Color liquid crystal film with set pattern and housing device for electronic device

Abstract

This invention provides a color liquid crystal film with a predetermined pattern and a housing device for an electronic device. The color liquid crystal film includes a substrate layer and a liquid crystal layer for forming the predetermined pattern. The liquid crystal layer is formed by mixing at least two liquid crystal solutions with different reflection wavelengths in a predetermined ratio using a printing device and printing them onto the substrate layer according to a printing path defined by the predetermined pattern. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer is 0.05-0.45 μm, and after curing, it forms the predetermined pattern and adheres to the surface of the substrate layer. This invention aims to solve the problems of complex manufacturing processes, high costs, weak color and pattern customization, poor adhesion, and insufficient durability of existing liquid crystal films. It provides a color liquid crystal film with a predetermined pattern, which has a simple and low-cost manufacturing process, enables precise control and personalized customization of complex patterns, and has good adhesion and durability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid crystal film technology, specifically to a color liquid crystal film with a predetermined pattern and a housing device for an electronic device to which the color liquid crystal film is attached. This color liquid crystal film is formed on a substrate layer using a unique printing device to create an ultra-thin liquid crystal layer with specific colors and patterns. It can be widely used for the decoration of housing devices for electronic devices, providing aesthetically pleasing and personalized appearance solutions for electronic products. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread use of electronic products and the increasing demand for personalization among consumers, the appearance and decoration of electronic devices have become increasingly important. Traditional electronic device casings or protective cases mostly use monochrome or simple pattern designs, which are difficult to satisfy consumers' pursuit of personalization and aesthetics. Although some decorative film materials have appeared on the market, such as colored stickers and transfer films, these products often have problems such as limited color options, blurry patterns, easy peeling, and poor durability.

[0003] Liquid crystal film, as a new type of decorative film material, has gradually attracted market attention due to its advantages such as rich colors, clear patterns, and wear resistance. However, existing liquid crystal film manufacturing processes have many shortcomings. On the one hand, traditional liquid crystal film manufacturing processes are complex, costly, and difficult to achieve precise control over complex patterns; on the other hand, existing liquid crystal films have limitations in terms of color and pattern customization, making it difficult to meet the diverse needs of consumers.

[0004] Specifically, existing liquid crystal films are mostly formed using processes such as coating, vapor deposition, or screen printing. These processes have high requirements for equipment and materials, and it is difficult to achieve high-precision, high-resolution pattern printing. In addition, existing liquid crystal films often use a single thermal curing or photocuring method during the curing process, resulting in poor adhesion and durability of the liquid crystal layer. At the same time, existing liquid crystal films are relatively thick, making it difficult to meet the development trend of thinner and lighter electronic devices.

[0005] Therefore, it is particularly important to develop a color liquid crystal film that is simple to manufacture, low in cost, highly customizable in color and pattern, has good adhesion and high durability. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention aims to solve the problems of complex manufacturing processes, high costs, weak color and pattern customization, poor adhesion, and insufficient durability of existing liquid crystal film manufacturing processes. It provides a color liquid crystal film with a set pattern. This liquid crystal film has a simple manufacturing process, low cost, and can achieve precise control and personalized customization of complex patterns, while also having good adhesion and durability.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a color liquid crystal film with a predetermined pattern, comprising a substrate layer and a liquid crystal layer for forming the predetermined pattern. The liquid crystal layer is formed by mixing at least two liquid crystal solutions with different reflection wavelengths in a predetermined ratio using a printing device, and printing them onto the substrate layer according to a printing path defined by the predetermined pattern.

[0008] Specifically, the liquid crystal layer is printed by mixing a first liquid crystal solution and a second liquid crystal solution. The reflection wavelength of the first liquid crystal solution is 380-450nm, and the reflection wavelength of the second liquid crystal solution is 620-750nm. By adjusting the ratio of the two liquid crystal solutions and the printing path, different colors and patterns can be customized.

[0009] The printing equipment is preferably a color inkjet printer, which can achieve high-precision pattern printing and precise control of the liquid crystal solution. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer is 0.05-0.45μm, preferably 0.10-0.20μm, to ensure the clarity of the pattern and the ultra-thin characteristics of the liquid crystal layer. After thermosetting and photocuring, the liquid crystal layer forms the set pattern and firmly adheres to the surface of the substrate layer, improving the durability and adhesion of the liquid crystal layer.

