Method of manufacturing window

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a window is provided. The method includes a thermoforming step of pressurizing and thermoforming a first window disposed between a pressurizing frame and an accommodating frame to form a second window by moving the pressurizing frame toward the accommodating frame in a first direction, the first window includes a first flat portion, a plurality of first curved portions bent at one curvature from the first flat portion, and a first corner portion between two adjacent first curved portions among the plurality of first curved portions, and the second window includes a second flat portion, a plurality of second curved portions bent at one curvature from the second flat portion, and a second corner portion between two adjacent second curved portions among the plurality of second curved portions.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0161373, filed on November 20, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing a window. More particularly, embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing a window for a display device. Background Art

[0004] Recently, the demand for display devices that display images not only on the front surface but also on the side surface is increasing. In order to realize such a display device, it is necessary to provide a window including a side surface including a curved surface of various shapes and a flat front surface. However, in the case of realizing a curved surface of various shapes on the side surface of the window, it becomes difficult to maintain a uniform thickness on the side surface of the window, and thus reliability reduction becomes a problem. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiment provides a method of manufacturing a window capable of improving reliability.

[0006] According to an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a window includes: by moving a pressurizing frame toward a receiving frame in a first direction, a first window arranged between a pressurizing frame and a receiving frame is pressurized and thermoformed to form a thermoforming step of a second window. For example, the first window may include a first flat portion, a plurality of first curved portions bent at a curvature from the first flat portion, and a first corner portion between two adjacent first curved portions among the plurality of first curved portions, and the second window may include a second flat portion, a plurality of second curved portions bent at a curvature from the second flat portion, and a second corner portion between two adjacent second curved portions among the plurality of second curved portions. The first height of the first window may be defined as a height in the first direction starting from a first plane perpendicular to the first direction, and measured from a front surface of the first flat portion to an edge portion of the first corner portion. The second height of the second window may be defined as a height in the first direction starting from a second plane perpendicular to the first direction, and measured from a front surface of the second flat portion to an edge portion of the second corner portion. The first height of the first window may be equal to or greater than about 55% of the second height of the second window and equal to or less than about 85% of the second height of the second window.

[0007] In an embodiment, the length of the neutral surface profile of the first corner portion in cross section may be equal to or greater than approximately 90% and equal to or less than approximately 110% of the length of the neutral surface profile of the second corner portion in cross section.

[0008] In an embodiment, a first width of the neutral surface profile of the first corner portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction may be greater than a second width of the neutral surface profile of the second corner portion in the second direction.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first width of the neutral surface profile of the first corner portion may be equal to or greater than about 150% of the first height of the first window and equal to or less than about 250% of the first height of the first window.

[0010] In an embodiment, the second width of the neutral surface profile of the second corner portion may be equal to or greater than about 70% of the second height of the second window and equal to or less than about 130% of the second height of the second window.

[0011] In an embodiment, the average radius of curvature of the neutral surface profile of the first corner portion may be greater than the average radius of curvature of the neutral surface profile of the second corner portion.

[0012] In an embodiment, a thickness of the second corner portion in a cross section may gradually decrease and then gradually increase as a distance from the second flat portion increases.

[0013] In an embodiment, a minimum thickness of the second corner portion in cross section may be equal to or greater than about 98% and equal to or less than about 99.9% of an average thickness of the second flat portion in cross section.

[0014] In an embodiment, the maximum thickness of the second corner portion in the cross section may be equal to or greater than about 102% and equal to or less than about 105% of the average thickness of the second flat portion in the cross section.

[0015] In an embodiment, the length of the arc defined by the outer edge portion of the first corner portion in the plan view may be equal to or greater than approximately 101% of the length of the arc defined by the outer edge portion of the second corner portion in the plan view and equal to or less than approximately 110% of the length of the arc defined by the outer edge portion of the second corner portion in the plan view.

[0016] In an embodiment, a thermoformed receiving space recessed in the first direction may be defined in the receiving frame, and the pressurizing frame may include a thermoformed protrusion protruding in the first direction.

[0017] In an embodiment, the thermoformed receiving space may have a shape corresponding to the front surface of the second window, and the thermoformed protrusion may have a shape corresponding to the rear surface of the second window.

[0018] In an embodiment, the method may further include a pre-thermoforming step of forming the first window by pressurizing and thermoforming the initial window arranged between the pre-pressurizing frame and the pre-accommodating frame by moving the pre-pressurizing frame in a first direction toward the pre-accommodating frame.

[0019] In an embodiment, each of the front and rear surfaces of the initial window may be a flat surface.

