Shell manufacturing method, shell and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a manufacturing method of a shell, the shell and electronic equipment, and the manufacturing method comprises the steps: providing a light-transmitting body, the first surface of the light-transmitting body comprises a pattern region and a non-pattern region; a first shielding layer is formed on the second surface of the light-transmitting body, the first shielding layer corresponds to the non-pattern area in position and exposes the pattern area, and the second surface and the first surface are oppositely arranged; forming an optically variable ink layer on the surface of the first shielding layer, and covering the first shielding layer with the optically variable ink layer and covering the pattern area exposed by the first shielding layer; forming a second shielding layer on the surface of the optically variable ink layer; and forming a cover bottom layer on the surface of the second shielding layer to form the shell. The pattern area on the shell obtained through the manufacturing method can present the color of the optically variable ink layer, in addition, when specific light irradiates the light-transmitting body, the optically variable ink layer of the pattern area can present the unique color under the specific light, and the unique appearance effect is presented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and particularly to a method for manufacturing a housing, a housing, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] With the popularization of electronic devices, in addition to having higher requirements for basic functions of electronic devices such as communication functions, shooting functions, and network functions, users also put forward higher requirements for the appearance effects of electronic devices. In order to improve the appearance effects of electronic devices, in addition to designing the structure of electronic devices, camera layouts, etc., more is achieved by processing the outer shells of electronic devices.

[0003] Currently, the commonly used surface treatment process for the housing usually includes printing patterns + electroplated film layer + bottom covering ink. However, the appearance effects that can be presented by this process flow are limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a housing, a housing, and an electronic device.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a housing, the manufacturing method including:

[0006] Providing a light-transmitting body, a first surface of the light-transmitting body including a pattern area and a non-pattern area;

[0007] Forming a first shielding layer on a second surface of the light-transmitting body, the first shielding layer corresponding to the non-pattern area in position and exposing the pattern area, the second surface being disposed opposite to the first surface;

[0008] Forming a photochromic ink layer on a surface of the first shielding layer, the photochromic ink layer covering the first shielding layer and covering the pattern area exposed by the first shielding layer;

[0009] Forming a second shielding layer on a surface of the photochromic ink layer;

[0010] Forming a bottom covering layer on a surface of the second shielding layer to form a housing.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, forming a photochromic ink layer on a surface of the first shielding layer includes:

[0012] Coating a photochromic ink on a surface of the first shielding layer, the photochromic ink covering the first shielding layer and covering the pattern area exposed by the first shielding layer to form a first sub-film layer;

[0013] Coat at least one layer of the photochromic ink on the surface of the first sub-film layer to form a second sub-film layer, and the first sub-film layer and the second sub-film layer form the photochromic ink layer;

[0014] Wherein, the photochromic ink is cured and formed under preset conditions to form the first sub-film layer and the second sub-film layer.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, forming a second shielding layer on the surface of the photochromic ink layer includes:

[0016] Coat at least two layers of white ink on the surface of the photochromic ink layer, and the white ink is cured and formed under preset conditions to form the second shielding layer.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the curing treatment includes thermal curing treatment, the thermal curing treatment includes a first curing treatment and a second curing treatment carried out in sequence;

[0018] Wherein, the preset conditions corresponding to the first curing treatment include: the curing temperature is 140°C - 160°C, and the curing time is 4 min - 7 min; and / or,

[0019] The preset conditions corresponding to the second curing treatment include: the curing temperature is 140°C - 160°C, and the curing time is 0.5 h - 1 h.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method for forming the pattern area and the non-pattern area includes:

[0021] Based on a preset pattern, determine the positions of the pattern area and the non-pattern area on the first surface of the light-transmitting body;

[0022] Except for the non-pattern area, form a protective layer on the outer surface of the light-transmitting body;

[0023] Immerse the light-transmitting body in an etching solution, and the etching solution etches the non-pattern area;

[0024] Remove the protective layer, and the remaining first surface forms the pattern area.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first shielding layer, the photochromic ink layer, the second shielding layer, and the cover bottom layer are formed by screen printing.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the light-transmitting body includes glass;

[0027] Before forming the first shielding layer, the light-transmitting body is sequentially polished, tempered, and cleaned.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a housing, the housing comprising:

[0029] A light-transmissive body, a pattern area and a non-pattern area are provided on a first surface of the light-transmissive body;

[0030] A first light-blocking layer, the first light-blocking layer is disposed on a second surface of the light-transmissive body, the first light-blocking layer corresponds to the non-pattern area in position and exposes the pattern area, and the second surface is disposed opposite to the first surface;

[0031] A photochromic ink layer, the photochromic ink layer covers the first light-blocking layer and covers the pattern area exposed by the first light-blocking layer;

[0032] A second light-blocking layer, the second light-blocking layer covers the photochromic ink layer;

[0033] A cover bottom layer, the cover bottom layer covers the second light-blocking layer.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, both the photochromic ink layer and the second light-blocking layer include a plurality of sub-film layers, and the thickness of each sub-film layer is 7 μm - 9 μm.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness of the first light-blocking layer is 7 μm - 9 μm; and / or,

[0036] the thickness of the photochromic ink layer is 15 μm - 20 μm; and / or,

[0037] the thickness of the second light-blocking layer is 25 μm - 30 μm; and / or,

[0038] the thickness of the cover bottom layer is 15 μm - 20 μm.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-pattern area includes a plurality of grooves on the first surface.

