Molded structure

Abstract

To provide a molding structure capable of efficiently moving droplets in any direction, having a high droplet discharge effect, and excellent in antifog effect.SOLUTION: A molding structure has a groove formed by coupling in one row, a plurality of groove elements GE on a surface of a substrate. The groove elements are formed of: a first groove region R1; a conical groove region CR having a conical shape; and a second groove region R2 whose cross section is a V-shape. The first groove region is configured such that, a groove wall surface S1R circumscribes, from both sides, a conical surface whose shape is a similar shape to the conical groove region and whose size is smaller than that of the conical groove region, on one end, and a groove wall surface S1L circumscribes the conical groove region from both sides on the other end. The second groove region is configured such that, on one end, a groove wall surface S2R circumscribes the conical surface from both sides, and a groove wall surface S2L circumscribes the conical groove region from both sides, on the other end. The first and second groove regions have the same depth as the conical groove region on a connection part with the conical groove region, and have the same depth as the conical surface on one end and on the other end. The first and second groove regions and conical groove region have shapes satisfying a prescribed conditional expression.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a molded structure, and more particularly to a molded structure having microgrooves formed on the surface of a substrate. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in order to prevent the surfaces of optical components and the like from fogging up, it has been known to apply an anti-fogging coating to the surface of the component, or to form fine grooves on the surface of the component to turn water droplets into a water film.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a molded structure that exhibits hydrophilicity, anti-fogging properties, and self-cleaning properties solely through the structure of the substrate surface, without relying on spraying, thin film application, or electrical means.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a bathroom mirror that is provided with a means for directing excess water that exceeds the allowable amount that can be retained as a water film on the surface of a hydrophilic mirror.

