Window molding apparatus and window molding method using the same

By using a window molding device and method, and utilizing a movable mold and heating components, a window with a large bending angle was successfully manufactured, solving the problem of the difficulty in processing curved display device windows in the prior art, and achieving effective protection for curved display devices.

CN114292012BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-13SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD +1
View PDF 2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202111148123.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-10-07
Filing Date
2021-09-29
Publication Date
2026-01-13
Estimated Expiration
2041-09-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies are insufficient for effectively manufacturing windows with large bending angles, thus failing to meet the protection requirements of curved display devices.

Method used

A window molding device is used, including a first molding component and a second molding component. By using a movable mold and a heating component, air is injected through a flow path to achieve the bending process of the workpiece. The specific steps include heating the workpiece and forming the bent part by moving the movable mold.

Benefits of technology

It enables efficient processing of windows with large bending angles, reliably protecting the electronic components of curved display devices from external impacts.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN114292012B_ABST
    Figure CN114292012B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for molding a window, the apparatus comprising: a first molding component; a clamp disposed below the first molding component, the clamp comprising a bottom surface configured to support and seat a workpiece to be processed into a window and a plurality of side surfaces; and a second molding component disposed on the bottom surface, wherein the second molding component comprises a lower surface adjacent to the bottom surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, a first cavity having a first curved surface that is concave generally in a direction facing the lower surface, a plurality of second cavities having a second curved surface extending from the first cavity, and a plurality of movable molds disposed on the second cavities respectively to support movement along the second curved surface.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to window molding apparatus and window molding method using the window molding apparatus, and more specifically, to window molding apparatus and window molding method for manufacturing windows having curved portions bent at large bending angles. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices consist of a window, a housing, and electronic components. These electronic components include various elements activated by electrical signals, such as display elements, touch elements, or detection elements. The window protects the electronic components and provides a usable area for the user. Therefore, the user can provide input to the electronic components or receive information generated within them through the window. Furthermore, the window reliably protects the electronic components from external impacts.

[0003] Recently, curved or bent display devices have been developed that display images through each of the front, rear, and side surfaces.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of the inventive concept, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The applicant recognizes that window processing technology for various shapes should be developed in order to use various types of curved or bent display devices.

[0006] The window molding apparatus for manufacturing windows, constructed according to the principles and illustrative implementation of the present invention, is capable of manufacturing windows having portions bent at large bending angles. The window molding method according to the principles and illustrative implementation of the present invention can easily process windows having portions bent at large bending angles.

[0007] Other features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the inventive concept.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for molding a window includes: a first molding member; a clamp disposed below the first molding member, the clamp including a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces and configured to support and hold a workpiece to be molded into a window; and a second molding member disposed on the bottom surface, wherein the second molding member includes a lower surface adjacent to the bottom surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, a first cavity having a first curved surface recessed generally in a direction facing the lower surface, a plurality of second cavities extending from the first cavity and having second curved surfaces, and a plurality of movable molds respectively disposed on the second cavities for supporting movement along the second curved surfaces.

[0009] Each of the movable molds may include a curved portion and a generally flat portion facing the curved portion, the curved portion having a third curved surface corresponding to the second curved surface.

[0010] The workpiece may include a first generally unbent portion and a second generally unbent portion, and a bendable portion is disposed between the first generally unbent portion and the second generally unbent portion. In a first position, the first generally unbent portion, the bendable portion, and the second generally unbent portion may be generally flat, and the generally flat portion of each of the movable molds is configured to be generally parallel to the lower surface. In a second position, the bendable portion may be bent generally concavely in a first cavity, and the generally flat portion of each of the movable molds may be configured to be generally perpendicular to the lower surface.

[0011] The second cavity may include a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity that can be disposed in a position approximately symmetrical to the first cavity, and the movable mold may include a first movable mold disposed in the first sub-cavity and a second movable mold disposed in the second sub-cavity.

[0012] The workpiece may include a first generally unbent portion and a second generally unbent portion, and a bendable portion is disposed between the first generally unbent portion and the second generally unbent portion. In a first position, the first generally unbent portion, the bendable portion, and the second generally unbent portion may be generally flat. A first movable mold and a second movable mold are disposed adjacent to each other below the workpiece. In a second position, the bendable portion may be bent generally concavely in a first cavity. The first movable mold and the second movable mold may be spaced apart from each other and face each other, and the first generally unbent portion and the second generally unbent portion are disposed between the first movable mold and the second movable mold.

[0013] The first molding component may include an inner molding component, which includes a generally flat molding component and a core molding component disposed at one end of the generally flat molding component, the core molding component having a curved lower surface.

[0014] The lower surface of the core molded component may have a fourth curved surface corresponding to the first curved surface, wherein the radius of curvature of the fourth curved surface may be approximately equal to or less than the radius of curvature of the first curved surface.

[0015] The internal molding component may also include a heating element inserted into a through-hole extending through the generally flat molding component and into the core molding component.

[0016] The first molding component may define a flow path, and the window molding device may also include a pump to inject air toward the second molding component through the flow path.

[0017] The second cavity may include N sub-cavities, and the N sub-cavities may be arranged in pairs and confined between the first cavity and the upper surface, wherein N may be an even number of 2 or greater.

[0018] Two of the N subcavities can be configured to be approximately symmetrical with respect to the first cavity.

[0019] The movable mold may include N movable molds configured to correspond one-to-one with N sub-cavities.

[0020] Each of the sub-cavities located at the Mth sequence from the first cavity can have a radius of curvature different from that of each of the sub-cavities located at the (M+1)th sequence from the first cavity, where M can be an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N / 2.

[0021] The first molding component may include an internal molding component, the second molding component may include an external molding component, the first cavity may include a core cavity, and the second cavity may include a sub-cavity.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for molding a window using a window molding apparatus, the window molding apparatus comprising a first molding component and a second molding component, wherein the second molding component comprises a first cavity having a first curved surface, a plurality of second cavities having a second curved surface, and a plurality of movable molds supporting movement along the second curved surface of the second cavities, the window molding method comprising the steps of: positioning a workpiece for processing between the first molding component and the second molding component; heating the workpiece; and molding the workpiece after heating by bending a portion of the workpiece along the first curved surface of the first cavity to form a bendable portion, to form a first generally non-curved portion and a second generally non-curved portion facing the first generally non-curved portion, wherein the bendable portion is disposed between the first generally non-curved portion and the second generally non-curved portion.

[0023] The workpiece may include a glass substrate, and the step of heating the workpiece may include heating at least one of a first molding component and a second molding component to reduce the viscosity of the workpiece to about 10. 7 berth to about 10 9 moor.

[0024] The first molding component may include an inner molding component, the inner molding component including a generally flat molding component and a core molding component disposed at one end of the generally flat molding component, and the step of molding the workpiece may include moving the inner molding component such that the core molding component can be received in a first cavity, and the workpiece is disposed between the core molding component and the first cavity.

[0025] The first molding component may include a flow path, and the step of molding the workpiece may include injecting an injection solution containing approximately 2 kgf / cm³ through the flow path. 2 Approximately 10 kgf / cm 2 The pressure of the air.

[0026] Each of the movable molds may include a curved portion and a generally flat portion facing the curved portion, the curved portion having a curved surface corresponding to a second curved surface of each of the second cavities, wherein the step of positioning the workpiece may include positioning the generally flat portions of adjacent movable molds adjacent to each other in a generally parallel position below the workpiece, and wherein the step of molding the workpiece may include moving the generally flat portions of adjacent movable molds to face each other, and the workpiece being disposed between the generally flat portions.

[0027] The second cavity may include N sub-cavities sequentially defined as pairs from the first cavity, and the movable mold may include N movable molds configured to correspond one-to-one with the N sub-cavities, and the step of molding the workpiece may include moving the movable molds sequentially along the second curved surface of the second cavity as the bendable portion gradually approaches the first cavity, from the movable molds spaced apart from the first cavity to the movable molds adjacent to the first cavity, where N may be an even number of 2 or greater.

[0028] The steps may include chemically strengthening the workpiece.

[0029] The apparatus for molding a window includes a first molding component and a second molding component disposed below the first molding component, wherein the second molding component includes: a lower surface; an upper surface facing the lower surface; a first cavity having a first curved surface recessed generally in a direction facing the lower surface; at least two second cavities extending from the first cavity, the at least two second cavities having second curved surfaces; and at least two movable molds respectively disposed on the at least two second cavities to support rotation about an axis.

[0030] The first molding component may include an internal molding component, the second molding component may include an external molding component, the first cavity may include a core cavity, and the second cavity may include a sub-cavity.

[0031] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate illustrative embodiments of the invention and, together with this specification, serve to illustrate the inventive concept.

[0033] Figure 1A This is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A bottom-view stereoscopic view of an electronic device.

[0035] Figure 1C It is along Figure 1A A sectional view taken by line I-I'.

[0036] Figure 1D yes Figure 1C A cross-sectional view of region AA'.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a window constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view taken from line II-II' of the window.

[0039] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of another embodiment of a window constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4B It is along Figure 4A The sectional view taken from line III-III'.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a window molding device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 It is for use Figure 5 A plan view of an implementation method for processing components using a window molding device.

[0043] Figure 7It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of a portion of the window molding device.

[0044] Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view taken from line IV-IV'.

[0045] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of another part of the window molding device.

[0046] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 7 A perspective view of another embodiment of the window molding device shown in the figure.

[0047] Figure 11A It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the external molded part taken by line V-V'.

[0048] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the externally molded component.

[0049] Figure 12A This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the externally molded component.

[0050] Figure 12B This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the externally molded component.