[0020] In an embodiment, the first height of the first window may be equal to or greater than about 200% of the average thickness of the initial window and equal to or less than about 350% of the average thickness of the initial window.

[0021] In an embodiment, a pre-heat forming receiving space recessed in the first direction may be defined in the pre-receiving frame, and the pre-pressurizing frame may include a pre-heat forming protrusion protruding in the first direction.

[0022] In an embodiment, the pre-heat forming receiving space may have a shape corresponding to the front surface of the first window, and the pre-heat forming protrusion may have a shape corresponding to the rear surface of the first window.

[0023] According to an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a window may include: a first thermoforming step of forming a first curved window by pressing and thermoforming a flat window arranged between the first pressurizing frame and the first accommodating frame by moving a first pressurizing frame toward a first accommodating frame; and a second thermoforming step of forming a second curved window by pressing and thermoforming the first curved window arranged between the second pressurizing frame and the second accommodating frame by moving a second pressurizing frame toward a second accommodating frame, wherein the first curved window may include a first flat portion, a plurality of first curved portions bent from the first flat portion with a first curvature, and a first corner portion between two adjacent first curved portions among the plurality of first curved portions, the second curved window may include a second flat portion, a plurality of second curved portions bent from the second flat portion with a second curvature, and a second corner portion between two adjacent second curved portions among the plurality of second curved portions, and the first curvature of each first curved portion of the first curved window may be smaller than the second curvature of each second curved portion of the second curved window.

[0024] In an embodiment, a first height of the first curved window measured from the first flat portion may be smaller than a second height of the second curved window measured from the second flat portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first height of the first curved window may be equal to or greater than about 55% and equal to or less than about 85% of the second height of the second curved window.

[0026] The method for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment forms a second window by pressurized thermoforming of a first window. Therefore, the reliability of the second window can be further improved compared to the case where the second window is formed by an initial window. Here, the contents for the initial window, the first window, and the second window refer to the contents described in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by further describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a window according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 It is a diagram for executing Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a preheating and forming device in the preheating and forming step S0;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a graphic Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a preheating and forming step S0;

[0031] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is illustrated by Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first window formed in a preheating and forming step S0;

[0032] Figure 7 It is a diagram for executing Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a thermoforming device in the thermoforming step S1;

[0033] Figure 8 It is a graphic Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a thermoforming step S1;

[0034] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 It is illustrated by Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a second window formed in the thermoforming step S1;

[0035] Fig.12 The diagram includes Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a display device of a second window;

[0036] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating simulation results according to an embodiment;

[0037] Fig.14 is a diagram illustrating simulation results of a comparative example; and

[0038] Fig.15 It is a graphic Fig.13 The simulation results and Fig.14 Figure 2 shows the simulation results of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the following description, for the purpose of illustration, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of each embodiment or implementation of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable words as non-limiting examples of the device or method disclosed herein. However, it is apparent that each embodiment can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. Here, each embodiment need not be exclusive, nor limit the present disclosure. For example, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of an embodiment can be used for another embodiment or implemented in another embodiment.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodiments are to be understood as providing features of the present invention. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects of the various embodiments, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "elements" respectively or collectively) may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0041] The use of cross hatching and / or shadows in the drawings is generally provided to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shadows does not express or indicate any preference or requirement for a specific material, material property, size, ratio, commonality between the illustrated elements and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When the embodiment can be implemented differently, the specific process sequence may be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described sequence. In addition, similar reference numerals represent similar elements.

