Decoration film and electronic device including the same

An electronic device including a housing, a display, an adhesive layer, a first decoration layer, and a second decoration layer. The housing includes a front plate, a rear plate, and a lateral member surrounding a space between the front and rear plates. The display is viewed through at least a portion of the front plate. The adhesive layer is combined with one of the front and rear plates. The first decoration layer includes a first shape-cured layer and a first color layer. The first shape-cured layer is combined with the adhesive layer, has a first three-dimensional pattern, and is cured by an external stimulus. The second decoration layer includes a second shape-cured layer and a second color layer. The second shape-cured layer is combined with the first color layer, has a second three-dimensional pattern, and is cured by an external stimulus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0165256, filed on Dec. 19, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a decoration film and an electronic device including the decoration film.

2. Description of Related Art

With the growths of related technologies, electronic devices such as a smart phone have been developed to have a thin thickness, a reduced weight, a high performance, and various functions so as to improve portability and usability. In addition, recent electronic devices have beautiful exterior designs so as to appeal to consumers.

Meanwhile, in applying various design elements to a case surface of an electronic device, many studies on how to improve beauty and robustness are being conducted.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the disclosure provide a decoration film used for a case surface of an electronic device. The decoration film may have various patterns and colors, which can be variously and changeably recognized according to a viewing angle.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a decoration film may include an adhesive layer, a first decoration layer, and a second decoration layer. The adhesive layer may be combined with one of a front plate and a rear plate of an electronic device. The first decoration layer may include a first shape-cured layer and a first color layer, wherein the first shape-cured layer is combined with the adhesive layer, has a first three-dimensional pattern, and is cured by an external stimulus, and wherein the first color layer is combined with the first shape-cured layer and has a first color. The second decoration layer may include a second shape-cured layer and a second color layer, wherein the second shape-cured layer is combined with the first color layer, has a second three-dimensional pattern, and is cured by an external stimulus, and wherein the second color layer is combined with the second shape-cured layer and has a second color.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing, a display, an adhesive layer, a first decoration layer, and a second decoration layer. The housing may include a front plate facing a first direction, a rear plate facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a lateral member surrounding a space between the front plate and the rear plate. The display may be viewed through at least a portion of the front plate. The adhesive layer may be combined with one of the front plate and the rear plate. The first decoration layer may include a first shape-cured layer and a first color layer, wherein the first shape-cured layer is combined with the adhesive layer, has a first three-dimensional pattern, and is cured by an external stimulus, and wherein the first color layer is combined with the first shape-cured layer and has a first color. The second decoration layer may include a second shape-cured layer and a second color layer, wherein the second shape-cured layer is combined with the first color layer, has a second three-dimensional pattern, and is cured by an external stimulus, and wherein the second color layer is combined with the second shape-cured layer and has a second color.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the decoration film may include a plurality of decoration layers have various patterns and colors. Depending on a viewing angle, such patterns may be recognized as various new patterns in combination. Similarly, depending on a viewing angle, such colors may be recognized as various new colors in combination.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, according to an embodiment, an electronic device100may include a housing110that includes a first surface (or front surface)110A, a second surface (or rear surface)110B, and a lateral surface110C that surrounds a space between the first surface110A and the second surface110B. According to an embodiment, the housing110may refer to a structure that forms a part of the first surface110A, the second surface110B, and the lateral surface110C. According to an embodiment, the first surface110A may be formed of a front plate102(e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate coated with a variety of coating layers) at least a part of which is substantially transparent. The second surface110B may be formed of a rear plate111which is substantially opaque. The rear plate111may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or any combination thereof. The lateral surface110C may be formed of a lateral bezel structure (or “lateral member”)118which is combined with the front plate102and the rear plate111and includes a metal and/or polymer. The rear plate111and the lateral bezel structure118may be integrally formed and may be of the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

In the shown embodiment, the front plate102may include two first regions110D disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the first surface110A toward the rear plate111. In the shown embodiment, the rear plate111may include two second regions110E disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the second surface1108toward the front plate102(refer toFIG. 2). In various embodiments, the front plate102(or the rear plate111) may include only one of the first regions110D (or of the second regions110E). In various embodiments, the first regions110D or the second regions110E may be omitted in part. In the embodiments, when viewed from a lateral side of the electronic device100, the lateral bezel structure118may have a first thickness (or width) on a lateral side where the first region110D or the second region110E is not included, and may have a second thickness, being less than the first thickness, on another lateral side where the first region110D or the second region110E is included.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include at least one of a display101, audio modules103,107and114, sensor modules104,116and119, camera modules105,112and113, key input devices117, a light emitting device106, and connector holes108and109. In various embodiments, the electronic device100may omit at least one (e.g., the key input devices117or the light emitting device106) of the above components, or may further include other components.

