JP2001100162A - Treating container and treating method for hydrous contact lens - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a treating container for a hydrous contact lens with which the hydration treatment and washing treatment of the hydrous contact lens may be sufficiently and surely executed and a method for treating the same. SOLUTION: A cap 14 or case 12 is provided with such an injection port which admits an aqueous treating liquid into a housing space 42 formed between the cap 14 and the case 12 toward a direction different from the central part of the contact lens 22 and allows the liquid to flow toward a direction different from the central part of the contact lens 22 under the state of housing the hydrous contact lens 22 into the housing space 42 described above under the mounting of the cap 14 to the case 12 and a discharge port 36 which discharges the aqueous treating liquid from the inside of the housing space 42 such that the contact lens 22 housed in the housing space 42 is rotated by the flow of the aqueous treating liquid injected through the injection port in the housing space 42.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a processing container and a processing method for a hydrous contact lens, and more particularly, to a novel structure of a processing container capable of performing both a hydration treatment and a cleaning treatment of a hydrous contact lens, and a method for treating the same. And a method that can advantageously perform the processing of

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a hydrous contact lens is formed into a predetermined lens shape by various methods, and then subjected to a hydration treatment and a washing treatment for the purpose of removing impurities such as unreacted monomers. Has been commercialized.
JP-A-113990 and JP-A-4-227463 propose a contact lens processing container capable of performing such a hydration treatment and a cleaning treatment at one time.

That is, the processing container for a contact lens described in the above publication has a male chamber and a female chamber which can be vertically assembled to each other, and the two male and female chambers are mutually assembled. Under the condition, a space capable of accommodating the contact lens is formed between the opposing surfaces. In addition, the male chamber has one inlet hole for supplying treated water for performing hydration or cleaning of the contact lens into a space for accommodating the contact lens when assembled with the female chamber. In the official gazette, it is described as a flushing pipe) is provided so as to vertically penetrate the center of the male chamber facing the female chamber, and further discharges the treated water from the space. A plurality of outlet holes are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to a side wall extending vertically from a peripheral portion of the facing surface of the male chamber. And in such a processing container, two male and female chambers are assembled,
In the space formed between them, the contact lens immediately after being made into a predetermined lens shape is accommodated, and under this condition, the treated water is continuously introduced into the space through the inlet hole of the male chamber. By supplying and filling the inside of the space with the treatment water, the contact lens in the space is immersed in the treatment water, swelled, and the contact lens is hydrated. And also
By discharging the treated water excessively supplied into the space from the plurality of outlet holes and flowing the treated water from the inlet hole toward the plurality of outlet holes, the treated water is flush with the inner surface of the contact lens. On the outer surface, the contact lenses are respectively made to flow radially from the central portion, so that the contact lens is cleaned.

However, in the processing container having such a structure, as described above, the contact lens is cleaned only by the flow of the processing water supplied from the inlet hole in the space. However, the frictional force exerted on the contact lens surface with the flow of the treated water was relatively small, and therefore, it was present on the contact lens surface by being extracted from the contact lens and the like. It was difficult to sufficiently remove impurities, and thus it was difficult to say that the cleaning treatment of the contact lens could be sufficiently performed.

[0005]

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to perform a hydration treatment and a cleaning treatment of a hydrous contact lens more. An object of the present invention is to provide a processing container and a processing method for a hydrous contact lens which can be performed sufficiently and reliably.

[0006]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a case having a concave portion in which a hydrous contact lens can be accommodated, and a case detachably attached to the case, By covering the concave portion, between the case and the case, the contact lens is housed, a cover forming a sealed housing space, and provided on at least one of the case and the cover, In the accommodating space, an injection port for injecting an aqueous treatment liquid for performing the cleaning treatment or the hydration treatment of the contact lens is provided in at least one of the case and the lid, and is provided in the accommodating space. And a discharge port for discharging the injected aqueous processing liquid from the storage space, and the aqueous processing liquid in a state where the contact lens is stored in the storage space. While injecting through the inlet, the contact lens is contacted with the aqueous treatment liquid while being discharged from the outlet and flowing in the housing space, thereby cleaning the contact lens or In the treatment container for performing the hydration treatment, the accommodation space is formed with a size that allows the contact lens to rotate in the circumferential direction, and the injection port accommodates the aqueous treatment liquid in the contact lens. It flows into the accommodation space below in a direction different from the center of the contact lens, and flows in the accommodation space in a direction different from the direction toward the center of the contact lens. The contact lens accommodated in the accommodation space is formed by the flow of the aqueous processing liquid injected through the inlet into the accommodation space. The gist of the present invention is a processing container for a water-containing contact lens, characterized in that a rotational force in the circumferential direction is given to the contact lens to rotate the contact lens in the circumferential direction. Things.

