Window glass manufacturing device and window glass manufacturing method using window glass manufacturing device

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a glazing manufacturing apparatus and a glazing manufacturing method using the same. The glazing manufacturing apparatus includes: a base jig including a groove region concavely recessed with respect to a flat surface; and a nozzle portion disposed above the base jig to correspond to the groove region, and controlled to move in at least one of an upward / downward direction and a left / right direction parallel to the first direction. Therefore, the window glass has excellent surface quality.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0006147, filed on January 15, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0120480, filed on September 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure herein relates to a window glass manufacturing apparatus and a window glass manufacturing method, and more particularly, to a window glass manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a window glass including a partially thinned area and a window glass manufacturing method using the window glass manufacturing apparatus. Background Art

[0004] Various types of electronic devices are being used to provide image information, and recently, electronic devices including flexible display panels that can be folded or bent are being developed. Different from rigid electronic devices, flexible electronic devices have the characteristic of being portable and are not limited by the size of the screen on which an image is displayed because their shape can be changed in various ways such as folding, curling, or bending. In such flexible electronic devices, a window is desired to protect the display panel and not interfere with the folding operation or bending operation. Therefore, it is desired to develop a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a window having excellent surface characteristics, the window having good folding characteristics and not affecting the display quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a window glass having excellent surface properties.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a window glass manufacturing method and a window glass manufacturing apparatus having excellent processability and capable of easily controlling the shape of the thinned area of the window.

[0007] Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a window glass manufacturing apparatus including: a base jig including a plurality of flat surfaces spaced apart from each other in a first direction and a groove region recessed concavely with respect to the plurality of flat surfaces and extending in a second direction; and a nozzle part disposed above the base jig to correspond to the groove region, and the nozzle part being controlled to move in at least one of a first moving direction and a second moving direction parallel to the first direction and perpendicular to the first moving direction.

[0008] In an embodiment, an upper surface of the groove region may include an uninterrupted curved surface or an uninterrupted inclined surface.

[0009] In an embodiment, the nozzle portion may move along the shape of the upper surface of the groove region within a zone corresponding to the groove region.

[0010] In an embodiment, the inclination angle of the inclined surface may be between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.

[0011] In an embodiment, the nozzle portion may include a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion spaced apart from each other in the first direction with respect to the center of the base jig.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion may follow the shape of the upper surface of the groove region and be controlled to move in opposite directions with respect to the center.

[0013] In an embodiment, each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion may be controlled to move while maintaining a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the groove region.

[0014] In an embodiment, the nozzle portion may include a plurality of sub-nozzle portions arranged in the first direction, and the opening and closing states of the plurality of sub-nozzle portions or the discharge amount discharged from the plurality of sub-nozzle portions may be independently controlled.

[0015] In an embodiment, a vacuum suction inlet may be defined in the groove region of the base jig.

[0016] In an embodiment, the base jig may include a plurality of sub-jigs separated from each other, and the shape of the groove region may be adjusted by a combination of the plurality of sub-jigs.

[0017] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, a method of manufacturing a window glass using a window glass manufacturing apparatus, the window glass manufacturing apparatus including a base jig having a recessed groove region and a nozzle portion disposed above the base jig and controlled to move within a zone corresponding to the groove region, the method including: bending a base glass to include a bent portion embedded in the groove region; fixing the base glass to the base jig such that the bent portion is disposed along the shape of the upper surface of the groove region; and using the nozzle portion to supply an etching solution to an upper surface of the base glass disposed in the groove region.

[0018] In an embodiment, the supplying of the etching solution may include controlling the degree of etching by the etching solution according to a position on the upper surface of the base glass to form a window having a recessed region defined in the window and including a curved surface or an inclined surface without interruption on the upper surface of the base glass.

[0019] In an embodiment, providing the etchant solution may include controlling at least one of the time of exposure to the etchant solution and the amount of the etchant solution provided based on a position on the upper surface of the substrate glass.

[0020] In an embodiment, fixing the substrate glass to the substrate jig may be by sucking through a vacuum suction inlet defined in the groove region to fix one surface of the substrate glass.

[0021] In an embodiment, the nozzle portion may include a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and providing the etchant solution may include continuously providing the etchant solution onto the upper surface of the substrate glass while moving each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion from the center of the groove region toward an outer direction.

[0022] In an embodiment, each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion may be controlled to move along the shape of the upper surface of the groove region while maintaining a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the substrate glass.

[0023] In an embodiment, the nozzle portion may include a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion fixed to be spaced apart from each other in opposite directions at a predetermined distance with respect to the center of the substrate jig, and in providing the etchant solution, the etchant solution discharged from each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion may be provided to flow along the upper surface of the substrate glass in a direction toward the center at a part corresponding to the position of each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion. "In a direction toward the center" means in a direction toward the center of the substrate glass.

[0024] In an embodiment, the nozzle portion may include a plurality of sub-nozzle portions arranged in a first direction corresponding to the groove region, and providing the etchant solution may be by sequentially controlling the plurality of sub-nozzle portions to be opened starting from the center of the groove region and advancing toward an outer portion of the groove region to provide the etchant solution.

[0025] In an embodiment, the nozzle portion may include a plurality of sub-nozzle portions arranged in a first direction corresponding to the groove region, and providing the etchant solution may include controlling the plurality of sub-nozzle portions such that the amount of the etchant solution provided from the sub-nozzle portion provided in a central portion of the groove region is larger than the amount of the etchant solution provided from the sub-nozzle portion provided in an outer portion of the groove region.

[0026] In an embodiment, the window glass manufacturing apparatus may further include a guiding part disposed to be spaced apart from one side of the nozzle part above the base jig, and providing the etching solution may include controlling the movement of the guiding part and the nozzle part to follow the shape of the upper surface of the groove region while maintaining a predetermined separation distance between the guiding part and the nozzle part and the upper surface of the groove region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the inventive concept and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to the inventive concept;

[0029] Figure 1B is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an inner folding process of the electronic device in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Figure 1A ;

[0030] Figure 1C is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an outer folding process of the electronic device in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Figure 1A ;

[0031] Figure 2A is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to the inventive concept;

[0032] Figure 2B is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an inner folding process of the electronic device according to the inventive concept shown in Figure 2A ;

[0033] Figure 2C is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an outer folding process of the electronic device according to the inventive concept shown in Figure 2A ;

[0034] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device according to the inventive concept;

[0035] Figure 3B and Figure 3C each of Figure 3A is a perspective view showing a multi-folded state of the electronic device shown in

[0036] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device according to the inventive concept;

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a part of an electronic device according to the inventive concept;

[0038] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B each of is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a window glass according to the inventive concept;

[0039] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a window glass manufacturing apparatus according to the inventive concept;

[0040] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C each of shows an embodiment of a substrate jig according to the inventive concept;

[0041] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B each of is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a window glass manufacturing apparatus according to the inventive concept;

[0042] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B each of is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a window glass manufacturing apparatus according to the inventive concept;

[0043] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a window glass manufacturing apparatus according to the inventive concept;

[0044] Fig.12 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a window glass manufacturing method according to the inventive concept;

[0045] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13E each of shows an embodiment of an operation of a window glass manufacturing method according to the inventive concept;

[0046] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B each of shows an embodiment of an operation of a window glass manufacturing method according to the inventive concept;

[0047] Fig. 14C is Fig.14A an enlarged view of a part of;

[0048] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B each of shows an embodiment of an operation of a window glass manufacturing method according to the inventive concept;

[0049] Fig.16 shows an embodiment of an operation of a window glass manufacturing method according to the inventive concept;

[0050] Fig.17Ais a partial perspective view showing an embodiment of an operation of a method of manufacturing a window glass according to the inventive concept; and

[0051] Fig. 17B is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an operation of a method of manufacturing a window glass according to the inventive concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In the present invention, various modifications can be made, various forms can be used, and illustrative embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosed predetermined forms, and it will be understood that all changes, equivalents, or alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention should be included.

[0053] In this specification, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on" another element, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, the element can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present.

[0054] Like reference numerals always refer to like elements. In addition, in the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and dimensions of elements are exaggerated for effective description of the technical content. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations that the related configuration can define.

[0055] It will be understood that although terms such as first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first element may be referred to as a second element. Similarly, a second element may also be referred to as a first element. Unless otherwise stated, the singular form of a term includes the plural form.

[0056] In addition, terms (such as "under", "below", "above", and "on", etc.) are used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element (s) as shown in the drawings. The above terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0057] It will be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "has" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0058] In this specification, the expression "directly disposed" may mean that no layer, film, region, plate, etc. is added between a part and another part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. For example, the expression "directly disposed" may mean disposed between two layers or two members without an additional member such as an adhesive member therebetween.

[0059] In this specification, the expression "a region / part corresponds to another region / part" means that "the region / part overlaps with the other region / part", but this expression is not limited to having the same area and / or the same shape. Further, in this specification, the expression "a region / part overlaps with another region / part" includes the case where the regions / parts indicated as overlapping with each other at least partially overlap with each other when observed in a plan view.

[0060] Taking into account the measurements under discussion and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system), "about" or "approximate" as used herein includes the stated value and means within the acceptable deviation for a particular value as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the term "about" may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in a general dictionary, 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 unless expressly so defined herein.

[0062] Hereinafter, embodiments of an electronic device in embodiments of the inventive concept, a window glass manufacturing device in embodiments of the inventive concept, and a window glass manufacturing method in embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Figures 1A to 5 An electronic device in an embodiment of the inventive concept is shown, and Figures 1A to 5 the electronic device in an embodiment of the inventive concept shown in includes a window manufactured by a window manufacturing device in an embodiment of the inventive concept and a window glass manufacturing method in an embodiment of the inventive concept, which will be described later.

[0064] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an unfolded state of an electronic device ED according to the inventive concept. Figure 1B is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an inner folding process of the electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Figure 1A in. Figure 1C is a perspective view showing an example of an external folding process of an electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Figure 1A .

[0065] The electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may be activated according to an electrical signal. In an embodiment, for example, the electronic device ED may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation system, a game console, or a wearable device, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In this specification, Figure 1A the electronic device ED shown as a mobile phone is illustrated.

[0066] Referring to Figures 1A to 1C , the electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a first display surface FS defined by a first direction axis DR1 and a second direction axis DR2 intersecting the first direction axis DR1. The electronic device ED may provide an image IM to a user through the first display surface FS. That is, the electronic device ED may include a display device DD including a display module DM (refer to Figure 4 ). The electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may display the image IM toward a third direction axis DR3 through the first display surface FS parallel to each of the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. In this specification, the front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each component are defined with respect to the direction of displaying the image IM. The front surface and the rear surface may face away from each other on the third direction axis DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front surface and the rear surface may be parallel to the third direction axis DR3.