[0040] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a device body and the housing provided in the second aspect of the present disclosure, and the cover bottom layer of the housing is closely disposed against the device body.

[0041] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: By providing a pattern area and a non-pattern area on the first surface of the light-transmissive body, providing a first light-blocking layer on the second surface to block the non-pattern area, and providing a photochromic ink layer covering the pattern area on the surface of the first light-blocking layer, the pattern area can present the color of the photochromic ink layer. In addition, when the light-transmissive body is irradiated with specific light, the photochromic ink layer in the pattern area can present a unique color under the specific light, presenting a unique appearance effect.

[0042] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The accompanying drawings herein are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, showing embodiments consistent with the present invention, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a housing shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a light-transmitting body including a pattern area and a non-pattern area shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of forming a first shielding layer on the surface of a light-transmitting body shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of forming a photochromic ink layer shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of forming a second shielding layer shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a housing shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of forming a protective layer on the surface of a light-transmitting body shown according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, and examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. On the contrary, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0052] With the popularization of electronic devices, in addition to higher requirements for basic functions such as the communication function, shooting function, and network function of electronic devices, users also put forward higher requirements for the appearance effect of electronic devices. In order to improve the appearance effect of electronic devices, in addition to designing the structure, camera layout, etc. of electronic devices, it is more achieved by processing the housing of electronic devices. At present, the commonly used surface treatment processes for the housing usually include printing patterns + electroplated film layers + cover base ink, however, the appearance effects that can be presented by this process flow are limited.

[0053] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a housing, including: providing a light-transmissive body, wherein a first surface of the light-transmissive body includes a pattern area and a non-pattern area. Forming a first shielding layer on a second surface of the light-transmissive body, the first shielding layer corresponding to the non-pattern area in position and exposing the pattern area, the second surface being disposed opposite to the first surface. Forming a photochromic ink layer on the surface of the first shielding layer, the photochromic ink layer covering the first shielding layer and covering the pattern area exposed by the first shielding layer. Forming a second shielding layer on the surface of the photochromic ink layer; forming a cover bottom layer on the surface of the second shielding layer to form the housing. The pattern area on the housing obtained by the manufacturing method of the present disclosure can present the color of the photochromic ink layer. In addition, when the light-transmissive body is irradiated with specific light, the photochromic ink layer in the pattern area can present a unique color under the specific light, presenting a unique appearance effect.

[0054] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a housing, referring to Figure 1 as shown in Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a housing shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The method for manufacturing a housing includes the following steps:

[0055] Step S100, providing a light-transmissive body, wherein a first surface of the light-transmissive body includes a pattern area and a non-pattern area;

[0056] Step S200, forming a first shielding layer on a second surface of the light-transmissive body, the first shielding layer corresponding to the non-pattern area in position and exposing the pattern area, the second surface being disposed opposite to the first surface;

[0057] Step S300, forming a photochromic ink layer on the surface of the first shielding layer, the photochromic ink layer covering the first shielding layer and covering the pattern area exposed by the first shielding layer;

[0058] Step S400, forming a second shielding layer on the surface of the photochromic ink layer;

[0059] Step S500, forming a cover bottom layer on the surface of the second shielding layer to form the housing.

[0060] The housing obtained by the method for manufacturing a housing provided in this embodiment can be used as the outer shell of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a watch. The housing has a unique appearance effect to meet the appearance requirements of users for electronic devices.

[0061] In step S100, referring to Figure 2, the light-transmissive body 10 is the main structure constituting the housing. The light-transmissive body 10 can be formed of materials such as glass and composite materials, so that the light-transmissive body 10 has light transmittance. The light-transmissive body 10 can be a plate-like structure having a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 disposed opposite to each other. The first surface 11 serves as the appearance side of the housing, that is, the surface in contact with the user. Exemplarily, the light-transmissive body 10 can be formed of a composite board, for example, it can be formed by laminating two or more plastic materials selected from transparent plastics such as PC (Polycarbonate), PMMA (poly(methyl meth acrylate)), PET (Poly(ethylene terephthalate)), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and PVC (Poly vinyl chloride).

[0062] The first surface 11 of the light-transmissive body 10 includes a pattern area 111 and a non-pattern area 112. It should be noted here that since the first surface 11 is the surface in contact with the user, if printing or other processes are used to form the pattern area 111 and the non-pattern area 112, the printing ink is likely to fall off due to friction. At the same time, the pattern area 111 and the non-pattern area 112 formed by the printing process cannot be combined with the subsequently formed light-changing ink layer to achieve a good appearance effect. Therefore, the pattern area 111 and the non-pattern area 112 can be formed by leaving textures or traces on the first surface 11 through processes such as local etching and laser engraving of the first surface 11. In some examples, the etched or laser-engraved area forms the pattern area 111, and the remaining area forms the non-pattern area 112. In other examples, refer to Figure 2 , the etched or laser-engraved area forms the non-pattern area 112, and the remaining area forms the pattern area 111. The etched or laser-engraved area can present appearance effects with different roughnesses and haze levels such as matte and flash sand, and such appearance effects will not fall off or become blurred with continuous use by the user.