[0042] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" another element or layer, or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" another element or layer, or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For this purpose, the term "connected" may refer to a physical connection, an electrical connection, and / or a fluid connection with or without an intervening element. In addition, the axis of the first direction DR1, the axis of the second direction DR2, and the axis of the third direction DR3 are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system (such as an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis), and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the axis of the first direction DR1, the axis of the second direction DR2, and the axis of the third direction DR3 may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purpose of this disclosure, "at least one of A and B" may be understood to mean only A, only B, or any combination of A and B. In addition, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0044] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "under," "down," "above," "up," "above," "higher," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), etc. may be used herein and thereby describe the relationship of one element to another (or multiple) element(s) as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device when in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented as being "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. Additionally, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and thus the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the terms "include", "include", "comprise" and / or "comprises" when used in this specification specify the presence of the features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "approximately" and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and are not used as degree terms, and are therefore used to consider the inherent deviations in measured values, calculated values ​​and / or provided values ​​as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations and / or exploded illustrations as schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, variations in the shapes of the illustrations as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are contemplated. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the particular shapes of the illustrated regions, but will include deviations in shapes resulting from, for example, manufacturing. In this manner, the regions illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and are therefore not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0047] As is customary in the art, some embodiments can be described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings from the functional blocks, units and / or modules. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these blocks, units and / or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits (such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, etc. that can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques). In the case where blocks, units and / or modules are implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, software (e.g., microcode) can be used to program and control blocks, units and / or modules to perform various functions discussed herein, and blocks, units and / or modules can be optionally driven by firmware and / or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit and / or module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions and processors (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and related circuits) that perform other functions. In addition, each block, unit and / or module of some embodiments can be physically divided into two or more interactive and discrete blocks, units and / or modules without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the blocks, units and / or modules of some embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units and / or modules without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0048] Figure 1is a diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a window according to an embodiment.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 , the method of manufacturing a window according to an embodiment may include a pre-heat forming step S0 of forming a first window by pressurizing and heat forming an initial window and a heat forming step S1 of forming a second window by pressurizing and heat forming the first window.

[0050] For example, each of the first window and the second window may include a side surface including a curved surface of various shapes, and the initial window may be substantially flat.

[0051] Figure 2 It is a diagram for executing Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a preheating and forming device of the preheating and forming step S0, and Figure 3 It is a graphic Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of the preheating forming step S0.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 The preheat forming device 1000 may include a pre-pressing frame PRE-FR1 and a pre-accommodating frame PRE-FR2 positioned opposite to the pre-pressing frame PRE-FR1.

[0053] The pre-pressurization frame PRE-FR1 may be relatively moved toward the pre-receiving frame PRE-FR2 in the first direction DR1. Therefore, the initial window PRE-WD disposed between the pre-pressurization frame PRE-FR1 and the pre-receiving frame PRE-FR2 may be pressurized.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown in , the initial window PRE-WD may be substantially flat. For example, each of the front surface and the rear surface of the initial window PRE-WD may be a flat surface.

[0055] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , sufficient heat can be supplied to the initial window PRE-WD by pressurizing the initial window PRE-WD by the pre-pressurizing frame PRE-FR1 and the pre-accommodating frame PRE-FR2. The first window WD1 having a curved surface in a partial area can be formed by pressurizing and thermoforming the initial window PRE-WD (in the preheating and molding step S0).

[0056] In an embodiment, a preheat forming receiving space AC' recessed toward the first direction DR1 may be defined in the pre-receiving frame PRE-FR2, and the pre-pressing frame PRE-FR1 may include a preheat forming protrusion PR' protruding toward the first direction DR1. For example, the preheat forming receiving space AC' may have a shape corresponding to the front surface WD1-F of the first window WD1, and the preheat forming protrusion PR' may have a shape corresponding to the rear surface WD1-B of the first window WD1.

[0057] In the following, reference Figures 4 to 6 The first window WD1 formed through the preheat forming step S0 is described in more detail.

[0058] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the first window formed by the preheating and forming step S0. Specifically, Figure 4 : is a schematic plan view illustrating a front surface WD1 -F of the first window WD1 when viewed from the first direction DR1 .

[0059] refer to Figure 4 , the first window WD1 may include a first flat portion FPa, a plurality of first curved portions CPa bent with a curvature from the first flat portion FPa, and a first corner portion EPa between two adjacent first curved portions CPa among the plurality of first curved portions CPa.

[0060] The first flat portion FPa may be substantially flat. For example, each of the front surface and the rear surface of the first flat portion FPa may be a flat surface. For example, each of the front surface and the rear surface of the first flat portion FPa may be perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0061] The plurality of first curved portions CPa may include four curved portions CP1a, CP2a, CP3a, and CP4a. Each of the four curved portions CP1a, CP2a, CP3a, and CP4a may contact at least one side of the first flat portion FPa and may be bent from the first flat portion FPa with a curvature.

[0062] The first corner portion EPa may include four corner portions EP1a, EP2a, EP3a, and EP4a. Corner portion EP1a may be positioned between curved portion CP1a and curved portion CP2a, corner portion EP2a may be positioned between curved portion CP2a and curved portion CP3a, corner portion EP3a may be positioned between curved portion CP3a and curved portion CP4a, and corner portion EP4a may be positioned between curved portion CP4a and curved portion CP1a. For example, each of the four corner portions EP1a, EP2a, EP3a, and EP4a may be positioned adjacent to a corner portion of the first flat portion FPa.