[0067] The electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RS. The first display surface FS may include an electronic module area EMA. The second display surface RS may be defined as a surface facing away from at least a part of the first display surface FS. That is, the second display surface RS may be defined as a part of the rear surface of the electronic device ED.

[0068] The electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input may include various types of inputs provided from the outside of the electronic device ED. In an embodiment, for example, the external input may include not only a touch by a part of the body (such as a user's hand) but also an external input (e.g., hovering) applied at a position close to the electronic device ED or at a predetermined short distance from the electronic device ED. In addition, the external input may have various forms such as force (e.g., pressure), temperature, and light.

[0069] Figure 1AThe following drawings show a first direction axis DR1 to a third direction axis DR3, and the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 described in this specification are relative concepts and can be converted into other directions. In addition, the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 can be described as a first direction to a third direction, and the same reference numerals can be used for the first direction to the third direction.

[0070] The first display surface FS of the electronic device ED may include an active area activated according to an electrical signal. The electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may display an image IM through the first display surface FS. In addition, various types of external inputs may be sensed on the first display surface FS.

[0071] The electronic device ED may include a folding area FA1 and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may be disposed adjacent (adjacent) to the folding area FA1, and the folding area FA1 may be interposed between the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2 disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the first direction axis DR1, and the folding area FA1 may be interposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. In an embodiment, for example, the first non-folding area NFA1 may be disposed on one side of the folding area FA1 along the first direction axis (also referred to as the first direction) DR1, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be disposed on the opposite side of the folding area FA1 along the first direction DR1.

[0072] Figures 1A to 1C An embodiment of the electronic device ED including one folding area FA1 is shown, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and a plurality of folding areas may be defined in the electronic device ED. In an embodiment, for example, the electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include two or more folding areas, and may also include three or more non-folding areas, and each of the plurality of folding areas may be interposed between the non-folding areas.

[0073] Reference Figure 1B In reference, the electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may be folded with respect to a first folding axis FX1. The first folding axis FX1 is a virtual axis extending on the second direction axis DR2, and the first folding axis FX1 may be parallel to the long side of the electronic device ED. The first folding axis FX1 may extend along the second direction axis DR2 on the first display surface FS.

[0074] The electronic device ED can be folded with respect to the first folding axis FX1 and converted into an internal folding (inner folding) state in which a region of the first display surface FS overlapping with the first non-folding region NFA1 and the remaining region (other regions) of the first display surface FS overlapping with the second non-folding region NFA2 face each other.

[0075] When the electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept is in the internal folding state, the second display surface RS can be visible to the user. The second display surface RS can also include an electronic module region in which an electronic module including various components is disposed, and the second display surface RS is not limited to a specific embodiment.

[0076] Reference Figure 1C , the electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept can be folded with respect to the first folding axis FX1 and converted into an external folding (outer folding) state in which a region of the second display surface RS overlapping with the first non-folding region NFA1 and the remaining region (other regions) of the second display surface RS overlapping with the second non-folding region NFA2 face each other.

[0077] However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the electronic device ED can be folded with respect to a plurality of folding axes such that a part of the first display surface FS and a part of the second display surface RS face each other, and the number of folding axes and the number of non-folding regions according to the inventive concept are not particularly limited.

[0078] Various electronic modules can be disposed in the electronic module region EMA. In an embodiment, for example, the electronic module can include at least one of a camera, a speaker, a light sensor, and a thermal sensor. The electronic module region EMA can sense an external object received through the first display surface FS or the second display surface RS, or provide a sound signal such as voice to the outside through the first display surface FS or the second display surface RS. The electronic module can include a plurality of components and is not limited to a specific embodiment. In an embodiment, the electronic device ED can include a display device DD and a housing HAU that houses a display module DM (reference Figure 4 ) and a window module WM (reference Figure 4 ).

[0079] Figure 2A is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an unfolded state of the electronic device ED-a according to the inventive concept. Figure 2B is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an inner folding process of the electronic device ED-a according to the inventive concept shown in Figure 2A ; Figure 2C is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an outer folding process of the electronic device ED-a according to the inventive concept shown in Figure 2A .

[0080] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, an electronic device ED-a may be foldable with respect to a second folding axis FX2 parallel to a second direction axis DR2. Figure 2B The case where the extending direction of the second folding axis FX2 is parallel to the extending direction of the short side of the electronic device ED-a is shown. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0081] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the electronic device ED-a may include at least one folding region FA2 and non-folding regions NFA3 and NFA4 adjacent to (adjacent to) the folding region FA2. The non-folding regions NFA3 and NFA4 may be spaced apart from each other, and the folding region FA2 may be interposed between the non-folding regions NFA3 and NFA4.

[0082] The folding region FA2 has a predetermined curvature and a predetermined radius of curvature. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first non-folding region NFA3 and the second non-folding region NFA4 may face each other, and the electronic device ED-a may be folded internally such that the first display surface FS is not exposed to the outside. In addition, referring to Figure 2C , in an embodiment of the inventive concept, the electronic device ED-a may be folded externally such that the first display surface FS is exposed to the outside.

[0083] The electronic device ED-a in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a second display surface RS, and the second display surface RS may be defined as a surface facing at least a part of the first display surface FS. The second display surface RS may include an electronic module area EMA in which an electronic module including various components is provided. In addition, an image or video may be displayed on at least a part of the second display surface RS.

[0084] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, when the electronic device ED-a is in an unfolded state, the first display surface FS may be visible to a user, and when the electronic device ED-a is in an internal folding state, the second display surface RS may be visible to the user.

[0085] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device ED-b according to the inventive concept. Figure 3B and Figure 3C each of which is a perspective view showing Figure 3A the multi-folded state of the electronic device ED-b shown in

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, the electronic device ED-b in the embodiment of the inventive concept may be a multi-foldable device including a plurality of folding regions. The electronic device ED-b may include a plurality of folding regions FAa-1 and FAa-2 and a plurality of non-folding regions NFAa-1, NFAa-2, and NFAa-3. The electronic device ED-b in the embodiment of the inventive concept may include a first folding region FAa-1, a second folding region FAa-2, a first non-folding region NFAa-1, a second non-folding region NFAa-2, and a third non-folding region NFAa-3. In a first direction DR1, the first folding region FAa-1 is disposed between the first non-folding region NFAa-1 and the second non-folding region NFAa-2, and the second folding region FAa-2 is disposed between the second non-folding region NFAa-2 and the third non-folding region NFAa-3. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Two folding regions FAa-1 and FAa-2 and three non-folding regions NFAa-1, NFAa-2, and NFAa-3 are shown, but the number of folding regions and non-folding regions is not limited thereto and may be further increased.

[0087] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the first folding region FAa-1 may be folded with respect to a third folding axis FX3 parallel to a second direction axis (also referred to as a second direction) DR2. The first folding region FAa-1 may be folded externally such that the rear surfaces of the second non-folding region NFAa-2 and the first non-folding region NFAa-1 face each other and the display surface of the first non-folding region NFAa-1 faces externally. The second folding region FAa-2 may be folded with respect to a fourth folding axis FX4 parallel to the second direction DR2. The second folding region FAa-2 may be folded internally such that the display surfaces of the second non-folding region NFAa-2 and the third non-folding region NFAa-3 face each other.

[0088] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3C , the second folding region FAa-2 may be folded with respect to a fourth folding axis FX4 parallel to the second direction DR2. The display surface of the second non-folding region NFAa-2 may be folded internally such that the display surface of the second non-folding region NFAa-2 is disposed internally and faces the display surface of the third non-folding region NFAa-3. The first folding region FAa-1 may be folded with respect to a third folding axis FX3 parallel to the second direction DR2. The first folding region FAa-1 may be folded internally such that the rear surface of the third non-folding region NFAa-3 and the display surface of the first non-folding region NFAa-1 face each other.

[0089] The multi-folded state of the electronic device is not limited to Figure 3B and Figure 3C the shape shown in, and the electronic device may have various folding shapes.

[0090] In embodiments of the inventive concept, both an outer folding operation and an inner folding operation may occur simultaneously, and only one of the outer folding operation and the inner folding operation may occur.

[0091] In embodiments of the inventive concept, the electronic devices ED, ED-a, and ED-b may be configured such that the inner folding operation and the outer folding operation are alternately repeated from the unfolding operation, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In embodiments of the inventive concept, the electronic devices ED, ED-a, and ED-b may be configured such that any one of the unfolding operation, the inner folding operation, and the outer folding operation is selected. In addition, when including a plurality of folding regions, the folding direction of at least one of the plurality of folding regions may be different from that of the remaining folding regions. In an embodiment, for example, when including two folding regions, one folding region between two non-folding regions (e.g., a first non-folding region and a second non-folding region) may be folded by an inner folding operation, and the remaining folding region (the other folding region) between two non-folding regions (e.g., the second non-folding region and a third non-folding region) may be folded by an outer folding operation.

[0092] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device ED according to the inventive concept. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a part of an electronic device ED according to the inventive concept. Figure 5 shows corresponding to Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of a part of line I-I'.

[0093] The following Figure 4 or Figure 5 etc. show a case where a first folding axis FX1 of the electronic device ED shown in Figure 1A etc. is parallel to the long side of the electronic device ED, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the content described with reference to the following drawings may also be applied to a case where a second folding axis FX2 of the electronic device ED-a shown in Figure 2A etc. is parallel to the short side of the electronic device ED-a, or may be applied to a case where the electronic device ED-b shown in Figure 3A etc. is multi-folded.

[0094] The electronic device ED in embodiments of the inventive concept may include a display module DM, a window module WM, and a housing HAU configured to accommodate the display module DM and the window module WM.

[0095] The display module DM may include a display panel DP and a lower module LM disposed under the display panel DP. The lower module LM may include a support plate MP. In addition, in an embodiment of the inventive concept, in addition to the support plate MP in the lower module LM, the display module DM may further include at least one of a protective layer PF, a support member SP, adhesive layers AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4, and a digitizer module DTM.

[0096] The display panel DP may display an image according to an electrical signal and transmit / receive information about an external input. The display panel DP may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. The display area DP-DA may be defined as an area from which an image provided by the display panel DP is output.