The display101may be exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate102, for example. In various embodiments, at least a part of the display101may be exposed through the front plate102that forms the first surface110A and the first region110D of the lateral surface110C. In various embodiments, outlines (i.e., edges and corners) of the display101may have substantially the same form as those of the front plate102. In an embodiment, the spacing between the outline of the display101and the outline of the front plate102may be substantially unchanged in order to enlarge the exposed area of the display101.

In an embodiment, a recess or opening may be formed in a portion of a display area of the display101to accommodate at least one of the audio module114, the sensor module104, the camera module105, and the light emitting device106. In an embodiment, at least one of the audio module114, the sensor module104, the camera module105, the fingerprint sensor116, and the light emitting element106may be disposed on the back of the display area of the display101. In an embodiment, the display101may be combined with, or adjacent to, a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen. In various embodiments, at least a part of the sensor modules104and119and/or at least a part of the key input devices117may be disposed in the first region110D and/or the second region110E.

The audio modules103,107and114may correspond to a microphone hole103and speaker holes107and114, respectively. The microphone hole103may contain a microphone disposed therein for acquiring external sounds and, in a case, contain a plurality of microphones to sense a sound direction. The speaker holes107and114may be classified into an external speaker hole107and a call receiver hole114. In various embodiments, the microphone hole103and the speaker holes107and114may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be provided without the speaker holes107and114.

The sensor modules104,116and119may generate electrical signals or data corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device100or to an external environmental condition. The sensor modules104,116and119may include a first sensor module104(e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface110A of the housing110, and/or a third sensor module119(e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module116(e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface110B of the housing110. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface110B as well as the first surface110A (e.g., the display101) of the housing110. The electronic device100may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules105,112and113may include a first camera device105disposed on the first surface110A of the electronic device100, and a second camera device112and/or a flash113disposed on the second surface110B. The camera module105or the camera module112may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash113may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In various embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device100.

The key input devices117may be disposed on the lateral surface1100of the housing110. In an embodiment, the electronic device100may not include some or all of the key input devices117described above, and the key input devices117which are not included may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display101. In various embodiments, the key input devices117may include the sensor module116disposed on the second surface110B of the housing110.

The light emitting device106may be disposed on the first surface110A of the housing110, for example. For example, the light emitting device106may provide status information of the electronic device100in an optical form in various embodiments, the light emitting device106may provide a light source associated with the operation of the camera module105. The light emitting device106may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, or a xenon lamp.

The connector holes108and109may include a first connector hole108adapted for a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole109adapted for a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device.

Referring toFIG. 3, the electronic device300may include a lateral bezel structure310, a first support member311(e.g., a bracket), a front plate320, a display330(e.g., the display101), a printed circuit board (PCB)340, a battery350, a second support member360(e.g., a rear case), an antenna370, and a rear plate380. In various embodiment, the electronic device300may omit at least one (e.g., the first support member311or the second support member360) of the above components or may further include another component. Some components of the electronic device300may be the same as or similar to those of the electronic device100shown inFIG. 1orFIG. 2, thus, descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The first support member311is disposed inside the electronic device300and may be connected to, or integrated with, the lateral bezel structure310. The first support member311may be formed of, for example, a metallic material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The first support member311may be combined with the display330at one side thereof and also combined with the PCB340at the other side thereof. On the PCB340, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communications processor (CP).

The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

The battery350is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device300, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a part of the battery350may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the PCB340. The battery350may be integrally disposed within the electronic device300, and may be detachably disposed from the electronic device300.

The antenna370may be disposed between the rear plate380and the battery350. The antenna370may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna370may perform short-range communication with an external device, or transmit and receive power required for charging wirelessly. An antenna structure may be formed by a part or combination of the lateral bezel structure310and/or the first support member311.

FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate cross-sectional views schematically showing a decoration film400according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The decoration film400according to an embodiment may include an adhesive layer410, a first decoration layer420, and a second decoration layer430.

