Window manufacturing method and window manufactured by the same

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a window according to one embodiment comprises the steps of: laser cutting a base glass into a preliminary window using a first laser beam; irradiating a second laser beam at a point spaced apart from the edge of the cut preliminary window by a predetermined distance; and wet etching the preliminary window irradiated with the second laser beam to provide a window including a flat portion and an edge portion, thereby providing a method for easily manufacturing a window having a chamfered shape on the edge portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a window and a window manufactured by the method, and more specifically, to a method for manufacturing a window using laser light and a window manufactured by the method. Background Technology

[0002] The electronic device includes a window, a housing, and electronic components. The electronic components may include various elements that are activated according to an electrical signal, such as display elements, touch elements, or detection elements.

[0003] The window protects the electronic component and provides an active area to the user. Accordingly, the user provides input to the electronic component or receives information generated by the electronic component through the window. In addition, the electronic component can be reliably protected from external shocks through the window.

[0004] Recently, due to the trend toward slimming down electronic devices, there is a demand for lighter and thinner windows, and manufacturing methods for windows with shapes designed to compensate for structural vulnerabilities resulting from this are being researched. The problem to be solved

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a window that facilitates the processing of a window having a chamfered edge.

[0006] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a window with improved strength at the edge portion. means of solving the problem

[0007] One embodiment provides a method for manufacturing a window comprising: a step of laser cutting a base glass into a preliminary window using a first laser beam; a step of irradiating a second laser beam at a point spaced apart from the edge of the cut preliminary window by a predetermined distance; and a step of wet etching the preliminary window irradiated with the second laser beam to provide a window including a flat portion and an edge portion.

[0008] The energy of the first laser light may be greater than the energy of the second laser light.

[0009] The energy of the second laser light may be 50% to 80% of the energy of the first laser light.

[0010] The first laser light and the second laser light may be infrared laser light.

[0011] The beam sizes of the first laser light and the second laser light may each be 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

[0012] The second laser light is irradiated at a point spaced apart from the edge of the preliminary window by a first interval, and the first interval may be 10% to 20% of the thickness of the preliminary window.

[0013] The thickness of the above-mentioned preliminary window may be 20㎛ to 50㎛.

[0014] The first interval above may be 2㎛ to 5㎛.

[0015] The thickness of the above-mentioned preliminary window and the thickness of the above-mentioned window may have the relationship given by Equation 1 below. In Equation 1, W RA is the first interval mentioned above, and t P-WP is the thickness of the above-mentioned preliminary window, and t WP is the thickness of the flat portion above.

[0016] [Equation 1]

[0017] t WP = t P-WP - (2W RA )

[0018] The width of the edge portion above may be less than or equal to the first interval above.

[0019] The above edge portion may include an edge portion side comprising a laser irradiation line formed from the second laser light and extended in the thickness direction of the window.

[0020] The edge portion is positioned at the outer edge of the flat portion, and its thickness may decrease as it moves away from the flat portion.

[0021] The step of providing the window may include a wet etching step such that the edge portions include an upper edge surface and a lower edge surface facing each other, the upper edge surface includes a concave curved surface in the direction of the lower edge surface, and the lower edge surface includes a concave curved surface in the direction of the upper edge surface.

[0022] The step of irradiating the second laser light may include irradiating the second laser light to a first portion spaced at a first interval from the edge of the cut preliminary window, and to a second portion spaced at a second interval from the edge of the preliminary window.

[0023] The step of providing the window may include a wet etching step such that the edge portion includes an edge upper surface and an edge lower surface facing each other, the edge upper surface includes a first sub-upper surface and a second sub-upper surface that are concave toward the edge lower surface and have different radii of curvature, and the edge lower surface includes a first sub-lower surface and a second sub-lower surface that are concave toward the edge upper surface and have different radii of curvature.

[0024] Another embodiment provides a window comprising: a flat portion; and an edge portion disposed on the outer edge of the flat portion and having a thickness that gradually decreases in a direction spaced apart from the flat portion, wherein the exposed edge portion side of the edge portion includes a laser irradiation line extended in the thickness direction.

[0025] The edge portion is positioned between the flat portion and the side of the edge portion and includes an upper edge surface and a lower edge surface facing each other, the upper edge surface may include a concave curved surface in the direction of the lower edge surface, and the lower edge surface may include a concave curved surface in the direction of the upper edge surface.

[0026] The upper surface of the edge and the lower surface of the edge may be symmetrical with respect to an imaginary line passing through the center of the side of the edge portion.

[0027] The above edge portion includes an edge upper surface and an edge lower surface facing each other, the edge upper surface may include a first sub-upper surface and a second sub-upper surface that are concave toward the edge lower surface and have different radii of curvature, and the edge lower surface may include a first sub-lower surface and a second sub-lower surface that are concave toward the edge upper surface and have different radii of curvature.