That is, in the processing container for a water-containing contact lens according to the present invention, by attaching the lid to the case, the water-containing contact lens is placed in the accommodation space formed between the lid and the case. In the accommodated state, while the aqueous treatment liquid is injected into the accommodation space from the injection port, the aqueous treatment liquid is discharged from the accommodation space through the discharge port, and flows in the accommodation space, so that the contact lens is treated with the aqueous treatment liquid. The contact lens is immersed therein so that the contact lens can be hydrated.

[0008] In such a processing container, an inlet for injecting the aqueous processing liquid into the accommodation space has a special arrangement structure, and the aqueous processing liquid injected into the accommodation space from the injection port is particularly provided. The water-containing contact lens housed in the housing space is caused to flow so as to give a rotational force to rotate the water-containing contact lens in the circumferential direction, and the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid causes the contact lens to rotate in the circumferential direction. As compared with the case where the aqueous treatment liquid is simply flown on the surface of the hydrated contact lens, the friction exerted on the contact lens surface with the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid is compared with the case where the aqueous treatment liquid is simply caused to flow on the surface of the contact lens. Power is effectively increased,
Thereby, impurities present on the contact lens surface can be removed very effectively.

Therefore, by using such a processing container for a water-containing contact lens according to the present invention, the hydration treatment of the water-containing contact lens can be effectively performed, and the cleaning treatment can be performed as compared with the conventional processing container. Can be performed more sufficiently and reliably.

[0010] According to one preferred embodiment of the treatment container for a water-containing contact lens according to the present invention, the inlet is provided with the aqueous treatment solution in the accommodation space under the accommodation of the contact lens. The contact lens is formed so as to flow toward the outer peripheral portion of the contact lens, and to flow in the accommodation space in a direction parallel to a tangent to a peripheral edge of the outer peripheral portion of the contact lens. In the processing container having such a configuration, the rotational force in the circumferential direction of the contact lens housed in the housing space is more reliably exerted by the flow of the aqueous processing solution in the housing space. , The contact lens can be reliably and smoothly rotated in the circumferential direction.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the processing container for a water-containing contact lens according to the present invention, the outlet is provided with the aqueous processing liquid and the inlet is provided with the aqueous processing liquid. It is formed so as to be discharged from the accommodation space in a direction opposite to the inflow direction into the space.
As a result, the aqueous treatment liquid is caused to flow around the contact lens in the accommodation space under the accommodation of the contact lens, so that the contact lens rotates more reliably in the circumferential direction. You can be squeezed.

Further, according to another preferred embodiment of the treatment container for a water-containing contact lens according to the present invention, the accommodation space is formed to have a size that prevents the contact lens from being inverted. According to such a configuration,
Due to the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid in the storage space, the contact lens does not reverse, whereby the smooth rotation of the contact lens in the circumferential direction due to the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid can be effectively secured. .

Further, according to another preferred embodiment of the treatment container for a hydrous contact lens according to the present invention,
A protrusion is provided on at least one of a bottom surface of the concave portion of the case and a bottom surface of the concave portion of the lid when attached to the case, and the lid is housed in the housing space. When the contact lens is configured to be brought into contact with the protrusion, the contact lens contacts a part of the bottom surface of the recess in the case and a part of the facing surface of the lid. It is configured to be confused.

In the processing container having such a configuration, the outer surface of the contact lens accommodated in the accommodating space formed between the bottom surface of the concave portion of the case and the surface facing the bottom surface of the lid, The contact area between the inner surface and the bottom surface of the concave portion in the case or the opposing surface of the lid can be advantageously made small, and the outer surface or the inner surface of the contact lens is located on the bottom surface of the case or the opposing surface of the lid. On the other hand, sticking due to surface tension can be extremely advantageously prevented, whereby smooth rotation of the contact lens in the circumferential direction due to the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid can be more effectively ensured. It becomes.

