Glass article for a vehicle interior system having a bendable display unit

Abstract

A bendable glass article having a bendable display unit is disclosed. The glass article includes a glass sheet including a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. A hinge mechanism is disposed on the second major surface of the glass sheet. The hinge mechanism divides the glass sheet into a first side and a second side. A bendable display unit is bonded to the second major surface of the glass sheet and disposed between the glass sheet and the hinge mechanism. An adhesive material is disposed on the second major surface of the glass sheet around the display. The first side is bendable relative to the second side about the hinge mechanism, and the bendable display unit is hermetically sealed within the adhesive material.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 067,526, filed August 19, 2020, pursuant to 35 USC §119, and relies on the contents of that application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to glass articles, and more specifically, to a flexible glass article for a vehicle interior system having a flexible display unit. Background Technology

[0003] Vehicle interiors include various displays. Efforts have been made to integrate these displays into the overall aesthetic design of the vehicle. This has led to attempts to integrate displays into continuous surfaces, such as the dashboard. Furthermore, to enhance both aesthetics and functionality, glass has been used to form these continuous surfaces. However, using glass presents additional design challenges compared to other traditional plastics, metals, and composite materials, which have had considerably longer development times in the automotive industry. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a glass article. The glass article includes a glass plate having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface. A hinge mechanism is disposed on the second main surface of the glass plate. The hinge mechanism divides the glass plate into a first side and a second side. A flexible display unit is bonded to the second main surface of the glass plate and disposed between the glass plate and the hinge mechanism. An adhesive material is disposed on the second main surface of the glass plate surrounding the display. The first side is flexible relative to the second side around the hinge mechanism, and the flexible display unit is hermetically sealed within the adhesive material.

[0005] According to another aspect, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a vehicle interior system. The interior system includes an instrument panel base positioned across the vehicle's central axis. The central axis longitudinally divides the vehicle into a driver's side and a passenger side. A glass article is attached to the instrument panel base. The glass article includes a glass panel having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite the first main surface. The first glass panel has a first side and a second side. The first side is located on the driver's side of the central axis. A hinge mechanism is disposed on the second main surface of the glass panel. The hinge mechanism divides the glass panel between the first and second sides. A flexible display unit is bonded to the second main surface of the glass panel and disposed between the hinge mechanism and the glass panel. An adhesive material is disposed on the second main surface of the glass panel around the flexible display unit. The display is hermetically sealed between the adhesive material and the glass panel. The flexible display unit is configured to transform between a curved configuration and a planar configuration when the second side of the glass panel is bent around the hinge mechanism.

[0006] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and some of these features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or will be recognized by practice of the embodiments described herein, including the following detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] It should be understood that the foregoing description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 A vehicle interior according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, the vehicle interior including a glass article having a movable hinge integrated into the vehicle's dashboard;

[0010] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 1 Glass products;

[0011] Figure 3 A simplified side view of a glass article having a movable hinge, according to an exemplary embodiment, is shown;

[0012] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a glass article according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0013] Figure 5A-13A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a glass article is shown; and

[0014] Figure 5B-13B It shows along Figure 5A-13A The intercept of each AA line in the middle Figure 5A-13A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a flexible glass article for a vehicle interior system having a display unit spanning a flexible region of the glass article. In embodiments, the glass article is configured to incorporate multiple displays, such as infotainment screens, instrument clusters, and vehicle perimeter cameras, that can be found on a vehicle's dashboard. One end of the glass article is configured to rotate about a bending axis, for example, toward the vehicle's driver, to improve the visibility of the screen contained thereon. A flexible display is provided across the bending axis, allowing the flexible display to be either curved or flat. To provide flexibility, the flexible display is a thin, flexible display, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. However, incorporating an OLED display into a glass article presents problems related to providing sufficient sealing for the OLED display while also preventing damage to the OLED display due to mechanical stress transmitted from the mounting mechanism to the display.

[0016] The organic layers in OLED displays are extremely thin, and most OLED displays are based on chemically active materials, making them highly susceptible to damage from exposure to moisture or oxygen in the air. Furthermore, the thin metal layers used as electrodes are also highly sensitive to corrosion. Therefore, glass components must provide both hermetic sealing and mechanical reliability for OLED displays.

[0017] These and other aspects and advantages will be described in conjunction with the embodiments discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are presented by way of illustration rather than limitation.

[0018] Figure 1 A vehicle interior 10 is shown, including an instrument panel base 12. In an embodiment, the instrument panel base 12 includes a center console area 14 and an instrument cluster area 16. Typically, the instrument panel base 12 is configured to span the vehicle's central axis 18. The central axis 18 longitudinally divides the vehicle into a driver's side 20 and a passenger side 22. The instrument cluster area 16 is located on the driver's side 20 of the central axis 18, and the center console area 14 may extend across the centerline 18 such that the center console area 14 is located on both the driver's side 20 and the passenger side 22. In an embodiment, the center console area 14 includes a first display screen 24, and the instrument cluster area 16 includes a second display screen 26. In an embodiment, the instrument panel base 12 may include one or more additional display areas 28, each additional display area including an additional display screen 30. In an embodiment, the first display screen 24, the second display screen 26, and the additional display screen 30 may be any one of a plasma display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a micro-LED display, or a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0019] In one embodiment, the first display screen 24 of the center console area 14 is an infotainment center that provides information and control panels to the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle. For example, the first display screen 24 may display vehicle information, GPS direction, climate control, audio control, etc. In another embodiment, the second display screen 26 of the instrument panel area 16 may display a speedometer, fuel gauge, tachometer, coolant temperature, etc. In embodiments including an additional display screen 30, the additional display screen 30 may display, for example, a view of the front of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle, or one or more blind spots of the vehicle captured by a remote camera. In another embodiment, the first display screen 24, the second display screen 26, and / or the additional display screen 30 may be configured as touchscreens.

[0020] The first display screen 24, the second display screen 26, and the auxiliary display screen 30 (when included) are all integrated within the same curved glass article 32. As will be discussed below, the second display screen 26 (and the auxiliary screen 30) are fixed to the dashboard area 14 of the instrument panel 12, and the first display screen 24 in the center console area 14 is flexible relative to the second display screen 26. In an embodiment, the first display screen 24 is bent from a first position to a second position, in which the first display screen 24 is oriented substantially equally between the driver's side 20 and the passenger side 22, and in the second position, the first display screen 24 is oriented towards the driver's side 20. To allow for bending, the glass article 32 has a free end on the side of the first display screen 24.

[0021] As will be discussed more fully below, the glass article 32 includes a flexible display unit 33 in the region between the first display screen 24 and the second display screen 26, in which the glass article 32 is bent. The display unit in the bent region of the glass article allows information to be placed at the common focal plane of the viewer (especially the driver), minimizing eye fatigue and improving reaction time. Additionally, the information displayed in the bent region increases the usable screen area, which allows for the display of more information, larger font sizes, additional graphics, etc. Furthermore, the graphics on the display can be designed to harmonize with the interior styling of the vehicle. Moreover, in embodiments, although the first display screen 24, the second display screen 26, and the flexible display unit 33 are described as separate display modules, they can actually be a single, continuous display. In any of the above embodiments, the flexible display unit 33 can also be configured as a touchscreen. In such embodiments, the flexible display unit 33 can provide a control mechanism to adjust the bending of the glass article 32.