[0097] The non-display area DP-NDA is adjacent (adjacent to) the display area DP-DA. In an embodiment, for example, the non-display area DP-NDA may surround the display area DP-DA. However, this is shown in the embodiment, and the non-display area DP-NDA may be defined in various shapes and is not limited to a specific embodiment. In addition, the display panel DP may include a non-display bending portion NDA-BP provided on at least one side of the non-display area DP-NDA. The non-display bending portion NDA-BP may be bent toward the lower side of the display module DM and is provided to overlap at least a part of the display panel DP. A circuit layer, a connection line, a circuit board, or the like for displaying an image or transmitting / receiving information may be provided (e.g., mounted) on or attached to the non-display bending portion NDA-BP.

[0098] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the display panel DP includes a display layer EDL. The display layer EDL may be a component that basically generates an image. The image generated by the display layer EDL may be observed by a user from the outside through a first display surface FS (refer to Figure 1A ). The display layer EDL may be a light-emitting display layer. In an embodiment, for example, the display layer EDL may be an organic light-emitting display layer or an inorganic light-emitting display layer. The organic light-emitting display layer may include a light-emitting element including an organic light-emitting material in a light-emitting layer. In addition, the inorganic light-emitting display layer may include a light-emitting element including an inorganic light-emitting material in a light-emitting layer.

[0099] The display panel DP may further include a sensor layer ISL. The sensor layer ISL may be directly provided on the display layer EDL. The sensor layer ISL may include a plurality of sensing electrodes. The sensor layer ISL may sense an external input by a self-capacitance method or a mutual-capacitance method. The sensor layer ISL may sense an input by an active-type input device.

[0100] When manufacturing the display layer EDL, the sensor layer ISL can be directly formed on the display layer EDL through a continuous process. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the sensor layer ISL can be manufactured as a panel separate from the display layer EDL and then attached to the display layer EDL through an adhesive layer (not shown).

[0101] In addition, the display panel DP may further include an optical layer ROL. The optical layer ROL can be used to reduce reflection of external light. In an embodiment, for example, the optical layer ROL may include a polarization layer or a color filter layer. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the optical layer ROL may include optical components for improving the display quality of the display module DM.

[0102] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the optical layer ROL may be directly disposed on the sensor layer ISL. In addition, when the sensor layer ISL is omitted from the display panel DP, the optical layer ROL may be directly disposed on the display layer EDL. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the optical layer ROL may be disposed on the display layer EDL or the sensor layer ISL using a separate adhesive member.

[0103] The display panel DP may include a foldable display portion FP-D and non-foldable display portions NFP1-D and NFP2-D. The foldable display portion FP-D may correspond to the folding region FA1 (refer to Figure 1A ), and the non-foldable display portions NFP1-D and NFP2-D may correspond to the non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 (refer to Figure 1A ). The foldable display portion FP-D and the non-foldable display portions NFP1-D and NFP2-D of the display panel DP may be referred to as the foldable display portion and the non-foldable display portions of the display module DM, respectively.

[0104] The foldable display portion FP-D may correspond to a portion that is folded or bent with respect to the first folding axis FX1 (refer to Figure 1A ). The display panel DP may include a first non-foldable display portion NFP1-D and a second non-foldable display portion NFP2-D, and the first non-foldable display portion NFP1-D and the second non-foldable display portion NFP2-D may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, and the foldable display portion FP-D may be interposed between the first non-foldable display portion NFP1-D and the second non-foldable display portion NFP2-D. The foldable display portion FP-D may correspond to the folding region FA1 of the electronic device ED, and the first non-foldable display portion NFP1-D and the second non-foldable display portion NFP2-D may correspond to the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 of the electronic device ED, respectively.

[0105] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, a support plate MP may be disposed under a display panel DP. The support plate MP may include a folding support portion FP-MP and non-folding support portions NFP1-MP and NFP2-MP. A first non-folding support portion NFP1-MP and a second non-folding support portion NFP2-MP of the support plate MP may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, and the folding support portion FP-MP may be interposed between the first non-folding support portion NFP1-MP and the second non-folding support portion NFP2-MP. The folding support portion FP-MP may correspond to a folding area FA1 (refer to Figure 1A ), and the non-folding support portions NFP1-MP and NFP2-MP may correspond to non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 (refer to Figure 1A ). The support plate MP may include a pattern portion PTA in which a plurality of openings OH are defined. The pattern portion PTA may be included in the folding support portion FP-MP. By disposing the pattern portion PTA to correspond to the folding area FA1, folding or bending characteristics of the electronic device ED may be improved.

[0106] In a display module DM in an embodiment of the inventive concept, a protective layer PF of a lower module LM may be disposed between the display panel DP and the support plate MP. The protective layer PF may be disposed under the display panel DP to protect a rear surface of the display panel DP. The protective layer PF may overlap the entire display panel DP. The protective layer PF may include a polymer material. In an embodiment, for example, the protective layer PF may be a polyimide film or a polyethylene terephthalate film. However, this is an illustrative embodiment and the material of the protective layer PF is not limited thereto.

[0107] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the lower module LM may include a support member SP. The support member SP may include support layers SP1 and SP2. The support layers SP1 and SP2 may include a first support layer SP1 and a second support layer SP2 spaced apart from each other in a direction of a first direction axis DR1. The first support layer SP1 and the second support layer SP2 may be spaced apart from each other in a portion corresponding to a first folding axis FX1 (refer to Figure 1A ). Since the support layers SP1 and SP2 are spaced apart from each other in a portion overlapping the folding area FA1 and are provided as the first support layer SP1 and the second support layer SP2, folding or bending characteristics of the electronic device ED may be improved. Although not shown, the support layers SP1 and SP2 may include a buffer layer (not shown) and a lower support plate (not shown) stacked in a thickness direction.

[0108] The electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may further include a digitizer module DTM disposed under the support plate MP. The digitizer module DTM in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a digitizer layer or a shielding layer, etc. The digitizer module DTM may be included in the configuration of the lower module LM.

[0109] The digitizer module DTM may include a first digitizer module DTM1 and a second digitizer module DTM2 that are spaced apart from each other in a portion overlapping with the folding region FA1. The first digitizer module DTM1 may be disposed to correspond to the first non-folding region NFA1, and the second digitizer module DTM2 may be disposed to correspond to the second non-folding region NFA2.

[0110] That is, in an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first digitizer module DTM1 and the second digitizer module DTM2 may be spaced apart from each other in a region overlapping with the folding display portion FP-D. The first digitizer module DTM1 may overlap with the first non-folding display portion NFP1-D, and the second digitizer module DTM2 may overlap with the second non-folding display portion NFP2-D

[0111] In addition, the electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept may further include at least one of adhesive layers AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4. In an embodiment, the first adhesive layer AP1 may be disposed between the display panel DP and the protection layer PF, and the second adhesive layer AP2 may be disposed between the protection layer PF and the support plate MP. For example, the third adhesive layer AP3 and the fourth adhesive layer AP4 may be disposed between the support plate MP and the support member SP. At least one of the adhesive layers AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 may be an optically transparent adhesive film or an optically transparent adhesive resin layer. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and at least one of the adhesive layers AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 may have a relatively low transmittance of about 80% or less.

[0112] Figure 4 or Figure 5 etc. show that the lower module LM includes all of the protection layer PF, the support plate MP, the support member SP, the adhesive layers AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4, and the digitizer module DTM, but the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited to the shown content, and considering the desired mechanical properties, shape, and operating characteristics of the electronic device ED, the configuration of the lower module LM may include only some of the above-listed components or additional components may be added in addition to the components of the lower module presented above.

[0113] An electronic device ED in an embodiment of the inventive concept includes a window module WM disposed on a display module DM. In an embodiment, the electronic device ED may further include a window adhesive layer AP-W disposed between the display module DM and the window module WM, but is not limited thereto. The window module WM may include a folding portion FP-W and non-folding portions NFP1-W and NFP2-W. The first non-folding portion NFP1-W and the second non-folding portion NFP2-W of the window module WM may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, and the folding portion FP-W may be interposed between the first non-folding portion NFP1-W and the second non-folding portion NFP2-W. The folding portion FP-W may correspond to a folding area FA1 of the electronic device ED (refer to Figure 1A ), and the non-folding portions NFP1-W and NFP2-W may correspond to non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. In addition, the folding portion FP-W may correspond to a folding display portion FP-D, and the non-folding portions NFP1-W and NFP2-W may correspond to non-folding display portions NFP1-D and NFP2-D

[0114] The window module WM may cover the entire upper surface of the display module DM. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the window module WM may serve as a cover window of the electronic device ED. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the window module WM may correspond to the uppermost member of the electronic device ED.

[0115] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the window module WM may include a window glass WP and a resin layer RL. The resin layer RL may be disposed on the upper surface or the lower surface of the window glass WP. In the drawings of the present specification, the resin layer RL is shown as being disposed on the lower surface of the window glass WP, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the resin layer RL may be disposed on the upper surface of the window glass WP, or the resin layer RL may be disposed to cover the upper surface and the side surface of the window glass WP. In the present specification, the window glass WP may also be referred to as a window WP, and a window glass manufacturing apparatus may also be referred to as a window manufacturing apparatus.

[0116] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the resin layer RL may include an organic resin or be composed of an organic resin. In addition, differently, the resin layer RL may include a composite resin including an organic material and an inorganic material or be composed of a composite resin including an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0117] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the window WP may be a tempered glass substrate. The window WP may be an ultra-thin tempered glass substrate. The window WP may be flexible enough to easily change its state by folding or bending.

[0118] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the window WP may include a thinning region having an average thickness smaller than the average thickness of the rest (the other part), and the thinning region may be provided to correspond to the folding region FA1 of the electronic device ED. Figure 5 An electronic device ED including one folding region FA1 is illustrated, but when a plurality of folding regions are included therein, the window WP may include a plurality of thinning regions respectively corresponding to the plurality of folding regions. Since the thinning regions are included in the window WP, the electronic device ED may exhibit excellent folding or bending operation characteristics.

[0119] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Each of and is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a window glass WP or WP-a according to the inventive concept. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The difference between the windows WP and WP-a shown in and lies in the shape of the recessed regions CCP and CCP-a defined in the thinning region SLA.

[0120] The window WP or WP-a in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a folding part FP or FP-a and a first non-folding part NFP1 and a second non-folding part NFP2 spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, and the folding part FP or FP-a is interposed between the first non-folding part NFP1 and the second non-folding part NFP2.

