Image sensor manufacturing method and image sensor

Abstract

To enhance a flatness of a surface of an image sensor for forming a conveyance path of paper sheets.SOLUTION: A manufacturing method of an image sensor having: a mounting step of mounting the image sensor having a construction that a cover containing a transmission member that can transmit light emitted by a light source part and light received by a light reception part to a case for housing the light source part for emitting the light to an imaging object and the light reception part for receiving light from the imaging object, and a frame member for supporting the transmission member onto an adhesion tape fixed onto a flat surface in a predetermined position relation between the transmission member and the frame member; a first compression step of tightly attaching the transmission member to the adhesion tape so as to be pressed to the adhesion tape; a second compression step of tightly attaching the frame member to the adhesion tape so as to be pressed to the adhesion tape; an adhesive step of filling adhesive agent into a gap of the transmission member and the frame member which are tightly attached to the adhesion tape; and a peeling step of peeling the adhesion tape from the transmission member, the frame member, and the adhesive agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing an image sensor and an image sensor manufactured by the method. [Background technology]

[0002] Image sensors are built into, for example, paper sheet processing devices and are used to capture images of paper sheets being transported within the device. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose image sensors that capture images of paper sheets by irradiating light from a light source onto the paper sheets and receiving the reflected light at a light receiving unit. The image sensor has a structure in which a light source and a light receiving unit are housed inside a housing, and the housing is closed with a cover fitted with glass. Light emitted from the light source passes through the glass and is irradiated onto the paper sheets. Light reflected from the paper sheets passes through the glass and is received by the light receiving unit.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing an image sensor in which the cover and glass are fixed with a metal compression jig and the gap between them is filled with adhesive to prevent dust from entering. Patent Document 2 discloses a method for manufacturing an image sensor in which the cover and glass are positioned using a gap member that defines the gap between the cover and glass, and then the gap created by removing the gap member is filled with adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5018824 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5897087 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The process of filling the gap between the cover and the glass with adhesive is performed by placing the cover and the glass on a flat surface with the outer surface of the image sensor facing downward. The undersides of the placed cover and the glass form a transport path along which paper sheets are transported. The compression jig in Patent Document 1 fixes the vertical position of the cover while fixing only the top surface of the glass, thereby positioning the top surface of the glass relative to the cover. This can result in a step between the bottom surface of the glass and the bottom surface of the cover. Furthermore, because the cover is a resin member that is elongated in the main scanning direction, bending can occur in the portion parallel to the main scanning direction when the cover is fixed by the metal compression jig, potentially resulting in the cover being bonded to the glass in a bent state. If a step occurs between the cover and the glass, or if a portion of the cover bends and protrudes below the surface of the glass, paper sheets transported along the transport path can get caught and jam.

[0006] In the method of Patent Document 2, no positioning force is applied to the cover and glass, so no unevenness occurs due to positioning. However, there is a possibility that the adhesive may penetrate not only into the gap between the cover and glass, but also onto the underside of the cover and glass. If the adhesive that has spilled onto the underside of the glass or cover creates an unevenness, the paper sheet may get caught and cause a jam. In order to smoothly transport paper sheets without jamming, the surface that forms the transport path for the paper sheets needs to be flat, without unevenness caused by components or adhesive.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the problems associated with the above-mentioned conventional technology, and aims to improve the flatness of the surface that forms the transport path for paper sheets in an image sensor that captures images of paper sheets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A method for manufacturing an image sensor according to the present disclosure includes a case housing a light source unit that irradiates light onto an object to be imaged and a light receiving unit that receives light from the object to be imaged, and a cover that includes a transparent member that transmits light emitted by the light source unit and light received by the light receiving unit, and a frame member that supports the transparent member, the method comprising the steps of: placing the transparent member and the frame member in a predetermined positional relationship on adhesive tape fixed on a flat surface; a first pressure-bonding step of pressing the transparent member against the adhesive tape to adhere it to the adhesive tape; a second pressure-bonding step of pressing the frame member against the adhesive tape to adhere it to the adhesive tape; an adhesion step of filling an adhesive into a gap between the transparent member and the frame member that has been adhered to the adhesive tape to adhere them; and a peeling step of peeling the adhesive tape from the transparent member, the frame member, and the adhesive. The manufactured image sensor may be a line sensor that irradiates a line of light onto the object to be imaged to image the object.

[0009] In the above configuration, the magnitude of the force applied to the transparent member and the frame member to adhere them to the adhesive tape in the first pressure-bonding process and the second pressure-bonding process may be set within a range in which the flat state of the upper surface of the adhesive tape is maintained even after the force is released.

[0010] In the above configuration, the method may further include a step of fixing the sheet member to which the adhesive tape is fixed on a workbench, and the placing step may include a step of attaching a first jig to the workbench, the first jig positioning the transparent member at a predetermined position on the workbench, and using the first jig to position the transparent member and place it on the adhesive tape, a step of removing the first jig from the workbench, a step of attaching a second jig to the workbench, the second jig positioning the frame member at a predetermined position on the workbench, and using the second jig to position the frame member and place it on the adhesive tape, and a step of removing the second jig from the workbench.

[0011] In the above configuration, the method may further include a step of fixing the sheet member to which the adhesive tape is fixed onto a workbench, and the placing step may include a step of attaching a jig to the workbench, which positions the frame member at a predetermined position on the workbench, and using the jig to position the frame member and place it on the adhesive tape; a step of removing the jig from the workbench; and a step of positioning the transparent member in accordance with a plurality of protrusions for positioning the transparent member provided at the opening of the frame member and placing it on the adhesive tape.

[0012] In the above configuration, the method may further include a step of fixing the sheet member to which the adhesive tape is fixed onto a workbench, and the placing step may include a step of attaching a jig to the workbench, which positions the transparent member at a predetermined position on the workbench, and using the jig to position the transparent member and place it on the adhesive tape; a step of removing the jig from the workbench; and a step of positioning the frame member by aligning a plurality of protrusions for positioning the transparent member, which are provided at an opening of the frame member, with the transparent member and placing it on the adhesive tape.

[0013] In the above configuration, the method may further include a step of stacking a flexible sheet member to which the adhesive tape is fixed and a holding member that holds the sheet member on a workbench with the adhesive tape facing upward, and the peeling step may be performed by removing the holding member from the sheet member and peeling off the adhesive tape by utilizing the flexibility of the sheet member.

