DE102013000218A1 - Structures and manufacturing methods for glass-covered electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to electronic display devices designed to withstand damage from a shock resistance test wherein a 2 g steel ball having a diameter of 8 mm has a height greater than 1 foot, more preferably greater than 2 Foot, more preferably more than 3 feet, more preferably more than 4 feet, even more preferably more than 5 feet and more preferably more than 6 feet. The displays are configured using, for example, ultra-thin glass fixed to a base glass, with the adhesive layer being optimized for thinness and rigidity.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims the priority of U.S. Pat. Utility Model Application 13 / 727,081 entitled Structures and Fabrication Methods for Glass Covered Electronic Devices, filed Dec. 26, 2012, which incorporates the prerogative of the provisional U.S. Pat. Application No. 61 / 582,660, entitled Structures and Manufacturing Methods for Glass-Covered Electronic Devices by Paul Wickboldt and Eric Jones, filed January 3, 2012, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of electronic displays are used with electronic devices. Indicators may operate by using either emissive (pixel) light, transmissive (light transmitted through pixel), and reflective (ambient light is reflected) access. Display types may include, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) using liquid crystal cells that change transmission or reflection in an applied electric field, organic light emitting diode devices (OLEDs) using a light emitting diode (LED) in which emitting electroluminescent film of organic compounds emits light in response to an electric current, and include various types of electrophoretic displays in which pigmented particles are moved in response to an electric field (e.g., gyricon, e-ink, etc.) .).

The LCD panel typically consists of two glass plates separated by a liquid crystal material sealed therein. Both sheets have a thin transparent coating of conductive material, the viewing side being etched into segments, with leads leading to the edge or edge of the display. Tensions applied between the front and back coatings interrupt the proper placement of the molecules sufficiently to darken the liquid and form visible patterns.

In addition, displays have been developed which detect the presence and location of a touch, e.g. By a finger, or a passive object such as a pen or a digital pen, commonly referred to as touch screens. Touch screens have become a component of many computers and electronic devices. Many LCD displays are manufactured to incorporate touch screen functionality. Touch screens can be fixed to or recorded in computers, networks, cell phones, video games, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, or any other digital device. A variety of technologies are currently used to create a device with touch screen capabilities. Technologies that enable touch screen functionality include: resistance touch screen panels; surface acoustic wave technology; capacitive sensor panels (eg, using surface capacitance technology or projective capacitive touch technology using either alternating capacitive sensors or self-capacitive sensors); Infrared; optical imaging; dispersive signal technology; and acoustic pulse detection. Touch screen functionality may be combined with a display in a device in many configurations. The capturing screens of a touch screen may be incorporated directly into or onto the layers of the display (using, for example, "in-cell" or "on-cell" accesses) on a separate substrate which is placed on top of the screen The display is laminated (eg, using an "out-cell" access), or laminated to a cover lens that protects the display in the device, or the sensing circuitry can be received directly on the back of this cover lens ( "touch-on-lens"). See for example US2011 / 0102567A1 to Erhart, published on May 5, 2011, US2011 / 0102569A1 to Erhart, published on May 5, 2011, US2011 / 026729A1 to Erhart, published on July 14, 2011 and US2012 / 0242635A1 to Erhart, published on June 15, 2012.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, electronic devices may be configured to include a variety of components and features including: a display, a touch screen, a scratch resistant cover (e.g., lens), a memory, a system on a chip, a CPU core, a GPU core, a memory device, a Wi-Fi connectivity (e.g., 902.11 bg), a Bluetooth connectivity (e.g., USB connector), camera , Audio, Battery (eg, built-in lithium ion polymer rechargeable battery), a power connector, computer-readable media, instructions that are capable of being carried by computer-readable media (eg, software), etc.