[0121] The recessed region CCP or CCP-a may be defined by being recessed concavely from at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the window WP or WP-a. The recessed region CCP or CCP-a may be defined in the folding part FP or FP-a. In Fig. 6A and Figure 6B and Figure 5 In, the recessed region CCP or CCP-a of the window WP or WP-a is shown to be provided in a direction away from the upper surface of the display panel DP, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and in an embodiment of the inventive concept, the window WP or WP-a may be provided such that the recessed region CCP or CCP-a is recessed concavely in a direction close to the upper surface of the display panel DP.

[0122] The thinning region SLA in which the recessed region CCP or CCP-a is formed corresponds to a relatively thinner part than the first non-folding part NFP1 and the second non-folding part NFP2 of the window WP or WP-a. The recessed region CCP or CCP-a may be formed in a shape extending in a second direction DR2. The extending direction of the recessed region CCP or CCP-a may correspond to the extending direction of the first folding axis FX1 (refer to Figure 4 )).

[0123] The edge portion EDP of the recessed region CCP or CCP-a serving as the boundary of the thinning region SLA may be a portion corresponding to the boundary region to which the etchant solution is supplied in the window manufacturing method in an embodiment of the inventive concept to be described later. In the window WP or WP-a in an embodiment of the inventive concept, the width and position of the thinning region SLA may be changed according to the desired folding or bending characteristics of the electronic device. The width and position of the thinning region SLA may be controlled according to the position of the nozzle portion configured to supply the etchant solution, the supply form of the etchant solution, etc. in the window manufacturing apparatus and the window manufacturing method in an embodiment of the inventive concept to be described later.

[0124] Reference Fig. 6A , the recessed region CCP of the window WP in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a curved surface having a predetermined radius of curvature. The recessed region CCP may have a shape that is recessed concave with respect to the flat surface of the upper surface of the first non-folded portion NFP1 and the second non-folded portion NFP2. The recessed region CCP may be defined as a continuous curved surface shape extending in the second direction DR2 between the first non-folded portion NFP1 and the second non-folded portion NFP2 spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The upper surface of the exposed recessed region CCP in the window WP manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus in an embodiment of the inventive concept and the window manufacturing method in an embodiment of the inventive concept to be described later may include a smooth curved surface without discontinuity.

[0125] Reference Figure 6B , the recessed region CCP-a of the window WP-a in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include inclined surfaces SS1 and SS2. The recessed region CCP-a may have a shape that is recessed concave with respect to the flat surface of the upper surface of the first non-folded portion NFP1 and the second non-folded portion NFP2. The recessed region CCP-a may include a recessed region flat surface SFP and a first inclined surface SS1 and a second inclined surface SS2 spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, and the recessed region flat surface SFP is interposed between the first inclined surface SS1 and the second inclined surface SS2. The recessed region flat surface SFP and the inclined surfaces SS1 and SS2 may be defined as a continuous flat and inclined surface shape extending in the second direction DR2. The first inclined surface SS1, the recessed region flat surface SFP, and the second inclined surface SS2 may be continuous surfaces without discontinuity. The first inclined surface SS1, the recessed region flat surface SFP, and the second inclined surface SS2 may be adjacent (adjacent) to each other and connected to each other. The boundary portion between the first inclined surface SS1 and the recessed region flat surface SFP and the boundary portion between the recessed region flat surface SFP and the second inclined surface SS2 may be smoothly connected to each other without discontinuity or step difference, so that the upper surface of the recessed region CCP-a may have a continuous surface.

[0126] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The shapes of the recessed regions CCP and CCP-a of the windows WP and WP-a shown in Figure 6B are exemplary, and the shapes of the recessed regions CCP and CCP-a can be changed according to the desired folding or bending characteristics of an electronic device or the like. In an embodiment, for example, according to the desired folding or bending characteristics of the electronic device, the radius of curvature in the recessed region CCP having a curved shape can be changed, and the inclination angles or lengths of the inclined surfaces SS1 and SS2 in the recessed region CCP-a and the width of the flat surface SFP of the recessed region between the inclined surfaces SS1 and SS2 can be changed.

[0127] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a window glass manufacturing apparatus according to the inventive concept. The window glass manufacturing apparatus may also be referred to as a window manufacturing apparatus. The window manufacturing apparatus PM in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a base jig JG and etching solution supply units ESP1 and ESP2 disposed above the base jig JG. The etching solution supply unit ESP1 or ESP2 may include a nozzle portion NZP1 or NZP2 having a discharge outlet EH exposed in a direction toward the base jig JG. In Figure 7 the window manufacturing apparatus PM in an embodiment of the inventive concept is shown as including two separate nozzle portions NZP1 and NZP2, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the window manufacturing apparatus PM in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include only one nozzle portion that does not move its position or three or more nozzle portions that are separated from each other and can be controlled to move their positions.

[0128] In Figure 7 the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in Figure 7 and the subsequent drawings, the direction corresponding to the Z-axis is defined as the upward direction. In addition, the X-axis and the Y-axis are orthogonal to each other, and the Z-axis may be the normal direction of the plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0129] The X-axis may correspond to the first direction DR1 shown in the above drawings, the Y-axis may correspond to the second direction DR2 shown in the above drawings, and the Z-axis may correspond to the third direction DR3 shown in the above drawings.

[0130] In a window manufacturing apparatus PM according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a base jig JG may include a recessed area HP on which a workpiece is placed. The recessed area HP of the base jig JG may be formed to extend in one direction. The base jig JG may be a fixing jig for fixing a workpiece during a manufacturing operation. A plurality of vacuum suction inlets VH may be defined in an upper surface of the base jig JG. By using a vacuum state provided by the vacuum suction inlets VH, a workpiece such as a base glass may be fixed to the recessed area HP. In the recessed area HP of the base jig JG, a portion of the base glass provided as a workpiece and desired to be processed into a thinning area may be disposed.

[0131] The base jig JG may be divided into a central portion JCP including the recessed area HP and first and second support portions JFP-1 and JFP-2 spaced apart from each other in a direction corresponding to the X-axis as one direction, and the central portion JCP is interposed between the first support portion JFP-1 and the second support portion JFP-2. An upper surface US-JG of the base jig JG may include a flat surface and a curved surface or an inclined surface.

[0132] An upper surface of the central portion JCP may include a curved surface or an inclined surface, and upper surfaces of the first support portion JFP-1 and the second support portion JFP-2 may be flat surfaces. The recessed area HP of the base jig JG may include a curved surface having a curvature or an inclined surface formed to have an inclination angle with respect to a flat surface of an upper surface of the first support portion JFP-1 or the second support portion JFP-2. The workpiece may be provided to the recessed area HP of the base jig JG in a deformed shape to have a curvature or a predetermined angle and may be fixed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the recessed area HP of the base jig JG.

[0133] An etching solution supply unit ESP1 or ESP2 may include a nozzle portion NZP1 or NZP2 for spraying an etching solution toward the base jig JG and a motion control portion MNP1 or MNP2 for moving the nozzle portion NZP1 or NZP2. In addition, the etching solution supply unit ESP1 or ESP2 may include a sub-etching solution supply line SSP, and the sub-etching solution supply line SSP is connected to a supply line SPV configured to supply an etching solution from the outside and distribute and supply the etching solution to the nozzle portion NZP1 or NZP2.

[0134] The motion control portion MNP1 or MNP2 may control the etching solution supply unit ESP1 or ESP2 such that the etching solution supply unit ESP1 or ESP2 may move in an up / down direction (also referred to as a first moving direction) and a left / right direction (also referred to as a second moving direction). Refer to Figure 7etc., the up / down direction may correspond to a direction parallel to the Z-axis, and the left / right direction may correspond to a direction parallel to the X-axis. The motion control section MNP1 or MNP2 may control the nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2 such that the nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2 may move along the shape of the groove region HP of the base jig JG or along the shape of the upper surface of the workpiece provided in the groove region HP.

[0135] The etching solution supply unit ESP1 or ESP2 may further include a height adjustment member HCP. The vertical position of the nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2 may be adjusted by the height adjustment member HCP.

[0136] The position of the etching solution supply unit ESP1 or ESP2 above the base jig JG may be adjusted by the motion control section MNP1 or MNP2, and the distance between the discharge outlet EH of the nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2 and the upper surface of the groove region HP of the base jig JG may be adjusted by the height adjustment member HCP.

[0137] The nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2 may include a discharge outlet EH formed to extend in a direction corresponding to the Y-axis. Although not shown, the discharge outlet EH may be defined as a single line along the extending direction of the nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2, or may have a shape in which a plurality of sub-discharge outlets are arranged along the extending direction of the nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2.

[0138] In order to uniformly supply the etching solution to the workpiece and prevent the etching solution from splashing onto an undesired etching area of the workpiece, the method of supplying the etching solution by using the nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2, or the amount or pressure of the ejected etching solution, etc. may be controlled. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2 may supply the etching solution by a spraying method or a flowing method, etc.

[0139] In the window manufacturing apparatus PM in an embodiment of the inventive concept, the nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2 may be controlled to move within the area corresponding to the groove region HP. Even when the nozzle section NZP1 or NZP2 operates along the shape of the groove region HP, the etching solution supply unit ESP1 or ESP2 may be provided within the area corresponding to the groove region HP of the base jig JG. Therefore, even during the operation of etching the base glass as the workpiece by using the etching solution supply unit ESP1 or ESP2, other parts of the workpiece that are not provided in the groove region HP may be kept in a state where they are not affected by the etching solution supply unit ESP1 or ESP2.

[0140] Fig. 8A and Figure 8BEach of them shows an embodiment of the substrate jig JG according to the inventive concept. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Each of them may be a cross-sectional view of the substrate jig JG in an embodiment of the inventive concept in a portion corresponding to Figure 7 the line II-II'.