[0014] A method for manufacturing an image sensor according to the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing an image sensor having a structure in which a case accommodating a light source unit that irradiates light onto an imaged object and a light receiving unit that receives light from the imaged object is fitted with a cover including a transparent member that is capable of transmitting light irradiated by the light source unit and light received by the light receiving unit, and a frame member that supports the transparent member, the method comprising the steps of: positioning and fixing a sheet member to which an adhesive tape is fixed and a holding member that holds the sheet member on a workbench such that the adhesive tape faces upward; attaching a first jig to the workbench, the first jig positioning the transparent member at a position on the adhesive tape such that a predetermined gap is created between the transparent member and the frame member; positioning the transparent member using the first jig and placing it on the adhesive tape; the transparent member is pressed against the adhesive tape to bring the transparent member into close contact with the adhesive tape, removing the first jig from the workbench, attaching to the workbench a second jig that positions the frame member on the adhesive tape at a position where a predetermined gap is formed between the frame member and the transparent member, positioning the frame member with the second jig and placing it on the adhesive tape, removing the second jig from the workbench, pressing the frame member against the adhesive tape to bring the frame member into close contact with the adhesive tape, filling an adhesive into the gap between the transparent member and the frame member that have been brought into close contact with the adhesive tape to bond them together, and adhesively fixing the transparent member and the frame member with the adhesive, and peeling the adhesive tape from the transparent member, the frame member, and the adhesive. The manufactured image sensor may be a line sensor that captures an image by irradiating a line-shaped light onto an object to be imaged.

[0015] The image sensor according to the present disclosure is an image sensor manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the above configuration. The image sensor may be a line sensor that captures an image by irradiating a line-shaped light onto an object to be imaged.

[0016] The image sensor according to the present disclosure is an image sensor that captures an image of an object being transported along a transport path, and includes a light source unit that irradiates light onto the object being imaged, a light receiving unit that receives light from the object being imaged, a case that houses the light source unit and the light receiving unit, a transparent member that is capable of transmitting light irradiated by the light source unit and light received by the light receiving unit, and a frame member that supports the transparent member, and is provided with a cover attached to cover an opening of the case, the transparent member and the frame member being in close contact with a plane of adhesive tape in a positional relationship that creates a predetermined gap and fixed with adhesive that has filled the gap, and the adhesive tape is peeled off and the plane formed by the transparent member, the frame member and the adhesive is positioned facing the object being imaged.

[0017] In the above configuration, the frame member may have an inclined surface for filling with the adhesive on at least a part of an inner peripheral side surface that is adhesively fixed to the transparent member. By providing the inclined surface between the frame member and the transparent member, the adhesive can be easily filled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the image sensor manufacturing method and image sensor of the present disclosure, in an image sensor that captures an image of a paper sheet, it is possible to improve the flatness of the surface that forms the transport path for the paper sheet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an image sensor according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining members used in manufacturing the cover. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the manufacturing process of the cover. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining the steps shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the frame member positioning step. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a top view of the crimping process of the frame member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the crimping process of the frame member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the process of adhering the cover. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for bonding the transparent member and the frame member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of filling the adhesive. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the filling of adhesive into the protrusion of the frame member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image sensor and a manufacturing method thereof according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an image sensor 1 (1a, 1b) according to this embodiment. Each drawing shown in this embodiment shows an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system so that the relationship between the illustrated components can be understood. The X-axis direction is the main scanning direction of the image sensor 1, the Y-axis direction is the transport direction of the paper sheet S, and the Z-direction is the up-down direction.

[0021] <Image sensor configuration> The paper sheets S are transported in the Y-axis direction on a transport surface parallel to the XY plane. The paper sheets S may be transported in only one direction, the positive Y-axis direction or the negative Y-axis direction, or may be transported in both directions.

[0022] The image sensor 1 is used, for example, inside a sheet processing device that processes sheets S, to capture an image of the sheet S being transported along a transport path 70 inside the device. Sheet processing devices that use the image sensor 1 are conventionally known, so a detailed description will be omitted, but the sheet processing device can use the captured image of the sheet S to identify the type and authenticity of the sheet S, and read information from the surface of the sheet S. For example, when the image sensor 1 is installed in a banknote processing device, the banknote image captured by the image sensor 1 is used to perform processes such as identifying the denomination and authenticity of the banknote, and reading the serial number of the banknote.

[0023] 1 has a structure in which a cover 20 having a frame member 21 and a transparent member 10 is attached to a case 22 in which a light source unit 30, a lens unit 40, and a sensor board 60 including a light receiving sensor 50 are arranged. The lens unit 40 and the light receiving sensor 50 function as a light receiving unit that receives light from the paper sheet S, i.e., an imaging unit that captures an image of the paper sheet S.

[0024] In the example shown in FIG. 1, two image sensors 1a and 1b arranged opposite each other across a conveyance path 70 can capture a transmitted image and a reflected image of a sheet S. For example, by capturing an image of a strip-shaped area longer than the width of the sheet S in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the conveyance path 70, i.e., the main scanning direction, it is possible to obtain at least one of a transmitted image of the entire sheet or a portion thereof, a reflected image of the entire sheet's front surface, or a reflected image of the entire sheet's back surface. The image sensor 1 thus captures an image of the sheet S while scanning it with a line of light from the light source unit 30 as it is conveyed along the conveyance path 70, and is sometimes called a line sensor. Because the sheet S is conveyed close to the surface of the image sensor 1, it is sometimes called a contact-type line sensor.

[0025] 1 shows an example of the configuration of an image sensor 1 manufactured by the method described in this embodiment, and there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the image sensor 1. For example, the image sensor 1 may not have some of the configuration shown in FIG. 1, or may include configurations not shown in FIG. 1.

[0026] <Image sensor manufacturing method> For example, the image sensor 1 is manufactured by attaching a cover 20 including a transparent member 10 and a frame member 21 to a case 22 in which a light source unit 30, a lens unit 40, and a sensor board 60 including a light receiving sensor 50 are fixed in predetermined positions. By attaching the cover 20 so as to cover the opening of the box-shaped case 22, dust and dirt are prevented from entering the case 22.

[0027] The cover 20 has a generally flat plate shape with a generally rectangular top surface that is long in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction). The cover 20 is configured by attaching a transparent member 10 to a frame member 21. The transparent member 10 has a generally rectangular top surface that is long in the main scanning direction. The transparent member 10 is a transparent member that transmits light irradiated from the light source unit 30 toward the paper sheet S and light received by the lens unit 40 from the paper sheet S. For example, transparent glass or resin is used as the transparent member 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the image sensor 1 is used by arranging the outer surfaces of the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 so that they are parallel to the conveying plane (XY plane) of the paper sheet S.

