Flexible display device and method of manufacturing a glass window for a display device

Abstract

Provided are flexible display devices and methods of manufacturing a glass window for a display device. The flexible display device includes a bendable glass window having a thickness in a range from about 20 μm to about 100 μm in a first direction, an edge of the glass window having a curved cross-sectional shape, wherein an image is displayed through the glass window.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202111519129.X, application date December 13, 2021, and invention title "Method for Manufacturing a Window and Window for a Display Device". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a window. More specifically, this disclosure relates to windows used in various display devices and methods of manufacturing windows. Background Technology

[0003] Display devices are electronic devices that provide visual information to users. Recently, bendable, foldable, or rollable display devices have been developed. In some cases, these display panels can be bent, folded, or rolled during the manufacturing process and then locked into a desired shape. In other cases, these display panels can be repeatedly bent, folded, or rolled during use.

[0004] The display device may include a window for protecting the display panel from which the image is generated. In these cases, both the display panel and the window may be flexible.

[0005] During the manufacturing process, windows can be cut to fit the size of the display device. An etchant can be used to chemically polish the cut surfaces of the window to remove defects. However, when the cut surfaces are chemically polished, grains form on the window edges due to the chemical reaction between the etchant and the window, and the impact strength of the window may decrease as the outer surface of the window edges is angled. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A flexible display device includes a bendable glass window having a thickness in a first direction ranging from about 20 μm to about 100 μm, and the edges of the glass window having a curved cross-sectional shape, wherein an image is displayed through the glass window.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a glass window for a display device, the method comprising: stacking a plurality of glass windows in a first direction, each of the plurality of glass windows having a thickness in the first direction ranging from about 20 μm to about 100 μm; and mechanically polishing a plurality of edges of the plurality of glass windows.

[0008] A method for manufacturing a glass window for a display device, the method comprising: stacking a plurality of cut glass windows in a first direction, each of the plurality of glass windows having a size corresponding to the size of the display device; and polishing a plurality of cut surfaces of the plurality of glass windows.

[0009] A method for manufacturing windows of a display device, the method comprising: alternately stacking a plurality of windows and a plurality of adhesive layers into a single stack; cutting the single stack; polishing the cut surfaces of the single stack using a polishing pad while applying slurry to the cut surfaces of the single stack; curing the single stack; and, after the single stack has been cured, separating each of the plurality of windows from the single stack. The polishing pad has an elastic modulus lower than that of the windows.

[0010] Curing may include exposing individual stacks to ultraviolet (UV) light and immersing individual stacks in a hot water bath.

[0011] Polishing the cut surfaces of a single stack may include polishing each of the multiple adhesive layers shorter than each of the multiple windows, such that the edge of each of the multiple windows extends beyond the corresponding edge of each of the multiple adhesive layers.

[0012] The method of manufacturing a window includes cutting a window with a uniform thickness of about 20 μm to about 100 μm, and polishing the cut surface of the window with a polishing pad having an elastic modulus smaller than that of the window while applying a slurry to the cut surface of the window.

[0013] Windows may include glass and / or plastic.

[0014] The hardness of the polishing pad can be less than that of the window.

[0015] Polishing pads may include fabric, wool, and / or polymers.

[0016] The slurry may include cerium(IV) oxide (CeO2).

[0017] The cut surface of a polished window may include: polishing the window to remove a length equal to about 10% to about 200% of the window's thickness, measured from the edge of the window.

[0018] The method may further include forming a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer on a first surface of the window and a second surface of the window opposite to the first surface of the window, respectively, before cutting the window or after cutting the window and before polishing the cut surface of the window.

[0019] The elastic modulus of each of the first and second adhesive layers may be less than the elastic modulus of the window.

[0020] The hardness of each of the first and second adhesive layers may be less than the hardness of the window.

[0021] Each of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer may include resin, optically clear adhesive (OCA), rosin, and / or wax.

[0022] The method may also include: curing the window, the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer after polishing the cut surface of the window, and separating the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer from the window.

[0023] The method may also include: positioning the window between the first support and the second support after cutting the window and before polishing the cut surface of the window.

[0024] The area of ​​each of the first and second support members may be smaller than the area of ​​the window.

