Glass panel manufacturing method and glass panel

Abstract

This invention provides a method for preparing a glass panel and the glass panel itself, belonging to the field of glass panel processing technology. The method for preparing the glass panel includes the following steps: S1: Designing a film, designing a black area pattern on the emulsion surface of the film, the black area pattern being composed of periodically arranged microstructures; defining microstructure parameters, setting the shape, period, and height of each microstructure unit in the periodic microstructure; performing macroscopic pattern combination, dividing the periodic microstructure constituting the black area into one or more predetermined geometric units, and splicing and combining the geometric units to form the overall pattern on the film. The preparation method provided by this invention uses a process based on film design and UV exposure curing to prepare a refractive mold, resulting in lower glass panel preparation costs and precise microscopic control of the refractive effect, achieving diverse optical decorative effects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of glass panel processing technology, specifically to a method for preparing a glass panel and a glass panel. Background Technology

[0002] Glass panels are widely used in electronic devices, home appliances, and architectural decoration due to their excellent light transmittance, surface texture, and chemical stability. To enhance the aesthetic appeal and added value of products, decorative treatments are often applied to the glass surface, such as printing patterns or creating fine textures to achieve unique optical and tactile effects. Among these, textures with refractive effects can enhance the three-dimensionality and light and shadow performance of glass, significantly increasing visual appeal, and are therefore highly favored in high-end home appliances, consumer electronics, and interior design. The core of creating refractive textures lies in the processing of the texture mold. The production of refractive molds generally employs laser engraving, three-axis or five-axis CNC machine tool processing, photolithography, and other methods. While these methods can achieve rich refractive and diffuse effects, they generally suffer from high equipment investment, complex processes, long production cycles, and limited processing area per operation, resulting in high mold manufacturing costs.

[0003] In the prior art, in the application scenarios of large-area glass panels, especially for refrigerator panels, if laser engraving or precision machining is used for texture prototyping or small-batch trial production, the cost is high and the production cycle is significantly extended, making it difficult to adapt to the rapidly changing market demand and the need for personalized customization. Therefore, the present invention provides a glass panel preparation method and a glass panel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method for preparing a glass panel and a glass panel, thereby solving the technical problems in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a method for preparing a glass panel, comprising the following steps:

[0006] S1: Design a film, and design a black area pattern on the film's film surface, the black area pattern being composed of periodically arranged microstructures;

[0007] Define microstructure parameters, and set the shape, period, and height of each microstructure unit in the periodic microstructure;

[0008] Macroscopic pattern combination is performed by dividing the periodic microstructure constituting the black area into one or more predetermined geometric units, and splicing and combining the geometric units to form an overall pattern on the film.

[0009] S2: To make a refractive mold, UV resin is rolled onto the film surface designed in step S1 and then UV exposed and cured to form a refractive mold with a microstructure opposite to the film pattern.

[0010] S3: Process the glass panel by transferring the microstructure on the refracting mold to a designated surface of the glass panel.

[0011] In step S1, the predetermined geometric unit is at least one of a triangle, a rectangle, or a circle.

[0012] In step S1, the period of the periodic microstructure is 20 micrometers to 400 micrometers, and the height of the microstructure is 1 micrometer to 10 micrometers.

[0013] In step S1, the shape of the microstructure unit is rectangular, square, triangular or circular.

[0014] In step S2, the UV exposure curing is performed using one of the following two stacked structures:

[0015] Method 1: The electrostatic film, the film, the UV resin, and the PET film are stacked sequentially from bottom to top in the direction closest to the UV light source;

[0016] Method 2: The PET film, the UV resin, the film, and the electrostatic film are stacked sequentially from bottom to top in the direction closest to the UV light source.

[0017] There are two methods for preparing glass panels. The first method, step S3, specifically includes:

[0018] The refractive mold is imprinted on the air surface of the glass substrate to form a microstructure;

[0019] A topcoat layer is screen-printed on the surface where the microstructure is embossed.

[0020] A protective layer is screen-printed on the topcoat layer.

