JP6928513B2 - Glass housing - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a glass housing used for electronic devices such as communication devices and information devices that can be carried and used.

In recent years, wireless power supply (contactless power supply) has been studied in smartphones and wearable devices. By using wireless power supply, it becomes possible to charge the device without connecting it to the connector. It is also considered that this eliminates the need for metal contacts and improves the waterproof performance and design of the device.

The electromagnetic induction method is known as one of the wireless power feeding methods. In this method, power cannot be supplied via metal, so it is necessary to use a material other than metal for the housing. Attempts have been made to use glass as a material other than metal (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Further, since a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like has a plurality of antennas built in corresponding to a plurality of communication standards, there are restrictions on the arrangement of antennas in the device when a metal housing is used. For this reason, many products using glass having radio wave transmission have come to be seen on the back side as well as the display side.

According to Patent Document 1, in an electronic device such as a mobile phone, by forming the housing body from glass, it is possible to exert a unique decorative effect with a sense of transparency.
Further, according to Patent Document 2, by using glass having a minimum extinction coefficient of a certain value or less, a housing excellent in characteristics suitable for a housing of an electronic device, that is, light-shielding property, high strength, and manufacturing cost can be obtained. Proposed.

JP-A-2009-61730 International release WO2012 / 124758

In each of the above-mentioned patent documents, attempts are made to improve the decorativeness of the housing by laminating a coating film or a multilayer film on the glass or coloring the glass itself.
However, these decorative expressions have a problem that the decorativeness is lowered by the reflected light due to the flatness of the glass surface. Further, in smartphones, tablet PCs, etc., the design is standardized by making the display larger, narrowing the frame, and using flat glass on the back surface, and it is difficult to show the individuality of the product in appearance.
The present invention has been made against such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a glass housing having a unique decorativeness and tactile sensation while making the best use of the glossiness and the hard feeling of the glass.

The glass housing of the present invention is provided with a concavo-convex pattern and a non-concavo-convex pattern region on at least a part of the surface, and the concavo-convex pattern is composed of glass whose unevenness depth gradually decreases toward the non-concavo-convex pattern region. It is characterized by being exteriorized by equipment.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a glass housing having a decorativeness and a unique tactile sensation due to an uneven pattern, in addition to the glossiness and the hard feeling of the glass material.

It is a top view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of the glass housing which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the concavo-convex pattern portion of the glass housing which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the transient region part of the concavo-convex pattern of the glass housing which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged sectional view of the peripheral part of the glass housing which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the glass housing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the concavo-convex pattern portion of the glass housing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the concavo-convex pattern portion of the glass housing which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the concavo-convex pattern portion of the glass housing which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the concavo-convex pattern portion of the glass housing which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the concavo-convex pattern portion of the glass housing which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged sectional view of the thin-walled portion of the glass housing which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged sectional view of the thin-walled portion and the thick-walled portion of the glass housing according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion and an uneven pattern portion of a glass housing according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
The glass housing 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a plan view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of the glass housing 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the uneven pattern region 2 of the glass housing 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the uneven pattern transient region 3 of the glass housing 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the peripheral edge portion 7 of the glass housing 1.

The glass housing 1 according to the present embodiment is a housing exterior to an electronic device, and is made of glass having a concavo-convex pattern on one surface.

First, the configuration of the glass housing 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the glass housing 1 is a substantially rectangular plate-like body in a plan view, has an uneven pattern region 2 on one surface, and is a flat surface 4 on the other side. .. Further, the peripheral edge portion 7 of the glass housing 1 is provided with a flat peripheral edge surface 8 whose plate thickness is gradually reduced toward the peripheral edge surface 8 and which is substantially orthogonal to the flat surface 4.

In the present embodiment, the glass housing 1 is provided with a concavo-convex pattern region 2 on one surface, a concavo-convex pattern transient region 3 is provided around the concavo-convex pattern region 2, and is non-concavo-convex around the concavo-convex pattern transient region 3. A pattern region (flat portion) 6 is provided. In the present invention, both the concavo-convex pattern region 2 and the concavo-convex pattern transient region 3 are defined as the concavo-convex pattern.