[0141] Fig. 8A In the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in, the recessed area HP of the substrate jig JG has a continuous curved surface shape. The workpiece can be fixed in a deformed shape along the shape of the upper surface US-HP of the recessed area HP of the substrate jig JG. That is, the workpiece can be processed by etching an exposed surface in a fixed state with a curved shape. In the window WP (refer to Fig. 8A ) in the embodiment of the inventive concept manufactured by fixing to the substrate jig JG in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in, as Fig. 6A shown in, the recessed area CCP of the thinning area SLA may have a continuous curved surface. Fig. 6A

[0142] Figure 8B The recessed area HP of the substrate jig JG-a in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in may include an inclined surface SS-H. The recessed area HP may include a recessed area flat surface FP-H parallel to the upper surface US-JG of the substrate jig JG-a, and an inclined surface SS-H having a predetermined inclination angle θ with respect to the recessed area flat surface FP-H. The inclined surfaces SS-H provided on opposite sides with the recessed area flat surface FP-H interposed therebetween may have shapes symmetric to each other with respect to the recessed area flat surface FP-H. The inclination angle θ of the inclined surface SS-H may be about 10 degrees or more. The inclination angle θ of the inclined surface SS-H may be between about 10 degrees and about 45 degrees. The inclination angles of the inclined surfaces SS1 and SS2 (refer to Figure 6B ) in the manufactured window WP-a (refer to ) can be determined according to the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface SS-H. Figure 6B

[0143] In the embodiment of the inventive concept, when the workpiece is placed on the substrate jig JG-a, the workpiece can be fixed in a deformed shape along the shape of the upper surface defined by the inclined surface SS-H and the recessed area flat surface FP-H of the recessed area HP. That is, the workpiece can be processed by etching an exposed surface in a fixed state having a shape including the inclined surface SS-H. In the window WP-a (refer to Figure 8B ) in the embodiment of the inventive concept manufactured by fixing to the substrate jig JG-a in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in, as Figure 6B shown in, Figure 6BAs shown, the recessed region CCP-a of the thinning region SLA may have a continuous surface in which an inclined surface (first inclined surface SS1), a flat surface (recessed region flat surface SFP), and an inclined surface (second inclined surface SS2) are connected to each other. When manufacturing the window WP-a by fixing it to the base jig JG-a in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Figure 8B the inclined surfaces SS1 and SS2 of the window WP-a can be formed to have an inclination angle of 0.1 degree or more with respect to the recessed region flat surface SFP.

[0144] Referring to Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , the vacuum suction inlet VH may be defined in one surface of the groove region HP on which the workpiece is placed. The vacuum suction inlet VH may be connected to a vacuum pipeline VL provided inside the base jig JG and defined in the upper surface of the groove region HP. Although not shown, the vacuum pipeline VL may be connected to a vacuum pump or the like, and adsorb and fasten the workpiece placed on the base jig JG.

[0145] In Fig. 8A and Figure 8B each of the contents shown may be a fixed jig in which the shape of the groove region HP is fixed. When manufacturing a window using the base jig JG or JG-a in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Fig. 8A or Figure 8B , the window manufacturing apparatus PM in the embodiment of the inventive concept (refer to Figure 7 ) may ultimately be used by replacing a conventional base jig with a base jig having a groove region reflecting the shape of the desired recessed region of the window.

[0146] Figure 8C shows an embodiment of the base jig JG-1 according to the inventive concept. Figure 8C may be a cross-sectional view showing a separated shape of the base jig JG-1 in a portion corresponding to the line II-II' of Figure 7 .

[0147] Figure 8C shows a separated cross-sectional view of the base jig JG-1 in a state where it is divided into a plurality of sub-jig parts SJP1, SJP2, and SJP3. The base jig JG-1 in the embodiment of the inventive concept may be provided by assembling a plurality of sub-jig parts SJP1, SJP2, and SJP3.

[0148] The base jig JG-1 may include a first sub-jig part SJP1 and a second sub-jig part SJP2 each including an inclined surface SS-H, and a third sub-jig part SJP3 disposed between the first sub-jig part SJP1 and the second sub-jig part SJP2 and including a flat surface FP-H of a groove region. According to the shape of a thinning region desired for the window, the sub-jig parts SJP1, SJP2, and SJP3 constituting the base jig JG-1 may be selected and assembled. That is, the base jig JG-1 in an embodiment of the inventive concept may be a variable base jig that may be assembled and provided to reflect the shape of the thinning region of the window being manufactured.

[0149] Considering the width of a flat surface SFP of a recessed region desired for a window (e.g., Figure 6B the window WP-a in Figure 6B ), the width FPU of the flat surface FP-H of the groove region of the base jig JG-1 may be selected. That is, considering the width of the flat surface SFP of the recessed region (reference Figure 6B ), the third sub-jig part SJP3 of the base jig JG-1 in an embodiment of the inventive concept may be selected and assembled.

[0150] In addition, considering the width in one direction of a first inclined surface SS1 desired for the window (reference Figure 6B ) and the inclination angle of the first inclined surface SS1 (reference Figure 6B ), the first sub-jig part SJP1 and the second sub-jig part SJP2 having a predetermined width SLP-W of the inclined surface SS-H and an inclination angle θ of the inclined surface SS-H may be selected and assembled.

[0151] Figure 8C Three sub-jig parts SJP1, SJP2, and SJP3 assembled together to constitute the base jig JG-1 are shown, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the variable base jig may include two separated sub-jig parts, or may include five or more sub-jig parts by separating a part including a flat surface and a part including an inclined surface from support parts JFP1 and JFP2 (reference Figure 8B ).

[0152] In addition, even when the groove region has a curved surface, considering the shape of the desired curved surface, a part of the base jig may be separated from the remaining part (other parts) and replaced with a sub-jig part having a different curved surface shape, which may then be assembled with the remaining part (other parts).

[0153] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9BEach of them is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the window glass manufacturing apparatus PM or PM-a according to the inventive concept. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Each of them may be a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II-II' of a part of the window manufacturing apparatus PM or PM-a Figure 7 shown.

[0154] Fig. 9A shows the window manufacturing apparatus PM including the Fig. 8A substrate jig JG shown in, and Fig. 9B shows the window manufacturing apparatus PM-a including the Figure 8B substrate jig JG-a shown in.

[0155] Referring to Figures 7 to 9B , the window manufacturing apparatus PM or PM-a in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a first nozzle part NZP1 and a second nozzle part NZP2 spaced apart from each other with respect to the center of the substrate jig JG or JG-a.

[0156] The first nozzle part NZP1 and the second nozzle part NZP2 may be controlled to move in opposite directions with respect to the virtual center line CTL. In an embodiment of an operation of the window manufacturing apparatus PM or PM-a in an embodiment of the inventive concept, each of the first nozzle part NZP1 and the second nozzle part NZP2 may be controlled to move from an initial state NZP1-I or NZP2-I to an end state NZP1-F or NZP2-F. The first nozzle part NZP1 and the second nozzle part NZP2 may be controlled to move in the moving direction MVD above one surface of the groove region HP of the substrate jig JG.

[0157] When the first nozzle part NZP1 and the second nozzle part NZP2 are controlled to operate along the moving direction MVD, by positioning the first nozzle part NZP1 and the second nozzle part NZP2 within the groove region HP, even in the operation of etching the substrate glass as a workpiece using the first nozzle part NZP1 and the second nozzle part NZP2, other parts of the workpiece not provided in the groove region HP may be kept in a state where they are not affected by the etching solution ETS.

[0158] By starting to supply the etchant solution ETS in the initial state NZP1-I or NZP2-I and advancing towards the end state NZP1-F or NZP2-F, each of the first nozzle portion NZP1 and the second nozzle portion NZP2 can continuously supply the etchant solution ETS onto the workpiece. While advancing from the initial state NZP1-I or NZP2-I to the end state NZP1-F or NZP2-F, the etchant solution ETS supplied by each of the first nozzle portion NZP1 and the second nozzle portion NZP2 flows along the curved surface or inclined surface within the groove region HP. Thus, the area of the workpiece that is positioned below the starting point position in the initial state NZP1-I or NZP2-I is supplied with a relatively large amount of the etchant solution ETS and is exposed to the etchant solution ETS for a longer time than the area of the workpiece that is positioned below the ending point position in the end state NZP1-F or NZP2-F. Consequently, the area of the workpiece that is positioned below the starting point position in the initial state NZP1-I or NZP2-I receives a large amount of the etchant solution ETS compared to the area of the workpiece that is positioned below the ending point position in the end state NZP1-F or NZP2-F, and the surface of the window in the processed state has a recessed area defined therein and having a smooth curve or slope.

[0159] The point (ending point) of the end state NZP1-F or NZP2-F can be the portion corresponding to the edge portion EDP of the thinning area SLA of the window WP or WP-a in the embodiments of the inventive concept shown in Fig. 6A and Figure 6B . That is, considering the width of the desired thinning area SLA of the window WP or WP-a, the point of the end state NZP1-F or NZP2-F where the nozzle portion NZP1 or NZP2 is finally set can be adjusted.

[0160] Furthermore, in the window manufacturing apparatus PM or PM-a in the embodiments of the inventive concept, the shape of the recessed area CCP or CCP-a (refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B ) can be controlled by adjusting the moving speed of the nozzle portion NZP1 or NZP2 and the amount of the etchant solution ETS supplied from the nozzle portion NZP1 or NZP2.

[0161] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Each of is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the window glass manufacturing apparatus PM-1 or PM-1a according to the inventive concept. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Each of can be a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II-II' of Figure 7 of a part of the window manufacturing apparatus.

[0162] Fig. 10A Shows including Fig. 8A the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 of the base jig JG shown in Fig. 10B is shown including Figure 8B the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1a of the base jig JG-a shown in

[0163] The nozzle part NZP-a in the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 or PM-1a included in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ. The plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ may be arranged in a direction corresponding to the X-axis as a first direction DR1 (reference Fig. 6A ). Each of the plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ may include a discharge outlet (e.g., Figure 7 the discharge outlet EH) exposed in the direction toward the base jig JG or JG-a. The plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ may be arranged in a state where only the discharge outlets are separated from each other within one nozzle part NZP-a, or may be arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 in a state where the plurality of separate sub-nozzle parts SNZ are separated from each other.

[0164] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the opening and closing state (or switching state) of the sub-nozzle part SNZ or the discharge amount of the etching solution ETS discharged from the sub-nozzle part SNZ may be independently controlled. The amount of the etching solution ETS discharged from each of the plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ and provided to a portion at a corresponding position in the direction corresponding to the Z-axis of the workpiece may be adjusted according to the shape of the desired recessed area of the window. According to the shape of the finally desired recessed area CCP or CCP-a of the window (reference Fig. 6A and Figure 6B ), the time for starting the supply of the etching solution ETS in a state where the sub-nozzle part SNZ is open, the interval of the time for changing each of the plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ to the open state, the time for continuously supplying the etching solution ETS from each of the plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ, or the injection pressure for supplying the etching solution ETS from each of the plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ, etc. may be adjusted.

[0165] The width of the nozzle part NZP-a in one direction (corresponding to the X-axis) may be less than or equal to the width of the central part JCP of the base jig JG or JG-a in one direction. By positioning the nozzle part NZP-a in the groove area HP, even in the operation of etching the base glass as the workpiece using the nozzle part NZP-a, other parts of the workpiece not provided in the groove area HP may be kept in a state where they are not affected by the etching solution ETS.

