Window, display device, and method for manufacturing window

Abstract

The invention relates to a window, a display device and a method for manufacturing the window. The window includes: a reinforced patterned glass including a patterned portion in which a groove pattern is defined, and a non-patterned portion adjacent to the patterned portion, where the reinforced patterned glass includes: a base layer; and a compressive stress layer disposed on the top surface and the bottom surface of the base layer. A compressive stress at a surface of the reinforced patterned glass as measured by the ASTM C770-16 method is greater than or equal to about 150 MPa and less than or equal to about 350 MPa, and a thickness of the compressive stress layer is greater than or equal to about 1% and less than or equal to about 5.5% of a thickness of the non-patterned portion.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0165569, filed on November 24, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to windows, display devices, and methods for manufacturing windows, and more particularly, to windows including foldable, chemically strengthened patterned glass, display devices including windows, and methods for manufacturing windows. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation systems, and smart TVs, may include a display device for displaying images. The display device generates images and provides the images to the user via a display screen.

[0005] Recently, with the development of display device technology, various types of display devices are being developed. For example, various display devices that can be deformed into a curved shape, folded, or rolled are being developed.

[0006] The flexible display device may include a flexible display panel and a window disposed on the display panel. The window may include a patterned glass having a pattern defined in the patterned glass to facilitate a folding operation of the window. Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a window including a reinforced patterned glass having a small volume change and a small refractive index change in a patterned portion.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device having improved visibility by including a reinforced patterned glass having small volume changes and refractive index changes of a patterned portion.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a window manufacturing method, including a method for chemically strengthening patterned glass so that the volume change and refractive index change of the patterned portion are small.

[0010] According to an embodiment, a window includes: a strengthened patterned glass, including a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion adjacent to the patterned portion, a groove pattern being defined in the patterned portion, wherein the strengthened patterned glass includes: a base layer; and a compressive stress layer, arranged on the top surface and the bottom surface of the base layer, the compressive stress at the surface of the strengthened patterned glass measured by the ASTM C770-16 method is greater than or equal to approximately 150 megapascals (MPa) and less than or equal to approximately 350 MPa, and the thickness of the compressive stress layer is greater than or equal to approximately 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion and less than or equal to approximately 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion.

[0011] In an embodiment, the strengthened patterned glass may include Na ions and K ions.

[0012] In an embodiment, the modulus of the strengthened patterned glass may be greater than or equal to about 400 MPa and less than or equal to about 700 MPa.

[0013] In an embodiment, the thickness of the non-patterned portion may be greater than or equal to approximately 100 micrometers (μm) and less than or equal to approximately 400 μm.

[0014] In an embodiment, the thickness of the compressive stress layer may be greater than or equal to about 4.0 μm and less than or equal to about 5.5 μm.

[0015] In an embodiment, the groove pattern may include a plurality of grooves defined in top and bottom surfaces of the strengthened patterned glass.

[0016] In an embodiment, the window may further include: a filler filled in the recessed space defined by the plurality of grooves.

[0017] In an embodiment, the window may further include: a window protection layer disposed on the reinforced patterned glass.

[0018] According to an embodiment, a window includes: a reinforced patterned glass, including a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion adjacent to the patterned portion, a groove pattern is defined in the patterned portion, wherein the reinforced patterned glass includes: a base layer; and a compressive stress layer, which is arranged on the top surface and the bottom surface of the base layer, and the compressive stress at the surface of the patterned portion is less than the compressive stress at the surface of the non-patterned portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the compressive stress at the surface of the patterned portion measured by an ASTM C770-16 method may be greater than or equal to about 150 MPa and less than or equal to about 350 MPa.

[0020] In an embodiment, the thickness of the compressive stress layer in the patterned portion may be smaller than the thickness of the compressive stress layer in the non-patterned portion.

[0021] In an embodiment, the thickness of the compressive stress layer of the patterned portion may be greater than or equal to about 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion and less than or equal to about 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion.

[0022] In an embodiment, the thickness of the compressive stress layer of the patterned portion may be greater than or equal to about 4.0 μm and less than or equal to about 5.5 μm.

[0023] In an embodiment, the strengthened patterned glass may include Na ions and K ions.

[0024] In an embodiment, the modulus of the strengthened patterned glass may be greater than or equal to about 400 MPa and less than or equal to about 700 MPa.

[0025] In an embodiment, the thickness of the non-patterned portion may be greater than or equal to about 100 μm and less than or equal to about 400 μm.

[0026] In an embodiment, the groove pattern may include a plurality of grooves defined in top and bottom surfaces of the strengthened patterned glass.

[0027] In an embodiment, the window may further include: a filler filled in the concave spaces of the plurality of grooves.

[0028] According to an embodiment, a display device includes: a display module, including a foldable area and a non-foldable area adjacent to the foldable area, the foldable area folded around a folding axis on a plane; and a window, arranged on the display module, wherein the window includes reinforced patterned glass, the reinforced patterned glass includes a patterned portion corresponding to the foldable area and including a groove pattern and a non-patterned portion corresponding to the non-foldable area, the groove pattern is defined in the patterned portion, the reinforced patterned glass includes: a substrate layer; and a compressive stress layer, arranged on the top surface and the bottom surface of the substrate layer, the compressive stress at the surface of the patterned portion measured by the ASTM C770-16 method is greater than or equal to approximately 150MPa and less than or equal to approximately 350MPa, and the thickness of the compressive stress layer of the patterned portion is greater than or equal to approximately 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion and less than or equal to approximately 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion.

[0029] In an embodiment, the compressive stress at the surface of the non-patterned portion measured by the ASTM C770-16 method may be greater than or equal to approximately 150 MPa and less than or equal to approximately 350 MPa, and the thickness of the compressive stress layer of the non-patterned portion may be greater than or equal to approximately 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion and less than or equal to approximately 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion.

[0030] In an embodiment, the compressive stress at the surface of the patterned portion may be smaller than the compressive stress at the surface of the non-patterned portion, and the thickness of the compressive stress layer of the patterned portion may be smaller than the thickness of the compressive stress layer of the non-patterned portion.

[0031] According to an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a window includes: preparing a patterned glass, the patterned glass including a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion adjacent to the patterned portion, the patterned portion having a groove pattern defined in the patterned portion; and forming a strengthened patterned glass by providing a strengthening molten salt to the patterned glass at a temperature equal to or higher than about 340° C. and lower than about 380° C., wherein the strengthening molten salt includes NaNO at a molar ratio of about 3:7. 3 and KNO 3 .

[0032] In an embodiment, the strengthened patterned glass may include a compressive stress layer, the compressive stress at the surface of the strengthened patterned glass measured by the ASTM C770-16 method may be greater than or equal to about 150 MPa and less than or equal to about 350 MPa, and the thickness of the compressive stress layer may be greater than or equal to about 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion and less than or equal to about 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion.

[0033] In an embodiment, the thickness of the compressive stress layer may be greater than or equal to about 4.0 μm and less than or equal to about 5.5 μm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other features of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent by describing in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 in a folded state;

[0037] Figure 3Ais a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3B and Figure 3C They are Figure 3A A perspective view of a display device in a multi-folded state shown in FIG.