[0051] Figure 12C This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the externally molded component.

[0052] Figure 12D This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the externally molded component.

[0053] Figure 13A This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an internally molded component constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 13B It is along Figure 13A A sectional view taken from line VI-VI'.

[0055] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the internally molded component.

[0056] Figure 15A This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a portion of the window molding device in a first position.

[0057] Figure 15B It is shown in the second position Figure 15A Another perspective view of a part of the window molding device.

[0058] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the temperature distribution at a portion of a window molding device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the window molding method according to the principles of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the window molding method according to the principles of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 19A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating one step in the process of a window molding method according to the principles of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 19B It is shown Figure 19A A cross-sectional view of another step in the window molding process.

[0063] Figure 19C It is shown Figure 19A A cross-sectional view of another step in the window molding process.

[0064] Figure 20A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another process step of the window molding method according to the principles of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 20B It is shown Figure 20A A cross-sectional view of another step in the window molding process. Detailed Implementation

[0066] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable terms, and "embodiment" and "implementation" are non-limiting examples of apparatus or methods employing one or more inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments. Furthermore, the various embodiments can be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, the specific shape, configuration, and characteristics of an embodiment may be used or implemented in another embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0067] Unless otherwise stated, the embodiments shown should be understood as illustrative features providing different details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, plates, parts and / or aspects of the various embodiments (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the inventive concept.

[0068] Crosshairs and / or shading are typically used in accompanying drawings to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless explicitly stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities, and / or any other characteristics, properties, etc., of the elements shown. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process sequence may be performed differently from the stated sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in the reverse order. Moreover, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0069] When an element such as a layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "set on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "attached to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly set on, directly connected to or attached to another element or layer, or an intermediary element or intermediary layer may be present. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly set on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly attached to" another element or layer, an intermediary element or intermediary layer is not present. For example, "directly set" can mean being set without the use of any additional members, such as adhesive members between two layers or two components. For this purpose, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, electrical connection and / or fluid connection with or without an intermediary element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0070] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0071] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “above,” “higher,” and “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”) may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another (or multiple elements) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can include both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and in such cases, the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0072] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms. Furthermore, when used in this specification, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of stated properties, quantities, features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other properties, quantities, features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not as terms of degree, and thus to explain inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0073] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional views and / or exploded views as schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, deviations from the illustrated shapes should be anticipated, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the specific illustrated shapes of the areas, but rather include deviations in shape, for example, due to manufacturing processes. Thus, the areas shown in the figures may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these areas may not reflect the actual shapes of the areas of the device, and are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0074] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Unless expressly defined herein, terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense.

[0075] Figure 1A This is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A bottom-view stereoscopic view of an electronic device.

[0076] The electronic device ED may include multiple display surfaces IS-1, IS-2, and IS-3. The electronic device ED can display images on the multiple display surfaces IS-1, IS-2, and IS-3. Figure 1A and Figure 1B These are perspective views of the same electronic device ED when viewed on the same attached diagram. Figure 1A This is a three-dimensional view of the electronic device ED when viewed along the third-direction axis DR3, and Figure 1B This is a three-dimensional view of the electronic device ED when viewed in the direction of the fourth axis DR4.

[0077] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B The following figures show the first direction axis DR1 to the fourth direction axis DR4, and the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, the third direction axis DR3 and the fourth direction axis DR4 described in this specification are relative concepts and can therefore be changed to different directions.

[0078] As used herein, the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2 may be perpendicular to each other, and the third direction axis DR3 and the fourth direction axis DR4 may be normal directions relative to the plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. The third direction axis DR3 and the fourth direction axis DR4 may be directions extending in opposite directions to each other.

[0079] Furthermore, the X-axis (X), Y-axis (Y), and Z-axis (Z) are shown in this specification. For ease of description, the direction of the Z-axis (Z) is defined as upward. Additionally, the X-axis (X) and Y-axis (Y) may be perpendicular to each other, and the direction of the Z-axis (Z) may be the normal direction relative to the plane defined by the X-axis (X) and Y-axis (Y).

[0080] The electronic device ED can be activated based on an electrical signal. The electronic device ED can include various examples. For instance, the electronic device ED can include, or take the form of, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a smart TV, etc. In this embodiment, as an example, the electronic device ED is described below as a smartphone.

[0081] An electronic device ED has a first generally flat region FA-1 including a first display surface IS-1, a second generally flat region FA-2 including a second display surface IS-2, and a curved region BA including a third display surface IS-3. The curved region BA may be a portion disposed between the first generally flat region FA-1 and the second generally flat region FA-2. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Although the curved region BA is shown as having a curved surface, the implementation is not limited to this. For example, the curved region BA may be located between the first generally flat region FA-1 and the second generally flat region FA-2, and may have a curved surface that may include a staple-shaped (“ㄈ” shape). The first generally flat region FA-1 and the second generally flat region FA-2 may be spaced apart and face each other in the direction of the third directional axis DR3.

[0082] The first display surface IS-1 may include a first display area IS-DA1 and a first peripheral area IS-NA1 adjacent to the first display area IS-DA1. The second display surface IS-2 includes a second display area IS-DA2 and a second peripheral area IS-NA2 adjacent to the second display area IS-DA2, and the third display surface IS-3 may include a third display area IS-DA3 and a third peripheral area IS-NA3 adjacent to the third display area IS-DA3. As used herein, each of the display areas IS-DA1, IS-DA2, and IS-DA3 is defined as an area on which a valid image can be displayed, and each of the peripheral areas IS-NA1, IS-NA2, and IS-NA3 is defined as an area on which an image cannot be displayed. Each of the peripheral areas IS-NA1, IS-NA2, and IS-NA3 may be set to various colors by a printing layer. However, the implementation is not limited thereto, and at least a portion of the peripheral areas IS-NA1, IS-NA2, and IS-NA3 may be omitted.

[0083] The first display surface IS-1 may be generally parallel to the plane defined by the first directional axis DR1 and the second directional axis DR2. When viewed in said plane, the first display surface IS-1 may be a generally flat surface. As used herein, "when viewed in a plane or in a plan view" may mean when viewed in the direction of the third directional axis DR3 or the fourth directional axis DR4. The front (or top) and rear (or bottom) surfaces of each of the layers or cells described below are distinguished by the third directional axis DR3. The first display area IS-DA1 of the first display surface IS-1 may provide an image in the direction of the third directional axis DR3.

[0084] Furthermore, in the electronic device ED, the second display surface IS-2 can be substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first directional axis DR1 and the second directional axis DR2. When viewed on said plane, the second display surface IS-2 can be a substantially flat surface. The second display surface IS-2 can be substantially parallel to the first display surface IS-1. The second display area IS-DA2 of the second display surface IS-2 can provide an image in the direction of the fourth directional axis DR4.

[0085] The third display surface IS-3 may be a portion disposed between the first display surface IS-1 and the second display surface IS-2, and each of the first display surface IS-1 and the second display surface IS-2 may be a portion curved at an angle of approximately 180° relative to the third display surface IS-3. The third display area IS-DA3 of the third display surface IS-3 may provide an image in the direction between the third direction axis DR3 and the fourth direction axis DR4. The first display surface IS-1 and the second display surface IS-2 may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the third direction axis DR3 or the fourth direction axis DR4, and the third display surface IS-3 is between the first display surface IS-1 and the second display surface IS-2. The third display surface IS-3 may have an outwardly convex curved shape. However, the implementation is not limited to this. The third display surface IS-3 may be a generally flat surface. Alternatively, unlike this example, the curved surface of the third display surface IS-3 may have a semi-elliptical shape in a cross-section parallel to the surface defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the third direction axis DR3, or the third display surface IS-3 may have both a curved surface and a generally flat surface. The third display surface IS-3 can provide an image in a direction different from the direction in which the first display surface IS-1 and the second display surface IS-2 provide images, and can be configured in various shapes in the form of a curved portion including the first display surface IS-1 and the second display surface IS-2.

[0086] Each of the first display area IS-DA1, the second display area IS-DA2, and the third display area IS-DA3 can display a different image. The images displayed on the first display area IS-DA1, the second display area IS-DA2, and the third display area IS-DA3 can be the same image or different images. Furthermore, the images displayed from each of the first display area IS-DA1, the second display area IS-DA2, and the third display area IS-DA3 can be concatenated to display a single image. Each of the first display area IS-DA1, the second display area IS-DA2, and the third display area IS-DA3 can be controlled independently of each other.

[0087] Figure 1C It is along Figure 1A A sectional view taken by line I-I'. Figure 1D yes Figure 1C A cross-sectional view of region AA'. Figure 1D It is shown that... Figure 1C A sectional view of the portion corresponding to region AA'.

[0088] refer to Figure 1C The electronic device ED may include a display module DM and a window WP disposed on the display module DM. In one embodiment, the window WP may be disposed on the outside of the display module DM. The window WP may cover the entire outside of the display module DM. The window WP may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the display module DM. The display module DM may include generally flat portions FP1-DP and FP2-DP and a curved portion BP-DP. The curved portion BP-DP may be a portion curved relative to a bending axis BX extending in a direction generally parallel to a second direction axis DR2. In one embodiment, an adhesive layer AM may be disposed between the display module DM and the window WP. The adhesive layer AM may be an optically transparent adhesive layer.

