Display device manufacturing method, electronic equipment manufacturing method, cover glass, cover glass manufacturing method, and electronic equipment

Abstract

This display device manufacturing method comprises: a step for preparing a stage (4) including a chuck mechanism (5) and a cover glass (1) having a first protruding part (8); a step for engaging the chuck mechanism (5) and the first protruding part (8); and a step for bonding the cover glass (1) and a display panel (2).

Description

Display device manufacturing method, electronic device manufacturing method, cover glass, cover glass manufacturing method, and electronic device

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a display device including a step of bonding a cover glass and a display panel, a method for manufacturing an electronic device, a cover glass, a method for manufacturing a cover glass, and an electronic device.

[0002] A glass substrate for a flat panel display having a concave-convex shape formed thereon is known (Patent Document 1), and a glass base material having a fine concave-convex shape such as a diffraction grating formed thereon is known (Patent Document 2).

[0003] In the manufacturing method of a display device, in the step of bonding a cover glass to a display panel, the cover glass is first stably fixed in place by a chuck mechanism installed in the bonding device, the display panel is then aligned with the cover glass fixed by the chuck mechanism, and the cover glass and the display panel are then bonded together under vacuum.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-182586 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-73145

[0005] However, as the frame width of display panels becomes narrower, the size width of cover glass becomes smaller. As a result, the area where the cover glass is fixed by the chuck mechanism becomes extremely small. In particular, on the side where the terminals of the display panel are located, there is originally little flexibility in fixing the cover glass, making it difficult to fix the cover glass in a stable state.

[0006] Curved cover glass, which emphasizes design, has a narrow flat surface, and the area of ​​the cover glass that is fixed with a chuck mechanism is becoming extremely small, making it difficult to fix the cover glass in place when bonding the display panel.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of preparing a stage including a chuck mechanism and a cover glass having a first protrusion, engaging the chuck mechanism and the first protrusion, and bonding the cover glass and a display panel together.

[0008] A manufacturing method for an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure aligns the display panel and the cover glass bonded together by a manufacturing method for a display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure with the housing using the first protrusion.

[0009] A cover glass according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a cover glass to be attached to a display panel, and has a plate-shaped portion having a corner portion and a first protrusion protruding from the corner portion.

[0010] A method for manufacturing a cover glass according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a cover glass according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in which the first protrusion is formed by polishing a predetermined area of ​​the bonding surface with the display panel.

[0011] A method for manufacturing a cover glass according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a cover glass according to one aspect of the present disclosure, which includes the steps of forming a hole in the bonding surface with the display panel, injecting adhesive into the hole, and inserting a member having a height greater than the depth of the hole into the hole into which the adhesive has been injected to form the first protrusion.

[0012] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a cover glass according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display panel bonded to the cover glass, and a housing that houses the cover glass and the display panel, the housing having a recess that fits into the first protrusion.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a display device, a method for manufacturing an electronic device, a cover glass, a method for manufacturing a cover glass, and an electronic device, which can easily fix a cover glass for bonding a display panel.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bonding apparatus according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the bonding apparatus; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cover glass and a display panel to be bonded by the bonding apparatus; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a chuck mechanism of a stage provided in the bonding apparatus, and a cover glass and a display panel; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a first protrusion provided on the cover glass; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an engagement state between a first chuck provided in the chuck mechanism and the first protrusion; FIG. 7 is another perspective view showing an engagement state between the first chuck and the first protrusion; FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an engagement state between the first chuck and the first protrusion; FIG. 9 is a side view showing an engagement state between the first chuck and the first protrusion; FIG. 10 is a front view showing an engagement state between the first chuck and the first protrusion; FIG. 11 is yet another perspective view showing an engagement state between the first chuck and the first protrusion; FIG. 12 is another schematic diagram showing the operation of the bonding apparatus; FIG. 13 is another schematic diagram showing another operation of the bonding apparatus; FIG. 14 is another schematic diagram showing another operation of the bonding apparatus; FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a stage provided in a bonding apparatus according to a comparative example; 1 is a perspective view showing a cover glass set on the stage; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second chuck presses the cover glass set on the stage; FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the operation of the bonding apparatus; FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the operation of the bonding apparatus; FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the operation of the bonding apparatus; FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the operation of the bonding apparatus; FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the operation of the bonding apparatus; FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the operation of the bonding apparatus; FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a method for manufacturing a cover glass according to embodiment 1; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a completed image of a cover glass manufactured by the manufacturing method; FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing another method for manufacturing a cover glass according to embodiment 1; FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a method for removing a first protrusion formed on the cover glass according to embodiment 1; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another method for removing the first protrusion; FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing yet another method for removing the protrusion; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cover glass from which the first protrusion has been removed; FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an aspect in which a bonded display panel and cover glass are aligned with a housing using the first protrusion; FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a display panel and cover glass aligned with a housing.1 is a perspective view showing a first protrusion provided on a cover glass according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an engagement state between a first chuck provided in a chuck mechanism according to Embodiment 2 and the first protrusion. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first protrusion provided on a cover glass according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an engagement state between a first chuck provided in a chuck mechanism according to Embodiment 3 and the first protrusion. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cover glass and a display panel to be bonded together by a bonding apparatus according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a chuck mechanism of a stage provided in the bonding apparatus, and a cover glass and a display panel. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the stage on which the cover glass is set. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing method of a cover glass according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing method of a cover glass according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cover glass manufactured by the manufacturing method. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another manufacturing method of a cover glass according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another manufacturing method of a cover glass according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another manufacturing method of a cover glass according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a method of removing a protrusion formed on a cover glass according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another method of removing the protrusion. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing yet another method of removing the protrusion. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover glass from which the protrusion has been removed.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) (Configuration of bonding apparatus 3) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bonding apparatus 3 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the bonding apparatus 3.

