Optical structure, terminal housing, terminal and method for manufacturing optical structure

Abstract

This application provides an optical structure, a terminal housing, a terminal, and a method for manufacturing the optical structure. The optical structure includes a substrate layer and a texture layer. The texture layer is disposed on the substrate layer and includes a first texture region and a second texture region, which are adjacent to each other. The first texture region includes multiple first protrusions, and the second texture region includes multiple second protrusions. The multiple first protrusions are arranged in a ring and share a common center, as do the multiple second protrusions. The multiple second protrusions are arranged in a preset pattern, and the width of each second protrusion is smaller than the width of the first protrusions. This allows the texture layer to display the preset pattern under strong light. The height difference between each second protrusion and its adjacent first protrusion is less than or equal to a preset height difference, allowing the texture layer to display a patternless mirror effect under natural light. The optical structure provided by this application can present a variety of visual effects under different lighting conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical imaging, and in particular to optical structures, terminal housings, terminals, and methods for manufacturing optical structures. Background Technology

[0002] As overall consumption levels rise, users are placing increasing demands on the aesthetics of their phone covers. Electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets typically use transparent materials like glass or clear panels as back covers, often with textured layers to enhance their appearance.

[0003] Currently, the textured layer on the back cover presents a rather monotonous visual effect, which cannot meet users' requirements for the aesthetics of the phone. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides an optical structure, a terminal housing, a terminal, and a method for manufacturing the optical structure. This optical structure can present a variety of visual effects under different lighting conditions.

[0005] This application provides an optical structure comprising a substrate layer and a texture layer. The texture layer is disposed on the substrate layer and includes a first texture region and a second texture region, the first texture region and the second texture region being adjacent to each other. The first texture region includes a plurality of first protrusions, and the second texture region includes a plurality of second protrusions. The plurality of first protrusions are arranged in a ring and share a common center, and the plurality of second protrusions are also arranged in a ring and share a common center. The plurality of second protrusions are arranged in a preset pattern, and the width of each second protrusion is smaller than the width of the first protrusions, so that the texture layer displays the preset pattern under strong light. The height difference between each second protrusion and the adjacent first protrusion is less than or equal to a preset height difference, so that the texture layer exhibits a patternless mirror effect under natural light.

[0006] A second aspect of this application provides a terminal housing, the terminal including an optical structure comprising a substrate layer and a texture layer. The texture layer is disposed on the substrate layer and includes a first texture region and a second texture region, the first texture region and the second texture region being adjacent to each other. The first texture region includes a plurality of first protrusions, and the second texture region includes a plurality of second protrusions. The plurality of first protrusions are arranged in a ring and share a common center, and the plurality of second protrusions are also arranged in a ring and share a common center. The plurality of second protrusions are arranged in a preset pattern, the width of the second protrusions being smaller than the width of the first protrusions, so that the texture layer displays the preset pattern under strong light. The height difference between the second protrusions and the adjacent first protrusions is less than or equal to a preset height difference, so that the texture layer exhibits a patternless mirror effect under natural light.

[0007] A third aspect of this application provides a terminal, the terminal including a terminal housing, the housing including an optical structure, the optical structure including a substrate layer and a texture layer. The texture layer is disposed on the substrate layer and includes a first texture region and a second texture region, the first texture region and the second texture region being disposed adjacent to each other. The first texture region includes a plurality of first protrusions, and the second texture region includes a plurality of second protrusions. The plurality of first protrusions are all arranged in a ring and share a common center, the plurality of second protrusions are all arranged in a ring and share a common center, the plurality of second protrusions are arranged in a preset pattern, the width of the second protrusions is smaller than the width of the first protrusions, so that the texture layer presents the preset pattern under strong light. The height difference between the second protrusions and the adjacent first protrusions is less than or equal to a preset height difference, so that the texture layer presents a patternless mirror effect under natural light.

[0008] This application provides a fourth aspect of a method for fabricating an optical structure, the method comprising: providing a substrate layer, and forming a texture layer on the substrate layer, the texture layer including a first texture region and a second texture region, the first texture region including a plurality of first protrusions, the second texture region including a plurality of second protrusions, the plurality of first protrusions being arranged in a concentric ring, the plurality of second protrusions being arranged in a concentric ring, the plurality of second protrusions forming a preset pattern, the width of the second protrusions being less than the width of the first protrusions, such that the texture layer presents the preset pattern under strong light irradiation, the height difference between the second protrusions and the adjacent first protrusions being less than or equal to a preset height difference, such that the texture layer presents a patternless mirror effect under natural light irradiation.