[0005] Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses research into the shape of the microgrooves on the opening surface, the contact angle, and the dynamics of capillary flow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-193002 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-279296 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] RRRye et al., Capillary Flow in Irregular Surface Grooves,Langmuir 1998, 14, 3937-3943 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, anti-fog coatings have a limit to the amount of water they can hold, and they are not effective at discharging droplets. Furthermore, conventional vertical groove processing that utilizes capillary action creates a pinning effect on water droplets, preventing them from moving. When droplets stop moving, large, visible droplets form.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and aims to provide a molded structure for optical components and the like that has a high droplet discharge effect and an excellent anti-fogging effect. In addition, it is possible to provide a molded structure having a groove structure that can efficiently move droplets in any direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The molded structure according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: A substrate; The substrate has, on its surface, at least one groove formed by connecting a plurality of groove elements, each having a first end and a second end, in a line, with the first end of one groove element being sequentially connected to the second end of another groove element; the groove elements are comprised of a first groove region having a rectangular groove wall surface and a V-shaped cross section, a conical groove region having a conical groove wall surface, and a second groove region having a rectangular groove wall surface and a V-shaped cross section, The first groove region has one end at the first end portion, and a groove wall surface circumscribing a conical surface similar in shape to the conical groove region and smaller in size from both sides, and at the other end, a groove wall surface circumscribing the conical groove region from both sides, The second groove region has one end at the second end portion, where the groove wall surfaces circumscribe the conical surface from both sides, and the other end at the second end portion, where the groove wall surfaces circumscribe the conical groove region from both sides, the first groove region and the second groove region have the same depth as the conical groove region at the connection portion with the conical groove region, and have the same depth as the conical surface at the first end and the second end, The direction from the center of the bottom surface of the conical groove region to the center of the bottom surface of the conical surface of the first end is defined as the first direction, and the direction from the center of the bottom surface of the conical surface of the second end to the center of the bottom surface of the conical groove region is defined as the second direction. Let the lengths of the first groove region in the first direction and the second groove region in the second direction be L1 and L2, respectively. Let the diameters of the bottom surface of the conical groove region and the bottom surface of the conical surface on the substrate surface be W1 and W2, respectively. When the depths of the conical groove region and the conical surface are D1 and D2, respectively, the groove element L1 < L2 ··· Equation (1) W1 > W2 ··· Equation (2) D1 > D2 ··· Equation (3) (D2 / W2) > (D1 / W1) ··· Equation (4) satisfies the following.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1A] It is a diagram for explaining three tensions: the surface tension of a solid, the surface tension of a liquid, and the interfacial tension between a solid / liquid in a stationary state. [Figure 1B] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the groove structure and the droplet movement. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view schematically showing a first groove region R1, a second groove region R2, and a conical groove region CR of a groove element GE according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] It is a top view of a groove element GE of a groove GR provided on the surface of a substrate 11 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 11. [Figure 3B] It is a diagram schematically showing a groove side surface when the groove element GE shown in Fig. 3A is viewed from the -y direction. [Figure 3C] It is a diagram schematically showing a groove cross-section when the groove element GE is viewed from the -x direction. [Figure 4A] It is a top view schematically showing the upper surface of a molded structure 10 according to the first embodiment [Figure 4B] It is a partial enlarged view showing an enlarged part of a groove GR formed on the surface of the molded structure 10. [Figure 5A] 10 is a schematic top view of a first groove region R1, a second groove region R2, and a conical groove region CR of a groove element GE according to a second embodiment, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to a substrate 11 (top view). FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a top view showing a connection configuration when a groove element GE2 of the second embodiment and a groove element GE1 of the first embodiment are connected. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a top view showing a connection configuration in which two groove elements GE1 are connected. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing a groove structure 22 of Example 1 (Ex. 1). [Figure 6B] 1 is a diagram showing an image of the change in a water droplet dropped from a nozzle NZ onto the groove structure 22 of Example 1, observed with a contact angle meter camera from the extension direction of the groove GR (x direction) and a direction perpendicular thereto (y direction). [Figure 6C] 1 is a graph showing the measurement results of the contact angles at the ends AQ1 and AQ3 of the water droplet with respect to the elapsed time LT after the water droplet was dropped in Example 1. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing a groove structure 22 of Example 2 (Ex. 2). [Figure 7B] 10 is a view showing an image obtained by observing with a camera the change in a water droplet dropped from a nozzle NZ onto the groove structure 22 of Example 2. FIG. [Figure 7C] 10 is a graph showing the measurement results of the contact angles at the ends AQ1 and AQ3 of the water droplet with respect to the elapsed time LT after the water droplet was dropped in Example 2. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing a groove structure 22 of Example 3 (Ex. 3). [Figure 8B] 10 is a view showing an image obtained by observing with a camera the change in a water droplet dropped from a nozzle NZ onto the groove structure 22 of Example 3. FIG. [Figure 8C] 10 is a graph showing the measurement results of the contact angles at the ends AQ1 and AQ3 of the water droplet with respect to the elapsed time LT after the water droplet was dropped in Example 3. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing a groove structure 32 of Example 4 (Ex. 4). [Figure 10A]FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing a connection configuration of groove elements GE3 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing two grooves GR1 and GR2 branched and joined using a groove element GE3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described, but these may be modified and combined as appropriate. In the following description and accompanying drawings, substantially the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals. [Droplet movement in microgrooves due to capillary action] Whether or not a droplet can move in a groove where capillary action occurs is determined by the following equation.

[0013]

number

[0014] In the above Young's equation and the extended Young's equation, θ is the equilibrium contact angle, and the circumferential length S is the total length or arc length of the periphery of the groove in the cross section of the groove. [First embodiment] As described above, it is known that the ease of fluid movement within a groove is related to the groove width W on the substrate surface and the groove perimeter S in a cross section perpendicular to the groove axis, regardless of the groove shape.

[0015] The inventors of the present application conducted a study on the assumption that it would be possible to specify the direction of movement by varying the ease of movement in the axial direction of the groove. (1) Structure 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the first groove region R1, the second groove region R2, and the conical groove region CR of the groove element GE according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the first groove region R1, the second groove region R2, and the conical groove region CR are illustrated separately.

[0016] Fig. 3A is a top view of a groove element GE of a groove GR provided on the surface of a substrate 11, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 11 (top view). Fig. 3B is a diagram schematically showing the groove side surface of the groove element GE shown in Fig. 3A, as viewed from the -y direction. Fig. 3C is a diagram schematically showing the groove cross section of the groove element GE, as viewed from the -x direction.

[0017] The first groove region R1 of the groove element GE has quadrangular groove wall surfaces S1R, S1L, and the second groove region R2 has quadrangular groove wall surfaces S2R, S2L. The first groove region R1 and the second groove region R2 are formed as groove regions with V-shaped cross sections, as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0018] The groove element GE has a conical groove region CR that is a part of the cone CG. The cone CG has a bottom surface that is flush with the surface of the substrate 11. Groove wall surfaces S1R, S1L of the first groove region R1 of the groove element GE and groove wall surfaces S2R, S2L of the second groove region R2 circumscribe the conical groove region CR from both sides.