[0025] The window for the display device includes a flat portion and a chamfered portion. The flat portion has a uniform thickness of about 20 μm to about 100 μm. The chamfered portion is disposed on at least a portion of the edge of the flat portion, has a thickness smaller than that of the flat portion, and has an outer surface with a curved shape protruding from the flat portion.

[0026] The roughness of the outer surface of the chamfered portion can be from about 0.5 nm to about 10 nm.

[0027] The distance from the edge of the chamfered portion to the edge of the flat portion can range from about 10% to about 200% of the thickness of the flat portion.

[0028] The chamfered portion may include a first curved portion adjacent to a first surface of the flat portion and a second curved portion adjacent to a second surface of the flat portion relative to the first surface. The radius of curvature of each of the first and second curved portions may be in the range of about 10% to about 50% of the thickness of the flat portion.

[0029] The chamfered portion can have a uniform radius of curvature. The radius of curvature can range from about 50% to about 100% of the thickness of the flat portion.

[0030] The chamfered portion may have different radii of curvature along its outer surface. The radius of curvature at the edge of the chamfered portion may range from approximately 20% to approximately 200% of the thickness of the flat portion.

[0031] The outer surface of the chamfered portion adjacent to the surface of the flat portion may have an angle of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees relative to the plane extending from the surface of the flat portion. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Because this disclosure and its many accompanying aspects become better understood by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its many accompanying aspects will readily be obtained, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 15 This is a plan view showing a window for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing a window for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing a window for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing a window for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 19 This is a perspective view showing a window for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following, a method for manufacturing a window and a window for a display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 9 A method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 The method of manufacturing a window according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: alternately stacking windows and adhesive layers (S110), cutting the stacked windows and adhesive layers (S120), polishing the cut surfaces of the stacked windows and adhesive layers (S130), UV curing the stacked windows and adhesive layers (S140), thermosetting the stacked windows and adhesive layers (S150), and separating each window from the adhesive layer from the stack (S160).

[0048] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be stacked (S110). The window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be stacked alternately one after another along the first direction DR1. Each window 100 can be a window for a display device. In embodiments of this disclosure, each window 100 can be a window for a flexible display device. Each window 100 can protect components of the display device, and since the window 100 can be transparent to visible light, images generated by the display device can be displayed through the window 100. Because the window 100 and adhesive layer 200 are stacked alternately, multiple windows 100 can be cut together in subsequent processes, and the cutting time and cutting cost of the window 100 can be reduced compared to the process of cutting each window 100 individually.

[0050] Each window 100 may include a flexible material. For example, each window 100 may include thin glass and / or plastic. The thin glass may have a thickness that allows for flexibility without cracking or otherwise breaking.

[0051] Each window 100 may have a uniform thickness TH. The thickness TH of each window 100 may be defined as the length of the window 100 in the first direction DR1. The thickness TH of each window 100 may be from about 20 μm to about 100 μm. When the thickness TH of the window 100 is less than about 20 μm, handling the window 100 may be difficult, and the window 100 may not adequately protect the components of the display device. When the thickness TH of the window 100 is greater than about 100 μm, the flexibility of the window 100 may be reduced, and the bending strength of the window 100 may be reduced.

[0052] Adhesive layer 200 can be used to secure stacked windows 100 to each other. Therefore, multiple adhesive layers 200 may each include an adhesive material. For example, multiple adhesive layers 200 may each include resin, optically clear adhesive (OCA), rosin, and / or wax.

[0053] The elastic modulus of each adhesive layer 200 may be less than that of each window 100. Furthermore, the hardness of each adhesive layer 200 may be less than that of each window 100.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The stacked windows 100 and adhesive layers 200 can be cut (S120). The stacked windows 100 and adhesive layers 200 can be cut together using a blade or a laser beam 600. For example, a computer numerical control (CNC) system can be used to cut the stacked windows 100 and adhesive layers 200. Since the stacked windows 100 and adhesive layers 200 are cut together, the area of ​​the cut adhesive layer 200 is substantially equal to the area of ​​the cut window 100. That is, the area of ​​each adhesive layer 200 is substantially equal to the area of ​​each window 100.