[0028] Since the paper sheets S are conveyed with a small gap between them and the cover 20 including the frame member 21 and the transparent member 10, the cover 20 needs to have a shape that prevents the leading edge of the paper sheets S in the conveyance direction from getting caught. Specifically, it is preferable that there are no steps among the surface of the frame member 21, which forms the outer surface of the cover 20, i.e., the outer surface of the image sensor 1, the surface of the transparent member 10, and the surface of the adhesive that bonds and fixes the frame member 21 and the transparent member 10. In other words, it is preferable that the surface of the frame member 21, the surface of the transparent member 10, and the surface of the adhesive that bonds and fixes the frame member 21 and the transparent member 10 form the same plane.

[0029] <Cover manufacturing method> The cover 20 is manufactured with the surface facing downward that will become the outer surface of the image sensor 1. In the following description, since the lower surface is the surface that forms the transport path 70, the cover 20 needs to be manufactured so that the lower surface of the transparent member 10, the lower surface of the frame member 21, and the lower surface of the adhesive that bonds and fixes the frame member 21 and the transparent member 10 together form the same plane.

[0030] 2 is a perspective view illustrating the members used in manufacturing the cover 20. The cover 20 is manufactured using a workbench 100, a holding member 110, and a sheet member 120 to which an adhesive tape 130 is fixed. The workbench 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is used with its upper surface parallel to the XY plane. There are no particular restrictions on the material of the workbench 100, but it is preferably made of a hard resin or metal that is strong and does not easily deform.

[0031] A plurality of positioning pins 100a protruding upward are provided on the top surface of the workbench 100. Specifically, two pins 100a spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) are provided on one side in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the top surface of the workbench 100. The pins 100a have a tapered shape with the corners of the cylindrical top surface rounded off and a portion tapered from the top end.

[0032] The holding member 110 has a thin plate shape with a roughly rectangular upper surface. The holding member 110 is used with its lower surface in contact with the upper surface of the work table 100 and its upper surface parallel to the XY plane. There are no particular restrictions on the material of the holding member 110, but it is preferably made of a hard resin or metal that does not easily deform.

[0033] The holding member 110 has through holes 110a formed therein that correspond to the two pins 100a of the workbench 100. By inserting the pins 100a of the workbench 100 into the corresponding through holes 110a of the holding member 110 and placing the holding member 110 on the workbench 100, the holding member 110 is positioned and fixed at a predetermined position relative to the workbench 100.

[0034] A recess is formed in the center of each of the four sides of the workbench 100. The two short edges of the holding member 110 have recesses of the same shape as the recesses on the short sides of the workbench 100, but the two long edges are straight and have no recesses. The workbench 100 and the holding member 110 have the same dimensions in the long direction (X-axis direction), and when the holding member 110 is attached to the workbench 100, the shape of the short edges of the holding member 110 matches the shape of the short sides of the workbench 100. The workbench 100 and the holding member 110 also have approximately the same dimensions in the short direction (Y-axis direction), but when the holding member 110 is attached to the workbench 100, a recess on the long sides of the workbench 100 is present in a central portion of the back side of the long straight edges of the holding member 110. Utilizing this recess, the holding member 110 can be easily attached to and detached from the workbench 100.

[0035] The sheet member 120 has a film shape with a rectangular upper surface. The sheet member 120 is used with its lower surface in contact with the upper surface of the holding member 110 and its upper surface parallel to the XY plane. The sheet member 120 is flexible, and can bend even when the adhesive tape 130 is fixed. The material of the sheet member 120 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably made of a flexible resin. For example, a transparent OHP sheet can be used as the sheet member 120.

[0036] The sheet member 120 has through holes 120a formed therein that correspond to the two pins 100a of the workbench 100. The longitudinal dimension of the sheet member 120 is shorter than the dimensions of the workbench 100 and the holding member 110, and the lateral dimension of the sheet member 120 is longer than the dimensions of the workbench 100 and the holding member 110. By placing a finger on the longitudinal edge of the sheet member 120 from below, the sheet member 120 can be easily attached to and detached from the holding member 110.

[0037] An adhesive tape 130 is fixed to the upper surface of the sheet member 120. For example, double-sided tape is attached to the sheet member 120 and used as the adhesive tape 130. By inserting multiple pins 100a of the workbench 100 exposed upward from the through-holes 110a of the holding member 110 into the corresponding through-holes 120a of the sheet member 120 and placing the sheet member 120 on the holding member 110, the sheet member 120 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the workbench 100 and the holding member 110.

[0038] With the sheet member 120 positioned relative to the workbench 100 and the holding member 110, a rectangular adhesive tape 130, whose length reaches both longitudinal ends of the sheet member 120, is fixed at a position spaced apart from the pins 100a with its longitudinal ends parallel to the X-axis. The short edges of the adhesive tape 130 are aligned with the short edges of the sheet member 120, while the long edges of the adhesive tape 130 are located inside the long edges of the sheet member 120. The adhesive tape 130 is located inside the four sides of the workbench 100, and its entire underside is supported by the workbench 100 via the sheet member 120 and the holding member 110. The adhesive tape 130 is used with its upper surface parallel to the XY plane. As shown on the right side of Figure 2, the holding member 110 and the sheet member 120 with the adhesive tape 130 fixed thereto are stacked on top of each other and positioned and fixed to the workbench 100. The production of the cover 20 begins with the holding member 110 and the sheet member 120 with the adhesive tape 130 fixed thereto being stacked on top of each other and fixed to the workbench 100.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating each step in the manufacturing process of the cover 20, up to the stage at which the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 are tightly fixed onto the adhesive tape 130. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating each step shown in Fig. 3. Figs. 4(a) to 4(h) correspond to Figs. 3(a) to 3(h), respectively. Note that Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a cross section cut along a plane parallel to the YZ plane passing through the pin 100a of the workbench 100 so that the positional relationship of each member shown in Fig. 3 can be seen, and the vertical dimensions and shapes of each member shown may differ from those of the actual members.

[0040] (Transparent member positioning process) The positioning step of the transparent member 10 is a placing step of placing the transparent member 10 on the adhesive tape 130. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 4(a), the holding member 110 and the sheet member 120 to which the adhesive tape 130 is fixed are stacked on the workbench 100, and then, as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 4(b), a transparent member positioning jig (first jig) 140 is attached on top of them. The transparent member positioning jig 140 is a jig for positioning the transparent member 10 at a predetermined position on the workbench 100. By using the transparent member positioning jig 140, the transparent member 10 can be placed on the adhesive tape 130 so that the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 are in a positional relationship that forms a predetermined gap between them. The material of the transparent member positioning jig 140 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably made of a hard resin or metal that does not easily deform.

[0041] 3(b), the transparent member positioning jig 140 has through holes 140a corresponding to the two pins 100a of the workbench 100, and an opening 140b corresponding to the transparent member 10. By inserting the two pins 100a of the workbench 100 into the corresponding through holes 140a of the transparent member positioning jig 140, the transparent member positioning jig 140 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the workbench 100, the holding member 110, and the sheet member 120. In other words, the opening 140b formed in accordance with the transparent member 10 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the sheet member 120 to which the adhesive tape 130 is fixed.

