JP2020201513A - Method of making optical articles having gradient light-influencing properties - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method of making optical articles having gradient light-influencing properties.SOLUTION: A method of making an optical article having a gradient tint and a gradient polarization includes bringing one or more dye compositions including at least one of a dichroic dye, a photochromic-dichroic dye or any combination thereof into contact with an optical element having a continuous coating including at least one alignment zone. At least a portion of the dye composition diffuses into the coating at a predetermined concentration gradient along at least a portion of the coating.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Field of Invention The present invention generally relates to the manufacture of optical articles having gradient light effect properties.

Background of the Invention Polarized optical articles such as sunglasses can reduce glare due to light reflected from surfaces such as paved roads, water and buildings. Therefore, the use of polarized optical articles can improve visibility under glare conditions.

Linearly polarized lenses, such as those for sunglasses, are generally formed from stretched polymer sheets that contain dyes to provide the lenses with polarization properties. In addition, conventional sunglasses are typically colored. Polarization and coloring effects on sunglasses can be formed by several dyes, including dichroic dyes, photochromic dyes and photochromic dichroic dyes. These types of dyes can be used individually or in combination to provide the desired polarization or coloring effect on the lens. Dichroic dyes generally provide a fixed polarization, fixed tint effect, which means that no chemical lines are needed to color and polarize the lens. Photochromic dyes generally result in reversible coloring, which means that the lens is colored when exposed to chemical rays and returns to an achromatic state in the absence of chemical rays. Photochromic dichroic dyes generally result in reversible coloring and reversible polarization based on exposure to chemical rays.

Liquid crystal displays are widely accepted as a commonly used technology today. Liquid crystal displays are found, for example, in tablets, mobile phones, car dashboards and gas station screens. Most of these liquid crystal display panels are linearly polarized panels that are vertically aligned. Therefore, the wearer of the polarized sunglasses is often unable to see the contents of these liquid crystal display panels due to the cross-polarization of the vertical alignment of the panels and the horizontal alignment of the sunglasses. Even a liquid crystal display with a circularly polarized panel becomes difficult to see while wearing polarized sunglasses.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide polarized optical articles with more than one zone with different polarization and optical properties to allow improved visibility in more than one environment in daily life.

Abstract of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for producing an optical article having a gradient color and a gradient polarity. The method comprises a continuous coating of at least one dichroic material, at least one photochromic dichroic material or one or more dye compositions comprising a combination thereof, comprising at least one alignment zone. It may include contacting with an optical element. At least a portion of the dye composition can be diffused into the coating with a predetermined concentration gradient along at least a portion of the coating.
The present invention provides, for example, the following items.
(Item 1)
A method of producing an optical article having a gradient shade and a gradient polarized light.
Contacting one or more dye compositions containing at least one of a dichroic dye, a photochromic dichroic dye or any combination thereof, with an optical element having a continuous coating containing at least one alignment zone. A method in which at least a portion of the dye composition diffuses into the coating with a predetermined concentration gradient along at least a portion of the coating.
(Item 2)
The method of item 1, comprising immersing the optical element in a dye solution containing the dye composition and extracting the optical element from the dye solution at a rate that provides the predetermined concentration gradient. ..
(Item 3)
The coating is brought into contact with a dye transfer substrate containing a gradient layer of the dye composition, and the dye transfer substrate is heated to diffuse at least a portion of the dye composition into the coating. The method according to item 1, including the above.
(Item 4)
A first alignment region is formed so as to cover at least a part of the optical element, and an anisotropic coating composition containing an anisotropic material is applied so as to cover the first alignment region. The method according to any one of items 1 to 3, which comprises forming a first alignment zone.
(Item 5)
A second alignment is formed by forming a second alignment region so as to cover at least a part of the optical element, and by applying a second anisotropic coating composition so as to cover the second alignment region. The method of item 4, wherein forming a zone, wherein the anisotropic coating and the second anisotropic coating are the same or different.
(Item 6)
The first alignment area is
The alignment is provided by providing an alignment layer so as to cover at least a part of the optical element, and by exposing the first portion of the alignment layer to a first polarization processing radiation having a first polarization direction. The method of item 4, which is formed by forming the first alignment region in the layer.
(Item 7)
The second alignment area is
The alignment is provided by providing an alignment layer so as to cover at least a part of the optical element, and by exposing a second portion of the alignment layer to a second polarization processing radiation having a second polarization direction. The method of item 5, which is formed by forming the second alignment region in the layer.
(Item 8)
The method of item 6 or 7, wherein the alignment layer is imparted by a method selected from the group consisting of spin coating, spray coating, dip coating, curtain coating and inkjet coating.
(Item 9)
6. The method of any of items 6-8, wherein the alignment layer comprises at least one optical alignment material.
(Item 10)
The method according to any one of items 4 to 9, wherein the anisotropic material comprises at least one crosslinkable liquid crystal material.
(Item 11)
The method according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the concentration gradient is a continuous gradient or a non-continuous gradient.
(Item 12)
The method according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the optical element includes a first main surface and the at least one alignment zone is arranged on the first main surface.
(Item 13)
The method of item 12, wherein the first main surface is a curved surface.
(Item 14)
The method according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the optical article is selected from the group consisting of an optical lens, an eye lens, an optical filter, a window, a visor, a mirror and a display.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an ocular lens according to the present invention having a uniform color or shade over the entire top surface and polarized light having a gradient.

FIG. 2 has a first light-affected zone in which a high degree of horizontal polarization is formed over the upper portion of the upper surface and a second light-affected zone in which polarized light is not formed over the lower portion of the upper surface. It is a figure which shows the lens for eyes by.

FIG. 3 shows a first light effect zone in which vertical polarized light is formed over the lateral portion of the upper surface and a second light effect in which horizontal polarized light is formed over the central portion of the upper surface between the first light effect zone. It is a figure which shows the ophthalmic lens by this invention which has a zone.

FIG. 4 shows a first light effect zone in which vertical polarization is formed over the lateral portion of the upper surface and a second light effect in which horizontal polarization between the first light effect zones is formed over the upper portion of the upper surface. FIG. 5 shows an ophthalmic lens according to the invention having a zone and a third light-affected zone in which polarized light between the first light-affected zones is not formed over the lower portion of the top surface.

FIG. 5 shows a first light-affected zone in which gradient polarized light and gradient shades are formed over the upper portion of the top surface, and the degree of gradient polarization and gradient shade formed over the lower portion of the top surface. Alternatively, it is a diagram showing an eye lens having a second light influence zone with a reduced scale.

FIG. 6 shows an eye lens and an inkjet printer fluidized to a source containing an anisotropic material, a dichroic material, a photochromic material, a photochromic dichroic material and / or a conventional dye. ..

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an optical article having a gradient hue and a gradient polarization.

8A-8E are block diagrams illustrating exemplary methods for producing optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization. 8A-8E are block diagrams illustrating exemplary methods for producing optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization.

9A-9E are block diagrams illustrating exemplary methods for producing optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization. 9A-9E are block diagrams illustrating exemplary methods for producing optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization. 9A-9E are block diagrams illustrating exemplary methods for producing optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization. 9A-9E are block diagrams illustrating exemplary methods for producing optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization.

10A-10D are views showing an optical article having an anisotropic coating layer suspended above a bath containing a dye solution for contacting the anisotropic coating layer with a dye solution by a dyeing method. ..

11A-11B are views showing an optical article having an anisotropic coating layer suspended above a bath containing a dye solution for contacting the anisotropic coating layer with a dye solution by a dyeing method. ..

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an optical article having an anisotropic coating layer submerged in a bath containing the dye solution to bring the anisotropic coating layer into contact with the dye solution by the dyeing method.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an optical article having an anisotropic coating layer in contact with a dye-implanted substrate, including a gradient layer of the dye composition.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a kit for producing an optical article having a gradient shade and a gradient polarization.

FIG. 15 is a photograph of a lens illuminated from behind by unpolarized light, exhibiting a visible shade gradient.

FIG. 16 is a photograph of the lens of FIG. 15 showing the passage of light through the lens when the polarizer is oriented parallel (0 °) to the alignment of the anisotropic coating layer.

FIG. 17 is a photograph of the lens of FIG. 15 showing the passage of light through the lens when the polarizer is oriented at right angles (90 °) to the direction of alignment of the anisotropic coating layer.

FIG. 18 is a photograph of a lens illuminated from behind by unpolarized light that exhibits a uniform hue.

FIG. 19 is a photograph of the lens of FIG. 18 showing the passage of light through the lens when the polarizer is oriented parallel (0 °) to the alignment of the anisotropic coating layer.

FIG. 20 is a photograph of the lens of FIG. 18 showing the passage of light through the lens when the polarizer is oriented at right angles (90 °) to the direction of alignment of the anisotropic coating layer.

FIG. 21 is a photograph showing the passage of light through the lens when the polarizer is oriented parallel (0 °) to the alignment of the anisotropic coating layer.

FIG. 22 shows the passage of light through the lens of FIG. 21 when the polarizer is oriented at right angles (90 °) to the direction of alignment of the anisotropic coating layer.

Detailed Description of the Invention For the purposes of the following detailed description, it is understood that the present invention can assume various alternative variants and step sequences, except in the presence of the opposite explicit expression. Should be. In addition, all numbers representing, for example, the amount of raw materials used herein and in the claims, except in the case of any working example, or unless otherwise indicated. Should be understood in all cases as modified by the term "about". Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters described in the specification below and the appended claims are approximate values that can vary depending on the desired properties to be obtained by the present invention. It is not an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents in the claims, but at a minimum, each numerical parameter is at least in light of the reported number of valid digits.
It should be interpreted by applying the usual rounding method.

Although the numerical ranges and parameters that describe the broad scope of the invention are approximate values, the numerical values described in the particular examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any value inherently contains certain errors that inevitably result from the standard deviation found in each test measurement.

Moreover, it should be understood that any numerical range referred to herein is intended to include all subranges contained therein. For example, the range "1 to 10" is the entire subrange between the minimum mentioned value of 1 and the maximum value of 10 mentioned (including 1 and 10), that is, 1 or more. It is intended to include all subranges with a minimum value of and a maximum value of 10 or less.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, in this application the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of the plural includes the singular. Moreover, in this application, the use of "or" means "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise, but "and / or" is clearly defined in certain cases. It may be used. Moreover, in this application, the use of "one" or "one" means "at least one" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

All references referred to herein, such as, but not limited to, issued patents and patent applications, should be construed as "incorporated by reference" in their entirety, unless otherwise noted. ..

The present invention is directed to an optical article and a method of producing the optical article. The optical article of the present invention comprises at least one optical element coated with at least one coating layer. As used herein, the term "optical" means related to or associated with light and / or field of view. For example, the optical article may include, but is not limited to, an eye element and an eye device, a display element and a display device, a window, a mirror, and the like. The term "for the eye" is meant to be related to or associated with the eye and vision. Non-limiting examples of ocular elements include corrective and non-corrective lenses, including single vision lenses or segmented or unsegmented multivision lenses (but not limited to bifocals). Multivision lenses (such as lenses, trifocal lenses and progressive lenses) and visibility including, but not limited to, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, magnifying lenses and protective lenses or visors (for aesthetic or other purposes). Includes other elements used to correct, protect or improve. As used herein, the term "display" means a visible or machine-readable display of information contained in a word, number, code, design or figure. Non-limiting examples of display elements and devices include security elements such as screens, monitors and security marks. As used herein, the term "window" means an opening made to allow the transmission of radiation through it. Non-limiting examples of windows include transparent members of automobiles and aircraft, filters, shutters and optical switches. As used herein, the term "mirror" means a surface that specularly reflects most of the incident light.

Further, the optical element may include a transparent optical element, a reflective optical element or an optical element having both transparent and reflective properties. As used herein, the term "transparent" refers to a material that allows visible light to pass through so that the human eye can clearly see the material, and the term "reflective" refers to visible light. Refers to a material that redirects visible light away from the material rather than transmitting or absorbing it. A reflective coating can be applied to provide the optical element with at least some reflective properties. For example, a reflective aluminum coating can be applied to at least a portion of the optical element to prepare an optical security element with at least some reflective properties.

The optical elements that form an optical article are, but are not limited to, round, flat, cylindrical, spherical, planar, substantially planar, planar and / or It can have a variety of shapes, including plano-convex shapes, curved shapes including, but not limited to, convex and / or concave shapes.

In general, optical elements can be made from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, organic materials, inorganic materials or combinations thereof (eg, composite materials).