[0166] The position where the etching solution ETS is supplied from the sub-nozzle part SNZ located at the outermost side with respect to the virtual center line CTL among the plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ can correspond to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B the edge part EDP of the thinning area SLA of the window WP or WP-a in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in

[0167] That is, considering the width of the thinning area SLA desired for the window WP or WP-a, the open or closed state of the sub-nozzle part SNZ of the nozzle part NZP-a can be adjusted. In addition, considering the width of the thinning area SLA desired for the window WP or WP-a, the entire width of the nozzle part NZP-a can be adjusted.

[0168] By sequentially changing the closed state of the plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ to the open state, the etching solution ETS can be sequentially supplied, or by controlling the amount of the etching solution ETS supplied from each of the plurality of sub-nozzle parts SNZ or by individually controlling the time for maintaining the open state of the sub-nozzle part SNZ, the time for supplying the etching solution ETS and the amount of the supplied etching solution ETS can vary according to the position of the workpiece. The etching solution ETS supplied from the outermost sub-nozzle part SNZ flows along the curved surface or inclined surface in the groove area HP. Therefore, compared with the outer area of the workpiece, the area of the workpiece arranged adjacent to (next to) the virtual center line CTL is supplied with a larger amount of the etching solution ETS and is exposed to the etching solution ETS for a longer time. Therefore, the amount of etching in the area of the workpiece arranged adjacent to (next to) the virtual center line CTL becomes larger than the amount of etching in the area of the workpiece arranged in the outer area of the groove area HP, and a recessed area having a smooth curve or slope is defined in the machined surface of the window.

[0169] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the window glass manufacturing apparatus PM-2 according to the inventive concept. Fig.11 can be a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 7 the line II-II' of a part of the window manufacturing apparatus PM-2.

[0170] The window manufacturing apparatus PM-2 in the embodiment of the inventive concept may further include guide parts GP1 and GP2 provided on at least one side of each of the nozzle parts NZP1 and NZP2.

[0171] Refer to Fig.11, in an embodiment of the inventive concept, a first guiding part GP1 may be disposed at one side of a first nozzle part NZP1, and a second guiding part GP2 may be disposed at one side of a second nozzle part NZP2. The guiding parts GP1 and GP2 may be disposed at one side of the nozzle parts NZP1 and NZP2, respectively, at a predetermined interval GAP1 and GAP2 from the nozzle parts NZP1 and NZP2. The nozzle parts NZP1 and NZP2 may be controlled to move in a moving direction MVD along the shape of the upper surface of the groove region HP, and the adjacent guiding parts GP1 and GP2 may also move in a guiding moving direction GP-MV according to the moving direction MVD of the nozzle parts NZP1 and NZP2.

[0172] The guiding parts GP1 and GP2 may prevent the etching solution ETS supplied from the nozzle parts NZP1 and NZP2 from being sprayed onto an unintended area. Further, the guiding parts GP1 and GP2 may have a function of regulating the flow of the etching solution ETS supplied from the nozzle parts NZP1 and NZP2 such that the etching solution ETS is uniformly supplied onto the workpiece.

[0173] One end of each of the guiding parts GP1 and GP2 may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the groove region HP, and the one end adjacent to the upper surface of the groove region HP may have a brush, fan, or blade shape. The one end of each of the guiding parts GP1 and GP2 adjacent to the upper surface of the groove region HP may have a bending angle to form a tangential angle with one surface of the workpiece.

[0174] In the case of the window manufacturing apparatus in the embodiment of the inventive concept described with reference Figures 7 to 11 when processing a substrate glass using an etching solution, a separate pretreatment masking process for distinguishing a part to which the etching solution of the substrate glass is supplied from the remaining part (other parts), and a separate post-processing process such as surface polishing after etching may be omitted. Further, when using the window manufacturing apparatus in the embodiment of the inventive concept, a step difference or discontinuity that may occur at the boundary between a part to which the etching solution is supplied and a part to which the etching solution is not supplied does not occur, and thus, a window manufactured using the window manufacturing apparatus in the embodiment of the inventive concept may exhibit excellent surface quality characteristics without discontinuity.

[0175] When manufacturing a window glass using the window glass manufacturing apparatus in an embodiment of the inventive concept, the flexibility of the ultra-thin tempered glass used as a substrate glass can be utilized to perform etching after transforming the substrate glass into a bent or curved state corresponding to the shape of a fixing jig. Accordingly, the total thickness of the window glass can be increased, and in the folding part, the thickness of the window can be easily reduced to the thickness of a desired shape. Thus, the window glass manufactured using the window glass manufacturing apparatus in an embodiment of the inventive concept can exhibit excellent surface quality characteristics and relatively high durability.

[0176] Fig.12 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a window glass manufacturing method according to the inventive concept. FIG. 13A to FIG. 17B Each of shows an operation of a window glass manufacturing method according to the inventive concept. Hereinafter, in the description of the window glass manufacturing method in the embodiment of the inventive concept described with reference to Figures 12 to 17B the repetitive content will not be described again, and the differences will be mainly described. In addition, the window glass manufacturing method in the embodiment of the inventive concept may also be referred to as a window manufacturing method according to the inventive concept.

[0177] The window manufacturing method 100 in an embodiment of the inventive concept may include bending a substrate glass (operation 10), fixing the substrate glass to a substrate jig (operation 30), and providing an etching solution onto the upper surface of the substrate glass (operation 50).

[0178] The window manufacturing method 100 in an embodiment of the inventive concept may be a method of manufacturing a window using the Figures 7 to 11 window manufacturing apparatus in an embodiment of the inventive concept shown. The window manufacturing method 100 in an embodiment of the inventive concept may manufacture a window using a window manufacturing apparatus including a substrate jig JG having a groove region recessed therein and nozzle parts NZP1, NZP2, and NZP-a disposed above the substrate jig in a region corresponding to the groove region and controlled to move.

[0179] In the window manufacturing method 100 in an embodiment of the inventive concept, bending the substrate glass (operation 10) may be bending the substrate glass to include a bent part embedded in the groove region of the window manufacturing apparatus. In addition, fixing the substrate glass to the substrate jig (operation 30) may be fixing the bent substrate glass to the substrate jig such that the bent part is disposed along the shape of the upper surface of the groove region.

[0180] Supplying the etchant solution onto the upper surface of the substrate glass (operation 50) may include supplying the etchant solution onto the upper surface of the substrate glass disposed within the groove region using a nozzle portion. Supplying the etchant solution onto the upper surface of the substrate glass (operation 50) may include controlling the degree of etching by the etchant solution based on the position on the upper surface of the substrate glass to form a window having a recessed region defined in the upper surface of the substrate glass. In addition, supplying the etchant solution onto the upper surface of the substrate glass (operation 50) may include controlling at least one of the exposure time to the etchant solution and the amount of the supplied etchant solution based on the position on the upper surface of the substrate glass. "The position on the upper surface of the substrate glass" refers to the position to be processed on the upper surface of the substrate glass.

[0181] Fig.13A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a substrate glass BS processed by a window manufacturing method according to the inventive concept. The substrate glass BS is a tempered glass substrate and may have flexibility that allows the substrate glass BS to be easily bent.

[0182] The substrate glass BS may include an upper surface BS-US and a lower surface BS-DS facing each other, and each of the upper surface BS-US and the lower surface BS-DS may be a flat surface. The substrate glass BS may include at least one pre-thinning region P-SLA. The pre-thinning region P-SLA may be processed into a thinning region SLA of the window WP or WP-a (refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B ).

[0183] Fig. 13B Illustrates bending the substrate glass (operation 10).

[0184] The substrate glass BS may be bent to include a bent portion BP before being provided to the substrate jig JG (refer to Fig. 13C ), such that the substrate glass BS can be easily inserted into the groove region HP of the substrate jig JG (refer to Fig. 13C ). Bending the substrate glass (operation 10) may include applying an external force BFC to the substrate glass BS such that the substrate glass BS is deformed into a shape including the bent portion BP. The substrate glass BS may be bent such that the bent portion BP includes the pre-thinning region P-SLA.

[0185] Fig. 13C Illustrates an embodiment of fixing the substrate glass to the substrate jig (operation 30) in a window manufacturing method according to the inventive concept. In fixing the substrate glass to the substrate jig (operation 30), the bent portion BP of the substrate glass BS (refer to Fig. 13B ) may be disposed within the groove region HP of the substrate jig JG. The bent portion BP of the substrate glass BS may be disposed in a deformed shape along the shape of the upper surface of the groove region HP and fixed to the substrate jig JG.

[0186] The base glass BS can be fixed along the shape of the groove region HP using the vacuum state provided through the vacuum suction inlet VH connected to the vacuum line VL and defined in the upper surface of the groove region HP. Fixing the base glass to the base jig (operation 30) can be to fix the base glass BS by adsorbing one surface of the base glass BS via the vacuum suction inlet VH defined in the groove region HP.

[0187] That is, different from a typical process in which the base glass BS is set on the jig in an unfolded state when the base glass BS is provided for an etching process, the window manufacturing method in an embodiment of the present inventive concept can include bending the base glass BS to include a pre-thinning region P-SLA (refer to Fig. 13B ), and fixing the base glass BS to the base jig JG having the groove region HP defined therein to maintain the bent shape. Therefore, compared with a typical process in which a separate masking process should be performed as a pretreatment process to distinguish a portion to be etched from the remaining portions (other portions), the window glass manufacturing method in an embodiment of the present inventive concept can omit the pretreatment process by fixing the bent base glass BS to the groove region HP of the base jig JG, the groove region HP being recessedly defined to reflect the shape of the thinning region desired for the finally manufactured window glass.

[0188] Fig.13D and Fig.13E An embodiment showing the provision of the etching solution ETS in the window manufacturing method according to the present inventive concept is shown. Fig.13D and 13E Manufacturing a window using a window manufacturing apparatus including a first nozzle portion NZP1 and a second nozzle portion NZP2 can be shown. Fig.13D and Fig.13E One operation of the window manufacturing method in the embodiment of the present inventive concept shown in Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B can correspond to providing the etching solution ETS using the window manufacturing apparatuses PM and PM-a in the embodiment of the present inventive concept described with reference to

[0189] In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, providing the etching solution onto the upper surface of the base glass (operation 50) can include continuously providing the etching solution ETS onto the upper surface of the base glass BS while moving each of the first nozzle portion NZP1 and the second nozzle portion NZP2 from the center of the groove region HP toward the outer direction.

