Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10189743B2/en
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 02:57:13
Document Index: 702656969

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 11749636', 'Application No. 201180047550', 'Application No. 10', 'Application No. 10', 'Application No. 201180047550', 'Application No. 10', 'Application No. 201180047550']

US10189743B2 - Enhanced strengthening of glass - Google Patents
Enhanced strengthening of glass Download PDF
US10189743B2
US10189743B2 US12/895,823 US89582310A US10189743B2 US 10189743 B2 US10189743 B2 US 10189743B2 US 89582310 A US89582310 A US 89582310A US 10189743 B2 US10189743 B2 US 10189743B2
US12/895,823
US20110067447A1 (en
2010-08-18 Priority to US37498810P priority Critical
2010-09-30 Priority to US12/895,823 priority patent/US10189743B2/en
2010-11-04 Assigned to APPLE INC. reassignment APPLE INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WEBER, DOUGLAS, PREST, CHRISTOPHER, ZADESKY, STEPHEN PAUL
2011-03-24 Publication of US20110067447A1 publication Critical patent/US20110067447A1/en
2019-01-29 Publication of US10189743B2 publication Critical patent/US10189743B2/en
Apparatus, systems and methods for improving strength of a thin glass member for an electronic device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the glass member can have improved strength by using multi-bath chemical processing. The multi-bath chemical processing allows greater levels of strengthening to be achieved for glass member. In one embodiment, the glass member can pertain to a glass cover for a housing of an electronic device.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/374,988, filed Aug. 18, 2010, and entitled “ENHANCED GLASS STRENGTHENING OF GLASS”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The invention relates generally to increasing the strength of glass. Through multi-bath chemical processing greater levels of strengthening can be achieved for glass articles. The multi-bath chemical processing can be achieved through the use of successive chemical baths. The use of multi-bath chemical processing for a glass article can enhance the effectiveness of the chemical strengthening process. Accordingly, glass articles that have undergone multi-bath chemical processing are able to be not only thin but also sufficiently strong and resistant to damage. The strengthened glass articles are well suited for use in consumer products, such as consumer electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices).
As a method for strengthening a piece of glass, one embodiment can, for example, include at least obtaining a piece of glass that is to be chemically strengthened, enhancing the glass to make it more susceptible to chemical strengthening, and subsequently chemically strengthening the enhanced glass.
As a glass strengthening system for glass articles, one embodiment can, for example, includes at least a first bath station providing a sodium solution, and a second bath station providing a potassium solution. The first bath station serves to receive a glass article and to introduce sodium ions into surfaces of the glass article. The second bath station serves to receive the glass article following the first bath station and to exchange potassium ions for sodium ions within the glass article.
As a method for processing a glass piece to improve its strength, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: submerging the glass piece in a heated sodium bath, determining whether the glass piece should be removed from the heated sodium bath, subsequently submerging the glass piece in a heated potassium bath, determining whether the glass piece should be removed from the heated potassium bath, and performing post-processing on the glass piece following removal of the glass piece from the heated potassium bath.
A method for processing a glass piece to improve its strength, another embodiment can, for example, include at least: submerging the glass piece in a heated sodium bath; removing the glass piece from the heated sodium bath after being in the heated sodium solution for a first duration; subsequently submerging the glass piece in a heated potassium bath; removing the glass piece from the heated potassium bath after being in the heated potassium solution for a second duration; and performing post-processing on the glass piece following removal of the glass piece from the heated potassium bath.
FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a glass strengthening process according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates a glass strengthening system according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a glass piece process according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4 illustrates a glass strengthening system according to another embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a back exchange process according to one embodiment.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrammatic representations of electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are a diagrammatic representation of an electronic device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 8 is flow diagram which illustrates a method of chemically strengthening glass, e.g., a glass cover, according to one embodiment.
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional diagram of a glass cover which has been chemically treated according to one embodiment.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-10. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. The illustrations provided in these figures are not necessarily drawn to scale; instead, the illustrations are presented in a manner to facilitate presentation.
FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a glass strengthening process 100 according to one embodiment. The glass strengthening process 100 serves to chemically strengthen a piece of glass such that it is better suited for its particular usage.