The uneven pattern region 2 is formed in a substantially central portion of one surface of the glass housing 1. In this embodiment, minute protrusions are arranged in a staggered pattern. Since such a concavo-convex pattern is provided, the light reflection direction in the concavo-convex pattern region 2 is not uniform, and a unique decorative property can be imparted to the glass housing 1. Further, when the glass housing 1 is used in a portable electronic device, it is possible to give the user a unique tactile sensation due to the shape of the uneven pattern region 2. In addition, the presence of the uneven pattern improves the finger grip property without impairing the glossiness peculiar to glass and makes it difficult to slip, so that the risk of damage due to dropping of the electronic device is reduced.

In the uneven pattern region 2, it is preferable that the wall thickness measured on the convex surface of the surface on the side where the pattern is formed (when the other surface is used as a reference) changes continuously or intermittently. As a result, since the light transmission characteristics in the uneven pattern region 2 are not uniform, it is possible to impart the shade of color due to, for example, the transmitted light to the glass housing 1. Further, when the glass housing 1 is used in a portable electronic device, it is possible to give the user a unique tactile sensation due to the shape of the uneven pattern region 2.

In the uneven pattern region 2, it is preferable that the convex portion and the concave portion are each formed of a curved surface, and the curved surface is continuous. As a result, when the glass housing 1 is used in a portable electronic device, it is possible to impart a non-gritty tactile sensation due to the shape of the uneven pattern region 2. Further, even if the uneven pattern region 2 becomes dirty, the dirt can be easily wiped off.

The uneven pattern region 2 is preferably formed of a curved surface having a convex radius of curvature of 2.5 mm or more. The radius of curvature of the convex portion means the radius of curvature 11 of the portion having the smallest curvature of the convex portion, as shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. By forming the radius of curvature 11 of the convex portion of the concave-convex pattern region 2 with a curved surface of 2.5 mm or more, when the glass housing 1 is used for an electronic device, the tip of the convex portion is rounded, so that the convex portion is suppressed from being chipped. can do. When the radius of curvature 11 of the convex portion of the concave-convex pattern region 2 is formed of a curved surface of less than 2.5 mm, the convex portion may be chipped when the electronic device is dropped with the surface on the glass housing 1 side facing down. Not preferred.

The uneven pattern region 2 is preferably formed of a curved surface having a concave radius of curvature of 0.1 mm or more. The radius of curvature of the recess means the radius of curvature 12 of the portion having the smallest curvature of the recess, as shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. By forming the radius of curvature 12 of the concave portion of the concave-convex pattern region 2 with a curved surface of 0.1 mm or more, when the glass housing 1 is used for an electronic device, when bending stress acts on the glass housing 1 itself, the concave portion It is possible to avoid stress concentration on the glass and suppress damage starting from the recess. When the radius of curvature 12 of the concave portion of the concave-convex pattern region 2 is composed of a curved surface of less than 0.1 mm, when bending stress acts on the glass housing 1 itself, the stress concentrates on the concave portion and the glass housing 1 is damaged. It is not preferable because there is a risk of The radius of curvature of the recess is more preferably composed of a curved surface of 0.5 mm or more.

The uneven pattern region 2 is the thinnest portion, and the plate thickness is preferably 0.2 mm or more. Here, the thinnest portion refers to the wall thickness from the deepest portion of the recess to the other surface. The uneven pattern region 2 is the thinnest portion, and when the plate thickness is 0.2 mm or more, the glass housing 1 can be given a certain strength. If the uneven pattern region 2 is the thinnest portion and the plate thickness is less than 0.2 mm, the glass housing 1 may be damaged starting from the thinnest portion when bending stress is applied to the glass housing 1 itself. It is not preferable because it exists. The uneven pattern region 2 is the thinnest portion, and the plate thickness is more preferably 0.4 mm or more, further preferably 0.6 mm or more.

