, the mesh pattern of the electrodes is shown as a continuous pattern with a rectangle as a nucleus, a continuous pattern with a polygon as a nucleus, or a continuous pattern with a ladder shape as a nucleus.

  Among these, a continuous one having a square as a core is preferable because the mesh pattern of the electrode is less likely to be recognized as a streak compared to other polygonal shapes.

In other words, when you see a regularly continuous pattern with a certain shape as a nucleus, the nucleus (opening)
There is a tendency that the outline appears to be a continuous streak along the continuous direction. For example, in the case of a hexagonal core, the line of the ultrathin band along the continuous direction becomes zigzag, so it appears thicker by the amplitude of this zigzag, and as a result, the ultrathin band expands It looks like. In this respect, in the case where the square is continuous as a nucleus, the line of the ultrathin strip along the continuous direction is straight, so there is no concern that it appears thicker than the original width, and the ultrathin strip is 30 μm as described above. Because it is very thin as below, its existence is difficult to recognize and the mesh pattern is not conspicuous.

  Also, in the case where the rectangle is continuous as a nucleus, the long side direction and the short side direction of this rectangle have different pitches, so when looking at the whole, the short side direction with a shorter pitch is darker than the long side direction. It appears and flickers and tends to appear flickering. However, when the square is continuous as a nucleus, such streaks do not appear and are not noticeable. The square is not limited to a completely square, but includes a chamfered square.

  As the method for forming the mesh pattern, for example, it can be formed by etching a metal thin film using photolithography, etching using a printing resist, or printing a conductive resin paste material. The metal thin film to be etched is formed by vacuum deposition, sputtering, ion plating, plating, or bonding of metal foil.

  When the mesh pattern is formed by photoetching, a photoresist film is formed on the metal film, exposed using a photomask, and developed with a developer to form a resist film network pattern. This is etched with an etching solution, and the resist film is peeled off to form a mesh pattern made of ultrafine metal wires.

  In the case of forming with a printing resist, a mesh pattern of the resist film is printed on the metal film by a method such as screen printing, gravure printing, inkjet, etc., and the resist film is etched except for the resist coating portion with the etching solution. A mesh pattern of the metal film is formed by peeling off the film.

  Moreover, when forming by conductive paste printing, a mesh pattern is printed on a transparent base material with the conductive paste containing a metal microparticle, carbon paste, etc., and a conductive mesh pattern is formed.

  If the surface of the conductive portion on the input side is subjected to low reflection treatment, the reflection color of the metal is suppressed and the presence of the translucent electrode is not noticeable. Specific examples of the low reflection treatment include surface treatment such as chemical conversion treatment and plating treatment. The chemical conversion treatment is to form a low reflection layer on the metal surface by oxidation treatment and sulfuration treatment.For example, if copper is used as the material of the ultrafine metal wire and an oxide film is formed on the surface by oxidation treatment, Without reducing the cross-sectional dimension of the ultrafine metal wire, the surface of the ultrafine metal wire can be processed into black having antireflection properties.

  In addition, if, for example, black chrome plating is applied to the ultrafine metal wire as the plating treatment, the surface of the ultrafine metal wire can be processed to black having light reflection preventing properties. Moreover, if high current density copper plating is applied, it can be processed brown.

  Moreover, an electrodeposition coating treatment can be used as the low reflection treatment.

  The decorative layer 3 displays a light transmitting part pattern 3a and a light shielding part pattern 3b. The decorative layer 3 is, for example, a character, a number, a figure, a symbol, a three-dimensional cover for a mobile phone, a digital camera, a portable player, a housing 2 used for an audio, a television, a washing machine front panel, etc. It is a layer expressing a pattern or the like, a portion through which light is transmitted is a light transmitting portion pattern 3a, and a portion where light is blocked is a light shielding portion pattern 3b (see FIGS. 1 to 6). The decorative layer 3 is formed as a colored ink layer, for example. As the material of the printing layer, resins such as polyvinyl chloride resin, polyamide resin, polyester resin, polyacrylic resin, polyurethane resin, polyvinyl acetal resin, polyester urethane resin, cellulose ester resin, alkyd resin, etc. It is preferable to use a colored ink containing a suitable color pigment or dye as a colorant. As a method for forming the colored ink layer, a normal printing method such as an offset printing method, a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, or a coating method may be used.