[0055] Each cut-out window 100 may have a size corresponding to the size of a display device. For example, the window 100 may be cut such that each cut-out window 100 is included in a display device.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The cut surfaces of the window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be polished (S130). The cut surfaces of the window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can correspond to the edges of the cut window 100 and adhesive layer 200.

[0057] While the slurry 400 is being applied to the cut surfaces of the window 100 and the adhesive layer 200, a polishing pad 300 can be used to polish the cut surfaces of the window 100 and the adhesive layer 200. The polishing pad 300 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise along a rotation axis extending in a first direction DR1. Due to the rotation of the polishing pad 300, the slurry 400 can contact the cut surfaces of the window 100 and can directly polish the cut surfaces of the window 100.

[0058] The polishing pad 300 may include fabric, wool, and / or polymer. The slurry 400 may include cerium(IV) oxide (CeO2), which may be referred to as "cerium earth".

[0059] The elastic modulus of the polishing pad 300 may be less than that of each window 100. Furthermore, the hardness of the polishing pad 300 may be less than that of each window 100.

[0060] Figure 5This is a diagram showing a window 100 and two adhesive layers 210 and 220 before polishing, and Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the polished window 100 and adhesive layers 210 and 220.

[0061] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first adhesive layer 210 may be formed on the first surface 101 of the cut window 100, and the second adhesive layer 220 may be formed on the second surface 102 of the cut window 100 opposite to the first surface 101. For example, the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 of the window 100 may be the lower surface and the upper surface of the window 100, respectively.

[0062] The cut surfaces of the window 100 and adhesive layers 210 and 220 before polishing can be parallel to each other. For example, the edges of the window 100 and adhesive layers 210 and 220 before polishing may not protrude or be recessed in the second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1.

[0063] Defects formed during the cutting process of window 100 may remain on the cut surface of window 100 before polishing. If these defects are left on the cut surface of window 100, they may reduce the bending strength of window 100.

[0064] In a sectional view, right-angled corners can be formed at each of the opposite ends of the cut surface of the window 100 before polishing. For example, the cut window 100 may have a rectangular prism shape with all corners being right angles. However, even if one or more of the other corners of the window 100 are not right angles, the cut corners of the window 100 will still have right angles. For example, right-angled corners can be formed at each of the first end and the second end of the cut surface of the window 100 before polishing, where the cut surface contacts the first surface 101 and the second end contacts the second surface 102.

[0065] The edges of the polished window 100 and the adhesive layers 210 and 220 may not be parallel to each other. The edge of the polished window 100 may protrude further in the second direction DR2 than the edges of the polished adhesive layers 210 and 220.

[0066] As the cut surfaces of window 100 are polished, defects remaining on the cut surfaces of window 100 can be removed. Therefore, the bending strength of window 100 can be increased by polishing, and the bending strength of window 100 after polishing can be relatively large.

[0067] Since the elastic modulus and hardness of adhesive layers 210 and 220 are lower than those of window 100, the amount of polishing of adhesive layers 210 and 220 by polishing pad 300 and slurry 400 can be greater than the amount of polishing of window 100 by polishing pad 300 and slurry 400. Therefore, in addition to the cut surfaces of window 100, the first surface 101 of window 100 in contact with the first adhesive layer 210 and the second surface 102 of window 100 in contact with the second adhesive layer 220 can also be polished. Therefore, the polished window 100 can include an unpolished flat portion 110 and a polished chamfered portion 120. The flat portion 110 can overlap with the polished adhesive layers 210 and 220 and can have a uniform thickness TH. The chamfered portion 120 can be arranged on the edge of the flat portion 110 and can protrude further than the polished adhesive layers 210 and 220 in the second direction DR2. The chamfered portion 120 may correspond to the frame of the display device including the window 100.