In the case where such a protrusion is provided, the protrusion is advantageously formed of a radially extending protrusion of the contact lens housed in the housing space. It will be. According to such a configuration, for example, unlike the case where the protrusion is configured by a projection that is brought into contact with the contact lens by point contact, the contact lens can be brought into contact with the contact lens while applying a predetermined load. In this case, the load is dispersed on the contact surface with the contact lens, and the extremely fragile contact lens can be prevented from being damaged as much as possible, and the protrusion extends in the circumferential direction of the contact lens. The frictional resistance generated when the contact lens is rotated in the circumferential direction can be advantageously reduced as compared with the case where the contact lens is configured by a ridge or the like, and the contact lens can be smoothly rotated in the circumferential direction. It will be.

Further, according to another preferred embodiment of the processing container for a water-containing contact lens according to the present invention, the inlet and the outlet can be sealed, and the aqueous processing solution can be used as the contact lens. It is configured so that it can be sealed in a state housed in the housing space.
In the processing container having such a configuration, the injection port and the discharge port are sealed in a state where the aqueous processing liquid is accommodated in the accommodation space together with the contact lens, so that the contact lens is formed in the processing container. Can be stored without drying, so that it can be used as a distribution container that can transport contact lenses in good condition.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for washing and hydrating a hydrous contact lens, the method comprising the steps of: A processing container having an inlet for injecting an aqueous treatment liquid for performing a cleaning treatment or a hydration treatment of the contact lens, and an outlet for discharging the aqueous treatment liquid injected into the storage space from the storage space; Using
While accommodating the contact lens in the accommodation space of the treatment container, injecting the aqueous treatment solution through the inlet, and immersing the contact lens in the aqueous treatment solution, the inside of the accommodation space While performing the hydration treatment of the contact lens,
Cleaning the contact lens while rotating it in the circumferential direction by discharging the aqueous processing liquid through the outlet while flowing the aqueous processing liquid in the direction of applying a rotational force to rotate the contact lens in the circumferential direction. A method for treating a hydrous contact lens, characterized by the above, is also the gist of the invention.

In the treatment method for a water-containing contact lens according to the present invention, the hydration treatment and the cleaning treatment of the contact lens can be performed at once in one treatment container. Cleaning process,
Since the contact lens is rotated by the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid, the aqueous treatment liquid is simply moved on the surface of the water-containing contact lens. As the liquid flows,
The frictional force exerted on the contact lens surface is advantageously increased, so that impurities present on or extracted from the contact lens surface can be more effectively removed.

Therefore, according to the method of the present invention, not only can the hydration treatment of the water-containing contact lens be effectively performed, but also the cleaning treatment can be performed more sufficiently and reliably than the conventional method. You can do it.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, in order to clarify the present invention more specifically, the constitution of a processing container and a processing method for a water-containing contact lens according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It shall be.

First, FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a processing container for a hydrous contact lens having a structure according to the present invention. As is clear from FIG. 1, the processing container 10 includes a case 12 as a container main body and a lid 14.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a case 12 constituting the processing container 10 is made of a synthetic resin material, and has a rectangular top plate portion 16 and a top plate portion. It has four legs 18 integrally extending downward from each of the fourteen peripheral edges. A recess 20 having a circular opening that opens upward is provided at the center of the top plate 16 of the case 12, and the outer periphery of the top plate 16 is provided at the periphery of the opening of the recess 20. A step 21 which is one step lower than the section is formed. In addition, the diameter of the opening of the concave portion 20 is set to a size through which the hydrated contact lens 22 can be easily taken in and out, and the depth of the concave portion 20 is determined by hydrating or cleaning the contact lens 22. The depth of the contact lens 22 can be accommodated in a state where the contact lens 22 is immersed in the aqueous treatment liquid together with a known aqueous treatment liquid for performing the above. In addition, in the concave portion 20, the bottom surface has a concave curved surface shape that does not correspond to the outer surface shape of the contact lens 22.

In addition, between the inner surface 24 of one of the four legs 18a of the case 12 in the case 12 and the outer surface 26 of the side wall of the recess 20 opposed thereto, the top plate 16 A thickened portion 28, which is partially thickened downward by a predetermined thickness, is integrally formed with a width substantially equal to the radius of the side wall portion. The thickening portion 28 is formed of a circular hole with a step and has an introduction pipe 30 and a discharge pipe 32 which are opened on the outer surface of the leg 18a and the inner surface of the side wall of the recess 20 respectively. But,
Inner openings that are formed side by side in the width direction and open on the inner surface of the side wall of the recess 20 in the introduction conduit 30 and the discharge conduit 32 are an inlet 34 and an outlet 36, respectively.