  The decorative layer 3 may be a metal thin film layer or a combination of a colored ink layer and a metal thin film layer. The metal thin film layer is for expressing a metallic luster such as a metallic color tone, a half mirror tone, or an iridescent color, and is formed by a vacuum deposition method, a sputtering method, an ion plating method, a plating method, or the like. In this case, metals such as aluminum, nickel, gold, platinum, chromium, iron, copper, tin, indium, silver, titanium, lead, and zinc, and alloys or compounds thereof are used depending on the metallic luster to be expressed. Since the input method of the present invention is a capacitance type, if the decoration layer 3 using a conductive metal thin film layer is provided above the conductive part translucent electrode 1, the input function is stopped. The decorative layer 3 using the thin film layer needs to be formed below the translucent electrode 1 via an insulating layer. The insulating layer may be a transparent resin such as acrylic, polyester, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or vinyl chloride, or an inorganic oxide as long as it is transparent.

  The mesh-shaped translucent electrode formation region 11 overlaps at least a part of the translucent portion pattern 3a (see FIG. 10). That is, as long as one part overlaps, even if it is the translucent part pattern 3a, there may be a part which does not have an input function. Conversely, there may be a portion that is not illuminated even in the region where the translucent electrode 1 is formed.

  The casing 2 is used for a three-dimensional cover of a mobile phone, a digital camera, a portable player, an audio, a television, a front panel of a washing machine, and the like. As the material thereof, a polystyrene resin, a polyolefin resin, General-purpose resins such as ABS resin, AS resin, and AN resin can be listed. Also, use general-purpose engineering resins such as polyphenylene oxide / polystyrene resins, polycarbonate resins, polyacetal resins, polyacrylic resins, polycarbonate-modified polyphenylene ether resins, polybutylene terephthalate resins, polybutylene terephthalate resins, and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene resins. can do.

  The light source 4 can be a sidelight type surface light source 4a (see FIG. 11) using a light guide plate, a thin film type electroluminescence (thin film type EL), a light emitting diode (LED), or the like. The light guide plate is a resin having a high refractive index, such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin, or a high internal reflectivity, or a light-collecting plastic that further increases the light-collecting ratio on the side surface by adding a fluorescent pigment to these resins. Etc., and the shape is not limited to a flat plate. The light guide plate 4b is provided with known light emitting means such as a light reflection uneven portion 4d and a reflection sheet on the back side thereof. The thin film EL includes an organic EL using an organic substance such as diamine as a light emitter, and an inorganic EL using an inorganic substance such as zinc sulfide.

  The translucent cover layer 5 uses a translucent resin film or translucent resin plate made of polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, polyamide resin, polyester resin, polyacrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, or the like. be able to.

  Moreover, although only the light source 4, the translucent electrode 1, the decoration layer 3, the housing 2, or the thing which added this to the translucent cover layer 5 is drawn in embodiment shown by FIGS. The casing with the illumination switch of the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the transparent resin layer may be arranged in a single layer or a plurality of layers in at least one of the respective layers and front and rear of these laminates. Examples of the transparent resin layer include a transparent resin film and a transparent resin plate, an adhesive layer, a release layer, and a transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that are used for insert molding, sticking, and molding simultaneous transfer described later. Moreover, as a transparent resin layer arrange | positioned at the forefront, there are a transparent resin film, a transparent resin plate, etc. used for insert molding and sticking described later. May have a low reflection treatment layer, an antifouling treatment layer, or a hard coat layer.

  The low reflection treatment layer is, for example, applied with a low reflection material using a low refractive index resin such as a fluororesin or a silicon resin, or a film subjected to a low reflection treatment is attached.

  Moreover, the said antifouling process layer apply | coats the antifouling material using the compound which has a perfluoroalkyl group, for example, or affixes the film by which antifouling process was performed.

  The hard coat layer is formed by applying a hard coat material using, for example, an acrylic resin, a silicon resin, a UV curable resin, or attaching a film subjected to a hard coat process.

  In addition, the low reflection treatment layer, the antifouling treatment layer, and the hard coat treatment layer may be formed by combining some of them.

  Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the casing with the illumination switch having the above-described configuration will be described.