[0063] Similar to the first curved portion CPa, the first corner portion EPa may also be bent from the first flat portion FPa with a curvature. For example, the portion bent to have a curvature (such as the first curved portion CPa and the first corner portion EPa) may be referred to as Figures 1 to 3 The preheating molding step S0 described is formed.

[0064] In the following, reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The shape of the first corner portion EPa of the first window WD1 is described in more detail.

[0065] For example, in the first corner portion EPa of the first window WD1, the corner portion EP1a may have a symmetrical relationship with the corner portions EP2a, EP3a, and EP4a, and the shape of the corner portion EP1a may be substantially the same as or similar to the shape of each of the corner portions EP2a, EP3a, and EP4a. Therefore, hereinafter, for ease of description, the present disclosure is described based on the corner portion EP1a, and the following description may be substantially identically or similarly applied to the corner portions EP2a, EP3a, and EP4a.

[0066] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic plan view of area A.

[0067] refer to Figure 5 , an arc defined by an outer edge portion of the corner portion EP1a in a plan view may have a first length L1. For example, an arc connecting the point P3 and the point P4 may have a first length L1.

[0068] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0069] Here, the line II' passes through an arc defined by the inner edge portion of the corner portion EP1a in contact with the first flat portion FPa (for example, at Figure 5The arc connecting point P1 and point P2 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1 and the arc defined by the outer edge portion of the corner portion EP1a (for example, at Figure 5 The line is a line that is parallel to each of the bisector points of the arc (an arc connecting the point P3 and the point P4 shown in a solid line in FIG. 1 ), and is a line that is parallel to the second direction DR2 that is perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0070] refer to Figure 6 , the first height D1 of the first window WD1 may be defined as the height from the first plane PL1 to the edge portion of the corner portion EP1a in the first direction DR1. The first plane PL1 may be a plane extending from the front surface of the first flat portion FPa and may be perpendicular to the first direction DR1. For example, the distance between the edge portion of the corner portion EP1a (e.g., the end farthest from the first plane PL1 or the end highest from the first plane PL1) and the first plane PL1 in the first direction DR1 may be defined as the first height D1 of the first window WD1.

[0071] For example, a neutral surface profile (or neutral plane profile) NSP1 of the corner portion EP1a in cross section may be defined. For example, the neutral surface (or neutral plane) may mean a surface that is not subjected to compression and tension (e.g., a surface that does not expand or contract or is not under stress) in the corner portion EP1a. For example, a first width W1 that is a width of the neutral surface profile NSP1 in cross section in the second direction DR2 may be defined.

[0072] In an embodiment, the average curvature radius of the neutral surface profile NSP1 of the corner portion EP1a in the cross section may be relatively large. For example, the first width W1 of the neutral surface profile NSP1 may be greater than the first height D1 of the first window WD1. For example, the first width W1 of the neutral surface profile NSP1 may be equal to or greater than about 150% of the first height D1 of the first window WD1 and equal to or less than about 250% of the first height D1 of the first window WD1.

[0073] As described above, since the average curvature radius of the neutral surface profile NSP1 of the corner portion EP1a is formed to be relatively large, the corner portion EP1a may be relatively less curved than the corner portion EP1b of the second window WD2 to be described later. This may mean that in the case where the pressurized thermoforming for forming the corner portion EP1a of the first window WD1 is performed in the above-mentioned preheat forming step S0, the tension and / or compression force applied to the corner portion EP1a may be relatively small.

[0074] Figure 7 It is a diagram for executing Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a thermoforming apparatus for the thermoforming step S1, and Figure 8 It is a graphic Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of the thermoforming step S1.

[0075] refer to Figure 7 , the thermoforming apparatus 2000 may include a pressurizing frame FR1 and a receiving frame FR2 disposed opposite to the pressurizing frame FR1.

[0076] The pressurizing frame FR1 may be relatively moved toward the receiving frame FR2 in the first direction DR1. Therefore, the first window WD1 disposed between the pressurizing frame FR1 and the receiving frame FR2 may be pressurized.

[0077] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , a front surface of the first window WD1 may be arranged in a direction toward the receiving frame FR2 , and a rear surface of the first window WD1 may be arranged in a direction toward the pressurizing frame FR1 .

[0078] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , sufficient heat may be supplied to the first window WD1 by pressurizing the first window WD1 by the pressurizing frame FR1 and the receiving frame FR2. The second window WD2 may be formed by pressurizing thermoforming of the first window WD1 (eg, in the thermoforming step S1).