[0039] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5A Is the edge of the display device Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0041] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion A1 shown in FIG.

[0042] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a reinforced patterned glass according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 8 is a diagram showing stress characteristics of a reinforced patterned glass according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figures 10 to 12 is a view showing a process of a window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F 4 are images showing the results of evaluating the deformation of the patterned portion of the reinforced patterned glass according to the present example and the comparative example, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing various embodiments. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0050] As used herein, when a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it means that the component can be directly set on / connected to / coupled to the other component, or a third component can be set between the component and the other component.

[0051] As used herein, "directly disposed" may mean that there is no added layer, film, region, plate, etc. between a part such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. and another part. For example, "directly disposed" may mean disposed between two layers or two members without using an additional member such as an adhesive member.

[0052] The same reference numerals refer to the same components. In addition, in the drawings, in order to effectively describe the technical contents, the thickness, proportion and size of the components are exaggerated.

[0053] The terms used in this article are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be restrictive. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used in this article, "one", "one (kind / person)", "said (the)" and "at least one (kind / person)" do not represent the limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both singular and plural forms. Therefore, the reference to "one" element followed by the reference to "said" element in the claim includes one element and multiple elements. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one (kind / person)" should not be interpreted as being limited to "one" or "one (kind / person)". "Or" means "and / or". As used in this article, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0054] Various components may be described using terms such as first and second, but the components should not be limited by these terms. The above terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be named a first component.

[0055] In addition, terms such as "under", "below", "on", and "over" are used to describe the relationship of components shown in the drawings. The above terms are relative concepts and are described with reference to directions indicated in the drawings. As used herein, "disposed on" may refer not only to being disposed on the top of a member but also to being disposed under a member.

[0056] It will be further understood that when the terms “comprises and / or comprising” or “includes and / or including” are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0057] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation of the particular value determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that, unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0059] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. Therefore, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the zones as shown herein, but rather include shape deviations caused by, for example, manufacturing. For example, a zone shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the zones shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the zones and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0060] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Reference Figure 1, an embodiment of the display device DD may be a device that is activated in response to an electrical signal. The display device DD may include various types of electronic devices, for example, large electronic devices (such as televisions, monitors, or outdoor billboards) and small and medium-sized electronic devices (such as personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital terminals, vehicle navigation units, game consoles, portable electronic devices, and cameras). In an embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown in , the display device DD may be, for example, a smart phone.

[0063] The display device DD may have a rectangular shape having short sides in a first direction DR1 and long sides in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, the shape of the display device DD may not be limited thereto, and display devices DD of various shapes may be provided.

[0064] The display device DD may be a foldable display device. Specifically, the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be folded based on a folding axis extending in a predetermined direction or may be foldable based on a folding axis extending in a predetermined direction. Hereinafter, an unfolded and flat state is defined as a first state (i.e., a non-folded state), and a state folded relative to the folding axis is defined as a second state (i.e., a folded state). The folding axis is an imaginary rotation axis that appears when the display device DD is folded and can be formed by the mechanical structure of the display device DD.

[0065] The folding axis may extend in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the folding axis extending in the second direction DR2 is defined as the first folding axis FX1, and the folding axis extending in the first direction DR1 is defined as the second folding axis FX2. The display device DD may include one of the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2. That is, the display device DD may be folded based on one of the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2.

[0066] In an embodiment, Figure 1 As shown in , the display device DD can display an image IM in a display surface IS parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display surface IS where the image IM is displayed may correspond to the front surface of the display device DD. The direction perpendicular to the display surface IS (i.e., the thickness direction of the display device DD) may be referred to as a third direction DR3. The display device DD can display an image IM in the third direction DR3.

[0067] The display surface IS of the display device DD may be divided into a plurality of regions. A display area DA and a non-display area NDA may be defined in the display surface IS of the display device DD.

[0068] The display area DA may be an area where the image IM is displayed, and the user may view the image IM via the display area DA. The display area DA may have a square shape. The non-display area NDA, as an area adjacent to the display area DA, may be an area where the image IM is not displayed. The frame area of ​​the display device DD may be defined by the non-display area NDA. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 As shown in , the non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. Therefore, the shape of the display area DA may be substantially defined by the non-display area NDA. However, this is shown as an example, and the non-display area NDA may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the display area DA, or the non-display area NDA may be omitted.

[0069] The display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can sense the user's input TC applied from the outside. The user's input TC includes various forms of external input, such as a body part of the user, light, heat, or pressure. In an embodiment, the user's input TC may be a touch or approach of the user's hand on the front surface or a touch or approach to the front surface. However, this is merely an example, and as described above, the user's input TC may be provided in various forms. In addition, depending on the structure of the display device DD, the display device DD may sense the user's input TC applied to the side surface or rear surface of the display device DD, and the present disclosure may not be limited to any one embodiment.

[0070] The display device DD may activate the display surface IS to display the image IM and may also sense the user's input TC. In an embodiment, an area for sensing the user's input TC may be defined in the display area DA displaying the image IM. However, this is merely an example, and an area for sensing the user's input TC may be provided in the non-display area NDA or may be provided in all areas of the display surface IS.

[0071] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D yes Figure 1 0 is a perspective view of the display device DD in a folded state. Figure 2A It is shown Figure 1 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is in a state of being folded inwardly along the first folding axis FX1, and Figure 2B It is shown Figure 1 4 is a diagram showing a display device DD in a state of being folded outward along a first folding axis FX1. Figure 2C It is shown Figure 1 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is in a state of being folded inwardly along the second folding axis FX2, and Figure 2D It is shown Figure 1 4 is a diagram showing a display device DD in a state of being folded outwardly along a second folding axis FX2.

[0072] Reference FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D , an embodiment of the display device DD may be a foldable display device. The display device DD may be folded based on a folding axis (eg, a first folding axis FX1 or a second folding axis FX2) extending in a predetermined direction.

[0073] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B In an embodiment, a plurality of regions may be defined in the display device DD based on the operation shape. The plurality of regions may be divided into a foldable region FA1 and one or more non-foldable regions NFA1 and NFA2. The foldable region FA1 may be defined between two non-foldable regions NFA1 and NFA2.

[0074] The foldable area FA1, as an area folded based on the first folding axis FX1, may be an area that substantially forms a curvature. In this regard, the first folding axis FX1 may extend along the second direction DR2 (i.e., the direction of the long side of the display device DD). The foldable area FA1 may be defined as an area folded along the first folding axis FX1 and extending in the second direction DR2.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the non-foldable areas NFA1 and NFA2 may include a first non-foldable area NFA1 and a second non-foldable area NFA2. The first non-foldable area NFA1 may be adjacent to one side of the foldable area FA1 in the first direction DR1, and the second non-foldable area NFA2 may be adjacent to the other side of the foldable area FA1 in the first direction DR1.

[0076] The display device DD can be folded inward or outward. Folding performed in a manner such that display surfaces of the non-foldable areas NFA1 and NFA2 that are different from each other face each other can be defined as inward folding, and folding performed in a manner such that display surfaces of the non-foldable areas NFA1 and NFA2 that are different from each other face the outside can be defined as outward folding.