[0010] Furthermore, the color liquid crystal film of this invention may also include an upper release film attached to the surface of the liquid crystal layer to protect the liquid crystal layer from damage during transportation and storage. An adhesive layer may also be present on the substrate layer opposite the liquid crystal layer, as well as a lower release film attached to the adhesive layer, to facilitate the bonding and fixing of the color liquid crystal film. The substrate layer may be one or a composite layer of PC, PET, composite board, explosion-proof film, and glass plate to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0011] The color liquid crystal film of this utility model has the following significant technical effects:

[0012] By using printing equipment to directly print liquid crystal solution onto a substrate layer, complex coating, vapor deposition, or screen printing processes are eliminated, reducing manufacturing costs. By adjusting the proportions of liquid crystal solutions with different reflection wavelengths and the printing path, precise control and personalized customization of complex patterns can be achieved. The liquid crystal layer is ultra-thin, resulting in high pattern clarity, and exhibits strong adhesion and durability after thermosetting and photocuring. This colored liquid crystal film is suitable for decorating the casings of electronic devices, such as mobile phone cases and tablet protective cases, providing aesthetically pleasing and personalized appearance solutions for electronic products.

[0013] In addition, the design of the upper and lower release films protects the liquid crystal layer and the adhesive layer, facilitating transportation, storage, and use. Attached Figure Description

[0014] 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.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color liquid crystal film of this utility model, embodiment one.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the color liquid crystal film of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the color liquid crystal film of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the color liquid crystal film of this utility model, embodiment three.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0020] 100. Color liquid crystal film; 1. Substrate layer; 2. Liquid crystal layer; 3. Upper release film; 4. Adhesive layer; 5. Lower release film. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] This utility model relates to a color liquid crystal film with a predetermined pattern and its application. Specifically, it involves forming an ultra-thin liquid crystal layer with a specific color and pattern on a substrate layer using a printing device. This liquid crystal film can be widely used in the decoration of electronic device casings, providing aesthetically pleasing and personalized appearance solutions for electronic products. The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this utility model provides a color liquid crystal film 100 with a predetermined pattern, comprising a substrate layer 1 and a liquid crystal layer 2. The liquid crystal layer 2 is used to form the predetermined pattern. The liquid crystal layer 2 is formed by mixing at least two liquid crystal solutions with different reflection wavelengths in a predetermined ratio using a printing device and printing them onto the substrate layer 1 according to a printing path defined by the predetermined pattern. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 2 is 0.05-0.45 μm, and after curing, it forms the predetermined pattern and adheres to the surface of the substrate layer 1.

[0027] The color liquid crystal film 100 provided by this utility model is formed by directly printing liquid crystal solution onto the substrate layer 1 using a printing device, eliminating the need for complex coating, vapor deposition, or screen printing processes, thus reducing manufacturing costs. By adjusting the proportion of liquid crystal solutions with different reflection wavelengths and the printing path, precise control and personalized customization of complex patterns can be achieved. The liquid crystal layer 2 is ultra-thin, with high pattern clarity, and exhibits strong adhesion and good durability after thermosetting and photocuring. This color liquid crystal film 100 is suitable for the decoration of electronic device casings, such as mobile phone cases and tablet computer protective cases, providing aesthetically pleasing and personalized appearance solutions for electronic products.

[0028] The components will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustration shown is a diagram of a first embodiment of the color liquid crystal film 100 of this utility model. In this embodiment, the color liquid crystal film 100 includes a substrate layer 1 and a liquid crystal layer 2 printed on the substrate layer 1 using a printing device.

[0031] The substrate layer 1 serves as the supporting structure for the color liquid crystal film 100, and its material and performance affect the overall performance of the liquid crystal film 100. In some embodiments of this utility model, the substrate layer 1 can be selected as one or a composite layer of PC, PET, composite board, explosion-proof film, and glass plate. Different substrate materials can be selected as needed to meet the requirements of different application scenarios. For example, PC (polycarbonate) material has high strength, high transparency, and good impact resistance, making it suitable for occasions with high mechanical performance requirements; PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material has excellent chemical corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, and processing performance, and its cost is relatively low, making it suitable for large-scale production; composite board is composed of multiple materials, combining the advantages of each material, and can be customized according to specific needs; explosion-proof film has explosion-proof and scratch-proof functions, making it suitable for electronic devices with high safety requirements; glass plate has high hardness, high transparency, and good optical performance, making it suitable for high-end electronic products.