[0021] Step S3 of the second preparation method specifically includes:

[0022] A topcoat layer and a protective layer are sequentially screen-printed on the air surface of the glass substrate;

[0023] A layer of clear varnish is screen-printed on the tin side of the glass substrate;

[0024] The refractive mold is imprinted on the varnish layer to form a microstructure within the varnish layer.

[0025] The present invention also provides a glass panel prepared by the above-described glass panel preparation method.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0027] (1) This solution uses “film design + UV exposure curing” to make a refractive mold. The film design is flexible and easy to modify, and the UV process is fast and efficient, which greatly reduces the initial investment and single cost of mold making. It effectively solves the problem of high cost and long cycle of large-area panel prototyping and small-batch trial production mentioned in the background technology, thereby significantly reducing the mold preparation cost and cycle, and is especially suitable for customized production of large-area panels.

[0028] (2) By combining “periodic microstructures” with “macroscopic geometric units”, on the one hand, by precisely setting the shape, period, height and other parameters of the microstructures, the diffraction and scattering of light can be precisely controlled at the micro level, ensuring the realization of the basic refractive effect; on the other hand, by further dividing these microstructures into geometric units such as triangles and rectangles and arbitrarily splicing them together, a variety of complex and varied overall patterns can be freely combined at the macro level, and the visual effect has a low cost.

[0029] (3) The UV exposure curing process for the refracting mold adopts two layered structures, making the preparation of the refracting mold more flexible. This invention provides two specific glass panel processing paths: the first is to first imprint the microstructure on the air surface of the glass and then coat it with a protective layer; the second is to imprint the microstructure on the varnish layer on the tin surface of the glass. These two paths allow the microstructure to be located on different layers of the glass (under the air surface coating or on the tin surface), adapting to the different requirements of different application scenarios for the appearance, durability, and structure of the glass panel, thus broadening the application range and providing a flexible and optional glass processing path, enhancing the adaptability of the process and the diversity of products. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the glass panel preparation method of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one method for preparing the refractive mold of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second method for preparing the refractive mold of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a glass panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a glass panel according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0035] In the figure: 11, PET film; 12, UV resin; 13, film; 14, electrostatic film; 15, UV light source; 2, glass substrate; 21, topcoat layer; 22, protective layer; 23, varnish layer. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical features of this solution, the following detailed implementation method will be used to explain the solution.

[0037] Example 1: See Figures 1-4 A method for preparing a glass panel includes the following steps:

[0038] S1: Design film 13, design a black area pattern on the film film surface of film 13, the area of ​​the film surface is 700mm×300mm, and the black area pattern is composed of periodically arranged microstructures.

[0039] Define microstructure parameters, setting the shape, period, and height of each microstructure unit in the periodic microstructure;

[0040] Macroscopic pattern combination is performed, the periodic microstructure constituting the black area is divided into one or more predetermined geometric units, and the geometric units are spliced ​​and combined to form the overall pattern on film 13.

[0041] As can be understood from the above, a black area pattern is designed on the film surface of film 13, wherein the black area pattern is composed of periodically arranged microstructure units.

[0042] S2: To make a refractive mold, UV resin 12 is rolled onto the surface of film 13 designed in step S1 and then UV exposed and cured to form a refractive mold with a microstructure opposite to the pattern of film 13.

[0043] S3: Process the glass panel by transferring the microstructure on the refracting mold to the designated surface of the glass panel.

[0044] In this embodiment, in step S1, the predetermined geometric unit is a rectangle.

[0045] In this embodiment, in step S1, the period of the periodic microstructure is 30 micrometers to 100 micrometers, and the height of the microstructure is 1 micrometer to 10 micrometers.

[0046] In this embodiment, in step S1, the shape of the microstructure unit is a rectangle, square, triangle or circle.

[0047] In step S2, UV exposure curing is performed using the following layered structure:

[0048] The layers are arranged sequentially from bottom to top, in a direction close to the UV light source 15:

[0049] Electrostatic film 14: Lay flat on the worktable or exposure machine platform to adsorb and fix the film;

[0050] Film 13: Place it with the medicated film side (pattern side) facing up on the electrostatic film 14;

[0051] UV Resin 12: A layer of UV resin of uniform thickness is applied to the patterned surface of film 13 by means of roller coating, scraping, etc.