[0042] 4(b), a support portion 140c is provided on the underside of the transparent member positioning jig 140, which has a substantially thin plate shape, at a position that avoids the adhesive tape 130, so that the transparent member positioning jig 140 does not come into contact with the adhesive tape 130. The support portion 140c extends in the X-axis direction along the longitudinal edge of the adhesive tape 130, which is long in the X-axis direction, so as to straddle the adhesive tape 130, so that the transparent member positioning jig 140 remains stable even when there is a gap between it and the adhesive tape 130.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 4(b), the transparent member positioning jig 140 is placed on the sheet member 120, and then, as shown in FIGS. 3(c) and 4(c), the transparent member 10 is placed on the adhesive tape 130 through the opening 140b of the transparent member positioning jig 140. The transparent member positioning jig 140 is formed so that the bottom surface of the area excluding the support portion 140c is lower than the top surface of the transparent member 10 placed on the adhesive tape 130. In other words, the transparent member positioning jig 140 is formed so that at least a portion of the outer peripheral side surface of the transparent member 10 placed on the adhesive tape 130 can come into contact with the inner peripheral side surface that forms the opening 140b. The opening 140b is formed in a rectangular shape that is slightly larger than the transparent member 10. This allows the transparent member 10 to be fitted into the opening 140b and positioned at a predetermined position. The opening 140b functions as a guide hole that indicates the attachment position of the transparent member 10, allowing the transparent member 10 to be placed at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 fixed to the sheet member 120. Note that the shape of the opening 140b is not particularly limited as long as the transparent member 10 can be positioned at a predetermined position, and the opening 140b may have a shape in which a part of the inner peripheral side surface of the opening 140b is separated from the transparent member 10. For example, the shape of the opening 140b when viewed from above may be a cross shape in which a central part of the longitudinal inner peripheral side surface is significantly separated from the transparent member 10. The transparent member 10 may be positioned so as to come into contact with the opening 140b of the transparent member positioning jig 140.

[0044] (Transparent member crimping process) As shown in FIGS. 3(c) and 4(c), the transparent member 10 is placed at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 fixed to the sheet member 120, and then, as shown in FIGS. 3(d) and 4(d), the transparent member 10 is pressed and pressure-bonded onto the adhesive tape 130 by a pressing member 150. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(d), a transparent member pressing jig 151 having a buffer member 152 attached to its lower surface is placed on the transparent member 10. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the upper surface of the transparent member 10 placed on the adhesive tape 130 is lower than the upper surface of the transparent member positioning jig 140. Therefore, by fitting the transparent member pressing jig 151 into the opening 140b of the transparent member positioning jig 140, the transparent member pressing jig 151 can be easily placed on the transparent member 10.

[0045] The pressing member 150 applies a downward force to a transparent member pressing jig 151 placed on the transparent member 10, thereby pressing the transparent member 10 against the adhesive tape 130. As shown in FIG. 4(d), the upper surface of the transparent member pressing jig 151 is positioned higher than the upper surface of the transparent member positioning jig 140. Therefore, by lowering the pressing member 150, the transparent member 10 can be pressed against the adhesive tape 130 via the transparent member pressing jig 151 and the buffer member 152. Furthermore, the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the transparent member pressing jig 151 and the buffer member 152 are smaller than the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the transparent member 10. Therefore, the transparent member pressing jig 151 and the buffer member 152 do not come into contact with the transparent member positioning jig 140, and only the transparent member 10 can be pressed against the adhesive tape 130 to be in close contact.

[0046] The materials of the pressing member 150, the transparent member pressing jig 151, and the buffer member 152 are not particularly limited, but for example, a resin transparent member pressing jig 151 with a buffer member 152, which is a cushioning material such as urethane, sponge, or rubber, attached to its underside is pressed against the transparent member 10 by the metal pressing member 150. At this time, the buffer member 152 prevents the upper surface of the transparent member 10 from being scratched.

[0047] The pressing member 150 presses the transparent member 10 with a strength that ensures that the lower surface of the transparent member 10 is in close contact with the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130, and that even if the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 is bent and deformed during pressing, the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 returns to a flat surface after pressing. In other words, the pressing is performed with a strength that ensures that the lower surface of the transparent member 10 is in close contact with the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 without any gaps, and that allows the adhesive tape 130 to return to its original shape by elastic deformation. The strength of the pressing may be determined depending on the characteristics of the adhesive tape 130, the transparent member pressing jig 151, and the buffer member 152.

[0048] For example, the crimping step may be performed using a device such as a press or robot that lowers the pressing member 150 so that the force that the pressing member 150 applies to the transparent member 10 becomes a predetermined magnitude. Also, for example, a jig that regulates the height of the pressing member 150 may be provided above the transparent member 10 so that the pressing member 150 does not descend beyond a position set according to the crimping strength, and the pressing member 150 may be lowered to a position where it comes into contact with this jig.

[0049] The crimping step of the transparent member 10 may be performed by fixing the transparent member pressing jig 151 and the buffer member 152 to the pressing member 150. The crimping step may be performed by using only the buffer member 152 without using the transparent member pressing jig 151. The crimping step may be performed by raising the work table 100. The crimping step may be performed in a state where the transparent member positioning jig 140 is removed from the work table 100.

[0050] Rather than simply placing the transparent member 10 on the adhesive tape 130, a pressure bonding process is performed using the pressing member 150 to bring the lower surface of the transparent member 10 into close contact with the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130, thereby preventing the adhesive from entering between the transparent member 10 and the adhesive tape 130 when the adhesive is poured around the transparent member 10 in a later process. Furthermore, by adjusting the pressure bonding force, the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 remains flat even after the pressure bonding process, so that the lower surface of the frame member 21, which will be brought into close contact with the adhesive tape 130 in a later process, and the lower surface of the transparent member 10 can be made flush with each other.

[0051] (Frame member positioning process) The positioning step of the frame member 21 is a placing step in which the frame member 21 is placed on the adhesive tape 130. After the pressure-bonding step of the transparent member 10 is completed, the transparent member positioning jig 140 is removed from the workbench 100, and a frame member positioning jig (second jig) 160 is attached to the workbench 100, as shown in FIGS. 3( e) and 4( e). The frame member positioning jig 160 is a jig for positioning the frame member 21 at a predetermined position on the workbench 100. By using the frame member positioning jig 160, the frame member 21 can be placed on the adhesive tape 130 so that the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 are in a positional relationship in which a predetermined gap is formed between them. The material of the frame member positioning jig 160 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably made of a hard resin or metal that does not easily deform.