[0077] In this context, an inner fold may mean that the display surface IS (see Figure 1 ) is performed so that parts of the rear surface of the display device DD face each other, and the outer folding may refer to folding performed so that parts of the rear surface of the display device DD face each other.

[0078] Figure 2A The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 can be folded inwardly so that the display surface IS of the first non-foldable area NFA1 (see FIG. 1 ) is Figure 1 ) and a display surface IS of a second non-foldable area NFA2 (see Figure 1) face each other. When the first non-foldable area NFA1 rotates clockwise along the first folding axis FX1, the display device DD can be folded inward. In order to fold the display device DD inward so that the first non-foldable area NFA1 and the second non-foldable area NFA2 are aligned, the first folding axis FX1 can be defined at the center of the display device DD based on the first direction DR1.

[0079] Reference Figure 2B , the display device DD can be folded outward based on the first folding axis FX1. When the display surface of the first non-foldable area NFA1 and the display surface of the second non-foldable area NFA2 are exposed to the outside, the display device DD can display the image IM. In addition, the display surface of the foldable area FA1 exposed to the outside can also display the image IM. Figure 1 As shown in , the display device DD can display an image IM in the unfolded state. The first non-foldable area NFA1, the second non-foldable area NFA2, and the foldable area FA1 can respectively display images providing independent information, or can respectively display parts of one image providing one information.

[0080] The display device DD may be manufactured to have both the inwardly folded state and the outwardly folded state, or may be manufactured to have one of the inwardly folded state and the outwardly folded state.

[0081] Reference Figure 2C and Figure 2D In an embodiment, the display device DD may be folded inwardly or outwardly based on the second folding axis FX2. The second folding axis FX2 may extend along the first direction DR1 (ie, the direction of the short side of the display device DD).

[0082] A plurality of regions may be defined in the display device DD based on the operation shape. The plurality of regions may be divided into a foldable region FA2 and one or more non-foldable regions NFA3 and NFA4. The foldable region FA2 may be defined between two non-foldable regions NFA3 and NFA4.

[0083] The foldable area FA2 may be a region that is folded based on the second folding axis FX2 and may be a region that substantially forms a curvature. The foldable area FA2 may be defined as a region that is folded along the second folding axis FX2 and extends in the first direction DR1.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the non-foldable areas NFA3 and NFA4 may include a first non-foldable area NFA3 and a second non-foldable area NFA4. The first non-foldable area NFA3 may be adjacent to one side of the foldable area FA2 in the second direction DR2, and the second non-foldable area NFA4 may be adjacent to the other side of the foldable area FA2 in the second direction DR2.

[0085] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a display device DD1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B and Figure 3C They are Figure 3A 0 is a perspective view of the display device DD1 in a multi-folded state.

[0086] Reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C , an embodiment of the display device DD1 may be a multi-foldable display device. A plurality of foldable areas may be defined in the display device DD1. The display device DD1 may include a plurality of foldable areas FAa-1 and FAa-2 and a plurality of non-foldable areas NFAa-1, NFAa-2, and NFAa-3. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device DD1 may include a first foldable area FAa-1, a second foldable area FAa-2, a first non-foldable area NFAa-1, a second non-foldable area NFAa-2, and a third non-foldable area NFAa-3. In the first direction DR1, the first foldable area FAa-1 is disposed between the first non-foldable area NFAa-1 and the second non-foldable area NFAa-2, and the second foldable area FAa-2 is disposed between the second non-foldable area NFAa-2 and the third non-foldable area NFAa-3. In an embodiment, for example, two foldable areas FAa-1 and FAa-2 and three non-foldable areas NFAa-1, NFAa-2, and NFAa-3 may be as follows: FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C However, the number of foldable areas and the number of non-foldable areas may not be limited thereto and may be further increased.

[0087] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B In an embodiment, the first foldable area FAa-1 can be folded based on a third folding axis FX3 parallel to the second direction DR2. The first foldable area FAa-1 can be folded inwardly so that the display surface of the second non-foldable area NFAa-2 faces the display surface of the first non-foldable area NFAa-1. The second foldable area FAa-2 can be folded based on a fourth folding axis FX4 parallel to the second direction DR2. The second foldable area FAa-2 can be folded outwardly so that the rear surface of the second non-foldable area NFAa-2 and the rear surface of the third non-foldable area NFAa-3 face each other and the display surface of the third non-foldable area NFAa-3 faces the outside.

[0088] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3CIn an embodiment, the first foldable area FAa-1 can be folded based on a third folding axis FX3 parallel to the second direction DR2. The first foldable area FAa-1 can be folded inwardly so that the display surface of the first non-foldable area NFAa-1 is set inside and the display surface of the second non-foldable area NFAa-2 faces the display surface of the first non-foldable area NFAa-1. The second foldable area FAa-2 can be folded based on a fourth folding axis FX4 parallel to the second direction DR2. The second foldable area FAa-2 can be folded inwardly so that the rear surface of the first non-foldable area NFAa-1 and the display surface of the third non-foldable area NFAa-3 face each other.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, both the outer folding operation and the inner folding operation may be performed by the display device DD1 , or only one of the outer folding operation and the inner folding operation may be performed by the display device DD1 .

[0090] Despite Figure 3B and Figure 3C , a multi-folded state of the display device DD1 is shown in FIG. 1 , but the present disclosure may not be limited thereto and the display device DD1 may have various folded shapes.

[0091] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A is the edge of the display device DD Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An enlarged cross-sectional view of portion A1 is shown in FIG.

[0092] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display device DD and a housing HU. Although not shown separately, the electronic device ED may further include a mechanical structure (or hinge structure) for controlling a folding operation (or bending operation) of the display device DD.

[0093] The display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display module DM displaying an image, an upper module UM disposed on the display module DM, and a lower module LM disposed under the display module DM. The display module DM may constitute a part of the display device DD, and specifically, an image may be displayed through the display module DM.

[0094] The display module DM may include a display panel DP and an input sensing unit ISP. The display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a light-emitting display panel, but the present disclosure may not be particularly limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material, and the light-emitting layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an inorganic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots or quantum rods, etc. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, an embodiment in which the display panel DP is an organic light-emitting display panel will be described in detail, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. Therefore, the display panel DP may be completely rolled (or rolled out) or folded (or unfolded) around the folding axis FX2.

[0096] The input sensing unit ISP may be directly disposed on the display panel DP. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the input sensing unit ISP may be formed on the display panel DP through a continuous process. In such an embodiment, the input sensing unit ISP may be directly disposed on the display panel DP, and no adhesive film is disposed between the input sensing unit ISP and the display panel DP. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, an adhesive film may be disposed between the input sensing unit ISP and the display panel DP. In such an embodiment, the input sensing unit ISP may not be manufactured through a continuous process with the display panel DP, but may be manufactured via a process separate from the display panel DP and then fixed to the top surface of the display panel DP with an adhesive film.

[0097] The display panel DP generates an image and the input sensing unit ISP acquires coordinate information about a user's input (eg, a touch event).

[0098] The upper module UM may include a window WM disposed on the display module DM. The window WM may include an optically transparent insulating material. Therefore, a user may easily recognize an image generated in the display module DM through the window WM.

[0099] The window WM may include strengthened patterned glass PG.