[0052] PET film 11: It is flatly covered on UV resin 12, the UV resin is pressed into a uniform film layer, and air is isolated.

[0053] Exposure process:

[0054] 1. UV light source 15 illuminates from below.

[0055] 2. Ultraviolet rays penetrate the electrostatic film 14 and the film 13 in sequence.

[0056] 3. At film 13, UV light in the transparent area can pass through smoothly and cure the UV resin 12 above it; UV light in the black pattern area is blocked, and the UV resin 12 above it remains liquid.

[0057] 4. After exposure, the resin 12 area corresponding to the black pattern on film 13 is not cured, while other areas have been cured to form a solid.

[0058] Post-processing: Forming a refractive mold

[0059] Separation and cleaning: After exposure, peel off the PET film 11. At this time, the uncured UV resin 12 (corresponding to the black pattern area of ​​film 13) is still fluid.

[0060] Remove uncured resin 12: Use a suitable cleaning agent (such as alcohol) to rinse away the uncured UV resin 12, exposing the underlying cured resin 12 structure or PET film 11 substrate.

[0061] Mold preparation: After cleaning and drying, a microstructure is formed on the cured UV resin 12 that is the opposite of the pattern on film 13. That is, a black (light-blocking) pattern on film 13 corresponds to a recessed microstructure on the mold; a transparent (light-transmitting) area on film 13 corresponds to a raised plane on the mold. This solid with a finely textured, uneven surface is the required refractive mold.

[0062] Specifically, step S3 of the glass panel preparation method includes:

[0063] First, glass substrate 2 is provided and cleaned, and a refractive mold is imprinted on the air surface of glass substrate 2 to form a microstructure;

[0064] A topcoat layer 21 is screen-printed on the surface with the microstructure embossed.

[0065] A protective layer 22 is screen-printed on the topcoat layer 21, ultimately forming a glass panel with a refractive effect.

[0066] This solution uses "Film 13 design + UV exposure curing" to create a refractive mold. The Film 13 design is flexible and easy to modify, and the UV process is fast and efficient, which greatly reduces the initial investment and unit cost of mold making. It effectively solves the defects mentioned in the background technology, such as the high cost and long cycle of prototyping and small-batch trial production of large-area panels (such as refrigerator panels). It significantly reduces the mold preparation cost and cycle, and is especially suitable for customized production of large-area panels.

[0067] By combining "periodic microstructures" with "macroscopic geometric units," on the one hand, by precisely setting parameters such as the shape, period (20-400 micrometers), and height (1-10 micrometers) of the microstructures, the diffraction and scattering of light can be precisely controlled at the microscopic level, ensuring the realization of basic refractive effects; on the other hand, by further dividing these microstructures into geometric units such as triangles and rectangles and arbitrarily splicing them together, diverse and complex overall patterns can be freely combined at the macroscopic level, with low cost in expressing visual effects.

[0068] The UV curing process for fabricating the refractive mold employs two layered structures, making mold preparation more flexible. Two methods are available for glass panel processing: Method 1 involves imprinting microstructures onto the air-faced surface of the glass before coating with a protective layer 22; Method 2 involves imprinting microstructures onto the varnish layer 23 on the tin-faced surface of the glass. These two methods allow the microstructures to be located at different layers of the glass (under the air-faced coating or on the tin-faced surface), adapting to the varying requirements of different application scenarios regarding the appearance, durability, and structure of the glass panel. This broadens the application scope of the technology and enables the development of glass panel products with different structural characteristics. It provides flexible and selectable glass processing paths, enhancing process adaptability and product diversity.

[0069] Example 2: Based on Example 1, another method for preparing a glass panel, see [link to example]. Figure 5 Step S3 specifically includes:

[0070] A topcoat layer 21 and a protective layer 22 are sequentially screen-printed on the air surface of the glass substrate 2;

[0071] A layer of clear varnish 23 is screen-printed on the tin side of the glass substrate 2;

[0072] A refractive mold is imprinted on the varnish layer 23 to form a microstructure in the varnish layer 23.

[0073] Example 3: Based on Example 1, in step S2, UV exposure curing is performed using the following stacked structure: PET film 11, UV resin 12, film 13 and electrostatic film 14 are stacked sequentially from bottom to top in a direction close to the UV light source 15.