[0016] The bonding device 3 includes a stage 4 that vacuum-sucks the underside of the cover glass 1. The stage 4 includes a chuck mechanism 5 that fixes the cover glass 1 to the stage 4. The cover glass 1 has a plate-shaped portion 29 and a first protrusion 8 that protrudes from the plate-shaped portion 29 toward the opposite side of the stage 4 in the normal direction of the cover glass 1. The chuck mechanism 5 fixes the cover glass 1 to the stage 4 by engaging with the first protrusion 8.

[0017] The bonding apparatus 3 further includes a panel stage 6 that holds the display panel 2 to which the flexible printed circuit board 7 is pressure-bonded. The panel stage 6 has fixed chucks (not shown) provided on both long sides of the display panel 2. These fixed chucks slide to hold the display panel 2. The display panel 2 is, for example, an OLED (organic light emitting diode) panel.

[0018] (Operation of Bonding Apparatus 3) The bonding apparatus 3 configured as above operates as follows. First, as shown in Fig. 2, a vacuum is drawn inside the bonding apparatus 3, and the stage 4, which vacuum-adsorbs the cover glass 1 on its underside, descends. Then, once the vacuum drawing is complete, the panel stage 6 ascends, and the cover glass 1 and the display panel 2 are bonded together.

[0019] When the bonding of the cover glass 1 and the display panel 2 is completed, the vacuum state within the bonding device 3 is released, the hold of the cover glass 1 by the stage 4 is released, and the stage 4 moves up. Thereafter, the display panel 2 on the panel stage 6 to which the cover glass 1 has been bonded slides the fixed chuck, the hold by the panel stage 6 is released, and the panel moves to the next process.

[0020] As described above, the manufacturing method of the display device according to the first embodiment includes the steps of preparing the stage 4 including the chuck mechanism 5 and the cover glass 1 having the first protrusion 8, engaging the chuck mechanism 5 with the first protrusion 8, and bonding the cover glass 1 and the display panel 2. The first protrusion 8 protrudes in the normal direction of the cover glass 1.

[0021] (Configuration of Cover Glass 1) Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the cover glass 1 and display panel 2 to be bonded together by the bonding device 3. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the chuck mechanism 5 of the stage 4 provided in the bonding device 3, the cover glass 1, and the display panel 2. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0022] The cover glass 1 further has a second protrusion 9. The cover glass 1 has two adjacent corner portions 32 and 33. The first protrusion 8 is located at the corner portion 33, and the second protrusion 9 is located at the corner portion 32. The cover glass 1 is a cover glass to be bonded to the display panel 2, and has a plate-shaped portion 29 having the corner portions 32 and 33, the first protrusion 8 protruding from the corner portion 33, and the second protrusion 9 protruding from the corner portion 32.