The uneven pattern region 2 can be used without being limited to the above shape. For example, a convex portion may be arranged in a square manner, or a cylindrical convex portion may be arranged. Further, the plate thickness measured on the surface of the convex portion may be uniform or different within the concave-convex pattern region 2. Further, in the uneven pattern, similar shapes (concave or convex portions) may be arranged at equal intervals, or may be arranged at unequal intervals. Further, as the uneven pattern, all different shapes may be arranged irregularly.
The spacing and shape size (outer shape or width in plan view) of the uneven pattern are preferably 150 μm to 10 mm.

As shown in FIG. 3, the uneven pattern transient region 3 is a region existing between the concave-convex pattern region 2 and the non-concavo-convex pattern region 6, and the unevenness depth increases from the concave-convex pattern region 2 to the non-concavo-convex pattern region 6. It refers to a region where the value 5 becomes shallow. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, as for the unevenness depth of the unevenness pattern transient region 3, the unevenness depth 21 is the shallowest, followed by the unevenness depth 22, the unevenness depth 23, the unevenness depth 24, the unevenness depth 25, and the unevenness. It gradually becomes shallower to a depth of 26. By providing the concavo-convex pattern transient region 3 in the glass housing 1, the boundary between the concavo-convex pattern region 2 and the non-concavo-convex pattern region 6 can be made unclear.

It is preferable that the glass housing 1 is plate-shaped, has an uneven pattern region 2 on one surface, and is flat on the other surface. The glass housing 1 is used on the surface of an electronic device mainly for the purpose of protecting and decorating the device. Therefore, a plate shape having a shape along the surface of the electronic device is preferable. Further, since the glass housing 1 is attached to the surface of the electronic device, it is preferable that the other surface is flat so that the glass housing 1 can be easily assembled with the device. The flatness in the present invention means that the flatness defined by JIS B0021 (1998) is 1 mm or less.

The flat surface 4 preferably has a flatness of 0.3 mm or less as defined by JIS B 0021. By doing so, the glass housing 1 having a small warp can be obtained, and the assembly with the device becomes easy. If the flatness of the flat surface 4 exceeds 0.3 mm, a space may be created between the flat surface 4 and the device side when assembling to the electronic device. Further, when the colored coating film layer is formed on the flat surface 4, unevenness may occur. The flatness of the flat surface 4 is more preferably 0.2 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.15 mm or less.

It is preferable that the glass housing 1 is provided with a flat peripheral surface 8 that is substantially orthogonal to the flat surface 4 around the glass housing 1. By doing so, since the peripheral edge portion 7 has a plate thickness of a certain value or more, it is possible to suppress chipping of the peripheral edge portion 7 in the process of manufacturing and transporting the glass housing 1. Further, when the glass housing 1 is assembled to an electronic device, the inner peripheral surface and the peripheral surface 8 of the frame-shaped member can be slid to facilitate fitting. The reason why the peripheral surface 8 is substantially orthogonal to the flat surface 4 is that the shape may be changed by about ± several degrees depending on the engagement shape with the frame-shaped member.
In addition, the line of intersection between the peripheral surface 8 of the glass housing 1 and the glass surface (the surface opposite to the electronic device side) is often chamfered (rounded or squared) in consideration of scratch resistance and design. .. When the glass housing 1 is molded by a press, the flowing glass tends to escape to the outside of the mold, and the peripheral edge portion 7 (particularly the line of intersection), which is the outermost circumference of the glass housing 1, has a desired chamfered shape. There is a risk that it will not be. When the peripheral edge portion 7 of the glass housing 1 has a plate thickness of a certain value or more, the peripheral edge portion 7 can be reliably press-molded, and the peripheral edge portion 7 can have a desired chamfered shape.

The glass housing 1 preferably has a thickest plate thickness of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm. By doing so, it is possible to impart a certain strength to the glass housing 1. If the plate thickness of the thickest portion is less than 0.4 mm, there is a concern that the strength of the glass housing 1 may be insufficient, and there is a risk of damage when the glass housing 1 is used in an electronic device. Further, when the compressive stress layer is formed on the glass surface, the glass may warp. If the plate thickness of the thickest portion exceeds 1.0 mm, the weight of the glass housing 1 itself becomes large, which may hinder the weight reduction of the electronic device when the glass housing 1 is used for the electronic device. The thickness of the thickest portion of the glass housing 1 is more preferably 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm.