[0079] In an embodiment, a thermoformed receiving space AC recessed toward the first direction DR1 may be defined in the receiving frame FR2, and the pressurizing frame FR1 may include a thermoformed protrusion PR protruding toward the first direction DR1. For example, the thermoformed receiving space AC may have a shape corresponding to the front surface WD2-F of the second window WD2, and the thermoformed protrusion PR may have a shape corresponding to the rear surface WD2-B of the second window WD2.

[0080] For example, refer to Figure 3 , the depth of the thermoforming accommodating space AC in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the depth of the pre-heat forming accommodating space AC' in the first direction DR1. Similarly, the thickness of the thermoforming protrusion PR in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the thickness of the pre-heat forming protrusion PR' in the first direction DR1.

[0081] Therefore, as will be described later, the average curvature radius of the portion bent with the curvature of the second window WD2 can be smaller than the average curvature radius of the portion bent with the curvature of the first window WD1. For example, the portion bent with the curvature of the second window WD2 can be relatively more curved than the portion bent with the curvature of the first window WD1.

[0082] In the following, reference Figures 9 to 11 The second window WD2 formed by the thermoforming step S1 is described in more detail.

[0083] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 The diagram is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the second window formed by the thermoforming step S1. Specifically, Fig. 9 : is a schematic plan view illustrating the front surface WD2 -F of the second window WD2 when viewed from the first direction DR1 .

[0084] refer to Fig. 9 The second window WD2 may include a second flat portion FPb, a plurality of second curved portions CPb bent with a curvature from the second flat portion FPb, and a second corner portion EPb between two adjacent second curved portions CPb among the plurality of second curved portions CPb.

[0085] The second flat portion FPb may be substantially flat. For example, each of the front surface and the rear surface of the second flat portion FPb may be a flat surface. For example, each of the front surface and the rear surface of the second flat portion FPb may be perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0086] The plurality of second curved portions CPb may include four curved portions CP1b, CP2b, CP3b, and CP4b. Each of the four curved portions CP1b, CP2b, CP3b, and CP4b may contact at least one side of the second flat portion FPb and may be bent from the second flat portion FPb with a curvature.

[0087] The second corner portion EPb may include four corner portions EP1b, EP2b, EP3b, and EP4b. Corner portion EP1b may be positioned between curved portion CP1b and curved portion CP2b, corner portion EP2b may be positioned between curved portion CP2b and curved portion CP3b, corner portion EP3b may be positioned between curved portion CP3b and curved portion CP4b, and corner portion EP4b may be positioned between curved portion CP4b and curved portion CP1b. For example, each of the four corner portions EP1b, EP2b, EP3b, and EP4b may be positioned adjacent to a corner portion of the second flat portion FPb.

[0088] Similar to the second curved portion CPb, the second corner portion EPb may also be bent from the second flat portion FPb with a curvature. For example, the portion bent to have a curvature (such as the second curved portion CPb and the second corner portion EPb) may be referred to as Figure 1 and Figures 7 and 8 The thermoforming step S1 is described to form.

[0089] In the following, reference Fig.10 and Fig.11The shape of the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2 is described in more detail.

[0090] For example, in the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2, the corner portion EP1b may have a symmetrical relationship with the corner portions EP2b, EP3b, and EP4b, and the shape of the corner portion EP1b may be substantially the same as or similar to the shape of each of the corner portions EP2b, EP3b, and EP4b. Therefore, hereinafter, for ease of description, the present disclosure is described based on the corner portion EP1b, and the following description may be substantially identically or similarly applied to the corner portions EP2b, EP3b, and EP4b.

[0091] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An enlarged schematic plan view of region B.

[0092] refer to Fig.10 , an arc defined by an outer edge portion of the corner portion EP1b in a plan view may have a second length L2. For example, an arc connecting point P3' and point P4' may have a second length L2.

[0093] Fig.11 is along Fig.10 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0094] Line II-II' is an arc defined by the inner edge portion of the corner portion EP1b in contact with the second flat portion FPb (for example, at Fig.10 The arc connecting point P1' and point P2' drawn with a dotted line in FIG. 1 and the arc defined by the outer edge portion of the corner portion EP1b (for example, at Fig.10 The line is a line that is parallel to each of the bisector points of the arc (the arc connecting the point P3′ and the point P4′ depicted with a solid line in FIG. 1 ), and is a line that is parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0095] refer to Fig.11 The second height D2 of the second window WD2 may be defined as a height from the second plane PL2 to an edge portion of the corner portion EP1b in the first direction DR1. The second plane PL2 may be a plane extending from the front surface of the second flat portion FPb and may be perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0096] For example, a neutral surface profile (or neutral plane profile) NSP2 of the corner portion EP1b in cross section may be defined. For example, the neutral surface (or neutral plane) may mean a surface that is not subjected to compression and tension in the corner portion EP1b (e.g., a surface that does not expand or contract or is not under stress). For example, a second width W2 that is a width of the neutral surface profile NSP2 of the corner portion EP1b in cross section in the second direction DR2 may be defined.

