Texture liquid crystal film and film covering piece with same

Abstract

The utility model provides a texture liquid crystal film and a film covering piece with the texture liquid crystal film. The texture liquid crystal film comprises a base material layer, a liquid crystal layer and a texture plate. The liquid crystal layer is arranged on the base material layer, and the texture plate is arranged on the liquid crystal layer. A texture structure is arranged on the face, making contact with the liquid crystal layer, of the texture plate. Wherein the thickness of the liquid crystal layer is not less than 3 microns, the surface of the liquid crystal layer is provided with an impressing texture formed by means of a texture structure of the texture plate in a semi-solidified state, and the impressing texture and the texture structure are in a complementary form. The texture liquid crystal film provided by the utility model can improve the texture and impression of the liquid crystal film, and is easy to manufacture; meanwhile, the liquid crystal film is covered and protected by the texture plate in the shipment and transportation processes, and texture abrasion on the liquid crystal layer can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid crystal film technology, and in particular to a textured liquid crystal film and a coating component having the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the consumer electronics market, the demands for product aesthetics and tactile experience are increasing. This is especially true for smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, and automotive displays, where users have higher expectations for the visual effects and tactile feedback of the device's surface. Traditional surface treatment technologies, such as spraying, electroplating, or printing, while improving the appearance of products to some extent, are often limited by process complexity, cost, and environmental requirements, making it difficult to meet the market's demand for high-quality, personalized products.

[0003] Liquid crystal film technology, as an emerging surface decoration solution, is gradually attracting industry attention due to its unique visual effects and tactile experience. Liquid crystal films achieve precise control over light through the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules, thus displaying rich colors and dynamic effects. However, existing liquid crystal film products still have certain limitations in texture representation, making it difficult to achieve complex, intricate, and personalized texture designs while maintaining the basic performance of liquid crystal films.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a textured liquid crystal film that can improve the texture and appearance of the liquid crystal film and is easy to manufacture.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model employs the following technical solution: a textured liquid crystal film, comprising a substrate layer, wherein the textured liquid crystal film further comprises:

[0007] A liquid crystal layer is disposed on the substrate layer; and,

[0008] A texture plate is disposed on the liquid crystal layer, and a texture structure is provided on the side of the texture plate that contacts the liquid crystal layer;

[0009] The thickness of the liquid crystal layer is not less than 3μm, and its surface has an embossed texture formed by the texture structure of the texture plate in a semi-cured state. The embossed texture and the texture structure are complementary.

[0010] Optionally, the textured plate is a release liner.

[0011] Optionally, the textured board is a PET board or a PC board.

[0012] Optionally, the liquid crystal layer is a stretchable liquid crystal layer, which is pre-coated on a transfer film and then transferred to the substrate layer.

[0013] Optionally, the liquid crystal layer is cured by heating and UV irradiation.

[0014] Optionally, an adhesive layer is provided on the substrate layer, and the liquid crystal layer is transferred and adhered to the adhesive layer.

[0015] Optionally, the adhesive layer is a dual-curing UV adhesive layer, which is partially cured by heating and fully cured by UV irradiation.

[0016] Optionally, the substrate layer is an explosion-proof film, which includes a release film, an OCA layer and a substrate layer stacked in sequence.

[0017] Optionally, the substrate layer is a PET layer with a thickness of 40-60 μm, the OCA layer has a thickness of 20-30 μm, and the release film has a thickness of 100-150 μm.

[0018] This utility model is also implemented using the following technical solution: a coated part, comprising a substrate and a liquid crystal film attached to the substrate, wherein the liquid crystal film is a textured liquid crystal film as described above.

[0019] The textured liquid crystal film provided by this utility model includes a substrate layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a texture plate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed on the substrate layer, and the texture plate is disposed on the liquid crystal layer. The texture plate has a textured structure on the side in contact with the liquid crystal layer. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer is not less than 3μm. The liquid crystal layer is formed by covering the texture plate in an uncured state to imprint a textured pattern onto the textured structure, followed by curing. The imprinted texture is complementary to the textured structure, resulting in a liquid crystal film with a textured effect. This improves the texture and appearance of the liquid crystal film and is easy to manufacture. At the same time, the texture plate protects the liquid crystal film during shipping and transportation, preventing wear on the textured surface of the liquid crystal layer. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only involve some embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first embodiment of the textured liquid crystal film of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the textured liquid crystal film of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the textured liquid crystal film of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 3 of the textured liquid crystal film of this utility model.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 100. Textured liquid crystal film; 1. Substrate layer; 11. Release film; 12. OCA layer; 13. Matrix layer; 2. Liquid crystal layer; 21. Texture; 3. Texture plate; 31. Texture structure; 4. Adhesive layer. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0028] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this utility model patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the," etc., do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising," "including," etc., mean that the element or object preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or "including," and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "far," and "near" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0032] This invention proposes a new technical solution for textured liquid crystal film, aiming to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, improve the texture and appearance of liquid crystal film, and simplify the manufacturing process and reduce production costs.