[0074] Exposure process:

[0075] 1. UV light source 15 shines from above.

[0076] 2. Ultraviolet rays penetrate the electrostatic film 14 and the film 13 in sequence.

[0077] 3. Similarly, the UV resin 12 under the transparent area of ​​film 13 is cured, while the resin 12 under the black pattern area is not cured.

[0078] Post-processing: Forming a refractive mold

[0079] Separation and Cleaning: After exposure, peel off the electrostatic film 14 and the film 13. At this time, the uncured UV resin 12 (corresponding to the black pattern area of ​​the film 13) is still fluid.

[0080] Remove uncured resin 12: Use a suitable cleaning agent (such as alcohol) to rinse away the uncured UV resin 12, exposing the underlying cured resin 12 structure or PET film 11 substrate.

[0081] Mold preparation: After cleaning and drying, a microstructure opposite to the pattern on film 13 is formed on the cured resin layer 12 of the cured PET film 11 substrate. That is, a black (light-blocking) pattern on film 13 corresponds to a recessed microstructure on the mold; a transparent (light-transmitting) area on film 13 corresponds to a raised plane on the mold. This solid with a finely textured surface is the required refractive mold.

[0082] By combining film 13 design with UV exposure curing and specifically applying it to the rapid production of glass panel refractive texture molds, and combining it with the periodic microstructure macro-graphic combination design and two specific transfer paths for glass panels, the shortcomings of high mold costs and long cycles in the customization and small-batch trial production of large-area glass panels (such as home appliance panels) are solved.

[0083] Technical features not described in detail in this solution are based on conventional operations and general understanding of those skilled in the art, and are therefore not elaborated upon here. Technical features not described in this invention can be implemented using existing technologies, and will not be repeated here. Of course, the above description is not intended to limit the invention, nor is the invention limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions, or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of this invention should also fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a glass panel, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Design film (13), design a black area pattern on the film (13) with the black area pattern consisting of periodically arranged microstructures; Define microstructure parameters, and set the shape, period, and height of each microstructure unit in the periodic microstructure; Macroscopic pattern combination is performed, the periodic microstructure constituting the black area is divided into one or more predetermined geometric units, and the geometric units are spliced ​​together to form an overall pattern on the film (13). S2: To make a refractive mold, UV resin (12) is rolled onto the surface of the film (13) designed in step S1 and then UV exposed and cured to form a refractive mold with a microstructure opposite to the film pattern. S3: Process the glass panel by transferring the microstructure on the refracting mold to a designated surface of the glass panel.

2. The glass panel preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the predetermined geometric unit is at least one of a triangle, a rectangle, or a circle.

3. The glass panel preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the period of the periodic microstructure is 20 micrometers to 400 micrometers, and the height of the microstructure is 1 micrometer to 10 micrometers.

4. The glass panel preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the shape of the microstructure unit is rectangular, square, triangular or circular.

5. The method for preparing a glass panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the UV exposure curing is performed using one of the following two stacked structures: Method 1: In the direction close to the UV light source (15), the electrostatic film (14), the film (13), the UV resin (12) and the PET film (11) are stacked sequentially from bottom to top. Method 2: PET film (11), UV resin (12), film (13) and electrostatic film (14) are stacked sequentially from bottom to top in the direction close to the UV light source (15).

6. The method for preparing a glass panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S3 specifically includes: The refractive mold is imprinted on the air surface of the glass substrate (2) to form a microstructure; A topcoat layer (21) is screen-printed on the surface where the microstructure is embossed. A protective layer (22) is screen-printed on the topcoat layer.

7. The method for preparing a glass panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S3 specifically includes: A topcoat layer (21) and a protective layer (22) are sequentially screen-printed on the air surface of the glass substrate (2). A layer of clear varnish (23) is screen-printed on the tin side of the glass substrate (2); The refractive mold is imprinted on the varnish layer (23) to form a microstructure in the varnish layer (23).

8. A glass panel, characterized in that, The glass panel is prepared by the glass panel preparation method according to any one of claims 1-7.

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