[0097] In an embodiment, the average curvature radius of the neutral surface profile NSP2 of the corner portion EP1b in the cross section may be relatively small. For example, the second width W2 of the neutral surface profile NSP2 may be equal to or greater than about 70% of the second height D2 of the second window WD2 and equal to or less than about 130% of the first height D2 of the second window WD2. Fig.11 Compared with the average curvature radius of the neutral surface profile NSP2 of the corner portion EP1b, Figure 6 The average curvature radius of the neutral surface profile NSP1 of the corner portion EP1a can be larger. Figure 6 Compared with the corner part EP1a, Fig.11 The corner portion EP1b may be relatively more curved.

[0098] As described above, the pressurized thermoforming (for example, in the pre-heat forming step S0) through the initial window PRE-WD forms a Figure 6 In the case of forming a first window WD1 having a relatively less curved corner portion EP1a and forming a second window WD2 including a relatively more curved corner portion EP1b by pressurized thermoforming of the first window WD1 (for example, in the thermoforming step S1), the tension and / or compression force applied to the corner portion EP1b of the second window WD2 can be relatively small compared to the case where the second window WD2 is directly formed by pressurized thermoforming of the initial window PRE-WD. Therefore, the thickness variation at the corner portion EP1b of the second window WD2 can be relatively small, and sufficient reliability can be ensured at the corner portion EP1b of the second window WD2.

[0099] In the following, reference Figures 4 to 6 as well as Figures 9 to 11 , various embodiments for ensuring sufficient reliability at the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2 are described.

[0100] In an embodiment, Figure 6 The first height D1 of the first window WD1 may be equal to or greater than Fig.11 about 55% of the second height D2 of the second window WD2 and equal to or less than Fig.11 The second window WD2 is approximately 85% of the second height D2 and may be equal to or greater than Fig.11 about 65% of the second height D2 of the second window WD2 and equal to or less than Fig.11For example, in a case where the first height D1 of the first window WD1 satisfies the above range, the tension and / or compression force applied to the first corner portion EPa of the first window WD1 in a case where the preheat forming step S0 is performed may be relatively small, and the tension and / or compression force applied to the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2 in a case where the heat forming step S1 is performed may also be relatively small.

[0101] In an embodiment, the total length of the neutral surface profile NSP1 of the first corner portion EPa may be equal to or greater than about 90% of the total length of the neutral surface profile NSP2 of the second corner portion EPb and equal to or less than about 110% of the total length of the neutral surface profile NSP2 of the second corner portion EPb. For example, the total length of the neutral surface profile NSP1 of the first corner portion EPa may be equal to or greater than about 95% of the total length of the neutral surface profile NSP2 of the second corner portion EPb and equal to or less than about 105% of the total length of the neutral surface profile NSP2 of the second corner portion EPb. As described above, in the case where the total length of the neutral surface profile NSP1 of the first corner portion EPa in the cross section is substantially similar to the total length of the neutral surface profile NSP2 of the second corner portion EPb in the cross section, after performing the thermoforming step S1, burrs or unfilling may not occur in the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2.

[0102] In an embodiment, Figure 6 The first width W1 of the neutral surface profile NSP1 may be greater than Fig.11 As described above, in the case where the first width W1 of the neutral surface profile NSP1 is greater than the second width W2 of the neutral surface profile NSP2, the tension and / or compression force applied to the first corner portion EPa of the first window WD1 when the pre-heat forming step S0 is performed can be relatively small, and the tension and / or compression force applied to the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2 when the heat forming step S1 is performed can also be relatively small.

[0103] In an embodiment, Figure 6 The first height D1 of the first window WD1 may be equal to or greater than about 200% of the average thickness of the initial window PRE-WD and equal to or less than about 350% of the average thickness of the initial window PRE-WD. Figure 6The first height D1 of the first window WD1 may be equal to or greater than about 260% of the average thickness of the initial window PRE-WD and equal to or less than about 320% of the average thickness of the initial window PRE-WD. For example, in the case where the first height D1 of the first window WD1 satisfies the above range, the tension and / or compression force applied to the first corner portion EPa of the first window WD1 in the case of performing the preheat forming step S0 may be relatively small.