[0028] The upper surface of the edge and the lower surface of the edge may each include an inflection portion. Effects of the invention

[0029] One embodiment can provide a method for manufacturing a window that easily manufactures a window having a chamfered shape at the edge by irradiating a laser light with lower energy than the laser light energy in the laser cutting step and then performing a wet etching step.

[0030] In one embodiment, the window is processed so that the edge portion has a chamfered shape, and thus can have improved strength at the edge portion. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown in Figure 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cover window according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a window of one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one step of a window manufacturing method of one embodiment. FIG. 6a is a diagram showing one step of a window manufacturing method of one embodiment. FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a preliminary window in a window manufacturing method of one embodiment. FIG. 7a is a diagram showing one step of a window manufacturing method of one embodiment. FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a preliminary window in a window manufacturing method of one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing one step of a window manufacturing method of one embodiment. FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view showing a window of one embodiment. FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a window of one embodiment. FIG. 10a is a planar image of a window of one embodiment. FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional image of a window of one embodiment. FIG. 11a is a cross-sectional view showing a window of one embodiment. FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a window of one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may take various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0033] In this specification, where a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is described as being "on," "connected," or "combined" with another component, it means that it may be directly placed / connected / combined with the other component, or that a third component may be placed between them.

[0034] Meanwhile, in the present application, "direct placement" may mean that there are no additional layers, films, regions, plates, etc. added between a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate and another part. For example, "direct placement" may mean that two layers or two members are placed without using additional members such as adhesive members between them.

[0035] Identical reference numerals denote identical components. Additionally, in the drawings, the thicknesses, proportions, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for the effective illustration of the technical content.

[0036] "And / or" includes all one or more combinations that the associated configurations can define.

[0037] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] Additionally, terms such as "below," "lower side," "above," and "upper side" are used to describe the relationships between the components illustrated in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings. In this specification, "placed on" may refer to a case where a component is placed not only on the upper side but also on the lower side.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an overly ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0040] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a window according to one embodiment of the present invention and a window of one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cover window according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a drawing showing one embodiment of an electronic device including a window manufactured by a window manufacturing method of one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cover window including a window manufactured by a window manufacturing method of one embodiment.

[0043] The electronic device (EA) may be a device that is activated by an electrical signal. The electronic device (EA) may include various embodiments. For example, the electronic device (EA) may include a tablet, a laptop, a computer, a smart television, etc. In this embodiment, the electronic device (EA) is illustrated as a smartphone.

[0044] An electronic device (EA) can display an image (IM) in the direction of a third direction axis (DR3) on a display surface (IS) parallel to the plane defined by the first direction axis (DR1) and the second direction axis (DR2). The display surface (IS) on which the image (IM) is displayed may correspond to the front surface of the electronic device (EA) and may correspond to the front surface (FS) of the cover window (CW). Additionally, the electronic device (EA) may have a three-dimensional shape having a predetermined thickness in the direction of the third direction axis (DR3), which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction axis (DR1) and the second direction axis (DR2). Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the electronic device (EA) of one embodiment may be a flexible electronic device that can be folded or bent based on a virtual folding axis (or bending axis) extending in one direction.

[0045] In the electronic device (EA) of one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the display surface (IS) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) adjacent to the display area (DA). Although the non-display area (NDA) is illustrated as being arranged surrounding the display area (DA), the embodiment is not limited thereto. The display area (DA) is a portion where an image (IM) is provided and may be a portion corresponding to the active area (AA-DP) of the electronic panel (DP). Meanwhile, the image (IM) may include a still image as well as a dynamic image. In FIG. 1, a clock window, an icon, etc. are illustrated as examples of the image (IM).

[0046] In this embodiment, the upper surface (or front) and lower surface (or back) of each member are defined based on the direction in which the image (IM) is displayed. The upper surface and the lower surface are opposed to each other with respect to the third direction axis (DR3), and the normal direction of each of the upper surface and the lower surface may be parallel to the third direction axis (DR3). Meanwhile, the directions indicated by the first to third direction axes (DR1, DR2, DR3) are relative concepts and may be converted to other directions. Hereinafter, the first to third directions refer to the same reference numerals as the directions indicated by the first to third direction axes (DR1, DR2, DR3), respectively.

[0047] The electronic device (EA) includes a cover window (CW), an electronic panel (DP), and a housing (HAU). In the electronic device (EA) according to one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover window (CW) and the housing (HAU) may be combined to form the exterior of the electronic device (EA).

[0048] The electronic panel (DP) can be activated according to an electrical signal. In this embodiment, the electronic panel (DP) is activated to display an image (IM) on the display surface (IS) of the electronic device (EA). The image (IM) is provided to the user through the transparent area (TA), and the user can receive information through the image (IM). However, this is illustrated as an example, and the electronic panel (DP) may be activated to detect an external input applied to the upper surface. The external input may include a user's touch, contact or proximity of an intangible object, pressure, light, or heat, and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0049] The electronic panel (DP) may include an active area (AA-DP) and a peripheral area (NAA-DP). The active area (AA-DP) may be an area that provides an image (IM). The peripheral area (NAA-DP) is adjacent to the active area (AA-DP). The peripheral area (NAA-DP) may surround the active area (AA-DP). Driving circuits or driving wiring for driving the active area (AA-DP) may be arranged in the peripheral area (NAA-DP).

