Light sensor component and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The optical sensor assembly 9, which forms part of the optical sensor unit 1 for reading paper sheets, is composed of a light-transmitting transparent member 11 and a cover member 12. The transparent member 11 has a roughly trapezoidal cross-section taken along a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, with tapered surfaces on sides parallel to the main scanning direction. The roughly trapezoidal cross-section is formed so that the shorter side of the conveyor path for conveying paper sheets is the side. The cover member 12 also has a tapered surface formed roughly parallel to the transparent member 11. The tapered surface of the transparent member and the tapered surface of the cover member are bonded together, thereby joining the transparent member and the cover member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light sensor member for protecting components provided inside a light sensor unit for reading paper materials such as banknotes and securities from paper dust and dirt, and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] In the past, light sensor components used to protect the components inside a light sensor unit used to read paper materials such as banknotes and securities from the effects of paper dust and dirt were generally composed of a transparent portion that allows light to pass through and an opaque portion that does not allow light to pass through. Specifically, the transparent portion is surrounded by the opaque portion. If a step occurs at the boundary between the transparent portion and the opaque portion, the paper being transported may be caught by the step, which may cause a paper jam. For example, when transporting paper at high speed, even a tiny step of tens of μm (50 to 60 μm) can cause a paper jam. Therefore, in order to stably transport paper, it is desirable to eliminate the step between the transparent portion and the opaque portion as much as possible.

[0003] Against this backdrop, conventionally, light sensor components have been manufactured using methods for reducing the step difference at the boundary between the transparent portion and the opaque portion. (See Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3)

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2015 / 098300

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-075008

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-268131 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] A method for manufacturing a light sensor component uses a method in which a member forming a transparent portion (hereinafter referred to as the "transparent member") and a member forming an opaque portion (hereinafter referred to as the "cover member") are integrally formed. Specifically, after the transparent member is placed in a mold, a material for forming the cover member (generally a resin material) is poured in, forming the transparent member and the cover member into one piece. This manufacturing method requires precise control to prevent the cover member from covering the light-transmitting portion of the transparent member.

[0011] Another method for manufacturing light sensor components involves bonding a transparent component to a cover component. In this case, warping of the transparent component and the cover component can create a step difference at the boundary between the two components, i.e., the joint. Therefore, in bonding the transparent component and the cover component, to prevent the step difference at the joint, they are pressed against a flat plate. However, when pressing the transparent component and the cover component against the flat plate, their warping needs to be appropriately corrected. This requires precise control even when pressing the transparent component and the cover component against the flat plate.

[0012] Furthermore, even if the correction is achieved accurately, in conventional transparent members and cover members having rectangular cross-sections, there is a high probability that the aforementioned minute step difference will occur at the junction between the transparent member and the cover member. Furthermore, in the method of bonding the transparent member and the cover member, it is unrealistic to suppress the difference in thickness, or the step difference, between the two to less than tens of μm for a dimension exceeding 200 mm in the main scanning direction due to manufacturing errors.

[0013] In view of such actual conditions, the purpose of the invention of this application is to provide a light sensor component that can be manufactured by simple equipment without the need for fine control while using a cover component and a transparent component each having a conical surface, and can suppress the step difference at the joint between the transparent component and the cover component.

[0014] Means used to solve problems

[0015] The light sensor assembly involved in the invention of this application constitutes a part of a light sensor unit for reading paper sheets. The light sensor assembly is composed of a transparent member that allows light to pass through and a cover member that surrounds the transparent member and does not allow light to pass through. The cross-section of the transparent member taken in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction is roughly trapezoidal, and has a tapered surface on the side parallel to the main scanning direction. The roughly trapezoidal cross-section is formed so that the side of the conveying path for conveying paper sheets becomes the upper bottom (short side). In addition, the cover member also has a tapered surface formed roughly parallel to the transparent member, and the tapered surface of the transparent member is bonded to the tapered surface of the cover member, and the transparent member and the cover member are joined.

[0016] The transparent member may have a substantially trapezoidal shape in whole or in part in the main scanning direction in a cross section taken in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction.

[0017] The transparent member is preferably made of a material that has no influence on the performance of the optical sensor, such as glass or transparent resin.