[0022] Figure 2A glass article 32 is shown, including a first display screen 24, a second display screen 26, an additional display screen 30, and a flexible display unit 33. The first display screen 30 is disposed on a first side 34 of the glass article 32, and the second display screen 26 and the additional display screen 30 are disposed on a second side 36 of the glass article 32. The flexible display unit 33 is at least partially disposed on each of the first side 34 and the second side 36. Figure 2 As shown in the embodiments, the glass article 32 may include one or more bends 38a-d. As illustrated, the combination of bends 38a-d positions the second display 26 behind the first display 24 and the additional display 30. In this context, "behind" means that the second display 26 is located in a plane further away from the driver than the plane in which the first display 24 and the additional display 30 are located. In one embodiment, the first display 24 and the additional display 30 may be located in the same plane; in other embodiments, they may be located in different planes. Furthermore, in one embodiment, each plane in which the displays 24, 26, and 30 are located may not be parallel to any one, one of, or two of the other planes. To achieve Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the glass article 32 includes a first convex bend 38a and a second concave bend 38b between the additional display screen 30 and the second display screen 26. Furthermore, the glass article includes a third concave bend 38c and a fourth convex bend 38d between the second display screen 26 and the first display screen 24.

[0023] As described above, the second side 36 of the glass article 32 is fixed to the dashboard base 12, and the first side 34 of the glass article 32 is bendable about the bending axis 40 relative to the second side 36 of the glass article 32. In an embodiment, a fourth convex bend 38d is formed on the bending axis 40. Thus, the first side 34 is bendable, making the fourth convex bend 38d variable, specifically, removable from the glass article 32. That is, the first side 34 of the glass article 32 can be bent such that the glass article 32 is substantially planar between the third concave bend 38c and the first side 34 of the glass article 32. The bendable display unit 33 is disposed on the bending axis 40, such that the bendable display unit 33 can also be curved or substantially planar.

[0024] In one embodiment, in a configuration where the first display screen 24 is oriented toward the driver's side 20, at least a portion of the second side 36 of the glass article 32 forms an angle of approximately 180° with the first side 34 (i.e., is substantially planar). In another embodiment, in a configuration where the first display screen is oriented between the driver's side 20 and the passenger side 22, at least a portion of the second side 36 forms an angle of approximately 190° to approximately 360° with the first side 34. "Approximately 360°" means that the first side 34 can be folded relative to the second side 36. Therefore, the flexible display unit 33 can also be substantially planar (e.g., forming an angle of 180°) or foldable.

[0025] Figure 3 A simplified, schematic side view of the glass article 32 is shown, illustrating the region of the fourth bend 38d. It can be seen that the glass article 32 comprises a glass plate 42 having a first main surface 44 and a second main surface 46. The second main surface 46 is opposite to the first main surface 44, and a thickness T1 (average thickness or maximum thickness) is defined between the first main surface 44 and the second main surface 46. In embodiments, the average thickness is 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm, particularly 0.4 mm to 1.1 mm. A secondary surface 48 extends around the periphery of the glass plate 42 and connects the first main surface 44 and the second main surface 46.

[0026] A hinge mechanism 50 is disposed on the second main surface 46. In an embodiment, the hinge mechanism 50 divides the glass plate 42 into a first side 34 and a second side 36, and allows the first side 34 to bend relative to the second side 36 of the glass article 32. In an embodiment, the hinge mechanism 50 can be positioned such that the first side 34 can be placed at any angle between its maximum travel positions (i.e., between a planar configuration oriented towards the driver's side and a curved configuration equally oriented between the driver's and passenger's sides). Furthermore, in an embodiment, the hinge mechanism 50 is manually actuated, i.e., a user can position the first side 34 of the glass article 32 by hand. In other embodiments, the hinge mechanism 50 can be electromechanically actuated, such that the first side 34 is positioned by an actuator activated by the user, for example, via a touch feature, voice command, or button. The hinge mechanism 50 can be any of a variety of hinges suitable for providing a bending axis 40, such as a movable hinge, a spindle hinge, a flexible hinge, a mesh hinge, or a linkage hinge, etc.

[0027] In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism 50 is a single hinge. In another embodiment, the single hinge 50 extends from 10% to the entire length of the bending axis 40 between the first side 34 and the second side 36. In other embodiments, at least two hinges 50 are provided along the bending axis 40 between the first side 34 and the second side 36. In such embodiments, the hinges 50 may be equidistantly spaced along the bending axis 40.

[0028] The adhesive material 52 is molded or applied to at least a portion of the second primary surface 46 of the glass plate 42. In embodiments, the adhesive material 52 is selected to encapsulate, support, and / or protect the glass plate 42. In particular, the adhesive material 52 can be used to protect the glass plate 42 from edge stress at the free end 54 of the glass plate 42. Furthermore, in embodiments, the adhesive material 52 covers not only a portion of the second primary surface 46 but also at least a portion of the secondary surface 48. In other embodiments, the adhesive material 52 may cover a portion of the first primary surface 44 of the glass plate 42. In embodiments, the adhesive material 52 also bonds the hinge 50 to the second primary surface 46 of the glass plate 42. In other embodiments, the hinge mechanism 50 is not bonded to the second primary surface 46 of the glass plate 42 but can be held in place by the adhesive material 52.

[0029] In embodiments, the adhesive material 52 includes, for example, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and reaction injection molding materials. As used herein, "reaction injection molding material" includes thermosetting polymers that cure within a mold during injection molding. In embodiments, reaction injection molding materials include polyurethane, polyurea, polyisocyanurate, polyester, polyphenol, polyepoxide, and nylon 6. In embodiments, the adhesive material 52 may include reinforcing agents such as glass fiber or mica.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the hinge mechanism 50 can be connected to or combined with the first frame 56a and the second frame 56b (collectively referred to as frame 56). As will be discussed below, frame 56 can be used to position the free end 54 of the glass article 32 and attach the glass article 32 to the vehicle interior base. In embodiments, frame 56 is made of aluminum alloy, steel alloy, or acrylic material. Figure 3 A flexible display unit 33 (e.g., an OLED display unit, a micro-LED display, or a flexible LCD) is also shown embedded in an adhesive material 52, such that the adhesive material 52 hermetically seals the flexible display unit 33.

[0031] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a glass article 32 according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 4 As shown, each of the first frame 56a and the second frame 56b includes a respective first hole 58a and second hole 58b (commonly referred to as hole 58), which accommodate a corresponding first display unit 60a and second display unit 60b (commonly referred to as display unit 60), for example, the first display screen 24 and the second display screen 26 (as shown). Figure 1 and 2(As shown). Furthermore, the first display unit 60a and the second display unit 60b can each be mechanically reinforced by corresponding first support member 62a and second support member 62b (commonly referred to as support member 62). In an embodiment, the hinge mechanism 50 is not connected to the frame 56, but rather to the support member 62. In such embodiments (including those described below), the glass article 32 may not include the frame 56. Furthermore, in embodiments (e.g., as shown below)... Figure 3 As shown, the hinge mechanism 50 can be embedded in the adhesive material 52 instead of being directly connected to the frame 56 or the support member 62.