[0009] The optical structure, terminal housing, terminal, and manufacturing method of the optical structure provided in this application, by setting multiple second protrusions of the texture layer to be arranged in a preset pattern, and by setting the width of the second protrusions to be smaller than that of the first protrusion, the texture layer presents the preset pattern when irradiated by strong light. Furthermore, by setting the height difference between the second protrusions and the first protrusions to be smaller than a preset height difference, the texture layer presents a patternless mirror effect when irradiated by natural light. Thus, the optical structure can produce a variety of visual effects under different lighting conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0011] Figure 1A planar schematic diagram of the optical structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0012] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first texture region.

[0013] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of the T-shaped part.

[0014] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-section at point X1-X2.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an optical structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 6 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an optical structure provided for another embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a terminal housing provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a terminal housing provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0021] Optical structure 100

[0022] Substrate layer 10

[0023] Texture layer 20

[0024] First texture area 21

[0025] Second texture area 22

[0026] first convex portion 211

[0027] Second convex portion 221

[0028] First annular inclined plane 2111

[0029] First annular vertical surface 2112

[0030] Second annular inclined plane 2211

[0031] Coating layer 30

[0032] Protective layer 40

[0033] Terminal housing 200

[0034] Transparent back cover 50 Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] In the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0037] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can also refer to the internal connection of two components; it can be a communication connection; or it can be an electrical connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the embodiments of this application are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. The illustrations only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the number, shape and size of the components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a planar schematic diagram of the optical structure 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1As shown, the optical structure 100 includes a substrate layer and a texture layer 20. The texture layer 20 is disposed on the substrate layer and includes a first texture region 21 and a second texture region 22. The first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22 are disposed adjacent to each other. The first texture region 21 includes a plurality of first protrusions 211, and the second texture region 22 includes a plurality of second protrusions 221. The plurality of first protrusions 211 are arranged in a ring and share a common center. The plurality of second protrusions 221 are arranged in a ring and share a common center. The plurality of second protrusions 221 are arranged in a preset pattern. The width of the second protrusions 221 is smaller than the width of the first protrusions 211, so that the texture layer 20 presents the preset pattern under strong light. The height difference between the second protrusions 221 and the adjacent first protrusions 211 is less than or equal to a preset height difference, so that the texture layer 20 presents a patternless mirror effect under natural light.

[0040] Wherein, the width of the first protrusion 211 is the dimension along the radial direction of the first protrusion 211, the width of the second protrusion 221 is the dimension along the radial direction of the second protrusion 221, the height of the first protrusion 211 is the dimension of the first protrusion 211 in the stacking direction of the substrate layer and the texture layer 20, and the height of the second protrusion 221 is the dimension of the second protrusion 221 in the stacking direction of the substrate layer and the texture layer 20.

[0041] The optical structure 100 provided in this embodiment of the application arranges a plurality of second protrusions 221 of the texture layer 20 into a preset pattern, and sets the width of the second protrusions 221 to be smaller than that of the first protrusions 211. This results in a significant difference in the intensity of reflected light generated by the second texture region 22 and the first texture region 21 when the texture layer 20 is irradiated by strong light. Visually, the second texture region 22 appears darker, and the first texture region 21 appears brighter, thus the texture layer 20 presents a preset pattern. Furthermore, by setting the height difference between the second protrusions 221 and the first protrusions 211 to be less than a preset height difference (i.e., a smaller height difference between the second texture region 22 and the first texture region 21), the intensity difference between the reflected light generated by the second texture region 22 and the first texture region 21 is small when the texture layer 20 is irradiated by natural light. Visually, there is no difference in brightness, thus the texture layer 20 presents a patternless mirror effect. Therefore, the optical structure 100 can produce a variety of visual effects under different lighting conditions. Because the optical structure 100 presents a patternless mirror effect under natural light, and only reveals a preset pattern under strong light, the optical structure 100 can be used for hidden logos, trademarks, and anti-counterfeiting purposes.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the first texture region 21 surrounds the second texture region 22. Wherein, as... Figure 1 As shown, the outer boundary of the second texture region 22 may not coincide with the outer boundary of the first texture region 21. In other embodiments, a portion of the outer boundary of the second texture region 22 may coincide with a portion of the outer boundary of the first texture region 21.

[0043] Among them, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first textured region 21 is composed of the plurality of first protrusions 211. The second textured region 22 is composed of the plurality of second protrusions 221, and the shape of the second textured region 22 is the same as the preset pattern.

