Projection TV

• US 20060152834A1
• Filed: 11/01/2005
• Published: 07/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (Samsung Group)
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (Samsung Group)
• Inventors: Kim, Sung-gi, Yoon, Seok-il, Kah, Young-il
• Application Number:
  US11/262,811
• Publication Number:
  US 20060152834A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/883
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/0808 having a single reflecting layer G02B5/0883, G02B5/0891 take precedence

Abstract

A projection TV is provided comprising a reflective mirror including an ultra-thin glass substrate having enhanced strength, a reflective layer formed on a surface of the glass substrate to reflect an image, and a protective layer applied to an upper surface of the reflective layer to prevent the reflective layer from being damaged. The reflective mirror minimizes the occurrences of a double image, and a focus characteristic and contrast are enhanced, thereby improving the image quality. In addition, it is possible to make the product lightweight and thus, reduce transportation charges and other manufacturing costs.

Claims

1. A reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device, comprising:

an ultra-thin glass substrate having enhanced strength;

a reflective layer formed on a surface of the glass substrate to reflect an image; and

a protective layer applied to an upper surface of the reflective layer to prevent the reflective layer from being damaged.

2. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glass substrate comprises a tempered glass having a heat-enhanced strength.

3. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the glass substrate is formed by heat-treating a glass plate at a softening temperature or greater, and then cooling with compressed cooling air.

4. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a thickness of the glass substrate is between about 0.7 mm and about 1.8 mm.

5. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a thickness of the glass substrate is between about 1 mm and about 1.5 mm.

6. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reflective layer is vapor-deposited on a rear surface of the glass substrate, and is comprised of at least one of a silver (Ag) and aluminum (Al) material.

7. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a thickness of the reflective layer is about 90 nm or less.

8. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective layer is vapor-deposited on an upper surface of the reflective layer, and is comprised of at least one of a copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) material.

9. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a thickness of the protective layer is several microns or less.

10. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the protective layer comprises a plurality of layers.

11. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plurality of layers comprise:

a first layer, which directly contacts the reflective layer and is configured to prevent corrosion and to enhance a coating force of the reflective layer; and

a second layer, which is configured to increase a reflectivity of the reflective layer.

12. The reflective mirror for a projection TV or similar device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second layer comprises a paint layer for preventing corrosion to an upper surface of the first layer.

13. A method for reducing the thickness of a reflective mirror for use in a projection TV or similar device, comprising the steps of:

providing an ultra-thin glass substrate having enhanced strength;

forming a reflective layer on a surface of the glass substrate to reflect an image; and

forming a protective layer on an upper surface of the reflective layer to prevent the reflective layer from being damaged.

14. The method for reducing the thickness of a reflective mirror as claimed in claim 13, wherein the step of providing an ultra-thin glass substrate comprises the steps of:

heat-treating a glass plate at a softening temperature or greater; and

cooling the glass plate with compressed cooling air, wherein the glass substrate has a thickness of between about 0.7 mm and about 1.8 mm.

15. The method for reducing the thickness of a reflective mirror as claimed in claim 13, wherein the step of forming a reflective layer comprises the step of:

vapor-depositing at least one of a silver (Ag) and aluminum (Al) material on a rear surface of the glass substrate to a thickness of about 90 nm or less.

16. The method for reducing the thickness of a reflective mirror as claimed in claim 13, wherein the step of forming a protective layer comprises the step of:

vapor-depositing at least one of a copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) material on an upper surface of the reflective layer to a thickness of several microns or less.