[0190] Each of the first nozzle portion NZP1 and the second nozzle portion NZP2 can move along a moving direction MVD that follows the shape of the upper surface of the substrate glass BS disposed on the groove region HP within the area corresponding to the groove region HP. Each of the first nozzle portion NZP1 and the second nozzle portion NZP2 can move while maintaining a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the substrate glass BS. The discharge outlet EH through which the etching solution ETS is discharged from the first nozzle portion NZP1 and the second nozzle portion NZP2 and the upper surface of the substrate glass BS can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in a direction corresponding to the Z-axis. In an embodiment, for example, the separation distance GSP between the nozzle portions NZP1 and NZP2 and the upper surface of the substrate glass BS at a position corresponding to the starting point STP and the separation distance GEP between the nozzle portions NZP1 and NZP2 and the upper surface of the substrate glass BS at a position corresponding to the end point (edge portion EDP) can be substantially the same as each other. The nozzle portions NZP1 and NZP2 can be moved such that the separation distance in the direction corresponding to the Z-axis between the discharge outlet EH through which the etching solution ETS is discharged from the first nozzle portion NZP1 and the second nozzle portion NZP2 and the upper surface of the substrate glass BS is consistently maintained.

[0191] Each of the first nozzle portion NZP1 and the second nozzle portion NZP2 can continuously supply the etching solution ETS onto the substrate glass BS by starting to supply the etching solution ETS at a position corresponding to the starting point STP which is a point corresponding to the initial state NZP1-I or NZP2-I, and advance toward a point corresponding to the edge portion EDP of the thinning region which is a point corresponding to the end state NZP1-F or NZP2-F.

[0192] While moving from the initial state NZP1-I or NZP2-I to the end state NZP1-F or NZP2-F, the etching solution ETS supplied by each of the first nozzle portion NZP1 and the second nozzle portion NZP2 flows along the curved surface or the inclined surface within the groove region HP. The flow direction EMV of the etching solution ETS can be a direction from the edge portion EDP to the starting point STP. Accordingly, the amount of etching in the portion of the substrate glass BS that is bent and fixed to the portion provided at the center of the groove region HP can be greater than the amount of etching in the remaining portion (other portions) of the substrate glass BS.

[0193] In Fig. 13C and Fig.13D In the window manufactured in one operation of the window manufacturing method in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Fig. 6A etc., as shown in

[0194] When used in an operation of the window manufacturing method in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Fig. 13C and Fig.13D the substrate jig JG-a in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Figure 8B the window manufactured in an operation of the window manufacturing method in the embodiment of the inventive concept may have a recessed depression area CCP-a defined in the thinning area SLA as shown in Figure 6B and the exposed surface of the depression area CCP-a may include a flat surface and an inclined surface without interruption and have a smooth ramp shape at the boundary portion.

[0195] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B each shows an embodiment of the operation of providing the etchant solution ETS in the window manufacturing method according to the inventive concept. Fig.14A shows an etching operation of a window manufacturing apparatus using a substrate jig JG as shown in Fig. 8A and Fig. 14B shows an etching operation of a window manufacturing apparatus using a substrate jig JG-a as shown in Figure 8B Reference

[0196] to Fig.14A and Fig. 14B each of the first nozzle portion NZP1 and the second nozzle portion NZP2 may be controlled to be fixed at a point.

[0197] In the window manufacturing method in the embodiment of the inventive concept, the nozzle portions NZP1 and NZP2 may be arranged to be offset to at least one side in the area of the groove region HP. The points at which the nozzle portions NZP1 and NZP2 are fixed and arranged may be portions corresponding to the edge portion EDP of the thinning area SLA (refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B ). The width of the thinning area SLA (refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B ) may be adjusted by adjusting the fixed positions of the nozzle portions NZP1 and NZP2.

[0198] The etchant solution ETS ejected through the nozzle portions NZP1 and NZP2 may etch the substrate glass BS by flowing along the upper surface of the substrate glass BS. The flow direction EMV and the flow velocity of the etchant solution ETS may be adjusted by the degree of bending or the inclination angle of the bent surface of the substrate glass BS fixed to the groove region HP. By adjusting the flow of the etchant solution ETS, the degree of etching of the substrate glass BS may be adjusted, and thus, a smooth curved surface or inclined surface without step difference may be formed on one side of the window.

[0199] Fig. 14CBy magnifying Fig.14A the region XX' to compare the flow state of the etching solution. Fig. 14C Illustrates a case where the first state ST-a and the second state ST-b differ in the degree of inclination of the substrate glasses BS and BS-1 placed on the substrate jig JG. The degree of inclination of the substrate glass BS-1 in the second state ST-b can be greater than the degree of inclination of the substrate glass BS in the first state ST-a, and in this case, the flow velocity of the etching solution in the flow direction EMV-1 in the second state ST-b can be greater than the flow velocity of the etching solution in the flow direction EMV in the first state ST-a. In this case, a relatively large amount of etching solution ETS (refer to Fig.14A ) can be provided to the upper surface of the substrate glass BS provided in the central portion of the substrate jig JG more quickly, and the upper surface of the substrate glass BS provided relatively adjacent (adjacent) to the outer edge of the groove region HP (refer to Fig.14A ) can be exposed to the etching solution ETS for a shorter time. Therefore, the recessed region CCP (refer to Fig. 6A ) of the manufactured window WP can have a curved shape with a larger tangent slope in a portion adjacent (adjacent) to the edge portion EDP. Fig. 14C Illustrates a method for controlling the flow velocity of the etching solution ETS, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the supply amount and supply speed of the etching solution ETS can be controlled by methods such as controlling the operations of the etching solution supply units ESP1 and ESP2 (refer to Figure 7 ) or changing the shape of the substrate jig JG.

[0200] FIG. 15A to FIG. 16 Each of them illustrates an embodiment of the operation of supplying the etching solution ETS in the window manufacturing method according to the inventive concept. FIG. 15A to FIG. 16 Each of them can illustrate the operation of manufacturing a window using a window manufacturing apparatus in which the nozzle portion NZP-a includes a plurality of sub-nozzle portions CT-SNZ and ED-SNZ. FIG. 15A to FIG. 16 One operation of the window manufacturing method in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Fig. 10A can correspond to supplying the etching solution ETS using the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 in the embodiment of the inventive concept described with reference to

[0201] In the window manufacturing method of the embodiment of the inventive concept, the nozzle portion NZP-a can be arranged to correspond to the groove region HP. The nozzle portion NZP-a can include being arranged in the direction corresponding to the X-axis (i.e., in the first direction DR1 (refer to Fig. 6A) in the direction of) a plurality of sub-nozzle portions CT-SNZ and ED-SNZ. The nozzle portion NZP-a may include a central sub-nozzle portion CT-SNZ provided in the central portion and an outer sub-nozzle portion ED-SNZ provided in the outer portion.

[0202] Reference Fig.15A and Fig. 15B , supplying the etching solution to the upper surface of the substrate glass ( Fig.12 operation 50) may include sequentially controlling the sub-nozzle portions CT-SNZ and ED-SNZ to be opened starting from the center of the groove region HP defined in the substrate jig JG and advancing toward the outer portion to supply the etching solution ETS.

[0203] The amount of the etching solution ETS ejected from each of the sub-nozzle portions CT-SNZ and ED-SNZ can be adjusted according to the shape of the desired window. According to the shape of the concave region CCP (reference Fig. 6A ) of the thinning region of the desired window, the ejection position, pressure, and time of the etching solution ETS supplied from the sub-nozzle portions CT-SNZ and ED-SNZ can be adjusted. In an embodiment, for example, the degree of ejection of the etching solution ETS through the sub-nozzle portions CT-SNZ and ED-SNZ can be adjusted such that the amount of etching is the largest in the central portion of the substrate glass BS and decreases toward the outer edge.

[0204] Supplying the etching solution ETS to the upper surface of the substrate glass BS using the nozzle portion NZP-a including the sub-nozzle portions CT-SNZ and ED-SNZ ( Fig.12 operation 50) can be sequentially performed from the state shown in Fig.15A to the state shown in Fig. 15B . Fig.15A shows supplying the etching solution ETS to the substrate glass BS from the central sub-nozzle portion CT-SNZ provided in the central portion among the plurality of sub-nozzle portions included in the nozzle portion NZP-a. Fig. 15B shows supplying the etching solution ETS to the substrate glass BS from all the central sub-nozzle portions CT-SNZ and the outer sub-nozzle portions ED-SNZ.

[0205] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, in order to maximize the amount of etching in the central portion of the substrate glass BS and decrease it toward the outer edge, as shown in Fig.15A and Fig. 15B , the etching solution ETS is first ejected from the central sub-nozzle portion CT-SNZ, and then, over time, a plurality of sub-nozzle portions are sequentially controlled to be in an open state in the direction of the outer sub-nozzle portion ED-SNZ, thereby expanding the area to which the etching solution ETS is supplied.

[0206] In the window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the point where the central sub-nozzle part CT-SNZ is provided may correspond to the start point STP where the etching solution ETS is first supplied. In addition, the point where the outer sub-nozzle part ED-SNZ is provided may correspond to the edge part EDP of the thinning area SLA (refer to Fig. 6A ).

[0207] In the window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, in order to supply the etching solution ETS in sequence from the center to the outer edge, a plurality of sub-nozzle parts may be sequentially controlled to be in an open state in the order from the central sub-nozzle part CT-SNZ to the outer sub-nozzle part ED-SNZ. The etching solution ETS supplied from the outer sub-nozzle part ED-SNZ flows along the upper surface of the substrate glass BS, so that the etching solution ETS is concentrated in the central part.

[0208] Therefore, the central part of the substrate glass BS fixed to the groove area HP may be etched into the most recessed shape, and the entire part of the substrate glass BS to which the etching solution ETS is supplied may be etched to have a smooth surface without interruption.

[0209] Fig.16 It is shown that the substrate glass BS is etched by controlling the amount of the etching solution ETS supplied from each of the sub-nozzle parts CT-SNZ and ED-SNZ. In the window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the operation 50 of supplying the etching solution onto the upper surface of the substrate glass ( Fig.12 ) may include controlling the sub-nozzle parts CT-SNZ and ED-SNZ such that the amount of the etching solution ETS supplied from the central sub-nozzle part CT-SNZ provided in the central part of the groove area HP is greater than the amount of the etching solution ETS supplied from the outer sub-nozzle part ED-SNZ provided in the outer edge of the groove area HP.