A disadvantage of currently available electronic device interfaces is that the screen can be easily damaged. This may be particularly problematic for devices that are designed for increased mobility and can be subjected to harsh conditions. At present, devices having an interface are made to withstand a drop of ~ 1 foot. As will be appreciated, portable devices such as smart phones, touchpads, and other devices having currently available interfaces may often be used in environments where the device will be subject to physical trauma. such as a user dropping the device from a height greater than 1 foot or a heavy object falling onto the device. Therefore, a device interface is required which can withstand the force of impact equivalent to a impact resistance drop test performed at a height of more than 1 foot, more preferably more than 4 feet, and more preferably more than 6 feet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the disclosure is directed to displays of an electronic device, methods of making the displays, and methods of using devices with the displays. Indicators are formed of a thin glass (eg, 30 μm to 200 μm in thickness), an adhesive (which has a thickness d and a hardness K or Ym), and a base glass which has a Thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm or larger. Either one, neither or both of the thin glass and the base glass may be chemically strengthened. The total thickness of the adhesive layer between the thin glass and the base glass is preferably about 8 mils (200 μm) or less, more preferably about 4 mils (100 μm) or less, and more preferably 3 mils (75 μm or less). in thickness. In addition, the module of the adhesive layer between the thin glass and the base glass has a modulus, when averaged over its thickness, of 1 GPa or greater, more preferably 2 GPa or greater, and more preferably 3 GPa or greater.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to displays of an electronic device having sensors and methods for making the displays. Displays of an electronic device include, for example, a thin glass layer, a clear adhesive layer, a sensor layer, a plastic film layer, a second clear adhesive layer, and a base glass layer. Either one, neither or both of the thin glass and the base glass can be chemically strengthened. The total thickness of the one or more adhesive layers is preferably about 8 mils (200 microns) or less, more preferably about 4 mils (100 microns) or less, and more preferably 3 mils (75 microns or less) in thickness. In addition, the average modulus of the one or more adhesive layers between the thin glass and the base glass has a modulus, when averaged over its thickness, of 1 GPa or greater, more preferably 2 GPa or greater, and even more preferably 3 GPa or greater.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to displays of an electronic device having sensors and methods for making the displays. Displays of an electronic device include, for example, a thin glass layer, a clear adhesive layer, a sensor layer, a second thin glass layer, a second clear adhesive layer, and a base glass layer. The total thickness of the one or more adhesive layers is preferably about 8 mils (200 microns) or less, more preferably about 4 mils (100 microns) or less, and more preferably 3 mils (75 microns or less) in thickness. In addition, the average modulus of the one or more adhesive layers between the thin glass and the base glass has a modulus, when averaged over its thickness, of 1 GPa or greater, more preferably 2 GPa or greater, and even more preferably 3 GPa or greater.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to displays of an electronic device that are designed to withstand damage from a force equivalent to a crash resistance test where a 2 g steel ball having a diameter of 8 mm, from a certain height greater than 1 foot, more preferably greater than 2 feet, even more preferably greater than 3 feet, more preferably greater than 4 feet, even more preferably greater than 5 feet, and even more preferably greater than 6 feet.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to displays of an electronic device that are designed to withstand damage from a force equivalent to a shock resistance test using a 130 g (+/- 5 g) steel ball having a diameter of 31 , 8 mm (+/- 1 mm), is dropped from a certain height greater than 1 foot, more preferably greater than 2 feet, more preferably greater than 3 feet, and even more preferably greater than 4 feet.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to an electronic display device that uses a transparent flexible element that can accommodate a wide variety of electronics in the display, thereby producing a smart glass piece.