[0100] In an embodiment, Figure 5BAs shown in , the strengthened patterned glass PG may include a patterned portion PP and non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2. The patterned portion PP may be a portion corresponding to the foldable area FA2, and the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 may be portions corresponding to the first non-foldable area NFA3 and the second non-foldable area NFA4, respectively. The non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 may include a first non-patterned portion NPP1 corresponding to the first non-foldable area NFA3, and a second non-patterned portion NPP2 corresponding to the second non-foldable area NFA4. The patterned portion PP may be disposed between the first non-patterned portion NPP1 and the second non-patterned portion NPP2.

[0101] The patterned glass PG may include a top surface PG-F and a bottom surface PG-B. The top surface PG-F and the bottom surface PG-B refer to two surfaces facing each other in the patterned glass PG, and may be, for example, two surfaces facing each other in the third direction DR3. In the patterned glass PG, with respect to the third direction DR3, a surface adjacent to the anti-reflection layer RPL or the display module DM may be the bottom surface PG-B, and a surface adjacent to the window protection layer PL may be the top surface PG-F.

[0102] The patterned portion PP may include a plurality of groove patterns GP and a plurality of lower groove patterns UGP. In an embodiment, the groove pattern GP may be defined in the top surface PG-F of the patterned glass PG, and the lower groove pattern UGP may be defined in the bottom surface PG-B of the patterned glass PG. The groove pattern GP may include a plurality of grooves defined in the top surface PG-F of the patterned glass PG, and the lower groove pattern UGP may include a plurality of grooves defined in the bottom surface PG-B of the patterned glass PG. The groove pattern GP may have a shape recessed from the top surface PG-F of the patterned glass PG. The lower groove pattern UGP may have a shape recessed from the bottom surface PG-B of the patterned glass PG.

[0103] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, with the folding axis FX2 extending in the first direction DR1, the groove patterns GP may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2, and the lower groove patterns UGP may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. In an embodiment, with the folding axis FX2 extending in the second direction DR2, the groove patterns GP may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, and the lower groove patterns UGP may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0104] In an embodiment, the window WM may further include a filler FL and a lower filler UFL. In such an embodiment, the groove pattern GP and the lower groove pattern UGP may be filled with a filler FL and a lower filler UFL, respectively. The filler FL may fill the groove pattern GP, ​​and the lower filler UFL may fill the lower groove pattern UGP. In other words, the recessed space defined by the groove pattern GP may be filled with the filler FL, and the recessed space defined by the lower groove pattern UGP may be filled with the lower filler UFL. Therefore, the window WM may have a flat surface due to the filler FL and the lower filler UFL. The filler FL and the lower filler UFL may be provided only in the patterned portion PP and may not be provided in the first non-patterned portion NPP1 and the second non-patterned portion NPP2.

[0105] The window WM may further include a window protection layer PL. The window protection layer PL may be disposed on the reinforced patterned glass PG. The window protection layer PL may be disposed on the filler FL. The window protection layer PL may perform the function of protecting the reinforced patterned glass PG from external impact. The window protection layer PL may include a synthetic resin material. The window protection layer PL may include at least one selected from urethane resins, epoxy resins, polyester resins, polyether resins, acrylic resins, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins (ABS resins) and rubber. In an embodiment, for example, the window protection layer PL may include at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PAI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and polycarbonate (PC).

[0106] Although not shown in the drawings, the window WM may further include a first window adhesive layer and a second window adhesive layer. The first window adhesive layer may be disposed between the reinforced patterned glass PG and the window protection layer PL to attach the window protection layer PL to the reinforced patterned glass PG. The second window adhesive layer may couple the window WM to a component disposed under the window WM. The first window adhesive layer and the second window adhesive layer may include an optically transparent adhesive material. In an embodiment, for example, each of the first window adhesive layer and the second window adhesive layer may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0107] The window WM can be folded or unfolded around the folding axis FX2. In other words, the shape of the window WM can change as the shape of the display module DM changes. The window WM transmits the image from the display module DM and also mitigates external impacts, thereby effectively preventing the display module DM from being damaged or malfunctioning due to external impacts. External impacts refer to forces from the outside that cause defects in the display module DM, which can be expressed as pressure or stress, etc.

[0108] The upper module UM may further include one or more functional layers disposed between the display module DM and the window WM. In an embodiment, for example, the functional layer may be an anti-reflection layer RPL that blocks external light reflection.

[0109] The anti-reflection layer RPL can effectively prevent the components constituting the display module DM from being visible from the outside due to external light incident through the front surface of the display device DD. The anti-reflection layer RPL may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phase retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type, and may include a λ / 2 phase retarder and / or a λ / 4 phase retarder. The polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type may include a stretched synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The phase retarder and the polarizer may be implemented as a polarizing film. The functional layer may also include a protective film disposed on or below the anti-reflection layer RPL.

[0110] The upper module UM may further include a first adhesive film AF1 disposed between the anti-reflection layer RPL and the display module DM. The first adhesive film AF1 may include an optically transparent adhesive material. In an embodiment, for example, the first adhesive film AF1 may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0111] The display module DM may display an image and transmit / receive information about an external input in response to an electrical signal. The display module DM may include an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA may be defined as an area displaying an image provided by the display module DM.

[0112] The peripheral area NAA may be adjacent to the active area AA. In an embodiment, for example, the peripheral area NAA may surround the active area AA. However, this is merely an example. The peripheral area NAA may be defined as various shapes and the present disclosure may not be limited to any one embodiment. The active area AA of the display module DM may correspond to the display area DA (see Figure 1 ) at least a portion of.

[0113] The lower module LM may include a support plate SP disposed on the rear surface of the display module DM and supporting the display module DM. The support plate SP may include a plurality of support plates corresponding to the non-foldable areas NFA3 and NFA4. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support plate SP may include a first support plate SP1, and a second support plate SP2 disposed to be spaced apart from the first support plate SP1.

[0114] The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be disposed to correspond to the first non-foldable area NFA3 and the second non-foldable area NFA4, respectively. The first support plate SP1 may be disposed to correspond to the first non-foldable area NFA3 of the display module DM, and the second support plate SP2 may be disposed to correspond to the second non-foldable area NFA4 of the display module DM. Each of the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may include a metal material or a plastic material.

[0115] When the display module DM is in the first state of unfolding, the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. When the display module DM is in the second state of folding based on the folding axis FX2, the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction DR3.

[0116] The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be spaced apart from each other relative to the foldable area FA2. The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may partially overlap the foldable area FA2. That is, the separation distance between the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 in the second direction DR2 may be less than the width of the foldable area FA2.

[0117] The support plate SP may further include a connection module for connecting the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 to each other. The connection module may include a hinge module or a multi-joint module.

[0118] In an embodiment, Figure 4 As shown in , the support plate SP may include two support plates SP1 and SP2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, in the presence of multiple folding axes, the support plate SP may include multiple support plates separated based on the multiple folding axes. In an embodiment, the support plate SP may be formed in an integral shape instead of being separated into a first support plate SP1 and a second support plate SP2. In such an embodiment, the support plate SP may include a bendable portion corresponding to the foldable area FA2. The bendable portion may be provided with an opening defined through the support plate SP or may have a groove recessed from one surface of the support plate SP.