[0032] Back Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, adhesive material 52 bonds the frame 56 and hinge mechanism 50 to the glass plate 42. An optically clear adhesive can be used to bond the display unit 60 to the glass plate 42 within corresponding holes 58 in the frame 56. Another adhesive layer (not shown) can join the support member 62 to the rear surface of the display unit 60, and / or the support member 62 can be mechanically interlocked with the frame 56.

[0033] The components of the glass article 32 have been described in general terms, and Figures 5-13 show different embodiments in which these components are assembled in the glass article 32.

[0034] First refer to Figure 5A The cross-section showing the width of the fourth bend 38d across the glass article 32 is shown. Specifically, refer to... Figure 5A (as well as Figure 6A-13A The orientation shown in the diagram, the bending axis relative to the shown perpendicular to the page (or parallel to the page) Figure 5B-13B Each of the planes shown in the diagram). Figure 5A As can be seen, this embodiment of the glass article 32 includes a hinge mechanism 50 on which an adhesive material 52 is applied. The adhesive material 52 surrounds the flexible display unit 33 and bonds the second main surface 46 of the glass plate 42 to the hinge mechanism 50. In this embodiment, the flexible display unit 33 includes a front display surface, a peripheral display surface, and a rear display surface. The front display surface of the flexible display unit 33 is bonded to the second main surface 46 of the glass plate 42 using an optically clear adhesive 64. The adhesive material 52 is bonded to the peripheral display surface and the rear display surface of the flexible display unit 33.

[0035] Figure 5B It shows along Figure 5A Another cross-section of the glass article 32, with the fourth bend 38d, taken from line AA. (See also...) Figure 5BAs can be seen, the adhesive material 52 completely surrounds the flexible display unit 33, and not only bonds the glass plate 42 to the hinge mechanism 50, but also bonds the flexible display unit 33 to the hinge mechanism 50. In this embodiment, the adhesive material 52 defines a second thickness of, for example, 5 μm to 10 mm between the glass plate 42 and the hinge mechanism 50, and the adhesive material 52 defines a third thickness of, for example, 5 μm to 10 mm between the rear display surface of the flexible display unit 33 and the hinge mechanism 50. Furthermore, by bonding to the peripheral display surface and the rear display surface, the adhesive material 52 provides an hermetically sealed connection between the flexible display unit 33 and the glass plate 42 and the adhesive material 52.

[0036] Figure 6A A cross-section of a fourth bend 38d is shown in another embodiment of the glass article 32. Except that the adhesive material 52 is not bonded to the peripheral or rear surface of the flexible display unit 33, the glass article 32 is similar to... Figure 5A As shown, adhesive material 52 still bonds the second main surface 46 of the glass plate to the hinge mechanism 50, and adhesive material 52 is disposed between the hinge mechanism 50 and the flexible display unit 33. Figure 6A In the diagram, a gap 66 is shown between the adhesive material 52 and the flexible display unit 33. In an embodiment, the gap 66 separates the flexible display unit 33 from the adhesive material 52 by a distance d, for example, 1 μm to 10 mm.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second primary surface 46 of the glass plate 42 includes an shatterproof film (ASF) 68, such as a polyester film material. The ASF 68 provides protection against impacts and pressure on the glass plate 42. Figure 6A As shown, the ASF 68 surrounds the flexible display unit 33, and in embodiments, the ASF 68 may also be disposed between the flexible display unit 33 and the glass plate 42. In embodiments, the ASF 68 provides a boundary surrounding the display unit 33 that prevents contact between the flexible display unit 33 and the surrounding hinge mechanism 50 and / or frame 56 and minimizes the transmission of mechanical stress between the flexible display unit 33 and the surrounding hinge mechanism 50 and / or frame 56 (e.g., this could otherwise be due to the different thermal expansion of the materials of the glass plate 42, hinge mechanism 50, and / or frame 56). In embodiments, the boundary thickness of the ASF 68 is from 1 μm to 10 mm.

[0038] Figure 6B It shows along Figure 6A Another cross-section of the glass article 32, with the fourth bend 38d, taken from line AA. (See also...) Figure 6B As can be seen, the adhesive material 52 completely surrounds the flexible display unit 33. Furthermore, as... Figure 6BAs can be seen, gap 66 also extends across the entire flexible display unit 33. Furthermore, in this embodiment, ASF 68 extends around the entire flexible display unit 33. According to... Figure 6A and 6B In this embodiment, the adhesive material 52 still provides an airtight seal for the flexible display unit 33, but because the flexible display unit 33 is not bonded to the hinge mechanism 50, the mechanical force transmitted from the hinge mechanism 50 to the flexible display unit 33 is reduced. Thus, the hinge mechanism 50 does not interfere with the flexible display unit 33, and vibrations from the hinge mechanism 50 are reduced. Additionally, the thermo-induced shear stress between the flexible display unit 33 and the hinge mechanism 50 is decoupled, which helps prevent the flexible display unit 33 from delaminating from the glass plate 42. Furthermore, when the gap 66 is provided, the user touch force response can be adjusted for the flexible display unit 33. Despite the lack of bonding between the flexible display unit 33 and the hinge mechanism 50, the head-model impact test (HIT) performance, discussed in more detail below, is not adversely affected.

[0039] Figure 7A A cross-section of the fourth bend 38d of another embodiment of the glass article 32 is shown. Besides... Figure 7A In addition to the spacer 70 provided in the gap 66 between the adhesive material 52 and the flexible display unit 33, Figure 7A The embodiments are basically similar to Figure 6A Examples of embodiments. The spacer 70 is compliant due to its construction and / or the material to which it is made. In embodiments, the spacer 70 includes a honeycomb structure material, a rubber gasket, or an air bladder, etc. In embodiments, the spacer 70 is not bonded to the display unit 60 or the adhesive material 52, but rather contacts both. In other embodiments, the spacer 70 is bonded to only one of the flexible display unit 33 or the adhesive material 52. In embodiments, the spacer 70 fills the gap 66 between the flexible display unit 33 and the adhesive material 52. Furthermore, as Figure 7AAs shown, the spacer 70 is co-extensive with the rear surface of the flexible display unit 33; however, in other embodiments, the spacer 70 may have a larger area than or even slightly smaller than the flexible display unit 33. In embodiments where the spacer 70 is co-extensive with or smaller than the area of ​​the flexible display unit 33, the space around the flexible display unit 33 provides a non-contact area, thereby reducing stress and creating a thermal barrier. Furthermore, this space can provide space for accommodating other components, such as wires or other electronics associated with display or touch functionality, including buttons. As in the foregoing embodiments, an ASF 68 may be provided on the second main surface 46 of the glass plate 42 to help prevent damage from impacts or pressures on the glass plate 42.