One aspect of the disclosure is directed to impact resistant displays. The impact resistant display devices comprise: a first thin glass layer having a thickness of less than 400 microns; a second base glass layer having a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm; an adhesive layer positionable between the first thin glass layer and the second base glass layer having a thickness of 200 microns or less, wherein the adhesive layer is selected based on one or more of a GPa measurement and a Young's modulus for the adhesive; and a sensor layer positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second base glass layer dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the height and width of the first and second base glass layers first thin glass layer or second glass layer, wherein the sensor layer is adaptable to communicate with a printed circuit board, wherein the display device has a total thickness of less than 800 microns and is constructed to a ball drop test of 2 grams to persist at more than 4 feet. In some configurations, a second thin glass layer is provided with the sensor layer positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second thin glass layer. In addition, a plastic layer and a second adhesive layer may be provided, wherein the plastic layer and the second adhesive layer are positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second glass layer such that the two adhesive layers are not adjacent connect to each other. The thickness averaged modulus of the first adhesive layer, the second adhesive layer, and the plastic layer is greater than 1 GPa in at least some configurations. In addition, one or more of a coating, a plastic film, a paint layer, an anti-fingerprint layer, and a scratch-resistant layer may be provided. In still other configurations, the interface is in communication with one or more of a circuit board, a memory, a memory device, a system on a chip, a CPU core, a GPU core, a Wi-Fi connectivity, a Bluetooth interface Camera, audio, battery, power connector, computer readable media, and instructions for operation on computer readable media. The adhesive layer may also be selected to include multiple layers of different materials and the modulus, averaged over the thickness by the adhesive, is greater than 1 GPa. In addition, the adhesive layer may have a modulus greater than 1 GPa. In some aspects, the adhesive is optically transparent. Additionally, the sensor layer may further comprise thin patterned conductive traces. Suitable sensors include one or more of a touch screen sensor and a biometric sensor, such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional fingerprint sensor. In at least some configurations, the thickness of the adhesive layer is a function of at least one of the modulus GPa value for the adhesive and the value of the Young's modulus of the adhesive. A degree of deformation of the first thin glass layer relative to the glass layer may have a function of at least one of a thickness between the first thin glass layer and the second glass layer and at least one of the GPa value for the adhesive and the value of Young's modulus of the adhesive be. A second sensor layer may also be provided which is positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second base glass layer dimensioned to at least a portion of the height and width of the first thin glass layer or the second glass layer wherein the second sensor layer is adaptable to communicate with a printed circuit board and to operate independently of the first sensor layer.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to impact resistant displays. The impact resistant display devices comprise: a first thin glass layer having a thickness of less than 400 microns; a second base glass layer having a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm; an adhesive layer positionable between the first thin glass layer and the second base glass layer having a thickness of 200 microns or less, wherein the adhesive layer is selected based on one or more of a GPa measurement and a Young's modulus for the adhesive; and a sensor layer positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second base glass layer dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the height and width of the first thin glass layer or the second glass layer, the sensor layer being adaptable to connect to a circuit board The display device has a total thickness of less than 1100 microns and is designed to pass a ball drop test of 2 grams at more than 4 feet.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method of making an impact resistant display device. The method comprises the steps of providing a first thin glass layer having a thickness of less than 400 microns, an adhesive layer having a thickness of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, and a second base glass layer having a thickness of 0, 1 to 0.5 mm; Providing a sensor layer dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the height and width of the first thin glass layer or the second base glass layer; Forming the adhesive layer on a surface of the thin glass layer; Placing the second base glass layer on the adhesive layer, wherein the display device is less than 800 micrometers in thickness and constructed to pass a ball drop test of 2 grams at more than 4 feet. Additional steps include, for example, applying a plastic sheet to the sensor layer. The thin plastic sheet may also have conductive traces patterned on one or both sides. In addition, a second thin glass layer, wherein the sensor layer is positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second thin glass layer. An additional step may include providing a second sensor layer dimensioned to cover at least a portion of a height and width of the first thin glass layer or the second base glass layer.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method of making an impact resistant display device. The method comprises the steps of providing a first thin glass layer having a thickness of less than 400 microns, an adhesive layer having a thickness of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, and a second base glass layer having a thickness of 0, 1 to 0.5 mm; Providing a sensor layer dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the height and width of the first thin glass layer or the second base glass layer; Forming the adhesive layer on a surface of the thin glass layer; Placing the second base glass layer on the adhesive layer, wherein the display device is less than 1100 microns in thickness and constructed to pass a ball drop test of 2 grams at more than 4 feet.

RECORDING BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually designated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are pointed out in detail in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the following detailed description, which sets forth illustrative embodiments in which the principles of the invention are used, and from the accompanying drawings, of which:

1 Figure 5 is a top view of an exemplary electronic device having a display as currently available;

2 Figure 5 is a side view of an exemplary electronic device having a display as currently available;

3 Figure 12 is an illustration of a basic construction of an exemplary interface, such as a touch screen, used with a smartphone that uses a glass cover lens;

4A -B are illustrations of a construction of a cover lens assembly which includes a capacitive sensor near the surface where a thin glass is also included;

5A -B are illustrations of a cover lens assembly having a thin glass as a topmost surface layer;

6A -B images of a failure height of the STR ^® 15420P at 1 foot ( 6A ) and the DuPont PV5412 at 6.5 feet ( 6A ) are; 6C Fig. 12 is a graph showing the height at which the failure occurred during the impact resistance test for the STR EVA 15420P 400 μm and the DuPont PV5412 ~ 380 μm; and

7A Impact test results illustrating showing a failure distance in inches versus a thickness of an optically clear adhesive (OCA); 7B Impact test results illustrating a failure distance versus an OCA thickness are illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I. DEVICES

For purposes of illustration, a touch screen display currently used, for example, for a smartphone is described. Such a touch screen typically includes a 9 cm (3.5 inch) x 6 cm (2.4 inch) liquid crystal display (LCD) with a scratch-resistant glass layer. Touch screens of other sizes may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The capacitive touch screen of the LCD is typically optimized for detecting a bare finger or multiple touch with multiple fingers. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of displays as well as a variety of touch screen configurations and touch screen operated devices may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

An LCD touch screen is typically a device including an LCD, a printed circuit board (PCB), on which input-output (I / O) connections, and integrated circuits (ICs) performing various functions , are mounted, a transparent touch screen circuit pattern on a transparent substrate and a protective shield or coating, which is applied to an upper side of the circuit or the circuit of the touch screen.