[0050] An electronic panel (DP) may include a plurality of pixels (PX). A pixel (PX) displays light in response to an electrical signal. The light displayed by the pixels (PX) forms an image (IM). A pixel (PX) may include a display element. For example, the display element may be an organic light-emitting diode, a quantum dot light-emitting diode, a liquid crystal capacitor, an electrophoretic element, or an electrowetting element.

[0051] The cover window (CW) may include a window (WP) manufactured by the window manufacturing method of one embodiment. The window (WP) may be manufactured by the window manufacturing method of one embodiment described below and may include a flat portion (MP, FIG. 9a) and an edge portion (EP, FIG. 9a) disposed on the outside of the flat portion and having a curved surface.

[0052] The window (WP) included in the cover window (CW) may be a reinforced glass substrate. The cover window (CW) may include a window (WP) and a bezel layer (BZ) disposed on one side of the window (WP). The bezel layer (BZ) may be formed on the lower surface of the window (WP) through printing or deposition. Alternatively, the bezel layer (BZ) may be bonded to one side of the window (WP) through a separate adhesive member, etc.

[0053] As described above, the upper surface (FS) of the cover window (CW) defines the upper surface of the electronic device (EA). The upper surface (FS) of the cover window (CW) may include a transparent area (TA) and a bezel area (BZA). A bezel layer (BZ) may be disposed on the lower surface of the window (WP) to define the bezel area (BZA).

[0054] The transmission region (TA) may be an optically transparent region. The bezel region (BZA) may be a region with relatively lower light transmittance compared to the transmission region (TA). The bezel region (BZA) defines the shape of the transmission region (TA). The bezel region (BZA) is adjacent to the transmission region (TA) and may surround the transmission region (TA).

[0055] The bezel area (BZA) may have a predetermined color. The bezel area (BZA) may cover the peripheral area (NAA-DP) of the electronic panel (DP) to block the peripheral area (NAA-DP) from being visible from the outside. Meanwhile, this is illustrated as an example, and in the cover window (CW) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the bezel area (BZA) may be omitted.

[0056] The transparent area (TA) of the cover window (CW) may overlap with at least a portion of the electronic panel active area (AA-DP). The peripheral area (NAA-DP) of the electronic panel may be an area covered by the bezel area (BZA).

[0057] The housing (HAU) may be positioned below the electronic panel (DP). The housing (HAU) may comprise a material having relatively high rigidity. For example, the housing (HAU) may comprise a plurality of frames and / or plates made of glass, plastic, or metal. The housing (HAU) provides a predetermined receiving space. The electronic panel (DP) may be received within the receiving space and protected from external impact.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, a cover window (CW) according to one embodiment may include a window (WP) having a chamfered shape at the edge portion. A bezel layer (BZ) may be disposed on one side of the window (WP), including a portion having a chamfered shape. Although the window (WP) used in the cover window (CW) according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is depicted as having a flat shape, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the window (WP) may include at least one bending portion or at least one folding portion so as to be changed to a folded state.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a window according to one embodiment. FIGS. 5 to 8 are diagrams illustrating one step of a method for manufacturing a window according to one embodiment.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, a method for manufacturing a window according to one embodiment may include the step of laser cutting a base glass into a preliminary window using a first laser light (S100), the step of irradiating a second laser light (S200), and the step of wet etching to provide a window including a flat portion and an edge portion (S300).

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a laser cutting step (S100) in a window manufacturing method of one embodiment. FIG. 6a to 7b schematically illustrate a step (S200) of irradiating a second laser light in a window manufacturing method of one embodiment. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a step (S300) of wet-etching a preliminary window irradiated with the second laser light to provide a window including a flat portion and an edge portion.

[0062] In a method for manufacturing a window of one embodiment, the laser cutting step (S100) may be a step of laser cutting a base glass (MG) into a preliminary window (P-WP).

[0063] The base glass (MG) may be a mother glass or a glass substrate of a size that can be processed into multiple windows. The base glass (MG) may be an ultra-thin glass substrate. For example, the thickness of the base glass (MG) may be 20 µm to 50 µm.

[0064] A first laser beam (LL1) provided by a laser beam unit (LU) can be irradiated onto a base glass (MG) to cut into a plurality of preliminary windows (P-WP). The first laser beam (LL1) can be irradiated along a cutting line (CL) to cut into preliminary windows (P-WP) having a size and shape that can be processed into windows (WP, FIG. 3).

[0065] FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram illustrating the step (S200) of irradiating a second laser beam. FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a preliminary window irradiated with the second laser beam. FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of the portion corresponding to the line I-I' of the preliminary window cut in FIG. 5. FIG. 6b is a diagram showing the AA region of FIG. 6a.