Non-limiting examples of organic materials that can be used to form the optical elements disclosed herein include US Pat. No. 5,962,617 and US Pat. No. 5,658,501. Polymer materials prepared from the monomers and mixtures of monomers disclosed in columns 15 and 28 to 16 and 17 include homopolymers and copolymers, the disclosure of these US patents by reference. Incorporated specifically herein. For example, such a polymeric material may be a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric material, which can be transparent or optically transparent and can have any refractive index required. Non-limiting examples of such disclosed monomers and polymers include polyol (allyl carbonate) monomers, such as PPG Industries, Inc. Allyldiglycolcarbonates such as diethylene glycol bis (allylcarbonate), which is a monomer sold under the trademark CR-39; for example, prepared by the reaction of a polyurethane prepolymer with a diamine curing agent, such as Compositions for one of the polymers are PPG Industries, Inc. Polyurea-polyurethane (polyurea-urethane) polymer; polyol (meth) acryloyl-terminated carbonate monomer; diethylene glycol dimethacrylate monomer; ethoxylated phenol methacrylate monomer; diisopropenylbenzene monomer; ethoxy, sold by trademark TRIVEX. Trimethylol propantriacrylate monomer; ethylene glycol bismethacrylate monomer; poly (ethylene glycol) bismethacrylate monomer; urethane acrylate monomer; poly (ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate); poly (vinyl acetate); poly (vinyl alcohol); poly (Vinyl chloride); Poly (vinylidene chloride); Polymer; Polypolymer; Polymer; Polythiourethane; Carbonate-binding resin derived from bisphenol A and phosgen, etc., and one such material is sold under the trademark LEXAN. Thermoplastic polycarbonate; polyester such as the material sold under the trademark MYLAR; poly (ethylene terephthalate); polyvinyl butyral; the material sold under the trademark PLEXIGLAS, and the polyfunctional isocyanate and polythiol or polyepisulfide monomer. Is a polymer prepared by reacting with polythiol, polyisocyanate, polyisothiocianate and optionally copolymerized with an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or a halogenated aromatic-containing vinyl monomer and / or ternary. Poly (methyl methacrylate), which is a polymer, can be mentioned. Copolymers of such monomers and blends of the described polymers and copolymers with other polymers, such as forming block copolymers or interpenetrating network structure products, are also envisioned.

Non-limiting examples of inorganic materials suitable for use in the formation of optical elements include glass, minerals, ceramics and metals. For example, the optical element may include glass. As presented above, a reflective coating or layer can be deposited or imparted to the surface of an inorganic or organic optical element to make the surface reflective or improve the reflectance of the surface.

Furthermore, the optical element may be an achromatic base material, a colored base material, a linearly polarized light base material, a circularly polarized light base material, an elliptical polarized light base material, a photochromic base material, or a colored photochromic base material. As used herein, with respect to optical element substrates, the term "achromatic" is essentially free of colorant additives (such as, but not limited to, conventional dyes) and chemical rays. Means a substrate having a visible radiation absorption spectrum that does not change significantly in response to. Furthermore, with respect to the substrate of the optical element, the term "coloring" refers to the absorption spectrum of visible radiation that does not change significantly in response to colorant additives (such as, but not limited to, conventional dyes) and chemical rays. Means a base material having. It is understood that similar properties can be achieved by applying a particular coating (s) on the optics, which is described in more detail herein.

As used herein, the term "linearly polarized" with respect to a substrate refers to a substrate designed to linearly polarize radiation (ie, limit the vibration of the electrical vector of light waves in one direction). .. As used herein, the term "circularly polarized light" with respect to a substrate refers to a substrate that is designed to circularly polarize radiation. As used herein, the term "elliptical polarization" with respect to a substrate refers to a substrate adapted to elliptical radiation. Further, as used herein, with respect to the substrate, the term "colored photochromic" contains colorant additives and photochromic materials and at least absorbs spectrum of visible radiation that changes in response to chemical rays. Means a base material having. Thus, for example, a colored photochromic substrate may have a first color feature of the colorant and a second color feature of the combination of the colorant and the photochromic material when exposed to chemical rays.

As pointed out, the optical article of the present invention further comprises at least one coating applied to cover at least a portion of the optical element. The coating can be applied so as to cover at least a portion of at least one main surface of the optical element. The coating may be applied so as to cover the entire surface of the optical element.

As used herein, the term "coating" is derived from a fluidable composition and means a supportive film that may or may not have a uniform thickness. To do. Therefore, the coating composition can be applied to the surface of the optical element and cured to form a coating. When used with respect to a cured composition or curable composition, the terms "curable", "curing", "cured" or similar terms form a polymerization that forms a curable composition. It is intended to mean that at least some of the sex components are at least partially polymerized.

The coating applied to the optical element comprises at least one anisotropic coating layer containing at least one anisotropic material. In some examples, the anisotropic coating layer comprises a plurality of anisotropic materials, such as two or more anisotropic materials, three or more, four or more anisotropic materials. .. When a plurality of anisotropic materials are used, the anisotropic materials may be the same or different.

As used herein, the term "anisotropic" means that it has at least one property that changes in value when measured in at least one different direction and is capable of self-assembly. To do. Thus, an "anisotropic material" is a material that has at least one property that has different values when measured in at least one different direction and is capable of self-assembly. Non-limiting examples of anisotropic materials include liquid crystal materials.

Due to the structure of the liquid crystal material, the liquid crystal material can generally be ordered or aligned to obtain a normal orientation. More precisely, liquid crystal molecules have a rod-like or disk-like structure, a rigid major axis and a strong dipole, so that the long axis of the liquid crystal molecule is generally parallel to the general axis. It can be ordered or aligned by an external force or interaction with another structure that obtains one orientation. For example, the molecules of the liquid crystal material can be aligned by a magnetic field, an electric field, linearly polarized infrared rays, linearly polarized ultraviolet rays, linearly polarized visible radiation or shearing force. Liquid crystal molecules can also be aligned by the oriented surface. That is, after the liquid crystal molecules are applied to a surface oriented by, for example, a rubbing method, a grooving method, or an optical alignment method, the major axis of each liquid crystal molecule is generally oriented parallel to the normal direction of surface orientation. It is possible to be aligned to acquire.

In addition, mesogen is the basic unit of liquid crystal material that induces structural order in the liquid crystal material. The mesogen portion of the liquid crystal material generally includes a rigid portion that aligns with the other mesogen components of the liquid crystal material, thereby aligning the liquid crystal molecules in a particular direction. The rigid portion of the mesogen can consist of a rigid molecular structure, such as a monocyclic or polycyclic ring structure, including, for example, a monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic ring structure.

Liquid crystal mesogens suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, thermotropic liquid crystal mesogens and lyotropic liquid crystal mesogens. As used herein, "thermotropic liquid crystal" means a liquid crystal that is ordered based on temperature, and "riotropic liquid crystal" means a liquid crystal that is ordered by the addition of a solvent. Non-limiting examples of thermotropic liquid crystal mesogens include columnar (or rod-shaped) liquid crystal mesogens, discotic (or disc-shaped) liquid crystal mesogens and cholesteric liquid crystal mesogens. Non-limiting examples of potential mesogens are described in more detail, for example, in paragraphs [0024]-[0047] of US Patent Application No. 12 / 163,116, see Dennis et al., "Flussige Kristalle in Tabellen". , VEB Deutscher VerlagFur Grundstoffindustrie, Leipzig, Germany, 1974 and "Flussige Kristallein Tabellen II"
, VEB Deutscher Verlag Fur Grundstoffindustrie, Leipzig, Germany, Mesogen described in 1984, the respective disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Liquid crystal materials containing one or more mesogens may include liquid crystal polymers, liquid crystal prepolymers and liquid crystal monomers. As used herein, the term "prepolymer" means a partially polymerized material. In addition, the term "polymer" means homopolymers (eg, prepared from a single monomer species), copolymers (eg, prepared from at least two monomer species) and graft polymers.

Liquid crystal monomers suitable for use as anisotropic materials include, but are not limited to, monofunctional liquid crystal monomers and polyfunctional liquid crystal monomers. Further, the liquid crystal monomer may be a polymerizable liquid crystal monomer, or may be a photopolymerizable and / or thermopolymerizable liquid crystal monomer. As used herein, the term "photopolymerizable" means a material such as a monomer, prepolymer or polymer that can be crosslinked when exposed to chemical rays. As used herein, the term "chemical radiation" means electromagnetic radiation and includes, but is not limited to, visible radiation and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, for example. Further, the term "thermopolymerizable" means a material such as a monomer, prepolymer or polymer that can be crosslinked when exposed to heat.

Non-limiting examples of liquid crystal monomers suitable for use as anisotropic materials include acrylates, methacrylates, allyls, allyl ethers, alkynes, aminos, anhydrides, epoxides, hydroxides, isocyanates, blocked isocyanates, siloxanes. , Thioocyanate, thiol, urea, vinyl, vinyl ether and liquid crystal monomers having a functional group selected from blends thereof.

Liquid crystal polymers and liquid crystal prepolymers suitable for use as anisotropic materials include, but are not limited to, thermotropic liquid crystal polymers and liquid crystal prepolymers as well as lyotropic liquid crystal polymers and liquid crystal prepolymers. Further, the liquid crystal polymer and the liquid crystal prepolymer may be a main chain polymer and a main chain prepolymer or a side chain polymer and a side chain prepolymer. In the main chain liquid crystal polymer and the main chain liquid crystal prepolymer, rod-shaped or disc-shaped liquid crystal mesogens are mainly arranged in the polymer skeleton. In the side chain polymer and the side chain prepolymer, rod-shaped or disk-shaped liquid crystal mesogens are mainly arranged in the side chain of the polymer. Further, the liquid crystal polymer or prepolymer may be photopolymerizable.

Non-limiting examples of liquid crystal polymers and liquid crystal prepolymers suitable for use as anisotropic materials are, but are not limited to, acrylates, methacrylates, allyls, allyl ethers, alkins, aminos, anhydrides, epoxides. , Hydroxides, isocyanates, blocked isocyanates, siloxanes, thiocyanates, thiols, ureas, vinyls, vinyl ethers and main chain and side chain polymers and prepolymers with functional groups selected from blends thereof.

The anisotropic coating layer of the present invention may further comprise at least one dichroic material and / or at least one photochromic dichroic material and optionally at least one photochromic material and combinations thereof. Dichroic and photochromic dichroic materials can be aligned in the direction of the anisotropic material. For example, a dichroic material and / or a photochromic dichroic material is anisotropically coated so that the dichroic material and / or the photochromic dichroic material is aligned in the same direction as the surrounding anisotropic material. It can be incorporated into the layer. Therefore, the aligned anisotropic material acts as an alignment medium for aligning the dichroic material and / or the photochromic dichroic material.

As used herein, the term "photochromic" means having at least an absorption spectrum of visible radiation that changes in response to chemical rays. Further, the term "photochromic material" includes thermoreversible photochromic materials and non-thermoreversible photochromic materials, which are generally the first in the visible spectrum in response to thermal energy and / or chemical rays. It transforms from one state, eg, a "clear state", to at least a second state in the visible spectrum, eg, a "colored state", and returns to the first state when not exposed to thermal energy and / or chemical rays. It is possible, provided that at least one of these changes is in response to a chemical line. Although not limited herein, the photochromic material used with the present invention can change from a clear state to a colored state, at least in the visible spectrum, or at least in the visible spectrum, some coloring. It can change from one state to another colored state.

Furthermore, the term "dichroism" means that at least one of the two orthogonal plane polarization components of transmitted radiation can be absorbed more strongly than the other. One of the measures of how strongly a dichroic material absorbs one of two orthogonal plane polarized components is the "absorption ratio". As used herein, the term "absorption ratio" is linearly polarized in a first plane for the absorptance of radiation of the same wavelength linearly polarized in a plane orthogonal to the first plane. Refers to the ratio of the absorption of radiation, and the first plane is considered to be the plane with the highest absorption.

If the dichroic material absorbs one of the two orthogonal plane polarization components of the transmitted radiation more strongly than the other, the molecules of the dichroic material will obtain the net polarization of the transmitted radiation. , Must be properly positioned or placed. Thus, when incorporated into an anisotropic coating layer, at least a portion of at least one dichroic material can be placed in an appropriate position or arrangement to achieve an overall polarization effect ( That is, it can be ordered or aligned).

Further, the term "photochromic dichroic material" refers to a material that exhibits photochromic and dichroic properties at least in response to chemical rays. For example, the anisotropic coating layer reversibly switches from at least the first optically clear unpolarized light state in the visible spectrum to at least the second colored polarized light state in the visible spectrum in response to chemical rays. It may contain at least one photochromic dichroic material made as described above. Thus, if the optical element is an ophthalmic lens with a coating layer containing a photochromic dichroic material, the lens is optically transparent when the wearer is not exposed to, for example, chemical rays emitted from sunlight. The unpolarized light state can be reversibly switched to the colored polarized state when the wearer is exposed to, for example, chemical rays emitted from sunlight.