  First, a manufacturing process of a casing with an illumination switch that uses a side light type surface light source as a light source will be described. First, a decoration film 7 (see FIG. 12) in which a decoration layer 3 for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern 3a and a light-shielding part pattern 3b is formed on a base film 6, and a mesh-like conductive thin film on the base film. An electrode film 8 (see FIG. 13) on which the translucent electrode 1 is formed and a light guide plate 4b (see FIG. 11) used for a sidelight type surface light source are prepared. The casing 2 made of a translucent material is molded by placing it inside, closing the mold, and injecting a transparent resin into the cavity. At the same time, the elements are integrated into the casing (so-called insert molding), and the mold After the opening, the side light is disposed on the side surface of the light guide plate of the integrally molded product taken out from the injection mold, thereby obtaining the casing with the illumination switch of the first to sixth embodiments.

  Examples of the material of the decorative film and the base film of the electrode film include polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, polyamide resin, polyester resin, polyacrylic resin, and polyvinyl chloride resin having a thickness of 25 μm to 250 μm. The translucent resin film which becomes can be used. This base film can also serve as the translucent cover layer 5.

  Further, an adhesive layer may be formed at the interface between the element integrated with the casing 2 and the casing 2. As the adhesive layer, a heat-sensitive or pressure-sensitive resin suitable for the object to be bonded is appropriately used. For example, when the material to be bonded is a polyacrylic resin, a polyacrylic resin may be used. In addition, when the material to be bonded is a polyphenylene oxide copolymer polystyrene copolymer resin, polycarbonate resin, styrene resin, or polystyrene blend resin, a polyacrylic resin or polystyrene resin having an affinity for these resins A resin, a polyamide-based resin, or the like may be used. Further, when the material to be bonded is a polypropylene resin, chlorinated polyolefin resin, chlorinated ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, cyclized rubber, and coumarone indene resin can be used. Examples of the method for forming the adhesive layer include a coating method such as a gravure coating method, a roll coating method, and a comma coating method, a printing method such as a gravure coating method, and a screen printing method.

  Of the elements placed in the injection mold, elements that are integrated on the same side surface of the casing are bonded together in advance with a transparent adhesive layer before being placed in the mold. This is the same in any insert molding described later. As a material of the transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or the transparent adhesive layer used for the bonding, acrylic acid-based, urethane-based, silicon-based, vinyl acetate-based pressure-sensitive adhesives or adhesives can be used.

  Moreover, the electrode in which the decorating film in which the decorating layer which displays a translucent part pattern and the light-shielding part pattern on the base film was formed, and the translucent electrode which consists of a mesh-shaped electroconductive thin film on the base film were formed Prepare a film and a light guide plate to be used as a side light type surface light source, select one or two of these elements, place them in an injection mold, close the mold, and transparent resin in the cavity At the same time, the casing made of a light-transmitting material is molded by injecting the selected element, and the selected elements are integrated into the casing, and after the mold is opened, the remaining elements are placed in the integrally molded product taken out from the injection mold. Further, the casing with the illumination switch of the first to sixth embodiments may be obtained by installing a side light on the side surface of the light guide plate.

  Next, a manufacturing process of a casing with an illumination switch that uses thin-film electroluminescence as a light source will be described. First, a decorative film 7 in which a decorative layer 3 for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on the base film 6, and a light-transmitting electrode made of a mesh-like conductive thin film on the base film 6. By preparing an electrode film 8 on which 1 is formed and a thin film type electroluminescence, placing all these elements in an injection mold, closing the mold, and injecting a transparent resin into the cavity A casing made of a translucent material is molded, and at the same time, the element is integrated with the casing to obtain the casing with the illumination switch of the first to sixth embodiments.

  Moreover, the electrode in which the decorating film in which the decorating layer which displays a translucent part pattern and the light-shielding part pattern on the base film was formed, and the translucent electrode which consists of a mesh-shaped electroconductive thin film on the base film were formed By preparing a film and thin film type electroluminescence, selecting one or two of these elements, placing them in an injection mold, closing the mold, and injecting a transparent resin into the cavity The first element is formed by molding a casing made of a light-transmitting material and simultaneously integrating the selected elements into the casing, and after opening the mold, placing the remaining elements in an integral molded product taken out from the injection mold. You may make it obtain the housing with the illumination switch of the 1st thru | or 6th embodiment.