[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the textured liquid crystal film 100 provided by this utility model mainly includes a substrate layer 1, a liquid crystal layer 2, and a texture plate 3. The liquid crystal layer 2 is disposed on the substrate layer 1, and the texture plate 3 is disposed on the liquid crystal layer 2. A texture structure 31 is provided on the surface of the texture plate 3 that contacts the liquid crystal layer 2. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 2 is not less than 3 μm. The liquid crystal layer 2 is formed by covering the texture plate 3 in an uncured state to imprint an embossed texture 21 using the texture structure 31, followed by curing. The surface of the liquid crystal layer 2 has an embossed texture 21 formed in a semi-cured state using the texture structure 31 of the texture plate 3, and the embossed texture 21 and the texture structure 31 are complementary.

[0034] The textured liquid crystal film 100 proposed in this utility model is a liquid crystal film with a textured effect, which can improve the texture and appearance of the liquid crystal film and is easy to manufacture; at the same time, the liquid crystal film 100 is covered and protected by the textured plate 3 during shipment and transportation, which can prevent the texture on the liquid crystal layer 2 from being worn.

[0035] The components will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustration shown is a first embodiment of the textured liquid crystal film 100 of this utility model. In this embodiment, the textured liquid crystal film 100 includes a substrate layer 1, a liquid crystal layer 2, and a texture plate 3 stacked sequentially from bottom to top.

[0038] The substrate layer 1 serves as the supporting body for the textured liquid crystal film 100, and its material and structure can be selected and designed according to specific requirements. In some embodiments, the substrate layer 1 can be made of materials with excellent physical properties and chemical stability, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film and PC (polycarbonate) film.

[0039] The liquid crystal layer 2 is disposed on the substrate layer 1. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 2 is a stretchable liquid crystal layer. The material of the liquid crystal layer 2 should have good fluidity and plasticity so that a clear texture can be imprinted by the texture plate 3 in the uncured state. At the same time, the material should also have stable liquid crystal performance to ensure that it maintains excellent visual effects under different environmental conditions. In this embodiment, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 2 is set to be not less than 3μm to ensure the clarity of the imprinted texture 21 and the performance of the liquid crystal film 100. An excessively thin liquid crystal layer 2 may crack or fail to maintain a uniform thickness during the imprinting process, resulting in blurred texture or unstable liquid crystal performance, affecting the performance of the final product. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 2 refers to the vertical distance between the lower surface and the upper surface of the liquid crystal layer 2, which can be understood as the thickness when the texture is not imprinted. Since the upper surface is provided with the imprinted texture 21, the imprinted texture 21 may have a part higher than the upper surface of the liquid crystal layer 2 (i.e., convex texture) and a part lower than the upper surface of the liquid crystal layer 2 (i.e., concave texture). For cases where the convex and concave textures are roughly symmetrical, the upper surface is approximately located at the midline of the line connecting the convex and concave textures. In some embodiments, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 2 is 5-80 μm. Specifically, a thickness of approximately 5-15 μm is suitable for forming a fine texture structure, which can be used to reflect light and achieve a dazzling effect; a thickness of approximately 10-40 μm is suitable for forming decorative textures that are visually apparent, primarily serving a decorative function; and a thickness of approximately 30-80 μm is suitable for forming a more three-dimensional and complex structure to meet the needs of diverse appearances.

[0040] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer 2 can be formed on the substrate layer 1 by coating; in other embodiments, the liquid crystal layer 2 can also be pre-coated on a transfer film and transferred to the substrate layer 1 in a semi-cured state. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 2 has the characteristic of being semi-cured by heating and drying, and then fully cured by UV light irradiation. The liquid crystal layer 2 is pre-coated on a transfer film, which is an easily peelable release film. The liquid crystal layer 2 is semi-cured on the transfer film by heating and drying, and then transferred and attached to the substrate layer 1.

[0041] The texture plate 3 is disposed on the liquid crystal layer 2 and is used to imprint the liquid crystal layer 2 in an uncured state to form the desired imprinted texture 21 on the liquid crystal layer 2. A texture structure 31 is provided on the side of the texture plate 3 that contacts the liquid crystal layer 2. The design of the texture structure 31 can be customized according to specific needs to achieve different visual effects and tactile feedback. For example, textures with a three-dimensional feel, textures with varying gloss, or textures with special patterns can be designed. The texture plate 3 can be a release liner, such as a PET sheet or a PC sheet. These materials have good surface flatness and processing performance, facilitating the processing of the desired texture structure 31; moreover, the texture plate 3 can be peeled off from the liquid crystal layer 2, making the imprinted texture 21 on the liquid crystal layer 2 an exposed surface, enhancing the visual and tactile experience. In some embodiments, during the transportation of the textured liquid crystal film 100, the textured plate 3 is attached to the liquid crystal layer 2 to protect the liquid crystal layer 2. After the textured liquid crystal film 100 reaches the consumer or secondary processor, the consumer or secondary processor can attach the textured liquid crystal film 100 to the object to which it needs to be attached, such as a mobile phone case or screen, and then peel off the textured plate 3.