Non-limiting examples of organic photochromic compounds include columns 1, 10 to 12, 57 of US Pat. No. 5,645,767 and US Pat. No. 5,658,501. Benzopyran, naphthopyran (eg, naphtho [1,2-b] pyran and naphtho [2,1-b] pyran) spiro, such as those disclosed in columns 1, 64 to 13, 36. Included are 9-fluoreno [1,2-b] pyran, phenanthropyran, quinopyran and indeno-condensed naphthopyran, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Further non-limiting examples of organic photochromic compounds that can be used include oxazines such as benzoxazines, naphthooxazines and spirooxazines. Other non-limiting examples of photochromic compounds that may be used include columns 20, lines 5-21, 38 of US Pat. No. 4,931,220, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Flugides and flugimids described up to the line, such as 3-furylflugide and flugimid and 3-thienylflugide and flugimid, paragraph [0025] of US Patent Application No. 2003/0174560, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Included are combinations or mixtures of diarylethene and any of the above photochromic materials or compounds described in [0086].

Furthermore, suitable bichromatic materials that can be used with the present invention are, but are not limited to, azomethines, indigoides, thioindigoides, merocyanines, indans, quinophthalone dyes, perylenes, phthaloperins, triphenodioxazines, India. Included are loquinoxalin, imidazotriazine, tetrazine, azo dyes and (poly) azo dyes, benzoquinones, naphthoquinones, anthraquinones and (poly) anthraquinones, anthrapymidinones, iodine and iodates and combinations thereof.

Furthermore, non-limiting examples of photochromic dichroic materials include the photochromic dichroic materials described in paragraphs 27-158 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0004361. , Here, incorporated herein by reference in particular.

Suitable photochromic materials, dichroic materials and other non-limiting examples of photochromic dichroic materials are "Aligent Facili" filed on December 8, 2008.
Paragraphs [0090]-[0102] of US Patent Application No. 12 / 329,197 entitled "tees for Optical Days" and the references cited therein, as well as "Formulations Comprising" filed on June 27, 2008. It can be found in paragraphs [0064]-[0084] of US Patent Application No. 12 / 163,180 entitled "Mesogen Contining Compounds" and in the references cited therein, each of which is disclosed by reference. Incorporated herein. Further, non-limiting examples of photochromic materials that may be used are further described in US Pat. No. 7,044,599, columns 9, lines 60 to 11, lines 3, and this disclosure. Is hereby specifically incorporated herein by reference. Non-limiting examples of dichroic materials that may be used are further described in US Pat. No. 7,044,599, column 7, lines 18-56, the disclosure of which is herein by reference. Incorporated specifically herein. In addition, other non-limiting examples of photochromic dichroic materials are further described in paragraphs 11-442 of US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0012998A1, which disclosure is herein by reference. Especially incorporated into the book.

The anisotropic coating layer may further contain additional additives. For example, the anisotropic coating layer may be a mesogen-type stabilizer, an alignment accelerator, an additive for improving a reaction rate, a photoinitiator, a heat initiator, a polymerization inhibitor, a solvent, or a light stabilizer (although not limited to). , Photostabilizers such as ultraviolet light absorbers and hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS)), heat stabilizers, mold release agents, rheology control agents, leveling agents (but not limited to surfactants, etc.), It may further include free radical trapping agents, adhesion promoters (hexanediol diacrylate and coupling agents, etc.), conventional dyes and combinations thereof. As used herein, "conventional dye" refers to a dye that results in color or shade but not polarization or reversible change.

As used herein, the term "alignment accelerator" means an additive that can contribute to at least one of the speed and uniformity of the alignment of the material to which the additive has been added. To do. Non-limiting examples of alignment promoters include US Pat. No. 6,338,808, columns 1, 66-35, 23 and paragraphs of US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0039627 [ 0036] to [0286] include alignment accelerators, which are incorporated herein by reference in particular.

Non-limiting examples of reaction rate improving additives include epoxy-containing compounds, organic polyols and / or plasticizers. More specific examples of such reaction rate improving additives are described in US Pat. No. 6,433,043, columns 2, 57 to 13, 54 and US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 /. 0045612, paragraphs [0012] to [0995], which are incorporated herein by reference in particular.

Non-limiting examples of photoinitiators include cleavage type photoinitiators and withdrawal type photoinitiators. Non-limiting examples of cleaved photoinitiators include acetphenone, α-aminoalkylphenone, benzoin ethers, benzoyloximes, acylphosphine oxides and bisacylphosphine oxides or mixtures of such initiators. Commercial examples of such photoinitiators are described in Ciba Chemicals, Inc. DAROCURE® 4265, available from. Non-limiting examples of withdrawal photoinitiators include benzophenone, Michler ketone, thioxanthone, anthraquinone, shonoquinone, fluorone, ketocoumarin or mixtures of such initiators.

Another non-limiting example of a photoinitiator is a visible light initiator. Non-limiting examples of suitable visible light initiators are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,602,603, columns 12, 11 to 13, 21; It is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

Non-limiting examples of heat initiators include organic peroxy compounds and azobis (organonitrile) compounds. Non-limiting examples of organic peroxy compounds useful as heat initiators include peroxymonocarbonate esters such as tertiary butyl peroxyisopropylcarbonate, di (2-ethylhexyl) peroxydicarbonate, and di (secondary butyl). ) Peroxydicarbonate esters such as peroxydicarbonate and diisopropylperoxydicarbonate, 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, isobutyryl peroxide, decanoyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, propionyl peroxide, acetyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide and p-chlorobenzoyl peroxide Diacyperoxides such as, t-butylperoxypivarate, t-butylperoxyoctylate and peroxyesters such as t-butylperoxyisobutyrate, methylethylketone peroxides and acetylcyclohexanesulfonyl peroxides. In one non-limiting embodiment, the heat initiator used is a heat initiator that does not fade the resulting polymerization product. Non-limiting examples of azobis (organonitrile) compounds that can be used as thermal initiators include azobis (isobutyronitrile), azobis (2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) or mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of polymerization inhibitors include nitrobenzene, 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, p-benzoquinone, chloranil, DPPH, FeCl ₃ , CuCl ₂ , oxygen, sulfur, aniline, phenol, p-dihydroxybenzene, Included are 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene and 2,4,6-trimethylphenol.

Non-limiting examples of solvents include dissolving the solid components of the coating and the coating compatible with the element and substrate, and / or ensuring a uniform coating of the coated outer surface (s). Can include solvents. Potential solvents include, but are not limited to: N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate and derivatives thereof (sold as DOWNOL® industrial solvents), Dialkyl ethers of acetone, amylpropionate, anisole, benzene, butyl acetate, cyclohexane, ethylene glycol, such as diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and derivatives thereof (sold as CELLOSOLVE® industrial solvents), diethylene glycol dibenzoate, Dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, dimethoxybenzene, ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, methylcyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, methylethylketone, methylisobutylketone, methylpropionate, propylene carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, xylene, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 3 -Propylene glycol methyl ether and mixtures thereof can be mentioned.

As pointed out, the anisotropic coating layer contains an anisotropic material that can be aligned in a particular direction. In some examples, the anisotropic material is aligned by an alignment coating layer positioned between the optical element and the anisotropic coating layer. Therefore, the optical article of the present invention includes an optical element, an alignment coating layer applied so as to cover at least a part of the optical element, and an anisotropic coating layer applied so as to cover at least a part of the alignment coating layer. Can include.

The alignment coating layer used with the present invention includes materials that can be aligned in a particular direction. For example, the alignment coating layer is aligned in various directions, including, but not limited to, parallel orientation, elliptical orientation, skirt-spreading orientation, vertical orientation, spiral orientation, or any combination thereof. Includes rubbing or optical alignment materials that can be.

As used herein, the term "rubbing material" is at least partially ordered by rubbing at least a portion of the surface of the rubbing material with another appropriately textured material. Means a material that can. For example, the rubbing material can be rubbed with a properly textured cloth or velvet brush. Non-limiting examples of rubbing orientation materials include (poly) imide, (poly) siloxane, (poly) acrylate, (poly) coumarin and combinations thereof.

As used herein, the term "optical alignment material" refers to a material that can be aligned by exposure to polarized radiation such as polarized ultraviolet light. The photoalignment material may contain a photochemically active chromophore. As used herein, the phrase "photochemically active chromophore" chemically reacts when a chemical ray is absorbed (either a molecule or polymer chemically reacts with each other, or another active moiety, eg, another active moiety, eg. Includes a structure or portion of a molecule or polymer that chemically reacts with another photochemically active chromophore. Photochemically active chromophores are subject to photochemical cis or trans isomerization, photochemical [2 + 2] addition cyclization (leading to cross-linking of polymers or oligomers), photochemical degradation or photochemical rearrangement.

Non-limiting examples of suitable photochemically active chromophores include, but are not limited to, dimerizable or unsubstituted synamates or dimerizable coumarin, cis or trans-isomerizable substitutions. Alternatively, unsubstituted azo, photochemically decomposable polyimide and photochemically rearrangeable substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ester can be mentioned. Synnamates and coumarins react when exposed to chemical rays, as described in Alignment Technologies and Applications of Liquid Crystal Devices, Kohki Takotah et al., Taylor and Francis, New York, 2005, pp. 61-63. It is then possible to undergo [2 + 2] additional cyclization, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Non-limiting examples of suitable synnamates are, US Pat. Nos. 5,637,739, column 6, lines 19-32 and 7,173,114, columns 3, 13-5, Can be found up to line 2, Kumarin is found in US Pat. No. 5,231,194, column 1, columns 37 to 3, lines 50, US Pat. No. 5,247,099. Columns 1, 66 to 4, 28, US Pat. No. 5,300,656, Columns 1, 13 to 10, 15, and US Pat. No. 5,342 It can be found in columns 1, 6 to 7, 34, of No. 970, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Further examples of photochemically active chromophores are described in Macromol. Chem. Phys. 2009, Vol. 210, pp. 1484-1492 ((n-butylmethacrylate-co- (E) -4- (). Photoisomerizable azo compounds such as phenyldiazenyl) phenylmethacrylate) -b-styrene), Macromolecules, 1994, Vol. 27, pp. 832-837, poly (2-methyl-6- (4- (p-)). Trilloxy) phenyl) pyrolo [3,4-f] isoindoline-1,3,5,7 (2H, 6H) -tetraone), poly (5- (2- (1,3-dioxo-2- (4-)) (P-Trilloxy) phenyl) isoindoline-5-yl) -1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-yl) -2-methylisoindoline-1,3-dione), poly (5- (2- (1,3-dioxo-2- (4- (2- (p-tolyl) propan-2-yl) phenyl) isoindoline-5-yl) -1,1,1,3 3,3-Hexafluoropropan-2-yl) -2-methylisoindoline-1,3-dione) and poly (5- (1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2- (2)) -(4- (1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2- (p-tolyl) propan-2-yl) phenyl) -1,3-dioxoisoindoline-5-yl) propane Photoresolvable polyimides such as -2-yl) -2-methylisoindoline-1,3-dione), Macromolecules 2003, Vol. 36, pp. 6527-6536 (2E, 2'E) -4- (5- (1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2- (2-methyl-1,3-dioxoisoindoline-5-yl) propan-2-yl) -1,3- Photoreactive polyimides such as dioxoisoindoline-2-yl) -4'-methyl- [1,1'-biphenyl] -3,3'-diylbis (3-phenylacrylate), by K. Takatoh et al., The Liquid CrystalBookSeries: Alignment Technologies and Application of
Liquid Crystal Devices, 2005, Taylor and Francis, p. 7-Methyl-2- (4- (4-methylbenzyl) phenyl) tetrahydro-1H-5,9-methanopyrido [3,4-d] Azepine-1,3,6,8 (2H, 4H, 7H) -tetraone and 2-methyl-5-(4- (4- (2- (4- (p-tolyloxy) phenyl) propan-2-yl)) Phenoxy) Phenyl) Hexahydrocyclobuta [1,2-c: 3,4-c'] Dipyrrole-13 (2H, 3aH) -Dione and other photodegradable polyimides and Methyl Crystal and Liquid Crystal, 2007, No. 479. Poly (5-methacrylamidonaphthalene-1-ylmethacrylate), poly (4-methacrylamidonaphthalene-1-ylmethacrylate), poly (4-methacrylamidephenylmethacrylate), poly (4-methulamidephenylmethacrylate), as described in Volume, page 121. Aromatic esters capable of undergoing photofreese rearrangement, including methacrylicamide phenethyl methacrylate) and poly (4- (2-methacrylamide ethyl) phenylmethacrylate). The respective disclosures of the above-mentioned articles and texts regarding photochemically active chromophores are incorporated herein by reference.