  In addition, a manufacturing process of a casing with an illumination switch that uses a point light source such as a light emitting diode as a light source will be described. First, a decorative film 7 in which a decorative layer 3 for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on the base film 6, and a light-transmitting electrode made of a mesh-like conductive thin film on the base film 6. 1 is formed, these two elements are bonded together in advance with a transparent adhesive layer, placed in an injection mold, and the mold is closed, and a transparent resin is injected into the cavity. By forming a casing made of a translucent material at the same time, the selected elements are integrated into the casing, and after opening the mold, a point light source is installed in the integrated molded product taken out from the injection mold. The casing with the illumination switch of the first to sixth embodiments is obtained.

  Moreover, the electrode in which the decorating film in which the decorating layer which displays a translucent part pattern and the light-shielding part pattern on the base film was formed, and the translucent electrode which consists of a mesh-shaped electroconductive thin film on the base film were formed When a film is prepared, one of these elements is selected and placed in an injection mold, the mold is closed, and a casing made of a translucent material is molded by injecting a transparent resin into the cavity. At the same time, the selected elements are integrated into the casing, and after the mold is opened, the remaining elements are installed in an integral molded product taken out from the injection mold, and further, a point light source is installed, so that the first to the first elements are installed. You may make it obtain the housing with the illumination switch of 6 embodiment.

  In the description of the manufacturing method, the remaining elements and the light source are installed in the integrally molded product, but as the installation means, it is possible to use sticking or fixing using a fastener.

  Further, a translucent resin plate may be used instead of at least one of the base films. For example, a translucent resin plate made of polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, polyamide resin, polyester resin, polyacrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, or the like having a thickness of 400 μm to 1 mm can be used. The translucent resin plate that replaces the base film can also serve as the translucent cover layer 5.

  In addition, at least one of the above base films serving as the outermost layer of the integrally molded product may have peelability and may be peeled off after injection molding. This is so-called simultaneous molding transfer. Note that the base film to be peeled and removed does not need to be translucent.

  In order to impart releasability to the base film, the release layer may be formed on the entire surface before forming the translucent electrode 1 or the decorative layer 3. The release layer is a layer that is released from the translucent electrode 1 and the decorative layer 3 together with the translucent film when the translucent film is peeled off after injection molding. As the material of the release layer, melamine resin release agent, silicone resin release agent, fluororesin release agent, cellulose derivative release agent, urea resin release agent, polyolefin resin release agent, Paraffin-type release agents and composite release agents thereof can be used. As a method for forming the release layer, there are a coating method such as a roll coating method and a spray coating method, a printing method such as a gravure printing method and a screen printing method.

  Moreover, in order to give peelability to a base film, before forming the translucent electrode 1 or the decoration layer 3, you may form a peeling layer in whole. The release layer is a layer that peels off from the base sheet or the release layer and becomes the outermost surface of the transfer object when the translucent film is peeled off after injection molding. The release layer is made of polyacrylic resin, polyester resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, cellulose resin, rubber resin, polyurethane resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer. Copolymers such as system resins and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins may be used. When hardness is required for the release layer, a photocurable resin such as an ultraviolet curable resin, a radiation curable resin such as an electron beam curable resin, or a thermosetting resin may be selected and used. Examples of the method for forming the release layer include a coating method such as a gravure coating method, a roll coating method, and a comma coating method, a printing method such as a gravure coating method, and a screen printing method.

  In addition, in the manufacturing method of the casing with the illumination switch so far, insert molding or simultaneous molding transfer is used, but these are not used, and the decorative film 7 and the electrode film 8 are formed using the casing 2 that has been molded in advance. And a housing with an illumination switch may be manufactured.

  The decorative film and the electrode film share one base film and become one element, and the decorative layer and the translucent electrode are formed on the same side surface or separate surfaces of the base film. May be.

<Example 1>
On a transparent polycarbonate film with a thickness of 130 μm, a copper foil with a thickness of 12 μm that has been subjected to chemical conversion treatment on both sides is bonded with a transparent adhesive, and a resist layer comprising a mesh pattern is formed by a photolithography process in a predetermined area. The electrode was formed into a transparent electrode by chemical etching to obtain an electrode film. In the translucent electrode, the line width of the conductive portion is set to 25 μm so that the opening of the mesh is a regular hexagon, and the length of one side of one mesh is set to 500 μm. The non-opening part for is formed. The translucent electrode had a light transmittance of 78%, and the translucent electrode had a surface resistance of 0.6 Ω / cm ² according to the four-terminal method.