[0068] Window 100 can be polished to reduce its length in the second direction DR2 by approximately 10% to approximately 200% of its thickness TH in the first direction DR1. The distance from the edge of the chamfered portion 120 to the edge of the flat portion 110 in the second direction DR2 can be defined as a polishing distance PD, and the polishing distance PD can be approximately 10% to approximately 200% of the thickness TH of window 100. When the polishing distance PD is less than approximately 10% of the thickness TH of window 100, the polishing pad 300 may not be able to adequately polish the cut surface of window 100. When the polishing distance PD is greater than approximately 200% of the thickness TH of window 100, the width of the chamfered portion 120 in the second direction DR2 can be increased to a predetermined width or greater, thus the bezel of the display device including window 100 can be increased beyond the predetermined width.

[0069] Polishing distance PD can be controlled based on polishing pressure and polishing time. The type of slurry used can also affect the polishing distance PD. Polishing distance PD can be proportional to polishing pressure and polishing time. For example, polishing distance PD can decrease as polishing pressure and polishing time decrease, and polishing distance PD can increase as polishing pressure and polishing time increase.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 7 The polished window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be UV cured (S140). A UV curing machine 700 arranged in a first direction DR1 from the polished window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can irradiate the window 100 and adhesive layer 200 with ultraviolet (UV) light, so that the window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be UV cured. For example, the UV curing machine 700 may be or may include one or more UV lamps, light bulbs, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.

[0071] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 The UV-cured window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be heat-cured (S150). The UV-cured window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be immersed in a water tank 800 containing hot water HW to heat-cur the window 100 and adhesive layer 200. The hot water HW can have a temperature in the range of 22°C to 100°C.

[0072] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 9 The heat-cured window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be separated (S160). The adhesive strength of adhesive layer 200 can be reduced by UV curing and heat curing, and therefore, window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be easily separated from each other.

[0073] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 10 to 12 A method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0074] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Reference Figure 10 The method for manufacturing a window according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include cutting the window (S210), stacking the window and adhesive layer (S220), polishing the cut surfaces of the window and adhesive layer (S230), UV curing the window and adhesive layer (S240), thermosetting the window and adhesive layer (S250), and separating the window and adhesive layer (S260). In the method for manufacturing a window according to embodiments of the present disclosure, polishing the cut surfaces of the window and adhesive layer (S230), UV curing the window and adhesive layer (S240), thermosetting the window and adhesive layer (S250), and separating the window and adhesive layer (S260) are substantially the same as or similar to polishing the cut surfaces of the window and adhesive layer (S130), UV curing the window and adhesive layer (S140), thermosetting the window and adhesive layer (S150), and separating the window and adhesive layer (S160) in the window manufacturing method discussed above. Therefore, to the extent that no description of steps S230, S240, S250 and S260 is provided herein, it may be assumed that these steps are at least similar to steps S130, S140, S150 and S160, respectively.

[0076] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11The window 100 can be cut (S210). In contrast to cutting within a stack as explained above, each of the plurality of windows 100 can be cut individually. The window 100 can be cut by irradiating it with a laser beam LB from a laser cutter 900 arranged in a first direction DR1 from the window 100. Each of the plurality of cut windows 100 can have a size corresponding to the size of a display device.

[0078] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 12 The cut window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be stacked (S220). The window 100 and adhesive layer 200 can be stacked alternately along the first direction DR1. The area of ​​adhesive layer 200 can be substantially equal to the area of ​​the cut window 100. Therefore, contrary to stacking before cutting as discussed above, here the window 100 and adhesive layer 200 are stacked after cutting.

[0079] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Reference Figure 13 A method for manufacturing a window according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include cutting the window (S310), arranging the window between support members (S320), and polishing the cut surfaces of the window (S330). In the method for manufacturing a window according to embodiments of the present disclosure, cutting the window (S310) and polishing the cut surfaces of the window (S330) are substantially the same as or similar to cutting the window (S210) and polishing the cut surfaces of the window and adhesive layer (S230) in the method for manufacturing a window described above. Therefore, unless a description of steps S310 and S330 is provided, it can be assumed that these steps are at least similar to the cutting step S210 and the polishing step S230 discussed above.

[0081] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14The cut-out window 100 can be arranged between support members 510 and 520 (S320). The first support member 510 can be arranged on a first surface of the cut-out window 100, and the second support member 520 can be arranged on a second surface of the cut-out window 100 opposite to the first surface. Support members 510 and 520 can support the window 100 during a polishing process. Support members 510 and 520 can each be a support block (referred to herein as a "support"), and these supports 510 and 520 can accommodate the window 100 and hold it in place like a vise by a force that pushes the supports 510 and 520 toward each other and / or by friction.