[0089] refer to Figure 1D The display module DM may include a display panel DP to output an image displayed on an electronic device ED. The display panel DP may include a light-emitting element layer DP-ED having organic light-emitting elements, quantum dot light-emitting elements, micro-LED light-emitting elements, or nano-LED light-emitting elements. The light-emitting element layer DP-ED may be configured to substantially generate an image. Hereinafter, the display panel DP is described as an organic light-emitting display panel, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0090] The display panel DP can have features such as Figure 1C The curved shape shown is not limited to this, and the display panel DP can have the same curved shape as the example. Figure 1CThe bending states shown are of different types, or the display panel DP is a flexible display panel that is bendable or unfoldable. For example, a flexible display panel DP can be bent at a large bending angle to be inserted into a curved window WP.

[0091] The display panel DP includes a base layer BL, a circuit layer DP-CL disposed on the base layer BL, a light-emitting element layer DP-ED, and an upper insulating layer TFE. The base layer BL may include a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, and an organic / inorganic composite substrate. For example, the base layer BL may include at least one polyimide layer.

[0092] The circuit layer DP-CL includes at least one insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, and a conductive pattern. The insulating layer includes at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. The semiconductor pattern and the conductive pattern can form signal lines, pixel driving circuits, and scan driving circuits. For example, the circuit layer DP-CL includes switching transistors and driving transistors for driving the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 of the light-emitting element layer DP-ED.

[0093] The DP-ED layer includes display elements, such as ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. The DP-ED layer may also include organic layers such as pixel-defining layers (PDL). The DM module may include a non-emissive region NPXA and emissive regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B. Each of the emissive regions PXA-R, PXA-G, and PXA-B may be a region that emits light generated from each of the ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 light-emitting elements.

[0094] Each of the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2 and ED-3 includes a first electrode EL1, a hole transport region HTR, an electron transport region ETR and a second electrode EL2, and corresponding light-emitting layers EML-R, EML-G and EML-B.

[0095] Figure 1D An embodiment is shown in which the light-emitting layers EML-R, EML-G, and EML-B of light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 are disposed in openings OH defined in the pixel-defining layer PDL, and the hole transport region HTR, electron transport region ETR, and second electrode EL2 are configured as common layers in all of the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and is related to... Figure 1DUnlike other regions, the hole transport region (HTR) and electron transport region (ETR) can be patterned in the openings (OH) defined in the pixel-defining layer (PDL). For example, the hole transport region (HTR), the light-emitting layers (EML-R, EML-G, and EML-B), and the electron transport region (ETR) of light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 can be provided by patterning using an inkjet printing method.

[0096] In a display panel DP, multiple light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 can emit light in different wavelength ranges. For example, a display panel DP may include a first light-emitting element ED-1 that emits red light, a second light-emitting element ED-2 that emits green light, and a third light-emitting element ED-3 that emits blue light. That is, the red emission area PXA-R, the green emission area PXA-G, and the blue emission area PXA-B of the display module DM can correspond to the first light-emitting element ED-1, the second light-emitting element ED-2, and the third light-emitting element ED-3, respectively.

[0097] However, the implementation is not limited to this, and the first light-emitting element ED-1, the second light-emitting element ED-2, and the third light-emitting element ED-3 can emit light with approximately the same wavelength range, or at least one of the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3 can emit light with different wavelength ranges. For example, all of the first light-emitting element ED-1, the second light-emitting element ED-2, and the third light-emitting element ED-3 can emit blue light.

[0098] The upper insulating layer TFE may include multiple thin films. Some of these films may be incorporated to improve optical efficiency, and some may be incorporated to protect the light-emitting elements ED-1, ED-2, and ED-3. The upper insulating layer TFE may include a thin film encapsulation layer with a laminated structure of inorganic / organic / inorganic layers.

[0099] The display module (DM) may also include a sensor layer (ISU). The sensor layer (ISU) can be mounted on the display panel (DP). The sensor layer (ISU) can sense external input applied from the outside. External input can be user input. User input can include various types of external input, such as parts of the user's body (e.g., fingers), light, heat, a pen, pressure, etc.

[0100] The sensor layer ISU can be formed on the upper insulating layer TFE using a continuous process. In this case, the sensor layer ISU is directly disposed on the upper insulating layer TFE. "Directly disposed" means that no third component is disposed between the sensor layer ISU and the upper insulating layer TFE. That is, a separate adhesive component may not be disposed between the sensor layer ISU and the upper insulating layer TFE. However, the implementation is not limited to this, and an adhesive component may also be disposed between the sensor layer ISU and the upper insulating layer TFE. The sensor layer ISU may include a sensing electrode for sensing external input, and the sensing electrode may be made of a transparent metal oxide or the like.

[0101] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a window constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view taken from line II-II' of the window.

[0102] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The window WP shown can be set Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the electronic device ED shown, the window WP may correspond to the top layer of the electronic device ED. The window WP may be a tempered glass substrate that has undergone tempering treatment. Display module DM (see...) Figure 1C The inner WP-IS of the window WP (hereinafter also referred to as the inner WP-IS) can be attached, and the outer WP-OS of the window WP (hereinafter also referred to as the outer WP-OS) can be defined as display surfaces IS-1, IS-2 and IS-3 (see Figure 1A The window WP may include a reinforced surface to reliably protect the display module DM (see...). Figure 1C It is protected from external shocks.

[0103] A window WP may include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion disposed between the first and second portions. The third portion may be disposed between the first and second portions and may include a curved portion. The third portion may be a portion including a curved surface or a generally flat surface.

[0104] In the following text, the third part may be referred to as the curved portion BP, and the first and second parts may be referred to as the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2, respectively. The window WP may include the curved portion BP and the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2 respectively disposed on both sides of the curved portion BP. The window WP may also include a printed layer disposed at the edge of the inner WP-IS or the outer WP-OS. For example, the printed layer may be the outer regions IS-NA1, IS-NA2, and IS-NA3 (see...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B The corresponding part.

[0105] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the window WP, the curved portion BP can be a portion curved relative to a bending axis BX extending in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction axis DR2. In the window WP, the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2 can face each other and be substantially parallel to each other, with the curved portion BP disposed between the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2. However, the implementation is not limited to this, and the extending surfaces of the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2 may not be parallel to each other. For example, when the extending surfaces of the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2 gradually approach each other in the direction of the first direction axis DR1, which is the extension direction of the extending surfaces, the two extending surfaces can gradually approach or gradually move away from each other in the direction of the first direction axis DR1.

[0106] The window WP can be rigid. The window WP can be fixed in a shape where the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2 face each other and are spaced apart from each other, and the curved portion BP is between the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2.

[0107] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2, which face each other, have approximately the same surface area, but the implementation is not limited to this. The first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2 may have different surface areas, and the curved portion BP is disposed between the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the diagram, the shapes of the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2, which face each other, are shown to be approximately symmetrical with respect to the curved portion BP, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, the shapes of the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the second non-curved portion PP-2 may be different from each other.

[0108] In window WP, the curved portion BP can be defined as the portion between the starting point of the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the starting point of the second non-curved portion PP-2. The curved portion BP can be a generally semi-circular shape with a predetermined radius of curvature in the cross-section or a portion with a semi-elliptical shape in the cross-section. Furthermore, the curved portion BP can include curved surfaces and generally flat surfaces.

[0109] As used in this paper, the bending angle θ of the curved portion BP can be defined as the angle between the starting point PP-S1 of the first non-curved portion PP-1 and the starting point PP-S2 of the second non-curved portion PP-2. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bending angle θ in the window WP shown can be approximately 180°.

[0110] The bending angle θ in a window WP manufactured by a window molding apparatus constructed according to the principles and embodiments of the present invention can be greater than about 120°. That is, the window WP can be bent at a bending angle θ greater than about 120°. Furthermore, the bending angle θ in the window WP can be greater than about 180°. For example, the bending angle θ can be about 180° or greater, and can be less than the angle within the range where the two non-bent portions PP-1 and PP-2 do not intersect each other.

[0111] exist Figure 2 In the diagram, the four corner edges ED-P of the window WP are shown as curved, but the implementation is not limited to this. At least one of the corner edges ED-P of the window WP may have a right-angled shape in the plane defined by the first directional axis DR1 and the second directional axis DR2. For example, each of the corner edges ED-P of the window WP may have a radius of curvature of about 0.1 mm to about 15 mm.

[0112] The corner edge ED-P of the window WP can be a generally flat surface that is generally parallel to the plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. However, the implementation is not limited to this, and the corner edge ED-P may include a portion that is curved in the direction of the fourth direction axis DR4. The corner edge ED-P may have one curved portion corresponding to the corner portion, or it may have two or four curved portions surrounding the corner portion.

[0113] The window WP may include a curved portion BP that bends relative to the bending axis BX, and the curved portion BP may have a radius of curvature of approximately 1 mm to approximately 10 mm. The inner side WP-IS of the window WP may have a radius of curvature R that is greater than that of the outer side WP-OS of the window WP. O Small radius of curvature R I .

[0114] Figure 4A It is a perspective view of the window according to the implementation method, and Figure 4B It is along Figure 4A A sectional view taken from line III-III'. (Reference) Figure 4A and Figure 4BWindow WP-a may include a first non-curved portion PP-1a and a second non-curved portion PP-2a facing each other in the direction of a third direction axis DR3 or a fourth direction axis DR4, and a curved portion BP-a is disposed between the first non-curved portion PP-1a and the second non-curved portion PP-2a. In window WP-a, the first non-curved portion PP-1a and the second non-curved portion PP-2a may have different surface areas. The second non-curved portion PP-2a may overlap only a portion of the first non-curved portion PP-1a. The first non-curved portion PP-1a may have a larger surface area than the second non-curved portion PP-2a. Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the diagram, the second non-curved portion PP-2a is shown as being disposed at the central portion of the first non-curved portion PP-1a, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, in window WP-a, the second non-curved portion PP-2a may be inclined to one side of the first non-curved portion PP-1a.