[0023] In this way, the first protrusion 8 and the second protrusion 9 are provided near two corners 33 and 32 of the exposed area of ​​the plate-like portion 29 of the cover glass 1 without overlapping with the display panel 2 or the flexible printed circuit board 7. By fixing the first protrusion 8 and the second protrusion 9 with the chuck mechanism 5, cover glasses 1 of any shape can be stably fixed to the stage 4.

[0024] The first protrusion 8 and the second protrusion 9 formed on the plate-shaped portion 29 of this cover glass 1 may be formed integrally with the plate-shaped portion 29, or may be formed by retrofitting a member such as resin or metal to the plate-shaped portion 29.

[0025] The first protrusion 8 and the second protrusion 9 formed on the plate-shaped portion 29 of the cover glass 1 can be used as components for fixing the cover glass 1 when the cover glass 1 to which the display panel 2 is bonded is incorporated into the housing 21 described later.

[0026] The optimal shapes of the first protrusion 8 and the second protrusion 9 are selected depending on the clearance between the cover glass 1 and the display panel 2, the shape of the fixing jig including the chuck mechanism 5, and the like.

[0027] The chuck mechanism 5 has a first chuck 10 that engages with the first protrusion 8 and a second chuck 11 that engages with the second protrusion 9. The chuck mechanism 5 has a third chuck 12 (FIG. 1) that contacts an end face 34 located on the opposite side of the end face 30 sandwiched between the two corners 32 and 33 of the cover glass 1.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the first protrusion 8 provided on the cover glass 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the engagement between the first chuck 10 provided on the chuck mechanism 5 and the first protrusion 8. FIG. 7 is another perspective view showing the engagement between the first chuck 10 and the first protrusion 8. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the engagement between the first chuck 10 and the first protrusion 8. FIG. 9 is a side view showing the engagement between the first chuck 10 and the first protrusion 8. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the engagement between the first chuck 10 and the first protrusion 8. FIG. 11 is yet another perspective view showing the engagement between the first chuck 10 and the first protrusion 8. Components similar to those described above are designated by the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0029] The first protrusion 8 has a cylindrical shape that protrudes in the normal direction of the cover glass 1. The first chuck 10 includes a curved surface portion 27 that contacts a side surface 26 of the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 8.

[0030] The plate-like portion 29 of the cover glass 1 has an end face 31 corresponding to the long side of the display panel 2 and an end face 30 corresponding to the short side of the display panel 2. The first chuck 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped base 35 and a step portion 36 that protrudes from the base 35 toward the first protruding portion 8 in a direction parallel to the plate-like portion 29 and comes into contact with the side surface 26 of the first protruding portion 8.

[0031] The step portion 36 of the first chuck 10 presses the outer peripheral side surface 26 of the pin-shaped first protrusion 8 in a direction parallel to the cover glass 1. The base portion 35 of the first chuck 10 presses the end surface 30 formed on the plate-shaped portion 29 of the cover glass 1 in the same direction.

[0032] The clearance of the flat portion of plate-like portion 29 around first protrusion 8 is smaller on the flat portion on the end face 30 side of first protrusion 8 than on the flat portion on the end face 31 side of first protrusion 8. Therefore, the force with which step portion 36 presses side face 26 of first protrusion 8 and the force with which base portion 35 presses end face 30 are combined to prevent cover glass 1 from falling.

[0033] Fig. 12 is another schematic diagram showing the operation of the bonding apparatus 3. Fig. 13 is yet another schematic diagram showing the operation of the bonding apparatus 3. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals. Detailed description of these components will not be repeated.

[0034] The first chuck 10 of the chuck mechanism 5 holds the cover glass 1 between the side surface 26 of the first protrusion 8 and the end surface 30 of the plate-shaped portion 29. Therefore, the first chuck 10 holds the side surface 26 of the first protrusion 8 of the cover glass 1 and the end surface 30 of the plate-shaped portion 29. This increases the area of ​​the cover glass 1 held by the first chuck 10. Furthermore, the position at which the first chuck 10 holds the cover glass 1 is such that the principle of leverage does not work well, making it difficult for the cover glass 1 to come off the first chuck 10.

[0035] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another operation of the bonding apparatus 3. Fig. 15 is another schematic diagram showing another operation of the bonding apparatus 3. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals. Detailed description of these components will not be repeated.