The glass housing 1 preferably has a plate thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm at the thinnest portion. By doing so, it is possible to impart a certain strength to the glass housing 1. If the plate thickness of the thinnest portion is less than 0.2 mm, there is a concern that the strength of the glass housing 1 may be insufficient, and there is a risk of damage when the glass housing 1 is used in an electronic device. Further, when the compressive stress layer is formed on the glass surface, the glass may warp. If the plate thickness of the thinnest portion exceeds 0.8 mm, the weight of the glass housing 1 itself becomes large, which may hinder the weight reduction of the electronic device when the glass housing 1 is used for the electronic device. The thickness of the thinnest portion of the glass housing 1 is more preferably 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm.

Amorphous glass, crystallized glass, and phase-dividing glass can be used for the glass housing 1.
Examples of the amorphous glass include aluminosilicate glass, soda lime glass, and borosilicate glass. These glasses are transparent or translucent, and can impart a unique design property having translucency to the glass housing 1.
In the crystallized glass, transmitted light is scattered by minute crystals deposited inside the glass, so that the glass housing 1 can be provided with a unique design property due to appropriate reflection (presence of light) while suppressing the transmission of light.
In the separated glass, the particles of the dispersed phase in the glass diffusely reflect and scatter the light, so that the glass housing 1 having a white appearance can be obtained.

[Second Embodiment]
The glass housing 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the glass housing 20. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view when the portion circled in FIG. 5 is cut along the XX line. In this embodiment, the same parts or similar parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the uneven pattern region 27 is a logo or characters. In electronic devices, characters such as brands, company names, product names, and logos of figure names may be provided at positions where they can be easily recognized. If these notations are formed by sticker or printing, there is a risk of scratches or peeling when the electronic device is used for a long period of time. In the glass housing 20 of the present embodiment, since these notations are formed as an uneven pattern on the glass itself, there is no risk of peeling or disappearance.

In the present embodiment, as described above, since the uneven pattern region 27 itself is a logo or characters, it is preferable that it can be clearly recognized. Therefore, the concave-convex pattern region 27 is preferably formed of a curved surface having a radius of curvature 11 of the convex portion of 0.05 mm to 2.5 mm (however, 2.5 mm is not included). The radius of curvature 11 of the convex portion in the present embodiment is the boundary portion between the surface having the uneven pattern and the side surface of the concave portion (this is regarded as the portion having the smallest curvature of the convex portion), which is shown as the radius of curvature 11 in FIG. It means roundness. If the radius of curvature 11 of the convex portion is less than 0.05 mm, the boundary portion is likely to be chipped, which is not preferable. Further, if the radius of curvature 11 of the convex portion is 2.5 mm or more, the boundary portion becomes ambiguous and the uneven pattern such as the logo or characters becomes unclear, which is not preferable.
The uneven pattern in the present embodiment is not limited to the logo and characters, and may be a pattern or character display such as stripes, grids, or dimples dug on a flat surface.

[Third Embodiment]
The glass housing 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the uneven pattern region 2 of the glass housing 30. In this embodiment, the same parts or similar parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the surface (one surface and the other surface) of the glass housing 30 is provided with the compressive stress layer 13.
Portable electronic devices are concerned about damage due to dropping and deterioration of mechanical strength due to contact scratches. Since the glass housing 30 of the present embodiment is provided with a compressive stress layer on the surface of the glass, it is possible to obtain the glass housing 30 having high mechanical strength.

The depth of the compressive stress layer formed on the surface of the glass (hereinafter, may be referred to as DOL) is preferably strengthened so as to be 5 μm or more, 10 μm or more, 20 μm or more, and 30 μm or more. When the glass housing 30 is used in a portable electronic device, there is a high probability that the surface of the glass will be scratched, and the mechanical strength of the glass may decrease. Therefore, if the DOL is increased, even if the surface of the glass housing 30 is scratched, it becomes difficult to break. On the other hand, the DOL is preferably 100 μm or less so that the time required for the strengthening treatment does not become excessively long.