[0032] The liquid crystal layer 2 is the core component of this invention. It is an ultra-thin liquid crystal layer with a predetermined pattern, formed using a unique printing device. Specifically, the liquid crystal layer 2 is formed by mixing at least two liquid crystal solutions with different reflection wavelengths in a predetermined ratio and printing them onto a substrate layer according to a printing path defined by the predetermined pattern.

[0033] In this embodiment, a first liquid crystal solution and a second liquid crystal solution are mixed for printing. The first liquid crystal solution has a reflection wavelength of 380-450nm, corresponding to the violet-blue light region, while the second liquid crystal solution has a reflection wavelength of 620-750nm, corresponding to the red light region. By adjusting the ratio of the two liquid crystal solutions, different colors can be customized.

[0034] The preferred printing equipment is a color inkjet printer, capable of high-precision pattern printing and precise control of the liquid crystal solution. During printing, according to the printing path defined by the set pattern, the mixed liquid crystal solution is precisely printed onto the substrate layer 1 to form the liquid crystal layer 2 of the set pattern. The first and second liquid crystal solutions are used as inks for the color inkjet printer and are contained in the ink cartridge of the color inkjet printer. When the color inkjet printer starts printing, it selects different proportions of the first and second liquid crystal solutions in the ink cartridge, mixes them, and prints them onto the substrate layer 1 according to the preset path to print the pattern input by the user. Figure 2 As shown, the liquid crystal layer 2 forms a pattern of a lily.

[0035] The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 2 is 0.05-0.45 μm, preferably 0.10-0.20 μm, and can specifically be 0.1 μm, 0.15 μm, or 0.20 μm. That is, an ultra-thin liquid crystal layer 2 can be formed by printing, which helps to reduce the overall thickness of the liquid crystal film, saves costs, makes the product more aesthetically pleasing, and at the same time ensures that the pattern has high clarity.

[0036] The liquid crystal layer 2 forms a predetermined pattern after thermal curing and photocuring, and is firmly attached to the surface of the substrate layer 1. Thermal curing helps to orient and stabilize the liquid crystal molecules, while photocuring further improves the adhesion and durability of the liquid crystal layer 2.

[0037] Example 2:

[0038] Figure 3 The illustration shown is a second embodiment of the color liquid crystal film 100 of this utility model. The main difference between embodiment two and embodiment one is that it also includes an upper release film 3 attached to the surface of the liquid crystal layer 2.

[0039] The upper release film 3 is attached to the surface of the liquid crystal layer 2 after it is formed by inkjet printing. The upper release film 3 is used to protect the liquid crystal layer 2 from damage during transportation and storage. The upper release film 3 has good peelability and chemical corrosion resistance, and can be easily peeled off when needed without leaving any residue.

[0040] For any parts not mentioned in this embodiment, please refer to the settings in Embodiment 1.

[0041] Example 3:

[0042] Figure 4 The illustration shown is of Embodiment 3 of the color liquid crystal film 100 of this utility model. The main difference between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 2 is that the substrate layer 1 has an adhesive layer 4 on the opposite side from the liquid crystal layer 2, and a lower release film 5 attached to the adhesive layer 4.

[0043] In this embodiment, an adhesive layer 4 is provided on the side of the substrate layer 1 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 2, and a lower release film 5 is attached to the adhesive layer 4. The adhesive layer 4 is used to adhere the color liquid crystal film 100 to decorative components such as the casing of electronic devices, while the lower release film 5 protects the adhesive layer 4 from contamination and damage during transportation and storage. When adhesion is required, the color liquid crystal film 100 can be adhered to the target surface by peeling off the lower release film 5.

[0044] For any parts not mentioned in this embodiment, please refer to Embodiment 2 for configuration.

[0045] The following describes the preparation process using the color liquid crystal film 100 shown in Example 3 as an example.

[0046] 1. Substrate preparation. Select appropriate substrate material according to specific needs and perform necessary pretreatment, such as cleaning and drying, to ensure the cleanliness and flatness of the substrate surface.

[0047] 2. Liquid Crystal Solution Preparation. Users simply assemble the liquid crystal solution into the color inkjet printer like assembling an ink cartridge. In subsequent operations, the liquid crystal solution preparation is handled automatically by the printer. Specifically, the printer automatically mixes the first and second liquid crystal solutions according to the required proportions for the desired output color, forming a mixed liquid crystal solution with a specific color and reflection wavelength. The first and second liquid crystal solutions are essentially equivalent to the ink used in the color inkjet printer, and the printer automatically adjusts the ratio of the first and second liquid crystal solutions based on the output color.