[0119] The lower module LM may further include a protective film PF disposed between the display module DM and the support plate SP. The protective film PF may be a layer disposed under the display module DM to protect the rear surface of the display module DM. The protective film PF may include a synthetic resin film. In an embodiment, for example, the protective film PF may be a polyimide film or a polyethylene terephthalate film. However, this is merely an example, and the protective film PF is not limited to the above examples.

[0120] The lower module LM may further include a second adhesive film AF2 disposed between the protective film PF and the display module DM, and third adhesive films AF3_1 and AF3_2 disposed between the protective film PF and the support plate SP. The protective film PF may be attached to the rear surface of the display module DM through the second adhesive film AF2. The third adhesive films AF3_1 and AF3_2 may include a first sub-adhesive film AF3_1 and a second sub-adhesive film AF3_2. The first sub-adhesive film AF3_1 may be disposed between the first support plate SP1 and the protective film PF, and the second sub-adhesive film AF3_2 may be disposed between the second support plate SP2 and the protective film PF. The first sub-adhesive film AF3_1 and the second sub-adhesive film AF3_2 may be spaced apart from each other and the foldable area FA2 may be between the first sub-adhesive film AF3_1 and the second sub-adhesive film AF3_2.

[0121] Each of the second adhesive film AF2 and the third adhesive films AF3_1 and AF3_2 may include an optically transparent adhesive material. In an embodiment, for example, each of the second adhesive film AF2 and the third adhesive films AF3_1 and AF3_2 may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0122] The housing HU may be coupled to the display device DD, for example, to the window WM, to accommodate other modules (ie, the display module DM and the lower module LM, etc.). Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the housing HU may include a first housing HU1 and a second housing HU2 separated from each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The electronic device ED may further include a hinge structure (not shown) for connecting the first housing HU1 and the second housing HU2 to each other.

[0123] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a window WM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 yes Figure 5B An enlarged cross-sectional view of portion A2 in FIG. Figure 6 The strengthened patterned glass PG, the filler FL, and the under-filler UFL among the components of the window WM are shown.

[0124] Reference Figure 6 In an embodiment, the strengthened patterned glass PG may include a patterned portion PP corresponding to the foldable area FA2. The patterned portion PP may include a plurality of groove patterns GP and a plurality of lower groove patterns UGP. The groove pattern GP may be a groove shape recessed from the top surface PG-F of the strengthened patterned glass PG. The lower groove pattern UGP may be a groove shape recessed from the bottom surface PG-B of the strengthened patterned glass PG.

[0125] However, the pattern defined in the patterned portion PP is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, in the patterned portion PP, only the groove pattern GP may be defined and the lower groove pattern UGP may not be defined. Alternatively, in the patterned portion PP, the groove pattern GP may not be defined and only the lower groove pattern UGP may be defined. Alternatively, a hole pattern extending through the reinforced patterned glass PG in the third direction DR3 may be defined in the patterned portion PP.

[0126] Each of the groove pattern GP and the lower groove pattern UGP may have a groove parallel to the folding axis FX2 (see FIG. 1 ) when viewed in a plan view or in the third direction DR3. Figure 5B The groove patterns GP may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2, and the lower groove patterns UGP may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2.

[0127] The groove pattern GP and the lower groove pattern UGP may be filled with a filler FL and an under-filler UFL, respectively. In an embodiment, a recessed space defined by the groove pattern GP may be filled with the filler FL, and a recessed space defined by the lower groove pattern UGP may be filled with the under-filler UFL.

[0128] The filler FL and the under-filler UFL may be provided for preventing phenomena such as diffuse reflection and scattering caused by the groove pattern GP and the lower groove pattern UGP of the patterning portion PP.

[0129] Each of the filler FL and the lower filler UFL may include a synthetic resin material. In an embodiment, each of the filler FL and the lower filler UFL may include at least one selected from urethane resin, epoxy resin, polyester resin, polyether resin, acrylate resin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin) and rubber. In an embodiment, for example, each of the filler FL and the lower filler UFL may include at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PAI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and polycarbonate (PC).

[0130] The strengthened patterned glass PG may include a base layer BSL and a compressive stress layer CSL. The compressive stress layer CSL may be disposed on at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the base layer BSL. Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1 , the compressive stress layer CSL may be disposed on both the top surface and the bottom surface of the base layer BSL. However, this is merely an example, and the compressive stress layer CSL may be disposed only on one of the top surface of the base layer BSL and the bottom surface of the base layer BSL. In the patterned portion PP, the compressive stress layer CSL may be disposed on the top surface of the base layer BSL along the groove pattern GP and on the bottom surface of the base layer BSL along the lower groove pattern UGP. Figure 7 The base layer BSL and the compressive stress layer CSL are described in detail in.

[0131] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the strengthened patterned glass PG according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a graph showing stress characteristics of the strengthened patterned glass PG according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view of portion A3 is shown in FIG. Figure 8 Schematically showing the relationship between the compressive stress and the depth of the reinforcing patterned glass PG. Figure 8 CT max is the maximum tensile stress of the reinforced patterned glass.

[0132] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The reinforced patterned glass PG may include a tempered glass including Na ions and K ions. The concentrations of Na ions and K ions included in the reinforced patterned glass PG may vary depending on the depth. The reinforced patterned glass PG may be formed by a method for manufacturing a window WM according to an embodiment to be described later (see Figure 5B ) method is formed.

[0133] The base layer BSL may be a layer having a constant compressive stress value. The base layer BSL may have a negative compressive stress value. That is, a tensile force may act on the base layer BSL. The compressive stress layer CSL may be a layer in which the compressive stress value of the compressive stress layer CSL varies depending on the depth.

[0134] Strengthening the compressive stress CS at the surface of the patterned glass PG max It may be greater than or equal to about 150 megapascals (MPa) and less than or equal to about 350 MPa. When the compressive stress CS at the surface of the patterned glass PG is strengthened max When it is within the above range, the durability of the reinforced patterned glass PG can be ensured and the volume change and refractive index change caused by chemical strengthening can be minimized. Specifically, when the compressive stress CS at the surface of the reinforced patterned glass PG is maxWhen the chemical strengthening is performed so that the compressive stress CS at the surface of the strengthened patterned glass PG is max When exceeding about 350 MPa, the strengthened patterned glass PG becomes curved due to a volume change of the patterned portion PP, and difficulty in correcting the refractive index increases, which may cause visibility problems.

[0135] The total thickness of the reinforced patterned glass PG is t PG The total thickness t of the reinforced patterned glass PG may be greater than or equal to about 100 micrometers (μm) and less than or equal to about 400 μm. PG It can refer to the non-patterned parts NPP1 and NPP2 (see Figure 6 ) thickness. The thickness of the compressive stress layer CSL is t CSL can be greater than or equal to the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 (see Figure 6 ) is about 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 (see Figure 6 The thickness of the compressive stress layer CSL is about 5.5%. CSL may be greater than or equal to about 4.0 μm and less than or equal to about 5.5 μm. When the thickness t of the compressive stress layer CSL is CSL When the thickness of the compressive stress layer CSL is within the above range, the volume change and the refractive index change of the patterned portion PP are reduced, thereby improving visibility and reducing the difficulty of correcting the refractive index. CSL When the thickness of the compressive stress layer CSL is less than about 4.0 μm, it may be difficult to suppress the growth of cracks when cracks occur. CSL Beyond about 5.5 μm, the strengthened patterned glass PG becomes curved due to a volume change of the patterned portion PP, and difficulty in correcting the refractive index increases, which may cause visibility problems.