The glass strengthening process 100 can enhance 104 the glass for subsequent chemical strengthening. In one implementation, the glass can be enhanced 104 chemically through chemical processing. Specifically, the glass can be placed in a sodium solution so that sodium ions can migrate from the sodium solution into the glass, namely into the exposed surfaces of the glass.
After the glass has been enhanced 104, the enhanced glass can be chemically strengthened 106. In one implementation, the enhanced glass can be chemically strengthened 106 through chemical processing. Specifically, the enhanced glass can be placed in a potassium solution so that potassium ions from the potassium solution can be exchanged for sodium ions within the enhanced glass.
By enhancing 104 the glass, the glass becomes more susceptible to chemical strengthening 106. In other words, the glass can be strengthened to a greater extent when the glass has been enhanced 104. Following block 106, the piece of glass has been chemically strengthened. Due to the enhancement of the glass, the glass is able to be chemically strengthened to a greater extent. Following the chemical strengthening, the glass strengthening process 100 can end.
FIG. 2 illustrates a glass strengthening system 200 according to one embodiment. The glass strengthening system 200 receives a glass article 202 to be strengthened through chemical processing. The glass article 202 is provided to a first bath station in which a first bath 204 is provided. The glass article 202 can be inserted (e.g., immersed) into the first bath 204 which includes a sodium solution 206. Next, the glass article 202 is removed from the first bath station and provided to a second bath station. The second bath station provides a second bath 208. The glass article can be inserted (e.g., immersed) into the second bath 208 which includes a potassium solution 210. Later, the glass article 202 is removed from the second bath 208. At this point, the glass article has been first enhanced and then strengthened. Since the glass article was enhanced, the glass article is able to be chemically strengthened to a greater extent than would otherwise have been determined if the glass article were not first enhanced.
Furthermore, following removal of the glass article from the second bath 208, post-processing can be performed on the glass article. Post-processing can vary widely dependent on intended application for the glass article. However, post-processing can, for example, include one or more of rinsing, polishing, annealing and the like.
The sodium solution 206 within the first bath 204 can be heated to a predetermined temperature, and the glass article 202 can be immersed within the first bath 204 for a predetermined period of time. The degree of enhancement of the glass article 202 is dependent on: (1) type of glass, (2) concentration of bath (e.g., Na concentration), (3) time in the first bath 204, and (4) temperature of the first bath 204. Likewise, the potassium solution 210 within the second bath 208 can be heated to a predetermined temperature, and the glass article 202 can be immersed within the second bath 208 for a predetermined period of time. The degree of chemically strengthening provided by the second bath 208 to the glass article is dependent on: (1) type of glass, (2) concentration of bath (e.g., K concentration), (3) time in the second bath 208, and (4) temperature of the second bath 208.
In one implementation, the glass for the glass article can, for example, be alumina silicate glass or soda lime glass. Also, glass from different suppliers, even if the same type of glass, can have different properties and thus may require different values. The first bath 204 can be a sodium (Na) bath or a sodium nitrate (NaNO3) bath, in either case with a sodium concentration of 30%-100% mol. In another embodiment the first bath 204 can be a sodium nitrate (NaNO3) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) bath. The time for the glass article 202 to remain immersed in the first bath 204 can be about 4-8 hours and the temperature for the first bath 204 can be about 350-450 degrees Celsius. The time for the glass article 202 to remain immersed in the second bath 208 can be about 6-20 hours and the temperature for the second bath 208 can be about 300-500 degrees Celsius.
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a glass piece process 300 according to one embodiment. The glass piece process 300 serves to process a piece of glass such that is more suitable for subsequent use in a consumer product.
The glass piece process 300 initially obtains 302 a piece of glass. The glass piece can be submerged 304 in a heated sodium bath. A decision 306 can then determine whether the glass piece should be removed from the heated sodium bath. For example, the heated sodium bath can be maintained at a predetermined temperature and the glass piece can be submerged within the heated sodium for a predetermined period of time. As an example, the decision 306 can determine that the glass piece should be removed from the heated sodium bath after the glass piece has been immersed in the heated sodium bath for the predetermined amount of time.