[0066] The step of irradiating the second laser light (S200) is a first interval (W) which is a predetermined interval from the edge (P-ED) of the preliminary window (P-WP) cut in the laser cutting step (S100). RA It may be a step of irradiating a second laser beam (LL2) at a point separated by ).

[0067] In a window manufacturing method of one embodiment, the first laser light (LL1) and the second laser light (LL2) may be infrared laser light (IR Laser). The energy of the second laser light (LL2) may be smaller than the energy of the first laser light (LL1) used in the laser cutting step (S100).

[0068] The first laser beam (LL1) may have energy that cuts the entire base glass (MG) into the shape of a preliminary window (P-WP) in the base glass (MG). The second laser beam (LL2) may have an energy magnitude of 50% to 80% of the energy of the first laser beam (LL1) to cause a fine crack in a part of the preliminary window (P-WP).

[0069] The second laser beam (LL2) can be irradiated by penetrating the preliminary window (P-WP). A groove (PT-U, PT-B) may be formed on at least one of the upper surface (US) and lower surface (BS) of the preliminary window (P-WP) at the point where the second laser beam (LL2) is irradiated. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a fine crack may occur on the upper surface (US) and lower surface (BS) of the preliminary window (P-WP) at the point where the second laser beam (LL2) is irradiated, or a groove or crack may not be visible to the naked eye on the upper surface (US) and lower surface (BS) of the preliminary window (P-WP) at the point where the second laser beam (LL2) is irradiated.

[0070] The second laser light (LL2) can be provided from the upper surface (US) of the spare window (P-WP), and

[0071] The second laser beam (LL2) can pass through the pre-window (P-WP) and be transmitted to the lower surface (BS). A laser irradiation beam (LCL) can be formed inside the pre-window (P-WP) by the second laser beam (LL2).

[0072] The first laser light (LL1) and the second laser light (LL2) may each have a beam size of 1 μm to 5 μm. The beam size of the laser light may correspond to the diameter at the point where the energy of the irradiated laser light is maximum.

[0073] The energy of the first laser light (LL1) may be about 30 mJ to 100 mJ. The second laser light (LL2) may be about 50% to 80% of the energy of 30 mJ to 100 mJ used for cutting the glass substrate.

[0074] In the laser cutting step (S100), the first laser light (LL1) may be provided with an energy of 30 mJ to 100 mJ for a pulse duration of 5 picoseconds (ps) to 10 picoseconds. Additionally, the second laser light (LL2) may be provided in the step of irradiating the second laser light (S200) for a pulse duration of 0.3 picoseconds to 10 picoseconds with an energy of 50% to 80% of the energy of the first laser light (LL1) provided in the laser cutting step (S100).

[0075] A method for manufacturing a window according to one embodiment may cut a base glass (MG) to the size of a preliminary window (P-WP) using a first laser beam (LL1), and form a laser irradiation line (LCL, FIG. 10b) on a portion adjacent to the edge (P-ED) of the preliminary window using a second laser beam (LL2) having less energy than the first laser beam (LL1). The surface containing the laser irradiation line may correspond to the edge portion side (ED, FIG. 9b) of the window subsequently manufactured. That is, a method for manufacturing a window according to one embodiment may facilitate the formation of the window edge portion through subsequent wet etching by additionally irradiating a laser beam on a portion adjacent to the edge of the cut preliminary window.

[0076] Thickness (t) of the pre-window (P-WP) P-WP ) can be 20㎛ to 50㎛. The thickness (t) of the pre-window (P-WP) P-WP ) may correspond to the thickness of the base glass (MG) of FIG. 5. The pre-window (P-WP) can be processed into a thin ultra-thin glass substrate to correspond to the shape of an electronic device having various shapes.

[0077] The second laser beam (LL2) is from the edge (P-ED) of the preliminary window (P-WP) to the first interval (W RA It can be provided at a point spaced apart by ). The first interval (W RA ) is the preliminary window thickness (t P-WP It may be 10% to 20% of ). For example, the point where the second laser light (LL2) is irradiated may be a point spaced about 2 µm to 5 µm away from the edge (P-ED) of the preliminary window (P-WP).

[0078] Meanwhile, FIG. 6a shows a cross-section of a preliminary window (P-WP) parallel to the cross-section defined by the first direction axis (DR1) and the third direction axis (DR3), and only the portion corresponding to the short side direction of the cut preliminary window (P-WP) shown in FIG. 5 is illustrated. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a second laser light (LL2) may be irradiated on a portion corresponding to the long side direction of the preliminary window (P-WP) at a predetermined distance from the edge of the preliminary window (P-WP), and subsequently processed into an edge portion (EP, FIG. 9a) through wet etching.

[0079] FIG. 7a is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the step (S200) of irradiating a second laser light. FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a preliminary window irradiated with the second laser light. FIG. 7a may be a cross-sectional view of a portion corresponding to the line I-I' of the preliminary window cut in FIG. 5. FIG. 7b is a diagram showing the BB region of FIG. 7a.