Other non-limiting examples of suitable photoalignment materials include at least one photochemically active chromophore and at least one adhesion promoter group, such as any of the photochemically active chromophores described above. Including (co) polymer structures can be mentioned. As used herein, "adhesion promoter" refers to a group or structure that improves the adhesion of a (co) polymer structure to a substrate such as an optical element coated with the adhesion promoter. Refers to a polymer film coated on the surface of a polymer containing an adhesion promoter. Adhesion promoters can act at the molecular or atomic level by forming at least a partial attractive force between the (co) polymer and the substrate or subsequent coating. Examples of attractive forces include covalent bonds, polar covalent bonds, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, electrostatic attractive forces, hydrophobic interactions and van der Waals attractive forces. In the structure of the copolymer, the attractive interaction of the multiple adhesion promoter groups with the substrate surface or subsequent coating material results in improved adhesion of the copolymer to the substrate surface and / or subsequent coating.

(H) Non-limiting examples of structures suitable for adhesion-promoting radicals that can be used to form polymer structures include, but are not limited to, column 6, 5 of US Pat. No. 6,025,026. Lines 8 to 65, US Pat. No. 6,150,430, second column, lines 59 to 5, lines 44, and US radical No. 7,410,691. Accelerators and the like disclosed in the 4th to 8th columns and 19th lines, hydroxy, carboxylic acid, anhydride, isocyanato, blocked isocyanato, thioisocyanato, blocked thioisocyanato, amino, thio, organofunctional silane, organo Included are functional titanates, organofunctional zirconates and epoxy, and each organofunctional group is vinyl, allyl, vinyl functional hydrocarbon radical, epoxy functional hydrocarbon radical, allyl functional hydrocarbon radical, acryloyl functional hydrocarbon. Independently selected from radicals, methacryloyl functional hydrocarbon radicals, styryl functional hydrocarbon radicals, mercapto functional hydrocarbon radicals or combinations of such organofunctional groups, the hydrocarbon radicals are C1-C20 alkyl, C2- C20
Selected from alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, C1-C20 alkoxy, C1-C20 alkyl (C1-C20) alkoxy, C1-C20 alkoxy (C1-C20) alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and combinations of such hydrocarbon radicals. However, where the adhesion-promoting group is a hydroxy or carboxylic acid, the (co) polymer is subject to further inclusion of at least one other adhesion-promoting group, the disclosure of which is provided by reference. Incorporated into the specification. As used herein, the term "blocking" as used in reference to an isocyanato group or a thioisocyanato group refers to an isosianato group or a thioisocyanato group until the blocking group is removed. Refers to a structure that has reversibly reacted with a group to protect the group from the reaction. In general, the compound used to block an isocyanato group or a thioisocyanato group may be an organic compound having an active hydrogen atom, such as, but not limited to, a volatile alcohol, epsilon-caprolactam or ketoxim compound. .. Non-limiting examples of blocking groups include amines, hydrooxamic esters, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazole groups, phenols, cresols, nonylphenols, caprolactam, triazoles, imidazolines, oximes, formates and diacetones. X. Tassel et al., "A New Blocking Agent of Isocyanates" European Polymer Journal, 2000, 36, 1745-1751 and ZW Wicks Jr., Progress in Organic Coatings, 1975, 3, 73-99. These disclosures, including those, are incorporated herein by reference.

Non-limiting examples of such (co) polymer structures are described in paragraphs [0031]-[0053] and [0091]-[0102] of US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/01355850. The disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. It is understood that the alignment coating layer may contain any of the additional additives mentioned above with respect to the anisotropic coating layer.

As described above, the anisotropic coating layer such as those described above and optionally the alignment coating layer can be applied so as to cover at least a part of the surface of the optical element. The anisotropic layer or alignment coating layer can be directly applied so as to cover at least a part of the surface of the optical element. Once the alignment coating layer is formed to cover at least part of the surface of the optical element, anisotropic materials and additional materials such as, for example, dichroic materials, photochromic materials and photochromic dichroic materials are aligned by the alignment coating layer. As such, the anisotropic coating layer can be applied directly to cover the alignment coating layer. As used herein, the phrase "imparted directly to cover" means that the coating layer is an optical element without any other component being positioned between other coating layers or the like. It means that it is formed so as to cover the surface of the surface or the surface of another coating layer.

In general, at least the thickness of the anisotropic coating layer may be any thickness required to achieve the desired thickness of the optical article to be manufactured. For example, the thickness of at least the anisotropic coating layer can be from 0.1 micron to 1 millimeter, from 5 microns to 50 microns, or from 10 microns to 30 microns. The alignment coating layer may have the same thickness as the anisotropic coating layer.

Further coating layers can also be used in conjunction with anisotropic coating layers and alignment coating layers. That is, one or more additional layers may be applied on the surface of the optical element, the surface of the anisotropic coating layer and / or the surface of the alignment coating layer. Non-limiting examples of additional coating layers include separate tie layers, primer layers, abrasion resistant coating layers, hard coating layers, protective coating layers, reflective coating layers, photochromic coating layers, and dichroic coatings. Layer, photochromic dichroic coating layer, antireflection coating layer, linearly polarized coating layer, circularly polarized coating layer, elliptical polarization coating layer, transition coating layer, compatible coating layer, functional organic coating layer, retarder layer or a combination thereof Can be mentioned. Descriptions and non-limiting examples of at least some of these additional layers are described in paragraphs [0060]-[0064] of US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/01355850, the disclosure of which is described herein by reference. Incorporated into the book.

Further, an anisotropic coating layer and optionally an alignment coating layer can be applied to the optical element to form an optical article having one or more light effect properties. As used herein, the term "light-affected property" refers to an optical property that exhibits one or more optical properties when light comes into contact with an optical article or when light traverses an optical article. Refers to the function of an article. Non-limiting examples of light-affected properties include color or shade, polarization, photochromic and / or photochromic dichroic reversible changes or combinations thereof. An anisotropic coating layer and optionally an alignment coating layer can be applied so as to cover the optical element to form a plurality of light influence zones having different light influence characteristics. Further, an anisotropic coating layer and optionally an alignment coating layer can be applied as a predetermined pattern so as to cover the optical element to form a light influence zone of a predetermined pattern.

In some examples, at least one anisotropic coating layer and optionally an alignment coating layer is applied to cover the optics and has at least one uniform or gradient light effect property. Form a light influence zone. For example, an anisotropic coating layer and optionally an alignment coating layer are applied to cover the optical elements to form at least one light-affected zone with uniform or gradient polarization. As used herein, "uniformly polarized light" refers to a certain magnitude or degree of polarization across at least one light-affected zone, and "gradiently polarized light" refers to at least one light. Refers to an increase or decrease in the magnitude or degree of polarization throughout the affected zone. To provide uniform polarization, the anisotropic coating layer has the same amount of aligned dichroic material and / or the same amount of aligned photochromic dichroism throughout at least one light-affected zone. May have material. In addition, to provide gradient polarization, the anisotropic coating layer has different amounts of aligned dichroic material and / or different amounts of aligned photochromic two throughout at least one light-affected zone. May have a dichroic material. The amount of aligned dichroic and / or photochromic dichroic material is altered by incorporating different amounts of dichroic and / or photochromic dichroic material throughout at least one light-affected zone. It is possible or incorporates similar amounts of dichroic and / or photochromic dichroic material, but then different amounts of dichroism and / or photochromic throughout at least one light-affected zone. It can be changed by aligning the dichroic material.

Anisotropic coating layers and optionally an alignment coating layer are applied to cover the optical elements to form at least one light-affected zone with a uniform color or shade or a gradient color or shade. You can also. As used herein, "uniform color or shade" refers to a certain magnitude or degree of color or shade throughout at least one light-affected zone, and "gradient color or shade". Refers to an increase or decrease in the magnitude or degree of color or shade throughout at least one light-affected zone. To provide a uniform color or shade, the anisotropic coating layer has the same amount of dichroic material, photochromic material, photochromic dichroic material and / or conventional throughout at least one light affected zone. May have dye. In addition, to provide a gradient color or shade, the anisotropic coating layer provides different amounts of dichroic material, photochromic material, photochromic dichroic material and / or across at least one light-affected zone. Can have conventional dyes.

Anisotropic coating layers and optionally an alignment coating layer are applied over the optical elements to provide uniform photochromic and / or photochromic dichroism with reversible changes or gradient photochromic and / or photochromic dichroism. It is also possible to form at least one light-affected zone with reversible changes. As used herein, "uniform photochromic and / or photochromic dichroic reversible changes" are colors or shades throughout at least one light-affected zone, at least when exposed to chemical rays. And / or refers to a certain magnitude or degree of polarization change, "gradient photochromic and / or photochromic dichroic reversible change" refers to at least one light effect zone when exposed to chemical rays. Refers to an increase or decrease in the magnitude or degree of change in color or shade and / or polarization throughout. Uniform photochromic and / or photochromic dichroism In order to result in a reversible change, the anisotropic coating layer provides the same amount of photochromic material and / or photochromic dichroic material throughout at least one light-affected zone. Can have. In addition, to provide a gradient photochromic and / or photochromic dichroism reversible change, the anisotropic coating layer has different amounts of photochromic material and / or photochromic dichroism throughout at least one light-affected zone. May have sex material.

As will be understood, the use of photochromic and photochromic dichroic materials to provide uniform or gradient polarization and / or color or shade is a uniform or gradient photochromic and / or photochromic. It results in dichroic reversible changes. Thus, the use of photochromic and / or photochromic dichroic materials can finally form a light-affected zone with two different light-affected properties. Anisotropic coating layer and optionally an alignment coating layer are applied to cover the optics and one or more light effect zones that independently contain any combination of uniform or gradient light effect properties. It is also understood that can form.

As pointed out, an optical article may contain two or more light-affected zones with different light-affected properties. Thus, the optical articles of the invention are two or more lights with different polarization properties, different colors or shades, different photochromic reversible changes and / or photochromic dichroic reversible changes or any combination thereof. It may include an impact zone.

In some examples, the optical article comprises at least two light influence zones with different polarization properties. For example, an optical article may include (i) at least one first light influence zone having a different polarization alignment than the polarization alignment of at least one second light influence zone, and (ii) at least one second light influence zone. It has at least one first light influence zone having a polarization scale or degree greater than or less than the polarization of the light influence zone, (iii) at least one first light influence zone having uniform polarization and polarization. Not at least one second light-affected zone, (iv) at least one first light-affected zone with gradient polarization and at least one non-polarized light-affected zone, ( v) At least one first light-affected zone with gradient polarized light and at least one second light-affected zone with uniform polarized light (vi) at least one with first gradient polarized light First light-affected zone and a second gradient of polarized light that differs from the first gradient of polarized light, such as a change in polarization of a different degree or scale, a different polarization alignment or a change in the direction of a different degree of polarization. At least one second light influence zone or (vii)
) Any combination of these may be included.

In addition, the optical article may further include at least two light-affected zones with different photochromic and / or photochromic dichroic reversible changes. For example, the optical article includes (i) at least one first light-affected zone containing a photochromic material and at least one second light-affected zone without a photochromic material, (ii) a photochromic dichroic material. At least one first light-affected zone including, and at least one second light-affected zone having no photochromic dichroic material, (iii) at least one first light-affected zone containing a gradient photochromic reversible change. One light effect zone and at least one second light effect zone having a uniform photochromic reversible change, (iv) at least one first light effect including a gradient photochromic dichroic reversible change. It may include at least one second light-affected zone with zones and uniform photochromic dichroic reversible changes or (v) any combination thereof.

The optical article may further include at least two light-affected zones with different color or tint properties. For example, an optical article is (i) at least one first light-affected zone having a color or shade greater than or smaller than the color or shade of at least one second light-affected zone, (ii. ) At least one first light influence zone having a color or shade different from the color or shade of at least one second light influence zone, (iii) at least one having a uniform color or shade. One first light influence zone and at least one second light influence zone having no color or shade, (iv) at least one first light influence zone and color having a gradient color or shade Alternatively, at least one second light influence zone having no shade, (v) at least one first light influence zone having a gradient color or shade, and at least one having a uniform color or shade. Second light influence zone, (vi) at least one first light influence zone having a first gradient color or shade and, for example, the magnitude of change in different colors or shades or spatially in different colors or shades. It may include at least one second light influence zone or (vii) any combination thereof having a second gradient color or shade different from the first gradient color or shade such as a change in direction. ..