The circuit of the touch screen is connected to the PCB together with the LCD display. The circuitry of the touch screen is typically incorporated into the device using one of two methods. In a first method, the circuitry of the touch screen is taken directly into or onto the LCD, then a protective shield or coating (eg, a cover lens) is placed above the combination LCD / touch screen. In a second method, the circuit of the touch screen is applied to the protective coating or shield (e.g., cover lens) and then the resulting structure is mounted over the LCD, with the circuitry of the touch screen mounted between the protective coating or shield and the LCD is arranged. In all cases, the PCB is not visible below the LCD.

1 is an electronic device 100 from a top or top surface view. The device is any suitable electronic device, such as a smartphone, which is a device or display interface 120 which a user grips with his finger. Depending on the nature of the device or display used, the interface or interface 120 moreover, consist of a plurality of parts, as discussed in detail below.

The device itself has a topmost surface 102 and a soil surface 104 on. In addition, each component of the device 100 an upper surface (ie, a surface facing the uppermost surface of the device) and a lower surface (ie, a surface facing the bottom surface of the device), as will be appreciated from the cross-sectional views. The housing 110 the electronic device 100 may be configured to be a chamfer or edge 112 to form which (r) the interface 120 inside the case 110 the device 100 guaranteed. A mask 124 , such as a color or ink mask, may be provided which includes at least a portion of the interface 120 framing. The mask 124 is typically positioned to cover device electronics which are housed within the housing Section or area of the interface 120 is arranged. For a touch screen powered interface, a portion of the interface 120 which is not through the mask 124 is covered, a plurality of touch screen sensors 134 on. The plurality of touch screen sensors 134 may be any suitable conductor including a transparent conductor such as a layer of patterned indium-tin oxide (ITO), carbon nanotubes, metal nanowires, conductive or fine metal lines (eg, copper lines). The dimensions of the device interface 120 can range from 3-25 cm in width and from 5-30 cm in length.

2 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 200 , such as a device 100 from 1 , taken along the lines 2-2 of 1 , 2 FIG. 11 illustrates a common cross-sectional view of a device including the display. FIG. The electronic device 200 includes a housing 210 , a printed circuit board (PCB) 230 and an ad 228 such as an LCD or LCD module. The device may also include a touch sensor component 235 , such as a glass layer, to which a conductive layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or similar materials is applied to form the touch screen circuit. The conductive layer may be applied to form a pattern on the surface of the glass layer, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Like this in 2 shown covers a first conductive layer 234 an upper surface 206 the touch screen component 235 off and a second conductive layer 234 ' covers a bottom surface 208 the touch screen component 235 from. The cover lens 238 may be formed of a suitable material including, for example, a chemically tempered glass. A control device or a controller 226 The touch circuit is provided with a touch screen circuit or a digitizer composed of conductive layers 234 . 234 ' the touch circuit component 235 can be formed, via a flexible circuit 232 coupled. The control device 226 is on the PCB 230 mountable or fixable. An ad 228 is under the cover lens 238 and over the PCB 230 positioned. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, devices may also be configured such that a portion of the control functions are incorporated into a chip on the flexible element (COF) itself. The ad 228 For example, it may include a glass layer as well as any other components required to achieve a functional display including logic devices. The protective or protective layer 222 and display layer 228 may be formed of any suitable non-conductive material (e.g., glass, PET, or a suitable hard coating).

Now referring to 3 FIG. 12 is a basic construction of a touch screen suitable for use with a smartphone or other similar device. The device 300 has a cover lens 338 with a sensor 340 which is positioned so as to pass through an upper surface 302 the cover lens 338 is detectable. The cover lens 338 is positioned to fit into a housing 310 which includes the rest of the device components (including the display and electronics as discussed above, for example, with reference to FIG 2 is described).