[0063] In step S200, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, Exemplarily, on the first surface 11 of the light-transmissive body 10, the etched or laser-engraved areas form the non-pattern areas 112, and the reserved areas form the pattern areas 111. A first light-blocking layer 20 formed on the second surface 12 disposed opposite to the first surface 11 and corresponding to the positions of the non-pattern areas 112 is used to block the subsequent formed light-changing ink layer 30 corresponding to the positions of the non-pattern areas 112, so that when the user views from the first surface 11, the color of the light-changing ink layer 30 can be visually observed only in the pattern areas 111, so that the finally formed housing has a special appearance effect. It can be understood that the second surface 12 can be the side surface closer to the battery of the electronic device.

[0064] The first light-blocking layer 20 can be an ink layer with a certain color. The color of this ink is different from the color of the subsequently formed light-changing ink layer 30 and also different from the color after the light-changing ink layer 30 changes color, so that the color of the light-changing ink layer 30 transmitted through the pattern areas 111 can be distinguished from the color of the first light-blocking layer 20 at the non-pattern areas 112 to present the required appearance effect. When forming the first light-blocking layer 20, pad printing or screen printing processes can be used to print the ink. Before printing, a mold with the same size as the light-transmissive body 10 can be set on the second surface 12, and the positions corresponding to the non-pattern areas 112 on the light-transmissive body 10 on the mold are provided with hollow-outs, so that the ink printed on the second surface 12 corresponds to the positions of the non-pattern areas 112, and this ink does not cover the pattern areas 111. The printed ink is cured so that the cured ink forms the first light-blocking layer 20 corresponding to the non-pattern areas 112 and exposes the pattern areas 111.

[0065] In step S300, as shown in Figure 4 When forming the light-changing ink layer 30 on the surface of the first light-blocking layer 20, the light-changing ink is coated on the surface of the first light-blocking layer 20 and on the exposed pattern areas 111 in the first light-blocking layer 20. When the user views from the first surface 11 of the light-transmissive body 10, since the first light-blocking layer 20 blocks the non-pattern areas 112, the user can view the color of the light-changing ink layer 30 at the pattern areas 111. Exemplarily, one or more layers of light-changing ink can be coated on the surface of the first light-blocking layer 20 to ensure that the formed light-changing ink layer 30 has a sufficient thickness, so that the color effect of the pattern areas 111 visually observed by the user is more obvious and vivid.

[0066] Exemplarily, the optically variable ink forming the optically variable ink layer 30 can present a certain color indoors or when there is no ultraviolet light. After being irradiated by sunlight or ultraviolet light outdoors, it absorbs the energy of sunlight or ultraviolet light and changes to other colors, and returns to the original color after losing the irradiation of sunlight or ultraviolet light, so that users can visually observe different color pattern areas 111 under different ambient lights, increasing the appearance effect and appearance interest of the formed housing. Of course, in some examples, the ink forming the optically variable ink layer 30 can also be luminous ink, so that users can visually observe different color pattern areas 111 during the day and at night or in the dark. In other examples, the ink forming the optically variable ink layer 30 can also be fluorescent ink, so that users can visually observe different colors and fluorescent effect pattern areas 111 under white light and lights with an ultraviolet light spectrum. In other examples, the ink forming the optically variable ink layer 30 can also be angle-changing ink, so that users can visually observe different color pattern areas 111 from different viewing angles.

[0067] In step S400, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , after forming the optically variable ink layer 30, a second shielding layer 40 is formed on the surface of the optically variable ink layer 30. The second shielding layer 40 disposed between the optically variable ink layer 30 and the cover bottom layer 50 is used to shield the color of the subsequently formed cover bottom layer 50, so as to avoid the color of the cover bottom layer 50 affecting the color effect of the optically variable ink layer 30. When forming the second shielding layer 40, the ink can be used to cover the surface of the optically variable ink layer 30 by methods including but not limited to coating, screen printing, and printing, and the second shielding layer 40 is formed after the ink is cured. The second shielding layer 40 can be a light color such as white, light yellow, light blue, etc. with good covering power, so as to avoid the color of the second shielding layer 40 itself affecting the color effect of the optically variable ink layer 30. It can be understood that in order to ensure the shielding effect of the second shielding layer 40, multiple layers of ink can be set to form the second shielding layer 40.