Further, the glass housing 30 is strengthened so that the surface compressive stress (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as CS) formed on the glass surface is 300 MPa or more, 500 MPa or more, 700 MPa or more, 900 MPa or more. preferable. As the CS increases, the mechanical strength of the glass housing 30 increases. On the other hand, if the CS becomes too high, the tensile stress inside the glass may become extremely high. Therefore, the CS is preferably 1400 MPa or less, more preferably 1300 MPa or less.

As a method for forming a compressive stress layer on the glass surface, an air cooling strengthening method (physical strengthening method) and a chemical strengthening method are typical. The air cooling strengthening method (physical strengthening method) is a method of rapidly cooling the surface of a glass plate heated to the vicinity of the softening point by air cooling or the like. In the chemical strengthening method, alkali metal ions (typically Li ions and Na ions) having a small ionic radius existing on the surface of the glass plate are removed by ion exchange at a temperature below the glass transition point and have a larger ionic radius. It is a method of exchanging with an alkali ion (typically Na ion or K ion for Li ion and K ion for Na ion). In particular, it is preferable to strengthen the thin plate-shaped glass by the latter chemical strengthening method in consideration of the flatness after the treatment and the ease of forming the compressive stress layer.

The chemical strengthening treatment can be performed, for example, by immersing the glass in a molten salt at 400 ° C. to 550 ° C. for about 1 hour to 20 hours. The molten salt used for the chemical strengthening treatment is not particularly limited as long as it contains potassium ions or sodium ions, but for example, _{a molten salt of potassium nitrate (KNO 3} ) is preferably used. In addition, a molten salt of sodium nitrate (NaNO ₃ ) or a molten salt of potassium nitrate (KNO ₃ ) and sodium nitrate (NaNO ₃ ) may be used.

Although the glass material used in the present invention is not limited, it is preferable to use aluminosilicate glass because of its appropriate surface hardness and ease of chemical strengthening treatment (ion exchange is possible in a relatively short time).

[Fourth Embodiment]
The glass housing 40 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the uneven pattern region 2 of the glass housing 40. In this embodiment, the same parts or similar parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the functional film 14 is provided on at least a part of the surface of the glass housing 40 on the uneven pattern side.
By providing the functional film 14 on at least a part of the surface of the glass housing 40 on the concave-convex pattern side, the decorativeness and design can be further enhanced by the synergistic effect of the concave-convex pattern and the functional film 14. In this case, the functional film 14 controls the transmission and reflection of light such as a polarizing film, an antireflection film, and a bandpass filter.
Further, when an antifouling film, a dustproof film, and a fingerprint resistant coat are used as the functional film 14, dirt is less likely to adhere to the glass housing 40. In addition, dirt can be easily wiped off.

As the functional film 14, a known inorganic film or organic film can be used. Further, the functional film 14 can be provided on the glass housing 40 by a known method such as a vacuum vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, a sol-gel method, a CVD method, or a dipping method.

[Fifth Embodiment]
The glass housing 50 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the uneven pattern region 2 of the glass housing 50. In this embodiment, the same parts or similar parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the flat surface 4 of the glass housing 50 is provided with the colored coating film layer 15 or the visible light reflecting layer.
By providing the colored coating film layer 15 or the visible light reflecting layer on the flat surface 4, the glass housing 50 can further enhance the decorativeness and design by the synergistic effect with the uneven pattern. Further, the glass housing 50 can be provided with a light-shielding property.

When the glass housing 50 has translucency, an arbitrary color can be imparted by providing the colored coating film layer 15 on the flat surface 4. Further, by blocking the stray light leaking from the electronic device side to which the glass housing 50 is attached by the colored coating film layer 15, it is possible to make it difficult to recognize. Further, it is possible to prevent the light incident from the surface side of the glass housing 50 from being strongly reflected and recognized by a specific portion of the electronic device.
When a visible light reflecting layer is provided instead of the colored coating film layer 15, the visible light reflected by the visible light reflecting layer is refracted by the uneven pattern on the glass surface, and a unique brilliant sensation can be imparted. ..