[0080] FIGS. 7a and 7b correspond to a case where there are multiple portions of a second laser light (LL2) irradiated on one side of a preliminary window (P-WP) compared to the steps of an embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. Except for the fact that there are multiple portions of a second laser light (LL2) irradiated adjacently on one side of the preliminary window (P-WP), the same as described in FIGS. 6a and 6b may be applied.

[0081] The step of irradiating the second laser light (S200) is a first interval (W) from the edge (P-ED) of the preliminary window. RA1 A second gap (W) from the edge (P-ED) of the first part (PP1) and the preliminary window spaced apart by ) RA2 It may include the step of irradiating a second laser light (LL2) onto a second part (PP2) separated by ). The second laser light (LL2) may be provided sequentially to the first part (PP1) and the second part (PP2). Alternatively, the second laser light (LL2) may be provided simultaneously to the first part (PP1) and the second part (PP2).

[0082] The second laser light (LL2) provided to the first part (PP1) and the second part (PP2) may be 50% to 80% of the energy of the first laser light (LL1). The energy of the second laser light (LL2) provided to the first part (PP1) and the second part (PP2) may be the same or different from each other.

[0083] First interval (W RA1 ) is the preliminary window thickness (t P-WP It may be 10% to 20% of ). For example, the first portion (PP1) where the second laser light (LL2) is irradiated may be a point spaced about 2 µm to 5 µm from the edge (P-ED) of the preliminary window (P-WP). The second gap (W RA2 ) is the first interval (W RA1 It can be less than or equal to 2 times ).

[0084] The second laser beam (LL2) can be irradiated by penetrating the preliminary window (P-WP) in the first part (PP1) and the second part (PP2). A groove (PT1-U, PT2-U, PT1-B, PT2-B) may be formed on at least one of the upper surface (US) and lower surface (BS) of the preliminary window (P-WP) in the part (PP1, PP2) where the second laser beam (LL2) is irradiated. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a fine crack may occur on the upper surface (US) and lower surface (BS) of the preliminary window (P-WP) at the point where the second laser beam (LL2) is irradiated, or a groove or crack may not be visible to the naked eye on the upper surface (US) and lower surface (BS) of the preliminary window (P-WP) at the point where the second laser beam (LL2) is irradiated.

[0085] The second laser light (LL2) can be provided from the upper surface (US) of the pre-window (P-WP), and the second laser light (LL2) can penetrate the pre-window (P-WP) and be transmitted to the lower surface (BS). Laser irradiation rays (LCL1, LCL2) can be formed inside the pre-window (P-WP) by the second laser light (LL2).

[0086] The surface containing the first laser irradiation line (LCL1) of the second laser light (LL2) irradiated on the first part (PP1) may correspond to the edge side (ED-a, FIG. 11b) of the window (WP-a, FIG. 11a) manufactured thereafter. Additionally, the surface containing the second laser irradiation line (LCL2) of the second laser light (LL2) irradiated on the second part (PP2) may correspond to the inflection part (IP, FIG. 11b) of the window edge part (EP-a, FIG. 11b) manufactured thereafter.

[0087] A method for manufacturing a window according to one embodiment may include the step (S300) of wet-etching a preliminary window to provide a window including a flat portion and an edge portion. The step (S300) of providing a window including a flat portion and an edge portion may include the step of wet-etching a preliminary window (P-WP) irradiated with a second laser light (LL2) to process the window (WP, WP-a, FIG. 9a, FIG. 11a) so that it has a flat portion (MP, FIG. 9a, FIG. 11a) and an edge portion (EP, EP-a, FIG. 9a, FIG. 11a).

[0088] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary process of wet etching a preliminary window irradiated with a second laser beam. The preliminary window (P-WP) irradiated with the second laser beam may be immersed in an etching solution (ES). Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the preliminary window (P-WP) irradiated with the second laser beam may be placed in a cassette (not shown) and immersed in the etching solution (ES). Multiple preliminary windows (P-WP) irradiated with the second laser beam may be loaded into the cassette (not shown).

[0089] Considering the edge shape required in the window provided thereafter, the concentration of the etching solution (ES), the holding time of the wet etching process in the etching solution (ES), etc., can be adjusted.

[0090] FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view showing a window (WP) of one embodiment manufactured by wet etching a preliminary window irradiated with a second laser light. FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the AA-2 region of FIG. 9a. FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b are drawings showing one embodiment of a window manufactured from the preliminary window (P-WP) shown in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b described above. FIG. 10a is a planar image of the window of one embodiment shown in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b, and FIG. 10b is an image showing the side of the exposed edge portion of the window.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 9a to 10b, a window (WP) manufactured by wet etching a preliminary window irradiated with a second laser light may include a flat portion (MP) and an edge portion (EP). The edge portion (EP) may be positioned on the outer edge of the flat portion (MP).

[0092] The flat portion (MP) of the window (WP) may be a portion corresponding to the transparent area (TA, FIG. 3) of the cover window (CW, FIG. 3) described above. The flat portion (MP) of the window (WP) may be a flat portion.