  Moreover, the decorating film in which the decorating layer which displays a translucent part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern was formed on the polycarbonate film of thickness 130 microns was obtained. The light-transmitting portion pattern and the light-shielding portion pattern are obtained by performing black press printing only on the light-shielding portion and printing a wood grain pattern on the entire surface of the light-transmitting portion and the light-shielding portion.

  A light guide plate used as a side light type surface light source is formed by forming a light reflection uneven portion on the back side of a polycarbonate resin plate having a thickness of 0.4 mm, and sticking a reflection sheet on one side of the back side of the resin plate. Obtained.

  Next, the reflective film, the polycarbonate resin plate, and the transparent polycarbonate film are used from the bottom by using a transparent adhesive made of polyacrylic acid as the light guide plate used for the decorative film, the electrode film, and the sidelight type surface light source. The black presser print layer, the wood grain pattern print layer, the transparent polycarbonate film, and the transparent electrode were laminated in this order.

  Next, the laminated body is placed in an injection mold, the mold is closed, and a polycarbonate resin is injected into the cavity to form a panel-like casing having a thickness of 1 mm and the front surface swelled. The laminate was integrated on the back surface of the substrate.

  After opening the mold, a housing with an illumination switch was obtained by placing a chip-type LED as a side light on the side surface of the light guide plate of the integrally molded product taken out from the injection mold.

  The housing with the illumination switch thus produced was incorporated into the operation panel portion of the air conditioner, and the translucent electrode serving as a capacitive touch panel and an external touch position detection circuit (driver) were connected. When the operation panel is not illuminated, only the grain pattern is visible even when viewed from the input side, and the presence of the switch cannot be recognized. When the main power supply of the air conditioner is turned on, the light source of the switch part emits light, the switch pattern shines in the wood grain pattern, and when you touch the shining switch part, functions such as the air volume and set temperature of the air conditioner operate without malfunction did it.

<Example 2>
After forming a transparent anchor layer in which a plating catalyst is dispersed on a transparent polyethylene terephthalate film having a thickness of 188 μm, a metal conductive layer having a thickness of 8 μm is formed by plating in the order of electroless copper nickel plating and electrolytic copper plating. Then, the surface was subjected to low reflection treatment by chemical conversion treatment. A resist layer having a mesh pattern was formed on the metal conductive layer by photolithography, and chemical etching was performed to make the mesh shape a translucent electrode, thereby obtaining an electrode film. The translucent electrode has a conductive part line width of 15 μm, a short side length of 380 μm, and a long side length of 400 μm so that the mesh opening is rectangular. A non-opening for the electrode terminal is formed in a part of the part. The translucent electrode had a light transmittance of 78%, and the translucent electrode had a surface resistance of 0.5 Ω / cm ² according to the four-terminal method.

  Moreover, the decorating film in which the decorating layer which displays a translucent part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern was formed on the polycarbonate film of thickness 130 microns was obtained. The light-transmitting portion pattern and the light-shielding portion pattern are obtained by performing black press printing only on the light-shielding portion and then performing silver silver printing on the entire surface of the light-transmitting portion and the light-shielding portion.

  Next, the decorative film and electrode film are laminated from the bottom in the order of translucent electrode, transparent polycarbonate film, black presser print layer, and silver metallic print layer using a transparent adhesive made of polyurethane resin. Pasted together.

  Next, the laminate is placed in an injection mold, the mold is closed, and a polycarbonate resin is injected into the cavity to form a panel-like casing having a thickness of 2 mm. The laminate was integrated.

  After opening the mold, a shell-type LED with an illumination switch was obtained by installing a bullet-type LED as a point light source behind an integrally molded product taken out from the injection mold.

  The casing with the illumination switch thus fabricated was incorporated into the operation panel portion of the CD radio cassette, and the translucent electrode serving as a capacitive touch panel and an external touch position detection circuit (driver) were connected. When the operation panel is not illuminated, only the metallic pattern is visible even when viewed from the input side, and the presence of the switch cannot be recognized. When the CD radio cassette player's main power supply is turned on, the light source of the switch part emits light, the switch pattern appears in the metallic pattern, and when touching the shining switch part, the functions such as volume and music selection can be operated without malfunction. .