[0040] Figure 7B It shows along Figure 7A Another cross-section of the fourth bend 38d of the glass article 32 is taken by line AA. Similar to the previous embodiment, the adhesive material 52 still provides an hermetically sealed display unit 60, but because the flexible display unit 33 is not bonded to the hinge mechanism 50, the transmission of mechanical forces from the hinge mechanism 50 to the flexible display unit 33 is reduced. In this way, the hinge mechanism 50 does not interfere with the flexible display unit 33, and vibrations from the hinge mechanism 50 are reduced. In addition, the thermally induced shear stress between the flexible display unit 33 and the hinge mechanism 50 is decoupled, which helps prevent the flexible display unit 33 from delaminating from the glass plate 42. Furthermore, the user touch force response can be adjusted for the flexible display unit 33. In addition, the use of a spacer 70 between the flexible display unit 33 and the hinge mechanism 50 enhances the head model impact test performance. Furthermore, the use of a spacer with, for example, a honeycomb aluminum structure can provide a heat sink for the flexible display unit 33 to improve the conduction of heat dissipated by the flexible display unit 33.

[0041] Figure 8A A cross-section of the fourth bend 38d of another embodiment of the glass article 32 is shown. Besides... Figure 8A In the glass article 32, there is a hinge mechanism 50 (e.g., such as...). Figure 3 and 4 (As shown) outside the frame 56 together, Figure 8A The embodiments are basically similar to Figure 5A An embodiment of the flexible display unit 33 is located between the hinge mechanism 50 and the glass plate 42. An adhesive material 52 bonds the glass plate 42 to the frame 56 outside the area of ​​the flexible display unit 33, and in the area of ​​the flexible display unit 33, the adhesive material 52 does not bond the flexible display unit 33 to the hinge mechanism 50, at least in the area below the flexible display unit 33. Therefore, as... Figure 8A As shown, the gap between the hinge mechanism 50 and the adhesive material 52 is illustrated (although in practice the adhesive material 52 may actually contact the hinge mechanism 50 but not bond it). Specifically, in Figure 8A In the middle, the adhesive material 52 is not bonded to the hinge mechanism 50 at all along the entire width of the fourth bend 38d. However, in Figure 8B In this embodiment, adhesive material 52 is bonded to the hinge mechanism along its length in a region outside the flexible display unit 33; although in other embodiments, the hinge mechanism 50 may not be bonded to adhesive material 52 along both the length and width of the fourth bend 38d.

[0042] As described in the previously described embodiments, the decoupling of the adhesive material 52 and the hinge mechanism 50 reduces the transmission of thermal and mechanical stresses from the hinge mechanism 50 to the flexible display unit 33. However, the adhesive material 52 is bonded to the periphery and rear surface of the flexible display unit 33 to still provide an hermetically tight seal for reliable operation of the flexible display unit 33.

[0043] Figure 9A and 9B It shows the relationship with Figure 8A and 8B The embodiments shown are basically similar to those described above. The aforementioned embodiments are similar to... Figure 9A and 9B The main difference between the embodiments is that the flexible display unit 33 extends beyond the frame 56 on one side of the hinge mechanism 50. However, in other embodiments, the flexible display unit 33 extends beyond the frame 56 on both sides or either side of the hinge mechanism 50. For example, as described above, the flexible display unit 33, the first display screen 24, and the second display screen 26 may be a continuous display unit extending across the bending axis from the first side 34 to the second side 36.

[0044] Figure 10A A cross-section of the fourth bend 38d of another embodiment of the glass article 32 is shown. Figure 10AIn one embodiment, the flexible display unit 33 is not bonded to the adhesive material 52; however, the adhesive material is bonded to both the hinge mechanism 50 and the frame 56. While a gap is shown between the flexible display unit 33 and the adhesive material 52, in other embodiments, the flexible display unit 33 may be in contact with the adhesive material 52 (but not bonded). By not bonding the flexible display unit 33, it is closer to the neutral stress surface when bending the glass article 32, thereby minimizing the shear stress on the flexible display unit 33. Furthermore, a spacer 70 is disposed around the flexible display unit 33; specifically, the spacer 70 can provide a boundary around the flexible display unit 33 to prevent contact between the flexible display unit 33 and the hinge mechanism 50 and / or the frame 56. Moreover, because the spacer 70 is not bonded to the flexible display unit 33, shear stress cannot be transferred from the spacer 70 to the flexible display unit 33. The spacer 70 can be related to the above... Figure 7A and 7B The spacer 70 described is the same. Furthermore, similar to the previous embodiments, the flexible display unit 33 extends beyond the frame 56 on at least one side of the hinge mechanism 50.

[0045] Figure 10B It shows along Figure 10A Another cross-section of the glass artifact 32 is taken from line AA. (Example) Figure 10B As can be seen, the adhesive material 52 surrounds the flexible display unit 33. Therefore, as in the previous embodiment, the adhesive material 52 provides an airtight seal for the flexible display unit 33. Furthermore, because the adhesive material 52 does not couple the flexible display unit 33 to the hinge mechanism 50, mechanical and thermal stresses are not transmitted from the hinge mechanism 50 to the flexible display unit 33.

[0046] Figure 11A and 11B A cross-section of the fourth bend 38d of another embodiment of the glass article 32 is shown. Figure 11A and 11B In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism 50 includes a protrusion 72 extending to contact the flexible display unit 33. For example... Figure 11A and 11B As shown, the flexible display unit 33 is not bonded to the protrusion 72. Instead, the flexible display unit 33 is bonded to the second main surface 46 of the glass plate 42, and the second main surface 46 of the glass plate 42 is bonded to the hinge mechanism 50 and the frame 56 via adhesive material 52. Figure 11A and 11BIn this embodiment, the protrusion 72 provides heat conduction away from the flexible display unit 33. However, because the flexible display unit 33 is not bonded to the protrusion 72, at least some of the mechanical and thermal stresses from the hinge mechanism 50 are not transmitted to the flexible display unit 33. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an airtight seal is created between the glass plate 42, the adhesive material 52, and the hinge mechanism 50.

[0047] Figure 12A and 12B A cross-section of the fourth bend 38d of another embodiment of the glass article 32 is shown. Figure 12A and 12B In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism 50 includes a recess 74 into which the flexible display unit 33 extends. For example... Figure 12A and 12B As can be seen, the flexible display unit 33 is not bonded to the recess 74. Instead, the flexible display unit 33 is bonded to the second main surface 46 of the glass plate 42, and the second main surface 46 of the glass plate 42 is bonded to the hinge mechanism 50 and the frame 56 via an adhesive material 52 (having a thickness of, for example, 1 μm to 10 mm). In such an embodiment, a gap may be provided between the rear surface of the flexible display unit 33 and the bottom of the recess 74 and / or between the peripheral surface of the flexible display unit 33 and the sidewall of the recess 74. Figure 12A and 12B In one embodiment, the recess 74 provides thermal conductivity away from the flexible display unit 33. In such an embodiment, the recess 74 may be filled with thermal grease. In other such embodiments, no gap is provided between the periphery and / or rear surface of the flexible display unit 33 and the sidewalls and / or bottom of the recess 74, such that the flexible display unit 33 contacts the bottom and / or sidewalls of the recess 74. However, because the flexible display unit 33 is not bonded to the recess 74, at least some of the mechanical and thermal stresses from the hinge mechanism 50 are not transmitted to the flexible display unit 33.