[0052] The frame member positioning jig 160 has through holes 160a corresponding to the two pins 100a of the workbench 100, and an opening 160b corresponding to the frame member 21. By inserting the two pins 100a of the workbench 100 into the corresponding through holes 160a of the frame member positioning jig 160, the frame member positioning jig 160 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the workbench 100, the holding member 110, and the sheet member 120. In other words, the opening 160b formed in accordance with the frame member 21 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the transparent member 10 that has already been adhered and fixed to the adhesive tape 130. The opening 160b is larger than the transparent member 10, so that the frame member positioning jig 160 does not come into contact with the transparent member 10.

[0053] 4(e), a support portion 160c is provided on the underside of the frame member positioning jig 160, which has a substantially thin plate shape, at a position that avoids the adhesive tape 130, so that the frame member positioning jig 160 does not come into contact with the adhesive tape 130. The support portion 160c extends in the X-axis direction along the longitudinal edge of the adhesive tape 130, which is long in the X-axis direction, so as to straddle the adhesive tape 130, so that the frame member positioning jig 160 remains stable even when there is a gap between it and the adhesive tape 130.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 3(e) and 4(e), the frame member positioning jig 160 is placed on the sheet member 120, and then, as shown in FIGS. 3(f) and 4(f), the frame member 21 is placed on the adhesive tape 130 so as to align with the opening 160b of the frame member positioning jig 160. The frame member positioning jig 160 is formed so that the lower surface of the area excluding the support portion 160c is lower than the upper surface of the frame member 21 placed on the adhesive tape 130. In other words, the frame member positioning jig 160 is formed at a height that allows at least a portion of the outer peripheral side surface of the frame member 21 placed on the adhesive tape 130 to come into contact with the inner peripheral side surface that forms the opening 160b. The upper surface of the frame member positioning jig 160 is located higher than the upper surface of the frame member 21 placed on the adhesive tape 130. Furthermore, the opening 160b is formed to be larger than the frame member 21. This allows the frame member 21 to be fitted into the opening 160b and positioned at a predetermined position. The opening 160b of the frame member positioning jig 160 functions as a guide hole that indicates the mounting position of the frame member 21, allowing the frame member 21 to be placed in a predetermined position on the adhesive tape 130, forming a predetermined gap between it and the transparent member 10.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for placing the frame member 21 on the adhesive tape 130. FIG. 5(a) is a top view of FIG. 3(e), and FIG. 5(b) is a top view of FIG. 3(f). As shown in FIG. 5(a), a portion of the adhesive tape 130 and the transparent member 10 tightly fixed to the adhesive tape 130 are exposed from the opening 160b of the frame member positioning jig 160. As shown by the hatched areas in FIG. 5(b), the frame member 21 is positioned so that the central portions 21b of each short side surface and the outer portions 21c of each long side surface are slightly spaced apart from the frame member positioning jig 160. The long side surfaces of the frame member 21, except for the portions shown by the hatched areas in FIG. 5(b), are spaced apart from the inner peripheral side surfaces of the opening 160b and are not in contact with the frame member positioning jig 160. Note that the shape of the opening 160b of the frame member positioning jig 160 is not particularly limited as long as it can position the frame member 21 at a predetermined position. For example, the opening 160b may be shaped so as to be in contact with the entire short side surface or the entire long side surface of the frame member 21. Furthermore, for example, the opening 160b may have a shape that matches the outer shape of the frame member 21 and be formed slightly larger than the frame member 21. An embodiment in which the frame member 21 is positioned so as to be in contact with the opening 160b of the frame member positioning jig 160 may also be used.

[0056] The frame member 21 has an opening to which the transparent member 10 is adhesively fixed, and the frame member 21 is placed on the adhesive tape 130 in a positional relationship such that a predetermined gap is formed between the inner circumferential side surface of the opening and the outer circumferential side surface of the transparent member 10. As shown in FIG. 5(b), a plurality of protrusions 21a protruding toward the transparent member 10 are formed on the inner circumferential side surface of the opening of the frame member 21, which faces the outer circumferential side surface of the transparent member 10. The protrusions 21a are formed on both the long inner circumferential side surface (side surface parallel to the XZ plane) and the short inner circumferential side surface (side surface parallel to the XY plane) of the opening of the frame member 21. The number of protrusions 21a is not particularly limited, but in the example shown in FIG. 5(b), a total of eight protrusions 21a are formed, three on each of the long inner circumferential side surfaces and one on each of the short inner circumferential side surfaces. By using the transparent member positioning jig 140 and the frame member positioning jig 160 to position the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 at predetermined positions on the adhesive tape 130, the transparent member 10 can be placed at a position regulated by the protrusions 21a of the frame member 21. Specifically, the position of the transparent member 10 relative to the frame member 21 is such that the outer peripheral side surface of the transparent member 10 contacts the tips of all of the protrusions 21a of the frame member 21. For example, the frame member 21 can be placed on the adhesive tape 130 by pressing the frame member 21 downward while bringing the protrusions 21a into contact with the outer peripheral side surface of the transparent member 10. Note that this is not limited to an embodiment in which all of the protrusions 21a contact the transparent member 10, and an embodiment in which only some of the protrusions 21a contact the transparent member 10 may also be employed. An embodiment in which there is a slight gap between all of the protrusions 21a and the transparent member 10 may also be employed. An embodiment in which the protrusions 21a are provided on only one of the long inner peripheral side surface and the short inner peripheral side surface of the opening of the frame member 21. A configuration may be adopted in which some or all of the protrusions 21a are provided on the outer peripheral side surface of the transmitting member 10, rather than on the frame member 21. A configuration may also be adopted in which the frame member 21 and the transmitting member 10 are not provided with the protrusions 21a.

[0057] (Frame member crimping process) As shown in Figures 3(f) and 4(f), the frame member 21 is placed at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130, and then the frame member positioning jig 160 is removed from the workbench 100. With the frame member 21 placed on the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 as shown in Figures 3(g) and 4(g), the frame member 21 is pressed against the adhesive tape 130 by a pressing member 150 as shown in Figures 3(h) and 4(h). Specifically, as shown in Figure 4(h), a frame member pressing jig 171 to which a buffer member 172 is attached is placed on the frame member 21, and then a downward force is applied to the frame member pressing jig 171 by the pressing member 150, thereby pressing the frame member 21 against the adhesive tape 130.