The optical article can be formed with any combination of the non-limiting light influence zones and properties described above. In addition, the optical article is of any desired number, including, but not limited to, two or more, three or more, or four or more light-affected zones. May include light-affected zones. The number and type of light-affected zones can be selected based on the desired use of optical articles. For example, optical articles used as eye lenses have a dark first zone of strongly polarized light that adequately shields sunlight and selectively reduces glare, and reads digital displays on cars, planes or boats. And may have a brighter second zone with less degree of polarization for visibility. Non-limiting specific examples of ocular lenses having one or more light influence zones are further shown in FIGS. 1-5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the anisotropic coating layer and optionally the alignment coating layer consist of an upper edge 14, a lower edge 16 and two side edges 18 and 20 extending from the upper edge 14 to the lower edge 16. It can be applied so as to cover the ophthalmic lens 10 having the upper surface 12 formed between the lenses. As shown in FIG. 1, in the anisotropic coating layer, the scale or degree of polarization decreases from the upper edge 14 to the lower edge 16, and the scale or degree of color or shade is the same from the upper edge 14 to the lower edge 16. It provides uniform color or shade and gradient polarization over the entire top surface 12 of the ophthalmic lens 10 so that it remains in the state.

Referring to FIG. 2, the anisotropic coating layer and optionally the alignment coating layer are the upper edge 28, the lower edge 30, and the two side edges 32 and 34 extending from the upper edge 28 to the lower edge 30. It is provided so as to cover the ophthalmic lens 24 having the upper surface 26 formed between them. As further shown in FIG. 2, the first light influence zone 36 having a high degree of horizontal polarization is formed so as to cover the upper portion of the upper surface 26 of the lens 24, and the second light having no polarization. The influence zone 38 is formed so as to cover the lower portion of the upper surface 26 of the lens 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, the anisotropic coating layer and optionally the alignment coating layer are the upper edge 44, the lower edge 46, and the two side edges 48 and 50 extending from the upper edge 44 to the lower edge 46. It is provided so as to cover the ophthalmic lens 40 having the upper surface 42 formed between the lenses. As further shown in FIG. 3, a first light influence zone 52 having vertical polarization is formed to cover a lateral portion of an upper surface 42 adjacent to side edges 48 and 50, and a second having horizontal polarization. The light influence zone 54 is formed so as to cover the central portion of the upper surface 26 of the lens 24 between the upper edge 44, the lower edge 46, and the first light influence zone 52.

FIG. 4 covers an eye lens 58 having an upper surface 60 formed between an upper edge 62, a lower edge 64, and two side edges 66 and 68 extending from the upper edge 62 to the lower edge 64. The anisotropic coating layer and the alignment coating layer optionally attached to the above are shown. As shown in FIG. 4, a first light influence zone 70 having vertical polarization is formed so as to cover a lateral portion of the upper surface 60 adjacent to the side edges 66 and 68, and a second having horizontal polarization. The light influence zone 72 is formed so as to cover the upper portion of the upper surface 60 of the lens 58 between the first light influence zones 70, and the third light influence zone 74 having no polarization is the first. It is formed so as to cover the lower portion of the upper surface 60 of the lens 58 between the light influence zones 70 of the lens 58.

FIG. 5 covers an eye lens 76 having an upper surface 78 formed between an upper edge 80, a lower edge 82, and two side edges 84 and 86 extending from the upper edge 80 to the lower edge 82. The anisotropic coating layer and the alignment coating layer optionally attached to the above are shown. As shown in FIG. 5, a first light influence zone 88 having a gradient polarization and a gradient hue is formed so as to cover the upper portion of the upper surface 78 of the lens 76 and has a gradient polarization and a gradient. A second light-affected zone 90 having a tint is formed so as to cover the lower portion of the upper surface 78 of the lens 76. Further, the first light influence zone 88 shown in FIG. 5 has a larger degree of polarization and hue than the second light influence zone 90. This arrangement can provide a gradual change in polarization and shade from the top edge 80 to the bottom edge 82 with two different light affected zones.

As pointed out above, the present invention also covers methods of preparing an optical article, including, but not limited to, any of the above optical articles. The optical article can be prepared by forming an anisotropic coating layer and optionally an alignment coating layer to cover the optical element. A variety of methods can be used to form these coating layers, including but not limited to invisibility, overmolding, spin coating, spray coating, spray spin coating, curtain coating. , Flow coating, dip coating, injection molding, casting, roll coating, spread coating, cast coating, reverse roll coating, transfer roll coating, kiss coating or ironing coating, gravure roll coating, slot die coating, blade coating, Knife coating, rod or bar coating and wire coating, inkjet printing and any combination of these methods can be mentioned. Various coating methods suitable for use in certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are also described in "Coating Processes", Kirk-OthmerEncyclopediaof Chemical Technology, Vol. 7, pp. 1-35, 2004. There is. Non-limiting methods of invitations are described in US Pat. No. 6,433,043, columns 1, 31 to 13, 54. Each disclosure of these references is incorporated by reference in its entirety, each disclosure of these references.

Generally, an optical article is provided with at least one anisotropic material and at least one dichroic material and / or at least one photochromic dichroic material, as described above, in one or more. It is prepared by forming a light-affected zone of. At the option, at least one photochromic material and / or at least one conventional dye can also be applied. Typically, some of these materials are applied to the optics along with other additives such as the above additives in one or more coating compositions. For example, applying a coating composition containing at least one anisotropic material to an optical element, aligning it in one or more directions, and then curing it to form at least one anisotropic coating layer. Can be done.

In addition, the anisotropic coating composition comprising at least one anisotropic material comprises at least one dichroic material and / or at least one photochromic dichroic material and optionally at least one photochromic material. And / or at least one conventional dye may be further included. Thus, anisotropic materials, at least one dichroic material and / or at least one photochromic dichroic material and optionally at least one photochromic material and / or at least one conventional dye are simultaneously present. It can be applied to the optics, aligned and then cured. Alternatively, at least one dichroic material, at least one photochromic dichroic material and optionally at least one photochromic material and at least one conventional dye were aligned by invisibility. It may be diffused into the cured anisotropic coating layer. Thus, at least one dichroic material, at least one photochromic dichroic material and optionally at least one photochromic material and at least one conventional dye are aligned and cured at a later time point. It can be incorporated into an anisotropic coating layer.

As used herein, the term "imbibition" diffuses or penetrates a dichroic material, a photochromic dichroic material, a photochromic material and / or a conventional dye into a host material or coating. It refers to the transfer of such materials into porous polymers with the assistance of processes, solvents, vapor phase transfer and thermal transfer. Dye invitations into the anisotropic coating layer include one or more invisibility resins and at least one dichroic material, photochromic dichroic material, photochromic in at least a portion of the anisotropic coating layer. It may include the step of applying a composition comprising a material and / or a conventional dye. The composition is then heated such that the dye diffuses or invises into the anisotropic coating layer. The remaining inviting resin and other residual material can be washed off the surface of the anisotropic coating layer. Inviting the dye into the anisotropic coating layer may utilize a dye transfer substrate. As used herein, "dye transfer substrate" refers to a component that is capable of absorbing a dye and releasing it under certain conditions. The dye transfer substrate can absorb the dichroic material, the photochromic material, the photochromic dichroic material and / or the conventional dye and release it into the anisotropic coating layer. The dye transfer substrate is capable of releasing the dye material during heating and / or under pressure.

As mentioned above, at least the anisotropic material is aligned after the anisotropic coating composition is applied. The anisotropic material can be aligned by heating the anisotropic coating composition. Generally, the anisotropic coating composition is heated without curing the composition. For example, the anisotropic coating composition is typically heated at a temperature of 10 ° C. to 90 ° C. for a period ranging from 10 minutes to 200 minutes. The anisotropic coating composition is then recognized in the art, including, but not limited to, chemical beam treatment, heat treatment by heating the composition at a temperature higher than the alignment temperature, and combinations thereof. It can be cured using a variety of techniques.

In some examples, the anisotropic material is aligned by the orientation information in the alignment coating layer positioned between the optical element and the anisotropic coating layer. Therefore, the method of preparing an optical article of the present invention may include forming an alignment coating layer so as to cover at least a part of the surface of the optical element before applying the anisotropic coating composition. The anisotropic coating composition can then be applied and cured to cover at least a portion of the alignment coating layer.

The alignment coating layer can be formed by imparting an alignment coating composition comprising the alignment material and then at least partially aligning the alignment material in any desired direction (s). As used herein, the phrase "at least partially" as used with respect to the degree of alignment of an alignable material in a coating layer is from 10% of the alignable elements of the material. Up to 100% means to be aligned. Alignable elements of the material can also display 25% to 100% alignment, 50% to 100% alignment or 100% alignment. Suitable methods for at least partially aligning the alignment material are, but are not limited to, exposing at least a portion of the composition to a magnetic field and at least a portion of the composition to shear forces. That, at least part of the composition is exposed to an electric field, at least part of the composition is exposed to planarly polarized UV light, at least part of the composition is exposed to infrared light, and at least part of the composition is exposed to infrared light. Drying, etching at least part of the composition, rubbing at least part of the composition and combinations thereof. Layer-appropriate alignment methods are also described in detail in US Pat. No. 7,097,303, columns 27, 17-28, 45, the disclosure of which is described herein by reference. Incorporated into the book.

In some examples, an alignment coating composition comprising an optical alignment material, such as any of the above optical alignment materials, is applied to cover at least a portion of the surface of the optical element and is exposed to electromagnetic radiation for polarization treatment. Aligned in any desired direction. The anisotropic coating composition is then applied to cover at least a portion of the alignment coating layer, and at least a portion of the anisotropic material is aligned in the direction of the light alignment material. The anisotropic coating composition is then cured to form an anisotropic coating layer. If the anisotropic coating composition does not contain any dye material, then at least one dichroic material and / or at least one photochromic dichroic material and optionally at least one photochromic material and A conventional dye is applied and diffused into a preformed anisotropic coating layer.

The methods described herein are also used to form optical articles with one or more light affected zones. These light-affected zones can be formed by an anisotropic coating layer, an alignment coating layer, or a combination thereof. It is understood that the methods of the invention can be used to form any of the above light-affected zones.

Anisotropic materials as well as different types using various methods such as spraying, spin coating and any of the other non-limiting techniques described above to form light-affected zones with an anisotropic coating layer. One or more coating compositions having and / or amounts of dye material (ie, dichroic material, photochromic dichroic material, photochromic material and / or conventional dye) can be imparted. For example, a first coating composition comprising an anisotropic material and at least one dichroic material can be applied to cover the first region of the alignment coating layer, the anisotropic material and at least one. A second coating composition comprising a species of photochromic material can be applied to cover a second region of the alignment coating layer. The anisotropic coating composition is then aligned and cured to provide a single anisotropic coating layer with a first light-affected zone exhibiting a fixed color or shade and a fixed polarization and a reversible color. A second light-affected zone can be formed that exhibits a change in but no polarization. Invitation methods can also be used to form anisotropic coating layers with different light-affected zones. For example, different amounts and / or types of dye material can be diffused into different regions of the pre-cured anisotropic coating layer so that multiple light-affected zones are formed.

Although multiple anisotropic coating compositions can be used to provide different light-affected zones, the plurality of anisotropic coating compositions are single and continuous so as to cover the optics and / or the alignment coating layer. It is applied and cured to form an anisotropic coating layer. A single and continuous anisotropic coating layer provides a coating with multiple light-affecting properties that transition continuously over the optical article.

In addition, the alignment coating layer can also be used to form light-affected zones. In some examples, light-affected zones are formed by selectively exposing different regions of the light alignment coating composition to polarized electromagnetic radiation in different directions. For example, an alignment coating composition comprising an optical alignment material can be applied to the optical element, at least the first portion of the alignment coating composition can be exposed to polarized UV light in the first direction, while Thus, at least the second portion of the alignment coating composition can be exposed to polarized ultraviolet light in a second direction different from the first direction. An anisotropic coating layer containing the dichroic material and / or the photochromic dichroic material and optionally the photochromic material and the conventional dye is formed to cover the alignment coating layer. The dichroic material and / or the photochromic dichroic material applied to cover the first portion of the alignment coating layer is aligned in a first direction to form a first light-affected zone and the alignment coating. The dichroic and / or photochromic dichroic material applied to cover the second portion of the layer is aligned in a second direction to form a second light-affected zone. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this process can be used to form multiple light-affected zones.