As the colored coating film layer 15, a known inorganic film or organic film can be used. Further, the colored coating film layer 15 can be provided on the glass housing 50 by a known method such as a dipping method, a spray coating method, or a spin coating method. A known metal film can be used as the visible light reflecting layer, and the visible light reflecting layer can be provided by a method such as a vacuum deposition method, a sputtering method, or a plating method.

[Sixth Embodiment]
The glass housing 60 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the uneven pattern region 2 of the glass housing 60. In this embodiment, the same parts or similar parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the glass housing 60 contains a coloring component and is made of glass exhibiting an arbitrary color.
In the glass housing 60, at least one component (coloring component) selected from the group consisting of metal oxides of Co, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Cr, V, and Bi is displayed in a molar percentage based on the oxide. It is preferably contained in an amount of 0.1 to 7%. As a result, the glass housing 60 can be provided with decorativeness and design that exhibit an arbitrary color other than transparent or white. Since the glass housing 60 of the present embodiment is provided with a concavo-convex pattern, a difference in color shade is generated due to a difference in plate thickness, and this makes it possible to express various decorations such as gradation.
Further, the stray light leaking from the electronic device side to which the glass housing 60 is attached can be absorbed by the glass itself to make it difficult to recognize. Further, it is possible to prevent the light incident from the surface side of the glass housing 60 from being strongly reflected and recognized by a specific portion of the electronic device.

If the glass housing 60 contains at least one component selected from the above-mentioned group consisting of metal oxides in an amount of less than 0.1% in terms of molar percentage based on oxides, a desired color cannot be obtained, which is preferable. No. Further, if the content exceeds 7%, the glass becomes unstable when the glass raw material is melted, causing devitrification, which is not preferable. Examples of the metal oxide contained in the glass include Co ₃ O ₄ , MnO, MnO ₂ , Fe ₂ O ₃ , NiO, CuO, Cu ₂ O, Cr ₂ O ₃ , V ₂ O ₅ , Bi ₂ O _{3, and the} like. Is preferably used.

In addition, in this specification, the content of the coloring component shows the conversion content when each component existing in a glass is assumed to exist as a displayed oxide. For example, " _{containing 0.1% to 7% of Fe 2} O ₃ " means the Fe content when all Fe existing in the glass is present in _{the form of Fe 2} O ₃ , that is, Fe. It means that the Fe ₂ O ₃ conversion content of the above is 0.1% to 7%.

[7th Embodiment]
The glass housing 70 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a thin portion 17 of the glass housing 70. In this embodiment, the same parts or similar parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the thin-walled portion 17 is provided together with the uneven pattern region 2 on the surface of at least a part of the glass housing 70.
The glass housing 70 includes at least one thin-walled portion 17 on the surface side having the uneven pattern region 2 or on the back surface thereof. The thinnest portion of the thin portion 17 is flat.

In the glass housing 70, when the surface provided with the thin-walled portion 17 is used as the front surface, when the fingerprint authentication sensor 31 is arranged at a position corresponding to the thin-walled portion 17 on the back surface side, the thin-walled portion 17 is reached. The finger-insertion property is improved, and the central portion of the fingertip can be naturally guided to the bottom surface of the thin-walled portion 17. Further, since the thinnest portion is flat, it is possible to suppress erroneous authentication by the fingerprint authentication sensor 31. As the fingerprint authentication sensor 31 used here, sensors such as an optical method, a heat sensitive method, a pressure method, a capacitance method, and an ultrasonic method can be used. Ultrasonic sensors are preferred.

Further, in the glass housing 70, the surface provided with the thin-walled portion 17 is used as the back surface (electronic device side), and the fingerprint authentication sensor 31 may be arranged on the thin-walled portion 17. By arranging the fingerprint authentication sensor 31 in this way, there is an advantage that the sensing sensitivity can be improved when the fingerprint authentication sensor 31 is of the capacitance type. Further, since the front surface is not provided with the recess for the fingerprint authentication sensor 31, the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device can be improved.
It is preferable to form these thin-walled portions 17 at the same time as the uneven pattern region 2 from the viewpoint of suppressing the manufacturing cost.