[0044] Among them, such as Figure 1 As shown, a portion of the first protrusion 211 adjacent to the plurality of second protrusions 221 is truncated by the plurality of second protrusions 221, resulting in the first protrusion 21 in this portion being a multi-segment discontinuous arc shape. Similarly, the plurality of second protrusions 221 are truncated by the plurality of first protrusions 211, resulting in the second protrusions 221 in the plurality of second protrusions 221 being a multi-segment discontinuous arc shape.

[0045] In some embodiments, the texture layer 20 can be formed by processing the material layer after it has been formed on the substrate layer. In other embodiments, the texture layer 20 can be formed integrally with the substrate layer by directly processing the substrate layer.

[0046] The preset pattern can be any shape or a combination of shapes, for example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the preset pattern is the letter "B". For example, the preset pattern can also be a trademark, product model, user-customized pattern, etc.

[0047] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first textured region 21 provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, each first protrusion 211 includes a portion along the stacking direction (e.g., Figure 2A first annular inclined surface 2111 extending obliquely in the Y direction (as shown) and a first annular vertical surface 2112 extending vertically along the stacking direction are connected at the ends of the first annular inclined surface 2111 and the first annular vertical surface 2112 away from the substrate layer to form the first protrusion 211. In two adjacent first protrusions 211, the first annular inclined surface 2111 of one first protrusion 211 is connected to and / or spaced apart from the first annular vertical surface 2112 of the other first protrusion 211, and the first annular inclined surfaces 2111 of the plurality of first protrusions 211 are inclined in the same direction. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first annular inclined surface 2111 of the plurality of first protrusions 211 is inclined toward the center of the annulus of the plurality of first protrusions 211. In other embodiments, the first annular inclined surface 2111 of the plurality of first protrusions 211 is inclined away from the center of the annulus of the plurality of first protrusions 211.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first annular inclined surface 2111 of one of the two adjacent first protrusions 211 and the first annular vertical surface 2112 of the other first protrusion 211 may be spaced apart.

[0049] In some embodiments, each second protrusion 221 includes a second annular inclined surface and a second annular vertical surface extending obliquely along the stacking direction. The second annular inclined surface of one of two adjacent second protrusions 221 is connected to and / or spaced apart from the second annular vertical surface of the other second protrusion 221. The second annular inclined surfaces of the plurality of second protrusions 221 are inclined in the same direction.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second annular inclined surface of one of the two adjacent second protrusions 221 and the second annular vertical surface of the other second protrusion 221 may be spaced apart.

[0051] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of T in the middle, Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view at point X1-X2. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the second annular inclined surface 2211 of the plurality of second protrusions 221 is inclined in the opposite direction to the first annular inclined surface 2111 of the plurality of first protrusions 211.

[0052] Specifically, by setting the tilt direction of the second annular inclined surface 2211 to be opposite to that of the first annular inclined surface 2111, the angle of the reflected light generated by the first texture region 21 is different from the angle of the reflected light generated by the second texture region 22, thereby enhancing the visual contrast between the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22, making the preset pattern presented by the texture layer 20 more obvious.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the annular center M of the plurality of first protrusions 211 coincides with the annular center N of the plurality of second protrusions 221.

[0054] By setting the center M of the plurality of first protrusions 211 to coincide with the center N of the plurality of second protrusions 221, the difficulty in designing the height of the plurality of second protrusions 221 can be reduced, making it easier to calculate the height of the plurality of second protrusions 221 based on the height of the first protrusions 211 and the preset height difference. Furthermore, when forming the texture layer 20, the coincidence of the centers facilitates the processing and fabrication of the texture layer 20, thus simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0055] In other embodiments, the annular center of the plurality of second protrusions 221 may not coincide with the annular center of the plurality of first protrusions 211.

[0056] In some embodiments, the widths of the plurality of first protrusions 211 are equal, and the heights of the plurality of first protrusions 211 gradually decrease along the direction closer to the center of the ring, that is, among two adjacent first protrusions 211, the height of the first protrusion 211 located in the inner ring is less than the height of the first protrusion 211 located in the outer ring.

[0057] The fact that the widths of the plurality of first protrusions 211 are equal is beneficial to the processing and manufacturing of the plurality of first protrusions 211. The heights of the plurality of first protrusions 211 gradually decrease along the direction close to the center of the ring, which is beneficial to the convergence of light incident on the plurality of first protrusions 211.

[0058] In other embodiments, the plurality of first protrusions 211 have equal heights, and the width of the plurality of first protrusions 211 gradually decreases along the direction closer to the center of the ring, that is, among two adjacent first protrusions 211, the width of the first protrusion 211 located in the inner ring is smaller than the height of the first protrusion 211 located in the outer ring.