For the optical alignment coating layer, masking methods can be used to selectively align different regions of the optical alignment coating composition. Optical Alignment As used herein with respect to the alignment of the area of the coating layer, "masking" refers to the use of components that shield polarized UV light. Components used to shield different areas of the optical alignment coating composition include, but are not limited to, positive UV shielding sheets and negative UV shielding sheets. In addition, different areas of the optical alignment coating composition may be selectively aligned using a single masking step or multiple masking steps. For a single masking step, a masking sheet that shields polarized UV light can be applied so as to cover a first region of the optical alignment coating composition. After applying the masking sheet, the light alignment coating composition is exposed to polarized ultraviolet light in the first direction. The masking sheet is then removed and the entire optical alignment coating composition is exposed to polarized UV light in a second direction different from the first direction. The resulting optical alignment coating layer has at least one first region in which the optical alignment material is aligned in the first direction and at least one second region in which the optical alignment material is aligned in the second direction. Has.

Alternatively, for a plurality of masking steps, a first masking sheet that shields polarized UV light may be applied to cover the first region of the optical alignment coating composition. After applying the first masking sheet, the light alignment coating composition is exposed to polarized ultraviolet light in the first direction. The first masking sheet is then removed and the second masking sheet is applied so as to cover the second region of the optical alignment coating composition. The light alignment coating composition is then exposed to polarized UV light in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The resulting optical alignment coating layer has at least one first region in which the optical alignment material is aligned in the first direction and at least one second region in which the optical alignment material is aligned in the second direction. Has.

Masking methods can also be used to form an alignment coating layer with gradient polarization. For example, gradient polarization allows for a gradient amount of polarized UV light into an alignment coating composition such that a larger amount of light alignment material is aligned from one end to the other end of the coating layer. It can be formed by using a sheet. Subsequently, even if this technique is used to result in gradient polarization along at least two different polarization directions by using a second gradient masking sheet that shields polarized radiation in different polarization directions. Good. It is understood that the dichroic material and / or the photochromic dichroic material is aligned to form a gradient polarized light based on the amount of gradient of the aligned anisotropic material.

As pointed out, an inkjet printer can also be used to form the optical article of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the inkjet printer 100 is an anisotropic material 104, a dichroic material 106, a photochromic material 108, a photochromic dichroic material 110 and / or conventional, which is not polarized or does not reversibly change color. The print head 102 may include a print head 102 fluidized to a source (s) containing the dye 112 of. During operation, the inkjet printing head 100 scans the inkjet printing head section 102 above the optical element 103, and the anisotropic material 104, the dichroic material 106, the photochromic material 108, the photochromic dichroic material 110 and / or The conventional dye 112 can be applied onto the optical element 103. The inkjet printer can simultaneously apply the anisotropic material 104, the dichroic material 106, the photochromic material 108, the photochromic dichroic material 110 and / or the conventional dye 112. Alternatively, the inkjet printer 100 can apply the anisotropic material 102 followed by the dichroic material 106, the photochromic material 108, the photochromic dichroic material 110, and / or the conventional dye 112. .. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, anisotropic materials 104, dichroic materials 106, photochromic materials 108, photochromic dichroic materials 110 and / or conventional dyes 112 are typically, as described above. It is applied with additional additives in the coating composition.

The inkjet printing process described herein gives the user different types and / or amounts of dye material so that different light-affected zones can be formed to cover different areas of the optical article. be able to. Therefore, the inkjet printer 100 is limited by applying different amounts and / or types of dichroic material 106, photochromic material 108, photochromic dichroic material 110 and / or conventional dye 112 to the optical element 103. Although not, it can be used to form an optical article having one or more light influence zones, including any of the above light influence zones.

Inkjet printers can also be used to form anisotropic coating layers that are free of any dye material so that dye materials can be incorporated at a later time. For example, an anisotropic coating layer having an anisotropic material 104 can be applied onto the optical element 103 by using an inkjet printer 100. After this, at a later point in time, a dichroic material, a photochromic material, a photochromic dichroic material, and / or a conventional dye can be incorporated by the invisibility method.

In some examples, the optical element 103 is coated with an alignment coating layer, for example using a spin coating method or the like. As described above, the entire alignment coating layer may be aligned in one direction, or the entire alignment coating layer may have different regions aligned in different directions. The inkjet printer 100 can then add an anisotropic coating layer containing the anisotropic material 104 and various dyes to form an optical article having one or more light-affected zones. The inkjet printer 100 can apply various types of dye materials in an accurate and precise manner to bring an optical article having a plurality of light influence zones to any desired region of the optical article. found.

An optical article having multiple light-affected zones has at least one anisotropic material and one or more dichroic materials and / or two or more anisotropic materials having a photochromic dichroic material. It can also be formed by applying a coating composition followed by a rotation process. For example, two or more anisotropic coating compositions are applied by any of the above coating processes, such as spray coating, and then the coating composition is applied in one continuous manner to cover the optical elements. It can be rotated at a certain speed (ie, revolutions per minute (rpm)) over a certain period of time to form a composition layer. Further, any portion of the anisotropic coating composition may or may not overlap with another anisotropic coating composition when applied to the optical element. In some examples, the overlapping portions of the separate anisotropic coating compositions can be rotated to produce a gradient, such as any of the above gradients. The rotation process can also be controlled to prevent any substantial overlap between different coating compositions. After rotation, the continuous composition layer can be cured to form an anisotropic coating layer with multiple light-affected zones.

Further, in some examples, the optical article having one or more light affected zones is prepared by dye invisibility, such as by a dyeing process or the use of a dye transfer substrate. Different steps on this process can be performed at different times by different individuals and entities. It will be understood that this process can produce optical articles such as the above optical articles. For example, referring to FIG. 7, an optical article 200 having one or more light influence zones is produced by the invitation process as described above, and the other light influence zones are shades with a continuous gradient. And an optical article 200 in a state of having polarized light with a gradient can be obtained. However, the gradient shade and gradient polarization of the optical article 200 can also have a non-continuous gradient (ie, a gradual gradient). As pointed out above, the optical article 200 may include, but is not limited to, optical elements including, but not limited to, optical lenses, ocular lenses, optical filters, windows, visors, mirrors, displays and the like. Further, the optical element may include at least one main surface, and at least one alignment zone can be arranged so as to cover at least a part of the at least one main surface. The main surface may be a curved surface or an unbent surface.

As shown in FIG. 7, the gradient shades and gradient polarization of the optical article 200 can extend over the entire surface of the optical article 200. For example, in FIG. 7, the shade gradient extends from the top of the darkest optical article 200 to the bottom of the lightest shade or no colorant. In addition, FIG. 7 also shows polarized polarization over the entire surface of the optical article 200, where the polarization gradient is from the top of the optical article 200, where the most polarized light is present, to see if the least polarized light is present. Alternatively, it extends to the bottom of the optical article in the absence of polarized light. However, in other examples, the shade gradient and the polarization gradient may extend over only a portion of the surface of the optical article 200.

In addition, FIG. 7 shows the edge of the optical article 200 with the darkest shade corresponding to the edge of the optical article 200 with the most polarized light and the optical article with the least polarized light or no polarized light. Also shown is the end of the optical article 200 that has or does not have the lightest shade corresponding to the end of the. Therefore, in the gradient of the hue and the polarization in FIG. 7, the hue or the polarization decreases in the same direction. However, in another example, the edge of the optical article 200 with the most polarized light may be different from the edge of the optical article 200 with the darkest shade, as well as the shade and shade of the optical article 200. The direction of the polarization gradient may also be different.

8A-9E are block diagrams illustrating exemplary methods for producing optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization.

With reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, producers of optical articles can produce optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization. The producer may be any manufacturer of optical articles, including, in some cases, lens manufacturers, lens suppliers and ophthalmic laboratories. As shown in FIG. 8A, in an exemplary process 210, the producer provides an optical element that includes at least one anisotropic coating layer with at least one alignment zone oriented in a particular direction. (212), the dye composition is brought into contact with the anisotropic coating layer of the optical element (214), and at least a portion of the dye composition is placed at a predetermined concentration gradient along at least a portion of the anisotropic coating layer. Diffuses into the anisotropic coating layer to provide a gradient shade and gradient polarization. In another exemplary process 220, a different having at least one alignment zone prior to step (212) of providing an optical element comprising at least one anisotropic coating layer having at least one alignment zone. An anisotropic coating layer is formed on the optical element (222). In another process 230, the optics are provided in prefabricated form prior to step (212) of providing the optics comprising at least one anisotropic coating layer having at least one alignment zone. (232).

With reference to FIGS. 8D and 8E, producers can produce optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization. In the exemplary process of 240 shown in FIG. 8D, the producer obtains at least one desired product characteristic from the consumer (242). In addition, producers also obtain optics and dye compositions from a single commercial source (244). An optical element comprising at least one anisotropic coating layer having at least one alignment zone is provided (212). The dye composition is then imparted to the anisotropic coating layer by immersing the optical article in a dye solution containing the dye composition (246). The optical article is then withdrawn from the dye solution at a rate sufficient to achieve a predetermined concentration gradient (248). In another exemplary process 250, the producer obtains at least one desired product characteristic from the consumer (242). In addition, producers also obtain optics and dye compositions from a single commercial source (244). The optics include at least one anisotropic coating layer with at least one alignment zone (212). The anisotropic coating layer of the optical article is then contacted with a dye transfer substrate containing a gradient layer of the dye composition (252). The dye transfer substrate is then heated to diffuse at least a portion of the dye composition into the anisotropic coating layer with a predetermined concentration gradient (254).

With reference to FIGS. 9A-9C, optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization can be produced. In one process 310, the optical article is made by contacting one or more dye compositions with an optical element having a continuous anisotropic coating layer containing at least one alignment zone (312). can do. In another exemplary process 320, the alignment coating composition is applied to cover the optics and the first alignment region is formed to cover at least a portion of the optics (322). An anisotropic coating composition containing an anisotropic material is then applied so as to cover the first alignment region, aligned to form a first alignment zone, and then cured to be continuous different. An anisotropic coating layer is formed (324). An optical element having a continuous anisotropic coating layer containing at least one alignment zone is then contacted with one or more dye compositions (312). In another process 330, the alignment coating composition is applied to cover the optical element and a first alignment region is formed to cover at least a portion of the optical element (322). A second alignment region of the alignment coating composition is then formed to cover at least the second portion of the optical element (332). An anisotropic coating composition comprising an anisotropic material is applied so as to cover the first alignment region and aligned to form a first alignment zone, which is then cured to provide continuous anisotropic. A coating layer is formed (324). Next, a second anisotropic coating composition is applied so as to cover the second alignment region to form a second alignment zone (334). The optical element with a continuous coating containing at least two alignment zones can then be contacted with one or more dye compositions (312).

With reference to FIGS. 9D-9E, optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization can be produced. According to an exemplary process 340, the alignment coating composition can be applied so as to cover at least a portion of the optical element (342). A first portion of the alignment coating composition can be exposed to a first polarized radiation having a first polarization direction to form a first alignment region in the alignment coating layer (344). A second portion of the alignment coating composition can be exposed to a second polarized radiation having a second polarization direction to form a second alignment region in the alignment layer (346). An anisotropic coating composition comprising an anisotropic material can be applied, aligned and cured to cover the first alignment region to form a first alignment zone (324), second. The anisotropic coating composition of the above can be applied so as to cover the second alignment region, aligned and cured to form a second alignment zone (334). The dye composition can come into contact with the optical element by immersing the optical element in a dye solution containing the dye composition (348). The optical element can then be extracted from the dye solution to achieve a predetermined concentration gradient. In a second exemplary process 350, the dye composition contacts the optical element by contacting the coating with a dye transfer substrate containing a gradient layer of the dye composition (358). The dye transfer sheet can then be heated to diffuse at least a portion of the dye composition into the anisotropic coating layer (359).

Optical elements that include an anisotropic coating layer with at least one alignment zone can be provided by purchasing the optical element from a third party manufacturer of the optical element or any other manufacturer. The optics can be provided to the producer in a prefabricated form by a third party manufacturer. The prefabricated form means that the optics are pre-prepared with an anisotropic coating layer having at least one alignment zone preformed. For example, a third-party manufacturer can provide a producer with a prefabricated lens blank that includes an anisotropic coating layer with at least one alignment zone. However, in other processes, the producer does not obtain an optical element containing an anisotropic coating layer with at least one alignment zone from a third party manufacturer and instead has a different one with at least one alignment zone. The optical element containing the anisotropic coating layer may be manufactured by the producer. In these cases, the producer can form an anisotropic coating layer on the optical element with at least one alignment zone.

The optical element containing the anisotropic coating layer having at least one alignment zone can be manufactured by the producer or a third party manufacturer using any suitable process such as the above process.