[0093] The flat portion (MP) of the window (WP) has a first thickness (t WP It may be a part having ). The first thickness (t) of the flat portion (MP) of the window (WP) manufactured by the window manufacturing method of one embodiment. WP ) may be the gap between the flat upper surface (MP-U) and the flat lower surface (MP-B) facing each other.

[0094] The thickness of the pre-window (P-WP, FIG. 6a) and the thickness of the window (WP) may have the relationship of Equation 1 below.

[0095] [Equation 1]

[0096] t WP = t P-WP - (2W RA )

[0097] In the above Equation 1, W RA is a first interval spaced apart from the edge (P-ED) of the preliminary window (P-WP, FIG. 6a), and t P-WP is the thickness of the pre-window (P-WP), and t WP is the thickness of the flat section (MP).

[0098] Thickness (t) of the flat portion (MP) of the window WP ) is the thickness (t) of the pre-window (P-WP) prior to wet etching. P-WP It may be thinner than ). The thickness of the flat portion (MP) of the window manufactured by performing a wet etching process where the upper surface (US) and lower surface (BS) of the pre-window (P-WP, FIG. 6a) are etched with an etching solution is tWP ) is the thickness (t) of the pre-window (P-WP). P-WP It can become thinner than ).

[0099] That is, the flat portion thickness (t) in the window (WP) of one embodiment WP ) is the thickness of the preliminary window (t P-WP The gap (W) from the edge (P-ED) of the preliminary window (P-WP) to the part where the second laser light is irradiated in ) RA The thickness may have been reduced by approximately twice that amount.

[0100] In one embodiment, the edge side (ED) of the window (WP) is a first gap (W) from the edge (P-ED) of the preliminary window. RA It may be a part spaced apart by ). The first interval (W RA ) may correspond to a gap spaced apart from the edge (P-ED) of the preliminary window, where the second laser light described in Fig. 6a is irradiated.

[0101] In FIG. 9a, the "RA" portion may be a portion removed by wet etching while processing from a preliminary window (P-WP, FIG. 6a) into a window (WP). The edge portion (EP) of the window (WP) provided by processing with a wet etching method may include an upper edge surface (EL-U) and a lower edge surface (EL-B) facing each other. In one embodiment, the edge portion (EP) of the window (WP) may be a portion defined by the upper edge surface (EL-U), the lower edge surface (EL-B), and the side edge (ED) and positioned on one side of the flat portion (MP). The edge portion (EP) of the window (WP) may have a chamfered shape having a tendency for thickness to decrease in a direction spaced apart from the flat portion (MP). An edge portion (EP) having such a chamfered shape may have improved strength characteristics compared to an edge portion processed at a right angle.

[0102] The exposed edge side (ED) of the edge portion (EP) may include a laser irradiation line (LCL). The laser irradiation line (LCL) may be formed in a shape extending in the direction of the third direction axis (DR3), which is the thickness direction. In the window (WP) of one embodiment, the laser irradiation line (LCL) may be a part corresponding to the part where the second ultraviolet light (LL2) shown in FIG. 6a is irradiated.

[0103] In the image in FIG. 10b, etc., the laser irradiation line (LCL) is depicted as a line extending in the thickness direction, but the embodiment is not limited to the image shown in FIG. 10b, etc. Depending on the energy magnitude of the provided second laser light, the beam size, the number of irradiations of the second laser light, etc., the thickness, spacing, length, etc. of the laser irradiation line (LCL) may vary.

[0104] Meanwhile, the laser irradiation line (LCL) formed by the second laser light may be in the form of a groove formed on the edge side (ED). However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0105] The upper edge surface (EL-U) of the edge portion (EP) may include a concave curved surface in the direction of the lower edge surface (EL-B), and the lower edge surface (EL-B) may include a concave curved surface in the direction of the upper edge surface (EL-U). The upper edge surface (EL-U) and the lower edge surface (EL-B) may be symmetrical with respect to an imaginary line (IML) passing through the center of the side surface (ED) of the edge portion. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the upper edge surface (EL-U) and the lower edge surface (EL-B) of the edge portion (EP) may be asymmetrical.

[0106] Meanwhile, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the shape of the edge portion (EP) may vary depending on the energy of the second laser light irradiated, the concentration of the etching solution provided in the wet etching process, and the immersion time in the etching solution.

[0107] Width (W) in the direction of the first direction axis (DR1) of the edge portion (EP) PA) is the first interval (W RA ) It may be less than or equal to. For example, the width (W) in the direction of the first directional axis (DR1) of the edge portion (EP). PA ) and the first interval (W RA ) may be the same. However, the examples are not limited thereto, and the width of the edge portion (W) may vary depending on the concentration of the etching solution provided in the wet etching process and the immersion time in the etching solution. PA ) can change.