[0115] exist Figures 2 to 4B In the windows WP and WP-a shown, the bending axes BX and BX-a are shown to be substantially parallel to each other in the direction of the second directional axis DR2, which is the direction of the short side of each of windows WP and WP-a, but the implementation is not limited to this. Instead, windows WP and WP-a may include curved portions BP and BP-a that are curved relative to a direction substantially parallel to the first directional axis DR1, which is the direction of the long side. Furthermore, the shapes of windows WP and WP-a are not limited to those shown in this specification, and the ratio of the long side to the short side may be varied differently from the ratio shown in the drawings.

[0116] The shape of the window manufactured by the window molding method according to the embodiment of the window molding apparatus of the present invention is not limited to... Figures 2 to 4B The shape shown in the image. Figures 2 to 4B The diagram illustrates a case where the bending angle θ is approximately 180°, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, a window may include a curved portion bending at a bending angle of approximately 120° or greater. Here, in addition to the shapes disclosed in this specification, the window can be configured in various shapes, as long as the non-curved portion is located at each of the two sides of the curved portion.

[0117] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a window molding device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 6 It is for use Figure 5 A plan view of an implementation method for processing components using a window molding device. Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of a portion of the window molding device. Figure 8 It is along Figure 5The figure is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV'. Since the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, the dimensions of each component in the window molding apparatus PE shown in this specification are not limited to the scale shown. For example, the height and width ratios of the fixture in the form of the base fixture BJ and the outer molding component OTJ, as well as the height ratio of the base fixture BJ and the inner molding component INJ, may be changed differently from the scale shown.

[0118] Figure 6 The component P-WP shown corresponds to a preliminary workpiece before molding, from which a curved window is manufactured. The component P-WP to be processed by the window molding apparatus PE can be a glass substrate. The glass substrate as the component P-WP can have a thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm. The window molding apparatus PE can provide a window WP curved at a bending angle greater than about 120° by processing the component P-WP as a glass substrate (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 ).

[0119] refer to Figure 5 The window molding device PE may include an inner molding component INJ, a base fixture BJ, and an outer molding component OTJ. The inner molding component INJ can be controlled to operate in a generally vertical direction. As used herein, control of operation in the vertical direction means operation in the upward (upward) or downward (downward) direction relative to the Z-axis Z.

[0120] The window molding apparatus PE may include a support platform ST, and a base fixture BJ may be fixed on the support platform ST. The upper surface US of the support platform ST, on which the base fixture BJ is disposed, may be generally parallel to the plane defined by the X-axis X and the Y-axis Y. The Z-axis Z may indicate the normal direction of the plane defined by the X-axis X and the Y-axis Y.

[0121] The window molding apparatus PE can be housed within a chamber. An inert gas can be supplied to the chamber. For example, nitrogen (N2) can be supplied to the chamber. Furthermore, window molding can be performed by increasing the atmospheric temperature within the chamber using the window molding method described below.

[0122] In the window molding apparatus PE, the component P-WP to be processed (hereinafter referred to as the processing component P-WP) can be supported by the base fixture BJ. The processing component P-WP before molding can be set between the inner molding component INJ and the outer molding component OTJ.

[0123] refer to Figure 5 The window molding device PE may include a heating unit TU. The heating unit TU may be connected to the base fixture BJ to provide heat to the base fixture BJ. Alternatively, the base fixture BJ may be heated directly. The base fixture BJ may include an induction heating coil.

[0124] The window molding apparatus PE may also include a temperature sensor TS. The temperature sensor TS may be spaced apart from the base fixture BJ and may be located on one side of the base fixture BJ. However, the implementation is not limited to this, and the temperature sensor TS may be adjacent to the base fixture BJ. Optionally, multiple temperature sensors TS may be arranged around the base fixture BJ.

[0125] The temperature sensor TS can monitor the temperature of the base fixture BJ. The temperature sensor TS and the heating unit TU can be connected to each other through the control unit, and the temperature of the base fixture BJ sensed by the temperature sensor TS can be used as an input value, and therefore, the control unit can control the heat provided by the heating unit TU.

[0126] The machining component P-WP can be positioned between the inner molding component INJ and the outer molding component OTJ. The inner molding component INJ can be positioned above the machining component P-WP, and the outer molding component OTJ can be positioned below the machining component P-WP. The inner molding component INJ can mold the inner side of the window WP-IS (see...). Figure 3 The shape of the outer molded part OTJ can be molded to the outer WP-OS of the window (see...). Figure 3 The shape of ). Including those defined as having a radius of curvature R. I WP-IS inside the window (see Figure 3 ) and having a radius of curvature R O WP-OS on the outside of the window (see Figure 3 The curved portion of BP's window WP (see) Figure 3 It can be manufactured using a window molding apparatus PE that includes an inner molding part INJ and an outer molding part OTJ.

[0127] In the window molding apparatus PE, each of the inner molding component INJ and the outer molding component OTJ can be made of graphite. However, the embodiments are not limited to this, and each of the inner molding component INJ and the outer molding component OTJ can be not only graphite, but also silicon carbide, silicon nitride, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), alumina, aluminum nitride (AlN), zirconium oxide, or tungsten carbide (WC). However, the embodiments are not limited to this, and the outer surfaces of the inner molding component INJ and the outer molding component OTJ can be made of any material, as long as it can be easily separated from the processed component P-WP after the molding process. Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the inner molding component INJ and the outer molding component OTJ can undergo release treatment so that they are not bonded to the processed component P-WP.

[0128] refer to Figure 7The basic fixture BJ may include a bottom surface BS and multiple side surfaces SS. The multiple side surfaces SS may be disposed on the bottom surface BS. The multiple side surfaces SS may be bent from the bottom surface BS; for example, the bottom surface BS and the side surfaces SS may be integral with each other. The bottom surface BS may be generally parallel to the plane defined by the X-axis X and the Y-axis Y, and may have a generally rectangular shape in said plane. The surface area of ​​the bottom surface BS in said plane may be larger than the surface area of ​​the machining member P-WP in said plane.

[0129] Side surfaces SS may extend from corresponding sides of a bottom surface BS, which has a generally rectangular shape. An external molded component OTJ may be disposed within an internal space ISP defined by four side surfaces SS and a bottom surface BS, the four side surfaces SS being configured to correspond to the four sides of the bottom surface BS, respectively. Furthermore, a machined component P-WP (see...) Figure 5 It can be set in the internal space ISP of the basic fixture BJ.

[0130] Each of the side surfaces SS may include a support portion SP, on which the machining member P-WP is mounted. The side surface SS may include a side support surface SS-S and a support portion SP projecting from the side support surface SS-S into the internal space ISP. The machining member P-WP (see...) Figure 5 It can be placed and supported on the support part SP.

[0131] refer to Figure 7 The external molding component OTJ can be set in the internal space ISP of the base fixture BJ, and the external molding component OTJ can include the cavity mold CV and the moving mold MJ. Figure 7 In the diagram, the movable mold MJ is shown spaced apart from the cavity mold CV, but the movable molds MJ1 and MJ2 in the window molding apparatus PE can be configured to correspond to the sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2. Furthermore, the external molding component OTJ can be fixed to the base fixture BJ. However, the implementation is not limited to this.

[0132] As used herein, the outer molded part OTJ is shown positioned at the center of the base fixture BJ, but the implementation is not limited thereto. The outer molded part OTJ may be offset toward one side of the base fixture BJ, and therefore, the curved portion BP of the machining member P-WP may be altered (see [link to documentation]). Figure 6 The position of ).

[0133] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of another part of the window molding device. Specifically, Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the cavity mold CV of the external molding component OTJ. Figure 10 It is shown Figure 7A perspective view of another embodiment of the window molding device shown in the figure. Specifically, Figure 10 A window molding apparatus is shown, comprising a base fixture BJ and an external molding component OTJ disposed on the base fixture BJ. Figure 11A It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the external molded part taken by line V-V'. Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the externally molded component.

[0134] refer to Figure 10 The external molding component OTJ can include a cavity mold (CV) and a moving mold (MJ). (See reference) Figure 11A and Figure 11B The externally molded component OTJ may include a lower surface BS-CV, an upper surface US-CV facing the lower surface BS-CV, a first cavity C-CV defined as having a first curved surface RS1 recessed in the direction toward the lower surface BS-CV, a plurality of sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2 each defined as having a second curved surface RS2, and a plurality of movable molds MJ1 and MJ2 disposed on the sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2. The sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2 may be defined between the core cavity C-CV and the upper surface US-CV, and the second curved surface RS2 may extend from the core cavity C-CV to the upper surface US-CV.

[0135] Reference shows the CV of the cavity mold Figure 9 In the perspective view, the first curved surface RS1 defining the core cavity C-CV may have a radius of curvature R1, and the second curved surface RS2 defining each of the sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2 may have a radius of curvature R2. The radius of curvature R2 of the second curved surface RS2 and the radius of curvature R1 of the first curved surface RS1 may be the same as or different from each other.

[0136] Figure 3 The shape of the outer WP-OS of the window WP shown can correspond to the shape of the first curved surface RS1 of the core cavity C-CV in the window molding apparatus PE. The radius of curvature R1 of the first curved surface RS1 of the core cavity C-CV can correspond to the shape of the outer WP-OS of the window (see [reference]). Figure 3 The radius of curvature R of ) O Corresponding. WP-OS on the outside of the window (see...) Figure 3 The radius of curvature R of ) O The radius of curvature R1 can be less than or equal to the radius of curvature R1 of the first curved surface RS1 of the core cavity C-CV.