Once the decision 306 determines that the glass piece is to be removed from the heated sodium bath, the glass piece can then be submerged 308 into a heated potassium bath. A decision 310 can then determine whether the glass piece should be removed from the heated potassium bath. The heated potassium bath can, for example, be maintained at a predetermined temperature and the glass piece can be submerged within the heated potassium bath for a predetermined period of time.
Once the decision 310 determines that the glass piece is to be removed from the potassium bath, post-processing on the glass piece can be performed 312. The post-processing can vary depending upon application. For example, the post-processing can include one or more of: polishing, grinding, heating, annealing, cleaning and the like for the glass piece. Typically, the post-processing is performed on the glass piece to make the glass piece more suitable for its intended usage.
Following the performing 312 of the post-processing, the glass piece can be utilized 314 in a consumer product. The glass piece can be used as an outer portion of a housing for the consumer product, or can be used as an internal component (e.g., LCD glass panel) glass piece. For example, the consumer product can be a consumer electronics product, such as a portable electronic device. Following the block 314, the glass piece process 300 can end.
The predetermined temperature for use with the heated potassium bath can be the same or different than the predetermined temperature for use with the heated sodium bath. The predetermined period of time for use with the heated potassium bath can be the same or different than the predetermined period of time for use with the heated sodium bath. For example, the glass piece can be immersed in a heated sodium bath at a temperature of about 350-450 degrees Celsius for a predetermined amount of time of about 4-8 hours. Also, for example, the glass piece can be immersed in a heated potassium bath at a temperature of about 300-500 degrees Celsius for a predetermined amount of time of about 6-20 hours.
According to another embodiment, glass processing can further include an additional bath. The additional bath can be provided to provide a small amount of back exchange of ions at the surfaces of a glass piece (glass article). The back exchange can serve to exchange potassium ions from the glass piece for sodium ions. This back exchange process can be useful to move a compressive maximum inward from the outer edges (10-70 micrometers) as defects or cracks proximate the edges reside slightly inward from the edges and are weak points that render the glass piece more susceptible to causing damage to the glass member.
FIG. 4 illustrates a glass strengthening system 400 according to another embodiment. The glass strengthening system 400 receives a glass article 402 to be strengthened through chemical processing. The glass article 402 is provided to a first bath station where a first bath 404 is provided. The glass article 402 can be inserted (e.g., immersed) into the first bath 404 which includes a sodium solution 406. Next, the glass article 402 is removed from the first bath station and provided to a second bath station. The second bath station provides a second bath 408. The glass article can be inserted (e.g., immersed) into the second bath 408 which includes a potassium solution 410. Later, the glass article 402 is removed from the second bath 408. At this point, the glass article has been first enhanced and then strengthened. Since the glass article was enhanced, the glass article is able to be chemically strengthened to a greater extent.
Additionally, after the glass article 402 has been removed from the second bath 408, the glass article can be provided to a third bath station where a third bath 412 is provided. The glass article 402 can be inserted (e.g., immersed) into the third bath 412 which includes a sodium solution 414. Here, potassium ions from the glass article exchange with sodium ions in the sodium solution. This can be referred to as a back exchange because some ions previously exchanged with the glass article are effectively unexchanged or returned. Subsequently, the glass article 402 is removed from the third bath 412.
The sodium solution 406 within the first bath 404 can be heated to a predetermined temperature, and the glass article 402 can be immersed within the first bath 404 for a predetermined period of time. The degree of enhancement of the glass article is dependent on at least: (1) type of glass, (2) concentration of bath (e.g., Na concentration), (3) time in the first bath 402, and (4) temperature of the first bath 402. Likewise, the potassium solution 410 within the second bath 408 can heated to a predetermined temperature, and the glass article 402 can be immersed within the second bath 408 for a predetermined period of time. Still further, the sodium solution 414 within the third bath 412 can heated to a predetermined temperature, and the glass article 402 can be immersed within the third bath 412 for a predetermined period of time.
The predetermined period of time for use with the second bath 408 can be the same or different than the predetermined period of time for use with the first bath 404 or the third bath 412. The predetermined period of time for use with the third bath 412 can be the same or different than the predetermined period of time for use with the first bath 404 or the second bath 408. Typically, the predetermined period of time for use with the third bath 412 is substantially less than the predetermined period of time for use with the first bath 404.