[0036] The first chuck 10 of the chuck mechanism 5 may hold the cover glass 1 by the side surface 26 of the first protrusion 8. In this case, the area of ​​the cover glass 1 held by the first chuck 10 increases or decreases depending on the shape of the first protrusion 8. The position at which the first chuck 10 holds the cover glass 1 is such that the principle of leverage is not easily applied, making it difficult for the cover glass 1 to come off the first chuck 10.

[0037] (Comparative Example) Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a stage 94 provided in a bonding apparatus according to a comparative example. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a cover glass 91 set on the stage 94. Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second chuck 81 presses the cover glass 91 set on the stage 94. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0038] 16 , the stage 94 has a recessed portion 94a that is the same height as the thickness of the cover glass 91 and the same width as the cover glass 91. The length of the recessed portion 94a is longer than the length of the cover glass 91. The recessed portion 94a is provided with an air intake hole 94b that vacuum-sucks the cover glass 91, and a first chuck 80, a second chuck 81, and a third chuck 82 that press and hold the cover glass 91. The first chuck 80, the second chuck 81, and the third chuck 82 are driven by cylinders external to the stage 94 to be able to slide and move, and can hold and release the cover glass 91.

[0039] 17, when the cover glass 91 is set in the recessed portion 94a, the cover glass 91 is vacuum-sucked by the air intake hole 94b, and the first chuck 80, the second chuck 81, and the third chuck 82 slide to press and hold the short sides of the cover glass 91. No holding mechanism is provided for the long sides of the cover glass 91, and the long sides of the cover glass 91 are prevented from shifting in position or rotation by the wall of the recessed portion 94a.

[0040] 18 , the claws 81a of the second chuck 81 overlap the surface of the cover glass 91. Then, the stepped portion 81b of the second chuck 81 presses against the edge surface 70 of the cover glass 91. This allows the second chuck 81 to hold the cover glass 91 and prevent it from shifting. The cover glass 91 has a transparent region R1 corresponding to the display area of ​​the display panel 2 and a non-transparent region R2 that is printed or otherwise formed and corresponds to the non-display area of ​​the display panel 2.

[0041] 19 to 25 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of a bonding apparatus according to a comparative example. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0042] If there is a difference in size between the cover glass 91 and the display panel 92, a certain amount of frame area can be secured as a margin on the cover glass 91. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 22, claws can be formed on the fixed chucks corresponding to both short sides of the cover glass 91. For example, as shown in Fig. 22, claws 81a can be formed on the first chuck 80. For this reason, even if the vacuum suction force on the cover glass 91 weakens due to vacuuming inside the bonding device, the cover glass 91 will not fall because it will be caught by the claws of the fixed chucks on both short sides of the cover glass 91.

[0043] However, if the cover glass 91 and the display panel 92 are of similar size and have a narrow frame, as shown in Figure 20, it becomes impossible to secure space for the claw portion to contact one side of the fixed chuck located on the flexible printed circuit board 97 side of the display panel 92, and the claw portion cannot be provided.

[0044] 23, when attaching the display panel 92 to the cover glass 91, the display panel 92 rides up onto the claws 81a of the first chuck 80, making it impossible to position the claws 81a. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 20, only one of the short sides of the cover glass 91 is hooked and held by the third chuck 82.

[0045] In this case, if the vacuum suction force of the stage 94 weakens or the stage 94 receives some kind of impact, the principle of leverage will come into play at part A in Figure 21, causing the cover glass 91 to come off the first chuck 80, which has no claws, and fall.

[0046] (Method of manufacturing cover glass 1) Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a method of manufacturing the cover glass 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing an image of the completed cover glass 1 manufactured by the above manufacturing method. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0047] As shown in Figure 24(a), the surface of glass material 37 is roughened by mechanical polishing using an abrasive 14 and a polishing pad 13, and a cover glass 1 having a first protrusion 8, a second protrusion 9, and a plate-shaped portion 29 as shown in Figure 24(b) and Figure 25 can be manufactured by the polishing method.

[0048] The polishing method uses a polishing pad 13 and a slurry. The abrasive 14 can be cerium oxide, alumina, or other abrasives.

[0049] In this way, the first protrusion 8 may be formed by polishing a predetermined area of ​​the surface to be bonded to the display panel 2 .