[0137] refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11BThe movable molds MJ1 and MJ2 can be respectively mounted on sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2 to move along the curved surfaces of sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2. Each of the movable molds MJ1 and MJ2 may include a curved portion RP and a generally flat portion UFP. The curved portion RP may have a third curved surface corresponding to the second curved surface RS2 of each of the sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2. The radius of curvature R3 of the curved portion RP of each of the movable molds MJ1 and MJ2 may correspond to the radius of curvature R2 of the second curved surface RS2 of each of the sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2. However, the implementation is not limited to this, and the radius of curvature R3 of the curved portion RP may be less than or equal to the radius of curvature R2 of the second curved surface RS2. Furthermore, the radius of curvature R3 of the curved portion RP may be greater than the radius of curvature R2 of the second curved surface RS2.

[0138] exist Figure 11A In the first position shown, the generally flat portion UFP of each of the movable molds MJ1 and MJ2 can be arranged side-by-side with the upper surface US-CV of the cavity mold CV. For example, the generally flat portion UFP of each of the movable molds MJ1 and MJ2 can be arranged in a plane that is approximately the same as the upper surface US-CV of the cavity mold CV. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the generally flat portion UFP of each of the movable molds MJ1 and MJ2 can protrude more than the upper surface US-CV of the cavity mold CV in the Z-axis direction, or the upper surface US-CV of the cavity mold CV can protrude more than the generally flat portion UFP of each of the movable molds MJ1 and MJ2 in the Z-axis direction. The external molding component OTJ can include a first sub-cavity S-CV1 and a second sub-cavity S-CV2 that are generally symmetrical with respect to the core cavity C-CV. Furthermore, the external molding component OTJ can include a first movable mold MJ1 disposed in the first sub-cavity S-CV1 and a second movable mold MJ2 disposed in the second sub-cavity S-CV2.

[0139] The moving molds MJ1 and MJ2 can be controlled operatively such that in the first position, the generally flat portion UFP is generally parallel to the lower surface BS-CV of the outer molded part OTJ, and in the second position, the generally flat portion UFP is generally perpendicular to the lower surface BS-CV of the outer molded part OTJ. Figure 11A This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the first position, and Figure 11B This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the second position. Figure 11A and Figure 11B For clarity, the components to be processed are omitted when describing the operation of the window molding device.

[0140] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The window molding device is shown, but the machining components are not shown, but in Figure 11A In the first position shown, the processed component can be in the first non-bent portion PP-1 (see...). Figure 6 ), the curved portion BP (see Figure 6 ) and the second non-bending part PP-2 (see Figure 6 The generally flat portion is set on the outer molded part OTJ. In the following text, as used herein, the first non-bent portion PP-1 is described in the first position (see [link to documentation]). Figure 6 ), the curved portion BP (see Figure 6 ) and the second non-bending part PP-2 (see Figure 6 The components are arranged in a generally flat state on approximately the same plane. In the first position, the machining component P-WP (see...) Figure 6 It can be set to be supported by a roughly flat portion of the UFP.

[0141] exist Figure 11B In the second position shown, the machining component P-WP (see...) Figure 6 A portion of the component P-WP can be processed into the curved portion BP (see...). Figure 6 It is inserted into the cavity mold CV in a state that is generally concave and bent into the core cavity C-CV. In the following text, as used herein, the first non-bent portion PP-1 (see...) Figure 6 ) and the second non-bending part PP-2 (see Figure 6 The bent portion BP of component P-WP is bent to face each other and machined (see...). Figure 6 ) In the first non-bending section PP-1 (see Figure 6 ) and the second non-bending part PP-2 (see Figure 6 The second position is described by the state between ) . The first non-bending part PP-1 (see Figure 6 ) and the second non-bending part PP-2 (see Figure 6 The generally flat portions UFP of the moving molds MJ1 and MJ2 can be positioned facing each other, wherein the generally flat portions UFP of the moving molds MJ1 and MJ2 face each other in a second position.

[0142] refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11BIn the first position, the two moving dies MJ1 and MJ2 can be adjacent to each other such that the generally flat portion UFP is generally parallel to the lower surface BS-CV of the outer molded part OTJ. That is, in the first position, the first moving die MJ1 and the second moving die MJ2 can be adjacent to each other below the processed member. In the first position, the generally flat portions UFP of the first moving die MJ1 and the second moving die MJ2 can be generally parallel to each other. That is, in the first position, the curved portion BP of the processed member (see...) Figure 6 It can overlap with the first moving mold MJ1 and the second moving mold MJ2 that are adjacent to each other.

[0143] Furthermore, in the second position, the generally flat portions UFP of the two moving molds MJ1 and MJ2 can be generally perpendicular to the lower surface BS-CV of the outer molded part OTJ. That is, in the second position, the first moving mold MJ1 and the second moving mold MJ2 can be moved such that the generally flat portions UFP face each other, and thus can be positioned on the first sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2. In the second position, the first moving mold MJ1 and the second moving mold MJ2 can be spaced apart from each other to face each other, and the first non-bent portion PP-1 (see...) Figure 6 ) and the second non-bending part PP-2 (see Figure 6 Between the first moving mold MJ1 and the second moving mold MJ2. In the second position, the generally flat portion UFP of the first moving mold MJ1 and the second moving mold MJ2 can be set generally perpendicular to the lower surface BS-CV.

[0144] The implementation is not limited to this, and in the second position, the generally flat portions UFP of the moving molds MJ1 and MJ2 can be arranged to face each other, and the machining component P-WP (see...) Figure 6 Between the generally flat portions UFP of the moving dies MJ1 and MJ2. Here, each of the generally flat portions UFP may not be at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the lower surface BS-CV of the outer molded part OTJ. In the second position, the tilt angle of the generally flat portions UFP of the two facing moving dies MJ1 and MJ2 relative to the lower surface BS-CV may not be limited to approximately 90 degrees. That is, the generally flat portions UFP of the two facing moving dies MJ1 and MJ2 may vary within a range in which the generally flat portions UFP remain spaced apart while facing each other.

[0145] In the window molding apparatus PE, N sub-cavities may be defined in the outer molding component OTJ. N can be an even number of 2 or greater. Furthermore, the window molding apparatus PE may include N movable molds in the outer molding component OTJ. Each of the N movable molds may be housed in each of the N sub-cavities. However, the implementation is not limited to this. For example, each of the N movable molds may not be housed in each of the N sub-cavities, and each of the N movable molds may be fixed and supported on a separate fixed shaft. Furthermore, the N movable molds may rotate according to the rotation of the fixed shaft. Figure 7 The diagram shows the fixed axes MX1 and MX2 separated from the moving molds MJ1 and MJ2, but the fixed axes MX1 and MX2 can be inserted into the fixed slots MXH to secure the moving molds MJ1 and MJ2. The fixed axes MX1 and MX2 can rotate such that each of the moving molds MJ1 and MJ2 rotates along a virtual rotation axis FX that is approximately parallel to the Y-axis Y.

[0146] Figure 12A This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the externally molded component. Figure 12B This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the externally molded component.

[0147] Figure 12A and Figure 12B An externally molded part OTJ-a is shown, defining four sub-cavities S-CV1, S-CV2, S-CV3, and S-CV4. That is, in... Figure 12A and Figure 12B The diagram shows an external molding component OTJ-a with N equal to 4 as an example. N sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., S-CV4 can be defined within the external molding component OTJ-a. The N sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., S-CV4 can be defined in pairs. The pairs of sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., S-CV4 can be positioned between the core cavity C-CV and the upper surface US-CV. The external molding component OTJ-a can include N movable molds MJ1, ..., and MJ4. The N movable molds MJ1, ..., and MJ4 can be configured to correspond to the N sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., S-CV4, respectively.

[0148] Two pairs of sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2, and sub-cavities S-CV3 and S-CV4 among the N (here N is 4) sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., and S-CV4 can be substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to the core cavity C-CV. The two pairs of sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2, and sub-cavities S-CV3 and S-CV4 can be defined as curved surfaces having substantially the same radius of curvature. Furthermore, all of the N sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., and S-CV4 can be defined as curved surfaces having substantially the same radius of curvature. However, the implementation is not limited to this. Figure 12A In the first position shown, the sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV3, and sub-cavities S-CV2 and S-CV4, which overlap in the Z-axis direction (as the thickness direction), can be defined as curved surfaces with different radii of curvature. That is, among the N sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., S-CV4, each of the sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2 defined at the M-th sequence from the core cavity C-CV can have a different radius of curvature than each of the sub-cavities S-CV3 and S-CV4 defined at the (M+1)-th sequence from the core cavity C-CV. M can be an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N / 2.

[0149] Figure 12C This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the externally molded component. Figure 12D This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the externally molded component.

[0150] Figure 12C and Figure 12D Examples are shown of sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV3 that overlap each other in the Z-axis direction, and sub-cavities S-CV2 and S-CV4 defined as curved surfaces with different radii of curvature. Figure 12C It shows that in such Figure 12A An example of the external molded part OTJ-a1 in the first position is shown, and Figure 12D It shows that in such Figure 12B An example of the externally molded part OTJ-a1 in the second position is shown. (See reference...) Figure 12C and Figure 12D The third sub-cavity S-CV3 may have a larger radius of curvature than the first sub-cavity S-CV1, and the fourth sub-cavity S-CV4 may have a larger radius of curvature than the second sub-cavity S-CV2. Furthermore, the third moving mold MJ3 may have a larger dimension than the first moving mold MJ1, and the fourth moving mold MJ4 may have a larger dimension than the second moving mold MJ2. The embodiments are not limited to this, and are related to… Figures 12A to 12D The implementation shown differs from that in the previous one, where each of the upper moving molds can have a relatively smaller size than each of the lower moving molds.