[0048] Figure 13A A cross-section of the fourth bend 38d of another embodiment of the glass article 32 is shown. Similar to... Figure 6A and 6B Implementation examples, Figure 13AThe glass article 32 includes a gap 66 between the flexible display unit 33 and the adhesive material 52. Similar to this embodiment, the flexible display unit 33 is bonded to the second main surface 46 of the glass plate 42 via an optically clear adhesive 64. The flexible display unit 33 may also be surrounded by an ASF 68. The adhesive material 52 is bonded to the second main surface 46 of the glass plate 42 outside the area where the flexible display unit 33 is located. Furthermore, the adhesive material 52 is bonded to a back plate 76, and a hinge mechanism 50 is connected to the back plate 76. In an embodiment, the back plate 76 may be a thin and flexible sheet (e.g., metal, such as aluminum or steel alloys, particularly stainless steel). In other embodiments, the back plate 76 may be segmented for bending. In an embodiment, the back plate 76 has a thickness of 2 mm or less (e.g., 10 μm to 1 mm). In an embodiment, the back plate 76 is configured to withstand up to 500,000 cycles of cyclic bending.

[0049] As in Figure 13B Cross-sectional view (along) Figure 13A As can be seen in the AA line cutout, the hinge mechanism 50 is much smaller than in the previous embodiment, extending only across the top and bottom of the glass article 32, and provides reduced weight and potentially cheaper construction. In this embodiment, the back panel 76 includes sealed ports to allow access to the flexible display unit 33 for, for example, connection to the flexible display unit 33 and / or cable management.

[0050] Various embodiments of the glass article 32 have been described; now, methods for forming the glass article 32 are described. In an embodiment, an adhesive material 52 is molded onto a glass plate 42 using an injection molding process. For example, the glass article 32 is formed by arranging the glass plate 42 in a mold (e.g., a clamshell mold) and positioning the hinge mechanism 50 (including any frame 56, support member 62, and / or back plate 76) within the mold. Alternatively, the mold may be shaped to create a gap at the location where the flexible display unit 33 is to be positioned, or removable molding blocks may be arranged to create a gap at the location where the flexible display unit 33 is to be positioned. Subsequently, the adhesive material 52 is injected into the mold to cover the second primary surface 46 and the secondary surface 48 as needed. Furthermore, the adhesive material 52 is bonded to the glass plate 42, the hinge mechanism 50, the back plate 76, the frame 56, and / or the support member 62 without the need for additional adhesives. Therefore, the adhesive material 52 also binds the glass plate 42, hinge mechanism 50, back plate 76, frame 56, and / or support member 62 into a single glass article 32. In an embodiment, a primer may be applied to one or more of the aforementioned components to promote adhesion to the encapsulation material 52.

[0051] The bends 38a-c of the glass article 32, particularly the bends on the second side 36, can be produced by thermoforming or cold forming. "Cold forming" refers to introducing the bend 38 into the glass sheet 42 at a temperature below the glass softening temperature. More specifically, cold forming is performed below 200°C, below 100°C, or even at room temperature. Conversely, "thermoforming" is performed using presses, sagging apparatuses, forming furnaces, etc., at temperatures equal to or above the softening temperature of the glass sheet 42. Another distinguishing feature between thermoforming and cold forming is that the bend 38 introduced by thermoforming is permanent, as the glass sheet 42 will remain bent until it is reshaped at a temperature equal to or above the softening temperature.

[0052] The bending introduced by cold forming is not permanent. Specifically, during cold forming, pressure is applied to the glass sheet 42 to conform it to the desired shape. This pressure can be applied in various ways, such as vacuum pressure, mechanical pressure, rollers, etc. The glass sheet 42 is then bonded to a support structure (e.g., frame 56) to hold it in its cold-formed shape. However, if peeled from the support structure, the glass sheet 42 will spring back to its planar configuration. This property is used for… Figure 2 The fourth bend 38d is shown, and by using the hinge mechanism 50, the glass plate 42 is allowed to bend between a planar configuration (towards the driver's side 20) and a curved configuration (towards both the driver's side 20 and the passenger side 22). However, the other bends 38a-c located on the fixed second side 36 will remain in their cold-formed positions.

[0053] In one embodiment, the glass plate 42 is thermoformed to introduce the desired bend 38ac prior to injection molding or applying the adhesive material 52. In other embodiments, the glass plate 42 is cold-formed to introduce the desired bend 38 prior to injection molding or applying the adhesive material 52. In other embodiments, the glass plate 42 is cold-formed during injection molding or applying the adhesive material 52 to introduce the desired bend 38.

[0054] Advantageously, the glass plate 32 described herein is configured to pass the Head Impact Test (HIT) requirements. During HIT, the interior surfaces of the vehicle are studied based on simulated head impacts with the vehicle interior system during a collision to determine whether the vehicle interior system meets the relevant Head Injury Criteria (HIC). Specifically, a head model simulating a human head is used to determine the deceleration characteristics of a collision with the tested vehicle interior system. Successful test performance is achieved by reducing the magnitude and timing of deceleration. As defined in US DOT FMVSS 201, when the head model impacts at a speed of 15 mph, the head model should not exceed 80 g for more than 3 ms. Additionally, it is desirable that the glass plate 42 remain intact after HIT to avoid the formation of sharp glass fragments that could cause injury.

[0055] The HIT performance of the disclosed glass article 32 can be controlled through the above-described construction. Specifically, the hinge mechanism 50, frame 56, support member 62, bonded or unbonded areas of adhesive material 52, gap 66, spacer 70, and / or backplate 76 can be tailored to provide a degree of stiffness and flexural rigidity that is neither too high to produce excessive deceleration nor too low to produce large deflection of the glass panel, causing the glass panel 42 to break. These considerations relate to any glass surface in a vehicle interior, and the currently disclosed glass article 32 presents additional issues regarding the dynamic movement of the glass article 32 based on the ability of the first side 34 to bend relative to the second side 36. Nevertheless, the glass article 32 can be configured to provide the stiffness and flexural rigidity required for the construction disclosed herein to achieve HIT.

[0056] In the following paragraphs, refer to Figure 1-3Various geometric properties and compositions of the glass plate 42 are provided. As described above, the glass plate 42 has a substantially constant thickness T1, which is defined as the distance between the first main surface 44 and the second main surface 46. In various embodiments, T1 is from 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm. Furthermore, the glass plate 42 includes a width W and a length L, where the width W is defined as a first maximum dimension orthogonal to the thickness T1 of either the first main surface 44 or the second main surface 46, and the length L is defined as a second maximum dimension orthogonal to both the thickness T1 and the width of either the first main surface 44 or the second main surface 46. In other embodiments, the width W and length L may be the average width and average length of the glass plate 42, respectively; in other embodiments, the width W and length L may be the maximum width and maximum length of the glass plate 42, respectively (e.g., for glass plates 42 having various widths or lengths). In various embodiments, the width W ranges from 5 cm to 250 cm, and the length L ranges from about 5 cm to about 1500 cm. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the bends 38a-d of the glass article 32 may each have a radius of curvature ranging from about 20 mm to about 10,000 mm.

[0057] Furthermore, various embodiments of the vehicle interior system can be incorporated into vehicles such as trains, automobiles (e.g., cars, trucks, buses, etc.), marine vessels (small boats, ships, submarines, etc.) and aircraft (e.g., drones, airplanes, jets, helicopters, etc.).