The adhesive layer410according to an embodiment may be combined with an inner surface of the front plate or rear plate of the electronic device. The inner surface of the front plate or rear plate may refer to a surface facing an inner space in which various components of the electronic device are disposed. The adhesive layer410may be formed of, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optical clear adhesive (OCA). The adhesive layer410may include a processible layer (e.g., a primer layer).

The first decoration layer420according to an embodiment may include a first shape-cured layer421and a first color layer423.

The first shape-cured layer421according to an embodiment may be formed by applying a polymer resin in a fluid state to a mold having a first three-dimensional pattern and then curing the applied polymer resin by an external stimulus such as ultraviolet rays. For example, the first shape-cured layer421may be formed using a polymer resin composition of acrylic, urethane, or silicone. The first shape-cured layer421may be combined with the adhesive layer410. The first shape-cured layer421may have the first three-dimensional pattern distributed over the entire or partial area of the front plate or rear plate. The first shape-cured layer421may reflect light in various directions through the first three-dimensional pattern to offer variations in a pattern recognizable to the user. For example, the first three-dimensional pattern may be composed of linear zones repeatedly arranged and gradually changing in size from one end to the other end as shown inFIG. 6Aor from a central portion to both ends as shown inFIG. 6B. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 6C to 6E, the first three-dimensional pattern may be composed of many circles or polygons repeatedly arranged and gradually changed in size. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 6F, the first three-dimensional pattern ay be composed of a plurality of repeated pyramid-shaped regions.

The first color layer423according to an embodiment may be formed on the first shape-cured layer421in various colors. The first color layer423may be formed through deposition of a metal or an oxide. For example, depositing a metal such as indium or an oxide such as titanium oxide, silicon oxide, or aluminum oxide on the first shape-cured layer421may result in forming the first color layer423having a specific color.

The second decoration layer430according to an embodiment may include a second shape-cured layer431and a second color layer433.

The second shape-cured layer431according to an embodiment may be formed by applying a polymer resin in a fluid state to a mold having a second three-dimensional pattern and then curing the applied polymer resin by an external stimulus such as ultraviolet rays. Curing process may be performed simultaneously for the first and second shape-cured layers421and431. The second shape-cured layer431may be combined with the first color layer423. Like the first shape-cured layer421, the second shape-cured layer431may have the second three-dimensional pattern distributed over the entire or partial area of the front plate or rear plate. The second shape-cured layer431may reflect light in various directions through the second three-dimensional pattern to offer variations in a pattern recognizable to the user. Like the first three-dimensional pattern, the second three-dimensional pattern may be formed of various patterns as shown inFIGS. 6A to 6F.

The second color layer433according to an embodiment may be formed on the second shape-cured layer431in various colors. Like the first color layer423, the second color layer433as well may be formed through deposition of a metal or an oxide. For example, depositing a metal such as indium or an oxide such as titanium oxide, silicon oxide, or aluminum oxide on the second shape-cured layer431may result in forming the second color layer433having a specific color.

The first three-dimensional pattern and the second three-dimensional pattern may be identical or similar to each other as shown inFIG. 4A, or may be different from each other as shown inFIG. 4B. In addition, the first color layer423and the second color layer433may be formed in identical or similar colors or in completely different colors.

When the first and second three-dimensional patterns are identical or similar to each other, the shape of the corresponding pattern may be realized clearer and remarkably. When the first and second three-dimensional patterns are different from each other, a combination of both patterns may create a new three-dimensional pattern. InFIG. 4B, the first and second three-dimensional patterns are illustrated simply with focus on being different. However, a great variety of combinations in different patterns may be used as shown inFIGS. 6A to 6F.

When the first color layer423and the second color layer433are formed in identical or similar colors, the color(s) may be realized clearer and remarkably by the second shape-cured layer431interposed between the first and second color layers423and433. When the first color layer423and the second color layer433are formed in different colors, the first color, the second color, or any new color resulting from a combination of the first and second colors may be seen to the user, depending on a direction viewed by the user.

Meanwhile, according an embodiment, the decoration film400may further include a surface treatment layer450interposed between the first color layer423of the first decoration layer420and the second shape-cured layer431of the second decoration layer430. The surface treatment layer450improves the binding strength between the first and second decoration layers420and430and may be formed by processing a surface of any one of the first color layer423or the second shape-cured layer431. To improve the binding strength, a treatment for increasing the surface energy through, for example, a plasma treatment or an etching treatment may be performed.