[0068] In step S500, referring to Figure 6 , after forming the second shielding layer 40, a cover bottom layer 50 is formed on the surface of the second shielding layer 40, thereby forming the housing 100. The cover bottom layer 50 is used to protect the second shielding layer 40, the optically variable ink layer 30, and the first shielding layer 20, so as to avoid damage to these layers of structures. The cover bottom layer 50 can be formed by covering the surface of the second shielding layer 40 with cover bottom ink through processes such as coating and screen printing, and the cover bottom layer 50 is formed after the cover bottom ink is cured. It can be understood that in order to ensure the protection effect of the cover bottom layer 50, multiple layers of ink can be set for the cover bottom layer 50 formed, Figure 6 and the cover bottom layer 50 formed by two layers of cover bottom ink is exemplarily shown in

[0069] In some examples, referring toFigure 6 , the first shielding layer 20, the optically variable ink layer 30, the second shielding layer 40, and the cover bottom layer 50 are all formed by screen printing. Since screen printing uses a screen for printing and the screen has a certain mesh count, the screen can filter the ink used to form the first shielding layer 20, the optically variable ink layer 30, the second shielding layer 40, and the cover bottom layer 50, so as to prevent larger particles in the ink from staying in the film layer and ensure that each film layer achieves the desired good effect.

[0070] In some possible implementation manners, in step S300 of the above embodiment, forming the optically variable ink layer on the surface of the first shielding layer includes:

[0071] Step S310, coating optically variable ink on the surface of the first shielding layer. The optically variable ink covers the first shielding layer and the pattern area exposed by the first shielding layer, forming a first sub-film layer;

[0072] Step S320, coating at least one layer of optically variable ink on the surface of the first sub-film layer to form a second sub-film layer. The first sub-film layer and the second sub-film layer form the optically variable ink layer;

[0073] Among them, the optically variable ink is cured and formed under preset conditions to form the first sub-film layer and the second sub-film layer.

[0074] In this implementation manner, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 as shown, since the first shielding layer 20 formed before the optically variable ink layer 30 only shields the non-pattern area 112 of the second surface 12 of the light-transmitting body 10, and the pattern area 111 is exposed from the first shielding layer 20, the first shielding layer 20 has an uneven surface. When forming the optically variable ink layer 30, first coat a layer of optically variable ink on the surface of the first shielding layer to ensure that the optically variable ink fills the pattern area 111 between the first shielding layers 20 and covers the first shielding layer 20, so that the first sub-film layer 31 formed by the optically variable ink can provide a good color effect for the optically variable ink layer 30.

[0075] Since the processes used in the coating process of the ink are basically the same, the thickness of the film layers is basically the same. That is to say, the thickness of the first shielding layer 20 and the thickness of the first sub-film layer 31 are almost the same. After forming the first sub-film layer 31, in order to ensure that the optically variable ink layer 30 can present a good color effect, coat one or more layers of optically variable ink on the surface of the first sub-film layer 31 again to form a second sub-film layer 32. Referring to Figure 4 , Figure 4The second sub-film layer 32 therein is formed by a layer of photochromic ink. In other examples, the second sub-film layer 32 is formed by two or more layers of photochromic ink. The first sub-film layer 31 and the second sub-film layer 32 together form the photochromic ink layer 30, so that the photochromic ink layer 30 with a certain thickness has a good color effect, avoiding the color of the photochromic ink layer 30 being too light and making the appearance effect presented by the housing relatively monotonous.

[0076] It can be understood that since the coated photochromic ink is generally colloidal or liquid, after each layer of photochromic ink is coated, it needs to be cured and formed under appropriate preset conditions. The curing process is the process of converting the colloidal or liquid photochromic ink into a dry film layer, so as to form the first sub-film layer 31 and the second sub-film layer 32 respectively. The curing process can be selected based on the curing type of the photochromic ink. For example, when the type of the photochromic ink includes volatile ink, air-drying ink or ink that can undergo a curing reaction at room temperature, the light-transmitting body 10 coated with the photochromic ink is placed at room temperature (such as 25 °C) and waits for a certain period of time. The solvent in the photochromic ink evaporates through air convection, the oxygen in the air reacts with the photochromic ink, or various resins in the photochromic ink undergo a cross-linking reaction, which is the process of the curing treatment. The waiting period and the temperature during placement are the preset conditions. For another example, when the photochromic ink includes thermosetting ink, the light-transmitting body 10 coated with the photochromic ink is heated at a certain temperature and for a certain period of time, and the thermosetting photochromic ink is cured and formed, which is the process of the curing treatment. The heating temperature and the heating duration are the preset conditions. For another example, when the photochromic ink is radiation-curable ink, a light source with a specific wavelength is used to irradiate the light-transmitting body 10 coated with the photochromic ink, so that the photochromic ink is cured and formed, which is the process of the curing treatment. The wavelength of the light source, the irradiation rate, etc. are the process of the curing treatment.

[0077] In some possible implementation manners, in step S400 in the above embodiment, forming a second shielding layer on the surface of the photochromic ink layer includes:

[0078] Coating at least two layers of white ink on the surface of the photochromic ink layer, and the white ink is cured and formed under preset conditions to form the second shielding layer.