[0042] While the liquid crystal layer 2 is in an uncured state, preferably a semi-cured state, it is brought into contact with the texture plate 3, and a certain pressure and temperature are applied using an embossing machine or roller press to fill the texture structure 31 of the texture plate 3 with the liquid crystal layer 2 material. Parameters such as pressure, temperature, and embossing time are controlled to ensure the clarity and depth of the texture. Then, UV curing is used to solidify and shape the liquid crystal layer 2, forming a stable embossed texture 21. The surface of the liquid crystal layer 2 has the embossed texture 21 formed by the texture structure 31 of the texture plate 3 in the semi-cured state, and the embossed texture 21 and the texture structure 31 are complementary. The complementary state means that the embossed texture 21 on the liquid crystal layer 2 and the texture structure 31 on the texture plate 3 are mutually embedded and filled; that is, the concave portions on the texture structure 31 are filled by the convex portions formed on the liquid crystal layer 2, and the convex portions on the texture structure 31 fill the corresponding concave portions on the liquid crystal layer 2.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] Figure 3 The illustration shown is a second embodiment of the textured liquid crystal film 100 of this utility model. The main difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that an adhesive layer 4 is also provided on the substrate layer 1, and the liquid crystal layer 2 is adhered to the substrate layer 1 through the adhesive layer 4.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 2 is pre-coated onto the transfer film and dried by heating to a semi-cured state; an adhesive layer 4 is coated onto the substrate layer 1; then, the semi-cured liquid crystal layer 2 is transferred onto the adhesive layer 4, and the transfer film is removed. The adhesive layer 4 is disposed on the substrate layer 1 to firmly bond the liquid crystal layer 2 to the substrate layer 1. During the transfer process, the adhesive layer 4 is used to firmly bond the liquid crystal layer 2 to the substrate layer 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, since the liquid crystal layer 2 and the substrate layer 1 are connected by the adhesive layer 4, the material of the substrate layer 1 is not required to have good bonding performance with the liquid crystal layer 2, thus allowing for a wider range of choices for the substrate layer 1. In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 4 is a dual-curing UV adhesive layer, which is partially cured by heating and fully cured by UV irradiation. The curing process of the adhesive layer 4 includes two steps: partial curing by heating and full curing by UV irradiation. The partial curing by heating gives the adhesive layer 4 a certain degree of stickiness, facilitating the transfer of the liquid crystal layer 2; the full curing by UV irradiation gives the adhesive layer 4 its final strength, ensuring a strong bond between the liquid crystal film and the substrate layer 1. In addition, the adhesive layer 4 and the liquid crystal layer 2 can be cured in the same UV irradiation curing process, which simplifies the process and simultaneously ensures good bonding performance between the adhesive layer 4 and the liquid crystal layer 2.

[0047] For any parts not mentioned in this embodiment, please refer to the settings in Embodiment 1.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] Figure 4 The illustration shown is a third embodiment of the textured liquid crystal film 100 of this utility model. The main difference between embodiment three and embodiment two lies in the selection of the substrate layer 1.

[0050] In this embodiment, the substrate layer 1 is an explosion-proof film. The explosion-proof film consists of a release film 11, an OCA layer 12, and a substrate layer 13 stacked sequentially to enhance the impact resistance and explosion-proof capability of the liquid crystal film. The substrate layer 13 serves as the main body of the explosion-proof film. In this embodiment, the substrate layer 13 is a PET layer with a thickness of 40-60 μm, specifically 45 μm, 50 μm, 55 μm, etc. The OCA layer 12, also known as the optical adhesive layer, is used to bond the textured liquid crystal film 100 to other components to be attached, i.e., it is intended for consumers or secondary processors to bond with other components. In this embodiment, the thickness of the OCA layer 12 is 20-30 μm, specifically 22 μm, 25 μm, 28 μm, etc. The release film 11 is used to protect the OCA layer 12 and prevent the OCA layer 12 from being contaminated or adhering to other objects during transportation. The release film 11 is peeled off from the OCA layer 12 during subsequent use and processing. In this embodiment, the thickness of the release film 11 is 100-150μm, specifically 110μm, 120μm, 130μm, 140μm, etc.

[0051] For any parts not mentioned in this embodiment, please refer to Embodiment 2 for configuration.