Thus, the recess 20 is communicated with the outside except for the upper opening by the introduction pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 32 provided in the thickened section 28.
The aqueous processing liquid is supplied from the outside into the recess 20 through the injection port 34, while the aqueous processing liquid supplied into the recess 20 is discharged from the discharge port 36 of the discharge pipe 32 to the outside. It has become so.

In this embodiment, particularly, the thickened portion 2
8 is provided between the inner surface 24 of the leg 18a and the outer surface 26 of the side wall of the recess 20 facing the leg 18a.
The inner pipe 24 is disposed so as to be deviated to one side from the center in the length direction of the inner surface 24. Part 18
a is formed so as to extend straight in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 24 of FIG. Thereby, the introduction conduit 30
Is perpendicular to the inner surface 24 of the leg 18a passing through the center point of the recess 20 (the point indicated by O in FIG. 3) on the inner surface of the side wall of the recess 20 (see FIG. 3).
m), and is opened in a direction parallel to the perpendicular. Further, here, the discharge conduit 32 is located at the center in the length direction of the inner surface 24 of the leg 18 a in the thickened portion 28,
It is formed so as to extend straight in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 24, so that the outlet 36 of the discharge conduit 32 is connected to the perpendicular (m in FIG. 3) on the inner surface of the side wall portion of the recess 20. At the portion that intersects with the straight line indicated by the arrow, the opening is made toward the center point of the concave portion 20 (the point indicated by O in FIG. 3).

On the other hand, the lid 14 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, the outer diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the step portion 21 provided at the peripheral edge of the upper opening of the concave portion 20 in the case 12. It is large. In the lid 14, the center portion is recessed in a cross shape with a relatively narrow width toward the rear surface side, whereby two radially extending portions are formed on the rear surface. A cross-shaped ridge 38 in which the ridges cross at the center of the back surface,
Is formed. The cross-shaped ridge 38 has a distal end surface corresponding to the concave curved surface shape of the bottom surface of the concave portion 20 in the case 16, but not corresponding to the inner surface shape of the hydrous contact lens 22. It is shaped. Note that in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, 40
Is an annular step formed around the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the lid 14, and as described later, an aluminum foil is formed on the upper surface of the processing container 10 in a state where the contact lens 22 is accommodated in the processing container 10. This is the part that becomes the bonding surface when bonding.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 14 structured as described above is brought into contact with the upper surface of the step 21 of the case 12 on the back surface, and is fitted into the step 21. As a result, the recess 20 is removably covered by the lid 14 so that
A housing space 42 in which the contact lens 22 is housed is formed between the housing 14 and the cover 14. Also,
In such an accommodation space 42, a cross-shaped ridge 38 provided on the back surface of the lid body 14 moves a tip end surface having a convex curved surface shape not corresponding to the inner surface shape of the contact lens 22 into the accommodation space 42. The contact lens 22 is located in a protruding position in a state where the contact lens 22 faces the inner surface of the contact lens 22 accommodated in the camera. As a result, the lid 14 is brought into contact with the contact lens 22 accommodated in the accommodation space 42 only by the distal end surface of the cross-shaped ridge 38 extending crosswise along the radial direction of the inner surface. As a result, the contact area of the contact lens 22 with the lid 14 in the accommodation space 42 is reduced. Further, here, the bottom surface of the concave portion 20 facing the lid 14 across the housing space 42 has a convex curved surface shape that does not correspond to the outer surface shape of the contact lens 22, as described above. The concave portion 2 of the contact lens 22 in the accommodation space 42
The contact area with the zero bottom surface is also reduced. Further, under such a state that the concave portion 20 is covered by the lid 14, the distance between the tip surface of the cross-shaped ridge 38 of the lid 14 and the bottom surface of the concave portion 20 is several times to several tens times the thickness of the contact lens 22. The protrusion height of the cross-shaped ridge 38 is set so that the contact lens 22 is accommodated in the accommodation space 42, and the contact lens 22 is allowed to rotate in the circumferential direction in the accommodation space 42, The reversal is prevented.