[8th Embodiment]
The glass housing 80 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the thin-walled portion 17 and the thick-walled portion 18 of the glass housing 80. In this embodiment, the same parts or similar parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the thin-walled portion 17 and the thick-walled portion 18 are provided on the surface of at least a part of the glass housing 80 together with the uneven pattern region 2.
The glass housing 80 includes a thin-walled portion 17 and a thick-walled portion 18 connected to the thin-walled portion 17, a lens 19 is formed by the thin-walled portion 17 and the thick-walled portion 18, and a solid-state image sensor is located at a position corresponding to the lens. 32 and the like are arranged.

The electronic device may be provided with a camera, lighting, or the like. Lenses for refracting light to diverge or focus it are used in cameras and lighting. Here, the glass housing 80 is provided with the lens 19 composed of the thin-walled portion 17 and the thick-walled portion 18, so that the number of parts of the solid-state image sensor module can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to form a translucent opening for a camera, lighting, or the like, manufacturing costs related to processing and assembly can be suppressed, and the opening is reduced, which is also advantageous in terms of waterproofing.

Although the lens 19 shows an example of a convex lens in FIG. 12, it may be a concave lens. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, it is preferable that the lens 19 is recessed from the housing surface around the lens from the viewpoint of preventing surface scratches.
It is preferable that the thin-walled portion 17 and the thick-walled portion 18 are formed at the same time as the uneven pattern region 2 from the viewpoint of suppressing the manufacturing cost.

[9th Embodiment]
The glass housing 90 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the peripheral edge portion 7 and the uneven pattern region 2 of the glass housing 90. In this embodiment, the same parts or similar parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the peripheral edge portion 7 of the glass housing 90 is thicker than the portions other than the peripheral edge portion 7.
The portion other than the peripheral edge portion 7 of the glass housing 90 includes a concave-convex pattern region 2 and a portion that is not the concave-convex pattern region 2. Further, the peripheral edge portion 7 of the glass housing 90 may be the entire peripheral edge portion 7 of the glass housing 90, or may be a part of the peripheral edge portion 7.

The peripheral edge 7 of the glass housing 90 is at a position where there is a high possibility of being damaged when the electronic device is dropped. Therefore, by making the peripheral edge portion 7 of the glass housing 90 thicker than the portion other than the peripheral edge portion 7, the mechanical strength of the glass housing 90 itself can be increased.

Further, the glass housing 90 often has a curved end shape (rounded chamfer). When the glass housing 90 is molded by a press, the fluid glass tends to escape to the outside of the mold, and the peripheral edge portion 7 which is the outermost periphery of the glass housing 90 may not have a desired curved surface shape. There is. By making the peripheral edge portion 7 of the glass housing 90 thicker than the portion other than the peripheral edge portion 7, the peripheral edge portion 7 can be reliably press-molded, and the desired curved surface shape of the peripheral edge portion 7 can be obtained. ..

[Other Embodiments]
The glass housing according to each of the above embodiments is a typical example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the glass housing may have a through hole. As a result, it can be used as a transmitting / receiving unit of a camera or a sensor in an electronic device.

Further, each of the above-described embodiments may be used in combination. For example, the glass housing of the first embodiment is provided with a compressive stress layer (third embodiment) and a colored coating film layer (fifth embodiment).
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the concave-convex pattern side is the surface and the flat surface is the electronic device side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the side provided with the concave-convex pattern may be the electronic device side.

Further, the uneven pattern may be provided on both the front and back surfaces. For example, it is possible to provide a graphic pattern with an uneven pattern on the front side to form a logo mark or the like on the electronic device side, or to form different patterns on the front and back sides to express a complicated pattern.
Further, the uneven pattern on the electronic device side may be a concave portion for avoiding interference with other members, a concave-convex portion for fitting, or the like in consideration of assembling the glass housing and the electronic device.

Electronic devices in which the glass housing of the present invention is used include the following.
For example, electronic devices as communication terminals include mobile phones, PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), smartphones, PDA (Personal Data Assistance), PND (Portable Navigation Device, portable car navigation system), and broadcast receivers. Examples include mobile radios, mobile TVs, and one-segment receivers. Electronic devices as information terminals include digital cameras, video cameras, portable music players, sound recorders, portable DVD players, portable game machines, laptop computers, tablet PCs, electronic dictionaries, electronic notebooks, electronic book readers, and portable printers. Examples include portable scanners.
In addition, it can also be used as a cover member for electronic devices provided in automobiles and as a design member for home appliances.
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples.