For various electronic and optical device products, including, but not limited to, capacitive fingerprint sensors, touch sensors, and displays, it is desirable to include a thin glass sheet (also referred to as a sheet), as discussed below below with reference to 4 - 5 is discussed. This glass may have a thickness of 400 microns or less, more specifically between 50 and 400 microns in thickness, and in some cases between 30 and 250 microns in thickness. Many of these products must be physically robust for their intended use. One test of this physical robustness or durability is to drop a steel ball onto the surface of the device to determine under what conditions (ball drop height, ball weight, substrate mounting, etc.) the product will fail. Due to these durability requirements, thin glass layers in the structure of these devices have been avoided.

In two specific implementations provided for illustration, a capacitive fingerprint sensor and / or a capacitive touch sensor may need to be incorporated into a device having a display, such as on a touch screen telephone. These telephones often have a cover lens made of chemically strengthened glass or base glass which is typically 0.5 mm thick or thicker. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, coverslens having a thickness between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm, such as ultra-thin glass (UT), may also be used. This cover lens may have other thin layers, such as inks for example, which may be used for visual effects or coatings printed, which are used to reduce smearing of fingerprints or to increase a scratch resistance or resistance. In this embodiment, the sensors are located close to the finger, in this case within about 50 microns, 100 microns, or at values between 30 microns and 300 microns. Thus, the sensors may be disposed above the cover lens or received as part of a cover lens assembly. It is desired to place a layer of glass over the sensor to maintain the feel and many characteristics of the glass surface to the user.

II. METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

As disclosed herein, a method and structure have been developed that enable thin glass to be incorporated into these device products (or similar device products or components thereof) while achieving the durability that is required. Specifically, when this structure is subjected to steel ball impact tests, as discussed below, the results are similar to those obtained for existing commercial coverslens made from reinforced glass. By providing the thin glass surface at or near the surface of the device product, the results of hardness and scratch resistance may also be similar to those for the existing commercial cover lenses made of reinforced glass.

3 FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of a basic configuration of a touchscreen phone or similar device. FIG. As can be seen, the cover lens is 338 mounted above the display and other device components (shown in FIG 2 ), on the case 310 (or bevel) of the device 300 which has an internal cavity 350 which is sized to receive the electronic components of the device. Typically, sensors 340 at or near an upper surface 302 the cover lens 338 positioned.

4A Figure B show a cover lens assembly in cross section, which is a base glass layer 438 which may be similar to that used in a typical commercial cover lens design, but now also includes one or more sensor (s) 448 and a thin layer of glass 422 above the base glass layer 438 contains or absorbs. This base glass layer 438 may be either thin (between 30 μm and 300 μm thick) or thicker (more than 300 μm up to 5 mm) and preferably reinforced. For all or any of the thin glass layers 422 . 422 ' and the base glass layer 438 In these structures, the glass may or may not be reinforced, although reinforced glass layers have advantages. Suitable reinforced glass includes, for example, ^{Corning® Gorilla®} glass, available from Corning Incorporated, Corning, NY.

In this example, sensors can be used 448 of thin patterned conductive traces on the surface (either top, bottom or both) of a thin plastic sheet 464 be prepared. With suitable patterns and connections, these patterns may include, for example, a fingerprint sensor, a touch sensor, or a combination of both, and may or may not be transparent (eg, it could be copper or ITO or a combination of both). This sensor layer or layer can cover the entire area or the entire area of the cover lens or only a part of the area. It can also color or ink pattern 424 on the surfaces of one of the glass layers or the plastic sheet, for example, to be printed as a masking layer which is typically used in a mobile phone. One or more adherent or adhesive layer (s) 452 . 452 ' can be used between and around the different layers to connect the unit together.

In 4A -B, optically transparent adhesive (s) or optically clear adhesives (OCA) may be used between a sensor layer and a thin glass layer and between a sensor and a base glass.

In addition, a thin glass laminate (which has a thickness of 30-500 microns) 422 . 422 ' above and below the sensor 448 be positioned.

5A Figure B shows a cross-section of a general concept of a cover lens assembly containing a thin glass. The thin glass layer 522 is considered as an uppermost layer relative to the adhesive and base glass layers 538 positioned. It should be noted that this thin glass layer 522 additional layers on either the top or bottom side (eg, ink pattern, anti-stick Fingerprint coatings, etc.). Under the thin glass layer 522 is or is a base glass layer 538 which may also have additional coatings if desired. This base glass layer 538 is preferably reinforced. This base glass layer 538 may have thicknesses in the range of 100 microns to 300 microns, or 300 microns to 500 microns, or may be greater than 500 microns. An adhesive layer 552 a thickness d and with a hardness given by the compression modulus K is used to form the thin glass layer 522 to the base glass layer 538 to bond or connect to this. It may be desirable to include other layers, device components, and devices disposed between the base glass layer 538 and the thin glass layer 522 For example, by doing so, these additional components are closer to a top surface 502 could be as if they were placed below the base glass.