[0018] The light sensor assembly is made by simultaneously pressing and bonding a transparent member and a cover member onto a flat plate. The bonding sequence is to first press the cover member against the flat plate on the conveyor path side. Next, the transparent member is pressed against the flat plate from the side opposite the conveyor path, bonding the two members so that their tapered surfaces align.

[0019] During bonding, only the transparent member is pressed against the flat plate by applying force toward the flat plate. Regarding the cover member, force is applied from the tapered surface of the transparent member to the tapered surface of the cover member, pressing against the flat plate. This allows for uniform pressure on the flat plate along the entire length of the joint between the transparent member and the cover member, evenly suppressing step differences across the entire joint.

[0020] An adhesive is used to bond the transparent member and the cover member. Examples of the adhesive include ultraviolet curing adhesives, heat curing adhesives, thermoplastic adhesives, moisture curing adhesives, and two-component curing adhesives.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the invention of the present application, a simple method is used to bond the transparent member and the cover member by pressing the conical surface of the transparent member against the conical surface of the cover member from the opposite side of the paper conveying path of the transparent member. This allows the surfaces of the transparent member and the cover member on the conveying path side to be coplanar, thereby preventing the paper from getting stuck during transportation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the structure of a light sensor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of an example of the structure of a light sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the structure of a light sensor member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the structure of a transparent member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the structure of a cover member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a state in which a cover member is arranged on a flat plate.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a situation in which a transparent member is being pressed.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of a situation in which a transparent member is being pressed.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of how the adhesive is cured.

[0032] Figure 10 It is a plan view schematically showing an example of the structure of a cover member according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 It is a plan view schematically showing another example of the structure of the cover member according to the modified example of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 12 It is a plan view schematically showing still another example of the structure of a cover member according to a modification of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 13 It is a plan view schematically showing still another example of the structure of a cover member according to a modification of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] 1. Overall structure of the light sensor unit

[0037] First, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The optical sensor unit 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the structure of the optical sensor unit 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of an example of the structure of the optical sensor unit 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the structure of the optical sensor member 9 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the structure of the transparent member 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 It is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the structure of the cover member 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] At least one optical sensor unit 1 is provided on a conveyor path 3 for conveying paper sheets 2. The unit 1 comprises a housing 4, a light source 5, a lens array 6, a substrate 7, a light receiving unit 8 mounted on the substrate 7, and an optical sensor member 9. The paper sheets 2 in this embodiment may be, for example, general paper, banknotes, or securities.

[0039] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, the housing 4 and the substrate 7 extend in the Y direction. In the housing 4, the light source 5, the lens array 6, and the light receiving portion 8 extend in the Y direction. Figure 3 As shown, the optical sensor member 9 also extends in the Y direction similarly to the housing 4. The Y direction is the main scanning direction.

[0040] The light source unit 5 is a linear light source for irradiating light to the paper 2 conveyed along the X direction in the conveying path 3. The X direction is a sub-scanning direction and is orthogonal to the Y direction. Figure 2 As shown, the light source unit 5 includes a first light source 5a and a second light source 5b. The first light source 5a is provided at an end of the light source unit 5 in the Y direction, and the second light source 5b is provided at the other end.

[0041] The first light source 5a includes an ultraviolet light source and a substrate for mounting the ultraviolet light source, and the second light source 5b includes a light source corresponding to light other than ultraviolet light and a substrate for mounting the light source. In addition, the light other than ultraviolet light herein includes at least one of visible light and infrared light. However, the type of light source is not limited thereto, and one of the first light source 5a and the second light source 5b may also be omitted.

[0042] The light source unit 5 also includes a substrate 5 c for supplying power to the first light source 5 a or the second light source 5 b . The substrate 5 c is connected to a power source (not shown) for driving the light source unit 5 .

[0043] The light source unit 5 further includes a light guide 5d and a cover member 5e for holding the light guide 5d. Light incident on the light guide 5d from the first light source 5a and the second light source 5b is diffused and refracted within the light guide 5d before being emitted from the light guide 5d. The light guide 5d extends in the Y direction, with the first light source 5a and the second light source 5b disposed at both ends of the light guide 5d in the Y direction. Light emitted from the side surface (exit surface) of the light guide 5d along the Y direction is emitted with a uniform light intensity along the Y direction.

[0044] Visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, etc. are irradiated from the light source unit 5 onto the paper sheet 2. The peak wavelength of ultraviolet light is set to be anywhere between 300 nm and 400 nm, and the peak wavelength of infrared light is set to be anywhere up to 1500 nm.