[0050] 26 is a schematic diagram showing another method for manufacturing the cover glass 1 according to embodiment 1. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0051] 26(a), holes 15 are formed in the surface of glass material 37 to match the cross-sectional shapes of first protrusion 8 and second protrusion 9. The depth of holes 15 is determined based on the thickness of cover glass 1, the pressing force of the fixing chuck of the stage, etc. Holes 15 can be formed, for example, by a drill.

[0052] Then, as shown in FIG. 26( b), adhesive 16 is injected into hole 15. UV resin, epoxy resin, or other adhesives can be used as adhesive 16. After that, pin-shaped members 17 are inserted into holes 15 into which adhesive 16 has been injected and fixed. This allows members 17 to serve as first protrusions 8 and second protrusions 9, and by using an adhesive technique, a cover glass 1 including first protrusions 8, second protrusions 9, and plate-like portion 29 as shown in FIG. 25 can be manufactured.

[0053] In this way, the method for manufacturing the cover glass may include the steps of forming a hole 15 on the bonding surface with the display panel 2, injecting adhesive 16 into the hole 15, and forming a first protrusion 8 by inserting a member 17 having a height greater than the depth of the hole 15 into the hole 15 into which the adhesive 16 has been injected.

[0054] Cover glass 1 may also be manufactured by using chemical etching and a mask to create irregularities on the surface of a glass material. The polishing and adhesive methods described above are more practical than chemical etching methods because they make it easier to control the height of the protrusions corresponding to first protrusions 8 and second protrusions 9 and the flatness of the concave surface of glass material 37.

[0055] In this way, the plate-shaped portion 29 of the cover glass 1 and the first protrusion 8 may be made of the same material or different materials. If they are made of different materials, the first protrusion 8 is preferably made of resin or metal.

[0056] (Method of Removing First Protrusion 8) The first protrusion 8 and the second protrusion 9 formed on the cover glass 1 may be removed after the display panel 2 is bonded to the cover glass 1. The following removal method is conceivable.

[0057] Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing a method for removing the first protrusion 8 formed on the cover glass 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing another method for removing the first protrusion 8. Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing yet another method for removing the first protrusion 8. Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the cover glass 1 from which the first protrusion 8 has been removed. Components similar to those described above are designated by the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0058] 27 and 28, the first protrusion 8 may be cut using a saw member 18, clippers 19, or knife member depending on the material of the first protrusion 8. Alternatively, the first protrusion 8 may be scraped off using a polishing pad. When the first protrusion 8 is cut, the cut portion will be uneven, so as shown in FIG. 29, a flattening process using a mechanical polishing member 20 is required.

[0059] As a result, as shown in FIG. 30, the first protrusion 8 can be removed and the surface of the cover glass 1 can be flattened.

[0060] When the height of the first protrusion 8 is low or when it is difficult to remove it by cutting as shown in Figures 27 and 28, it may be removed by mechanical polishing alone as shown in Figure 29. Removal by cutting as shown in Figures 27 and 28 can be achieved in a shorter time than removal by mechanical polishing alone as shown in Figure 29.

[0061] The second protrusion 9 can be removed in the same manner as the first protrusion 8 .

[0062] (Alignment with the housing 21) Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing how the bonded display panel 2 and cover glass 1 are aligned with the housing 21 using the first protrusion 8. Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing the display panel 2 and cover glass 1 aligned with the housing 21. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0063] Utilizing the protruding shapes of the first protrusion 8 and the second protrusion 9 of the cover glass 1 described above facilitates alignment of the housing 21 and the display panel 2. This makes it possible to simplify the assembly work for assembling the housing 21 and the display panel 2 to manufacture the mobile terminal 38, and also makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the bonding position between the display panel 2 and the cover glass 1.

[0064] First, recesses 22 are formed in the housing 21 to match the positions and sizes of the first protrusions 8 and second protrusions 9 of the cover glass 1. Then, the first protrusions 8 and second protrusions 9 of the cover glass 1 are inserted into the recesses 22 of the housing 21. This improves the accuracy of bonding the cover glass 1 and the display panel 2. For example, it is possible to reduce misalignment in the θ direction and misalignment in the X and Y directions when bonding the cover glass 1 and the display panel 2 together. This also makes it possible to improve the workability of the assembly work of assembling the housing 21 and the display panel 2.

[0065] In this way, the display panel 2 and the cover glass 1 bonded together by the manufacturing method described in this embodiment are aligned with the housing 21 using the first protrusion 8 .