It is an exploded sectional view explaining a case with an illumination switch of the present invention. It is an exploded sectional view explaining a case with an illumination switch of the present invention. It is an exploded sectional view explaining a case with an illumination switch of the present invention. It is an exploded sectional view explaining a case with an illumination switch of the present invention. It is an exploded sectional view explaining a case with an illumination switch of the present invention. It is an exploded sectional view explaining a case with an illumination switch of the present invention. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows the basic pattern of a mesh shape. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows the deformation pattern of a mesh shape. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows another deformation | transformation pattern of mesh shape. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the overlapping relationship of the formation area of a mesh shape translucent electrode, and a translucent part pattern. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the sidelight type surface light source using a light-guide plate. It is a figure explaining one Example of a decorating film. It is a figure explaining one Example of an electrode film. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the structure of the conventional electrostatic capacitance type touch panel.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Translucent electrode 1i, 1j, 1k, 1l, 1m Extra fine metal wire 2 Housing 3 Decoration layer 3a Translucent part pattern 3b Light-shielding part pattern 4 Light source 4a Sidelight type surface light source 4b Light guide plate 4c Sidelight 4d Light reflection Concavity and convexity 5 Translucent cover layer 6 Base film 7 Decorative film 8 Electrode film 11 Translucent electrode formation region 20 Transparent substrate 21 Transparent conductive film (electrode)
22 Electrode terminal 23 Intermediate protective film 24 Antiglare film (antiglare film)
25 Protective film C Opening

Claims (19)