[0059] The fact that the heights of the plurality of first protrusions 211 are equal is beneficial to the processing and manufacturing of the plurality of first protrusions 211. The width of the plurality of first protrusions 211 gradually decreases along the direction close to the center of the ring, which is beneficial to the convergence of light incident on the plurality of first protrusions 211.

[0060] In some embodiments, the widths of the plurality of second protrusions 221 are equal, and the heights of the plurality of second protrusions 221 gradually decrease along the direction closer to the center of the ring, that is, in two adjacent second protrusions 221, the height of the second protrusion 221 located in the inner ring is less than the height of the second protrusion 221 located in the outer ring.

[0061] The fact that the widths of the plurality of second protrusions 221 are equal is beneficial to the processing and manufacturing of the plurality of second protrusions 221. The heights of the plurality of second protrusions 221 gradually decrease along the direction close to the center of the ring, which is beneficial to the convergence of light incident on the plurality of second protrusions 221.

[0062] In other embodiments, the plurality of second protrusions 221 have equal heights, and the width of the plurality of second protrusions 221 gradually decreases along the direction closer to the center of the ring, that is, among two adjacent second protrusions 221, the width of the second protrusion 221 located in the inner ring is smaller than the width of the second protrusion 221 located in the outer ring.

[0063] The fact that the heights of the plurality of second protrusions 221 are equal is beneficial to the processing and manufacturing of the plurality of second protrusions 221. The width of the plurality of second protrusions 221 gradually decreases along the direction close to the center of the ring, which is beneficial to the convergence of light incident on the plurality of second protrusions 221.

[0064] In some embodiments, the preset height difference is 0.1 μm, meaning the height difference between the second protrusion 221 and the adjacent first protrusion 211 is less than or equal to 0.1 μm. Since the height difference between the second protrusion 221 and the first protrusion 211 is less than or equal to 0.1 μm, when the texture layer 20 is illuminated by natural light, because the intensity of natural light is usually not very high, the reflected light generated by the plurality of second protrusions 221 and the reflected light generated by the plurality of first protrusions 211 appear almost identical to the naked eye, thus creating a patternless mirror effect.

[0065] When the height difference between the second protrusion 221 and the adjacent first protrusion 211 is greater than 0.1 μm, the second texture region 22 has a greater degree of diffuse reflection due to the large height difference, which weakens the intensity of reflected light reflected from the second texture region 22. As a result, the intensity of reflected light from the second texture region 21 is significantly different from that of the first texture region 21. When the texture layer 20 is irradiated by natural light, the preset pattern will be displayed.

[0066] The optical structure 100 avoids the generation of moiré patterns, pitting, and messy light and shadow because it does not have the superposition of textures.

[0067] In some embodiments, the width of the first protrusion 211 is a value between 5 and 20 μm, the height of the outermost first protrusion 211 among the plurality of first protrusions 211 is a value between 1 and 10 μm, and the width of the second protrusion 221 is a value between 0.1 and 5 μm.

[0068] Setting the height of the outermost first protrusion 211 among the plurality of first protrusions 211 to a value between 1 and 10 μm is beneficial for the processing and fabrication of the plurality of first protrusions 211. In some embodiments, since the height of the plurality of first protrusions 211 gradually decreases along the direction closer to the center of the ring, when the height of the outermost first protrusion 211 is less than 1 μm, the height of the first protrusion 211 closer to the center of the ring is very small, which increases the difficulty of processing and may not function as a lens due to its small height. When the height of the outermost first protrusion 211 is greater than 10 μm, the optical structure 100 may exhibit a rough, dull, and non-mirror-like optical effect under natural light due to the height of the first protrusion 211.

[0069] Setting the width of the first protrusion 211 to be greater than or equal to 5 μm is beneficial for the processing and fabrication of the plurality of first protrusions 211. Setting the width of the first protrusion 211 to be less than or equal to 20 μm can avoid the optical structure 100 from exhibiting a rough, dull, and non-mirror-like optical effect under natural light due to the excessive width of the first protrusion 211.

[0070] The width of the second protrusion 221 is set to a value between 0.1 and 5 μm, so that the width of the second protrusion 221 is smaller than the width of the first protrusion 211, which is beneficial to the processing of the plurality of second protrusions 221. If the width of the plurality of second protrusions 221 is less than 0.1 μm, it will increase the difficulty of processing.

[0071] The plurality of first protrusions 211 can constitute a Fresnel lens.

[0072] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the optical structure 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the optical structure 100 includes a substrate layer 10, a texture layer 20, and a coating layer 30 as described above. The coating layer 30 is disposed on the side of the texture layer 20 away from the substrate layer 10. The coating layer 30 at least covers the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22 to enhance the intensity of reflected light from the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22.