[0079] In this implementation manner, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 as shown, the second shielding layer 40 is formed by curing two or more layers of white ink. Figure 5Exemplarily, the second light-blocking layer 40 formed by coating three layers of white ink is shown, so that the second light-blocking layer 40 can have a good light-blocking effect on the color of the underlying cover layer 50 formed subsequently. In addition, the white ink has good covering power and does not affect the color of the optically variable ink layer 30, and is a preferred material for forming the second light-blocking layer 40.

[0080] Since the white ink used in coating is generally colloidal or liquid, after each layer of white ink is coated, it needs to be cured and formed under appropriate preset conditions. The curing process is a process in which the colloidal or liquid white ink is converted into a dry film layer, so as to form the second light-blocking layer 40 to ensure that the thickness of the second light-blocking layer 40 can achieve a good light-blocking effect. The curing process can be selected based on the type of white ink. For example, it can be a photocuring process, a thermal curing process, etc.

[0081] In some possible implementation manners, when the curing process of the optically variable ink or the white ink includes a thermal curing process, that is, when the optically variable ink or the white ink is a thermosetting ink, since it takes a long time for the thermosetting ink to be completely cured, and referring to Figure 6 , the number of film layers in the housing 100 is relatively large, and the optically variable ink layer 30, the second light-blocking layer 40, and the underlying cover layer 50 all need to be formed by coating multiple layers of ink. If each layer of ink is completely cured, the time required to form the housing 100 is relatively long, and the time cost is relatively high.

[0082] The thermal curing process is set as a first curing process and a second curing process that are carried out in sequence. The first curing process can surface-dry and cure the thermosetting ink in a relatively short time, that is, make the thermosetting ink change from a flowable state to a non-flowable state, and the surface of the ink is dry, without affecting the coating of new ink thereon. The preset conditions corresponding to the first curing process can include: the curing temperature is between 140°C and 160°C, and the curing time is between 4 minutes and 7 minutes. For example, the first curing process can use a heating lamp at 140°C - 160°C to continuously irradiate the ink on the surface of the light-transmitting body 10 for 4 minutes - 7 minutes, or send it into a heating furnace at 140°C - 160°C for heat preservation for 4 minutes - 7 minutes.

[0083] After the first curing process is completed, since the thermosetting ink is only surface-dry and cured, its interior is not completely cured and formed. Through the second curing process, the thermosetting ink is completely cured and formed to form the required structure. The preset conditions corresponding to the second curing process can include: the curing temperature is between 140°C and 160°C, and the curing time is between 0.5 hours and 1 hour. For example, the second curing process can place the light-transmitting body 10 in a heating furnace or a tunnel furnace for heating and heat preservation for 0.5 hours - 1 hour.

[0084] By setting the curing process to be the first curing process and the second curing process that are carried out in sequence, new ink can be coated on the ink after the first curing process is completed. That is to say, for each layer of ink in the housing, after the first curing process is completed, the next layer of ink can be immediately coated. After the first curing process of the ink coated last is completed, the entire housing 100 is then subjected to the second curing process to save the time required to form the housing 100 including multiple layers of ink and save time costs.

[0085] In some possible implementation manners, in step S100 in the above embodiment, the method for forming the pattern area and the non-pattern area includes:

[0086] Step S110: Based on a preset pattern, determine the positions of the pattern area and the non-pattern area on the first surface of the light-transmitting body;

[0087] Step S120: Except for the pattern area, form a protective layer on the outer surface of the light-transmitting body;

[0088] Step S130: Immerse the light-transmitting body in an etching solution, and the etching solution etches the non-pattern area;

[0089] Step S140: Remove the protective layer, and the remaining first surface forms the pattern area.

[0090] In this implementation manner, in combination with Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the positions of the pattern area 111 and the non-pattern area 112 on the first surface 11 of the light-transmitting body 10 can be determined based on the preset pattern pre-designed by the designer. For example, when the preset pattern is a ring, based on the size of the ring disposed on the first surface 11 of the light-transmitting body 10, the ring itself can be used as the pattern area 111, the circular part inside the ring and other areas outside the ring can be used as the non-pattern area 112; or, the ring itself can be used as the non-pattern area 112, the circular part inside the ring and other areas outside the ring can be used as the pattern area 111. In this way, the positions of the pattern area 111 and the non-pattern area 112 on the first surface 11 of the light-transmitting body 10 are determined, so as to operate on the first surface 11 corresponding to the pattern area 111 or the non-pattern area 112. It can be understood that the preset pattern can be a pattern designed by the designer or a pattern required by the customer or user, and there is no limitation here.

[0091] This implementation manner is used for wet etching the non-pattern area 112 to form a non-pattern area 112 and a pattern area 111 with different structures on the first surface 11 of the light-transmitting body 10. Refer to Figure 7, on the surface of the light-transmitting body 10, a protective layer 60 is formed on other outer surfaces except the non-patterned area 112 of the first surface 11. The protective layer 60 can be a protective film that does not react with the etching solution, for example, it can be a photoresist. When setting the protective layer 60, a layer of photoresist can be coated on the entire outer surface of the light-transmitting body 10. After the photoresist is completely dried and cured, based on the position of the non-patterned area 112 on the first surface 11, the photoresist at the non-patterned area 112 on the first surface 11 is etched and removed to obtain the protective layer 60 covering the outer surface except the non-patterned area 112.