[0058] In one embodiment, glass plate 42 may be strengthened. In one or more embodiments, glass plate 42 may be strengthened to include compressive stress extending from the surface to the depth of compression (DOC). The compressive stress zone is balanced by a central portion exhibiting tensile stress. At the DOC, the stress transitions from positive (compressive) stress to negative (tensile) stress.

[0059] In various embodiments, the glass sheet 42 can be mechanically strengthened by utilizing the mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion between different parts of the article to create compressive stress zones and a central region exhibiting tensile stress. In some embodiments, the glass sheet can be thermally strengthened by heating the glass to a temperature above its glass transition point and then rapidly quenching it.

[0060] In various embodiments, the glass plate 42 can be chemically strengthened by ion exchange. During ion exchange, ions on or near the surface of the glass plate are replaced or exchanged by larger ions having the same valence or oxidation state. In those embodiments where the glass plate comprises alkali metal aluminosilicate glass, the ions and larger ions in the surface layer of the article are monovalent alkali metal cations, such as Li. + Na + K + 、Rb + and Cs +Alternatively, the monovalent cations in the surface layer can be replaced by monovalent cations other than alkali metal cations (such as Ag). + (etc.) are used instead. In such embodiments, the monovalent ions (or cations) exchanged into the glass plate generate stress.

[0061] Ion exchange processes are typically carried out by immersing a glass plate in a molten salt bath (or two or more molten salt baths) containing larger ions to be exchanged with smaller ions in the glass plate. It should be noted that aqueous salt baths can also be used. Furthermore, the bath composition may include more than one type of larger ion (e.g., Na+). + and K + (or a single, larger ion). Those skilled in the art will understand that the parameters of the ion exchange process, including but not limited to bath composition and temperature, immersion time, number of immersions of the glass plate in (multiple) salt baths, use of multiple salt baths, and additional steps (such as annealing, washing, etc.), are generally determined by the composition of the glass plate (including the structure of the article and any crystalline phases present) and the desired DOC and CS of the strengthened glass plate. Exemplary molten bath compositions may include nitrates, sulfates, and chlorides of larger alkali metal ions. Typical nitrates include KNO3, NaNO3, LiNO3, NaSO4, and combinations thereof. The temperature of the molten salt bath is typically in the range of about 380°C to up to about 450°C, while the immersion time ranges from about 15 minutes to up to about 100 hours, depending on the glass plate thickness, bath temperature, and glass (or monovalent ion) diffusivity. However, different temperatures and immersion times may also be used.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the glass plate may be immersed in a molten salt bath of 100% NaNO3, 100% KNO3, or a combination of NaNO3 and KNO3 at a temperature of about 370°C to about 480°C. In some embodiments, the glass plate may be immersed in a molten mixed salt bath comprising about 5% to about 90% KNO3 and about 10% to about 95% NaNO3. In one or more embodiments, the glass plate may be immersed in a second bath after immersion in a first bath. The first and second baths may have different compositions and / or temperatures than each other. The immersion time in the first and second baths may vary. For example, immersion in the first bath may be longer than immersion in the second bath.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the glass plate may be immersed in a molten mixed salt bath comprising NaNO3 and KNO3 (e.g., 49% / 51%, 50% / 50%, 51% / 49%) at a temperature below about 420°C (e.g., about 400°C or about 380°C) for less than about 5 hours, or even about 4 hours or less.

[0064] Ion exchange conditions can be adjusted to provide a “peak” in the stress distribution at or near the surface of the resulting glass plate, or to increase the slope of the stress distribution. This peak can result in a larger surface CS value. Due to the unique properties of the glass composition used in the glass plates described herein, this peak can be achieved by a single bath or multiple baths having a single composition or a mixture of compositions.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, when more than one type of monovalent ion is exchanged into a glass plate, different monovalent ions can be exchanged to different depths within the glass plate (and generate stresses of different magnitudes at different depths within the glass plate). The final relative depths of the stress-generating ions can be determined, and these final relative depths can lead to different characteristics of the stress distribution.

[0066] CS is measured using methods known in the art, such as by a surface stress meter (FSM) using commercially available instruments, such as the FSM-6000 manufactured by Orihara Industrial Co., Ltd. (Japan). Surface stress measurement relies on the accurate measurement of the stress optical coefficient (SOC), which is related to the birefringence of the glass. SOC is measured using methods known in the art, such as the fiber optic and four-point bending methods, both described in ASTM standard C770-98 (2013) entitled "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Glass Stress-Optical Coefficient," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as well as the integral cylinder method. As used herein, CS can be "maximum compressive stress," which is the highest compressive stress value measured within the compressive stress layer. In some embodiments, the maximum compressive stress is located at the surface of the glass plate. In other embodiments, the maximum compressive stress may occur at a depth below the surface, thus giving the appearance of a "buried peak" in the compression distribution.

[0067] DOC can be measured by an air-scattered polarimeter (FSM) or by a scattered light polarimeter (SCALP) (e.g., the SCALP-04 scattered light polarimeter available from Glassstress Ltd. in Tallinn Estonia), depending on the strengthening method and conditions. When a glass plate is chemically strengthened by ion exchange, either an FSM or SCALP can be used, depending on which ions are exchanged into the glass plate. When stress is generated in the glass plate by exchanging potassium ions, an FSM is used to measure DOC. In the case where stress is generated by exchanging sodium ions, an SCALP is used to measure DOC. When stress is generated in the glass plate by exchanging both potassium and sodium ions, DOC is measured by SCALP because the exchange depth of sodium is considered to represent DOC, while the exchange depth of potassium ions represents the change in compressive stress magnitude (but not the change in stress from compression to tension); the exchange depth of potassium ions in such a glass plate is measured by an FSM. Central tension, or CT, is the maximum tensile stress and is measured by an SCALP.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the glass plate may be strengthened to exhibit a DOC, which is described as a fraction of the thickness T of the glass plate 42 (as described herein). For example, in one or more embodiments, the DOC may be equal to or greater than about 0.05T to about 0.25T. In some cases, the DOC may be about 20 μm to about 300 μm. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the CS (which may be obtained at the surface or depth within the glass plate) of the strengthened glass plate is about 200 MPa or greater, about 500 MPa or greater, or about 1000 MPa or greater. In one or more embodiments, the maximum tensile stress or central tension (CT) of the strengthened glass plate is about 20 MPa or greater, about 50 MPa or greater, or about 85 MPa or greater.

[0069] Suitable glass compositions for glass plate 42 include soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali metal aluminosilicate glass, alkali metal borosilicate glass, and alkali metal borosilicate glass.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include SiO2 in a content ranging from about 66 mol% to about 80 mol%, Al2O3 in a content ranging from about 4 mol% to about 15 mol%, B2O3 in a content ranging from about 0 mol% to about 5 mol%, P2O5 in a content ranging from about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%, R2O in a content ranging from about 8 mol% to about 20 mol%, RO in a content ranging from about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%, ZrO2 in a content ranging from about 0 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, and SnO2 in a content ranging from about 0 mol% to about 0.2 mol%. In the above composition, R2O refers to the total amount of alkali metal oxides (such as Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O, and Cs2O). In particular, the amount of Na2O may be in the range of about 8 mol% to about 20 mol%, and the amount of K2O may be in the range of about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%. Furthermore, in the above compositions, RO refers to the total amount of alkaline earth metal oxides (such as CaO, MgO, BaO, ZnO, and SrO). Specifically, the amount of CaO present can range from about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, and the amount of MgO present can range from about 0 mol% to about 7 mol%.