[0151] Furthermore, the paired sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2, and sub-cavities S-CV3 and S-CV4, can have different radii of curvature, and the paired sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2, and sub-cavities S-CV3 and S-CV4 can have asymmetrical shapes. That is, the paired movable molds can have different dimensions. For example, the first movable mold MJ1 and the second movable mold MJ2 can have different dimensions, and the third movable mold MJ3 and the fourth movable mold MJ4 can have different dimensions. When the dimensions of the movable molds are different, the radius of curvature, width, or height of the movable molds are different. The shape and arrangement of the sub-cavities and movable molds in the window molding apparatus embodiment are not limited to the reference. Figures 12A to 12D The shape and arrangement of the sub-cavities and moving dies are described. Multiple moving dies can be combined differently depending on the shape of the component being processed; for example, the moving dies can be laminated in pairs or arranged symmetrically, such that at least one of the multiple moving dies has a dimension different from each of the other moving dies.

[0152] refer to Figure 12A In the first position, the moving dies MJ1, ..., and MJ4 can be adjacent to each other such that the generally flat portion UFP is generally parallel to the lower surface BS-CV of the outer molded part OTJ. That is, in the first position, the first moving die MJ1 and the second moving die MJ2 can be adjacent to each other, and the third moving die MJ3 and the fourth moving die MJ4 can be in the process of part P-WP (see...). Figure 6 (The items below are adjacent to each other.) (Reference) Figure 12A In the first position, the first moving mold MJ1 and the third moving mold MJ3 can overlap each other, and the second moving mold MJ2 and the fourth moving mold MJ4 can overlap each other.

[0153] refer to Figure 12B Two paired movable molds MJ1 and MJ2, and movable molds MJ3 and MJ4, can be spaced apart from each other and face each other in a second position. Movable molds MJ1, ..., and MJ4 can move along the curved surfaces of their respective sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., and S-CV4, such that the generally flat portions UFP of the paired movable molds MJ1 and MJ2, and movable molds MJ3 and MJ4, face each other. In the second position, the first movable mold MJ1 and the second movable mold MJ2 can be spaced apart from each other and face each other, and the first non-curved portion PP-1 (see...) Figure 6 ) and the second non-bending part PP-2 (see Figure 6 Between the first moving mold MJ1 and the second moving mold MJ2, and the third moving mold MJ3 and the fourth moving mold MJ4, they can be spaced apart from each other to face each other, and the first non-bending portion PP-1 (see...) Figure 6 ) and the second non-bending part PP-2 (see Figure 6 Between the third moving mold MJ3 and the fourth moving mold MJ4. In the second position, the first moving mold MJ1 and the third moving mold MJ3 may overlap each other, and the second moving mold MJ2 and the fourth moving mold MJ4 may overlap each other. In the second position, the generally flat portion UFP of the moving molds MJ1, ..., and MJ4 may be arranged generally perpendicular to the lower surface BS-CV, but the implementation is not limited to this.

[0154] When the device changes from the first position to the second position, it can operate sequentially from the Mth moving mold to the moving mold adjacent to the core cavity C-CV. (Reference) Figures 12A to 12B When from Figure 12A The first position shown in the image has changed to Figure 12B In the second position shown, the third moving mold MJ3 and the fourth moving mold MJ4 can move along the curved surfaces of the third sub-cavity S-CV3 and the fourth sub-cavity S-CV4 respectively to face each other. Thereafter, the first moving mold MJ1 and the second moving mold MJ2 can move along the curved surfaces of the first sub-cavity S-CV1 and the second sub-cavity S-CV2 respectively to face each other.

[0155] exist Figure 12A and Figure 12B The example of setting four sub-cavities and four movable molds has been described, but the implementation is not limited thereto. For example, a window molding apparatus may include six or more sub-cavities and six or more movable molds arranged respectively corresponding to the sub-cavities. Even in this case, Figures 11A to 12B The components described in the document can also be applied in roughly the same way.

[0156] Figure 13A This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an internally molded component constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 13B It is along Figure 13A A sectional view taken from line VI-VI'.

[0157] refer to Figure 13A and Figure 13B The internal molding component INJ may include a generally flat molding component FP and a core molding component CRP. The core molding component CRP may be located at one end ED1 of the generally flat molding component FP. The generally flat molding component FP may be an integral part of the core molding component CRP.

[0158] The core molded component CRP may have a fourth curved surface RS4. The fourth curved surface RS4 of the core molded component CRP may have a shape consistent with the core cavity C-CV (see...). Figure 11AThe first curved surface RS1 (see) Figure 11A The corresponding shape. The fourth curved surface RS4 can have a radius of curvature R1 that is less than or equal to that of the first curved surface RS1 (see...). Figure 9 and Figure 11A The radius of curvature R4 of the fourth curved surface RS4 can be greater than or equal to the radius of curvature R of the outer window WP-OS. O (see Figure 3 And less than or equal to the radius of curvature R4 of the curved surface of the core cavity C-CV.

[0159] The fourth curved surface RS4 of the core molded component CRP can have approximately Or even smaller average roughness. For example, the fourth curved surface RS4 of a core-molded component CRP can have approximately [missing information - likely a roughness value]. to approximately The average roughness. As used herein, surface roughness refers to the arithmetic mean roughness. Since the average roughness of the fourth curved surface RS4 of the core-molded component CRP, which is in direct contact with the machined component, can be approximately... Or smaller, so the inside of the window is WP-IS (see Figure 3 The surface can have a good average roughness value, at which no additional polishing process is required.

[0160] A through-hole TH can be defined within an inner molded part INJ, and a heating element TC can be inserted into the through-hole TH. The through-hole TH can penetrate a generally flat molded part FP and extend to a core molded part CRP. The heating element TC can be disposed along the through-hole TH within both the generally flat molded part FP and the core molded part CRP. Heat can be supplied to the inner molded part INJ using the heating element TC. For example, the core molded part CRP can be heated by heat transferred through the heating element TC, and the heated core molded part CRP can contact a processing component to transfer heat to the processing component, thereby molding the bent portion BP.

[0161] The window molding apparatus PE may also include an operation controller for controlling the vertical operation of the inner molding part INJ. The operation controller may include an operating motor that allows the core molding part CRP to move in a generally vertical direction, or a fixing part that fixes the core molding part CRP. The operation controller may be disposed on the upper portion of the inner molding part INJ or on the side surface of the inner molding part INJ, and then connected to the inner molding part INJ.

[0162] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the internally molded component.

[0163] The flow path FH can be limited to Figure 14 The internal molding part INJ-a is located inside the internal molding part. The flow path FH can be defined by passing through the internal molding part INJ-a. Air can be injected from the internal molding part INJ-a into the external molding part OTJ (see [link to internal molding part INJ-a]) through the flow path FH defined in the internal molding part INJ-a. Figure 5 The air transported through the flow path FH can be a heated, high-temperature inert gas. The air transported through the flow path FH can have a flow rate of approximately 10 kgf / cm². 2 Or even lower pressures can be provided. For example, the pressure of the air transmitted through the flow path FH can be around 2 kgf / cm². 2 Approximately 10 kgf / cm 2 Within the range.

[0164] The window molding assembly PE may also include a pump in the form of a pressurizing component AP. The pressurizing component AP may be a part configured to supply air to the inner molding component INJ-a. Furthermore, the pressurizing component AP may be a part configured to regulate the pressure of the air supplied to the inner molding component INJ-a.

[0165] When using Figure 14 When the internally molded part INJ-a is not connected to the machined part P-WP (see...), Figure 6 Direct contact allows for the molding of the curved portion BP of the P-WP component without damaging its surface (see [reference]). Figure 6 That is, when using a window molding device PE including the internal molding component INJ-a to mold the component P-WP (see... Figure 6 When ), the WP-IS on the inside of the window (see) Figure 3 It can have a good average roughness value, at which no additional polishing process is required.

[0166] Figure 15A This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a portion of the window molding device in a first position. Figure 15B It is shown in the second position Figure 15A Another perspective view of a part of the window molding device.

[0167] Figure 15A and Figure 15B A cross-section is shown in which the base fixture BJ, the outer molding component OTJ, and the inner molding component INJ are partially cut to illustrate the cross-sectional shape of the window molding device. Figure 15A The window molding device in the first position is shown, and Figure 15B The window molding device in the second position is shown. Figure 15A and Figure 15BFor clarity, the machined component P-WP is not included (see [reference]). Figure 6 ).

[0168] refer to Figure 15A The base fixture BJ can be positioned below the inner molding component INJ, and the outer molding component OTJ can be positioned within the internal space ISP of the base fixture BJ. The outer molding component OTJ can be positioned on the bottom surface BS of the base fixture BJ. The cavity mold CV of the outer molding component OTJ can be fixed to the base fixture BJ as a separate component. However, the implementation is not limited to this, and the cavity mold CV can be integrally formed with the base fixture BJ.

[0169] In the first position, the inner molding component INJ can be disposed on the movable mold MJ of the outer molding component OTJ. In the outer molding component OTJ, the core cavity C-CV can be spaced apart from the inner molding component INJ, and the movable mold MJ can be disposed adjacent to the inner molding component INJ in the sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2. The machining component P-WP (see...) Figure 6 The curved portion BP (see) Figure 6 It can be positioned between the moving mold MJ of the outer molding part OTJ and the core molding part CRP of the inner molding part INJ. The upper surface US-WP of the machined component P-WP (see...) Figure 6 It can contact the core molded part CRP and machine the component P-WP (see Figure 6 The lower surface of the component can contact the moving mold MJ. The machined component P-WP (see...) Figure 6 It can be modified to a viscosity range in which the processable component P-WP can be easily molded by receiving heat transferred from the core molding component CRP and the moving mold MJ.