[0066] The cover glass 1 is attached to the display panel 2 and has a plate-like portion 29 with a corner portion 33 and a first protrusion 8 protruding from the corner portion 33. The display device described in this embodiment includes the cover glass 1, the display panel 2 attached to the cover glass 1, and a housing 21 that houses the cover glass 1 and the display panel 2. The housing 21 has a recess 22 that fits into the first protrusion 8.

[0067] (Embodiment 2) (Configuration of Cover Glass 1A) Figure 33 is a perspective view showing a first protrusion 8A provided on a cover glass 1A according to embodiment 2. Figure 34 is a perspective view showing an engagement state between a first chuck 10A provided on a chuck mechanism 5A according to embodiment 2 and the first protrusion 8A. Components similar to those previously described are given the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0068] The first protrusion 8A has a rectangular prism shape that protrudes in the normal direction of the cover glass 1A. The chuck mechanism 5A has a first chuck 10A that engages with the first protrusion 8A. The first chuck 10A includes a flat portion 28A that contacts a side surface 26A of the first protrusion 8A.

[0069] The clearance of the flat portion of plate-shaped portion 29A around first protrusion 8A is larger on the flat portion on the side of end face 30 of first protrusion 8A than on the flat portion on the side of end face 31 of first protrusion 8A. In this case, the pressure applied by flat portion 28A of first chuck 10A to side face 26A of first protrusion 8A from the side of end face 30 prevents cover glass 1A from falling.

[0070] In this way, when the clearance of the flat portion of the plate-like portion 29A around the first protruding portion 8A is larger on the side of the end face 30, the first protruding portion 8A is pressed by the first chuck 10A. When the clearance is larger on the side of the end face 31, the first protruding portion 8A is pressed by the first chuck 10A as shown in FIGS.

[0071] (Embodiment 3) (Configuration of Cover Glass 1B) Figure 35 is a perspective view showing a first protrusion 8B provided on a cover glass 1B according to embodiment 3. Figure 36 is a perspective view showing an engagement state between a first chuck 10B provided on a chuck mechanism 5B according to embodiment 3 and the first protrusion 8B. Components similar to those previously described are given the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0072] The first protrusion 8B has a base 23 that protrudes in the normal direction of the cover glass 1B and wing portions 24 that extend from the base 23 in a direction perpendicular to the normal line of the cover glass 1B. The first chuck 10B includes a fork portion 25 that contacts the wing portions 24.

[0073] If the clearance of the flat portion of the cover glass 1B around the first protrusion 8B is small, it is difficult to implement the fixing method shown in Figures 6 and 34. In this case, wing-shaped portions 24 are formed on the first protrusion 8B, and the fork portion 25 at the tip of the first chuck 10B is inserted into the tip of the wing portions 24 to prevent the cover glass 1B from falling. It is preferable that the wing portions 24 extend so as to protrude from the cover glass 1B when viewed from the normal direction of the cover glass 1B.

[0074] In this way, it is preferable to vary the shapes of the first protrusions 8, 8A, 8B depending on the clearance of the flat portion of the plate-shaped portion 29A around the first protrusions 8, 8A, 8B at the corners 33 of the cover glasses 1, 1A, 1B. It is also preferable to vary the shapes of the first chucks 10, 10A, 10B depending on the shapes of the first protrusions 8, 8A, 8B.

[0075] (Embodiment 4) (Configuration of Cover Glass 1C) Figure 37 is a perspective view showing a cover glass 1C and a display panel 2 to be bonded together by a bonding apparatus according to embodiment 4. Figure 38 is a perspective view showing a chuck mechanism 5C of a stage 4C provided in the bonding apparatus, the cover glass 1C, and the display panel 2. Figure 39 is a perspective view of the stage 4C on which the cover glass 1C is set. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0076] The first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the normal to the cover glass 1C. The first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C may protrude from the end face 31 of the cover glass 1C in a direction perpendicular to the normal to the cover glass 1C.

[0077] In this way, unlike in embodiments 1 to 3, the first protrusions 8C and the second protrusions 9C may be formed so as to protrude laterally on both sides of the cover glass 1C. If a narrow frame makes it impossible to form clearance for forming protrusions on the surface of the cover glass 1C facing the display panel 2, the first protrusions 8C and the second protrusions 9C can be formed on both side end surfaces 31 of the cover glass 1C and the first protrusions 8C and the second protrusions 9C can be held by the first chuck 10C, thereby achieving the same effect as in embodiments 1 to 3.