[0104] In an embodiment, Figure 5 The first length L1 may be greater than Fig.10 The second length L2. For example, Figure 5 The first length L1 may be equal to or greater than Fig.10 about 101% of the second length L2 and equal to or less than Fig.10 Approximately 110% of the second length L2.

[0105] As described above, when the second window WD2 is formed by performing at least two steps (e.g., the preheating forming step S0 and the preheating forming step S1), the reliability in the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2 can be improved. For example, the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2 can be formed to be sufficiently curved, and the thickness of the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2 can be relatively uniform.

[0106] For example, refer to Fig.11 The thickness of the corner portion EP1b of the second window WD2 in the cross section may gradually decrease and then gradually increase as the distance from the second flat portion FPb increases. For example, the thickness at the corner portion EP1b may be relatively uniform.

[0107] In an embodiment, the minimum thickness Tmin of the corner portion EP1b of the second window WD2 in the cross section may be equal to or greater than about 98% of the average thickness Tavg of the second flat portion FPb in the cross section and equal to or less than about 99.9% of the average thickness Tavg of the second flat portion FPb in the cross section. For example, the maximum thickness Tmax of the corner portion EP1b of the second window WD2 in the cross section may be equal to or greater than about 102% of the average thickness Tavg of the second flat portion FPb in the cross section and equal to or less than about 105% of the average thickness Tavg of the second flat portion FPb in the cross section.

[0108] Fig.12 The diagram includes Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of a display device of a second window.

[0109] refer to Fig.12 , the second window WD2 can be applied to the display device DD.

[0110] For example, the display device DD may include a display panel PN and a second window WD2.

[0111] The display panel PN may include a plurality of pixels PX, and each of the plurality of pixels PX may emit light. For example, an image may be displayed by a combination of light emitted from the plurality of pixels PX.

[0112] The display panel PN may be attached to the rear surface WD2-B of the second window WD2. Therefore, at least a portion of the display panel PN may be bent corresponding to the shapes of the second flat portion FPb, the second curved portion CPb, and the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2. For example, a user viewing the display device DD through the front surface WD2-F of the second window WD2 may view an image displayed through each of the second flat portion FPb, the second curved portion CPb, and the second corner portion EPb of the second window WD2.

[0113] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating simulation results according to an embodiment.

[0114] refer to Fig.13 , after forming the first window WD1 by pressurizing and thermoforming the initial window PRE-WD (for example, in performing the pre-thermoforming step S0), a simulation of forming the second window WD2 by pressurizing and thermoforming the first window WD1 (for example, in the thermoforming step S1) is performed, and Fig.13 A configuration (or structure) in which the second window WD2 is formed between the pressurizing frame FR1 and the receiving frame FR2 is shown in . For example, the simulation is implemented so that each of the initial window PRE-WD, the first window WD1, and the second window WD2 can satisfy the above description.

[0115] In the simulation results according to the embodiment, the average thickness T1 at the second flat portion FPb of the second window WD2 is about 0.6 mm, the minimum thickness T2 at the second corner portion EPb is about 0.592 mm, and the maximum thickness T3 at the second corner portion EPb is about 0.619 mm. For example, the minimum thickness T2 is about 98.67% of the average thickness T1, and the maximum thickness T3 is about 103.17% of the average thickness T1.

[0116] Fig.14 is a diagram illustrating simulation results according to a comparative example.

[0117] refer to Fig.14 , a simulation of directly forming the second window WD2 by pressurizing and thermoforming the initial window PRE-WD using the pressurizing frame FR1 and the receiving frame FR2 is performed, and Fig.14, an aspect in which the second window WD2 is formed between the pressurizing frame FR1 and the receiving frame FR2 is shown.

[0118] In the simulation results according to the comparative example, the average thickness T1' at the second flat portion FPb of the second window WD2 is about 0.6 mm, the minimum thickness T2' at the second corner portion EPb is about 0.584 mm, and the maximum thickness T3' at the second corner portion EPb is about 0.639 mm. For example, the minimum thickness T2' is about 97.33% of the average thickness T1', and the maximum thickness T3' is about 106.5% of the average thickness T1'. Thus, it can be seen that the thickness uniformity in the second corner portion EPb is poor compared to the simulation results according to the embodiment.

[0119] Fig.15 It is a graphic Fig.13 The simulation results and Fig.14 Figure 2 shows the simulation results of .