[0019] The groove element GE has a first end GT1, which is one end of the groove element GE, and a second end GT2, which is the other end. At the first end GT1 of the groove element GE, the groove wall surfaces S1R and S1L of the first groove region R1 are circumscribed on both sides by a conical surface CN1, which has a shape similar to but smaller than the conical groove region CR (cone CG). The conical surface CN1 has a bottom surface that is flush with the surface of the substrate 11.

[0020] At the second end GT2 of the groove element GE, the groove wall surfaces S2R and S2L of the second groove region R2 are circumscribed from both sides by a conical surface CN2 having the same shape as the conical surface CN1 at the first end GT1.

[0021] The first end GT1 of one groove element GE is connected to the second end GT2 of another groove element GE in sequence to form a groove GR. Therefore, in the following, when there is no particular need to distinguish between them, the conical surfaces CN1 and CN2 may be simply referred to as conical surfaces CN, and the first end GT1 and second end GT2 of the groove element GE may be referred to as ends GT of the groove element GE.

[0022] In the first embodiment, the direction (first direction) AX1 from the center O1 of the bottom surface of the conical groove region CR toward the center O2 of the bottom surface of the conical surface CN1 of the first end portion GT1 and the direction (second direction) AX2 from the center O2 of the bottom surface of the conical surface CN2 of the second end portion GT2 toward the center O1 of the bottom surface of the conical groove region CR are the same direction AX.

[0023] The first groove region R1 and the second groove region R2 have the same depth D1 as the conical groove region CR at the connection portion with the conical groove region CR, and have the same depth D2 as the conical surface CN at the first end GT1 and the second end GT2. Note that the conical groove region CR and the conical surface CN preferably have a right circular cone shape. (2) Droplet movement requirements As a result of research and experimentation, the inventors of the present application have found that when the groove structure described above is used and the first groove region R1 and the second groove region R2 of the groove element GE satisfy certain shapes and conditions, droplets move in a predetermined direction within the fine groove. The shapes and conditions of the groove element GE are described in detail below.

[0024] As described above, the ease of fluid movement within the grooves is related to the groove width W and the groove perimeter S in a cross section perpendicular to the groove axis, regardless of the groove shape. In other words, when the first groove region R1 and the second groove region R2 satisfy a predetermined relationship, droplets can be moved from the first groove region R1 to the second groove region R2 by the driving force DF due to capillary action.

[0025] The conditions for this droplet movement will be specifically described below. As described above, the direction from the center O1 of the bottom surface of the conical groove region CR to the center O2 of the bottom surface of the conical surface CN1 of the first end GT1 is defined as the first direction AX1, and the direction from the center O2 of the bottom surface of the conical surface CN2 of the second end GT2 to the center O1 of the bottom surface of the conical groove region CR is defined as the second direction AX2.

[0026] Also, let the lengths of the first groove region R1 in the first direction (AX1) and the second groove region R2 in the second direction (AX2) be L1 and L2, respectively. Let the diameters of the bottom surface of the conical groove region CR and the bottom surface of the conical surface CN on the surface of the base material 11 be W1 and W2, respectively, and let the depths of the conical groove region CR and the conical surface CN be D1 and D2, respectively. Then, the groove element GE satisfies the following equations L1 < L2 ··· Equation (1) W1 > W2 ··· Equation (2) D1 > D2 ··· Equation (3) (D2 / W2) > (D1 / W1) ··· Equation (4) and meets the requirements.

[0027] Here, the length L1 of the first groove region R1 is the distance from the center O1 of the bottom surface of the conical groove region CR to the center O2 of the bottom surface of the conical surface CN1, and the length L2 of the second groove region R2 is the distance from the center O2 of the bottom surface of the conical surface CN1 to the center O1 of the bottom surface of the conical groove region CR.

[0028] Also, the numerical ranges of L1, L2, W1, W2, D1, and D2 are 30μm < W2 < W1 ≤ 100μm, 30μm < L1 < L2 ≤ 200μm, and 60μm < D2 < D1 ≤ 200μm ··· Equation (5) It is preferably within the range that meets the requirements.

[0029] In each embodiment and each example of this specification, those with L1 = 40μm, L2 = 160μm, W1 = 40μm, W2 = 80μm, D1 = 80μm, and D2 = 130μm were used.