  A casing made of a translucent material, a decorative layer displaying a translucent part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a transparent conductive film made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, the formation region of which overlaps at least part of the translucent part pattern. A housing with an illumination switch, wherein a light source is laminated in the order of a translucent electrode, a decorative layer, and a housing, and a light source for illuminating a translucent pattern from behind is disposed on the translucent electrode side .   A casing made of a translucent material, a decorative layer displaying a translucent part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a transparent conductive film made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, the formation region of which overlaps at least part of the translucent part pattern. A housing with an illumination switch, wherein a light electrode is laminated in the order of a decorative layer, a translucent electrode, and a housing, and a light source for illuminating a translucent pattern from behind is disposed on the decorative layer side.   A casing made of a translucent material, a decorative layer displaying a translucent part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a transparent conductive film made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, the formation region of which overlaps at least part of the translucent part pattern. A housing with an illumination switch, wherein a light source is laminated in the order of a translucent electrode, a housing, and a decorative layer, and a light source for illuminating a translucent portion pattern from behind is disposed on the translucent electrode side .   A casing made of a translucent material, a decorative layer displaying a translucent part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a transparent conductive film made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, the formation region of which overlaps at least part of the translucent part pattern. A housing with an illumination switch, wherein a light electrode is laminated in the order of a housing, a translucent electrode, and a decorative layer, and a light source for illuminating a translucent pattern from behind is disposed on the housing side.   A casing made of a translucent material, a decorative layer displaying a translucent part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a transparent conductive film made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, the formation region of which overlaps at least part of the translucent part pattern. A light-transmitting electrode and a light-transmitting cover layer that protects the light-transmitting electrode are laminated in the order of a decorative layer, a casing, a light-transmitting electrode, and a light-transmitting cover layer. A housing with an illumination switch, characterized in that a light source for shining a pattern is arranged.   A casing made of a translucent material, a decorative layer displaying a translucent part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern, and a transparent conductive film made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film, the formation region of which overlaps at least part of the translucent part pattern. The light-sensitive electrode and the light-transmitting cover layer that protects the light-transmitting electrode are laminated in the order of the housing, the decorative layer, the light-transmitting electrode, and the light-transmitting cover layer. A housing with an illumination switch, characterized in that a light source for light emission is arranged.   The casing with an illumination switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a transparent resin layer is disposed in a single layer or a plurality of layers in at least one of the layers and front and rear of the laminate.   The casing with an illumination switch according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a side light type surface light source using a light guide plate.   The casing with an illumination switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light source is a thin film type electroluminescence.   The said light source is a point light source, The housing with an illumination switch in any one of Claims 1-7.   A decorative film in which a decorative layer for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on the base film; and an electrode film in which a light-transmitting electrode made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film is formed on the base film; A light guide plate used for a sidelight type surface light source is prepared, and all these elements are placed in an injection mold, the mold is closed, and a transparent resin is injected into the cavity. The said element is integrated with the said housing simultaneously with the shaping | molding which consists of this, The sidelight is arrange | positioned on the light-guide plate side surface of the integrally molded product taken out from the inside of the injection mold after mold opening, The said Claim 8 is carried out. Among the elements mounted in the injection molding mold, the elements integrated on the same side surface of the casing are mounted in the mold. Before you go Method for producing a lighted switch with a housing, wherein the bonding of a transparent adhesive layer.   A decorative film in which a decorative layer for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on the base film; and an electrode film in which a light-transmitting electrode made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film is formed on the base film; , Prepare a light guide plate to be used as a side light type surface light source, select one or two of them, place it in the injection mold, close the mold, and inject the transparent resin into the cavity By forming a casing made of a light-transmitting material by simultaneously integrating the selected elements into the casing, after opening the mold, the remaining elements are installed in an integral molded product taken out from the injection mold, Furthermore, the housing with the illumination switch according to claim 8 is obtained by installing a sidelight on the side surface of the light guide plate, and among the elements placed in the injection molding die, the same side of the housing is obtained. On the face Element by element manufacturing method of the previously transparent adhesive with lighted switch and wherein the bonding in layer casing prior to being placed in a mold to be embodied.   A decorative film in which a decorative layer for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on the base film; and an electrode film in which a light-transmitting electrode made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film is formed on the base film; A thin film type electroluminescence is prepared, all these elements are placed in an injection mold, the mold is closed, and a transparent resin is injected into the cavity to form a casing made of a translucent material. At the same time, by integrating the element with the casing, the casing with the illumination switch according to claim 9 is obtained, and the same casing among the elements placed in the injection mold is provided. A method for producing a casing with an illumination switch, wherein elements integrated on a side surface are pasted together with a transparent adhesive layer before being placed in a mold.   A decorative film in which a decorative layer for displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on the base film; and an electrode film in which a light-transmitting electrode made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film is formed on the base film; A thin film type electroluminescence is prepared, one or two of these elements are selected and placed in an injection mold, the mold is closed, and a transparent resin is injected into the cavity to transmit light. The said element is integrated with the said housing simultaneously with the shaping | molding of the housing | casing which consists of a material, and after mold opening, the remaining elements are installed in the integrated molded product taken out from the inside of the injection mold. Among the elements mounted in the injection molding mold, the elements integrated on the same side surface of the casing are mounted in the mold. Before Method for producing a lighted switch with a housing, wherein the bonding at beforehand transparent adhesive layer.   A decorative film in which a decorative layer displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on a base film, and an electrode film in which a light-transmitting electrode made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film is formed on the base film. A housing made of a translucent material by preparing, pasting these elements together in a transparent adhesive layer, placing them in an injection mold, closing the mold, and injecting a transparent resin into the cavity The light emitting switch according to claim 10, wherein the selected element is integrated with the housing at the same time, and a point light source is installed in the integrally molded product taken out from the injection mold after the mold is opened. A method of manufacturing a casing with an illumination switch, characterized in that the casing is obtained.   A decorative film in which a decorative layer displaying a light-transmitting part pattern and a light-shielding part pattern is formed on a base film, and an electrode film in which a light-transmitting electrode made of a mesh-shaped conductive thin film is formed on the base film. Prepare one, select one of these, place it in the mold for injection molding, close the mold, and inject the transparent resin into the cavity to mold the casing made of a translucent material. 11. The selected element according to claim 10, wherein the selected element is integrated into a casing, the mold is opened, the remaining elements are installed in an integrally molded product taken out from the injection mold, and a point light source is further installed. A method for manufacturing a casing with an illumination switch, comprising: obtaining a casing with an illumination switch.   The said decoration film and the said electrode film share one base film, become one element, and the decoration layer and the translucent electrode are formed in the surface on the same side of the said base film, or a separate surface. The manufacturing method of the housing with an illumination switch in any one of 11-15.   The manufacturing method of the casing with an illumination switch according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein at least one of the base films constituting the outermost layer of the integrally molded product has peelability and is peeled and removed after injection molding.   The manufacturing method of the casing with an illumination switch according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein a translucent resin plate is used instead of at least one of the base films.

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