[0210] Since the amount of the etching solution ETS ejected from the central sub-nozzle part CT-SNZ is relatively larger than that from the outer sub-nozzle part ED-SNZ, and the etching solution ETS supplied from the outer sub-nozzle part ED-SNZ flows along the upper surface of the substrate glass BS, the etching solution ETS is concentrated in the central part of the substrate glass BS fixed to the groove area HP.

[0211] Therefore, the central part of the substrate glass BS fixed to the groove area HP may be etched into the most recessed shape, and the entire part of the substrate glass BS to which the etching solution ETS is supplied may be etched to have a smooth surface without interruption. That is, in FIG. 15A to FIG. 16 an operation of the window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concept shown in, the manufactured window has a shape defined as in Fig. 6AThe recessed concave region CCP in the thinning region SLA as shown among others, and the exposed surface of the concave region CCP may have a continuous curved shape.

[0212] In FIG. 15A to FIG. 16 In an operation of the window manufacturing method in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Figure 8B When using the base jig JG-a in the embodiment of the inventive concept shown in Figure 6B The window manufactured in an operation of the window manufacturing method in the embodiment of the inventive concept has a recessed concave region CCP-a defined in the thinning region SLA as shown in

[0213] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B shows an embodiment of the operation of providing the etchant solution ETS in the window manufacturing method according to the inventive concept. Fig.17A is a perspective view showing only a part of the window manufacturing apparatus and the form of providing the etchant solution ETS in the provision of the etchant solution ETS, and Fig. 17B corresponds to a cross-sectional view showing only a part of the window manufacturing apparatus and the form of providing the etchant solution ETS in the provision of the etchant solution ETS.

[0214] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B show the etching operation of the window manufacturing apparatus using the base jig JG including Fig. 8A shown in Fig.17A and Fig. 17B The provision of the etchant solution ETS described with reference to Figure 8B can be equally applied to the case of the window manufacturing apparatus using the base jig JG-a including

[0215] In the embodiment of the inventive concept, a guiding part GP may be provided on one side of the nozzle part NZP and spaced apart from the nozzle part NZP by a predetermined distance GAP. The nozzle part NZP and the guiding part GP may be controlled to move in the moving direction MVD along the shape of the upper surface of the groove region HP. While maintaining the predetermined distance GAP, the nozzle part NZP and the guiding part GP may move simultaneously in the moving direction MVD.

[0216] The guiding part GP may move in a state where one end of the guiding part GP contacts the upper surface of the base glass BS. In addition, the etchant solution ETS discharged from the nozzle part NZP may be preferentially provided onto the guiding part GP and uniformly provided onto the base glass BS along the curved surface or the inclined surface of one end of the guiding part GP.

[0217] When the operation 50 of supplying the etchant solution ETS onto the upper surface of the substrate glass BS is performed in a state where the guiding part GP is disposed on one side of the nozzle part NZP, Fig.12 the diffusion or splashing of the etchant solution ETS into an undesired area can be prevented, and the etchant solution ETS can be uniformly supplied onto the entire surface of the substrate glass BS, thereby improving the etching quality. Accordingly, the quality of the upper surface of the window manufactured by the window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concept can be improved.

[0218] In the description of the window glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept and the window glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concept described with reference to Figures 7 to 17B the form of an electronic device shown in etc., a method of manufacturing window glass has been mainly described, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept and the manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concept can also be used not only for manufacturing window glass including a plurality of folding parts, but also for manufacturing window glass having folding parts of various shapes. Figure 1A In the case of the window glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when processing the substrate glass using an etchant solution, a separate pretreatment masking process for distinguishing the portion to which the etchant solution of the substrate glass is supplied from the remaining portion (other portions), and a separate post-processing process such as surface polishing after etching can be omitted. Accordingly, processability can be improved by the window glass manufacturing method according to the inventive concept. In addition, when using the window glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a step difference or discontinuity that may occur at the boundary between the portion to which the etchant solution is supplied and the portion to which the etchant solution is not supplied may not occur, and thus, the surface of the manufactured window glass can exhibit excellent quality characteristics without discontinuity. Accordingly, since problems such as image distortion or visible defects that may occur at the discontinuity are solved, an electronic device including window glass manufactured by the window glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept or the window glass manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the inventive concept can exhibit excellent display quality.

[0219]

[0220] ​In addition, when manufacturing a window glass using the window glass manufacturing method in an embodiment of the inventive concept, by utilizing the flexibility of the ultra-thin tempered glass used as the base glass, the base glass is bent or curved, and the bent base glass is fixed to the groove area of the base jig and then etching is performed. In this way, the thickness of the portion where etching is not desired can be maintained at a sufficient thickness. Therefore, when manufacturing a window using the window glass manufacturing method in an embodiment of the inventive concept, the total thickness of the window corresponding to the non-folded portion can be increased, and in the portion corresponding to the folded portion, the thickness of the window glass can be easily reduced to a desired shape. Therefore, the window glass manufactured by the window glass manufacturing method in an embodiment of the inventive concept can exhibit excellent surface quality characteristics and relatively high durability.

[0221] By easily controlling the position of the nozzle portion or the amount of the etching solution provided from the nozzle portion according to the shape of the recessed area of the thinning area desired for the window, the window glass manufacturing apparatus in an embodiment of the inventive concept can be used to manufacture a window glass having excellent surface quality.

[0222] The window glass manufacturing method in an embodiment of the inventive concept can provide a window glass having a desired recessed shape and excellent surface quality without discontinuities on the surface of the recessed area by controlling the amount of the etching solution provided or the speed of providing the etching solution during the process operation.

[0223] In addition, the window glass manufacturing apparatus and the window glass manufacturing method in an embodiment of the inventive concept can improve workability by omitting the pretreatment process and the post-processing process before and after the etching process for thinning.

[0224] Although the above has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments of the inventive concept, those skilled in the art or those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the inventive concept without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept described in the claims and the scope of the technical field.

[0225] Therefore, the technical scope of the inventive concept should not be limited to the content described in the detailed description of this specification, but should be determined by the claims described herein.

Claims

1. A window glass manufacturing apparatus, wherein, The window glass manufacturing apparatus includes: a base jig including a plurality of flat surfaces spaced apart from each other in a first direction and a groove region recessed relative to the plurality of flat surfaces and extending in a second direction; and a nozzle portion disposed above the base jig corresponding to the groove region, and the nozzle portion is controlled to move in at least one of a first moving direction and a second moving direction parallel to the first direction and perpendicular to the first moving direction.

2. The window glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The upper surface of the groove region includes a continuous curved surface or a continuous inclined surface.

3. The window glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle portion moves along the shape of the upper surface of the groove region within a zone corresponding to the groove region.

4. The window glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The inclination angle of the inclined surface is between 10 degrees and 45 degrees.

5. The window glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The nozzle portion includes a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion spaced apart from each other in the first direction with respect to the center of the base jig.

6. The window glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion follow the shape of the upper surface of the groove region and are controlled to move in opposite directions with respect to the center.

7. The window glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion is controlled to move while maintaining a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the groove region.

8. The window glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle portion includes a plurality of sub-nozzle portions arranged in the first direction, wherein the opening state and the closing state of the plurality of sub-nozzle portions or the discharge amount discharged from the plurality of sub-nozzle portions are independently controlled.

9. The window glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, A vacuum suction inlet is defined in the groove region of the base jig.

10. The window glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The base jig includes a plurality of sub-jigs separated from each other, wherein the shape of the groove region is adjusted by a combination of the plurality of sub-jigs.

11. A method for manufacturing a window glass using a window glass manufacturing apparatus, the window glass manufacturing apparatus including a base jig including a groove region recessed in a recessed manner and a nozzle portion disposed above the base jig and controlled to move in a region corresponding to the groove region, wherein, The method includes: bending a base glass to include a bent portion embedded in the groove region; fixing the base glass to the base jig such that the bent portion is disposed along the shape of the upper surface of the groove region; and using the nozzle portion to supply an etching solution to the upper surface of the base glass disposed in the groove region.

12. The method for manufacturing a window glass according to claim 11, wherein, The supplying of the etching solution includes controlling the degree of etching by the etching solution according to a position on the upper surface of the base glass to form a window having a recessed region defined in the window and including a continuous curved surface or a continuous inclined surface on the upper surface of the base glass.

13. The method for manufacturing a window glass according to claim 11, wherein, The supplying of the etching solution includes controlling at least one of the time of exposure to the etching solution and the amount of the supplied etching solution according to a position on the upper surface of the base glass.

14. The method for manufacturing a window glass according to claim 11, wherein, The fixing of the base glass to the base jig is by sucking one surface of the base glass through a vacuum suction inlet defined in the groove region.

15. The window glass manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: the nozzle portion includes a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction; and Providing the etching solution includes continuously providing the etching solution onto the upper surface of the substrate glass while moving each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion from the center of the groove region toward the outer direction.

16. The method for manufacturing a window glass according to claim 15, wherein, Each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion is controlled to move along the shape of the upper surface of the groove region while maintaining a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the substrate glass.

17. The window glass manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: The nozzle portion includes a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion that are fixed to be spaced apart from each other in opposite directions at a predetermined distance with respect to the center of the substrate jig; And In providing the etching solution, the etching solution discharged from each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion is provided to flow along the upper surface of the substrate glass in the direction of the center at a part corresponding to the position of each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion.

18. The window glass manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: The nozzle portion includes a plurality of sub-nozzle portions arranged in a first direction to correspond to the groove region; and Providing the etching solution is to provide the etching solution by sequentially controlling the plurality of sub-nozzle portions to open starting from the center of the groove region and advancing toward the outer portion of the groove region.

19. The window glass manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: The nozzle portion includes a plurality of sub-nozzle portions arranged in a first direction to correspond to the groove region; and Providing the etching solution includes controlling the plurality of sub-nozzle portions such that the amount of the etching solution provided from the sub-nozzle portion provided in the central portion of the groove region is larger than the amount of the etching solution provided from the sub-nozzle portion provided in the outer portion of the groove region.

20. The window glass manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein: The window glass manufacturing apparatus further includes a guiding portion provided to be spaced apart from one side of the nozzle portion above the substrate jig; and Providing the etching solution includes controlling the movement of the guiding portion and the nozzle portion to follow the shape of the upper surface of the groove region while maintaining a predetermined separation distance between the guiding portion and the nozzle portion and the upper surface of the groove region.

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