[0030] The numerical ranges of L1, L2, W1, W2, D1, and D2 are described as the preferred ranges in equation (5), but the numerical ranges of each parameter are not limited to these and may be any values ​​that satisfy the conditions for droplet movement.

[0031] Figure 4A is a top view schematically showing the upper surface of the molded structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4B is a partially enlarged view showing a portion of the groove GR formed on the surface of the molded structure 10.

[0032] 4A, a plurality of parallel fine grooves GR extending in a predetermined direction (x direction) are formed on the surface 11S of the substrate 11 of the molded structure 10, constituting a group of groove structures 12. The plurality of grooves GR are arranged in the y direction and are grooves dug in the z direction (depth direction).

[0033] The grooves GR may be arranged at regular intervals in the y direction (arrangement direction), or may be arranged at different intervals.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4B, each groove GR has a structure in which two adjacent groove elements are repeatedly linked or connected in a predetermined direction. Groove elements GE1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as groove elements GE unless otherwise specified) of the same structure as in the first embodiment are linked in a predetermined direction (x direction). That is, groove elements GE1(1) and GE1(2) can be repeatedly linked in a straight line along the same axial direction AX to form a groove GR in which groove elements GE are linked in a straight line.

[0035] When the above formulas (1) to (4) are satisfied, a driving force DF due to capillary action is exerted, and the droplet in the groove GR can move from the first groove region R1 of the groove element GE1(1) to the second groove region R2 of the adjacent groove element GE1(2). In other words, in Figure 4A, the droplet adhering to the molded structure 10 is discharged by moving to the right (+x direction) due to the capillary force. [Second embodiment] FIG. 5A is a schematic top view of the first groove region R1, the second groove region R2, and the conical groove region CR of a groove element GE2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 11 (top view).

[0036] In the groove element GE2 of the second embodiment, the extension direction or axial direction (first direction) AX1 of the first groove region R1 is inclined by a predetermined angle θ (0<θ) with respect to the axial direction (first direction) AX2 of the second groove region R2.

[0037] FIG. 5B is a top view showing a connection configuration in which the groove element GE2 of the second embodiment and the groove element GE1 of the first embodiment are connected.

[0038] The groove element GE2 is connected to the second groove region R2 of the groove element GE1, with the conical surface CN circumscribing the groove wall surfaces S1R, S1L of the first groove region R1 of the groove element GE2 and the groove wall surfaces S2R, S2L of the second groove region R2 of the groove element GE1 as a common circumscribing conical surface.

[0039] 5A, a groove GR can be configured that is bent at any position, i.e., at the center O1 of the cone CG of the conical groove region CR. With this configuration, a droplet attached to the surface 11S of the substrate 11 is guided by the exertion of a driving force DF and moves from the first groove region R1 of the groove element GE2 to the second groove region R2 of the adjacent groove element GE1.

[0040] FIG. 5C is a top view showing a connection configuration in which two groove elements GE1 of the first embodiment are connected.

[0041] The groove element GE2 is connected to the second groove region R2 of the groove element GE1, with the conical surface CN circumscribing the groove wall surfaces S1R, S1L of the first groove region R1 of the groove element GE1 and the groove wall surfaces S2R, S2L of the second groove region R2 of the groove element GE1 as a common circumscribing conical surface.

[0042] By using two groove elements GE1, a groove GR bent at the center O2 of the conical surface CN can be formed. With this configuration, a droplet attached to the surface 11S of the substrate 11 is guided by the exertion of a driving force DF and moves from the first groove region R1 of the groove element GE1 to the second groove region R2 of the adjacent groove element GE1.

[0043] Example 1 (Ex. 1) will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. The sample constituting Example 1 was produced by forming grooves by laser processing on a substrate made of polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA).

[0044] Further, observation of the water droplets on the samples constituting Example 1 was carried out using a contact angle meter (PCA-11 manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.) by dropping a 2 μl water droplet from the nozzle NZ of the contact angle meter.

[0045] 6A is a top view schematically illustrating a groove structure 22 of Example 1 (Ex.1). The groove GR of Example 1 (Ex.1) is configured to have a groove portion (linear groove portion GL) in which multiple groove elements GE1 of the first embodiment are linearly connected in a predetermined direction (x direction), and a curved groove portion GB in which a linear groove portion consisting of at least one groove element GE1 is connected at an angle θ. The droplet guide direction MV is indicated by an arrow in the figure.