[0170] refer to Figure 15B The internal molding component INJ can be inserted into the space defined between the core cavity C-CV and the facing movable molds MJ1 and MJ2. In the second position, the core molding component CRP of the internal molding component INJ corresponding to the core cavity C-CV can be disposed in the core cavity C-CV. The first movable mold MJ1 and the second movable mold MJ2 can move along the curved surfaces of the first sub-cavities S-CV1 and the second sub-cavities S-CV2, thereby spaced apart from each other to face each other. Here, the generally flat molding component FP of the internal molding component INJ can be arranged in the space between the spaced-apart first movable molds MJ1 and the second movable molds MJ2.

[0171] Machining component P-WP (see Figure 6 It is possible to be in Figure 15BThe bending state in the second position shown is positioned between the outer molded part OTJ and the inner molded part INJ. The machined component P-WP (see...) Figure 6 The curved portion BP (see) Figure 6 The first non-bent portion PP-1 and the second non-bent portion PP-2 can face each other and are generally flat. The molded part FP is located between the first non-bent portion PP-1 and the second non-bent portion PP-2.

[0172] When the window molding device includes Figure 14 When the internally molded part INJ-a is in place, the internally molded part INJ-a can even be in a second position with the machined part P-WP (see...). Figure 6 The window molding device can form the processed component P-WP without contacting it, by using high-temperature air supplied through the flow path FH of the internal molding component INJ-a (see...). Figure 6 The curved portion BP (see) Figure 6 ).

[0173] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the temperature distribution at a portion of a window molding device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0174] Figure 16 This is a view showing the temperature distribution of the base fixture BJ and the outer molding component OTJ in the window molding apparatus. Referring to the temperature scale, it can be seen that the temperature is highest at the midpoint between the outer molding component OTJ and the base fixture BJ on which it is mounted, and gradually decreases in temperature away from the outer molding component OTJ. That is, it can be seen that the temperature of the window molding apparatus at the point where the components P-WP are processed (see...) Figure 6 The curved portion BP (see) Figure 6 The temperature is highest at the portion adjacent to the curved portion BP, and increases with the portion adjacent to the curved portion BP (see [link]). Figure 6 The temperatures are spaced apart and gradually decrease. The highest temperature in the externally molded part OTJ can be approximately 640°C or higher. However, the implementation is not limited to this, and when processing the component P-WP (see...) Figure 6 When the substrate is glass, the temperature of the external molding component OTJ can be controlled so that the viscosity of the glass substrate is approximately 10. 7 berth to about 10 9 Within the area of ​​the mooring.

[0175] As described above, embodiments of the window molding apparatus may include a first molding component in the form of an inner molding component and a second molding component in the form of an outer molding component, comprising a plurality of cavities and a movable mold, and are thus used to manufacture a window comprising two generally flat portions facing each other, with at least one curved portion between the two generally flat portions facing each other. The window molding apparatus may include both the inner molding component and the outer molding component comprising a movable mold disposed below the inner molding component and moving as the processing member is molded, and are thus used to simultaneously bend the inner and outer surfaces of the window. Furthermore, the window molding apparatus can be used to manufacture a window bent at an angle of approximately 180° by simultaneously molding the inner and outer sides of the window, the window having improved dimensional stability and window surface quality.

[0176] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 17 to 20B A method for molding a window according to an embodiment is described. The window molding method described below can correspond to a window molding method using a window molding apparatus according to one or more of the foregoing embodiments. In the following description of the window molding method, repeated descriptions of the window molding apparatus will be omitted to avoid redundancy, and the differences between them will be mainly described.

[0177] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the window molding method according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the window molding method according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 19A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating one step in the process of a window molding method according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 19B It is shown Figure 19A A cross-sectional view of another step in the window molding process. Figure 19C It is shown Figure 19A A cross-sectional view of another step in the window molding process.

[0178] The window molding method can be performed using a window molding apparatus according to one or more of the embodiments described above, including an internal molding component INJ and an external molding component OTJ.

[0179] The window molding method (S10) may include a process of setting a processing member between an inner molding member and an outer molding member (S100), and a process of molding the processing member such that the processing member includes a curved portion curved along a curved surface of a core cavity (S300). The window molding method may also include a process of chemically strengthening the processing member.

[0180] In the window molding method (S10), the molding process (S300) of the component may include a process of providing heat to the component (S310) and a process of bending the component (S330). In the process of bending the component (S330), the component may be bent while being heated, such that the component includes first non-bent portions PP-1 facing each other (see...). Figure 6 ) and the second non-bending part PP-2 (see Figure 6 ), and the curved portion BP (see Figure 6 Between the first non-bent portion PP-1 and the second non-bent portion PP-2.

[0181] The process of providing heat to the processing component (S310) may include providing heat to at least one of the inner molding component and the outer molding component. The process of providing heat to the processing component (S310) may include heating the processing component by providing heat to at least one of the inner molding component and the outer molding component. The processing component can be heated to a viscoelastic temperature by the heat provided in the process of providing heat to the processing component (S310). For example, in the process of providing heat to the processing component (S310), the viscosity of the glass substrate can be reduced to about 10 by the heat provided from at least one of the inner molding component and the outer molding component. 7 berth to about 10 9 Within the area of ​​the mooring.

[0182] In the process of providing heat to the processing component (S310), the temperature of the processing component can be heated to about 550°C or higher by heat provided from at least one of the inner molding component and the outer molding component. However, the implementation is not limited to this. The processing component, which is a glass substrate, can be thermally molded by a process including the process of providing heat to the processing component (S310).

[0183] Figure 19A This is a schematic diagram illustrating a process (S100) for setting a machining member between an inner molded part and an outer molded part. The machining member P-WP can be set on the moving dies MJ1 and MJ2 of the outer molded part OTJ. The machining member P-WP can be set in a generally flat state between the inner molded part INJ and the outer molded part OTJ. In the process (S100) of setting the machining member, the generally flat portions UFP of adjacent moving dies MJ1 and MJ2 can be arranged side-by-side so that they are adjacent to each other below the machining member P-WP.

[0184] After the machining component P-WP is placed between the inner molding part INJ and the outer molding part OTJ, the machining component P-WP can be heated by the heat provided by the core molding part CRP of the inner molding part INJ and the moving molds MJ1 and MJ2 of the outer molding part OTJ.

[0185] Figure 19B A portion of the process (S300) for molding components is schematically shown. Figure 19B The intermediate process for changing the machining of a component between a first position and a second position is illustrated. (Reference) Figure 19B In the process of molding the component (S300), the inner molding part INJ can move in a generally downward direction BD as the direction toward the outer molding part OTJ, and the moving molds MJ1 and MJ2 can rotate along the curved surfaces of the sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2.

[0186] The inner molded component INJ can move in the generally downward direction BD by its own weight. As the inner molded component INJ moves, the machining component P-WP can be inserted between two adjacent moving dies MJ1 and MJ2 and then bend. In addition to its own weight, the inner molded component INJ can be pressed by external force. That is, the inner molded component INJ can bend the machining component P-WP by moving in the downward direction BD with pressure provided from a separate pressing component.

[0187] On the other hand, in the window molding method using a window molding apparatus in the process (S330) of using a bending processing component... Figure 14 When the internally molded part INJ-a is shown, the internally molded part INJ-a may not contact the processed component P-WP, so as to pass through the flow path FH (see Figure 14 Injection with approximately 2 kgf / cm 2 Approximately 10 kgf / cm 2 The pressure of air is used to bend the P-WP component being processed.

[0188] Figure 19C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process (S330) for bending the workpiece. (Reference) Figure 19CIn the process of bending the processed component (S330), the inner molding part INJ can be inserted into the space defined by the moving dies MJ1 and MJ2 and the core cavity C-CV, and the processed component P-WP is located between the inner molding part INJ and the moving dies MJ1 and MJ2 and the core cavity C-CV. In the process of bending the processed component (S330), the generally flat portions UFP of adjacent moving dies MJ1 and MJ2 can be spaced apart from each other to face each other, and the processed component P-WP is located between the generally flat portions UFP of adjacent moving dies MJ1 and MJ2. Furthermore, the non-bent portions PP-1 and PP-2 of the processed component P-WP (see...) Figure 6 They can face each other, and the generally flat molded parts FP of the inner molded part INJ are in the non-curved portions PP-1 and PP-2 (see...). Figure 6 )between.

[0189] Figure 20A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another process step of the window molding method according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 20B It is shown Figure 20A A cross-sectional view of another step in the window molding process.

[0190] Figure 20A and Figure 20B This is a view illustrating examples of some processes of a window molding method according to an embodiment. References include... Figure 12A and Figure 12B The external molding component of OTJ-a is described as a window molding device. Figure 20A and Figure 20B The process of window molding method.

[0191] refer to Figure 12A and Figure 12B as well as Figure 20A and Figure 20B The window molding apparatus may include N (here N is 4) sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., S-CV4, which are sequentially defined as pairs from the core cavity C-CV. Furthermore, the window molding apparatus may include N movable molds MJ1, ..., MJ4 corresponding to the N sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., S-CV4. N may be an even number of 2 or greater.