[0073] The coating layer 30 covers at least the plurality of first protrusions 211 and the plurality of second protrusions 221, and the coating layer 30 is located on the surface of the texture layer 20 on which the plurality of first protrusions 211 and the plurality of second protrusions 221 are provided.

[0074] The coating layer 30 may include at least one of an oxide layer and a metal layer. The metal layer may be, for example, an indium layer, a silver layer, an aluminum layer, a magnesium layer, etc. The oxide layer may include at least one of a silicon dioxide layer and a titanium dioxide layer.

[0075] In some embodiments, the coating layer 30 includes an oxide layer and a metal layer.

[0076] In some embodiments, the coating layer 30 includes a titanium dioxide layer, a silicon dioxide layer, an indium layer, and a silicon dioxide layer stacked together. The thickness of the indium layer can be 30-50 μm, and the thickness of the coating layer 30 can be 50-250 μm. The thickness of the indium layer is the dimension along the stacking direction of the substrate layer 10 and the texture layer 20, and the thickness of the coating layer 30 is the dimension along the stacking direction of the substrate layer 10 and the texture layer 20.

[0077] Specifically, by providing the coating layer 30 on the side of the texture layer 20 away from the substrate layer 10, incident light enters from the side of the substrate layer 10 away from the texture layer 20 and passes through the texture layer 20 to reach the coating layer 30. The coating layer 30 can increase the reflectivity of the incident light in the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22, thereby enhancing the intensity of the reflected light in the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22. As a result, when the texture layer 20 is irradiated by strong light, the preset pattern presented by the texture layer 20 can appear more obvious.

[0078] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of an optical structure 100 provided in another embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, the coating layer 30 is disposed on the side of the substrate layer 10 away from the texture layer 20.

[0079] Specifically, by placing the coating layer 30 on the side of the substrate layer 10 away from the texture layer 20, incident light enters from the side of the texture layer 20 away from the substrate layer 10 and passes through the substrate layer 10 to reach the coating layer 30. The coating layer 30 can increase the reflectivity of the incident light in the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22, thereby enhancing the intensity of the reflected light in the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22. As a result, when the texture layer 20 is irradiated by strong light, the preset pattern presented by the texture layer 20 can appear more obvious.

[0080] The oxide layer can be used to improve the adhesion of the metal layer to the texture layer 20, making the metal layer less likely to fall off. It can also be used to change the refractive index by changing the thickness of the oxide layer, thereby changing the color of the metal layer, for example, making the color darker or lighter.

[0081] In this application, the strong light can be the strong light emitted by a high-powered flashlight, for example, the strong light emitted by the high-powered flashlight can illuminate the texture layer 20 of the optical structure, so that the texture layer 20 presents a more obvious preset pattern.

[0082] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the optical structure 100 further includes a protective layer 40 disposed on the side of the coating layer 30 away from the texture layer 20, and the protective layer 40 at least covers the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22.

[0083] The protective layer 40 may be an ink layer or other coating layer. The thickness of the protective layer 40 may be a value between 20-40 μm, and the thickness of the protective layer 40 is the dimension along the stacking direction of the substrate layer 10 and the texture layer 20.

[0084] The protective layer 40 may be made of an insulating material.

[0085] The protective layer 40 is provided on the side of the coating layer 30 away from the texture layer 20. On the one hand, since the coating layer 30 may have some gaps, the protective layer 40 can cover the gaps of the coating layer 30 to prevent light leakage and reduce reflectivity, thereby enhancing the presentation effect of the preset pattern. On the other hand, the protective layer 40 can protect and isolate the coating layer 30, prevent it from falling off and reducing reflectivity, and prevent the coating layer 30 from directly contacting the internal devices of the terminal and causing short circuits.

[0086] In some embodiments, the substrate layer 10 includes at least one of a transparent polymer layer and a glass layer.

[0087] The transparent polymer layer may be selected from at least one of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer).

[0088] In some embodiments, the substrate layer 10 and the texture layer 20 are an integral structure. Specifically, the texture layer 20 is obtained by surface treatment of a material layer, and the remaining portion of the material layer constitutes the substrate layer 10. For example, the texture layer 20 is obtained by etching a glass layer, and the remaining portion of the glass layer constitutes the substrate layer 10. As another example, the texture layer 20 is obtained by hot-pressing a transparent polymer layer, and the remaining portion of the transparent polymer layer constitutes the substrate layer 10.