[0120] refer to Fig.15 , in the case where the corner portion is formed by performing pressurized thermoforming, tension may act (or be applied) in region C of the corner portion, and compression may act in region D. For example, tension acting in region C of the corner portion may cause a decrease in thickness in region C, and compression acting in region D may cause an increase in thickness in region D.

[0121] For example, in the case where pressurized thermoforming is performed, the magnitude of each of the tension acting on the region C and the compression force acting on the region D may be generally proportional to the degree of deformation of the shape of the window.

[0122] For example, in the reference Fig.13 In the case where the second window WD2 is formed by two steps of pressurized thermoforming in the described simulation, the degree of shape deformation of the window in each pressurized thermoforming step can be relatively small, and thus each of the above-mentioned tension and compression forces can be minimized. For example, when the tension in region C is minimized, the thickness reduction in region C can be minimized, and when the compression force in region D is minimized, the thickness increase in region D can be minimized.

[0123] In the second window WD2, as shown in reference Fig.14 In the case of forming by one-time pressurized thermoforming in the simulation described above, the degree of shape deformation of the window becomes relatively large, and therefore each of the above-mentioned tension and compression forces can be relatively large. For example, the thickness reduction in region C can be relatively large, and the thickness increase in region D can be relatively large.

[0124] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a window, the method comprising: a thermoforming step of pressurizing and thermoforming the first window disposed between the pressurizing frame and the accommodating frame to form a second window by moving the pressurizing frame in a first direction toward the accommodating frame, The first window includes a first flat portion, a plurality of first curved portions bent from the first flat portion with a curvature, and a first corner portion between two adjacent first curved portions among the plurality of first curved portions. The second window includes a second flat portion, a plurality of second curved portions bent from the second flat portion with a curvature, and a second corner portion between two adjacent second curved portions among the plurality of second curved portions. A first height of the first window is defined as a height in the first direction starting from a first plane perpendicular to the first direction and measured from a front surface of the first flat portion to an edge portion of the first corner portion, A second height of the second window is defined as a height in the first direction starting from a second plane perpendicular to the first direction and measured from a front surface of the second flat portion to an edge portion of the second corner portion, and The first height of the first window is equal to or greater than 55% of the second height of the second window and equal to or less than 85% of the second height of the second window.

2. The method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, wherein: The length of the neutral surface profile of the first corner portion on the first cross section is equal to or greater than 90% of the length of the neutral surface profile of the second corner portion on the second cross section and equal to or less than 110% of the length of the neutral surface profile of the second corner portion on the second cross section.

3. The method for manufacturing a window according to claim 2, wherein: A first width of the neutral surface profile of the first corner portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is greater than a second width of the neutral surface profile of the second corner portion in the second direction.

4. The method for manufacturing a window according to claim 3, wherein: the first width of the neutral surface profile of the first corner portion is equal to or greater than 150% of the first height of the first window and equal to or less than 250% of the first height of the first window, Wherein, the second width of the neutral surface profile of the second corner portion is equal to or greater than 70% of the second height of the second window and equal to or less than 130% of the second height of the second window.

5. The method for manufacturing a window according to claim 2, wherein: An average radius of curvature of the neutral surface profile of the first corner portion is greater than an average radius of curvature of the neutral surface profile of the second corner portion.

6. The method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the second corner portion in the second cross section gradually decreases and then gradually increases as the distance from the second flat portion increases.

7. The method for manufacturing a window according to claim 6, wherein: the minimum thickness of the second corner portion in the second cross section is equal to or greater than 98% of the average thickness of the second flat portion in the second cross section and equal to or less than 99.9% of the average thickness of the second flat portion in the second cross section, The maximum thickness of the second corner portion in the second cross section is equal to or greater than 102% of the average thickness of the second flat portion in the second cross section and equal to or less than 105% of the average thickness of the second flat portion in the second cross section.

8. The method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, wherein: The length of the arc defined by the outer edge portion of the first corner portion in the first plan view is equal to or greater than 101% of the length of the arc defined by the outer edge portion of the second corner portion in the second plan view and is equal to or less than 110% of the length of the arc defined by the outer edge portion of the second corner portion in the second plan view.

9. The method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, further comprising: The pre-thermoforming step of forming the first window is performed by pressing and thermoforming the initial window arranged between the pre-pressing frame and the pre-accommodating frame by moving the pre-pressing frame toward the pre-accommodating frame in the first direction.

10. The method for manufacturing a window according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the front surface and the rear surface of the initial window is a flat surface, The first height of the first window is equal to or greater than 200% of the average thickness of the initial window and equal to or less than 350% of the average thickness of the initial window.

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