[0192] refer to Figure 20A and Figure 20B In the process of bending the workpiece (S330), N moving dies MJ1, ..., and MJ4 can be operated sequentially from the moving die separated from the core cavity C-CV. When the bent portion BP of the workpiece P-WP is processed (see... Figure 6When bending in a direction close to the core cavity C-CV, the moving mold can move along the bending surface of the sub-cavities S-CV1, ..., S-CV4 in the order of moving molds MJ1 and MJ2 adjacent to the core cavity C-CV among the N moving molds MJ1, ..., and MJ4.

[0193] Figure 20A and Figure 20B An example is shown when N is 4. (Reference) Figure 20A and Figure 20B As the internal molding component INJ moves downward in the BD direction, the third moving mold MJ3 and the fourth moving mold MJ4, located in the sub-cavities S-CV3 and S-CV4 spaced apart from the core cavity C-CV, can first move along the curved surfaces of the sub-cavities S-CV3 and S-CV4 in the rotational direction UD. Subsequently, the first moving mold MJ1 and the second moving mold MJ2, relatively adjacent to the core cavity C-CV, can move along the curved surfaces of the sub-cavities S-CV1 and S-CV2 in the rotational direction UD.

[0194] Subsequently, when the processed component P-WP is bent and positioned between the core molded component CRP of the inner molded component INJ and the core cavity C-CV of the outer molded component OTJ, the paired moving dies MJ1 and MJ2, as well as the moving dies MJ3 and MJ4, can be spaced apart from each other, and the component P-WP is positioned between the paired moving dies MJ1 and MJ2, as well as the moving dies MJ3 and MJ4.

[0195] The window molding method (S10) may further include a process (S500) for chemically strengthening the component. The process (S500) for chemically strengthening the component P-WP may be a process of chemically strengthening the component P-WP by treatment in a strengthening molten salt, wherein the component P-WP is bent according to the window molding method of the embodiments described above. For example, the process (S500) for chemically strengthening the component to be processed may be performed in a temperature range of about 400°C to about 500°C, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0196] Furthermore, the window molding method (S10) may also include a process of polishing the component to be processed. The process of polishing the component to be processed can be performed after the process of molding the component to be processed (S300). In the process of polishing the component to be processed, only the outer surface of the component may be polished. The outer WP-OS of the window to be polished (see...) Figure 3 It can have approximately to approximately Surface roughness. Furthermore, the inner side of the window is not polished (see WP-IS). Figure 3 It can have approximately Or even smaller surface roughness.

[0197] The window molding method according to the principles of the present invention can be used to manufacture windows comprising curved portions bent at large bending angles by hot molding using a window molding apparatus constructed according to the principles and embodiments of the present invention, said window molding apparatus comprising an inner molding member and an outer molding member disposed below the inner molding member. In particular, the window molding method can be used to manufacture windows bent at an angle of approximately 180°, wherein non-curved portions disposed on both sides of the curved portion face each other in a substantially parallel position. Furthermore, a window molding method that simultaneously molds the inner and outer sides of a window using an embodiment of a window molding apparatus comprising an inner molding member and an outer molding member can be used to manufacture windows with excellent dimensional stability and improved surface quality.

[0198] Although specific embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from that description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to these embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A window molding apparatus for molding a window, the window molding apparatus comprising: a first molding member; a jig disposed below the first molding member, the jig including a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces, and configured to support and position a workpiece to be processed into a window; and a second molding member disposed on the bottom surface, wherein the second molding member includes: a lower surface adjacent to the bottom surface; an upper surface facing the lower surface; a first cavity having a first curved surface recessed in a direction facing the lower surface and capable of contacting an outer side of the workpiece; a plurality of second cavities extending from the first cavity, the plurality of second cavities having second curved surfaces; and a plurality of movable molds respectively disposed in the second cavities and supporting movement along the second curved surfaces. Each of the plurality of movable molds includes a curved portion having a third curved surface corresponding to the second curved surface, and a substantially flat portion facing the curved portion.

2. The window molding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The workpiece includes a first non-curved portion and a second non-curved portion, and a bendable portion is disposed between the first non-curved portion and the second non-curved portion, 3. The window molding apparatus of claim 2, wherein, in a first position, the first non-curved portion, the bendable portion, and the second non-curved portion are flat, and the substantially flat portion of each of the plurality of movable molds is disposed parallel to the lower surface, and in a second position, the bendable portion is recessively curved in the first cavity, and the substantially flat portion of each of the plurality of movable molds is disposed perpendicular to the lower surface. The second cavity includes a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity disposed in positions symmetrical with respect to the first cavity, and 4. The window molding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the movable mold includes a first movable mold disposed in the first sub-cavity and a second movable mold disposed in the second sub-cavity. The workpiece includes a first non-curved portion and a second non-curved portion, and a bendable portion is disposed between the first non-curved portion and the second non-curved portion, 5. The window molding apparatus of claim 4, wherein, in a first position, the first non-curved portion, the bendable portion, and the second non-curved portion are flat, the first movable mold and the second movable mold are disposed adjacent to each other below the workpiece, and in a second position, the bendable portion is recessively curved in the first cavity, the first movable mold and the second movable mold are spaced apart from and face each other, and the first non-curved portion and the second non-curved portion are between the first movable mold and the second movable mold. The first molding member includes an inner molding member having a substantially flat molding member, and a core molding member disposed on one end of the substantially flat molding member, the core molding member having a curved lower surface.

6. The window molding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The lower surface of the core molding member has a fourth curved surface corresponding to the first curved surface, 7. The window molding apparatus of claim 6, wherein, wherein a radius of curvature of the fourth curved surface is equal to or smaller than a radius of curvature of the first curved surface. ​ 8. The window molding apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The inner molding member further includes a heating member interposed into a through-hole extending through the substantially flat molding member and to the core molding member.

9. The window molding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first molding member defines a flow path, and The window molding apparatus further includes a pump to inject air toward the second molding member through the flow path.

10. The window molding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The second cavity includes N sub-cavities, and The N sub-cavities are arranged in two pairs and are defined between the first cavity and the upper surface, wherein N is an even number of 2 or more.

11. The window molding apparatus of claim 10, wherein, Two of the N sub-cavities are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first cavity.

12. The window molding apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The movable mold includes N movable molds arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the N sub-cavities.

13. The window molding apparatus of claim 10, wherein, Each of the sub-cavities defined at an M-th sequence from the first cavity has a radius of curvature different from that of each of the sub-cavities defined at an (M+1)-th sequence from the first cavity, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N / 2.

14. The window molding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first molding member includes an inner molding member, the second molding member includes an outer molding member, the first cavity includes a core cavity, and the second cavity includes a sub-cavity.

15. The window molding apparatus of any one of claims 1-5 and 9-14, wherein, The first molding member includes a core molding member at a downward end thereof, a lower surface of the core molding member having a fourth curved surface having a shape corresponding to the first curved surface. 16.A window molding method of molding a window using a window molding apparatus including a first molding member and a second molding member, wherein the second molding member includes a first cavity having a first curved surface, a plurality of second cavities having a second curved surface, and a plurality of movable molds supporting movement along the second curved surface of the second cavities, the window molding method including the steps of: positioning a workpiece for processing between the first molding member and the second molding member; heating the workpiece; and molding the workpiece by bending a portion of an outer side of the workpiece in contact along the first curved surface of the first cavity after heating to form a bendable portion, to form a first non-bent portion and a second non-bent portion facing the first non-bent portion, wherein the bendable portion is disposed between the first non-bent portion and the second non-bent portion. The workpiece includes a glass substrate, and 17. The window molding method of claim 16, wherein, The first molding member includes an inner molding member including a substantially flat molding member and a core molding member disposed on one end of the substantially flat molding member, and wherein the step of heating the workpiece comprises heating at least one of the first molded part and the second molded part to reduce the viscosity of the workpiece to 10 7 Poise to 10 9 Poise.

18. The window molding method of claim 16, wherein, wherein the step of molding the workpiece includes moving the inner molding member such that the core molding member is accommodated in the first cavity and the workpiece is disposed between the core molding member and the first cavity. The first molding member includes a flow path, and 19. The window molding method of claim 16, wherein, Each of the plurality of movable molds includes a curved portion having a curved surface corresponding to the second curved surface of each of the second cavities and a substantially flat portion facing the curved portion; wherein the step of molding the workpiece includes injecting air having a pressure of 2 kgf / cm 2 to 10 kgf / cm 2 through the flow path.

20. The window molding method of claim 16, wherein, ​ wherein the step of positioning the workpiece includes positioning the substantially flat portions of the adjacent movable molds to be adjacent to each other in positions under the workpiece in parallel to each other, and wherein the step of molding the workpiece includes moving the substantially flat portions of the adjacent movable molds to face each other with the workpiece disposed between the substantially flat portions.

21. The window molding method of claim 16, wherein, the second cavity includes N sub-cavities defined in two pairs in order from the first cavity, and the movable molds include N movable molds disposed in one-to-one correspondence with the N sub-cavities, and wherein the step of molding the workpiece includes sequentially moving the movable molds along the second curved surface of the second cavity in order from the movable molds among the N movable molds spaced apart from the first cavity to the movable molds among the N movable molds disposed adjacent to the first cavity as the bendable portion gradually approaches the first cavity, wherein N is an even number of 2 or more.

22. The window molding method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of chemically strengthening the workpiece.

23. The window molding method of any one of claims 16-22, wherein, the first molding member includes a core molding member at a downward end thereof, a lower surface of the core molding member having a fourth curved surface of a shape corresponding to the first curved surface, and wherein the step of molding the workpiece includes moving the first molding member so that the core molding member is accommodated in the first cavity and the workpiece is disposed between the core molding member and the first cavity.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Die for use in bending flat metal stock and the like

    US2882952A

  • KR20200063653A