[0089] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the terminal housing 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the terminal housing 200 includes the optical structure 100 provided in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the terminal housing 200 also includes a transparent back cover 50 for sealing the back of the terminal. The optical structure 100 is disposed on the side of the transparent back cover 50 near the interior of the terminal, i.e., on the inner surface of the transparent back cover 50. The substrate layer 10 of the optical structure 100 is bonded to the inner surface of the transparent back cover 50. An optical adhesive can be provided between the substrate layer 10 and the transparent back cover 50 to adhere the optical structure 100 to the inner surface of the transparent back cover 50. In some embodiments, the substrate layer 10 includes an optical adhesive layer for bonding to the inner surface of the transparent back cover 50.

[0091] Incident light enters from the transparent back cover 50 and passes through the substrate layer 10 to reach the texture layer 20. Since the width of the second protrusion 221 is smaller than that of the first protrusion 211, the incident light undergoes specular reflection at the first texture region 21 and diffuse reflection at the second texture region 22. When the incident light is natural light, the intensity difference between the reflected light from the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22 is small, resulting in a patternless mirror effect on the terminal housing 200. When the incident light is strong light with an intensity greater than natural light, the intensity difference between the reflected light from the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22 is large, causing the terminal housing 200 to display a preset pattern and produce a caustic effect.

[0092] The transparent back cover 50 may be made of a transparent polymer or glass.

[0093] The coating layer 30 and the protective layer 40 are located on the inner surface of the transparent back cover 50.

[0094] Please see Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a terminal housing 200 provided in another embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the optical structure 100 includes a textured layer 20, a substrate layer 10, a coating layer 30, and a protective layer 40 stacked together. The substrate layer 10 constitutes the transparent back cover 50 of the terminal housing 200. The textured layer 20 is located on the outer surface of the transparent back cover 50, and the coating layer 30 and the protective layer 40 are located on the inner surface of the transparent back cover 50. In some embodiments, a hydrophobic and oleophobic layer, such as an AF (Anti-fingerprint) layer, may be provided on the side of the textured layer 20 away from the substrate layer 10 to protect the textured layer 20 from physical damage or chemical corrosion.

[0095] The substrate layer 10 may be a glass layer.

[0096] The coating layer 30 and the protective layer 40 are located on the inner surface of the transparent back cover 50.

[0097] This application embodiment also provides a terminal, the terminal including the aforementioned terminal housing 200, the terminal housing 200 being used to cover the back of the terminal, the back of the terminal being opposite to the surface where the screen of the terminal is located. The terminal may be an electronic device such as a mobile phone, computer, tablet, wearable device, display screen, or other types of electronic devices.

[0098] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method for fabricating an optical structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 As shown, the method for fabricating the optical structure includes the following steps:

[0099] S101: Provide the substrate layer 10.

[0100] S102: A texture layer 20 is formed on the substrate layer 10. The texture layer 20 includes a first texture region 21 and a second texture region 22. The first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22 are disposed adjacent to each other. The first texture region 21 includes a plurality of first protrusions 211, and the second texture region 22 includes a plurality of second protrusions 221. The plurality of first protrusions 211 are arranged in a ring and share a common center. The plurality of second protrusions 221 are arranged in a ring and share a common center. The plurality of second protrusions 221 are arranged in a preset pattern. The width of the second protrusions 221 is smaller than the width of the first protrusions 211, so that the texture layer 20 presents the preset pattern under strong light. The height difference between the second protrusions 221 and the adjacent first protrusions 211 is less than or equal to a preset height difference, so that the texture layer 20 presents a patternless mirror effect under natural light.

[0101] Wherein, the width of the first protrusion 211 is the dimension along the radial direction of the first protrusion 211, the width of the second protrusion 221 is the dimension along the radial direction of the second protrusion 221, the height of the first protrusion 211 is the dimension of the first protrusion 211 in the stacking direction of the substrate layer and the texture layer 20, and the height of the second protrusion 221 is the dimension of the second protrusion 221 in the stacking direction.

[0102] The texture layer 20 can be formed on the substrate layer 10 by forming a material layer on the substrate layer 10 and then processing the material layer to form the texture layer 20, or by directly processing the substrate layer 10 to obtain the texture layer 20.

[0103] The method for fabricating the optical structure can be used to fabricate the aforementioned optical structure 100.

[0104] In some embodiments, forming the texture layer 20 on the substrate layer 10 may specifically include: preparing a transfer mold having a pattern that is mirrored to the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22 of the texture layer 20; and forming the texture layer 20 on the substrate layer 10 by means of the transfer mold.