In addition, a thin glass laminate (which has a thickness of 30-500 microns) 522 . 522 ' , which consists of a first thin glass layer 522 and a second thin glass layer 522 ' exists, above and below the sensor 548 be positioned.

A primary problem addressed by this disclosure is that the thin layer of glass may be used in assemblies such as those shown in U.S. Pat 3 and 4 are normally susceptible to breakage. In particular, one way to test the durability of these assemblies is to subject them to ball drop tests to determine impact resistance, dropping a particular steel ball from progressively higher altitudes onto the surface of the assembly until breakage occurs. This susceptibility to breakage is solved by providing all of the elements between the thin glass and the base glass, being below a certain thickness, and having hardnesses above certain values. During a ball drop test, as the ball impacts the front surface, the thin glass layer may locally buckle in the direction of matching the radius of the ball. By doing so, local stresses occur in this region which may result in the formation of a crack. The deformation of the thin glass layer can be reduced by increasing the hardness of the materials between the thin glass layer and the base glass layer. It can also be reduced by reducing the thickness of the gap between the thin glass layer and the base glass layer. By selecting an appropriate combination of thicknesses and hardnesses, fracture of the thin glass layer due to impact, particularly due to ball drop testing, can be reduced or eliminated to the point where the entire breakage of the cover glass assembly is the same as a typical one commercial arrangement based on the reinforced glass. This is supported by the attached figures and data.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, hardness can be defined in many ways. The elastic compression modulus K is an example of a suitable measurement. However, this value is not always readily available, but for many materials of interest the Young's modulus Y _M can be used as a substitute since it is often measured.

The configurations of this disclosure use a total thickness of the layers between the thin glass layer and the base glass layer of about 8 mils (200 μm) or less, more specifically 4 mils (100 μm) or less, or more specifically 3 mils (75 μm or less) in the Thickness. In addition, the modulus of these middle layers, averaged by their thicknesses, is 1 GPa or larger. If much of this thickness is defined by the adhesive thickness, the adhesive will be one of high hardness. TABLE 1 device component from to Interface thickness (mm) 0,013 0,075 Adhesive layer thickness (mm) 0,025 0,200 Module of middle layers (Y _m , GPa) 0.5 5

Types of adhesives included are polyester-based resins, acrylic-based resins, and polycarbonate-based resins. TABLE 2 material Y _m PSI Glass ~ 50 GPa ~ 7 × 10 ⁶ PET * ~ 3.5 GPa ~ 5 × 10 ⁵ EVA ** ~ 70 uPa ~ 1000-10000 * Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
** ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)

The device interfaces disclosed herein achieve increased durability and performance of the interface of the electronic device by optimizing the thickness of the adhesive layer and the hardness.

The cover lens assemblies can be made using a variety of processes that critically depend on the type of adhesive used. Generally, the stack of layers is constructed sequentially by applying each layer to the top of the others. This may be done in any order suitable for the desired handling of materials and a drain of application process conditions, such as heating, exposure to UV, or application of pressure.

In one example, thermosetting or thermosetting adhesives may be used which are applied as thin dry sheets. For these materials, the entire structure is piled up, which (based on the illustration of 5 ) the base glass layer 538 , the adhesive layer 552 and a thin layer of glass 522 includes. This stack of material is placed in a vacuum laminator and is subjected to a series of process steps which include evacuation of ambient air (to eliminate trapped air between the layers), heating, an application of Include pressure and cooling. A timing and sequence of these steps can be optimized to improve the desired properties of, for example, optical clarity, smoothness, uniformity, hardness, and adhesion. Exemplary assemblies incorporating the adhesives of EVA and DuPont's PV5412 were assembled using such a process.

In another example, optically clear pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) films, commonly referred to as optically clear adhesives (OCAs), are used. When these adhesives are used, lamination is performed by applying the film (s) to a roll laminator which applies pressure when the films are laminated. Heat may also be applied either during or after the physical lamination. The sequence of assembly may vary depending on many factors of material handling. In an example of these materials (using the illustration of 5A -B) becomes the adhesive layer 552 first on the base glass layer 538 applied, then the thin glass layer 522 applied to the stack of adhesive and base glass layer. In an alternative example, the adhesive layer is used for these materials 552 first on the thin glass layer 522 applied, then the combination of the thin glass layer and adhesive layer on the base glass layer 538 applied. Following each of these lamination ports, heat may be applied and / or pressure applied to accelerate bonding at the interfaces.