[0108] Meanwhile, in FIG. 9a and others, the edge portion (EP) is depicted as being positioned on both sides of the flat portion (MP) with the flat portion (MP) in between when viewed in cross-section, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the edge portion (EP) may be positioned on only one side of the flat portion (MP). Additionally, although not depicted, the edge portions (EP) on all four sides of the window (WP) may have the characteristics of the shape of the edge portion (EP) of the window of the above-described embodiment.

[0109] FIGS. 11a and 11b are cross-sectional views showing a window (WP-a) of an embodiment manufactured by wet etching a preliminary window irradiated with a second laser light. FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the BB-2 region of FIG. 11a. FIGS. 11a and 11b are drawings showing an embodiment of a window manufactured from the preliminary window (P-WP) shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b described above. The window (WP-a) of an embodiment shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b differs from the window (WP) of an embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 9a to 10b only in the shape of the edge portion; therefore, in the subsequent description of the window (WP-a) of an embodiment, details that overlap with the above description will not be explained again, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0110] The flat portion (MP) of the window (WP-a) is a part having a flat shape, and the edge portion (EP-a) may be a part having a chamfered shape in which the thickness tends to decrease as it moves away from the flat portion (MP).

[0111] The flat portion (MP) of the window (WP-a) has a first thickness (t WP It may be a part having ). The first thickness (t) of the flat portion (MP) of the window (WP-a) manufactured by the window manufacturing method of one embodiment. WP ) may be the gap between the flat upper surface (MP-U) and the flat lower surface (MP-B) facing each other. The thickness of the preliminary window (P-WP, FIG. 7a) and the thickness of the window (WP-a) shown in FIG. 7a may satisfy the relationship of Equation 1 described with reference to FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b, a window (WP-a) manufactured by wet-etching a preliminary window irradiated with a second laser light may include a flat portion (MP) and an edge portion (EP-a). The edge portion (EP-a) may be positioned at the outer edge of the flat portion (MP). In the window (WP-a) of one embodiment, the edge portion (EP-a) may include a plurality of sub-curved surfaces having different radii of curvature.

[0113] In one embodiment, the edge portion (EP-a) of the window (WP-a) may include an edge upper surface (EL-Ua) and an edge lower surface (EL-Ba) that are positioned between the edge portion side (ED-a) and the flat portion (MP) and face each other. The edge upper surface (EL-Ua) may include a concave curved surface in the direction of the edge lower surface (EL-Ba), and the edge lower surface (EL-Ba) may include a concave curved surface in the direction of the edge upper surface (EL-Ua).

[0114] The edge upper surface (EL-Ua) may include a first sub-upper surface (S1-Ua) and a second sub-upper surface (S2-Ua), and the edge lower surface (EL-Ba) may include a first sub-lower surface (S1-Ba) and a second sub-lower surface (S2-Ba). For example, the edge upper surface (EL-Ua) may include a first sub-upper surface (S1-Ua) and a second sub-upper surface (S2-Ua) having different radii of curvature, and the edge lower surface (EL-Ba) may include a first sub-lower surface (S1-Ba) and a second sub-lower surface (S2-Ba) having different radii of curvature. The edge upper surface (EL-Ua) and the edge lower surface (EL-Ba) may each include an inflection portion (IP).

[0115] The exposed edge side (ED-a) of the edge portion (EP-a) may include a laser irradiation line. The laser irradiation line (LCL, FIG. 10b) may be formed in a shape extending in the direction of the third direction axis (DR3), which is the thickness direction. In one embodiment, the laser irradiation line (LCL, FIG. 10b) formed on the edge side (ED-a) of the window (WP-a) may be a portion corresponding to the portion of the laser irradiation line (LCL2) to which the second ultraviolet light (LL2) shown in FIG. 7a is irradiated.

[0116] Width (W) in the direction of the first directional axis (DR1) of the edge portion (EP-a) PA ) is the second interval (W RA2 ) may be less than or equal to. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the width of the edge portion (W) may vary depending on the concentration of the etching solution provided in the wet etching process and the immersion time in the etching solution. PA ) can change.

[0117] Meanwhile, compared to the window (WP) of an embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the degree of inclination of the edge portion (EP) of the window (WP-a) of an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11a and 11b may be gentler. That is, as the number of irradiation points of the second laser light provided for processing the edge portion increases, the inclination of the edge portion (EP-a) can be processed more gently.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 9b and FIG. 11b, the first inclination angle (θ1) formed by a virtual line (IML) passing through the center of the edge side (ED) of a window (WP) in one embodiment and a virtual line (IL1) connecting the corners of the edge upper surface (EL-U) may be greater than the second inclination angle (θ2) formed by a virtual line (IML) passing through the center of the edge side (ED-a) of a window (WP-a) in one embodiment and a virtual line (IL2) connecting the corners of the edge upper surface (EL-Ua).

[0119] That is, the window manufacturing method of one embodiment can be used to manufacture a window having a required edge shape by controlling the position where the second laser light is irradiated after laser cutting, the irradiation energy of the second laser light, the number of irradiations of the second laser light, etc.