In the present embodiment, as described above, in particular, the injection port 34 of the introduction pipe 30 in the case 12 is
A perpendicular line (a straight line indicated by m in FIG. 3) to the inner surface 24 of the leg 18a passing through the center point of the recess 20 (point indicated by O in FIG. 3) intersects the inner surface of the side wall of the recess 20. A part different from the part is opened in a direction parallel to the perpendicular, while the discharge pipe 3
The center point of the recess 20 (the point indicated by O in FIG. 3) at a position where the second discharge port 36 intersects the perpendicular (the straight line indicated by m in FIG. 3) on the inner surface of the side wall of the recess 20. ), The contact lens 22 is guided through the introduction conduit 30 in a state where the contact lens 22 is housed in the housing space 42 formed between the recess 20 and the lid 14. Aqueous treatment liquid is injected
4, flow (inject) toward the outer peripheral portion of the contact lens 22, and
The fluid flows in a direction parallel to a tangent (a straight line indicated by n in FIG. 3) of an outer peripheral portion of the peripheral portion (in FIG. 3, a direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 3).
From the direction opposite to the injection direction (in FIG. 3,
(In the direction indicated by arrow A).

Therefore, in the processing container 10 according to the present embodiment, while the contact lens 22 is stored in the housing space 42, the aqueous processing liquid injected into the housing space 42 is The contact lens 22 is caused to flow in a circumferential direction by the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid, and a rotational force is applied to the contact lens 22 in the circumferential direction. 3 (in the direction indicated by the arrow C).

By the way, when the hydration treatment and the washing treatment of the hydrated contact lens are performed using the treatment container for the hydrated contact lens having such a structure, the operation is performed as follows. It will be advanced.

That is, first, as shown in FIG.
Case 1 containing the hydrated contact lens 22 to be treated
After being disposed in the second concave portion 20, the lid 14 is attached to the case 12, the concave portion 20 is covered with the lid 14, and an accommodation space 42 is formed between the concave portion 20 and the lid 14, The contact lens 22 is accommodated in the accommodation space 42.

Thereafter, the top plate 16 of the case 12 and the lid 1
One piece of aluminum foil is adhered to each upper surface of 4 and the lid 14 is brought into close contact with the case 12 to ensure the liquid tightness of the accommodation space 42. At this time, the aluminum foil is
4 is adhered to the upper surface of an annular stepped portion 40 provided around the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the case 4 so that when the aluminum foil is peeled off, the lid 14 is moved together with the aluminum foil to the case 12.
Is to be removed from.

Next, the processing vessel 10 is set up so that the outer openings of the introduction pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 32 provided in the case 12 open upward.
From the outside opening of the introduction conduit 30, the contact lens 2
Supplying an aqueous treatment liquid for performing the hydration treatment and the washing treatment of Step 2,
Through an inlet 34 which is an inner opening of the introduction pipe 30,
The aqueous processing liquid is injected into the storage space 42. Then, when the inside of the accommodation space 42 is filled with the aqueous treatment liquid, the introduction conduit 3
A pipe bent in an L-shape is inserted into the outer opening of each of the 0 and the discharge conduit 32.

In this L-shaped pipe, when the processing vessel 10 is turned over, the aqueous processing liquid in the storage space 42 leaks out from the outer opening of each of the introduction pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 32. So that they are not inserted into these outer openings. Therefore, as long as the leakage of the aqueous processing liquid in the storage space 42 is prevented, the shape of the pipe inserted into the introduction pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 32 is not limited to this. Absent. Before injecting the aqueous treatment liquid into the storage space 42, such an L-shaped pipe or the like is inserted into the respective outer openings of the introduction pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 32, and the aqueous treatment liquid is passed through the pipes. Of course, the liquid may be injected into the storage space 42. Further, as the aqueous treatment liquid thus injected into the storage space 42, for example, those conventionally used for hydration treatment or washing treatment of a water-containing contact lens, such as deionized water, may be appropriately used. Selected and used.

Thereafter, the processing container 10 is turned sideways, taking care not to allow air (bubbles) to remain in the housing space 42, and left standing for a few minutes in that state. Thereby, the contact lens 22 in the accommodation space 42 is immersed in the aqueous treatment liquid for several minutes to be swollen, and the contact lens 22 is hydrated.

Subsequently, while the processing vessel 10 is kept lying down, the aqueous processing liquid is further continuously supplied from the outside opening of the introduction pipe 30, and the injection port serving as the inside opening of the introduction pipe 30 is supplied. While the aqueous processing liquid is excessively injected into the storage space 42 through 34, the aqueous processing liquid overflowing from the storage space 42 is discharged to the outside as needed through the discharge port 36 and the discharge pipe 32. As described above, the contact lens 22 in the housing space 42 is rotated in the circumferential direction by the flow of the aqueous processing solution caused by the flow of the aqueous processing solution into the housing space 42 through the injection port 34 as described above. Let me know.