[0046] 5B, the connection portion (bent connection portion) BC between the straight groove portion GL and the bent groove portion GB has a connection form made up of the groove element GE2 of the second embodiment and the groove element GE1 of the first embodiment. However, the bent connection portion BC may be made up of two groove elements GE1, or may be made up of two groove elements GE2, and the bent groove portion GB may be formed.

[0047] The groove GR has a straight groove portion GL extending in the x-direction and at least one bent groove portion GB. In the case of Example 1 (Ex.1), the groove GR has one bent groove portion GB formed by three bent connection portions BC.

[0048] The bent groove portion GB has a V-shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface 11S of the substrate 11 (as viewed from above). For example, the bending angle θ is 30°, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the bent groove portion GB is preferably provided symmetrically with respect to the y direction, but may have an asymmetric V-shape.

[0049] On the surface 11S of the substrate 11, a plurality of grooves GR are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction (y direction), forming a group of groove structures 22. Also shown is a schematic diagram of a droplet AQ dropped onto the group of groove structures 22.

[0050] 6B shows images of the change in the water droplet observed with a contact angle meter camera from the extension direction (x direction) of the groove GR and the direction perpendicular thereto (y direction) after a 2 μl water droplet was dropped from a nozzle NZ onto the groove structure 22 of Example 1 (Ex. 1). The images are shown sequentially at elapsed times LT of 1 msec (millisecond), 10 msec, 20 msec, and 30 msec after the drop of the water droplet.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6B, the end AQ1 on the +x side of the water droplet AQ moved toward the groove (+x direction) over time from the position immediately after dropping (elapsed time LT = 1 msec), while the end AQ2 on the -x side showed almost no movement. On the other hand, the ends AQ3 and AQ4 of the water droplet did not show any significant movement in the y direction.

[0052] 6C is a graph showing the measurement results of the contact angle φ at the ends AQ1 and AQ3 of the water droplet with respect to the elapsed time LT after the water droplet was dropped in Example 1 (Ex. 1). Note that the graph shows the results of multiple measurements.

[0053] The contact angle φ of the droplet ends AQ1 and AQ3 decreased over time. In particular, it was confirmed that the contact angle of droplet AQ1, which is the end on the moving direction (+x direction), decreased significantly over time.

[0054] Therefore, it was confirmed that the water droplets AQ were guided and moved in a specific direction (extension direction of the grooves GR) by the groove structure 22.

[0055] 7A is a top view schematically illustrating a groove structure 22 of Example 2 (Ex. 2). The groove GR of Example 2 (Ex. 2) is configured by a plurality of straight groove portions GL, each of which is made up of a plurality of groove elements GE1 connected in a linear row in the droplet movement direction (x direction), and a plurality of straight, bent groove portions GB, each of which is made up of at least one groove element GE1, connected alternately at a bending angle θ.

[0056] The connection between the straight groove portion GL and the bent groove portion GB has the connection form shown in Figure 5B. The bend angle θ between the straight groove portion GL and the bent groove portion GB is 45°, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the bent groove portion GB is preferably provided symmetrically with respect to the y direction, but may have an asymmetric U-shape.

[0057] FIG. 7B shows an image obtained by observing, with a camera, the change in a water droplet that has been dropped onto the groove structure 22 of Example 2 (Ex. 2) from the nozzle NZ.

[0058] From the position immediately after dropping (elapsed time LT = 1 msec), the end AQ1 of the droplet AQ on the +x side moved toward the groove (+x direction) over time, while almost no movement was observed at the end AQ2 of the droplet AQ on the -x side.

[0059] On the other hand, in the y direction, no significant movement was observed at the water droplet end AQ4 on the -y side, but it was confirmed that the water droplet end AQ3 on the +y side moved in the +y direction.

[0060] FIG. 7C is a graph showing the results of multiple measurements of the contact angle φ at the ends AQ1 and AQ3 of the water droplet with respect to the elapsed time LT after the water droplet was dropped in Example 2 (Ex. 2).

[0061] The contact angle φ of the droplet ends AQ1 and AQ3 decreased over time. In particular, it was confirmed that the contact angle of droplet AQ1, which is the end on the moving direction (+x direction), decreased significantly over time.

[0062] Therefore, it was confirmed that the water droplets AQ were guided and moved in a specific direction (extension direction of the grooves GR) by the groove structure 22.