[0120] A window manufacturing method according to one embodiment includes a step of sequentially performing laser cutting, a step of irradiating laser light with lower energy than the energy used in the cutting step, and a step of wet-etching the glass irradiated with laser light to provide a window, thereby easily manufacturing a window having a chamfered edge shape.

[0121] That is, the window manufacturing method of one embodiment can contribute to improving process economics by irradiating a laser light near the edge portion requiring processing before wet etching to facilitate wet etching, thereby allowing the edge portion to have a chamfered shape without a separate shape processing process after wet etching.

[0122] A window of one embodiment may include a flat portion and an edge portion disposed on the outer edge of the flat portion and having a thickness that decreases as it moves away from the flat portion, so that excellent strength may be exhibited even at the edge portion.

[0123] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as described in the claims set forth below.

[0124] Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0125] WP, WP-a : Window MG : Base glass P-WP: Reserve Window LL1, LL2: 1st Laser Beam, 2nd Laser Beam MP: Flat section EP, EP-a: Edge section

Claims

Claim 1 A method for manufacturing a window, comprising: a step of laser cutting a base glass entirely using a first laser beam to form a preliminary window; a step of irradiating a second laser beam having energy smaller than that of the first laser beam at a point spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the edge of the cut preliminary window; and a step of wet etching the preliminary window irradiated with the second laser beam to provide a window including a flat portion and an edge portion; wherein, in the step of irradiating the second laser beam, the preliminary window is not cut, and in the step of providing the window, the side of the edge portion exposed after wet etching includes a laser irradiation line extending in the thickness direction from the upper surface to the lower surface of the window, and the laser irradiation line is formed by the second laser beam. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, wherein the energy of the second laser light is 50% to 80% of the energy of the first laser light. Claim 4 A method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, wherein the first laser light and the second laser light are infrared laser light. Claim 5 A method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, wherein the beam sizes of the first laser light and the second laser light are each 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. Claim 6 A method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, wherein the second laser light is irradiated at a point spaced apart from the edge of the preliminary window by a first interval, and the first interval is 10% to 20% of the thickness of the preliminary window. Claim 7 A method for manufacturing a window according to claim 6, wherein the thickness of the preliminary window is 20㎛ to 50㎛. Claim 8 A method for manufacturing a window according to claim 6, wherein the first gap is 2㎛ to 5㎛. Claim 9 In claim 6, a window manufacturing method wherein the thickness of the above-mentioned preliminary window and the thickness of the above-mentioned window have the relationship of Equation 1 below: [Equation 1]t WP = t P-WP - (2W RA ) In the above Equation 1, W RA is the first interval mentioned above, and t P-WP is the thickness of the above-mentioned preliminary window, and t WP is the thickness of the flat portion above. Claim 10 In claim 6, a method for manufacturing a window in which the width of the edge portion is less than or equal to the first interval. Claim 11 delete Claim 12 A method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, wherein the edge portion is positioned at the outer edge of the flat portion, and the thickness decreases as it moves away from the flat portion. Claim 13 A method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing the window comprises a step of wet etching such that the edge portions include an upper edge surface and a lower edge surface facing each other, the upper edge surface includes a concave curved surface in the direction of the lower edge surface, and the lower edge surface includes a concave curved surface in the direction of the upper edge surface. Claim 14 A method for manufacturing a window according to claim 1, wherein the step of irradiating the second laser light comprises the step of irradiating the second laser light to a first portion spaced at a first interval from the edge of the cut preliminary window, and to a second portion spaced at a second interval from the edge of the preliminary window. Claim 15 A method for manufacturing a window according to claim 14, wherein the step of providing the window comprises a step of wet etching such that the edge portions include an edge upper surface and an edge lower surface facing each other, the edge upper surface includes a first sub-upper surface and a second sub-upper surface that are concave toward the edge lower surface and have different radii of curvature, and the edge lower surface includes a first sub-lower surface and a second sub-lower surface that are concave toward the edge upper surface and have different radii of curvature. Claim 16 A window comprising: a flat portion; and an edge portion disposed on the outer edge of the flat portion and having a thickness that gradually decreases in a direction spaced apart from the flat portion; wherein the edge portion includes an edge upper surface and an edge lower surface facing each other, and an exposed edge portion side disposed between the edge upper surface and the edge lower surface, the edge portion side includes a laser irradiation line extending in the thickness direction from the upper surface to the lower surface, the edge upper surface includes a first sub-upper surface and a second sub-upper surface that are concave toward the edge lower surface and have different radii of curvature, and the edge lower surface includes a first sub-lower surface and a second sub-lower surface that are concave toward the edge upper surface and have different radii of curvature. Claim 17 delete Claim 18 In claim 16, the upper surface of the edge and the lower surface of the edge are symmetrical with respect to an imaginary line passing through the center of the side of the edge portion. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 In Clause 16, the upper edge surface and the lower edge surface each comprise a window including an inflection portion.

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