[0071] In the embodiments, the glass composition may include other oxides of metals such as Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ce, W, and Mo. In particular, the amount of Fe in the form of Fe₂O₃ may range from about 0 mol% to about 1 mol%, and the amount of TiO₂ may range from about 0 mol% to about 5 mol%.

[0072] Exemplary glass compositions include SiO2 in an amount ranging from about 65 mol% to about 75 mol%, Al2O3 in an amount ranging from about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%, Na2O in an amount ranging from about 12 mol% to about 17 mol%, K2O in an amount ranging from about 0 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, and MgO in an amount ranging from about 1.5 mol% to about 6 mol%. Optionally, SnO2 may be included in amounts other than those disclosed herein.

[0073] Aspect (1) of this disclosure relates to a glass article comprising: a glass plate including a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface; a hinge mechanism disposed on the second main surface of the glass plate, the hinge mechanism dividing the glass plate into a first side and a second side; a flexible display unit bonded to the second main surface of the glass plate and disposed between the glass plate and the hinge mechanism; an adhesive material disposed on the second main surface of the glass plate surrounding the display; wherein the first side is flexible relative to the second side around the hinge mechanism; and wherein the flexible display unit is hermetically sealed within the adhesive material.

[0074] Aspect (2) of this disclosure relates to the glass article of aspect (1), wherein the flexible display unit includes a front display surface, a rear surface and a peripheral surface connecting the front display surface and the rear surface, and wherein the adhesive material is bonded to the peripheral surface and the rear surface.

[0075] Aspect (3) of this disclosure relates to the glass article of aspect (2), wherein the front display surface is bonded to the second main surface of the glass plate using an optically transparent adhesive.

[0076] Aspect (4) of this disclosure relates to the glass article of aspect (2) or aspect (3), further comprising at least one frame disposed on one side of the hinge mechanism on the second main surface of the glass plate, wherein the adhesive material bonds the frame to the second main surface of the glass plate, and wherein the adhesive material is not bonded to the hinge mechanism in the region between the hinge mechanism and the flexible display unit.

[0077] Aspect (5) of this disclosure relates to the glass article of aspect (4), wherein the flexible display unit extends over the extent of at least one frame.

[0078] Aspect (6) of this disclosure relates to the glass article of aspect (1), wherein the flexible display unit includes a front display surface, a rear surface and a peripheral surface connecting the front display surface and the rear surface, and wherein a gap is provided between the adhesive material and the peripheral surface and the rear surface.

[0079] Aspect (7) of this disclosure relates to the glass article of aspect (6), further comprising a shatterproof film bonded to the second main surface of the glass plate surrounding the flexible display unit.

[0080] Aspect (8) of this disclosure relates to the glass article described in aspect (6) or aspect (7), and further includes spacers disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display unit.

[0081] Aspect (9) of this disclosure relates to the glass article described in aspect (6) or aspect (7), and further includes spacers disposed around the peripheral surface of the flexible display unit.

[0082] Aspect (10) of this disclosure relates to the glass articles described in aspect (8) or aspect (9), wherein the spacer comprises at least one of a rubber gasket, a honeycomb structure or an airbag.

[0083] Aspect (11) of this disclosure relates to a glass article of any one of aspects (6) to (10), wherein the flexible display unit extends beyond at least one side of the hinge mechanism.

[0084] Aspect (12) of this disclosure relates to a glass article as described in any one of aspects (6) to (11), further comprising a back plate disposed between the adhesive material and the hinge mechanism.

[0085] Aspect (13) of this disclosure relates to the glass article described in aspect (12), wherein the back plate comprises an aluminum alloy or a steel alloy.

[0086] Aspect (14) of this disclosure relates to a glass article according to any one of aspects (6) to (13), further comprising at least one frame on one side of the hinge mechanism, wherein the adhesive material is bonded to the at least one frame and the second main surface of the glass plate.

[0087] Aspect (15) of this disclosure relates to the glass article of aspect (14), wherein the hinge mechanism includes a protrusion, wherein the flexible display unit contacts the protrusion of the hinge mechanism.

[0088] Aspect (16) of this disclosure relates to the glass article of aspect (14), wherein the hinge mechanism includes a recess, and at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the flexible display unit is surrounded by the recess.

[0089] Aspect (17) of this disclosure relates to a glass article according to any one of aspects (1) to (16), wherein the adhesive material comprises polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or reaction injection molding material.

[0090] Aspect (18) of this disclosure relates to a glass article as described in any one of aspects (1) to (17), wherein the hinge mechanism comprises an aluminum alloy or a steel alloy.

[0091] Aspect (19) of this disclosure relates to a glass article according to any one of aspects (1) to (18), wherein the flexible display unit comprises at least one of an organic light-emitting diode display, an organic liquid crystal display, or a micro light-emitting diode display.

[0092] Aspect (20) of this disclosure relates to a glass article of any one of aspects (1) to (19), wherein a first side is bendable from a planar configuration relative to a second side to a curved configuration, wherein the first side is bent from a planar configuration by 10° to 180°.

[0093] Aspect (21) of this disclosure relates to an interior system for a vehicle, comprising: an instrument panel base positioned across a central axis of the vehicle, the central axis dividing the vehicle longitudinally into a driver's side and a passenger side; a glass article attached to the instrument panel base, the glass article comprising a glass plate having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, wherein the first glass plate includes a first side and a second side, the first side being located on the driver's side of the central axis; a hinge mechanism disposed on the second main surface of the glass plate, the hinge mechanism dividing the first side and the second side of the glass plate; and a flexible display unit bonded to the second main surface of the glass plate and disposed between the hinge mechanism and the glass plate; an adhesive material disposed around the flexible display unit on the second main surface of the glass plate; wherein the display is hermetically sealed between the adhesive material and the glass plate; wherein the flexible display unit is configured to change between a curved configuration and a planar configuration when the second side of the glass plate is bent around the hinge mechanism.

[0094] Aspect (22) of this disclosure relates to the interior system described in aspect (21), wherein the flexible display unit includes a front display surface, a rear surface, and a peripheral surface connecting the front display surface and the rear surface, and wherein the adhesive material is bonded to the peripheral surface and the rear surface.

[0095] Aspect (23) of this disclosure relates to the interior system described in aspect (22), further comprising at least one frame disposed on one side of the hinge mechanism on the second main surface of the glass plate, wherein the adhesive material bonds the frame to the second main surface of the glass plate, and wherein the adhesive material is not bonded to the hinge mechanism in the region between the hinge mechanism and the flexible display unit.

[0096] Aspect (24) of this disclosure relates to the interior system described in aspect (23), wherein the flexible display unit extends over the extent of at least one frame.

[0097] Aspect (25) of this disclosure relates to the interior system described in aspect (22), wherein the flexible display unit includes a front display surface, a rear surface and a peripheral surface connecting the front display surface and the rear surface, and wherein a gap is provided between the adhesive material and the peripheral surface and the rear surface.

[0098] Aspect (26) of this disclosure relates to the interior system described in aspect (25), and further includes spacers disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display unit.