Furthermore, following removal of the glass article from the third bath 412, post-processing can be performed on the glass article. Post-processing can vary widely dependent on intended application for the glass article. However, post-processing can, for example, include one or more of rinsing, polishing, annealing and the like.
The sodium solution 406 within the first bath 404 can be heated to a predetermined temperature, and the glass article 402 can be immersed within the first bath 404 for a predetermined period of time. The degree of enhancement of the glass article 402 is dependent on: (1) type of glass, (2) concentration of bath (e.g., Na concentration), (3) time in the first bath 404, and (4) temperature of the first bath 404. Likewise, the potassium solution 410 within the second bath 408 can heated to a predetermined temperature, and the glass article 402 can be immersed within the second bath 408 for a predetermined period of time. The degree of chemically strengthening provided by the second bath 408 to the glass article is dependent on: (1) type of glass, (2) concentration of bath (e.g., K concentration), (3) time in the second bath 408, and (4) temperature of the second bath 408.
In one implementation, the glass for the glass article can, for example, be alumina silicate glass or soda lime glass. Also, glass from different suppliers, even if the same type of glass, can have different properties and thus may require different values. The first bath 404 can be a sodium (Na) bath or a sodium nitrate (NaNO3) bath, in either case with a sodium concentration of 30%-100% mol. The time for the glass article 402 to remain immersed in the first bath 404 can be about 4-8 hours and the temperature for the first bath 404 can be about 350-450 degrees Celsius. The time for the glass article 402 to remain immersed in the second bath 408 can be about 6-20 hours and the temperature for the second bath 408 can be about 300-500 degrees Celsius. The third bath 412 can be a sodium (Na) bath or a sodium nitrate (NaNO3) bath, in either case with a sodium concentration of 30%-100% mol. The time for the glass article 402 to remain immersed in the third bath 412 can be about 1-30 minutes and the temperature for the third bath 412 can be about 350-450 degrees Celsius.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a back exchange process 500 according to one embodiment. The back exchange process 500 provides additional, optional processing that can be used with the glass piece process 300 illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the back exchange process 500 can be optionally used following block 310 and prior to block 312 of the glass piece process 300.
The back exchange process 500 provides an additional bath for providing back exchange of sodium into the glass piece. According to the back exchange process 500, the glass piece can be submerged 502 into a heated sodium bath. A decision 504 can then determine whether the glass piece should be removed from the heated sodium bath. For example, the heated sodium bath can be maintained at a predetermined temperature and the glass piece can be submerged within the heated sodium bath for a predetermined period of time. As an example, the decision 504 can determine that the glass piece should be removed from the heated sodium bath after the glass piece has been immersed in the heated sodium bath for the predetermined amount of time.
Once the decision 504 determines that the glass piece is to be removed from the heated sodium bath, the processing of the glass piece can then return to perform pre-processing at block 312 and subsequent operations of the glass piece process 300 illustrated in FIG. 3.