[0105] The texture data can be determined based on the structure of the texture layer 20, such as the height and width of the plurality of first protrusions 211 and the height and width of the plurality of second protrusions 221. The texture data is then transmitted to a computer, and the initial mold is subjected to exposure, development, drying, plasma cleaning and other operations through laser engraving to obtain a texture mold. The texture mold has a pattern that is mirrored with the first texture area 21 and the second texture area 22 of the texture layer 20. Then, the texture mold is subjected to transfer and curing operations to obtain the transfer mold. The transfer mold has a pattern that is mirrored with the first texture area 21 and the second texture area 22 of the texture layer 20.

[0106] The texture layer 20 can be formed on the substrate layer 10 using methods such as UV transfer, nanoimprinting, and hot pressing with the transfer mold. For example, the texture layer 20 can be formed on the substrate layer 10 by UV transfer using the transfer mold. Specifically, UV adhesive is coated on the transfer mold, then the substrate layer 10 is covered on the UV adhesive, and then the substrate layer 10 is rolled with rollers. Then, UV light is used to irradiate the side of the transfer mold away from the UV adhesive to cure the UV adhesive. Finally, the UV adhesive is separated from the transfer mold to obtain the texture layer 20. As another example, the texture layer 20 can be formed by transferring the pattern of the transfer mold onto the substrate layer 10 through hot pressing. Specifically, the substrate layer 10 is heated and the transfer mold is pressed onto the substrate layer 10. The substrate layer 10 is cooled, and then the transfer mold is separated from the substrate layer 10 to obtain the texture layer 20.

[0107] In some other embodiments, forming the texture layer 20 on the substrate layer 10 may specifically include: forming a photoresist layer on the substrate layer 10; removing portions of the photoresist layer corresponding to the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22 to expose portions of the substrate layer 10 corresponding to the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22; etching portions of the substrate layer 10 corresponding to the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22 to form the plurality of first protrusions 211 and the plurality of second protrusions 221, thereby forming the texture layer 20.

[0108] Specifically, the portion of the photoresist layer corresponding to the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22 can be exposed by means of laser direct writing, film exposure, etc., and then the exposed portion of the photoresist layer can be removed by using a developer to expose the portion of the substrate layer 10 corresponding to the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22.

[0109] The substrate layer 10, corresponding to the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22, can be etched using a dry etching process. In some embodiments, after etching using a dry etching process, the substrate layer 10 can be placed in an etching tank containing etching solution for further wet etching, so that the outer contour of the first annular inclined surface 2111 of the plurality of first protrusions 211 is arc-shaped.

[0110] The substrate layer 10 may be a glass layer, and the texture layer 20 is the portion of the glass layer that extends outward.

[0111] In some embodiments, after forming the texture layer 20, the method for fabricating the optical structure further includes: forming the coating layer 30 on the side of the texture layer 20 away from the substrate layer 10; and forming the protective layer 40 on the side of the coating layer 30 away from the texture layer 20. Wherein, the distance between the first texture region 21 and the second texture region 22 of the texture layer 20 and the substrate layer 10 is greater than the distance between them and the coating layer 30.

[0112] The coating layer 30 can be formed by depositing on the side of the texture layer 20 away from the substrate layer 10 using chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition. For example, the coating layer 30 can be formed by sequentially depositing a titanium dioxide layer, a silicon dioxide layer, an indium layer, another silicon dioxide layer, and another titanium dioxide layer on the side of the texture layer 20 away from the substrate layer 10 using physical vapor deposition. The thickness of the indium layer is 30-50 μm, and the sum of the thicknesses of the titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, indium, silicon dioxide, and titanium dioxide layers is 50-250 μm. When using an evaporation coating machine to deposit the coating layer 20, ion-assisted deposition can be enabled, or a sputtering machine can be used to form the coating layer 20 to improve the density of the coating layer 20, thereby increasing the reflectivity of incident light and improving brightness.

[0113] In this process, ink can be printed on the side of the coating layer 20 away from the texture layer 20, and the ink can be baked at a temperature of 75-85°C to form the protective layer 40.

[0114] In some other embodiments, after forming the texture layer 20, the method of fabricating the optical structure further includes: forming the coating layer 30 on the side of the substrate layer 10 away from the texture layer 20; and forming the protective layer 40 on the side of the coating layer 30 away from the texture layer 20.

[0115] The coating layer 30 can be formed on the side of the substrate layer 10 away from the texture layer 20 by chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition. The formation process can refer to the above-described deposition of the coating layer 30 on the side of the texture layer 20 away from the substrate layer 10.