After the producer obtains or manufactures an optical element containing an anisotropic coating layer having at least one alignment zone, the anisotropic coating layer of the optical element is brought into contact with the dye composition. The producer may obtain at least one dye composition from a third party manufacturer of the dye composition or any other manufacturer. The dye composition may be a pre-packaged composition for commercial use. The dye composition may include a dichroic dye and / or a photochromic dichroic dye and may optionally include a photochromic dye and / or a conventional dye. Further dye compositions (s) can also be obtained. Each additional dye composition may include a dichroic dye and / or a photochromic dichroic dye and / or a photochromic dye and / or a conventional dye. The dye composition and / or additional dye composition is the same third-party manufacturer as the third-party manufacturer of the optical element, including the anisotropic coating layer having at least one alignment zone (ie, a single commercial). Can be obtained from the source). In another exemplary process, the dye composition and / or additional dye composition is a third party manufacturer different from the third party manufacturer of the optical element containing the anisotropic coating layer having at least one alignment zone. Can be obtained from. In another exemplary process, dye compositions and / or additional dye compositions may be produced by the producer.

Producers can use any suitable method, including but not limited to spin coating, flow coating, spray coating, dyeing method, use of dye transfer substrate, curtain coating and any combination thereof. Can be contacted with an anisotropic coating layer of an optical element to produce an optical article with a gradient shade and gradient polarization.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-12, the dye solution can be brought into contact with the anisotropic coating layer of the optical element by the dyeing method. According to the dyeing method of the present invention, the optical element 400 including the anisotropic coating layer 402 having at least one alignment zone is immersed in the bath 254 and brought into contact with the dye solution 406. The bath 404 is any container capable of holding the dye solution 406 and having a size sufficient to allow the optical element 400 containing the anisotropic coating layer 402 to be immersed therein. Good. The dye solution can be maintained at any temperature, such as between 0 ° C and about 200 ° C. The dye solution 406 may include a dye composition (s) 432 (shown in FIG. 14) comprising a bicolor dye and / or a photochromic dichroic dye (and optionally a photochromic dye or a conventional dye). There may be multiple baths 404 holding the dye solution 406 and any additional dye solution. Further dye solutions may include a dye composition (s) 432 containing a bicolor dye and / or a photochromic dichroic dye and / or a photochromic dye and / or a conventional dye. In the presence of a plurality of baths 404s containing the dye solution 406, the optical element 400 including the anisotropic coating layer 402 having at least one alignment zone of the baths 404s prepared to obtain the desired effect. Each can be immersed in sequence.

By the dyeing method, at least a part of the optical element 400 including the anisotropic coating layer 402 is submerged (immersed) in the dye solution 406 of the dye composition (s) 432 of the bath 404. As described above, the optical element 400 may be of any kind such as an optical lens, an eye lens, an optical filter, a window, a visor, a mirror and a display. 10A and 10C show several different types of optics 400 (ie, curved optics 400 and unbent optics 400). The optical element 400 can be immersed in the bath 404 in any orientation (as shown in FIGS. 10A-10D). For example, the optical element 400 can be immersed in the bath 404 at an angle (see FIGS. 10A and 10D). In another example, the optical element 400 may be immersed substantially horizontally (see FIGS. 10B and 10C), or may be immersed substantially vertically (not shown), or It may be immersed in any orientation between substantially horizontal and substantially vertical. The orientation when the optical element 400 is immersed in the bath 404 can affect the shade gradient and polarization gradient in the resulting optical article.

With particular reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the optical element 400 with the anisotropic coating layer 402 is in a bath 404 containing the dye solution 406 by any means of submerging at least a portion of the optical element 400 in the dye solution 406. Can be immersed in. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the optical element 400 can be manually immersed (eg, with bare hands) in the dye solution 406 by the user 408. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 11B, the optical element 400 can be automatically immersed in the dye solution 406, for example by a mechanical member 410 controlled by control device 412.

Referring to FIG. 12, by the dyeing method, at least a part of the optical element 400 having the anisotropic coating layer 402 is submerged in the dye solution 406. The portion of the optical element 400 submerged in the dye solution 406 depends on the desired gradient shade and gradient polarization that the producer desires to apply to the anisotropic coating layer 402 of the optical element 400. For example, the optical element 400 may be completely submerged in the dye solution 406 or may be submerged only partially in the dye solution 406 (see FIG. 12).

By the dip dyeing method, at least a part of the optical element 400 having the anisotropic coating layer 402 is first submerged in the dye composition contained in the bath 404. The submerged optical element 400 is then removed from the dye solution 406. The submerged optical element 400 can be removed from the dye solution 406 at a rate sufficient to achieve a predetermined concentration gradient. The process of submerging in dye solution 406 and removing from dye solution 406 may be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired shade and polarization. Optionally, the optical element 400 may be immersed in the additional bath 404 and withdrawn from the additional dye solution at a rate sufficient to achieve a predetermined concentration gradient. When the optical element 400 is immersed in the dye solution (s) 406, the dye solution 406 diffuses into the three-dimensional polymer matrix of the anisotropic coating layer 402. The longer the optical element 400 containing the anisotropic coating layer 402 is submerged in the dye solution 406, or the more times it is submerged, the more dye diffuses into the polymer matrix (ie, the shade and polarization). Increase). Since the three-dimensional polymer matrix of the first alignment zone of the anisotropic coating layer 402 is aligned in the first direction, the dye is also aligned when diffused into the polymer matrix of the first alignment zone. It aligns in the first direction and provides polarization in the first direction.

By the dyeing method, the optical element 400 including the anisotropic coating layer 402 was withdrawn from the dye solution 406 at a predetermined rate and diffused into the polymer matrix of the anisotropic coating layer 402 along the length of the optical element. A predetermined concentration gradient of the dye can be achieved. This can result in a predetermined shade gradient and polarization gradient along the length of the optical element. In another example, the optical element 400 containing the anisotropic coating layer 402 may be removed at different rates when removed from the dye solution 406. For example, the optical element 400 containing the anisotropic coating layer 402 can be completely submerged in the dye solution 406. The first portion of the optical element 400 can be removed from the dye solution 406 at one speed, after which the second portion of the optical element 400 can be removed at another speed (ie,). The rate at which the optical element 400 is removed varies before the entire optical element 400 is removed). During the removal of the optical element 400 from the dye solution 406, a pause is paused to allow the submerged rest to absorb more dye before removing the rest of the optical element 400 from the dye solution 406. There may be. The optical element 400 removed at a constant rate may have a continuous shade gradient and a polarization gradient, but by varying the rate at which the optical element 400 is removed from the dye composition, the non-continuous shades Gradients and polarization gradients (ie, gradual gradients) may be generated.

Referring to FIG. 13, the dye composition comprises contacting the anisotropic coating layer 402 with the dye transfer substrate 414 containing the gradient layer of the dye composition 416 to allow the anisotropic coating layer of the optical element 400. It is possible to contact 402. The dye transfer substrate retains the gradient layer of the dye composition 416, but when the dye transfer substrate 416 is heated, the gradient layer of the dye composition 416 is transferred to the adhered surface. It may be a sheet such as a flexible sheet configured to allow it. The gradient layer of the dye composition 416 is anisotropic of the optical element 400 by imparting one surface of the dye transfer substrate 414 containing the gradient layer of the dye composition 416 to the anisotropic coating layer 402. It can contact the coating layer 402. Optionally, the installation means 418 has a dye having a gradient layer of the dye composition 416 so that the gradient layer of the dye composition 416 cannot slide while still in contact with the anisotropic coating layer 402. It can be mounted on one surface of the dye transfer substrate 414 on the opposite side of the surface of the transfer substrate. The installation means 418 sufficiently provides the anisotropic coating layer 402 with the gradient layer of the dye composition 416 so that neither the gradient layer of the dye composition 416 nor the anisotropic coating layer 402 can slide. It may be any material to be installed. For example, the installation means 418 may be a heavy material such as a metal plate. Once the dye transfer substrate 414 containing the gradient layer of the dye composition 416 is applied to the coating, the dye transfer substrate 414 is heated by the heating device 420. The heating device 420 is by any means for heating the dye transfer substrate 414 to a temperature sufficient to allow the dye to diffuse into the anisotropic coating layer 402 by the gradient layer of the dye composition 416. It may be there. In another example, the gradient layer of the dye composition 416 is diffused into the anisotropic coating layer 402 by applying pressure to the contacting dye transfer substrate 414 and the anisotropic coating layer 402. be able to. As soon as the desired amount of dye is transferred from the dye transfer base material 414 into the anisotropic coating layer 402, the dye transfer base material 414 can be removed.

Consumers can contact producers to order optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization. The consumer may be an individual consumer or a commercial consumer. In one example, a consumer desires an optical article, such as an optical lens, that has a gradient tint and gradient polarization and contacts the producer to entice the manufacturer of the optical lens. The optical lens can be assembled to the spectacle frame to form spectacles. In some examples, the consumer may be a wearer of an optical article, such as a wearer of eyeglasses.

The producer can obtain the desired product characteristic information from the consumer. The desired product property information may include a desired fixed shade gradient, a desired activated shade gradient, a desired fixed polarization gradient and a desired activated polarization gradient. The fixed shade gradient and the fixed polarization gradient refer to the shade and polarization of an optical article that has not been exposed to chemical rays such as ultraviolet light. The activated shade gradient and the activated polarization gradient refer to the shade and polarization of the optical article when exposed to chemical rays. Certain desired product property information may depend on the type of optical article desired by the consumer. For example, a consumer who desires an optical lens with a gradient shade and a gradient polarized light should cover the optics with a prescription dose, selection of spectacle frames, chromatic colors, additional colorants, and gradient shades. Further desired product characteristic information can be provided, such as the amount of lens and the amount of optical lens covered by gradient polarized light.

The process can be carried out in the light of the desired characteristic information collected from the consumer. The producer may provide an optical element containing an anisotropic coating layer having at least one alignment zone and bring the coating into contact with the dye composition in order to produce an optical article that meets the customer's specifications. it can. Further steps may be adopted by the producer or third party manufacturer to meet the product demands desired by the customer. For example, for customers ordering lenses for eyeglasses, the lenses may need to be cut and polished to the proper size and specifications. In another example, this may require further preparation of the optical article before it can be provided to the consumer. For example, a hard coating may be applied to cover the optical article to protect it from scratches and the like. In another example, the consumer may also desire two optical articles, such as an optical lens, which may be assembled to a consumer-selected spectacle frame prior to providing the optical article to the consumer. ..

With reference to FIG. 14, producers can obtain kit 430 for producing optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization. Kit 430 may include an optical element 400 that includes an anisotropic coating layer 402 with at least one alignment zone. The optical element 400 including the anisotropic coating layer 402 may be a prefabricated optical element 400 including the anisotropic coating layer 402 described above (ie, kit 430 is provided before the producer obtains kit 430. Anisotropic coating layer 402 is previously applied to the optical element 400, including the optical element 400). Kit 430 may further include the dye composition (s) 432. At least one of the dye compositions 432 comprises a dichroic dye and / or a photochromic dichroic dye (and optionally a photochromic dye or a conventional dye). Kit 430 may include additional dye compositions, these additional dye compositions may include dichroic dyes and / or photochromic dichroic dyes and / or photochromic dyes and / or conventional dyes. Kit 430 may include a premixed solution containing the dye composition (s). The kit 430 may further include a dye transfer substrate 414 containing a gradient layer of the dye composition 416. Kit 430 includes multiple dye transfer substrates with a gradient layer of dye composition 416 that allows the dye composition 432 in contact with the coating 402 of the optical element 400 to contain different gradient shades and polarizations. 414 may be included. The kit 430 may further include an instruction manual 434 for contacting the dye composition 432 with the anisotropic coating layer 402 of the optical element 400 for the purpose of forming a predetermined concentration gradient. The kit 430 can be used by the producer to produce an optical article 200 with a gradient shade and gradient polarization by any of the above methods.

Instruction manual 434 for contacting the dye composition with the anisotropic coating layer to form a predetermined concentration gradient is available to the consumer. The instruction manual 434 includes, but is not limited to, the type of optical element including an anisotropic coating layer having at least one alignment zone to be used, and the type of dye composition to be used (s). , How to prepare the dye solution from the dye composition (s), how to contact the dye solution with the anisotropic coating layer of the optics, the required anisotropic of the dye solution and the optics It may include information such as the duration of contact with the coating layer, further process steps for producing the optical article once the dye solution is in contact with the anisotropic coating layer of the optical element. The instruction manual 434 is the same third-party manufacturer (ie, single) as the third-party manufacturer of the optical element containing the anisotropic coating layer and the dye composition (s) having at least one alignment zone. Can be obtained from (commercial sources of). In another exemplary process, instruction manual 434 is a third-party producer different from the third-party manufacturer of optical elements containing anisotropic coating compositions and dye compositions having at least one alignment zone. Can be obtained from the manufacturer. In another exemplary process, instruction manual 434 may have been developed by the producer.