The glass housing of the present invention can be molded by a known method. For example, a plate-shaped, rod-shaped, or lump-shaped glass material is prepared, the glass material is heated above the softening point, and pressed with a set of dies having irregularities to obtain a desired concave-convex pattern. .. Alternatively, a method may be used in which a flat glass material is heated to a strain point or more and less than a softening point, and the glass is brought into contact with a mold by utilizing deformation due to its own weight to obtain a desired uneven pattern. Further, a method of forming and etching a pattern with a photolithography or the like, or a numerically controlled grinding machine may be used for processing. In particular, the manufacturing method of press working using a die is preferable because a desired uneven pattern can be formed in a small number of steps.
Further, when the glass housing has a flat surface, a desired flat surface may be formed by grinding after forming an uneven pattern on one surface.

In addition to the glossiness and hardness of the glass material, the glass housing of the present invention can impart decorativeness and a unique tactile sensation due to the uneven pattern.

1,20,30,40,50,60,70,80,90 ... Glass housing, 2,27 ... Concavo-convex pattern region, 3 ... Concavo-convex pattern transient region, 4 ... Flat surface, 5 ... Concavo-convex height, 6 ... Non-concavo-convex pattern region (flat portion), 7 ... peripheral edge, 8 ... peripheral surface, 11 ... radius of curvature of convex portion, 12 ... radius of curvature of concave portion, 13 ... compressive stress layer, 14 ... functional film, 15 ... colored coating film Layer, 16 ... Glass containing coloring component, 17 ... Thin-walled part, 18 ... Thick-walled part, 19 ... Lens, 21,22,23,24,25,26 ... Concavo-convex height, 31 ... Fingerprint authentication sensor, 32 … Solid-state image sensor.

Claims (20)

At least a part of the surface is provided with a concavo-convex pattern and a non-concavo-convex pattern region , and the concavo-convex pattern is made of glass whose unevenness depth gradually decreases toward the non-concavo-convex pattern region, and is exteriorized by an electronic device. Characterized glass housing. The glass housing according to claim 1, wherein the wall thickness measured on the convex surface of the surface having an uneven pattern is continuously or intermittently changed. The concavo-convex pattern is a glass housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are each formed of a curved surface, and the curved surface is continuous. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the uneven pattern is formed of a curved surface having a convex radius of curvature of 2.5 mm or more. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the uneven pattern is formed of a curved surface having a convex portion having a radius of curvature of 0.05 mm to 2.5 mm (however, 2.5 mm is not included). .. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the concave portion of the uneven pattern is formed of a curved surface having a radius of curvature of 0.1 mm or more. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the uneven pattern is the thinnest portion and has a plate thickness of 0.2 mm or more. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the glass has a plate shape, has the uneven pattern on at least a part of one surface, and the other surface is flat. The glass housing according to claim 8, wherein the glass has a flatness of 0.3 mm or less as defined by JIS B0021 on the flat side surface. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the glass has a flat peripheral surface. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the glass has a compressive stress layer of 5 to 100 μm in the depth direction from the surface. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the glass includes a thin-walled portion, and the thinnest portion of the thin-walled portion is flat. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a thin-walled portion and a thick-walled portion connected to the thin-walled portion, and the thin-walled portion and the thick-walled portion constitute a lens. .. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the thickness of the peripheral portion is thicker than the thickness of the portion other than the peripheral portion. The glass contains at least one component selected from the group consisting of metal oxides of Co, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Cr, V, and Bi in an oxide-based molar percentage representation of 0.1 to 7%. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is contained. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the glass has a functional film on at least a part of the surface on the uneven pattern side. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the glass is provided with a colored coating film layer or a visible light reflecting layer on at least a part of the surface thereof. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the glass has a through hole. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the glass has a thickness of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm at the thickest portion. The glass housing according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the glass has a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm at the thinnest portion.

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