[0045] Furthermore, at least the ultraviolet light in the light irradiating the paper sheet 2 may be emitted in a manner that does not overlap with the other light in time (i.e., while switching in time). Furthermore, the infrared light may be emitted in a manner that overlaps with the visible light in time, or in a manner that does not overlap with the visible light in time.

[0046] The lens array 6 is an optical element for imaging (converging) light (reflected light and fluorescence) from the paper 2 onto the light receiving portion 8. A rod lens array such as the SELFOC lens array (registered trademark: manufactured by Nippon Sheet Glass) is used as the lens array 6. In the embodiment of the present invention, the magnification of the lens array 6 is set to 1 (upright). Furthermore, an optical filter that blocks ultraviolet light may be provided within the lens array 6 to prevent ultraviolet light from reaching the light receiving portion 8.

[0047] Light receiving unit 8 is configured to include at least a general-purpose light receiving element. Light receiving unit 8 detects light from the paper sheet 2 and outputs a signal corresponding to the light intensity to substrate 7. Alternatively, light receiving unit 8 may employ a so-called multi-chip linear image sensor comprising a plurality of integrated circuits (ICs) integrated with photodiodes, phototransistors, driver circuits, and amplifier circuits.

[0048] In addition, as needed, circuits such as drive circuits and amplifier circuits, as well as connectors for extracting signals to the outside, may be mounted on the substrate 7. Furthermore, an A / D converter, various correction circuits, image processing circuits, line memories, I / O control circuits, etc. may be mounted on the substrate 7 to extract digital signals to the outside.

[0049] The light sensor member 9 is provided to protect the light source unit 5 and the lens array 6 from dust (eg, paper dust). Figure 1 As shown, the optical sensor member 9 is provided between the conveyance path 3 and the housing 4 , and covers the internal space of the housing 4 where the light source unit 5 , the lens array 6 , and the like are provided.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the optical sensor member 9 is composed of a transparent member 11 and a cover member 12 provided around the transparent member 11 . A transparent plate that transmits light is used as the transparent member 11 .

[0051] For example, from the perspective of wear resistance, a glass plate is used as the transparent member 11. Specifically, white glass or borosilicate glass is used. Glass has good ultraviolet transmittance, and furthermore, it has good transmittance not only in ultraviolet light but also in the near-infrared region. Alternatively, a resin plate can be used as the transparent member 11. Specifically, plates made of acrylic resin or cycloolefin resin can be used.

[0052] Furthermore, the conveying surface 11c in the transparent member 11 is a surface parallel to the conveying path 3 and located on the conveying path 3 side, and the incident surface 11d is a surface parallel to the conveying path 3 and located on the side opposite to the conveying path 3 side and for light from the light source unit 5 to enter.

[0053] As the cover member 12, for example, an opaque plate that does not allow light to pass through is used. There is no particular limitation on the material and the material of the cover member 12, and therefore, as the cover member 12, for example, a plate made of resin or the like as described above is used. In addition, from the perspective of suppressing the light from the light receiving portion 8 through the lens array 6 (see Figure 1 ) From the perspective of preventing stray light caused by external light, a black plate can also be used as the cover member 12.

[0054] Furthermore, the conveying surface 12 c of the cover member 12 is a surface located on the conveying path 3 side among surfaces parallel to the conveying path 3 .

[0055] The center of the area defined by the inner periphery of the conveying surface 11c, the center of the incident surface 11d, the center of the conveying surface 12c, and the center of the area defined by the outer periphery of the housing 4 on the XY plane overlap in the Z direction.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, the width of the conveying surface 11c in the X direction is smaller than the width of the housing 4 in the X direction. This also applies to the width of the conveying surface 11c in the Y direction.

[0057] Furthermore, the width of the incident surface 11d in the X direction is formed to be a width between the width of the housing 4 in the X direction and the width of the conveying surface 11c in the X direction. This also applies to the width of the incident surface 11d in the Y direction. That is, in the Z direction, the entire conveying surface 11c overlaps with a portion of the incident surface 11d.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transparent member 11 abuts against the cover member 12 at a pair of opposing abutting surfaces 11a and a pair of opposing abutting surfaces 11b. Specifically, the pair of abutting surfaces 11a abut against the pair of opposing abutting surfaces 12a of the cover member 12, and the pair of abutting surfaces 11b abut against the pair of opposing abutting surfaces 12b of the cover member 12.