Optical articles with gradient shades and gradient polarization can be prepared from any of the above methods.

The following examples are provided to demonstrate the general principles of the present invention. The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the specific examples provided. All parts and percentages in the examples are by weight unless otherwise noted.

(Example 1)
Part 1 Preparation of Primer Layer Formulation (PLF) The following materials were added in the amounts shown in Table 1 below in a suitable container equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar.

The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours to give a solution with a final solid content of 51.47% by weight based on the total weight of the solution.
Part 2 Preparation of liquid crystal alignment formulation (LCAF).

The optical alignment material described as a comparative example in US Patent Application Publication No. US2011 / 0135850A1 was prepared by adding 6 weight percent of the optical alignment material to cyclopentanone to the total weight of the solution. The mixture was stirred until the photoalignment material was completely dissolved.
Part 3 Preparation of anisotropic layer formulation (CLF).

The materials presented in Table 2 below were combined and stirred at 80 ° C. for 2 hours to prepare an anisotropic layer formulation by obtaining a uniform solution, then cooled to room temperature. All quantities are reported as parts by weight.


Part 4 The procedure used to prepare a substrate with an aligned anisotropic layer.

Corona processing:

As pointed out below, prior to the application of any of the reported coating layers, the substrate or the coated substrate shall be placed in a Tantec EST Systems Power Generator HV2000 series corona processor with a high voltage transformer. Corona treatment was applied by passing over the conveyor belt of. The substrate was exposed to a corona generated at 1288 watts while traveling on a conveyor at a belt speed of 3.8 ft / min.

Substrate preparation:

A lens substrate for CR-39® SFSV Base 4.25 with a diameter of 75 mm was obtained from Essilor. Each substrate was cleaned by wiping with a tissue soaked in acetone, dried by an air stream, and corona treated as described above.

Coating procedure for primer layer:

Dispense about 1.5 mL of solution and rotate the substrate 500 times per minute (rpm) for 2 seconds, followed by 2500 rpm for 2.2 seconds to achieve a target film thickness of 4.5 microns. PLF was applied to the prepared lens. After this, the coated substrate was placed in an oven maintained at 125 ° C. for 60 minutes and then cooled to room temperature. The coated substrate was then corona treated as described above.

Coating procedure for liquid crystal alignment layer:

By dispensing about 1.0 mL of solution and rotating the substrate 600 times per minute (rpm) for 2 seconds, followed by 2400 rpm for 2 seconds to achieve a target film thickness of less than 1 micron. LCAF was applied to the test substrate by spin coating on a part of the surface of the test substrate. After this, the coated substrate was placed in an oven maintained at 120 ° C. for 15 minutes and then cooled to room temperature.

The dried light alignment layer on each substrate was at least partially ordered by exposure to linearly polarized UV light. The light source was oriented so that the radiation was linearly polarized in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. The amount of UV light exposed to each optical alignment layer is determined by EIT Inc. Measured using a UV POWER PUCKTM high energy radiometer manufactured by: UVA 0.020 W / cm ² and 0.298 J / cm ² , UVB 0.010 W / cm ² and 0.132 J / cm ^2. , UVC 0.002 W / cm ² and 0.025 J / cm ² and UVV 0.025 W / cm ² and 0.355 J / cm ² . After ordering at least a portion of the photo-alignable polymer network, the substrate was cooled to room temperature, left coated and uncorona treated.

Coating procedure for anisotropic layers:

The anisotropic layer formulation CLF-1 is spin coated on at least a partially ordered optical alignment material on the lens substrate at a rate of 500 rpm (rpm) for 2 seconds, followed by 1500 rpm. The target film thickness of about 20 microns was achieved. Each coated substrate was placed in an oven at 60 ° C. for 30 minutes. After this, the coated substrate is in the UV Curing Oven Machine designed and built by Belcan Engineering while continuing to move on a conveyor belt operating at a linear rate of 61 cm / min (2 ft / min). It was cured under a nitrogen atmosphere under two UV lamps. The oven had a peak intensity of UVA of 0.388 watts / cm ² and UVV of 0.165 watts / cm ² and UV dose of 7.386 joules / cm ² and UVV of 3.337 joules / cm ² . It worked.
Part 5 Preparation of Gradient Tint or Gradient Polarized Optical Articles

A solution of the dichroic dye was prepared using the raw materials in Table 3.

The resulting colored suspension was loaded into an airbrush with an air pressure set to 20 psi. The lenses prepared in the first to fourth parts described above were supported and oriented at an angle of 45 ° from the vertical so that the alignment of the anisotropic layer was horizontally oriented. Using a horizontal anteroposterior movement starting from the top and moving towards the bottom, the dichroic dye solution was sprayed onto the lens so that it was applied thickest at the top and thinnest at the bottom. The coated lens was then placed in a heating oven at 100 ° C. for 900 seconds. After cooling, the lens was rinsed with methanol to remove resin and residual dye. The lenses produced demonstrated gradient tint and gradient polarization characteristics. This is further demonstrated in the following drawings. FIG. 15 shows a lens illuminated from behind by unpolarized light with a visible shade gradient. FIG. 16 shows the passage of light through the lens when the polarizer is oriented parallel (0 °) to the alignment of the anisotropic layer. FIG. 17 shows the passage of light through the same lens when the polarizer is oriented at right angles (90 °) to the direction of alignment of the anisotropic coating layer.
Part 6 Preparation of polarized articles with uniform hue and gradient

Conventional dye solutions were prepared using the raw materials in Table 4.

Aromatic 100 and conventional dyes were added to this solution. The suspension was mixed until the dye was dissolved.

The suspension of the dichroic dye prepared in Part 5 was loaded into an airbrush with an air pressure set to 20 psi. The lenses prepared in Part 1 to 4 above were supported and oriented at an angle of 45 ° from the vertical so that the anisotropic layer alignment was oriented horizontally. Using a horizontal anteroposterior movement starting from the top and moving towards the center, the dichroic dye suspension is applied thickest at the top, thinnest at the center, and the bottom is uncoated. The dichroic dye formulation was sprayed onto the lens so that it remained in that condition.

The suspension of the traffic dyes prepared in Table 4 above was loaded into a second airbrush with an air pressure set to 20 psi. Using a horizontal anteroposterior movement starting from the bottom and moving upwards towards the center, the conventional dye formulation is applied thickest at the bottom, thinnest at the center, and absent at the top. , The bicolor dye formulation and the conventional dye formulation were sprayed onto the lens so as to overlap at the center of the lens.

The coated lens was then placed in a heating oven at 100 ° C. for 900 seconds. After cooling, the lens was rinsed with methanol to remove resin and residual dye. The lenses produced demonstrated uniform tint and gradient polarization characteristics over the surface of the lens. This is further demonstrated in the following drawings. FIG. 18 shows a lens illuminated from behind by unpolarized light that exhibits a uniform hue. FIG. 19 shows the passage of light through the lens when the polarizer is oriented parallel (0 °) to the alignment of the anisotropic layer. FIG. 20 shows the passage of light through the same lens when the polarizer is oriented at right angles (90 °) to the direction of alignment of the anisotropic coating layer.
(Example 2)
Part 1 Preparation of Primer Layer Formulation (PLF).

In a suitable container equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar, the following materials were added in the amounts shown in Table 5 below.

The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours to give a solution with a final solid content of 51.47% by weight based on the total weight of the solution.
Part 2 Preparation of liquid crystal alignment formulation (LCAF).

The optical alignment material described as a comparative example in US Patent Application Publication No. US2011 / 0135850A1 was prepared by adding 6 weight percent of the optical alignment material to cyclopentanone to the total weight of the solution. The mixture was stirred until the photoalignment material was completely dissolved.
Part 3 Preparation of anisotropic layer formulation (CLF).

The materials presented in Table 6 below were combined and stirred at 80 ° C. for 2 hours to prepare an anisotropic layer formulation by obtaining a uniform solution and then cooled to room temperature. All quantities are reported as parts by weight.


Part 4 The procedure used to prepare a substrate with an aligned anisotropic layer.

Corona processing:

As pointed out below, prior to the application of any of the reported coating layers, the substrate or the coated substrate shall be placed in a Tantec EST Systems Power Generator HV2000 series corona processor with a high voltage transformer. Corona treatment was applied by passing it on the conveyor belt of. The substrate was exposed to a corona generated at 1288 watts while traveling on a conveyor at a belt speed of 3.8 ft / min.

Substrate preparation:

A lens substrate for CR-39® SFSV Base 4.25 with a diameter of 75 mm was obtained from Essilor. Each substrate was cleaned by wiping with a tissue soaked in acetone, dried by an air stream, and corona treated as described above.

Coating procedure for primer layer:

Dispense about 1.5 mL of solution and rotate the substrate 500 times per minute (rpm) for 2 seconds, followed by 2500 rpm for 2.2 seconds to achieve a target film thickness of 4.5 microns. PLF was applied to the prepared lens. After this, the coated substrate was placed in an oven maintained at 125 ° C. for 60 minutes and then cooled to room temperature. The coated substrate was then corona treated as described above.

Coating procedure for liquid crystal alignment layer:

By dispensing about 1.0 mL of solution and rotating the substrate 600 times per minute (rpm) for 2 seconds, followed by 2400 rpm for 2 seconds to achieve a target film thickness of less than 1 micron. LCAF was applied to the test substrate by spin coating on a part of the surface of the test substrate. After this, the coated substrate was placed in an oven maintained at 120 ° C. for 15 minutes and then cooled to room temperature.

The dried light alignment layer on each substrate was at least partially ordered by exposure to linearly polarized UV light. The light source was oriented so that the radiation was linearly polarized in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. EIT the amount of UV light exposed to each optical alignment layer
Inc. Measured using a UV POWER PUCK ™ high energy radiometer manufactured by UVA 0.020 W / cm ² and 0.298 J / cm ² , UVB 0.010 W / cm ² and 0.132 J. / Cm ² , UVC 0.002 W / cm ² and 0.025 J / cm ² and UVV 0.025 W / cm ² and 0.355 J / cm ² . After ordering at least a portion of the photo-alignable polymer network, the substrate was cooled to room temperature, left coated and uncorona treated.

Coating procedure for anisotropic layers:

The anisotropic layer formulation CLF-1 is spin coated on at least a partially ordered optical alignment material on the lens substrate at a rate of 500 rpm (rpm) for 2 seconds, followed by 1500 rpm. The target film thickness of about 20 microns was achieved. Each coated substrate was placed in an oven at 60 ° C. for 30 minutes. After this, the coated substrate is in the UV Curing Oven Machine designed and built by Belcan Engineering while continuing to move on a conveyor belt operating at a linear rate of 61 cm / min (2 ft / min). It was cured under a nitrogen atmosphere under two UV lamps. The oven had a peak intensity of UVA of 0.388 watts / cm ² and UVV of 0.165 watts / cm ² and UV dose of 7.386 joules / cm ² and UVV of 3.337 joules / cm ² . It worked.
Part 5 Dip coating procedure

A solution of the dichroic dye was prepared by using the raw materials shown in Table 7.

The solution was placed in a beaker and heated to 65 ° C. For the lenses prepared above, a clamp was attached to the edge of the lens, the lens was held at right angles to the solution, and the anisotropic layer alignment was oriented parallel to the surface of the solution. The lens was completely submerged in the solution for 3 seconds and then pulled up so that 30 mm of the lens was held above the solution. The lens was then immersed for 3 minutes at +/- 10 mm from this position at a rate of 125 cycles per minute. The lens was then completely submerged for 3 seconds and removed from the solution. After releasing from the clamp, the lens was placed at an angle of 10 ° from the vertical while maintaining the horizontal orientation of the anisotropic layer alignment and placed in an oven at 100 ° C. for 120 seconds. After cooling, the lens was rinsed with methanol to remove residual dye. The lenses produced demonstrated gradient tint and gradient polarization characteristics. This is further demonstrated in the following drawings. Both drawings show a lens backlit through a polarizing filter. FIG. 21 shows the passage of light through the lens when the polarizer is oriented parallel (0 °) to the alignment of the anisotropic layer. FIG. 22 shows the passage of light through the same lens when the polarizer is oriented at right angles (90 °) to the direction of alignment of the anisotropic coating layer.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the modifications pointed out above can be made to the present invention without departing from the concept disclosed in the above description. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail herein are for illustration purposes only and are the full scope of any of the appended claims and any equivalent of the claims and all equivalents. The scope of the present invention is not limited.

Claims (1)

The invention described in the specification.