In the back exchange process 500, the heated sodium bath can be heated to a predetermined temperature, and the glass piece can be immersed within the heated sodium bath for a predetermined period of time. The extent of the back exchange fir the glass piece can be dependent on: (1) type of glass, (2) concentration of bath (e.g., Na concentration), (3) time in the sodium bath, and (4) temperature of the sodium bath. In one implementation, the glass for the glass piece can, for example, be alumina silicate glass or soda lime glass. Also, glass from different suppliers, even if the same type of glass, can have different properties and thus may require different values. The heated sodium bath can be a sodium (Na) bath or a sodium nitrate (NaNO3) bath, in either case with a sodium concentration of 30%-100% mol. The predetermined period of time for the glass piece to remain immersed in the heated sodium bath for back exchange can be about 1-30 minutes and the temperature for the heated sodium bath can be about 350-450 degrees Celsius.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrammatic representations of electronic device 600 according to one embodiment. FIG. 6A illustrates a top view for the electronic device 600, and FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional side view for electronic device 600 with respect to reference line A-A′. Electronic device 600 can include housing 602 that has glass cover window 604 (glass cover) as a top surface. Cover window 604 is primarily transparent so that display assembly 606 is visible through cover window 604. Cover window 604 can be chemically strengthened using the multi-bath chemical processing described herein. Display assembly 606 can, for example, be positioned adjacent cover window 604. Housing 602 can also contain internal electrical components besides the display assembly, such as a controller (processor), memory, communications circuitry, etc. Display assembly 606 can, for example, include a LCD module. By way of example, display assembly 606 may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that includes a Liquid Crystal Module (LCM). In one embodiment, cover window 604 can be integrally formed with the LCM. Housing 602 can also include an opening 608 for containing the internal electrical components to provide electronic device 600 with electronic capabilities. In one embodiment, housing 602 may need not include a bezel for cover window 604. Instead, cover window 604 can extend across the top surface of housing 602 such that the edges of cover window 604 can be aligned (or substantially aligned) with the sides of housing 602. The edges of cover window 604 can remain exposed. Although the edges of cover window 604 can be exposed as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in alternative embodiment, the edges can be further protected. As one example, the edges of cover window 604 can be recessed (horizontally or vertically) from the outer sides of housing 602. As another example, the edges of cover window 604 can be protected by additional material placed around or adjacent the edges of cover window 604.
Cover window 604 may generally be arranged or embodied in a variety of ways. By way of example, cover window 604 may be configured as a protective glass piece that is positioned over an underlying display (e.g., display assembly 606) such as a flat panel display (e.g., LCD) or touch screen display (e.g., LCD and a touch layer). Alternatively, cover window 604 may effectively be integrated with a display, i.e., glass window may be formed as at least a portion of a display. Additionally, cover window 604 may be substantially integrated with a touch sensing device such as a touch layer associated with a touch screen. In some cases, cover window 604 can serve as the outer most layer of the display.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrammatic representations of electronic device 700 according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7A illustrates a top view for electronic device 700, and FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional side view for electronic device 700 with respect to reference line B-B′. Electronic device 700 can include housing 702 that has glass cover window 704 (glass cover) as a top surface. In this embodiment, cover window 704 can be protected by side surfaces 703 of housing 702. Here, cover window 704 does not fully extend across the top surface of housing 702; however, the top surface of side surfaces 703 can be adjacent to and aligned vertically with the outer surface of cover window 704. Since the edges of cover window 704 can be rounded for enhanced strength, there may be gaps 705 that are present between side surfaces 703 and the peripheral edges of cover window 704. Gaps 705 are typically very small given that the thickness of cover window 704 is thin (e.g., less than 3 mm). However, if desired, gaps 705 can be filled by a material. The material can be plastic, rubber, metal, etc. The material can conform in gap 705 to render the entire front surface of electronic device 700 flush, even across gaps 705 proximate the peripheral edges of cover window 704. The material filling gaps 705 can be compliant. The material placed in gaps 705 can implement a gasket. By filling the gaps 705, otherwise probably undesired gaps in the housing 702 can be filled or sealed to prevent contamination (e.g., dirt, water) forming in the gaps 705. Although side surfaces 703 can be integral with housing 702, side surface 703 could alternatively be separate from housing 702 and, for example, operate as a bezel for cover window 704.
Cover window 704 is primarily transparent so that display assembly 706 is visible through cover window 704. Display assembly 706 can, for example, be positioned adjacent cover window 704. Housing 702 can also contain internal electrical components besides the display assembly, such as a controller (processor), memory, communications circuitry, etc. Display assembly 706 can, for example, include a LCD module. By way of example, display assembly 706 may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that includes a Liquid Crystal Module (LCM). In one embodiment, cover window 704 is integrally formed with the LCM. Housing 702 can also include an opening 708 for containing the internal electrical components to provide electronic device 700 with electronic capabilities.
The front surface of electronic device 700 can also include user interface control 708 (e.g., click wheel control). In this embodiment, cover window 704 does not cover the entire front surface of electronic device 700. Electronic device 700 essentially includes a partial display area that covers a portion of the front surface.