[0083] The area of ​​each of the first support member 510 and the second support member 520 may be smaller than the area of ​​the window 100, such that the window 100 protrudes beyond the first support member 510 and the second support member 520. Therefore, in the process of polishing the cut surfaces of the window 100, in addition to the cut surfaces of the window 100, the first surface of the window 100 in contact with the first support member 510 and the second surface of the window 100 in contact with the second support member 520 may also be polished. Therefore, the polished edge of the window 100 may have a curved outer surface.

[0084] In the method of manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the cut surface of a window 100 is polished without the use of an adhesive layer, the processes of stacking the window 100 and the adhesive layer, curing the window 100 and the adhesive layer, and separating the window 100 and the adhesive layer can be omitted.

[0085] In existing technology, etchants can be used to chemically polish windows. In this process, grains can form on the cut surface of the window due to the chemical reaction between the etchant and the window, thus potentially increasing the roughness of the cut surface. When the roughness of the cut surface increases, the impact strength of the window's cut surface may decrease. Furthermore, when a window is chemically polished, the outer surface of the window's edges may be inclined, and therefore, the impact strength of the window's cut surface may also decrease.

[0086] Furthermore, in existing technologies, the chemicals included in the etchants used in chemical polishing (e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, etc.) may cause environmental pollution. Additionally, an etchant rinsing process may be required to remove these chemicals.

[0087] In embodiments of the present invention, the window 100 can be mechanically polished using a polishing pad 300 and a slurry 400. In this case, no grains may form on the cut surface of the window 100, and therefore, the roughness of the cut surface of the window 100 can be reduced. Consequently, the impact strength of the cut surface of the window 100 can be increased. Furthermore, when the window 100 is mechanically polished, the outer surface of the edge of the window 100 can be rounded, and therefore, the impact strength of the cut surface of the window 100 can be increased.

[0088] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, since the slurry 400 may be merely an abrasive that does not contain chemicals, the slurry 400 used in mechanical polishing may not cause environmental pollution. Moreover, since no chemicals are used in the polishing process of the window 100, the prior art etchant rinsing process can be omitted.

[0089] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 15 to 19 A window for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0090] Figure 15 This is a plan view showing a window 100 for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing a window 100 for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 Can be shown Figure 15 An instance of region A in the dataset.

[0091] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 Window 100 may include a flat portion 110 and a chamfered portion 120. The flat portion 110 may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners in the plan view. However, the planar shape of the flat portion 110 is not necessarily limited to this, and the flat portion 110 may have various planar shapes, such as polygonal planar shapes, circular planar shapes, elliptical planar shapes, etc.

[0092] The flat portion 110 may have a uniform thickness TH. The thickness TH of the flat portion 110 may be from about 20 μm to about 100 μm. When the thickness TH of the flat portion 110 is less than about 20 μm, processing of the window 100 may be difficult, and the window 100 may not adequately protect the components of the display device. When the thickness TH of the flat portion 110 is greater than about 100 μm, the flexibility of the window 100 may be reduced.

[0093] The chamfered portion 120 may be disposed on at least a portion of the edge of the flat portion 110. For example, the chamfered portion 120 may surround at least a portion of the flat portion 110. In embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 15As shown, the chamfered portion 120 may be arranged on the entire edge of the flat portion 110 to completely surround the flat portion 110.

[0094] The bezel of the display device may overlap at least with the chamfered portion 120. In an embodiment, the bezel of the display device may overlap the entirety of the chamfered portion 120 and a portion of the flat portion 110 adjacent to the chamfered portion 120, and a black matrix or other light-blocking pattern may be formed on the bezel.

[0095] The chamfered portion 120 may have a thickness smaller than the thickness TH of the flat portion 110. The thickness of the chamfered portion 120 may decrease along the second direction DR2 from the edge of the flat portion 110 toward the edge of the chamfered portion 120.