[0059] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 As shown, each contact surface 11a is formed partially or entirely of a tapered surface that tapers as it approaches the conveyor path 3. The tapered surfaces of each contact surface 11a have a uniform inclination angle relative to the conveyor surface 12c. In other words, the transparent member 11 is formed so that all or part of its cross-section is roughly trapezoidal, including a trapezoidal shape, and the tapered surface is formed in the cross-section due to the trapezoidal shape. With respect to the trapezoidal cross-section of the transparent member 11, the portion corresponding to the shorter side (the conveyor surface 11c) is the side on which the paper sheets 2 are conveyed.

[0060] In addition, the detailed description will be described later. In this embodiment, each contact surface 11a and each contact surface 12a contact each other via an adhesive. This is also the same for each contact surface 11b and each contact surface 12b. That is, Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 The transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 are bonded to each other by an adhesive. Specifically, the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 are bonded to each other so that the conveying surface 11c and the conveying surface 12c are flush with each other.

[0061] In this optical sensor unit 1, for example, light is irradiated onto paper sheets 2 conveyed along the conveyor path 3, and signals based on the light (reflected light and fluorescence) from the paper sheets 2, i.e., signals corresponding to the surface of the paper sheets 2, are output externally. For example, an image corresponding to the surface of the paper sheets 2 is generated. However, this is not limited to a configuration in which ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the paper sheets 2 to cause fluorescence; a configuration in which only reflected light from the paper sheets 2 is received by the light receiving unit 8 is also possible. Furthermore, if the present invention is applied to a transmissive optical sensor unit rather than a reflective optical sensor unit, a light source may be disposed on the opposite side of the conveyor path 3 from the light receiving unit 8. In this case, a configuration in which light irradiated from the light source transmits through the paper sheets 2, and this transmitted light is received by the light receiving unit 8 is also possible.

[0062] 2. Manufacturing method of light sensor component

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 , an example of a method for manufacturing the optical sensor member 9 will be described. Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a state in which the cover member 12 is arranged on the flat plate 13. Figure 7 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a situation in which the transparent member 11 is being pressed. Figure 8 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of a situation in which the transparent member 11 is being pressed. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of how the adhesive is cured.

[0064] First, prepare the transparent member 11, the cover member 12, the flat plate 13 and the pressing member 14. Figure 7 As shown, from the perspective of the linear expansion coefficient, the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 have warpage. The following description takes the case where both the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 are warped into a U-shape as an example. In order to prevent a step difference from occurring at the joint between the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 on the conveying path 3 side, if the individual members have dimensional tolerances, it is necessary to uniformly correct the warpage at the joint and then join them. If there is a portion where the warpage correction is slightly uneven, this portion becomes a step difference, hindering the conveyance of the paper 2. In addition, the flat plate 13 here is a reference table composed of a plate-like rigid body. As long as the flat plate 13 is a rigid body, the material and the material are not particularly limited. The same applies to the pressing member 14.

[0065] Then, if Figure 6 As shown, the cover member 12 is placed on the flat plate 13. Specifically, the cover member 12 is placed on the flat plate 13 so that the conveying surface 12c contacts the flat plate 13 and the conveying surface 12c and the flat plate 13 are substantially parallel.

[0066] Next, a part or the entire transparent member 11 is placed in the space (placement space) inside the cover member 12. The width of the placement space in the X direction, the width in the Y direction, and the width in the Z direction are determined by the contact surfaces 12a and 12b. Specifically, Figure 7 As shown, the transparent member 11 is arranged in the arrangement space so that the conveying surface 11c is substantially parallel to the conveying surface 12c and the flat plate 13. Furthermore, in this case, each abutting surface 12a and each abutting surface 11a are opposed to each other. Furthermore, each abutting surface 12b and each abutting surface 11b are similarly opposed to each other. Furthermore, when the transparent member 11 is arranged in the arrangement space, the center of the area defined by the inner periphery of the conveying surface 11c, the center of the incident surface 11d, and the center of the conveying surface 12c overlap in the Z direction.