[0058] The materials of the frame member pressing jig 171 and the buffer member 172 are not particularly limited, but for example, a resin frame member pressing jig 171 having a buffer member 172, which is a cushioning material such as urethane, sponge, or rubber, attached to its underside is pressed against the frame member 21 by a metal pressing member 150.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the crimping process of the frame member 21 illustrated in FIG. 3(h) as viewed from above. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the crimping process of the frame member 21 illustrated in FIG. 3(h) as viewed from the side. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the frame member pressing jig 171 has through holes 171a formed therein that correspond to the multiple pins 100a of the workbench 100. As illustrated in FIG. 7(a), the frame member pressing jig 171 and the buffer members 172 are positioned at predetermined positions relative to the frame member 21 by inserting the corresponding pins 100a into the through holes 171a of the frame member pressing jig 171. The frame member pressing jig 171 stops at a height at which the buffer members 172 contact the upper surface of the frame member 21. At this time, the lower surface of the frame member pressing jig 171 may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the sheet member 120 on the workbench 100 around the pins 100a of the workbench 100.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7( a), when the frame member pressing jig 171 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the frame member 21, the pressing member 150 is lowered, thereby pressing the frame member 21 against the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130, as shown in FIG. 7( b). The pressing member 150 descends along the pins 100a inserted into the through holes 171a of the frame member pressing jig 171. For example, the frame member 21 can be pressed against the adhesive tape 130 by moving the frame member pressing jig 171 downward while compressing and deforming the buffer member 172. By using the buffer member 172, even if there is a slight step on the upper surface of the frame member 21, the frame member 21 can be pressed against the adhesive tape 130 over a wide area including the step. As shown in FIG. 7( b), the upper surface of the transparent member 10 is lower than the upper surface of the frame member 21, so the transparent member 10 is not pressed against the adhesive tape 130 during the process of pressing the frame member 21. However, in the step of crimping the frame member 21, both the frame member 21 and the transmitting member 10 may be crimped.

[0061] The frame member 21 is crimped with the same strength as the crimping of the transparent member 10 shown in FIG. 3(d). Specifically, the frame member 21 is crimped by the pressing member 150 with a strength that ensures that the lower surface of the frame member 21 is in close contact with the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130, and that even if the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 is bent and deformed during crimping, the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 returns to a flat surface after crimping. In other words, the lower surface of the frame member 21 is in close contact with the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 without any gaps, and the crimping is performed with a strength that allows the adhesive tape 130 to return to its original shape by elastic deformation. The crimping strength may be determined depending on the characteristics of the adhesive tape 130, the frame member pressing jig 171, and the buffer member 172.

[0062] For example, the shape of frame member pressing jig 171 may be adjusted so that the determined crimping strength is achieved when pressing member 150 is lowered to a position where the lower surface of frame member pressing jig 171 contacts sheet member 120 around pin 100a of workbench 100. Furthermore, for example, the crimping process may be performed using a device such as a press device or robot that lowers pressing member 150 so that the force that pressing member 150 applies to frame member 21 reaches a predetermined magnitude that has been set in advance.

[0063] The crimping step of frame member 21 may be performed by fixing frame member pressing jig 171 and buffer member 172 to pressing member 150. The crimping step may be performed by using only buffer member 172 without using frame member pressing jig 171. The crimping step may be performed by raising work table 100. The crimping step may be performed by using a frame member pressing jig that corresponds to frame member positioning jig 160, with frame member positioning jig 160 attached to work table 100.

[0064] Rather than simply placing frame member 21 on adhesive tape 130, a pressure-bonding process is performed using pressing member 150 to bring the bottom surface of frame member 21 into close contact with the top surface of adhesive tape 130, thereby preventing adhesive from entering between frame member 21 and adhesive tape 130 when the adhesive is poured in in a subsequent process. Furthermore, by adjusting the pressure-bonding strength, the top surface of adhesive tape 130 is kept flat, so the bottom surface of frame member 21, which is in close contact with adhesive tape 130, and the bottom surface of transparent member 10 can be made flush with each other.

[0065] (Adhesion process between transparent member and frame member) 8 is a perspective view for explaining the bonding process that is performed after the pressure-bonding process of the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21. After the pressure-bonding process of the transparent member 10 and the pressure-bonding process of the frame member 21 are performed, the bonding process is performed in a state where the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 that are tightly fixed to the adhesive tape 130 of the sheet member 120 are exposed, as shown in FIG.

[0066] 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for bonding the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21. The gap between the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21, indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 9, is an adhesive filling region that is filled with adhesive in the bonding process. The adhesive is filled around the entire outer periphery of the rectangular transparent member 10. There are no particular limitations on the type of adhesive, and it is possible to use, for example, an ultraviolet-curing adhesive that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light or a thermosetting adhesive that is cured by application of heat.

[0067] 8(a), the bonding step can be performed without using any jigs or the like, with the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 open above. This makes it possible to easily fill the adhesive while visually checking the adhesive filling area from above.

[0068] The adhesive filling area can be identified based on the relative positions of the components and then filled with adhesive. For example, using an adhesive tape 130 whose color is complementary to the color of the frame component 21 makes it easier to identify the boundary between the frame component 21 and the adhesive filling area. Specifically, if the frame component 21 is made of black resin to avoid the effects of ambient light, using a white adhesive tape 130 would make the boundary between the black and white colors the boundary between the frame component 21 and the adhesive filling area. In the bonding process, adhesive can be filled along this boundary. The color of the adhesive tape 130 is not limited to being complementary to that of the frame component 21. The adhesive tape 130 may be transparent, and the color of the sheet component 120 may be complementary to that of the frame component 21. The adhesive tape 130 and the sheet component 120 may be transparent, and the color of the holding component 110 may be complementary to that of the frame component 21. As long as the boundary between the frame component 21 and the adhesive filling area can be identified, the color relationship with the frame component 21 does not have to be complementary. For example, when a dedicated device or robot is used to carry out the bonding process, the adhesive filling area can be identified based on the difference in color and set to fill the adhesive.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 9 , a marker 21d for identifying the adhesive filling region may be provided on the frame member 21. For example, a marker 21d may be provided to identify at least one of the inner peripheral side surface of the opening of the frame member 21, the outer peripheral side surface of the transparent member 10, and the adhesive filling region. In the bonding process, adhesive may be filled based on the marker 21d. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , a line connecting the vertices of the opposing triangular markers 21d passes through the center line of each side of the rectangular frame-shaped adhesive filling region. The adhesive can be filled by moving linearly from the intersection of the lines connecting the markers 21d to the adjacent intersection along the outer periphery of the transparent member 10, thereby filling the entire adhesive filling region. For example, when performing the bonding process using a dedicated device or robot, a bonding path that goes around the frame-shaped adhesive filling region may be identified based on the marker 21d, and the adhesive may be filled based on the marker 21d.