Thus, the contact between the contact lens 22 and the aqueous treatment liquid flowing in the accommodating space 42 extracts impurities such as unreacted monomers from the contact lens 22, and removes the extracted impurities from the contact lens 22. By the flow of the treatment liquid, the contact lens 22 is removed from the contact lens 22 rotating in the circumferential direction, and the contact lens 22 is cleaned. In the cleaning treatment of the contact lens 22, preferably, the flow rate of the aqueous processing liquid in the accommodation space 42 is set to several cc / min to several tens cc / min, and the temperature of the aqueous processing liquid is set to room temperature. ８０80 ° C., and the processing time is several minutes to tens of minutes. As a result, the impurities are sufficiently extracted from the contact lens 22, and the impurities can be efficiently removed from the contact lens 22 that rotates at an appropriate speed.

Thereafter, if necessary, an aluminum foil is adhered to the outer surface of the leg portion 18a in which the outer opening of each of the introduction pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 32 is formed, and the two outer openings are connected. After sealing and sealing the aqueous processing solution filled in the housing space 42 together with the contact lens 22 in the housing space 42, the processing container 10 in which the contact lenses 22 and the aqueous processing solution are sealed is autoclaved. And sterilized. By performing such sealing of the outer openings of the introduction pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 32 and the sterilization of the processing container 10, the contact lens 22 is not dried in the processing container 10 without drying. It can be stored well in a sanitary condition.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the hydration treatment and the washing treatment of the water-containing contact lens 22 can be performed at once in the accommodation space 42 of one processing container 10. In the washing process, the impurities are removed while the contact lens 22 is rotated by the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid.
As compared with a conventional method in which an aqueous treatment liquid is simply flown over the surface of the contact lens 22 to remove impurities while the contact lens 22 is fixed, the contact lens 22 is moved with the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid. The frictional force exerted on the surface of the contact lens is advantageously increased, so that impurities on the contact lens surface can be more effectively removed.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the hydration treatment and the washing treatment of the water-containing contact lens 22 can be performed more sufficiently and more reliably than the conventional method.

In the present embodiment, the contact lens 22 is provided in the housing space 42 formed between the lid 14 and the case 12 so as to cover the contact lens 22.
Since the contact lens 22 is located and accommodated between the tip end surface of the cross-shaped ridge 38 and the bottom surface of the concave portion 20 for reducing the contact area with the case 4 and the case 12, respectively, the contact lens 22 is When it is brought into contact with the front end surface of the recess 38 or the bottom surface of the concave portion 20, it is extremely advantageously prevented from sticking due to surface tension on those surfaces, whereby the aqueous treatment in the accommodation space 42 is prevented. The rotation of the contact lens in the circumferential direction due to the flow of the liquid can be performed more smoothly.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cover 14 with the contact lens 22 accommodated in the accommodation space 42 is provided.
Since the tip surface of the cruciform ridge 38 as a contact surface of the contact lens 22 is configured to extend crosswise along the radial direction of the inner surface of the contact lens 22, for example, Unlike the case where the surface is constituted by the tip end surface of the projection which is brought into contact with the contact lens 22 by point contact,
Even when contact is made under an applied load, the load is dispersed at the contact surface with the contact lens 22, and the extremely fragile contact lens 22 can be prevented from being damaged as much as possible. The frictional resistance generated when the contact lens 22 rotates in the circumferential direction can be advantageously reduced as compared with the case where the contact surface is formed by the tip surface of a ridge extending in the circumferential direction of the contact lens 22. Thus, smooth rotation of the contact lens 22 in the circumferential direction can be effectively secured.

Further, in the present embodiment, the distance between the tip surface of the cross-shaped ridge 38 in which the contact lens 22 is positioned and the bottom surface of the concave portion 20 in the accommodation space 42 is determined by inverting the contact lens 22. The contact lens 22 is not turned over by the flow of the aqueous processing liquid in the storage space 42 because of the size that prevents the contact lens 22 from flowing. However, it can be rotated more smoothly in the circumferential direction.

In the present embodiment, the introduction conduit 3
If the outer opening of each of the 0 and the discharge line 32 is sealed and sterilized as necessary, the contact lens 22 can be
In the processing container 10, without drying, in a sanitary state, from where it can be stored well,
It can also be used as a distribution container that can transport contact lenses in a good condition, and has the advantage that excellent usability can be obtained.