[0067] In addition, when the transparent member 11 is arranged in the arrangement space, the adhesive is pre-applied to each abutting surface 12a and each abutting surface 12b. Furthermore, the adhesive may be pre-applied to each abutting surface 11a and each abutting surface 11b instead of each abutting surface 12a and each abutting surface 12b, or may be pre-applied to each abutting surface 11a, each abutting surface 11b, each abutting surface 12a, and each abutting surface 12b.

[0068] Then, if Figure 7As shown, the pressing member 14 is disposed on the incident surface 11d of the transparent member 11. Specifically, the pressing member 14 is disposed on the incident surface 11d so that the pressing member 14, the conveying surface 11c, the conveying surface 12c, and the flat plate 13 are substantially parallel. In this case, the center of the pressing member 14 overlaps with the center of the conveying surface 12c and the like in the Z direction.

[0069] Then, if Figure 7 As shown, the transparent member 11 is pressed in a direction (pressing direction) P1 toward the flat plate 13 using the pressing member 14. In this embodiment, when the transparent member 11 is pressed by the pressing member 14, a force in the pressing direction P1 is applied to the pressing member 14 from the outside. Alternatively, the transparent member 11 can be pressed using the weight of the pressing member 14. However, in this case, the direction of gravity is consistent with the pressing direction P1.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the force in the pressing direction P1 is a force stronger than the stress in the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 , specifically, the tensile stress and the compressive stress.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, when a force in a pressing direction P1 acts on the transparent member 11, the contact surfaces 11a and 12a contact each other, resulting in forces in directions P2 and P3 acting on the cover member 12. The force in the direction P2 is perpendicular to the flat plate 13, and this force presses the contact surfaces 12a of the cover member 12 toward the flat plate 13. The force in the direction P3 causes the cover member 12 to expand outward. This force causes the cover member 12 to expand outward until the transparent member 11 and the flat plate 13 come into contact at the junction of the two members on the conveyor path 3 side.

[0072] In this case, under the action of the force in the direction of P3, the two ends of the cover member 12 in the X direction are expanded, and under the action of the force in the pressing direction P1, a portion of the conveying surface 11c of the transparent member 11 is brought into contact with the flat plate 13. Moreover, by further applying the force in the pressing direction P1, the warping of the transparent member 11 is improved. Furthermore, as the warping of the transparent member 12 is improved, the warping of the cover member 12 is improved. Specifically, due to the force in the direction of P2, the warping of the cover member 12 is improved. If the warping of the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 is improved, then Figure 9 As shown, the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 are bonded to each other in a state where the conveying surface 11 c and the conveying surface 12 c are flush with each other.

[0073] In addition, for example, Figure 9As shown, even when the cover member 12 is warped in a direction opposite to the pressing direction P1, the force in the pressing direction P1 also reduces the warping of the transparent member 11. Furthermore, as the warping of the transparent member 11 is reduced, the warping of the cover member 12 is also reduced.

[0074] As described above, when the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 having the tapered surface are bonded to each other using the flat plate 13 and the pressing member 14, the tapered surface (each abutting surface 12a) of the cover member 12 is corrected to imitate the tapered surface (each abutting surface 11a) of the transparent member 11 at the joint between the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12, so that the difference in warping correction between the two members can be minimized and joined. As a result, the step difference that hinders the transportation of the paper 2 can be easily eliminated. In principle, there is a tolerance on the thickness of the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12, but the present invention provides a tapered surface at the joint between the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12, so that in principle, even if there is a tolerance on the thickness of both the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12, the step difference can be eliminated.

[0075] In addition, as the adhesive in this embodiment, a UV-curing adhesive is used, but any adhesive that can be applied in a liquid or gel state is not particularly limited. For example, a thermosetting adhesive, a thermoplastic adhesive, a moisture-curing adhesive, or a two-component curing adhesive may also be used.

[0076] UV-curing adhesives cure by exposure to ultraviolet light. Heat-curing adhesives cure by heating. Thermoplastic adhesives cure by melting through heating and then curing upon cooling. Moisture-curing adhesives cure by reacting with moisture in the air. Two-component curing adhesives cure by mixing a curing agent into a base.

[0077] Next, the method for curing the adhesive that joins the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 will be described. When using a UV-curing adhesive, an external UV light source (external UV light source) is used to irradiate the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 with UV light. However, this curing method poses the risk of curing any adhesive that has seeped onto the conveying surfaces 11c and 12c. Furthermore, curing any adhesive that has seeped onto the conveying surfaces can cause various problems.