[0136] The modulus (eg, Young's modulus) of the reinforced patterned glass PG may be greater than or equal to about 400 MPa and less than or equal to about 700 MPa. When the modulus of the reinforced patterned glass PG is within the above range, durability and folding reliability suitable for application to the foldable window WM may be satisfied.

[0137] Herein, compressive stress refers to a value measured by a surface stress meter (FSM-6000LE, Orihara) using ASTM C770-16 (standard test) method. The surface of the reinforced patterned glass PG may refer to at least one of the top surface PG-F and the bottom surface PG-B. Figure 8 , the surface of the reinforcement patterned glass PG may mean a point where the depth is zero (0).

[0138] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 10 to 12 2 are views illustrating processes of a window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Reference Fig. 9 The window manufacturing method according to the embodiment (ie, the method for manufacturing the window) may include preparing the patterned glass P-PG (S100) and forming the reinforced patterned glass PG (S200). The window manufacturing method according to the embodiment may further include forming a filler (S300).

[0140] Fig.10 The preparation of patterned glass P-PG ( Fig. 9 S100) process. Fig.10 , patterned glass P-PG may be defined as a glass substrate having a pattern engraved therein to improve the flexibility of the glass substrate. The patterned glass P-PG may be thicker than an ultra-thin glass substrate known in the art or commercially available to have higher impact resistance, and may include a pattern to have flexibility. The patterned glass P-PG may refer to glass before chemical strengthening is performed thereon.

[0141] The patterned glass P-PG may include a patterned portion PP corresponding to the foldable area FA2, and non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 corresponding to the non-foldable areas NFA3 and NFA4. The non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 may include a first non-patterned portion NPP1 corresponding to the first non-foldable area NFA3, and a second non-patterned portion NPP2 corresponding to the second non-foldable area NFA4. The patterned portion PP may be disposed between the first non-patterned portion NPP1 and the second non-patterned portion NPP2.

[0142] The patterned portion PP may include a plurality of groove patterns GP and a plurality of lower groove patterns UGP. The groove pattern GP may be a groove shape recessed from the top surface of the patterned glass P-PG. The lower groove pattern UGP may be a groove shape recessed from the bottom surface of the patterned glass P-PG.

[0143] Each of the groove pattern GP and the lower groove pattern UGP may have a groove parallel to the folding axis FX2 (see FIG. 1 ) when viewed in a plan view or in the third direction DR3. Figure 5B The groove patterns GP may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2, and the lower groove patterns UGP may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2.

[0144] As mentioned above Figure 6 As described in the reinforced patterned glass PG in FIG. 1 , the pattern defined in the patterned portion PP of the patterned glass P-PG is not limited thereto. Any pattern that makes folding easier by making the patterned portion PP thinner than the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 may be applied.

[0145] The patterned portion PP of the patterned glass P-PG may be formed by irradiating laser to the patterned portion PP of the glass substrate to cause thermal damage in the glass substrate and performing etching with an alkaline solution (eg, NaOH solution and / or KOH solution) under high temperature conditions.

[0146] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The formation of the enhanced patterned glass PG is shown ( Fig. 9 The strengthened patterned glass PG may be formed by chemically strengthening the patterned glass P-PG. The strengthened patterned glass PG may be formed by providing a strengthening molten salt to the patterned glass P-PG.

[0147] Reference Fig.11A , the region of the chemically strengthened and adjacent to the surface of the reinforced patterned glass PG may have compressive stress. The region having compressive stress adjacent to the surface of the reinforced patterned glass PG may be defined as a compressive stress layer CSL. Figures 6 to 8 The content described above.

[0148] Fig. 11B An embodiment of an ion exchange device for chemically strengthening the patterned glass P-PG via ion exchange is schematically shown. A strengthening treatment unit STU can be used to provide a strengthening molten salt ML to the patterned glass P-PG. The strengthening treatment unit STU can be used to immerse the patterned glass P-PG in the strengthening molten salt ML. The strengthening treatment unit STU may include a tank HT for accommodating the strengthening molten salt ML therein, a heater HP arranged to surround the tank HT and for applying heat to the strengthening molten salt ML in the tank HT, a driver HD for fixing the patterned glass P-PG and moving the patterned glass P-PG in a vertical direction to immerse the patterned glass PG in the strengthening molten salt ML, and a controller HC for controlling the operation of the strengthening treatment unit STU. The controller HC can control the temperature of the strengthening molten salt ML accommodated in the tank HT.

[0149] In an embodiment, for example, the controller HC may control the heater HP to heat the fortified molten salt ML at a certain temperature and maintain the temperature of the fortified molten salt ML at the heating temperature. The heater HP may provide heat to heat the fortified molten salt ML, or the heater HP may serve as an insulator to maintain the temperature of the heated fortified molten salt ML.

[0150] The patterned glass P-PG may be arranged to be completely immersed in the strengthening molten salt ML. Fig. 11B , it is shown that the number of patterned glasses P-PG provided in the strengthening process unit STU is two, but this is only an example and the number of patterned glasses P-PG to be provided in the strengthening process unit STU may be one or three or more.

[0151] The fortified molten salt ML may include Na ions and K ions. The fortified molten salt ML may include NaNO 3 and KNO 3 The fortified molten salt ML may include NaNO in a molar ratio of about 3:7 3 and KNO 3 .

[0152] The ion exchange of the patterned glass P-PG may be performed at a temperature equal to or higher than about 340° C. and lower than about 380° C. while providing the strengthening molten salt ML.

[0153] When the patterned glass P-PG is chemically strengthened by providing the strengthening molten salt ML under the above temperature conditions, a strengthened patterned glass PG having a compressive stress at the surface greater than or equal to about 150 MPa and less than or equal to about 350 MPa (also referred to as a surface compressive stress) and having a thickness of the compressive stress layer CSL greater than or equal to about 4.0 μm and less than or equal to about 5.5 μm can be formed. Since the strengthened patterned glass PG has the surface compressive stress within the above range and the thickness of the compressive stress layer CSL within the above range, the volume change of the patterned portion PP is reduced and the difficulty of correcting the refractive index is reduced, thereby improving visibility.

[0154] Fig.12 The process of forming the fillers (filler FL and underfiller UFL) is shown ( Fig. 9 S300). The filler FL may fill the groove pattern GP and the lower filler UFL may fill the lower groove pattern UGP. The recessed space defined by the groove pattern GP may be filled with the filler FL, and the recessed space defined by the lower groove pattern UGP may be filled with the lower filler UFL. In an embodiment, the filler FL and the lower filler UFL may be formed by coating and curing a resin.

[0155] The reinforcement patterned glass PG may have a flat surface due to the filler FL and the under-filler UFL, and may correct or compensate for a refractive index change caused by the groove pattern GP and the lower groove pattern UGP.