[0052] The following describes the preparation process using the textured liquid crystal film 100 shown in Example 3 as an example.

[0053] Step 1: A high-strength liquid crystal layer 2 is coated onto the PET release film, which serves as the transfer film. The coating method can be blade coating, spin coating, or spray coating, etc., to form a uniform liquid crystal layer 2 on the transfer film. The liquid crystal layer 2 is semi-cured by heating methods such as baking.

[0054] Step 2: Apply dual-curing UV adhesive to the explosion-proof film, which serves as the substrate layer 1, to form an adhesive layer 4. The application method can be blade coating, screen printing, or spraying. By controlling parameters such as coating speed, pressure, and temperature, the dual-curing UV adhesive is evenly applied to the substrate layer 1.

[0055] Step 3: The liquid crystal layer 2 from step 1 is bonded and adhered to the adhesive layer 4 from step 2, and the PET release film, which serves as the transfer film, is removed.

[0056] Step 4: The texture plate 3 is placed on the semi-cured liquid crystal layer 2, and a certain pressure and temperature are applied to fill the texture structure 31 of the texture plate 3 with the liquid crystal layer 2 material.

[0057] Step 5 involves passing the composite film from step 4 through a UV curing device. UV irradiation is used to completely cure the liquid crystal layer 2 and the adhesive layer 4, so that the liquid crystal layer 2 forms a stable embossed texture 21 and a strong bond is formed between the liquid crystal layer 2 and the substrate layer 1.

[0058] This utility model also provides a coated component, which includes a substrate and a liquid crystal film attached to the substrate. The liquid crystal film is a textured liquid crystal film 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. The coated component can be a back panel of an electronic device, a shell for an electronic device, a display screen, a vehicle interior panel, etc. The substrate refers to components such as a back panel of an electronic device, a shell for an electronic device, a display screen, and a vehicle interior panel that have not yet been fitted with the textured liquid crystal film 100. The coated component is formed by attaching the textured liquid crystal film 100 to these components. These coated components, due to the attachment of the textured liquid crystal film 100, have better appearance and texture, which helps to improve product quality.

[0059] As described above in the specific embodiments, the textured liquid crystal film 100 provided by this invention achieves complex, fine, and personalized texture designs by imprinting the liquid crystal layer 2 onto the texture plate 3. These textures enhance the texture and appearance of the liquid crystal film 100, providing users with unique visual effects and tactile feedback. The manufacturing process of this invention is relatively simple, requiring no complex processing equipment or steps. Furthermore, the use of stretchable liquid crystal layer 2 and dual-curing UV adhesive improves production efficiency and product yield. The adhesive layer 4 in this invention uses dual-curing UV adhesive, which, after heat semi-curing, facilitates the transfer of the liquid crystal layer 2 onto the adhesive layer 4. Then, after UV irradiation, it is fully cured together with the liquid crystal layer 2, resulting in a strong bond between the liquid crystal layer 2 and the substrate layer 1. Additionally, during shipping and transportation, the texture plate 3 covers the liquid crystal layer 2, effectively preventing wear or damage to the texture on the liquid crystal layer 2. This helps maintain the texture clarity and overall aesthetics of the liquid crystal film 100.

[0060] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A textured liquid crystal film, comprising a substrate layer, characterized in that, The textured liquid crystal film also includes: A liquid crystal layer is attached to the substrate layer; and, A textured plate is attached to the liquid crystal layer, and a textured structure is provided on the side of the textured plate that contacts the liquid crystal layer; wherein, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer is not less than 3μm, and its surface has an embossed texture formed by the textured structure of the textured plate in a semi-cured state, and the embossed texture and the textured structure are complementary.

2. The textured liquid crystal film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The textured board is a release liner.

3. The textured liquid crystal film as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The textured board is a PET board or a PC board.

4. The textured liquid crystal film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal layer is a stretchable liquid crystal layer, which is pre-coated on a transfer film and then transferred to the substrate layer.

5. The textured liquid crystal film as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The liquid crystal layer is cured by heating and UV irradiation.

6. The textured liquid crystal film as described in claim 5, characterized in that, An adhesive layer is disposed on the substrate layer, and the liquid crystal layer is transferred and adhered to the adhesive layer.

7. The textured liquid crystal film as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The adhesive layer is a dual-curing UV adhesive layer, which is partially cured by heating and fully cured by UV irradiation.

8. The textured liquid crystal film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate layer is an explosion-proof film, which includes a release film, an OCA layer and a base layer stacked in sequence.

9. The textured liquid crystal film as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The substrate layer is a PET layer with a thickness of 40-60 μm, the OCA layer has a thickness of 20-30 μm, and the release film has a thickness of 100-150 μm.

10. A coated component, characterized in that, It includes a substrate and a liquid crystal film attached to the surface of the substrate, wherein the liquid crystal film is a textured liquid crystal film as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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