Cover window 704 may generally be arranged or embodied in a variety of ways. By way of example, cover window 704 may be configured as a protective glass piece that is positioned over an underlying display (e.g., display assembly 706) such as a flat panel display (e.g., LCD) or touch screen display (e.g., LCD and a touch layer). Alternatively, cover window 704 may effectively be integrated with a display, i.e., glass window may be formed as at least a portion of a display. Additionally, cover window 704 may be substantially integrated with a touch sensing device such as a touch layer associated with a touch screen. In some cases, cover window 704 can serve as the outer most layer of the display.
The strengthened glass, e.g., glass covers or cover windows, is particularly useful for thin glass applications. For example, the thickness of a glass cover being strengthen can be between about 0.5-2.5 mm. In other embodiments, the strengthening is suitable for glass products whose thickness is less than about 2 mm, or even thinner than about 1 mm, or still even thinner than about 0.6 mm.
FIG. 8 illustrates a process 800 of chemically treating surfaces of a glass piece in accordance with one embodiment. The process 800 can represent processing associated with chemical strengthening at a second bath station or a potassium bath as discussed above, according to one embodiment. The process 800 of chemically treating surfaces, e.g., edges, of a glass piece can begin at step 802 in which the glass piece is obtained. The glass piece may be obtained, in one embodiment, after a glass sheet is singulated into glass pieces, e.g., glass covers, and the edges of the glass pieces are manipulated to have a predetermined geometry. It should be appreciated, however, that a glass piece that is to be chemically treated may be obtained from any suitable source.
In step 804, the glass piece can be placed on a rack. The rack is typically configured to support the glass piece, as well as other glass pieces, during chemical treatment. Once the glass piece is placed on the rack, the rack can be submerged in a heated ion bath in step 806. The heated ion bath may generally be a bath which includes a concentration of ions (e.g., Alkali metal ions, such as Lithium, Cesium or Potassium). It should be appreciated that the concentration of ions in the bath may vary, as varying the concentration of ions allows compression stresses on surfaces of the glass to be controlled. The heated ion bath may be heated to any suitable temperature to facilitate ion exchange.
After the rack is submerged in the heated ion bath, an ion exchange is allowed to occur in step 808 between the ion bath and the glass piece held on the rack. A diffusion exchange occurs between the glass piece, which generally includes Na+ ions, and the ion bath. During the diffusion exchange, Alkali metal ions, which are larger than Na+ ions, effectively replace the Na+ ions in the glass piece. In general, the Na+ ions near surface areas of the glass piece may be replaced by the Alkali ions, while Na+ ions are essentially not replaced by Alkali ions in portions of the glass which are not surface areas. As a result of the Alkali ions replacing Na+ ions in the glass piece, a compressive layer is effectively generated near the surface of the glass piece. The Na+ ions which have been displaced from the glass piece by the Alkali metal ions become a part of the ion solution.
A determination can be made in step 810 as to whether a period of time for submerging the rack in the heated ion bath has ended. It should be appreciated that the amount of time that a rack is to be submerged may vary widely depending on implementation. Typically, the longer a rack is submerged, i.e., the higher the exchange time for Alkali metal ions and Na+ ions, the deeper the depth of the chemically strengthened layer. For example, with thickness of the glass sheet being on the order of 1 mm, the chemical processing (i.e., ion exchange) provided in the ion bath can be provide into the surfaces of the glass pieces 10 micrometers or more. For example, if the glass pieces are formed from soda lime glass, the depth of the compression layer due to the ion exchange can be about 10 microns. As another example, if the glass pieces are formed from alumino silicate glass, the depth of the compression layer due to the ion exchange can be about 50 microns.
If the determination in step 810 is that the period of time for submerging the rack in the heated ion bath has not ended, then process 800 flow can return to step 817 in which the chemical reaction is allowed to continue to occur between the ion bath and the glass piece. Alternatively, if it is determined that the period of time for submersion has ended, then the rack can be removed from the ion bath in step 812. Upon removing the rack from the ion bath, the glass piece may be removed from the rack in step 814, and the process 800 of chemically treating surfaces of a glass piece can be completed. However, if desired, the glass piece can be polished. Polishing can, for example, remove any haze or residue on the glass piece following the chemical treatment.