[0099] Aspect (27) of this disclosure relates to the interior system described in aspect (25), and further includes spacers disposed around the peripheral surface of the flexible display unit.

[0100] Aspect (28) of this disclosure relates to an interior system of any one of aspects (25) to (27), wherein the flexible display unit extends beyond at least one side of the hinge mechanism.

[0101] Aspect (29) of this disclosure relates to an interior system of any one of aspects (25) to (28), further comprising a back panel disposed between the adhesive material and the hinge mechanism.

[0102] Aspect (30) of this disclosure relates to an interior system according to any one of aspects (25) to (29), further comprising at least one frame on one side of the hinge mechanism, wherein the adhesive material is bonded to the at least one frame and the second main surface of the glass plate.

[0103] Aspect (31) of this disclosure relates to the interior system described in aspect (30), wherein the hinge mechanism includes a protrusion, wherein the flexible display unit contacts the protrusion of the hinge mechanism.

[0104] Aspect (32) of this disclosure relates to the interior system described in aspect (30), wherein the hinge mechanism includes a recess, and at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the flexible display unit is surrounded by the recess.

[0105] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is not intended to interpret any method described herein as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Therefore, no particular order is intended to be inferred where a method claim does not actually describe the order in which its steps are followed, or where the claims or specification do not otherwise specifically state that these steps will be limited to a particular order. Furthermore, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more parts or elements and is not intended to be construed as referring to only one.

[0106] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and variations of the disclosed embodiments in conjunction with the spirit and substance of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the disclosed embodiments should be interpreted as encompassing all contents within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A glass article comprising: A glass plate, the glass plate comprising a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface; A hinge mechanism is disposed on the second main surface of the glass plate, the hinge mechanism dividing the glass plate into a first side and a second side; A flexible display unit, wherein the flexible display unit is bonded to the second main surface of the glass plate and disposed between the glass plate and the hinge mechanism; An adhesive material is disposed on the second main surface of the glass plate surrounding the flexible display unit; Wherein the first side is flexible relative to the second side around the hinge mechanism; and The flexible display unit is hermetically sealed within the adhesive material.

2. The glass article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible display unit includes a front display surface, a rear surface, and a peripheral surface connecting the front display surface and the rear surface, wherein the adhesive material is bonded to the peripheral surface and the rear surface.

3. The glass article according to claim 2, wherein, The front display surface is bonded to the second main surface of the glass plate using an optically transparent adhesive.

4. The glass article according to claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising at least one frame disposed on one side of the hinge mechanism on the second main surface of the glass plate, wherein the adhesive material bonds the frame to the second main surface of the glass plate, and wherein the adhesive material is not bonded to the hinge mechanism in the region between the hinge mechanism and the flexible display unit.

5. The glass article according to claim 4, wherein, The flexible display unit extends over the range of at least one frame.

6. The glass article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible display unit includes a front display surface, a rear surface, and a peripheral surface connecting the front display surface and the rear surface, wherein a gap is provided between the adhesive material and the peripheral surface and the rear surface.

7. The glass article of claim 6 further includes a shatterproof film, the shatterproof film being bonded to the second main surface of the glass plate around the flexible display unit.

8. The glass article according to claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising spacers disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display unit.

9. The glass article according to claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising spacers disposed around the peripheral surface of the flexible display unit.

10. The glass article according to claim 8, wherein the spacer comprises at least one of a rubber gasket, a honeycomb structure, or an air bladder.

11. The glass article according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein, The flexible display unit extends beyond at least one side of the hinge mechanism.

12. The glass article according to claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising a back plate disposed between the adhesive material and the hinge mechanism.

13. The glass article according to claim 12, wherein, The backplate may be made of aluminum alloy or steel alloy.

14. The glass article according to claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising at least one frame on one side of the hinge mechanism, wherein the adhesive material is bonded to the at least one frame and to the second main surface of the glass plate.

15. The glass article according to claim 14, wherein, The hinge mechanism includes a protrusion, wherein the flexible display unit contacts the protrusion of the hinge mechanism.

16. The glass article according to claim 14, wherein, The hinge mechanism includes a recess, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the flexible display unit is surrounded by the recess.

17. The glass article according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The adhesive material includes polyvinyl chloride or reaction injection molding material.

18. The glass article according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The hinge mechanism comprises aluminum alloy or steel alloy.

19. The glass article according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The flexible display unit includes at least one of an organic light-emitting diode display, an organic liquid crystal display, or a micro light-emitting diode display.

20. The glass article according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first side is bendable from a planar configuration relative to the second side to a curved configuration, in which the first side bends from the planar configuration by 10° to 180°.

21. An interior system for a vehicle, comprising: The dashboard base is positioned across the central axis of the vehicle, which longitudinally divides the vehicle into a driver's side and a passenger side; Glass articles, attached to the instrument panel base, the glass articles comprising: A glass plate having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, wherein the glass plate includes a first side and a second side, the first side being located on the driver side of the central axis; A hinge mechanism disposed on the second main surface of the glass plate, the hinge mechanism dividing the glass plate between the first side and the second side; and A flexible display unit is bonded to the second main surface of the glass plate and disposed between the hinge mechanism and the glass plate; An adhesive material is disposed on the second main surface of the glass plate surrounding the flexible display unit; The flexible display unit is hermetically sealed between the adhesive material and the glass plate; The flexible display unit is configured to switch between a curved configuration and a planar configuration when the second side of the glass plate is bent around the hinge mechanism.

22. The interior system according to claim 21, wherein, The flexible display unit includes a front display surface, a rear surface, and a peripheral surface connecting the front display surface and the rear surface, wherein the adhesive material is bonded to the peripheral surface and the rear surface.

23. The interior system of claim 22, further comprising at least one frame disposed on one side of the hinge mechanism on the second main surface of the glass plate, wherein the adhesive material bonds the frame to the second main surface of the glass plate, and wherein the adhesive material is not bonded to the hinge mechanism in the region between the hinge mechanism and the flexible display unit.

24. The interior system according to claim 23, wherein, The flexible display unit extends over the range of at least one frame.

25. The interior system according to claim 22, wherein, The flexible display unit includes a front display surface, a rear surface, and a peripheral surface connecting the front display surface and the rear surface, wherein a gap is provided between the adhesive material and the peripheral surface and the rear surface.

26. The interior system of claim 25, further comprising spacers disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display unit.

27. The interior system of claim 25, further comprising spacers disposed around the peripheral surface of the flexible display unit.

28. The interior system according to any one of claims 25-27, wherein, The flexible display unit extends beyond at least one side of the hinge mechanism.

29. The interior system according to any one of claims 25-27, further comprising a back panel disposed between the adhesive material and the hinge mechanism.

30. The interior system according to any one of claims 25-27, further comprising at least one frame on one side of the hinge mechanism, wherein the adhesive material is bonded to the at least one frame and to the second main surface of the glass plate.

31. The interior system according to claim 30, wherein, The hinge mechanism includes a protrusion, wherein the flexible display unit contacts the protrusion of the hinge mechanism.

32. The interior system according to claim 30, wherein, The hinge mechanism includes a recess, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the flexible display unit is surrounded by the recess.

Images