In addition, according an embodiment, the decoration film400may further include a shielding printed layer440formed on the second color layer433. The shielding printed layer440may not only provide a flat surface onto an uneven surface of the second shape-cured layer431but also block various components inside the electronic device from being viewed outside.

Although the above description has used the first and second decoration layers420and430, there are various embodiments. In various embodiments, the decoration film400may use much more decoration layers overlapped with each other.

FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate cross-sectional views schematically showing a decoration film500according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The decoration film500according to an embodiment may include an adhesive layer510, a base film560, a first decoration layer520, and a second decoration layer530.

The adhesive layer510according to an embodiment may be combined with an inner surface of the front plate or rear plate of the electronic device. The adhesive layer510may be formed of, for example, a PSA or an OCA. The adhesive layer510may be in the form of an adhesive tape applied to one surface of the base film560, and the first decoration layer520may be formed on the other surface of the base film560.

The first decoration layer520according to an embodiment may include a first shape-cured layer521and a first color layer523.

The first shape-cured layer521according to an embodiment may be formed by applying a polymer resin in a fluid state to a mold having a first three-dimensional pattern and then curing the applied polymer resin by an external stimulus such as ultraviolet rays. For example, the first shape-cured layer521may be formed using a polymer resin composition of acrylic, urethane, or silicone. The first shape-cured layer521may be combined with the other surface of the base film560. The first shape-cured layer521may have the first three-dimensional pattern distributed over the entire or partial area of the front plate or rear plate. The first shape-cured layer521may reflect light in various directions through the first three-dimensional pattern to offer variations in a pattern recognizable to the user. For example, the first three-dimensional pattern may be composed of linear zones repeatedly arranged and gradually changing in size from one end to the other end as shown inFIG. 6Aor from a central portion to both ends as shown inFIG. 6B. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 6C to 6E, the first three-dimensional pattern may be composed of many circles or polygons repeatedly arranged and gradually changed in size. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 6F, the first three-dimensional pattern may be composed of a plurality of repeated pyramid-shaped regions.

The first color layer523according to an embodiment may be formed on the first shape-cured layer521in various colors. The first color layer523may be formed through deposition of a metal or an oxide. For example, depositing a metal such as indium or an oxide such as titanium oxide, silicon oxide, or aluminum oxide on the first shape-cured layer521may result in forming the first color layer523having a specific color.

The second decoration layer530according to an embodiment may include a second shape-cured layer531and a second color layer533.

The second shape-cured layer531according to an embodiment may be formed by applying a polymer resin in a fluid state to a mold having a second three-dimensional pattern and then curing the applied polymer resin by an external stimulus s as ultraviolet rays. Curing process may be performed simultaneously for the first and second shape-cured layers521and531. The second shape-cured layer531may be combined with the first color layer523. Like the first shape-cured layer521, the second shape-cured layer531may have the second three-dimensional pattern distributed over the entire or partial area of the front plate or rear plate. The second shape-cured layer531may reflect light in various directions through the second three-dimensional pattern to offer variations in a pattern recognizable to the user. Like the first three-dimensional pattern, the second three-dimensional pattern may be formed of various patterns as shown inFIGS. 6A to 6F.

The second color layer533according to an embodiment may be formed on the second shape-cured layer531in various colors. Like the first color layer523, the second color layer533as well may be formed through deposition of a metal or an oxide. For example, depositing a metal such as indium or an oxide such as titanium oxide, silicon oxide, or aluminum oxide on the second shape-cured layer531may result in forming the second color layer533having a specific color.

The first three-dimensional pattern and the second three-dimensional pattern may be identical or similar to each other as shown inFIG. 5A, or may be different from each other as shown inFIG. 5B. In addition, the first color layer523and the second color layer533may be formed in identical or similar colors or in completely different colors.

Meanwhile, according an embodiment, the decoration film500may further include a shielding printed layer540formed on the second color layer533.

FIGS. 6A to 6Fillustrate views showing three-dimensional patterns of a decoration film according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

As described above, the three-dimensional pattern may be provided to each decoration layer (especially, a shape-cured layer) and distributed over the entire or partial area of the front plate or rear plate of the electronic device. In addition, the three-dimensional patterns provided to the respective decoration layers may be identical or similar to each other or different from each other.