[0070] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for filling the adhesive. As shown by the arrows in Fig. 10A, the adhesive is filled into the adhesive filling area, i.e., the gap between the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21, which are tightly fixed to the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130. For example, the adhesive can be filled using a dispenser that injects the adhesive from the tip of the nozzle 200.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 10( a), the lower portion of the inner peripheral side surface of the opening of the frame member 21 has a vertical surface parallel to the outer peripheral side surface of the transparent member 10 at a portion of the lower end, while the upper portion has an inclined surface that slopes away from the transparent member 10 as it goes up. For example, an inclined surface is formed along the entire inner periphery of the opening of the frame member 21, excluding the protrusion 21a. The adhesive injected from the nozzle 200 flows downward along the inclined surface of the frame member 21, and as shown in FIG. 10( b), the adhesive 201 fills the gap between the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21. This makes it possible to bond and fix the frame member 21 and the transparent member 10 together without any gaps using the adhesive 201. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 10, although a portion of the lower end of the inner peripheral side surface of the opening of the frame member 21 is a vertical surface, the entire inner peripheral side surface of the frame member 21 may be an inclined surface all the way to the bottom end.

[0072] 11 is a diagram illustrating the filling of adhesive in the protrusion 21a of the frame member 21. The protrusion 21a is formed on the inner peripheral side surface of the opening of the frame member 21, and as shown in FIG. 11, there is a gap below the protrusion 21a and between the protrusion 21a and the adhesive tape 130, and the adhesive 201 injected from the nozzle 200 also flows into this gap. The adhesive 201 is filled into the gap space formed by the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130, the inner peripheral side surface of the opening of the frame member 21, and the outer peripheral side surface of the transparent member 10, all around the outer periphery of the transparent member 10, including the gap below the protrusion 21a. Because the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 are tightly fixed to the adhesive tape 130, the adhesive 201 does not enter between the adhesive tape 130 and the lower surfaces of the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21. 11 shows an example in which the upper end of the protrusion 21a is at a position substantially the same as or slightly higher than the upper surface of the transparent member 10, but the protrusion 21a may be formed at a position lower than the upper surface of the transparent member 10. If the adhesive can be poured over the entire lower periphery of the outer peripheral side surface of the transparent member 10, the adhesive may be injected and filled from the nozzle 200 while avoiding the position of the protrusion 21a when filling the adhesive.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 8(a), with the top open, the adhesive filling area is filled with adhesive, and then a process of hardening the adhesive is carried out. At this time, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the holding member 110 can be lifted from the workbench 100, and the transparent member 10 and frame member 21 can be moved to another device to carry out the hardening process.

[0074] Specifically, the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21, which are in close contact with the adhesive tape 130 and have gaps filled with adhesive, are lifted together with the sheet member 120 to which the adhesive tape 130 is fixed and the holding member 110 that holds the sheet member 120, and removed from the workbench 100. Because the sheet member 120 is flexible, when the sheet member 120 is lifted, the sheet member 120 to which the adhesive tape 130 is fixed bends, which may reduce the degree of contact with the adhesive tape 130 in some areas of the lower surfaces of the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21, or the sheet member 120 may peel off from the adhesive tape 130. By lifting and moving the sheet member 120 together with the holding member 110, which is rigid and does not deform, deformation of the sheet member 120 is prevented, and the sheet member 120 can be moved while maintaining close contact between the adhesive tape 130 and the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21.

[0075] 8(b), the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 removed from the workbench 100 together with the sheet member 120 and the holding member 110 are moved to an ultraviolet irradiation device and cured. Similarly, the thermosetting adhesive is also a heat-curing adhesive, where the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 are moved to a heating device together with the sheet member 120 and the holding member 110 and cured. The curing process allows the adhesive 201 to be cured while maintaining the lower surfaces of the frame member 21, the transparent member 10, and the adhesive 201 in a flush state, with the lower surface of the frame member 21, the transparent member 10, and the adhesive 201 all on the same plane along the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130.

[0076] (Process of peeling the transparent member and frame member from the adhesive tape) After the adhesive 201 has hardened, the holding member 110 is removed from the sheet member 120, and while the flexible sheet member 120 is being deformed, the adhesive tape 130 is peeled off from the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 that have been adhered and fixed with the adhesive 201. After the adhesive tape 130 is peeled off, the transparent member 10, adhesive 201, and frame member 21 that form the same plane are revealed. In this way, a cover 20 can be manufactured that has no steps on the surface that forms the transport path 70.

[0077] <Modification> The order of the manufacturing steps of the image sensor 1 shown in this embodiment is an example, and the order of the steps is not limited to this. For example, the positioning step and crimping step of the frame member 21 may be performed first, and then the positioning step and crimping step of the transparent member 10 may be performed. Furthermore, in the crimping step, the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 may be crimped in separate steps, or both may be crimped in a single step.

[0078] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 are crimped together by applying a force of a predetermined strength to the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21. However, the crimping method is not limited to an embodiment in which it is determined only by the magnitude of the force. For example, the crimping method may be determined by combining at least two of the magnitude of the force per crimping operation, the crimping time per crimping operation, and the number of crimping operations. For example, the crimping step may be set so that a step of crimping with a predetermined strength for a predetermined time is repeated a predetermined number of times. The crimping method of the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 described in this embodiment is merely an example. As long as the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 can be closely attached to the upper surface of the adhesive tape 130 as described above, the crimping step may be performed by another method.

[0079] In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 are positioned using dedicated jigs, but it is also possible to position either the transparent member 10 or the frame member 21 using a jig, and then position the other using the protrusions 21a provided on the opening of the frame member 21. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c), the transparent member 10 may be positioned using a transparent member positioning jig 140, and then the frame member 21 may be positioned by aligning the protrusions 21a formed on the inner circumferential side surface of the opening of the frame member 21 with the outer circumferential side surface of the transparent member 10. Alternatively, the frame member 21 may be first positioned using a frame member positioning jig 160, and then the outer circumferential side surface of the transparent member 10 may be aligned with the protrusions 21a formed on the inner circumferential side surface of the opening of the frame member 21, thereby positioning the transparent member 10.

[0080] In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the transparent member 10 and the frame member 21 are brought into close contact with the adhesive tape 130 fixed to the flexible sheet member 120 in a positional relationship that leaves a predetermined gap, and the gap is filled with adhesive, but the sheet member 120 may be made of a non-flexible material. Also, an example has been shown in which the sheet member 120 is overlaid on the holding member 110 to perform each step, but each step may also be performed without using the holding member 110.

[0081] In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the holding member 110, the sheet member 120, the transparent member positioning jig 140, and the frame member positioning jig 160 are positioned on the workbench 100, but some of these may not be positioned. For example, the holding member 110 may not be positioned. Also, an example has been shown in which positioning is performed by inserting multiple pins into corresponding through holes, but the positioning method is not particularly limited. For example, positioning may be performed by other methods, such as by pressing against a positioning wall surface or by fitting into a positioning groove.