[0063] 8A is a top view schematically illustrating a groove structure 22 of Example 3 (Ex. 3). The groove GR of Example 3 (Ex. 3) is formed by bending groove portions GB1 and GB2 that are bent with respect to the droplet movement direction (x direction) and are alternately connected at an angle θ with respect to the extension direction of the groove GR (x direction).

[0064] More specifically, the bent groove portions GB1 and GB2 are formed by linearly connecting a plurality of groove elements GE1. The bent connection portions BC of the bent groove portions GB1 and GB2 have the connection form shown in FIG. 5B, but are not limited thereto. They may also be connected in the connection form shown in FIG. 5C. The angle θ is 45°, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, a symmetrical form with respect to the y direction is preferable, but an asymmetrical form may also be used.

[0065] FIG. 8B shows an image obtained by observing, with a camera, the change in a water droplet after a 2 μl droplet was dropped onto the groove structure 22 of Example 3 (Ex. 3) from the nozzle NZ.

[0066] From the position immediately after dropping (elapsed time LT = 1 msec), the end AQ1 of the droplet AQ on the +x side moved toward the groove (+x direction) over time, and almost no movement was observed at the end AQ2 of the droplet AQ on the -x side.

[0067] On the other hand, in the y direction, the water droplet end AQ3 on the +y side of the water droplet AQ moved toward the groove (+y direction), and almost no movement was observed at the water droplet end AQ4 on the -y side.

[0068] FIG. 8C is a graph showing the results of multiple measurements of the contact angle φ at the ends AQ1 and AQ3 of the water droplet versus the elapsed time LT after the water droplet was dropped in Example 3 (Ex. 3).

[0069] It was confirmed that the contact angle φ at the water droplet ends AQ1 and AQ3 significantly decreased with the passage of time.

[0070] Therefore, it was confirmed that the water droplets AQ were guided by the groove structure 22 to move in a specific direction (extension direction of the grooves GR: x direction) and in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the grooves GR (y direction).

[0071] 9 is a top view schematically showing a groove structure 32 of Example 4 (Ex. 4). The groove structure 32 is formed on the surface of an inner wall 31S of a pipe 31 such as a heat pipe. The pipe 31 has a bent structure.

[0072] The groove structure 32 has a curved groove portion GB in which a plurality of groove elements GE are formed in a curved shape along the bend of the pipe 31, and a straight groove portion GL formed along a straight portion of the pipe 31. In other words, the groove structure 32 is formed to extend along the extension direction of the pipe.

[0073] More specifically, the groove GR is formed in a curved shape by connecting multiple groove elements GE2 at the bent groove portion GB. In this case, a droplet adhering to the inner wall 31S of the pipe 31 moves from the first groove region R1 of one groove element GE2 to the second groove region R2 of the adjacent groove element GE2 due to the exertion of the driving force DF.

[0074] The groove GR may be configured by connecting a plurality of groove elements GE1, or by connecting a groove element GE1 and a groove element GE2.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the grooves GR can be formed in accordance with the shape of the substrate, and the droplets can be moved in any direction and efficiently. [Third embodiment] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a connection configuration of groove elements GE3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic top view when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 11 (top view).

[0076] The groove element GE3 of the third embodiment has two or more first groove regions R1. The two first groove regions R1 of the groove element GE3 are connected to the two groove elements GE1(1) and GE1(2) of the first embodiment, forming a branch connection GJ.

[0077] More specifically, groove element GE3 is connected to the second groove region R2 of groove element GE1(1) via a common circumscribing conical surface, which is a first conical surface CN(1) circumscribing the groove wall surfaces S1R, S1L of one first groove region R1 of groove element GE3 and the groove wall surfaces S2R, S2L of the second groove region R2 of groove element GE1(1).Furthermore, groove element GE3 is connected to the second groove region R2 of groove element GE1(2) via a common circumscribing conical surface, which is a second conical surface CN(2) circumscribing the groove wall surfaces S1R, S1L of the other first groove region R1 of groove element GE3 and the groove wall surfaces S2R, S2L of the second groove region R2 of groove element GE1(2).

[0078] Groove element GE3 and groove element GE1(1) are connected so as to bend at an angle of +θ1 (0<θ1) relative to the axial direction (x direction) AX of groove element GE3, and groove element GE3 and groove element GE1(2) are connected so as to bend at an angle of -θ2 (0<θ2) relative to the axial direction AX of groove element GE2.