Each three-dimensional pattern may be composed of linear zones repeatedly arranged and gradually changing in size from one end to the other end as shown inFIG. 6Aor from a central portion to both ends as shown inFIG. 6B. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 6C to 6E, each three-dimensional pattern may be composed of many circles or polygons repeatedly arranged and gradually changed in size. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 6F, each three-dimensional pattern may be composed of a plurality of repeated pyramid-shaped regions.

FIG. 7illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a decoration film according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the front plate or rear plate of the electronic device may be, for example, a reinforced glass fabricated through a shape machining operation711and a reinforcement operation713. Alternatively, any other material, such as plastic, that allows the decoration film to be combined may be used for the front plate or the rear plate.

According to an embodiment, in order to fabricate the decoration film, the first decoration layer may be formed through an operation721of curing the first shape-cured layer by ultraviolet rays and an operation723of depositing the first color layer. Then, a surface treatment operation750may be performed on the first color layer of the first decoration layer. In addition, the second decoration layer may be formed through an operation731of curing the second shape-cured layer by ultraviolet rays and an operation733of depositing the second color layer. Then, a shield printing operation740may be performed on the second color layer. As a result, the decoration film according to an embodiment may be completed.

Thereafter, the decoration film may be combined with the front plate or the back plate through a lamination operation. As a result, the electronic device including the decoration film according to an embodiment of the disclosure can be obtained.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a decoration film may include an adhesive layer, a first decoration layer, and a second decoration layer. The adhesive layer may be combined with one of a front plate and a rear plate of an electronic device. The first decoration layer may include a first shape-cured layer and a first color layer, wherein the first shape-cured layer is combined with the adhesive layer, has a first three-dimensional pattern, and is cured by an external stimulus, and wherein the first color layer is combined with the first shape-cured layer and has a first color. The second decoration layer may include a second shape-cured layer and a second color layer, wherein the second shape-cured layer is combined with the first color layer, has a second three-dimensional pattern, and is cured by an external stimulus, and wherein the second color layer is combined with the second shape-cured layer and has a second color.

The decoration film may further include a shielding printed layer formed on the second color layer of the second decoration layer.

In the decoration film, at least one of the first color layer and the second color layer may be formed through deposition of a metal or an oxide.

In the decoration film, the first color of the first color layer and the second color of the second color layer may be different from each other.

The decoration film may further include a surface treatment layer interposed between the first color layer and the second shape-cured layer to improve a binding strength between the first color layer and the second shape-cured layer.

In the decoration film, at least one of the first shape-cured layer and the second shape-cured layer may be formed by applying a polymer resin and curing the applied polymer resin by ultraviolet rays.

In the decoration film, the first three-dimensional pattern of the first shape-cured layer and the second three-dimensional pattern of the second shape-cured layer may be different from each other.

The decoration film may further include a base film interposed between the adhesive layer and the first shape-cured layer.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing, a display, an adhesive layer, a first decoration layer, and a second decoration layer. The housing may include a front plate facing a first direction, a rear plate facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a lateral member surrounding a space between the front plate and the rear plate. The display may be viewed through at least a portion of the front plate. The adhesive layer may be combined with one of the front plate and the rear plate. The first decoration layer may include a first shape-cured layer and a first color layer, wherein the first shape-cured layer is combined with the adhesive layer, has a first three-dimensional pattern, and is cured by an external stimulus, and wherein the first color layer is combined with the first shape-cured layer and has a first color. The second decoration layer may include a second shape-cured layer and a second color layer, wherein the second shape-cured layer is combined with the first color layer, has a second three-dimensional pattern, and is cured by an external stimulus, and wherein the second color layer is combined with the second shape-cured layer and has a second color.

The electronic device may further include a shielding printed layer formed on the second color layer of the second decoration layer.

In the electronic device, at least one of the first color layer and the second color layer may be formed through deposition of a metal or an oxide.

In the electronic device, the first color of the first color layer and the second color of the second color layer may be different from each other.

The electronic device may further include a surface treatment layer interposed between the first color layer and the second shape-cured layer to improve a binding strength between the first color layer and the second shape-cured layer.

In the electronic device, at least one of the first shape-cured layer and the second shape-cured layer may be formed by applying a polymer resin and curing the applied polymer resin by ultraviolet rays.

In the electronic device, the first three-dimensional pattern of the first shape-cured layer and the second three-dimensional pattern of the second shape-cured layer may be different from each other.

The electronic device may further include a base film interposed between the adhesive layer and the first shape-cured layer.