[0078] Therefore, when using a UV-curing adhesive, as in this embodiment, the pressing member 14 and the cover member 12 serve as shields against UV light. However, in this case, the surface of the pressing member 14 that contacts the incident surface 11d is the same size as the conveying surface 11c. In other words, in the Z direction, the entire surface of the pressing member 14 that contacts the incident surface 11d overlaps the entire conveying surface 11c.

[0079] When joining the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12 with the ultraviolet curing adhesive, the cover member 12 is placed on the flat plate 13, and the ultraviolet curing adhesive is applied to the contact surfaces 12a and 12b of the cover member 12. After applying the ultraviolet curing adhesive, the transparent member 11 is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the flat plate 13 by the pressing member 14 so that the contact surfaces 11a and 11b of the transparent member 11 are aligned with the contact surfaces 12a and 12b of the cover member 12. While maintaining this pressing state, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, ultraviolet light is irradiated to cure the ultraviolet curing adhesive. At this time, it is preferable not to cure the ultraviolet curing adhesive that has oozed out onto the conveying surfaces 11c and 12c of the transparent member 11 and the cover member 12.

[0080] In this embodiment, the external ultraviolet light source is arranged at a position opposite to the transparent member 11 across the pressing member 14, and the ultraviolet light from the external ultraviolet light source is irradiated in the same direction as the pressing direction P1. Figure 9 As shown, since a portion of the ultraviolet light is blocked by the cover member 12 and the pressing member 14 , the adhesive that has oozed out to the conveying surfaces 11 c and 12 c is not irradiated with the ultraviolet light.

[0081] Specifically, the width of the pressing member 14 in the X direction is made equal to the width of the conveying surface 11c of the transparent member 11 in the X direction. This blocks ultraviolet light from the pressing member 14, preventing the UV-curing adhesive that leaks onto the conveying surface 11c of the transparent member 11 during bonding from curing. Furthermore, the contact surface 12a of the cover member 12 blocks the UV light from any UV-curing adhesive that leaks onto the conveying surface 12c of the cover member 12, preventing the UV-curing adhesive from curing.

[0082] As described above, the adhesive between each abutting surface 11a and each abutting surface 12a is cured by ultraviolet light. The adhesive between each abutting surface 11b and each abutting surface 12b is also cured. In addition, the uncured adhesive is cleaned and removed after the transparent member 11 and the transparent member 12 are bonded to each other.

[0083] 3. Modifications

[0084] Figure 10 1 is a top view schematically showing an example of the structure of the cover member 12 according to a modified example of the present invention. In this modified example, each contact surface 12a is formed so as to include only a portion thereof in the Y direction. For example, Figure 10As shown, the contact surfaces 12a may be formed so that portions including tapered surfaces and portions not including tapered surfaces are alternately arranged in the Y direction.

[0085] Figure 11 This is a top view schematically showing another example of the structure of the cover member 12 involved in a modified example of the present invention. In this modified example, the cover member 12 has a comb-tooth shape at both ends in the X direction and at portions that do not overlap with the housing 4 and the lens array 6 provided therein in the Z direction.

[0086] Then, the optical sensor unit 1 of this embodiment, which is formed in a comb-teeth shape, is placed in the conveyance path. At this time, it is engaged with the comb-teeth formed in the conveyance path, thereby achieving smooth conveyance.

[0087] Figure 12 It is a plan view schematically showing another example of the structure of the cover member 12 according to the modified example of the present invention. Figure 12 The conveyance width 3 a in FIG. 3 represents the actual width of the paper sheet 2 conveyed along the conveyance path 3 . The conveyance width 3 a corresponds to the width of the transparent member 11 in the Y direction.

[0088] In this modified example, protrusions 15 that protrude toward the conveyor path 3 are provided at both ends of the conveyor surface 12c of the cover member 12 in the Y direction, at portions that do not overlap with the conveyor width 3a in the Z direction. Specifically, the protrusions 15 are provided on the conveyor surface 12c at locations that do not interfere with the conveyance of the paper sheets 2. In this manner, if the cover member 12 has the protrusions 15 that protrude toward the conveyor path 3, the flat plate 13 may also have recesses to accommodate the protrusions 15.