[0156] Fig.13 is a window WM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (see Figure 5B ) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of ). Fig.13 yes Figure 5B An enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of portion A2 in FIG. Fig.13 The strengthened patterned glass PG-1, the filler FL, and the under-filler UFL among the components of the window WM are shown.

[0157] The strengthened patterned glass PG-1 may include tempered glass including Na ions and K ions. Concentrations of Na ions and K ions included in the strengthened patterned glass PG-1 may vary depending on depth.

[0158] The base layer BSL may be a layer having a constant compressive stress value. The base layer BSL may have a negative compressive stress value. In other words, a tensile force may act on the base layer BSL. The compressive stress layer CSL may be a layer having different compressive stresses depending on the depth.

[0159] In the strengthened patterned glass PG-1 according to the embodiment, as Fig.13 As shown in , the surface compressive stress and the thickness of the compressive stress layer CSL may be different in the patterned portion PP and the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2. In such an embodiment, other features except the surface compressive stress and the thickness of the compressive stress layer CSL in the patterned portion PP and the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 are the same as those in the above reference. Figure 6 The features of the described strengthened patterned glass PG are substantially the same, and any repeated detailed description will be omitted or simplified.

[0160] In the patterned portion PP, the surface compressive stress of the reinforced patterned glass PG-1 may be greater than or equal to about 150 MPa and less than or equal to about 350 MPa. When the surface compressive stress is within the above range, the durability of the patterned portion PP can be ensured and the volume change and refractive index change caused by chemical strengthening can be minimized. Specifically, when the surface compressive stress of the patterned portion PP is less than about 150 MPa, the strength of the reinforced patterned glass PG-1 applied to the window WM may be insufficient. When chemical strengthening is performed so that the surface compressive stress of the patterned portion PP exceeds about 350 MPa, the reinforced patterned glass PG-1 becomes curved due to the volume change of the patterned portion PP, and the difficulty of correcting the refractive index increases, which may cause visibility problems.

[0161] In the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2, the surface compressive stress of the strengthened patterned glass PG-1 may be set as needed. In an embodiment, for example, in the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2, the surface compressive stress of the strengthened patterned glass PG-1 may be greater than or equal to about 650 MPa and less than or equal to about 850 MPa.

[0162] The total thickness of the reinforced patterned glass PG-1 is t PG-1 The total thickness t of the reinforced patterned glass PG-1 may be greater than or equal to about 100 μm and less than or equal to about 400 μm. PG-1 It may refer to the thickness of the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2. The thickness t of the compressive stress layer CSL-P of the patterned portion PP CSL-P The thickness t of the compressive stress layer CSL-N may be smaller than that of the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2. CSL-N Therefore, while the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 are chemically strengthened as desired, the volume change and the refractive index change of the patterned portion PP may be minimized.

[0163] The thickness t of the compressive stress layer CSL-P of the patterned part PP CSL-P The thickness t of the compressive stress layer CSL-P of the patterned portion PP may be greater than or equal to about 1% and less than or equal to about 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2. CSL-P It may be greater than or equal to 4.0 μm and less than or equal to about 5.5 μm. When the thickness t of the compressive stress layer CSL-P of the patterned portion PP is CSL-P Within the above range, the volume change and refractive index change of the patterned portion PP are small, thereby improving visibility and reducing the difficulty of correcting the refractive index. Specifically, when the thickness t of the compressive stress layer CSL-P of the patterned portion PP is CSL-P When the thickness t of the compressive stress layer CSL-P of the patterned portion PP is less than about 4.0 μm, it may be difficult to suppress the growth of the crack when the crack occurs. CSL-P Beyond about 5.5 μm, the strengthened patterned glass PG-1 becomes curved due to a volume change of the patterned portion PP, and difficulty in correcting the refractive index increases, which may cause visibility problems.

[0164] If desired, the thickness t of the compressive stress layer CSL-N of the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 CSL-N In an embodiment, for example, the thickness t of the compressive stress layer CSL-N of the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2 is CSL-N It may be greater than or equal to about 6.0 μm and less than or equal to about 8.0 μm, but the present disclosure may not be limited thereto.

[0165] The patterned glass P-PG (see Fig.10 ) is chemically strengthened on the entire surface of the patterned portion PP and then the strengthening properties of the patterned portion PP are weakened to manufacture the strengthened patterned glass PG-1 in the embodiment.

[0166] It can be done by applying a coating to the patterned glass P-PG (see Fig.10 ) provides enhanced molten salt ML (see Fig. 11B ) to complete the overall chemical strengthening. For example, strengthening molten salt ML (see Fig. 11B ) may include 100 mol% KNO 3 And can be provided at a temperature of 370°C, so that patterned glass P-PG (see Fig.10 ) and enhanced molten salt ML (see Fig. 11B ) between ions.

[0167] In the case of patterned glass P-PG (see Fig.10 ) after chemically strengthening the entire surface of the patterned portion PP, the weakening of the strengthening property of the patterned portion PP can be performed by wet etching only the patterned portion PP while masking the non-patterned portions NPP1 and NPP2. By wet etching the patterned portion PP only with a hydrofluoric acid-based solution, the depth of the compressive stress layer and the surface compressive stress of the patterned portion PP can be reduced. In an embodiment, for example, the depth of the compressive stress layer in the patterned portion PP can be reduced to a range greater than or equal to about 1.0 μm and less than or equal to about 2.0 μm.

[0168] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14F 4 are images showing the results of evaluating the deformation of the patterned portion of the reinforced patterned glass according to the present example and the comparative example, respectively.

[0169] Hereinafter, with reference to this example and a comparative example, the results of evaluating the properties of the reinforced patterned glass according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In addition, this example shown below is an example to help understand the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0170] By providing a molar ratio of about 3:7 including NaNO 3 and KNO 3 The strengthened molten salt of the present invention is used to chemically strengthen the strengthened patterned glass. The present examples 1 and 2 and the comparative examples 2 to 4 are chemically strengthened under different strengthening temperature conditions, thereby having different compressive stresses and thicknesses of the compressive stress layer. The comparative example 1 is a patterned glass in a state without chemical strengthening, and is used as a standard for evaluating the deformation of the patterned portion.

[0171] Table 1 shows the strengthening temperatures of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 2 to 4, and the compressive stress generated thereby and the thickness of the compressive stress layer.

[0172]

Table 1

[0173] Strengthening temperature (℃) Compressive stress (MPa) Compressive stress layer thickness (μm) This example 1 360 345 4.1 This example 2 370 350 4.9 Comparative Example 2 380 358 5.5 Comparison Example 3 390 367 6.0 Comparison Example 4 410 380 7.0

[0174] Table 2 shows the results of evaluating the patterned portions of this example 1 and this example 2 and comparative examples 1 to comparative examples 4. The deformation of the patterned portion was evaluated using a surface analyzer Optimap PSD (Phase Stepped Deflectometry, Rhopoint). The values ​​of Kc, Kd, ​​and Ke in Table 2 represent values ​​measured at a resolution of wavelengths in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm, about 3.0 mm to about 10.0 mm, and about 10.0 mm to about 30.0 mm, respectively. The closer the values ​​of Kc, Kd, ​​and Ke are to the values ​​of Kc, Kd, ​​and Ke of comparative example 1 in which there is no deformation of the patterned portion because chemical strengthening is not performed, the smaller the deformation of the patterned portion can be evaluated.