[0079] Therefore, two groove elements GE1(1) and GE1(2) branch from the groove element GE3, forming a branched connection structure. The structure according to the third embodiment can increase the presence rate of groove elements by repeatedly forming a branched connection structure of groove structures as shown in FIG. 10A, compared to the case where only linear structures are formed in parallel as in the above examples, and has an even higher droplet discharge effect. For example, by combining groove elements as shown in FIG. 10A, a molded structure having a lattice-shaped groove shape can be formed.

[0080] FIG. 10B is a top view schematically showing two grooves GR1 and GR2 branched and joined using a groove element GE3.

[0081] More specifically, the groove GR is branched into two grooves GR1 and GR2 by a groove element GE3 (branch GJ1), and the two grooves GR1 and GR2 are joined to one groove GR at a branch GJ2.

[0082] By using such a branched connection GJ, it is possible to provide a groove structure and a forming structure that can efficiently move droplets in any direction.

[0083] The above-described embodiments and examples can be appropriately modified or combined to realize various groove structures.

[0084] As described above in detail, the present invention can provide a molded structure such as an optical component having a high droplet discharge effect and an excellent anti-fogging effect. Also, a molded structure having a groove structure that can efficiently move droplets in any direction can be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10: Molded structure 11: Base material 11S:Substrate surface 12,22,32:Groove structure 31: Pipe 31S: Pipe inner wall AQ: Water drop CG: Cone CN, CN1, CN2: Conical surface CR: Conical groove area GB: Bend groove GE1, GE2, GE3: Groove element GL: Straight groove GR,GR1,GR2:Groove R1: 1st groove area R2: 2nd groove area

Claims

1. A substrate; The substrate has, on its surface, at least one groove formed by connecting a plurality of groove elements, each having a first end and a second end, in a line, with the first end of one groove element being sequentially connected to the second end of another groove element; the groove elements comprise a first groove region having a rectangular groove wall surface and a V-shaped cross section, a conical groove region having a conical groove wall surface, and a second groove region having a rectangular groove wall surface and a V-shaped cross section, The first groove region has one end at the first end portion, and a groove wall surface circumscribing a conical surface similar in shape to the conical groove region and smaller in size from both sides, and at the other end, a groove wall surface circumscribing the conical groove region from both sides, The second groove region has one end at the second end portion, where the groove wall surfaces circumscribe the conical surface from both sides, and the other end at the second end portion, where the groove wall surfaces circumscribe the conical groove region from both sides, the first groove region and the second groove region have the same depth as the conical groove region at a connection portion with the conical groove region, and have the same depth as the conical surface at the first end and the second end, a first direction is a direction from the center of the bottom surface of the conical groove region toward the center of the bottom surface of the conical surface of the first end portion, and a second direction is a direction from the center of the bottom surface of the conical surface of the second end portion toward the center of the bottom surface of the conical groove region, a length of the first groove region in the first direction and a length of the second groove region in the second direction are denoted by L1 and L2, respectively; The diameter of the bottom surface of the conical groove region and the diameter of the bottom surface of the conical surface on the substrate surface are W1 and W2, respectively; When the depths of the conical groove region and the conical surface are D1 and D2, respectively, the groove element is L1<L2...Formula (1) W1>W2...Formula (2) D1>D2...Formula (3) (D2 / W2)>(D1 / W1)...Formula (4) Meet the molding structure.

2. The molded structure according to claim 1 , wherein in each of the plurality of groove elements constituting the at least one groove, the first groove region and the second groove region extend in the same direction.

3. The molded structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the groove elements of the at least one groove has a bent connection portion in which the extension direction of the first groove region is bent at a bending angle θ with respect to the extension direction of the second groove region.

4. The molded structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one groove has a bent connection portion in which the first groove region of one groove element constituting the groove and the second groove region of another groove element connected to the one groove element are bent at a bending angle θ.

5. 4. The molded structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the groove elements of the at least one groove has two or more of the first groove regions, and the two or more first groove regions are each connected to other of the groove elements to have a branched / coupled structure.

6. The molded structure according to claim 1 , which has a groove structure consisting of a plurality of the grooves arranged parallel to one another on the surface of the substrate.

7. a groove structure including a plurality of the grooves arranged parallel to one another on the surface of the base material; The molded structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the groove has a plurality of the bent connection portions.

8. The molded structure according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate is a pipe, and the surface of the substrate is an inner wall surface of the pipe.

9. 9. The forming structure of claim 8, wherein the at least one groove extends along the elongation direction of the pipe.

Images