[0078] When the first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C are formed on both sides of the cover glass 1C in this manner, the current manufacturing process can be used to manufacture the cover glass 1C having the first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C. Therefore, a single type of protrusion shape and a single type of jig shape can be used.

[0079] The formed first protrusion 8C and second protrusion 9C are unnecessary parts for the product and need to be removed later. However, if the display panel 2 has a wide frame structure or the frame of the display panel 2 is covered with a bezel, the first protrusion 8C and second protrusion 9C can be used to align and fix the housing 21 and the display panel 2 in the same way as the first protrusion 8 and second protrusion 9 (FIGS. 31 and 32 of the first embodiment).

[0080] 17, and has a recessed portion with the same width as the cover glass 1C. Similar recessed portions are also provided at locations corresponding to the wing-shaped first protrusion 8C and second protrusion 9C, and the first protrusion 8C and second protrusion 9C are fixed by a first chuck 10C and a second chuck 11C, respectively.

[0081] (Method of manufacturing cover glass 1C) Figures 40-42 are perspective views showing a method of manufacturing a cover glass 1C according to embodiment 4. Figure 43 is a perspective view of a cover glass 1C manufactured by the above manufacturing method. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals. Detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0082] 40, a mask pattern 40 corresponding to the shape of the cover glass 1C having the first protrusions 8C and the second protrusions 9C is formed on a large-sized glass substrate 39, or a mask corresponding to the mask pattern 40 is attached to the large-sized glass substrate 39. The mask pattern 40 can be made of SUS (stainless used steel), resin, or a polishing rate suppressing coating.

[0083] Next, as shown in FIG. 41 , a shower-type etching liquid supplier 41 supplies etching liquid to the large-sized glass substrate 39 masked with the mask pattern 40. Then, unnecessary portions of the large-sized glass substrate 39 that are not covered with the mask pattern 40 are corroded. Next, the large-sized glass substrate 39 is separated into individual pieces 48 in the shape of cover glass having protrusions 42. The etching liquid used is a mixed chemical solution suitable for glass etching. The etching liquid may be supplied by a shower method or a batch method.

[0084] The mask pattern 40 is then removed, completing the cover glass 1C having the first protrusions 8C and the second protrusions 9C. Regarding the removal method, if the mask is attached to the large-sized glass substrate 39, the mask is peeled off mechanically or manually. When forming the mask pattern 40, the mask pattern 40 is formed from a material to be etched, and the mask pattern 40 is etched and removed simultaneously with the etching of the large-sized glass substrate 39. In this case, the etching rate of the material, the mask film thickness, etc. are adjusted so that the large-sized glass substrate 39 is divided and the mask pattern 40 is removed simultaneously.

[0085] 44 to 46 are perspective views showing another method for manufacturing a cover glass 1C according to embodiment 4. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these components will not be repeated.

[0086] First, as shown in Fig. 44, a line-cutting device 43 programs the shape of the cover glass 1C to be formed by cutting lines into the glass substrate 44. Then, as shown in Fig. 45, the line-cutting device 43 cuts unnecessary glass from the glass substrate 44 into the shape of the cover glass 1C having the first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C. The line-cutting method may be a laser cutting method, a glass cutter cutting method, or water cutting method.

[0087] The cut surface of the cover glass 1C has a sharp angle and is likely to have fine cracks. Therefore, as shown in Figure 46, taking into consideration the progression of chipping and cracking and tearing at the edge, the cut surface of the cover glass 1C is chamfered by polishing it with a buff and grindstone provided in a polishing device 45. For example, polishing wheels (R polishing and C polishing) can be used as the polishing method.

[0088] (Method of Removing First Protrusion 8C and Second Protrusion 9C) Figure 47 is a perspective view showing a method of removing the first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C formed on the cover glass 1C according to embodiment 4. Figure 48 is a perspective view showing another method of removing the first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C. Figure 49 is a perspective view showing yet another method of removing the first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C. Figure 50 is a perspective view of the cover glass 1C from which the first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C have been removed. Components similar to those described above are designated by the same reference numerals. A detailed description of these components will not be repeated.