[0089] Generally, when using the optical sensor unit 1 to read the surface of a sheet 2, the detection sensor for detecting the position of the sheet 2 and the optical sensor unit 1 are disposed at positions opposing each other across the conveyor path 2. For example, when assembling a reading device including the optical sensor unit 1 and the detection sensor as components, the detection sensor can be positioned relative to the protrusion 15.

[0090] Figure 13 This is a top view schematically illustrating another example of the structure of the cover member 12 according to a modified example of the present invention. In this modified example, each abutment surface 12b is formed similarly to each abutment surface 12a. That is, a portion or the entirety of each abutment surface 12b is formed by a tapered surface that tapers as it approaches the conveyor path 3. This also applies to each abutment surface 11b.

[0091] In addition, instead of the contact surfaces 11 a and 12 a , the contact surfaces 11 b and 12 b may be formed to include a tapered surface.

[0092] Description of Reference Numerals

[0093] 1: Light sensor unit;

[0094] 2: Paper;

[0095] 3: Conveyor road;

[0096] 3a: conveying width;

[0097] 4: Shell;

[0098] 5: Light source;

[0099] 5a: first light source;

[0100] 5b: Second light source;

[0101] 5c: substrate;

[0102] 5d: light guide;

[0103] 5e: cover member;

[0104] 6: Lens array;

[0105] 7: Substrate;

[0106] 8: light receiving part;

[0107] 9: light sensor component;

[0108] 11: Transparent component;

[0109] 11a: abutment surface;

[0110] 11b: abutting surface;

[0111] 11c: conveying surface;

[0112] 11d: incident surface;

[0113] 12: cover member;

[0114] 12a: abutment surface;

[0115] 12b: abutment surface;

[0116] 12c: conveying surface;

[0117] 13: Tablet;

[0118] 14: pressing member;

[0119] 15: protrusion.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a light sensor component, wherein the light sensor component is a component comprising a light source portion for irradiating light toward a conveyor path and a light receiving portion for outputting a signal corresponding to the amount of light from the conveyor path, wherein: The light sensor component comprises: a transparent member that transmits light incident on the light receiving portion; a cover member configured to surround the outer periphery of the transparent member and prevent light from passing therethrough; The transparent member has a substantially trapezoidal shape with a short side on the conveying path side in a cross section taken along a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and has an inclined tapered surface on a side parallel to the main scanning direction. The cover member has a tapered surface formed substantially parallel to a tapered surface provided on a side of the transparent member parallel to the main scanning direction. The tapered surface of the transparent member and the tapered surface of the cover member are bonded together by an adhesive. The manufacturing method comprises: a step of applying the adhesive to the tapered surface of the transparent member or the tapered surface of the cover member; a step of making the tapered surface of the transparent member face and abut against the tapered surface of the cover member; a step of placing a flat plate different from the cover member on the conveying path side, and pressing the transparent member toward the flat plate from a direction opposite to the conveying path side by a pressing member, thereby improving warping of the transparent member; as well as a step of curing the adhesive, In the step of improving the warping of the transparent member, there are forces pressing the cover member toward the flat plate side and forces expanding the cover member outward.

2. The method for manufacturing a light sensor component according to claim 1, wherein: The adhesive is any one of an ultraviolet curing adhesive, a heat curing adhesive, a thermoplastic adhesive, a moisture curing adhesive, and a two-component curing adhesive.

3. The method for manufacturing a light sensor component according to claim 1, wherein: The transparent component is glass.

4. The method for manufacturing a light sensor component according to claim 1, wherein: The transparent member has a substantially trapezoidal shape with a shorter side on the conveying path side in a cross section taken along a direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction, and has an inclined tapered surface on a side parallel to the sub-scanning direction.

5. The method for manufacturing a light sensor component according to claim 1, wherein: An end portion of a side of the cover member parallel to the main scanning direction, which is opposite to a surface in contact with the transparent member, is formed in a comb-teeth shape.

6. The method for manufacturing a light sensor component according to claim 1, wherein: The adhesive is a UV curing adhesive, In the step of curing the adhesive, ultraviolet light is irradiated from an ultraviolet light source onto the tapered surface of the transparent member and the tapered surface of the cover member.

7. The method for manufacturing a light sensor component according to claim 6, wherein: In the step of curing the adhesive, a portion of the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source is blocked by the pressing member.

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