[0082] As described above, the transparent member and frame member that make up the cover of the image sensor are positioned so that a predetermined gap is formed, and the surfaces that will be on the outside during use are adhered to the adhesive tape, and the gap between the members is filled with adhesive to adhere and fix them, thereby improving the flatness of the outer surface of the cover. When the transparent member and frame member are adhered to the adhesive tape and adhesive is filled from above, the tops of the transparent member and frame member are open, allowing the entire adhesive filling area to be seen, making it easy to fill the adhesive. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] As described above, the image sensor manufacturing method and image sensor according to the present disclosure are useful for increasing the flatness of the surface that forms the transport path for paper sheets. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1(1a, 1b) Image sensor 10 Transparent member 20 Cover 21 Frame members 22 cases 30 Light source section 40 Lens section 50 Light receiving sensor 60 Sensor board 70 Transport path 100 Workbench 110 Holding member 120 Sheet material 130 adhesive tape 140 Transparent member positioning jig 150 Pressing member 151 Transparent member pressing jig 160 Frame member positioning jig 171 Frame member pressing jig

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an image sensor having a structure in which a case houses a light source unit that irradiates light onto an image capture object and a light receiving unit that receives light from the image capture object, and a cover is attached to the case, the cover including a transparent member that can transmit light irradiated by the light source unit and light received by the light receiving unit, and a frame member that supports the transparent member, a placing step of placing the transparent member and the frame member in a predetermined positional relationship on an adhesive tape fixed on a flat surface; a first pressure-bonding step of pressing the transparent member against the adhesive tape to bring the transparent member into close contact with the adhesive tape; a second pressure-bonding step of pressing the frame member against the adhesive tape to bring the frame member into close contact with the adhesive tape; a bonding step of filling an adhesive into a gap between the transparent member and the frame member that are in close contact with the adhesive tape, and bonding them together; a peeling step of peeling the adhesive tape from the transparent member, the frame member, and the adhesive; 2. A method for manufacturing an image sensor, comprising:

2. 2. The method for manufacturing an image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the magnitude of the force applied to the transparent member and the frame member to adhere them to the adhesive tape in the first pressure-bonding process and the second pressure-bonding process is set within a range in which the flat state of the upper surface of the adhesive tape is maintained even after the force is released.

3. A step of fixing the sheet member to which the adhesive tape is fixed on a workbench. further comprising The placing step includes: a step of attaching a first jig to the work bench, the first jig being used to position the transparent member at a predetermined position on the work bench, and positioning the transparent member using the first jig and placing it on the adhesive tape; removing the first jig from the work table; a step of attaching a second jig to the work bench, the second jig being used to position the frame member at a predetermined position on the work bench, and positioning the frame member using the second jig and placing it on the adhesive tape; removing the second jig from the work table; Contains 3. The method for manufacturing an image sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A step of fixing the sheet member to which the adhesive tape is fixed on a workbench. further comprising The placing step includes: a step of attaching a jig to the work bench to position the frame member at a predetermined position on the work bench, positioning the frame member using the jig, and placing the frame member on the adhesive tape; removing the jig from the work table; a step of positioning the transparent member in accordance with a plurality of protrusions for positioning the transparent member provided in the opening of the frame member and placing the transparent member on the adhesive tape; Contains 3. The method for manufacturing an image sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A step of fixing the sheet member to which the adhesive tape is fixed on a workbench. further comprising The placing step includes: a step of attaching a jig to the work table to position the transparent member at a predetermined position on the work table, positioning the transparent member using the jig, and placing the transparent member on the adhesive tape; removing the jig from the work table; a step of positioning the frame member by aligning a plurality of projections for positioning the transparent member provided at an opening of the frame member with the transparent member, and placing the frame member on the adhesive tape; Contains 3. The method for manufacturing an image sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a step of stacking the flexible sheet member to which the adhesive tape is fixed and a holding member that holds the sheet member on a workbench with the adhesive tape facing upward; further comprising The peeling step is performed by removing the holding member from the sheet member and peeling off the adhesive tape by utilizing the flexibility of the sheet member.

3. The method for manufacturing an image sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A method for manufacturing an image sensor having a structure in which a case houses a light source unit that irradiates light onto an image capture object and a light receiving unit that receives light from the image capture object, and a cover is attached to the case, the cover including a transparent member that can transmit light irradiated by the light source unit and light received by the light receiving unit, and a frame member that supports the transparent member, a step of positioning and fixing the sheet member to which the adhesive tape is fixed and a holding member that holds the sheet member on a workbench such that the adhesive tape faces upward; a step of attaching a first jig to the workbench, the first jig being configured to position the transparent member at a position on the adhesive tape where a predetermined gap is formed between the transparent member and the frame member; a step of positioning the transparent member using the first jig and placing it on the adhesive tape; a step of pressing the transparent member against the adhesive tape to bring the transparent member into close contact with the adhesive tape; removing the first jig from the work table; a step of attaching a second jig to the workbench, the second jig being configured to position the frame member at a position on the adhesive tape where a predetermined gap is formed between the frame member and the transparent member; a step of positioning the frame member by the second jig and placing it on the adhesive tape; removing the second jig from the work table; a step of pressing the frame member against the adhesive tape to bring the frame member into close contact with the adhesive tape; a step of filling an adhesive into a gap between the transparent member and the frame member that are in close contact with the adhesive tape, thereby adhering the transparent member and the frame member; a step of adhesively fixing the transparent member and the frame member with the adhesive, and then peeling the adhesive tape from the transparent member, the frame member, and the adhesive; 2. A method for manufacturing an image sensor, comprising:

8. 8. An image sensor manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claim 1, 2 or 7.

9. An image sensor that captures an image of an object being conveyed along a conveying path, a light source unit that irradiates the image capture object with light; a light receiving unit that receives light from the image capturing object; a case that houses the light source unit and the light receiving unit; a cover including a transparent member that can transmit light emitted by the light source unit and light received by the light receiving unit, and a frame member that supports the transparent member, the cover being attached to cover an opening of the case; Equipped with The transparent member and the frame member are in close contact with the plane of an adhesive tape in a positional relationship that creates a predetermined gap, and are fixed by adhesive that fills the gap. The adhesive tape is then peeled off, and the plane formed by the transparent member, the frame member, and the adhesive is placed facing the image capture object.

1. An image sensor comprising:

10. 10. The image sensor according to claim 9, wherein the frame member has an inclined surface for filling the adhesive on at least a part of an inner peripheral side surface that is adhesively fixed to the transparent member.

Images