[0048] 3. Printing the Pattern. The color inkjet printer prints according to the print path defined by the set pattern. During the printing process, the color inkjet printer operates at appropriate parameters such as printing speed, printing pressure, and printing temperature to ensure the clarity and accuracy of the pattern. Because the properties of liquid crystal solutions differ from the color inks typically used in color inkjet printers, the printing speed, printing pressure, and printing temperature parameters when printing liquid crystal solutions with a color inkjet printer will differ from those of traditional color ink printing, requiring appropriate adjustments to these parameters.

[0049] 4. Curing Process. After printing, the color liquid crystal film 100 is placed in a curing device for thermal curing and photocuring. The thermal curing temperature and time need to be optimized according to the characteristics of the liquid crystal material, while photocuring requires the use of a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light source. After the curing process, the liquid crystal layer forms the set pattern and is firmly attached to the surface of the substrate layer.

[0050] 5. Applying adhesive and attaching release film. As needed, attach release film 3 to the surface of liquid crystal layer 2 to protect it from damage during transportation and storage. Simultaneously, apply adhesive layer 4 to the other side of the substrate layer and attach release film 5 to facilitate the adhesion and fixation of the color liquid crystal film 100.

[0051] The color liquid crystal film 100 of this embodiment can be widely used in the decoration of the casing of electronic devices. The casing can be the outer shell of the electronic device itself, such as its back panel, or it can be a protective case that can be additionally mounted on the electronic device, such as a mobile phone case or a tablet computer case.

[0052] The specific application method of the color liquid crystal film 100 to the housing device is as follows: A thin layer of adhesive is applied to the surface of the electronic device housing device that needs decoration (if a color liquid crystal film 100 with a built-in adhesive layer is used, such as as shown in Embodiment 3 of this utility model, this step is unnecessary). Then, the adhesive layer 4 of the color liquid crystal film 100 is aligned with the surface of the housing device and pasted thereon. During the pasting process, it is necessary to ensure that the color liquid crystal film 100 is tightly adhered to the surface of the housing device to avoid air bubbles or wrinkles.

[0053] As can be seen from the above description of several specific embodiments, the color liquid crystal film 100 of this embodiment has the following significant technical effects: The liquid crystal solution is directly printed onto the substrate layer 1 using a printing device, eliminating the need for complex coating, vapor deposition, or screen printing processes, thus reducing manufacturing costs. By adjusting the proportion of liquid crystal solutions with different reflection wavelengths and the printing path, precise control and personalized customization of complex patterns can be achieved. Consumers can choose their preferred patterns and colors to create a unique appearance for electronic devices. The liquid crystal layer 2 is ultra-thin, with high pattern clarity, and exhibits strong adhesion and good durability after thermosetting and photosetting, maintaining pattern clarity and color vibrancy for a long time. It is suitable for decorative casings of electronic devices, such as mobile phone cases and tablet protective cases, providing aesthetically pleasing and personalized appearance solutions for electronic products. The design of the upper release film 3 and the lower release film 5 protects the liquid crystal layer 2 and the adhesive layer 4, facilitating transportation, storage, and use.

[0054] 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 color liquid crystal film having a set pattern, comprising a substrate layer, characterized by, Also includes: A liquid crystal layer for forming the defined pattern is formed by mixing at least two liquid crystal solutions with different reflective wavelengths in a defined ratio and printing them onto a substrate layer according to a printing path defined by the defined pattern using a color inkjet printer; and The upper release film attached to the surface of the liquid crystal layer; The liquid crystal layer is formed by mixing and printing a first liquid crystal solution and a second liquid crystal solution. The reflection wavelength of the first liquid crystal solution is 380-450nm, and the reflection wavelength of the second liquid crystal solution is 620-750nm. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer is 0.05-0.45μm. After curing, it forms the set pattern and is attached to the surface of the substrate layer. The substrate layer has an adhesive layer on the opposite side of the liquid crystal layer, and a lower release film is attached to the adhesive layer.

2. The color liquid crystal film according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the liquid crystal layer is 0.10-0.20 μm.

3. The color liquid crystal film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pattern is formed by attaching a liquid crystal layer to a substrate layer after thermal curing and photocuring.

4. The color liquid crystal film according to claim 1, wherein The substrate layer is a composite layer of one or more of the following: PC layer, PET layer, composite board, explosion-proof film and glass plate.

5. A housing apparatus for an electronic device, characterized by The outer surface of the housing device is coated with a color liquid crystal film as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. The case apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The casing device is the outer shell or protective case of an electronic device.

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