A glass cover which has undergone a chemical strengthening process generally includes a chemically strengthened layer, as previously mentioned. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional diagram of a glass cover which has been chemically treated such that a chemically strengthened layer is created according to one embodiment. A glass cover 900 includes a chemically strengthened layer 928 and a non-chemically strengthened portion 926. Although the glass cover 900 is, in one embodiment, subjected to chemical strengthening as a whole, the outer surfaces receive the strengthening. The effect of the strengthening is that the non-chemically strengthened portion 926 is in tension, while the chemically strengthened layer 928 is in compression. While glass cover 900 is shown as having a rounded edge geometry 902, it should be appreciated that glass cover 900 may generally have any edge geometry, though rounded geometries at edges may allow for increased strengthening of the edges of glass cover 900. Rounded edge geometry 902 is depicted by way of example, and not for purposes of limitation.
Chemically strengthened layer 928 has a thickness (y) which may vary depending upon the requirements of a particular system in which glass cover 900 is to be utilized. Non-chemically strengthened portion 926 generally includes Na+ ions 934 but no Alkali metal ions 936. A chemical strengthening process causes chemically strengthened layer 928 to be formed such that chemically strengthened layer 928 includes both Na+ ions 934 and Alkali metal ions 936.
The concentration of Alkali metal ions in an ion bath may be varied while a glass cover is soaking in the ion bath. In other words, the concentration of Alkali metal ions in a ion bath may be maintained substantially constant, may be increased, and/or may be decreased while a glass cover is submerged in the ion bath without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention. For example, as Alkali metal ions displace Na+ ions in the glass, the Na+ ions become part of the ion bath. Hence, the concentration of Alkali metal ions in the ion bath may change unless additional Alkali metal ions are added into the ion bath.
Additional details on strengthening edges of glass articles can be found in: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/156,803, filed Mar. 2, 2009 and entitled “Techniques for Strengthening Glass Covers for Portable Electronic Devices”, which is herein incorporated by reference; and (ii) International Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/025979, filed Mar. 2, 2010 and entitled “Techniques for Strengthening Glass Covers for Portable Electronic Devices”, which is herein incorporated by reference.
Additional details on chemical strengthening processing using different chemical baths can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/301,585, filed Feb. 4, 2010 and entitled “Techniques for Strengthening Glass Covers for Portable Electronic Devices,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
1. A method for strengthening a piece of glass, said method comprising:
enhancing the piece of glass by placing the piece of glass in a first sodium solution for a first period of time to migrate sodium ions into the piece of glass; and
following the enhancing, chemically strengthening the piece of glass by placing the piece of glass in a potassium solution for a second period of time to exchange potassium ions for sodium ions in the piece of glass, the first period of time being less than the second period of time;
following the chemically strengthening, back exchanging the piece of glass by placing the piece of glass in a second sodium solution for a third period of time to back exchange sodium ions for potassium ions to move a compressive maximum inward approximately 70 microns from an outer edge of the piece of glass; and
following the back exchanging, post-processing the piece of glass by polishing the piece of glass, wherein:
the piece of glass is a cover glass for a portable electronic device; and
the piece of glass has a thickness of less than 1.0 mm.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is a mobile phone.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first sodium solution is a heated sodium solution.
4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the potassium solution includes a heated potassium solution.
5. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein the second sodium solution is a heated sodium solution.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the enhancing of the piece of glass allows the chemical strengthening to be more effective.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the exchange of potassium ions for sodium ions in the piece of glass forms a compression layer near the outer edge of the piece of glass having a depth of approximately 50 microns.
8. A glass strengthening system for glass articles, comprising:
a first bath station providing a first sodium solution, the first bath station serving to receive a glass article for a first period of time and to migrate sodium ions from the first sodium solution into the glass article to make it more susceptible to chemical strengthening;
a second bath station providing a potassium solution, the second bath station serving to receive the glass article for a second period of time following the first bath station and to exchange potassium ions for sodium ions within the glass article, the first period of time being less than the second period of time; and
a third bath station providing a second sodium solution, the third bath station serving to receive the glass article for a third period of time following the second bath station and to back exchange potassium ions for sodium ions within the glass article to move a compressive maximum inward approximately 70 microns from an outer edge of the glass article, wherein:
the glass article has a thickness of less than 1.0 mm, and
the glass article is a cover glass for a portable electronic device.