Other adhesives may include liquid epoxy. These may be applied as layers using a variety of coating techniques, including spraying, engraving, grooving, application, spin processes. Once the stack of layers to be bonded by the epoxy is formed, the epoxy can be cured and cured using heat and / or exposure to UV radiation.

III. METHOD OF USE

An electronic device 100 , which is configurable to position a sensor, such as a 1D sensor, a 2D sensor, or a touch sensor within a sensing range, is employed by a user. The user puts his finger and / or wipes the finger or applies the element to be detected on a surface of the device in a position in communication with the sensor.

For example, the element to be detected (such as a finger) may be applied (eg, by sweeping the surface) at a position that is in communication with the sensing element. Thus, for example, the fingerprint is detected by the fingerprint sensor and / or a biometric input is received. The detected input (such as a fingerprint) is checked or validated. Once validated, use of the electronic device becomes 100 or any other functionality controlled by the fingerprint authentication is allowed.

• • Benutzerauthentifizierung für ein Entriegeln einer Vorrichtung (z. B. Telefon, Tablet oder Computer)
• • Benutzerauthentifizierung für Online-Transaktionen
• • Benutzerauthentifizierung für einen Zugriff auf Vorrichtungssysteme und Dienste, beinhaltend Websites und Email
• • Ersatz von Passwort und PINs
• • Physikalischer Zutritt, wie beispielsweise Türverriegelungen
• • Zeit- und Anwesenheitssysteme (Nachweis einer Anwesenheit an einem gewissen Platz zu einer gewissen Zeit)
• • Fingerbasierende Eingabevorrichtungen/Navigation für Mobiltelefone und Spiele
• • Fingerbasierende Schnelltasten bzw. Tastenkombinationen (Authentifizierung eines gegebenen Fingers resultiert in dem entsprechenden Vorgang, für welchen dieser Finger katalogisiert ist)
• • Nicht-Zurückweisung für Online-Transaktionen

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the disclosed sensors can be used in a variety of ways, including, for example:

• • User authentication for unlocking a device (eg phone, tablet or computer)
• • User authentication for online transactions
• • User authentication for accessing device systems and services, including websites and e-mail
• • Replacement of password and PINs
• • Physical access, such as door locks
• • time and attendance systems (proof of presence at a certain place at a certain time)
• • Finger-based input devices / navigation for mobile phones and games
• • Finger-based shortcuts or key combinations (authentication of a given finger results in the corresponding process for which this finger is cataloged)
• • Non-rejection for online transactions

IV. EXAMPLES

Impact resistance test: STR ^® 15420P against DuPont ^® PV5412

The aim of this test was the difference between the STR PHOTOCAP 15420P ^® EVA thermal adhesive (~ 400 micron) available from Specialized Technology Resources, Inc. (www.strsolar.com, Enfield, CT), and the DuPont ^® PV5412 thermal adhesive (380 μm), available from DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (www2.dupont.com/photovoltaics/en_US/products_services/), by a shock resistance test. To do this, a 2 g steel ball with a diameter of 8 mm from a designated height was dropped five times. The drop height was increased until a defect or failure occurred. The test pack or article consisted of: glass, thermal glue, thin glass. A significant difference was measured between the two thermal adhesives. The DuPont PV5412 adhesive increased the impact strength compared to the STR EVA material. The improvement in impact resistance is attributed to the greater hardness of the DuPont PV5412 material. 6A Illustrates a picture of the device interface after the impact resistance test failure for 15420P at 1 foot, and 6B illustrates an image of the device interface after impact resistance failure for DuPont PV5412 at 6.5 feet. Breakage of the ultra-thin (UT) glass for the standard configuration was due to excessive deflection during impact, which caused tensile breakage. The PV 5412 material ( 6B ) reduced sag by using an adhesive layer which is harder than that of the EVA material. While it is expected from the STR PHOTOCAP 15420P ^® EVA from DuPont ^® PV5412 is expected, a Young's modulus of more than 1 GPa have, to have a Young's modulus in a range of below 0.1 GPa. 6C FIG. 13 is a graph that shows the respective impact resistance test results and the height at which a failure for the in 6A -B materials appeared.

7A illustrates impact test results using an OCA (available from 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, such as OCA 8173, 8211, 8212, 8213, 8214, or 8215) comprising the following layers: Glass - OCA - ultrathin glass (UT). An error or failure distance (in Inches) is provided for configurations having an OCA thickness of 1 mil-6 mils. Failure intervals were well over 1 foot, and typically 4 feet (48 inches) or above.