[0096] The chamfered portion 120 may have a curved outer surface protruding from the flat portion 110. The outer surface of the chamfered portion 120 may have a relatively small roughness. In an embodiment, the roughness of the outer surface of the chamfered portion 120 may be from about 0.5 nm to about 10 nm. As described above, the window 100 can be mechanically polished using a polishing pad 300 and a slurry 400, and therefore, the outer surface of the chamfered portion 120 may have a relatively small roughness (i.e., it may be relatively smooth). Therefore, the window 100 may have relatively high impact strength.

[0097] The distance from the edge of the chamfered portion 120 to the edge of the flat portion 110 can be from about 10% to about 200% of the thickness TH of the flat portion 110. The distance from the edge of the chamfered portion 120 to the edge of the flat portion 110 in the second direction DR2 can be defined as a polishing distance PD. When the polishing distance PD is less than about 10% of the thickness TH of the flat portion 110, defects generated during the cutting process of the window 100 may remain on the outer surface of the chamfered portion 120. When the polishing distance PD is greater than about 200% of the thickness TH of the flat portion 110, the width of the chamfered portion 120 in the second direction DR2 can be increased to a predetermined width or greater, and therefore, the bezel of the display device including the window 100 can be increased beyond the predetermined width.

[0098] The chamfered portion 120 may include a first curved portion 121 adjacent to a first surface 111 of the flat portion 110 and a second curved portion 122 adjacent to a second surface 112 of the flat portion 110 relative to the first surface 111. Each of the radius of curvature RC1 of the first curved portion 122 and the radius of curvature RC2 of the second curved portion 122 may be about 10% to about 50% of the thickness TH of the flat portion 110.

[0099] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing a window 100 for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 Can be shown Figure 15 An instance of region A in the dataset.

[0100] Reference Figure 17 The chamfered portion 120 may have a uniform radius of curvature RC3. The radius of curvature RC3 of the chamfered portion 120 may be about 50% to about 100% of the thickness TH of the flat portion 110.

[0101] The polishing pressure and polishing time in the manufacturing process of window 100 discussed herein may be greater than the polishing pressure and polishing time in the manufacturing process of window 100 discussed above. For example, the polishing distance PD of window 100 discussed herein may be greater than the polishing distance PD of window 100 discussed above. For example, the polishing distance PD of window 100 discussed above may be about 20% to about 30% of the thickness TH of the flat portion 110, and the polishing distance PD of window 100 discussed herein may be about 50% of the thickness TH of the flat portion 110.

[0102] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing a window 100 for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 Can be shown Figure 15 An instance of region A in the dataset. Figure 19 This is a perspective view showing a window 100 for a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 Can be shown Figure 15 An instance of region A in the dataset.

[0103] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 The chamfered portion 120 may have different radii of curvature along its outer surface. The radii of curvature RC4 and RC5 of the chamfered portion 120 at its edge may be about 20% to about 200% of the thickness TH of the flat portion 110.

[0104] The outer surface of the chamfered portion 120 adjacent to the surface of the flat portion 110 may have an angle IA of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees relative to an imaginary surface extending from the surface of the flat portion 110. For example, the angle IA between the outer surface of the chamfered portion 120 adjacent to the second surface 112 of the flat portion 110 and an imaginary surface extending from the second surface 112 of the flat portion 110 may be about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.

[0105] The polishing pressure and polishing time in the manufacturing process of window 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be greater than the polishing pressure and polishing time in the manufacturing process of window 100 according to the method described above. For example, the polishing distance PD of window 100 discussed herein can be greater than the polishing distance PD of window 100 discussed above. For example, the polishing distance PD of window 100 discussed herein can be approximately 100% of the thickness TH of the flat portion 110.

[0106] The polishing pressure and polishing time in the manufacturing process of window 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be greater than the polishing pressure and polishing time in the manufacturing process of window 100 discussed above. For example, the polishing distance PD of window 100 discussed here can be greater than the polishing distance PD of window 100 discussed above. For example, the polishing distance PD of window 100 discussed here can be approximately 150% of the thickness TH of the flat portion 110.