[0092] Further, the light-transmitting body 10 is immersed in the etching solution. The etching solution can be a liquid that can chemically react with the material forming the light-transmitting body 10. For example, when the light-transmitting body 10 is glass, the etching solution can be a hydrofluoric acid solution. Then, the material of the protective layer 60 can include but is not limited to acid-resistant ink, photoresist, metal chromium, silicon nitride, etc. Since the protective layer 60 is not provided at the non-patterned area 112 of the light-transmitting body 10, the non-patterned area 112 of the light-transmitting body 10 is directly in contact with the etching solution and is etched, resulting in grooves, a matte effect, or a flash sand effect at the non-patterned area 112. It can be understood that if grooves are generated at the non-patterned area 112, these grooves can make the patterned area 111 and the non-patterned area 112 have different tactile or visual effects, and there is a large difference in appearance between the patterned area 111 and the non-patterned area 112. It can be understood that Figure 2 the grooves corresponding to the non-patterned area 112 in Figure 2 are only for illustration, and

[0093] the depth of the grooves in

[0094] cannot limit the depth ratio of the grooves at the non-patterned area 112 in the actual product.

[0095] In some other examples, the patterned area 111 of the first surface 11 of the light-transmitting body 10 can be etched, and the remaining first surface 11 forms the non-patterned area 112.

[0096] In some possible implementation manners, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, the forming material of the light-transmitting body 10 includes glass, which has good light transmittance and mechanical strength. Since it is necessary to etch or laser engrave the light-transmitting body 10 to form the pattern area 111 and the non-pattern area 112, before the light-transmitting body 10 is etched or laser engraved, the light-transmitting body 10 is not tempered to avoid affecting the formation of the pattern area 111 and the non-pattern area 112.

[0097] After the pattern area 111 and the non-pattern area 112 are formed on the light-transmitting body 10, since there may still be debris of the protective layer sticking to the surface of the light-transmitting body 10, wear occurs on the surface of the light-transmitting body 10, etc., before the first shielding layer 20 is formed on the second surface 12 of the light-transmitting body 10, the surface of the light-transmitting body 10 can be cleaned to remove the debris on the surface of the light-transmitting body 10, the solution adhered when removing the protective layer, etc., and then the light-transmitting body 10 is polished to improve the surface smoothness and strength of the light-transmitting body 10.

[0098] Furthermore, in order to ensure the overall strength of the housing 100, the light-transmitting body 10 after polishing is tempered. The tempering process is to immerse the light-transmitting body 10 in molten salt at a certain temperature. In the material on the surface of the light-transmitting body 10 and at a certain depth from the surface, the alkali metal ions with smaller radii (lithium ions, sodium ions) are replaced by alkali metal ions with larger radii (sodium ions, potassium ions) to form a stress compression layer on the surface of the light-transmitting body 10, so that the housing with the light-transmitting body 10 as the main body has good anti-destructive properties. Exemplarily, when tempering, the temperature of the molten salt can be between 400°C and 600°C, and the light-transmitting body 10 can be continuously immersed in the molten salt at this temperature for 5h - 10h. It can be understood that since the temperature of the molten salt is relatively high, in order to avoid the light-transmitting body 10 from exploding during the tempering process, the light-transmitting body 10 can be preheated to a certain temperature before entering the molten salt. After the light-transmitting body 10 completes the tempering process, the light-transmitting body 10 is cooled, and the light-transmitting body 10 is cleaned to remove the salt particles remaining on the surface of the light-transmitting body 10. After the light-transmitting body 10 is dried, the first shielding layer 20 can be formed on the second surface 12 of the light-transmitting body 10.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure also provides a housing. Refer to Figure 6 As shown, the housing 100 includes a light-transmitting body 10, a first shielding layer 20, a photochromic ink layer 30, a second shielding layer 40, and a cover bottom layer 50 that are stacked. The housing 100 can be used as the outer shell of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a tablet, or a watch. The housing 100 has a unique appearance effect to meet the appearance requirements of users for electronic devices.

[0100] The light-transmissive body 10 is the main structure of the housing. The light-transmissive body 10 can be formed of materials such as glass, composite materials, etc., so that the light-transmissive body 10 has light transmissivity, thereby enabling the color of the photochromic ink layer 30 to penetrate through the light-transmissive body 10 and reach the human eye. The light-transmissive body 10 can be a plate-like structure, which has a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 arranged opposite to each other. The first surface 11 serves as the appearance side of the housing, that is, the surface in contact with the user. A pattern area 111 and a non-pattern area 112 are provided on the first surface 11 of the light-transmissive body 10. The pattern area 111 and the non-pattern area 112 are formed by leaving textures or traces on the first surface 11 through processes such as etching and laser engraving on the first surface 11. In some examples, the etched or laser-engraved area forms the pattern area 111, and the remaining area forms the non-pattern area 112. In some other examples, referring to Figure 6 , the etched or laser-engraved area forms the non-pattern area 112. That is to say, the non-pattern area 112 includes a plurality of grooves formed by etching or laser engraving, and the remaining area forms the pattern area 111. The etched or laser-engraved area can present appearance effects with different roughness and haze, such as matte and flash sand, and the pattern will not fall off or become blurred with continuous use by the user.