[0116] In some embodiments, the substrate layer 10 is a glass layer, and a silicon dioxide layer or a chromium layer, a titanium dioxide layer, a silicon dioxide layer, an indium layer, a silicon dioxide layer, and a titanium dioxide layer can be sequentially formed on the side of the glass layer away from the texture layer 20 to form the coating layer 30. The silicon dioxide layer or the chromium layer can increase the interlayer adhesion between the titanium dioxide layer and the substrate layer 10, making the substrate layer 10 and the coating layer 30 more firmly bonded.

[0117] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0118] The above are the implementation methods of the embodiments of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the embodiments of this application, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An optical structure, characterized in that, The optical structure includes: Substrate layer; A texture layer, disposed on the substrate layer, includes a first texture region and a second texture region, the first texture region and the second texture region being disposed adjacent to each other. The first texture region includes a plurality of first protrusions, and the second texture region includes a plurality of second protrusions. The plurality of first protrusions are arranged in a ring and share a common center, and the plurality of second protrusions are arranged in a ring and share a common center. The plurality of second protrusions are arranged in a preset pattern. The width of the second protrusions is smaller than the width of the first protrusions, so that the texture layer presents the preset pattern under strong light. The height difference between the second protrusions and the adjacent first protrusions is less than or equal to a preset height difference, so that the texture layer presents a patternless mirror effect under natural light. The preset height difference is 0.1 μm.

2. The optical structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each first protrusion includes a first annular inclined surface extending obliquely along the stacking direction of the substrate layer and the texture layer, and a first annular vertical surface extending vertically along the stacking direction. The first annular inclined surface and the first annular vertical surface of each protrusion are connected at their ends away from the substrate layer to form the first protrusion. The first annular inclined surface of one of two adjacent first protrusions is connected to and / or spaced apart from the first annular vertical surface of the other first protrusion. The first annular inclined surfaces of the plurality of first protrusions are inclined in the same direction. Each second protrusion includes a second annular inclined surface and a second annular vertical surface extending obliquely along the stacking direction. The second annular inclined surface of one of two adjacent second protrusions is connected to and / or spaced apart from the second annular vertical surface of the other second protrusion. The second annular inclined surfaces of the plurality of second protrusions are inclined in the same direction and in the opposite direction to the first annular inclined surfaces of the plurality of first protrusions.

3. The optical structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular center of the plurality of first protrusions coincides with the annular center of the plurality of second protrusions.

4. The optical structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The widths of the plurality of first protrusions are equal, and the heights of the plurality of first protrusions gradually decrease along the direction closer to the center of the ring; or, the heights of the plurality of first protrusions are equal, and the widths of the plurality of first protrusions gradually decrease along the direction closer to the center of the ring.

5. The optical structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The widths of the plurality of second protrusions are equal, and the heights of the plurality of second protrusions gradually decrease along the direction closer to the center of the ring; or, the heights of the plurality of second protrusions are equal, and the widths of the plurality of second protrusions gradually decrease along the direction closer to the center of the ring.

6. The optical structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the first protrusion is a value between 5 and 20 μm, and the height of the outermost first protrusion among the plurality of first protrusions is a value between 1 and 10 μm; the width of the second protrusion is a value between 0.1 and 5 μm.

7. The optical structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical structure further includes a coating layer disposed on the side of the textured layer away from the substrate layer or on the side of the substrate layer away from the textured layer.

8. The optical structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The coating layer includes at least one of an oxide layer and a metal layer.

9. The optical structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The coating layer includes an oxide layer and a metal layer.

10. The optical structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The optical structure also includes a protective layer disposed on the side of the coating layer away from the texture layer.

11. The optical structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate layer includes at least one of a transparent polymer layer and a glass layer.

12. The optical structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate layer and the texture layer are an integral structure.

13. A terminal housing, characterized in that, The terminal housing includes the optical structure as described in any one of claims 1-12.

14. A terminal, characterized in that, The terminal includes the terminal housing as described in claim 13.

15. A method for fabricating an optical structure, characterized in that, The method for fabricating the optical structure includes: Provide a substrate layer; A textured layer is formed on the substrate layer. The textured layer includes a first textured region and a second textured region, which are adjacent to each other. The first textured region includes a plurality of first protrusions, and the second textured region includes a plurality of second protrusions. The plurality of first protrusions are arranged in a ring and share a common center. The plurality of second protrusions are also arranged in a ring and share a common center. The plurality of second protrusions are arranged in a preset pattern. The width of the second protrusions is smaller than the width of the first protrusions, so that the textured layer presents the preset pattern under strong light. The height difference between the second protrusions and the adjacent first protrusions is less than or equal to a preset height difference, so that the textured layer presents a patternless mirror effect under natural light. The preset height difference is 0.1 μm.

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