Although the specific configuration of the present invention has been described in detail above, this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited by the above description.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case 12 and the lid 14 are made of a synthetic resin material. However, the material for providing the case 12 and the lid 14 is not limited to this. In addition, a material that does not adversely affect the hydrous contact lens is appropriately selected from metal materials and other materials. The case 12 and the lid 1
In the case where 4 is made of a synthetic resin material, it has heat resistance so that after hydration and washing, sterilization in an autoclave, which is performed as necessary, can be performed well. It is desirable to use a resin material.

In the above embodiment, the processing vessel 10
However, although the configuration has only one storage space 42 for storing the contact lens 22, the configuration may be such that the storage space 42 has a plurality of such storage spaces. In that case, for example, a case provided with a plurality of recesses 20 is used as the case 12, and
One having a plurality of lids that cover each of the plurality of recesses 20 and a plurality of cover portions that cover the plurality of recesses 20.
Individual lids will be used.

Further, the shape and size of the recess 20 forming the housing space 42 between the cover 14 and the cover 14 are not limited to those shown in the above embodiment, and the contact lens 22 can be easily formed. Any shape having an opening large enough to be taken in and out, and a depth capable of accommodating the contact lens 22 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction in a state where the contact lens 22 is immersed in the aqueous processing liquid together with the aqueous processing liquid. Or any size.

Further, the shape and size of the lid 14 are not limited to those shown in the above embodiment, but may be appropriately changed depending on the shape and size of the recess 20. Needless to say.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the cross-shaped ridge 38 as a protrusion is formed on the back surface of the lid 14.
The shape and arrangement of the projections are not limited to these, and the contact lens 22 accommodated in the accommodation space 42 may be attached to a part of the bottom surface of the recess 20 in the case 12 and to the cover 14. One that can be brought into contact with a part of the surface facing the bottom surface, in other words, the lid 14 or the case 1 of the contact lens 22.
Any shape and arrangement can be adopted as long as the contact area with the second member can be reduced. In addition, this protrusion is not essential in the present invention, but if provided,
Different from the above-described embodiment, instead of the back surface of the lid 14, the cover may be provided only on the bottom surface of the concave portion 20, or may be provided on both the bottom surfaces of the concave portion 20 on the back surface of the lid 14.

Further, in the above embodiment, the accommodation space 42
An inlet 34 for injecting the aqueous processing liquid into the inside and an outlet 36 for discharging the aqueous processing liquid from the storage space 42 are both provided in the case 12. Either one may be provided in the case 12 and the other may be provided in the lid 14, or both the inlet 34 and the outlet 36 may be formed only in the lid 14,
Alternatively, both the inlet 34 and the outlet 36 can be provided in the case 12 and the lid 14, respectively. Further, the inlet 3 is provided in one of the case 12 and the lid 14.
There is no problem if both the inlet 4 and the outlet 36 are provided and only one of the inlet 34 and the outlet 36 is formed on one of the other.

Further, the inlet 34 and the outlet 36 are
Regardless of whether it is formed on the case 12 or the lid 14, the arrangement structure and the number of arrangements are, of course, not limited to those shown in the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the injection port 34 is
A perpendicular line (a straight line indicated by m in FIG. 3) to the inner surface 24 of the leg 18a passing through the center point of the recess 20 (point indicated by O in FIG. 3) intersects the inner surface of the side wall of the recess 20. At a portion different from the portion, an opening is made in a direction parallel to the perpendicular, whereby an aqueous treatment liquid is caused to flow toward the outer peripheral portion of the contact lens 22 through the inlet 34 and the contact lens A tangent to a peripheral edge of the outer peripheral portion 22 (in FIG. 3,
n) (in FIG. 3, the direction indicated by arrow A), the direction of injection of the aqueous treatment liquid through the injection port 34 is as follows. The present invention is not limited to this. The aqueous treatment liquid is caused to flow into the housing space 42 in which the contact lens 22 is housed, in a direction different from the center of the contact lens, and Then, the aqueous treatment liquid is caused to flow in a direction different from the direction toward the center of the contact lens 22, and the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid in the accommodation space 42 causes the contact lens 22 accommodated in the accommodation space 42 to It is only necessary to be able to apply the rotational force in the circumferential direction.

Further, the direction in which the aqueous processing liquid is discharged through the discharge port 36 is not particularly limited to that shown in the above-described embodiment.
What is necessary is just to generate the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid so as to apply a rotational force to the contact lens 22 housed therein.