[0101] Since the first shielding layer 20 is provided on the second surface 12 of the light-transmissive body 10, and the first shielding layer 20 corresponds to the position of the non-pattern area 112 and exposes the pattern area 111. That is to say, the first shielding layer 20 is provided between the non-pattern area 112 of the light-transmissive body 10 and the photochromic ink layer 30. The first shielding layer 20 shields the photochromic ink layer 30 located in the non-pattern area 112, so that when the user views from the first surface 11, the color of the photochromic ink layer 30 can be visually observed only in the pattern area 111, so that the appearance effect provided to the user by the finally formed housing is a pattern with a color effect, and the color in the pattern can also change under different light or viewing angles, enhancing the appearance interest.

[0102] Since the optically variable ink layer 30 covers the first shielding layer 20 and covers the pattern area 111 exposed by the first shielding layer 20, when the user visually observes from the first surface 11, due to the shielding of the non-pattern area 112 by the first shielding layer 20, the user can view the color of the optically variable ink layer 30 at the pattern area 111. The optically variable ink forming the optically variable ink layer 30 can be colorless or a certain color indoors or without ultraviolet light. After being irradiated by sunlight or ultraviolet light outdoors, it absorbs the energy of sunlight or ultraviolet light and changes to other colors, and returns to the original color after losing the sunlight or ultraviolet light irradiation, so that the user can visually observe different colors of the pattern area 111 under different ambient lights, increasing the appearance effect and appearance interest of the formed housing. Of course, in some examples, the ink forming the optically variable ink layer 30 can also be luminous ink, so that the user can visually observe different colors of the pattern area 111 during the day and at night or in the dark. In other examples, the ink forming the optically variable ink layer 30 can also be fluorescent ink, so that the user can visually observe different colors and fluorescent effect of the pattern area 111 under white light and lights with ultraviolet light spectrum. In other examples, the ink forming the optically variable ink layer 30 can also be angle-changing ink, so that the user can visually observe different colors of the pattern area 111 from different observation perspectives. It can be understood that the optically variable ink layer 30 can include multiple sub-film layers to ensure the bright color of the optically variable ink layer 30.

[0103] The bottom cover layer 50 in the housing 100 is used to protect the second shielding layer 40, the optically variable ink layer 30 and the first shielding layer 20 to prevent these layers from being damaged. However, the color of the bottom cover layer 50 is relatively dark. In order to avoid the color of the bottom cover layer 50 affecting the color effect of the optically variable ink layer 30, a second shielding layer 40 is provided between the bottom cover layer 50 and the optically variable ink layer 30. The second shielding layer 40 is used to shield the color of the bottom cover layer 50 to avoid the color of the bottom cover layer 50 affecting the color effect of the optically variable ink layer 30. The second shielding layer 40 can be a light color with good covering power such as white, light yellow, light blue, etc., to avoid the color of the second shielding layer 40 itself affecting the color effect of the optically variable ink layer 30. In some examples, the second shielding layer 40 is formed by white ink.

[0104] In some examples, referring to Figure 6 , in order to ensure the bright color of the optically variable ink layer 30, the optically variable ink layer 30 can include multiple sub-film layers, the thickness of each sub-film layer can be between 7μm and 9μm, and the thickness of the optically variable ink layer 30 can be between 15μm and 20μm.

[0105] In some examples, referring to Figure 6, to ensure the shielding effect of the second shielding layer 40, the second shielding layer 40 may include a plurality of sub-film layers, the thickness of each sub-film layer may be between 7 μm and 9 μm, and the thickness of the second shielding layer 40 may be between 25 μm and 30 μm.

[0106] In some examples, referring to Figure 6 , to ensure the protection effect of the cover bottom layer 50, the cover bottom layer 50 may include a plurality of sub-film layers, the thickness of each sub-film layer may be between 7 μm and 9 μm, and the thickness of the cover bottom layer 50 may be between 15 μm and 20 μm.

[0107] In some examples, referring to Figure 6 , since the first shielding layer 20 is used to shield the color of the photochromic ink layer 30 in the non-pattern area 112, the first shielding layer 20 only needs to make the color of the pattern area 111 different from that of the non-pattern area 112, protrude the color of the pattern area 111, and have a color change. Therefore, the first shielding layer 20 does not need a very strong shielding effect, and the thickness of the first shielding layer 20 can be relatively small. For example, the thickness of the first shielding layer 20 can be between 7 μm and 9 μm.