[0175]

Table 2

[0176] K Kd Ke This example 1 0.7 0.6 0.2 This example 2 1.0 0.8 0.4 Comparative Example 1 0.7 0.4 0.2 Comparative Example 2 2.6 1.8 1.0 Comparison Example 3 3.4 3.3 1.0 Comparison Example 4 8.8 6.2 1.4

[0177] Fig.14A is an image of the patterned portion of this Example 1, Fig. 14B is an image of the patterned portion of this Example 2, Fig. 14C is an image of the patterned portion of Comparative Example 1, Fig.14D is an image of the patterned portion of Comparative Example 2, Fig.14E is an image of the patterned portion of Comparative Example 3, and Fig.14F is an image of the patterned portion of Comparative Example 4.

[0178] Reference Fig. 14C , in the patterned portion of the patterned glass of Comparative Example 1 in which chemical strengthening was not performed, no deformation was recognized.

[0179] Refer to FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C As well as Table 2, the strengthened patterned glasses of Examples 1 and 2 that were chemically strengthened at a strengthening temperature based on the present disclosure and had specific compressive stress and thickness of the compressive stress layer had Kc values ​​to Ke values ​​similar to those of the patterned glass of Comparative Example 1, and thus it was recognized that the patterned portion was not deformed.

[0180] Refer to FIG. 14D to FIG. 14F As well as Table 2, the strengthened patterned glasses of Comparative Examples 2 to 4, which were chemically strengthened at a temperature higher than the strengthening temperature based on the present disclosure and had specific compressive stress and thickness of the compressive stress layer, had Kc values ​​to Ke values ​​greatly different from those of the patterned glass of Comparative Example 1, and thus it was recognized that the patterned portion was deformed.

[0181] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as described herein, a window includes a reinforced patterned glass having a small volume change and a small refractive index change of a patterned portion, so that visibility of the window can be improved.

[0182] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes a reinforced patterned glass having a small volume change and a small refractive index change of a patterned portion, so that visibility of the display device can be improved.

[0183] In an embodiment of a window manufacturing method according to the present disclosure, patterned glass may be chemically strengthened so that volume changes and refractive index changes of the patterned portion are small, so that a window with improved visibility may be manufactured.

[0184] The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0185] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A window, wherein: The window comprises: A reinforced patterned glass comprises a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion adjacent to the patterned portion, a groove pattern being defined in the patterned portion, Wherein, the reinforced patterned glass comprises: base layer; and A compressive stress layer is disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the base layer, wherein the compressive stress at the surface of the strengthened patterned glass measured by the ASTM C770-16 method is greater than or equal to 150 MPa and less than or equal to 350 MPa, The thickness of the compressive stress layer is greater than or equal to 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion and less than or equal to 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion.

2. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The strengthened patterned glass includes Na ions and K ions.

3. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The modulus of the strengthened patterned glass is greater than or equal to 400 MPa and less than or equal to 700 MPa.

4. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the non-patterned portion is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 400 μm.

5. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the compressive stress layer is greater than or equal to 4.0 μm and less than or equal to 5.5 μm.

6. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The groove pattern includes a plurality of grooves defined in top and bottom surfaces of the strengthened patterned glass.

7. The window according to claim 6, wherein: The window further comprises: A filler is filled in the concave space defined by the plurality of grooves.

8. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The window further comprises: The window protection layer is arranged on the reinforced patterned glass.

9. A window, wherein: The window comprises: A reinforced patterned glass comprises a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion adjacent to the patterned portion, a groove pattern being defined in the patterned portion, Wherein, the reinforced patterned glass comprises: base layer; and A compressive stress layer is disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the base layer, The compressive stress at the surface of the patterned portion is smaller than the compressive stress at the surface of the non-patterned portion.

10. The window according to claim 9, wherein: The compressive stress at the surface of the patterned portion measured by an ASTM C770-16 method is greater than or equal to 150 MPa and less than or equal to 350 MPa.

11. The window according to claim 9, wherein: The thickness of the compressive stress layer in the patterned portion is smaller than the thickness of the compressive stress layer in the non-patterned portion.

12. The window according to claim 9, wherein: The thickness of the compressive stress layer of the patterned portion is greater than or equal to 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion and less than or equal to 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion.

13. The window according to claim 12, wherein: The thickness of the compressive stress layer of the patterned portion is greater than or equal to 4.0 μm and less than or equal to 5.5 μm.

14. The window according to claim 9, wherein: The strengthened patterned glass includes Na ions and K ions.

15. The window according to claim 9, wherein: The modulus of the strengthened patterned glass is greater than or equal to 400 MPa and less than or equal to 700 MPa.

16. The window according to claim 9, wherein: The thickness of the non-patterned portion is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 400 μm.

17. The window according to claim 9, wherein: The groove pattern includes a plurality of grooves defined in top and bottom surfaces of the strengthened patterned glass.

18. The window according to claim 17, wherein: The window further comprises: A filler is filled in the concave space defined by the plurality of grooves.

19. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: A display module comprising a foldable area and a non-foldable area adjacent to the foldable area, wherein the foldable area is foldable around a folding axis on a plane; and A window is disposed on the display module, wherein the window comprises a reinforced patterned glass, the reinforced patterned glass comprises a patterned portion corresponding to the foldable area and comprising a groove pattern, and a non-patterned portion corresponding to the non-foldable area, the groove pattern being defined in the patterned portion, Wherein, the reinforced patterned glass comprises: base layer; and A compressive stress layer is disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the base layer, wherein the compressive stress at the surface of the patterned portion measured by the ASTM C770-16 method is greater than or equal to 150 MPa and less than or equal to 350 MPa, The thickness of the compressive stress layer of the patterned portion is greater than or equal to 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion and less than or equal to 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The compressive stress at the surface of the non-patterned portion measured by the ASTM C770-16 method is greater than or equal to 150 MPa and less than or equal to 350 MPa, The thickness of the compressive stress layer of the non-patterned portion is greater than or equal to 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion and less than or equal to 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion.

21. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The compressive stress at the surface of the patterned portion is smaller than the compressive stress at the surface of the non-patterned portion, Wherein, the thickness of the compressive stress layer in the patterned portion is smaller than the thickness of the compressive stress layer in the non-patterned portion.

22. A method for manufacturing a window, wherein: The method comprises: preparing a patterned glass comprising a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion adjacent to the patterned portion, the patterned portion comprising a groove pattern defined in the patterned portion; and forming a strengthened patterned glass by providing a strengthening molten salt to the patterned glass at a temperature equal to or higher than 340° C. and lower than 380° C., Wherein, the strengthening molten salt includes NaNO3 and KNO3 in a molar ratio of 3:

7.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The strengthened patterned glass comprises a compressive stress layer, wherein the compressive stress at the surface of the strengthened patterned glass measured by the ASTM C770-16 method is greater than or equal to 150 MPa and less than or equal to 350 MPa, The thickness of the compressive stress layer is greater than or equal to 1% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion and less than or equal to 5.5% of the thickness of the non-patterned portion.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The thickness of the compressive stress layer is greater than or equal to 4.0 μm and less than or equal to 5.5 μm.

Images