Although the specific configuration of the present invention has been described in detail above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not subject to any restrictions due to the above description. In addition, in addition to the specific examples described above, various changes, modifications, improvements, and the like based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be understood.

[0056]

As is clear from the above description, in the treatment container for a water-containing contact lens according to the present invention, the hydration treatment of the water-containing contact lens can be effectively performed, and the washing treatment is carried out. Compared to conventional processing vessels,
This can be performed more sufficiently and reliably.

Further, according to the method for treating a hydrated contact lens according to the present invention, the hydration treatment and the washing treatment of the hydrated contact lens can be performed more sufficiently and reliably as compared with the conventional method. It is possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view showing an example of a processing container for a water-containing contact lens according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory top view of a case constituting the processing container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory bottom view of a case constituting the processing container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory top view of a lid constituting the processing container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view taken in the direction of arrow VI in FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Processing container 12 Case 14 Lid 20 Depression 22 Hydrous contact lens 30 Introductory conduit 32 Discharge conduit 34 Inlet 36 Discharge port 38 Cross-shaped ridge 42 Storage space

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A case having a concave portion in which a hydrous contact lens can be accommodated, and said case being detachably attached to said case and covering said concave portion of said case. A lid that forms a closed housing space in which the contact lens is housed, and is provided on at least one of the case and the lid to clean or hydrate the contact lens in the housing space. An inlet for injecting an aqueous treatment liquid to be treated, and a discharge port provided in at least one of the case and the lid to discharge the aqueous treatment liquid injected into the storage space from the storage space. The aqueous processing solution is injected through the inlet while the contact lens is housed in the housing space, and discharged from the outlet. Then, by contacting the aqueous treatment liquid with the contact lens while flowing in the accommodation space, a treatment container for washing or hydrating the contact lens is provided. Is formed with a size that allows rotation of the contact lens in the circumferential direction, while the injection port is provided with the aqueous treatment liquid in the accommodation space under the accommodation of the contact lens. Flows in a direction different from the central portion of the
It is formed so as to flow in a direction different from the direction toward the center of the contact lens, and the flow of the aqueous treatment liquid injected through the injection port in the storage space causes the aqueous treatment liquid to flow into the storage space. A processing container for a water-containing contact lens, wherein a rotational force is applied to the accommodated contact lens in the circumferential direction so that the contact lens is rotated in the circumferential direction. . 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the injection port allows the aqueous treatment liquid to flow into the accommodation space under the accommodation of the contact lens toward an outer peripheral portion of the contact lens. The processing container for a water-containing contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the processing container is formed so as to flow in a direction parallel to a tangent line of a peripheral edge of the contact lens. 3. The discharge port discharges the aqueous processing liquid from the storage space in a direction opposite to a direction in which the aqueous processing liquid flows into the storage space through the injection port. The processing container for a hydrous contact lens according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. The processing container for a water-containing contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the housing space has a size that prevents the contact lens from being inverted. 5. A bottom surface of the concave portion in the case,
A protrusion is provided on at least one of the surfaces of the lid body facing the bottom surface of the concave portion when attached to the case, and the contact lens housed in the housing space contacts the protrusion. The contact lens is configured to be brought into contact with a part of the bottom surface of the concave portion in the case and a part of the facing surface of the lid body by being configured to be pressed. A processing container for the hydrous contact lens according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The processing container for a water-containing contact lens according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion is formed by a protrusion extending in a radial direction of the contact lens housed in the housing space. 7. The inlet and the outlet are sealable, so that the aqueous processing liquid can be sealed in a state of being accommodated in the accommodation space together with the contact lens. A processing container for a water-containing contact lens according to claim 1. 8. A method for washing and hydrating a hydrous contact lens, comprising: a closed accommodation space capable of accommodating the contact lens; and a cleaning treatment of the contact lens in the accommodation space. Or a processing container having an inlet for injecting an aqueous processing liquid for performing hydration treatment and an outlet for discharging the aqueous processing liquid injected into the storage space from the storage space. By accommodating the contact lens in the accommodation space, injecting the aqueous treatment liquid through the inlet, and immersing the contact lens in the aqueous treatment liquid, the contact lens is accommodated in the accommodation space. While performing the hydration treatment of the lens, while flowing the aqueous treatment liquid toward the direction of applying a rotational force to rotate the contact lens in the circumferential direction, By discharging through the outlet, the contact lens, the processing method of the water-absorptive contact lens, which comprises cleaning while rotating in the circumferential direction.