[0107] In existing technologies, windows can be polished chemically. In this process, the roughness of the window's cut surfaces may increase, and the outer surfaces of the window edges may become beveled. Consequently, the impact strength of the window's cut surfaces may be reduced.

[0108] In embodiments of the present invention, the window 100 can be polished mechanically. In this case, the roughness of the cut surface of the window 100 can be reduced, and the outer surface of the edge of the window 100 can be rounded. Therefore, the impact strength of the cut surface of the window 100 can be increased.

[0109] The window according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to display devices including computer monitors, laptop computers, mobile phones, smartphones, smart boards, tablet computers, personal media players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 players, etc.

[0110] Although a method for manufacturing a window and a window for a display device according to embodiments has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments shown are examples and can be modified and altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A flexible display device, comprising: A bendable glass window, the glass window having a thickness in the range of 20 μm to 100 μm in a first direction, the glass window including a flat portion, and the edges of the glass window having a curved cross-sectional shape. The image is displayed through the glass window. The curved cross-sectional shape of the glass window has a radius of curvature at the position farthest from the flat portion, the radius of curvature being less than the distance from the position farthest from the flat portion to the flat portion, and the angle between the imaginary surface extending from the flat portion and a point on the imaginary circle having the radius of curvature is in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

2. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The curved cross-sectional shape of the glass window is arranged along the entire edge of the flat portion to substantially surround the flat portion.

3. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The distance from the position furthest from the flat portion to the flat portion is in the range of 10% to 200% of the thickness of the flat portion.

4. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The frame of the flexible display device overlaps with the curved cross-sectional shape of the glass window, and The black matrix is ​​formed within the border.

5. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The roughness of the outer surface of the curved cross-sectional shape of the glass window is 0.5 nm to 10 nm.

6. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The curved cross-sectional shape of the glass window has multiple radii of curvature.

7. The flexible display device according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the plurality of radii of curvature is in the range of 20% to 200% of the thickness of the flat portion.

8. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible display device is bendable, foldable, or rollable.

9. A method for manufacturing a glass window for a display device, the method comprising: Multiple glass windows are stacked in a first direction, each glass window having a thickness in the range of 20 μm to 100 μm in the first direction; as well as The multiple edges of the multiple glass windows are polished mechanically. The glass window includes a flat portion, and the edges of the glass window have a curved cross-sectional shape. The curved cross-sectional shape of the glass window has a radius of curvature at the position farthest from the flat portion, the radius of curvature being less than the distance from the position farthest from the flat portion to the flat portion, and the angle between the imaginary surface extending from the flat portion and a point on the imaginary circle having the radius of curvature is in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the multiple polished surfaces of the plurality of glass windows polished by the aforementioned mechanical method has a curved cross-sectional shape.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Polishing the plurality of edges of the plurality of glass windows includes: polishing the plurality of glass windows from the plurality of edges in a second direction intersecting the first direction to reduce the length of the plurality of glass windows in the range of 10% to 200% of the thickness of each of the plurality of glass windows.

12. A method for manufacturing a glass window for a display device, the method comprising: Multiple glass windows cut out in a first direction are stacked, each glass window having a size corresponding to the size of the display device; as well as Polish the multiple cut surfaces of the plurality of glass windows. The glass windows include flat portions, and each of the plurality of cut surfaces of the plurality of glass windows has a curved cross-sectional shape. The curved cross-sectional shape of the glass window has a radius of curvature at the position farthest from the flat portion, the radius of curvature being less than the distance from the position farthest from the flat portion to the flat portion, and the angle between the plane of the flat portion and a point on an imaginary circle of the radius of curvature ranging from 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: A first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer are formed on a first surface of the glass window, which is one of the plurality of glass windows, and on a second surface of the glass window opposite to the first surface, respectively. Polishing the plurality of cut surfaces of the plurality of glass windows includes polishing the first surface and the second surface of the glass windows together with the cut surfaces of the glass windows.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The plurality of glass windows are cut before being stacked. Stacking the plurality of glass windows includes alternately stacking a plurality of adhesive layers with the plurality of glass windows in the first direction.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The plurality of glass windows and the plurality of adhesive layers are separated from each other by immersing them in hot water after polishing the plurality of cut surfaces.

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