[0108] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an electronic device. The electronic device may be a device such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a sports bracelet, a watch, etc. The electronic device may include a device body and the housing provided in the above embodiments of the present disclosure. The housing can be used as the back shell of the electronic device and is closely attached to the device body. When the housing is assembled to the electronic device, the cover bottom layer in the housing is closely arranged with the device body, and the light-transmitting body of the housing serves as the appearance surface contacted by the user, so that during the use process of the user, light can penetrate the light-transmitting body of the housing, and the user can view the photochromic ink layer in the pattern area of the housing through the light-transmitting body. When the user is in different light source conditions (such as the presence or absence of a light source, different light source wavelengths, different viewing angles), the pattern area on the housing can present different colors. In this way, the electronic device can present a unique appearance effect, enhance the appearance interest of the electronic device, and improve the user experience.

[0109] Those skilled in the art will readily think of other embodiments of the present invention after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention, which follow the general principles of the present invention and include known common knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field not disclosed in this disclosure. The specification and embodiments are only regarded as exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present invention are pointed out by the following claims.

[0110] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present invention is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A manufacturing method of a housing, characterized in that, the manufacturing method includes: providing a light-transmitting body, the first surface of the light-transmitting body including a pattern area and a non-pattern area; forming a first shielding layer on the second surface of the light-transmitting body, the first shielding layer corresponding to the non-pattern area in position and exposing the pattern area, the second surface being disposed opposite to the first surface; forming a photochromic ink layer on the surface of the first shielding layer, the photochromic ink layer covering the first shielding layer and covering the pattern area exposed by the first shielding layer; forming a second shielding layer on the surface of the photochromic ink layer; forming a cover bottom layer on the surface of the second shielding layer to form the housing.

2. The manufacturing method of the housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, forming a photochromic ink layer on the surface of the first shielding layer includes: coating a photochromic ink on the surface of the first shielding layer, the photochromic ink covering the first shielding layer and covering the pattern area exposed by the first shielding layer to form a first sub-film layer; coating at least one layer of the photochromic ink on the surface of the first sub-film layer to form a second sub-film layer, the first sub-film layer and the second sub-film layer forming the photochromic ink layer; wherein, the photochromic ink is cured and formed under preset conditions to form the first sub-film layer and the second sub-film layer.

3. The manufacturing method of the housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, forming a second shielding layer on the surface of the photochromic ink layer includes: coating at least two layers of white ink on the surface of the photochromic ink layer, the white ink being cured and formed under preset conditions to form the second shielding layer.

4. The manufacturing method of the housing according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, when the curing treatment includes a thermal curing treatment, the thermal curing treatment includes a first curing treatment and a second curing treatment carried out in sequence; wherein, the preset conditions corresponding to the first curing treatment include: the curing temperature is 140°C - 160°C, and the curing time is 4 min - 7 min; and / or, the preset conditions corresponding to the second curing treatment include: the curing temperature is 140°C - 160°C, and the curing time is 0.5 h - 1 h.

5. The manufacturing method of the housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, the method for forming the pattern area and the non-pattern area includes: based on a preset pattern, determining the positions of the pattern area and the non-pattern area on the first surface of the light-transmitting body; forming a protective layer on the outer surface of the light-transmitting body except for the non-pattern area; immersing the light-transmitting body in an etching solution, and the etching solution etches the non-pattern area; removing the protective layer, and the remaining first surface forms the pattern area.

6. The manufacturing method of the housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first shielding layer, the photochromic ink layer, the second shielding layer and the cover bottom layer are formed by a screen printing process.

7. The manufacturing method of the housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, the light-transmitting body includes glass; Before forming the first shielding layer, the light-transmitting body is successively subjected to polishing treatment, toughening treatment, and cleaning treatment.

8. A housing, characterized in that, the housing includes: a light-transmitting body, on the first surface of the light-transmitting body, there are a pattern area and a non-pattern area; a first shielding layer, the first shielding layer is disposed on the second surface of the light-transmitting body, the first shielding layer corresponds to the non-pattern area in position and exposes the pattern area, and the second surface is disposed opposite to the first surface; a photochromic ink layer, the photochromic ink layer covers the first shielding layer and covers the pattern area exposed by the first shielding layer; a second shielding layer, the second shielding layer covers the photochromic ink layer; a cover bottom layer, the cover bottom layer covers the second shielding layer.

9. The housing according to claim 8, characterized in that, both the photochromic ink layer and the second shielding layer include a plurality of sub-film layers, and the thickness of each sub-film layer is 7 μm - 9 μm.

10. The housing according to claim 9, characterized in that, the thickness of the first shielding layer is 7 μm - 9 μm; and / or, the thickness of the photochromic ink layer is 15 μm - 20 μm; and / or, the thickness of the second shielding layer is 25 μm - 30 μm; and / or, the thickness of the cover bottom layer is 15 μm - 20 μm.

11. The housing according to claim 8, characterized in that, the non-pattern area includes a plurality of grooves on the first surface.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, the electronic device includes a device main body and the housing according to any one of claims 8 - 11, and the cover bottom layer of the housing is closely attached to the device main body.

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