[0089] The first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C of the cover glass 1C attached to the display panel 2 are removed by cutting so that the cover glass 1C has the correct dimensions. The cutting method may be cutting with a laser 46 as shown in FIG. 47 or cutting with a glass cutter 47 as shown in FIG. 48. The display panel 2 is attached to the cover glass 1C. Therefore, removing the first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C by etching (chemical processing) is not preferable in consideration of damage to the display panel 2.

[0090] The cut surfaces of the cover glass 1C where the first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C have been removed are likely to have sharp angles and fine cracks. Therefore, as shown in Figure 49, taking into consideration the progression of chipping and cracking and tearing at the edges, the cut surfaces where the first protrusion 8C and the second protrusion 9C have been removed are chamfered by polishing them with a buff and grindstone provided in a polishing device 45. For example, polishing wheels (R polishing and C polishing) can be used as the polishing method.

[0091] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

[0092] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 cover glass 2 display panel 3 bonding device 4 stage 5 chuck mechanism 6 panel stage 7 flexible printed circuit board 8 first protrusion 9 second protrusion 10 first chuck 11 second chuck 12 third chuck 13 polishing pad 14 abrasive 15 hole 16 adhesive 17 member 21 housing 22 recess 29 plate-shaped portion 36 step portion

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a display device, comprising the steps of: preparing a stage including a chuck mechanism and a cover glass having a first protrusion; engaging the chuck mechanism and the first protrusion; and bonding the cover glass and a display panel.

2. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first protrusion protrudes in a normal direction of the cover glass.

3. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first protrusion protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the normal to the cover glass.

4. A method for manufacturing a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover glass has a second protrusion, the first protrusion being located at one of two adjacent corners of the cover glass and the second protrusion being located at the other.

5. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 4, wherein the chuck mechanism has a first chuck that engages with the first protrusion and a second chuck that engages with the second protrusion.

6. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 5, wherein the chuck mechanism has a third chuck that contacts an end face of the cover glass located on the opposite side to the end face sandwiched between the two corner portions.

7. A method for manufacturing a display device as described in claim 2, wherein the first protrusion is cylindrical and protrudes in a normal direction of the cover glass, the chuck mechanism has a first chuck that engages with the first protrusion, and the first chuck includes a curved portion that contacts a side surface of the first protrusion.

8. A method for manufacturing a display device as described in claim 2, wherein the first protrusion is a rectangular prism protruding in a normal direction of the cover glass, the chuck mechanism has a first chuck that engages with the first protrusion, and the first chuck includes a flat portion that contacts a side surface of the first protrusion.

9. A method for manufacturing a display device as described in claim 5, wherein the first protrusion has a shape having a base protruding in a normal direction of the cover glass and a wing portion extending from the base in a direction perpendicular to the normal to the cover glass, and the first chuck includes a fork portion in contact with the wing portion.

10. The method for manufacturing a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plate-shaped portion of the cover glass and the first protrusion are formed from the same material.

11. The method for manufacturing a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plate-shaped portion of the cover glass and the first protrusion are formed from different materials.

12. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 11, wherein the first protrusion is made of resin or metal.

13. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 3, wherein the first protrusion protrudes from the end face of the cover glass in a direction perpendicular to the normal line.

14. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 13, wherein the chuck mechanism has a first chuck that engages with the first protrusion, and the first chuck includes a step portion that contacts the first protrusion.

15. The method for manufacturing a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising removing the first protrusion after bonding the display panel and the cover glass together.

16. A method for manufacturing an electronic device, comprising aligning the display panel and the cover glass bonded together by the method for manufacturing a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 with the housing using the first protrusion.

17. A cover glass to be attached to a display panel, the cover glass having a plate-shaped portion with a corner portion and a first protrusion protruding from the corner portion.

18. A method for manufacturing a cover glass according to claim 17, wherein the first protrusion is formed by polishing a predetermined area of ​​the surface to be bonded to the display panel.

19. A method for manufacturing a cover glass as described in claim 17, comprising the steps of: forming a hole in the surface to be bonded to the display panel; injecting an adhesive into the hole; and forming the first protrusion by inserting a member having a height greater than the depth of the hole into the hole into which the adhesive has been injected.

20. An electronic device comprising: a cover glass according to claim 17; a display panel bonded to said cover glass; and a housing that houses said cover glass and said display panel, said housing having a recess that fits into said first protrusion.

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