9. The glass strengthening system as recited in claim 8, wherein:
the first sodium solution is heated to a first predetermined temperature; and
the potassium solution is heated to a second predetermined temperature.
10. The glass strengthening system as recited in claim 8, wherein the glass article is alumina silicate glass.
11. The glass strengthening system as recited in claim 8, wherein the portable electronic device is a mobile phone.
12. A method for processing a glass piece to improve its strength, the method comprising:
submerging the glass piece in a first heated sodium bath for a first period of time to migrate sodium ions from the first heated sodium bath into exposed surfaces of the glass piece;
following submerging the glass piece in the first heated sodium bath, submerging the glass piece in a heated potassium bath for a second period of time to exchange potassium ions in the heated potassium bath for sodium ions in the glass piece to form a strengthened layer, the first period of time being less than the second period of time;
wherein a depth of the strengthened layer of the glass piece depends on the second period of time in the heated potassium bath;
following the submerging the glass piece in the heated potassium bath, submerging the glass piece in a second heated sodium bath for a third period of time to back exchange sodium ions in the second heated sodium bath for potassium ions in the strengthened layer of the glass piece to move a compressive maximum inward approximately 70 microns from an outer edge of the glass piece; and
13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the portable electronic device is a mobile phone.
14. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the glass piece has a thickness of not more than 1.0 mm.
15. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the glass piece is a cover glass for the portable electronic device.
16. A method for processing a glass piece to improve its strength, the method comprising:
submerging the glass piece in a first heated sodium bath for a first period of time to migrate sodium ions from the first heated sodium bath into the glass piece, the first heated sodium bath having a temperature of about 350-450 degrees Celsius;
subsequent to submerging the glass piece in the first heated sodium bath, submerging the glass piece in a heated potassium bath for a second period of time to chemically strengthen the glass piece by exchanging potassium ions in the heated potassium bath for sodium ions in the glass piece;
subsequent to submerging the glass piece in the heated potassium bath, submerging the glass piece in a second heated sodium bath for a third period of time to back exchange sodium ions in the second heated sodium bath for potassium ions in the glass piece to move a compressive maximum inward approximately 70 microns from an outer edge of the glass piece; and
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first period of time is approximately between 4-8 hours and the second period of time is approximately between 6-20 hours.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the heated potassium bath has a temperature of approximately between 300 to 500 degree Celsius.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the third period of time is approximately between 1-30 minutes and the second heated sodium bath has a temperature of approximately between 300 to 500 degree Celsius.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein following migrating sodium ions from the first heated sodium bath into the glass piece, the glass piece is able to be chemically strengthened to an extent greater than it would be without migrating the sodium ions.
US12/895,823 2010-08-18 2010-09-30 Enhanced strengthening of glass Active 2030-10-06 US10189743B2 (en)
US37498810P true 2010-08-18 2010-08-18
US12/895,823 US10189743B2 (en) 2010-08-18 2010-09-30 Enhanced strengthening of glass
PCT/US2011/047479 WO2012024166A1 (en) 2010-08-18 2011-08-11 Enhanced strengthening of glass by ion exchange in sodium bath followed by ion exchange in potassium bath
CN201180047550.3A CN103153899B (en) 2010-08-18 2011-08-11 Glass bath consisting of potassium ion exchange ion exchange bath after the sodium contrast enhancement is obtained
KR1020137006694A KR101775754B1 (en) 2010-08-18 2011-08-11 Enhanced strengthening of glass by ion exchange in sodium bath followed by ion exchange in potassium bath
KR1020157035648A KR101775811B1 (en) 2010-08-18 2011-08-11 Enhanced strengthening of glass by ion exchange in sodium bath followed by ion exchange in potassium bath
EP11749636.4A EP2606012B1 (en) 2010-08-18 2011-08-11 Enhanced strengthening of glass by ion exchange in sodium bath followed by ion exchange in potassium bath
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EP (1) EP2606012B1 (en)
KR (2) KR101775754B1 (en)
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