7B illustrates impact test results using an OCA (available from 3M Company, such as OCA 8173, 8211, 8212, 8213, 8214 or 8215) which comprises a multilayer structure comprising the following layers: glass - OCA - 2 mil PET - OCA - UT. A failure distance (in inches) is provided for configurations having an OCA thickness of 1 mil-2 mil. A failure distance was 5 feet (60 inches) or above.

Accordingly, there are disclosed displays of an electronic device designed to withstand damage from a shock resistance test, wherein a 2 g steel ball having a diameter of 8 mm exceeds a designated height of greater than 1 foot, more preferably greater than 2 feet, more preferably greater than 3 feet, even more preferably greater than 4 feet, even more preferably greater than 5 feet, and even more preferably greater than 6 feet. The displays are configured using, for example, ultra-thin glass which is adhered to a base glass where the adhesive layer is optimized for thinness and rigidity.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous modifications, changes and substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2011/0102567 A1 [0004]
• US 2011/0102569 A1 [0004]
• US 2011/026729 A1 [0004]
• US 2012/0242635 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Impact-resistant display device comprising: a first thin glass layer having a thickness of less than 400 microns; a second base glass layer having a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm; an adhesive layer positionable between the first thin glass layer and the second base glass layer having a thickness of 200 microns or less, wherein the adhesive layer is selected based on one or more of a GPa measurement and a Young's modulus for the adhesive; and a sensor layer positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second base glass layer dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the height and width of the first thin glass layer or the second glass layer, the sensor layer being adaptable to communicate with a circuit board . wherein the display device has a total thickness of less than 800 micrometers and is constructed to pass a ball drop test of 2 grams at more than 4 feet. The impact resistant display device of claim 1, further comprising a second thin glass layer, wherein the sensor layer is positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second thin glass layer. Impact-resistant display device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a plastic layer and a second adhesive layer, wherein the plastic layer and the second adhesive layer are positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second glass layer so that the two adhesive layers are not adjacent to each other, wherein the thickness averaged module of the first adhesive layer , the second adhesive layer and the plastic layer is preferably greater than 1 GPa; and or one or more of a coating, a plastic film, a ink layer, an anti-fingerprint layer and a scratch-resistant layer. The impact-resistant display device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface is in communication with one or more of a circuit board, memory, memory device, on-chip system, CPU core, GPU core, Wi-Fi connectivity Bluetooth interface, a camera, audio, battery, power connector, computer-readable media and instructions for operation on computer-readable media. Impact-resistant display device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive layer comprises different layers of different materials, and the thickness-averaged module through the adhesive is greater than 1 GPa, and / or wherein the adhesive layer has a modulus of greater than 1 GPa and / or wherein the adhesive is optically transparent. The impact resistant display device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor layer further comprises thin patterned conductive traces and / or wherein the sensor is one or more of a touch screen sensor and a biometric sensor. An impact resistant display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the adhesive layer is a function of the at least one of the modulus GPa value for the adhesive and the value of the Young's modulus of the adhesive, and / or wherein an amount of deformation of the first thin glass layer is relative to the glass layer is a function of at least one of a thickness between the first thin glass layer and the second glass layer and at least one of the GPa value for the adhesive and the value of Young's modulus of the adhesive. The impact resistant display device of claim 1, further comprising a second sensor layer positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second base glass layer dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the height and width of the first thin glass layer or the second glass layer Sensor layer is adaptable to communicate with a circuit board and to work independently of the first sensor layer. A method of making a display device, comprising: providing a first thin glass layer, which has a thickness of less than 400 microns, an adhesive layer having a thickness of 0.01 to 0.4 mm, and a second base glass layer having a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm; providing a sensor layer sized to cover at least a portion of the height and width of the first thin glass layer or the second base glass layer; forming the adhesive layer on a surface of the thin glass layer; placing the second base glass layer on the adhesive layer, wherein the display device is less than 800 μm in thickness and constructed to pass a ball drop test of 2 grams at more than 4 feet. The method of claim 9, further comprising one or more of the following: applying a plastic sheet to the sensor layer; patterning conductive lines on a surface of the thin plastic layer; providing a second thin glass layer, wherein the sensor layer is positioned between the first thin glass layer and the second thin glass layer; and or providing a second sensor layer sized to cover at least a portion of a height and width of the first thin glass layer or the second base glass layer.

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