JP2004238001A - Lens storage container and lens storage method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lens storage container and a lens storage method in which a lens can be simply stored in the lens storage container in a short time, the cost is reduced, and individual lenses can be easily taken out in a consistent attitude without any damages when the lenses are taken out with assistance at a transfer destination. <P>SOLUTION: The lens storage container is injection-molded, a closing member attachable/detachable to/from the container is provided, and a plurality of groove parts to hold lenses are formed in a surface of the container. The groove part is closed at one side end and open at the other side end. The closing member substantially closes the open side end of the groove part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a storage container for transferring or storing a large number of optical lenses, and more particularly to a lens storage container in which the same container is used for a container and a lid by stacking.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for forming an optical lens by injection molding a plastic material. Using this technique, a large number of lenses can be produced in a short time at a low cost. A lens produced by this technique is used in an optical unit for an optical pickup for recording or reproducing a CD or DVD, etc., and has a very small diameter of about 5 mm and a light weight.
[0003]
After molding, these lenses are provided with a desired coating as needed. Thereafter, the optical unit is transferred to a manufacturing process for assembling the optical unit or another optical unit manufacturer.
[0004]
At the time of this transfer, various lens storage containers are used, which are different from general parts such as screws and springs in that the effective optical surface is not damaged by scratches or dust on the lens surface.
[0005]
There are the following lens storage containers.
(1) A container in which a thermoplastic sheet is manufactured by vacuum forming, and has a plurality of grooves for holding a lens, the grooves being closed at one side end and the other side end being open. The lens is housed in this groove, and the side end and the upper surface which are opened by a lid formed by vacuum forming a thermoplastic sheet are closed.
[0006]
(2) A plurality of recesses are individually provided in the tray-shaped container manufactured by injection molding corresponding to the lens outer diameter, the lenses are accommodated in the respective recesses, and the tray-shaped container is laminated to cover the container. What also serves.
[0007]
(3) A tray-shaped container is provided with a plurality of recesses individually corresponding to the lens outer diameter, the lenses are housed in the respective recesses, and a lid member for holding each lens on the upper surface of the container is covered. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-348080 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, manufacturers of optical units for optical pickups incorporated therein have been diversified with the increase in the production volume of recording or reproducing devices such as CDs and DVDs. These manufacturers are roughly classified into two types: when the transported container is opened and individual lenses are taken out, there is a place where the take-out is performed by an automatic machine and a place where the take-out is performed manually.
[0010]
Among these methods of taking out, when transferring to a manufacturer that takes out manually, the above-mentioned lens container has the following problems.
[0011]
The thermoplastic sheet obtained in (1), which is formed by vacuum forming, has difficulty in achieving dimensional accuracy and has rounded corners in shape. Therefore, the thermoplastic sheet receives the flange portion so as not to touch the effective optical surface of the small-diameter lens. As a result, there is a disadvantage that individual lenses are not stable when they are to be housed side by side in the groove.
[0012]
Furthermore, if the container is carelessly handled at the time of storing the lens or before closing the lid, the individual lenses will fall apart in the groove, fly, or assume various postures due to its flexibility. At the time of taking out the lens, if the same thing occurs, not only it becomes difficult to take out, but also there is a problem that the lens is damaged at the time of taking out.
[0013]
Further, there is a disadvantage that the place where the container is placed is inclined without the lid, and if the container is roughly handled, all the lenses spill out from the opened side end.
[0014]
Further, since the containers described in (2) and (3) are rigid and each lens is housed in a concave portion, the problem of the above (1) is not solved when the optical unit manufacturer takes out the lens. However, when the lenses are stored in the storage container on the side where the lenses are produced, a large amount of time is required for storing the lenses one by one in the concave portion, and thus there is a problem that the cost increases.
[0015]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an optical unit manufacturer that can easily and quickly save a lens when storing the lens in a storage container on the side that manufactures the lens, and can take out the lens manually at the transfer destination. On the side, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lens storage container and a lens storage method that can easily take out each lens in a stable posture without a problem such as a scratch.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object is a container for mounting a plurality of lenses, a lens storage container for holding the lenses in the stacking direction by stacking the containers, and the container and a closing member detachable from the container. The surface of the container has a plurality of grooves for holding a lens, the grooves are closed at one side end, and the other side end is formed to be open. The member is achieved by providing a lens storage container characterized by substantially closing the open side end of the groove.
[0017]
That is, by making the closing member that closes the side end of the opened groove detachable, the closing member is attached after the lens is housed, and the place where the container is placed without the lid is inclined, or the container is handled roughly. However, the problem that the lens spills out of the container can be solved.
[0018]
Also, a container for mounting a plurality of lenses, a lens container for holding the lenses in the stacking direction by stacking the containers, wherein the container is formed by injection molding, and the surface of the container is a lens. This is also achieved by providing a lens container having a plurality of grooves for holding, wherein the grooves are closed at one side end and the other side is open. You.
[0019]
In other words, by making the container rigid by injection molding, even if the container is handled carelessly when the lens is housed in the container or when the lens is taken out of the container, the individual lenses fall apart or pop in the groove. The problem of flying can be eliminated.
[0020]
Further, since the container can be manufactured with sufficient dimensional accuracy and an edge portion can be formed as necessary, it is possible to reliably hold a portion of the small-diameter lens other than the optically effective surface.
[0021]
Further, it is preferable that the container of the present invention is formed of a material having conductivity, and that at least a surface for sandwiching the lens between the groove and the groove at the time of lamination is matted. That is, by preventing electrification of the storage container, while preventing the lens from being adsorbed to the upper surface side, minimizing the adsorption of dust and the like, and facilitating management during transport and long-term storage. Become.
[0022]
Furthermore, it is preferable that the container and the closing member of the present invention are formed in different colors or different densities. In other words, the presence or absence of the closing member can be visually confirmed with certainty, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to attach.
[0023]
Further, in the lens storage method using a container having a groove for mounting a plurality of lenses, a step of temporarily substantially closing an upper surface of the groove and a step of inserting a lens from an open side end of the groove. And closing the open side end of the groove,
And a step of stacking the containers.
[0024]
In other words, by temporarily closing the upper surface of the groove and continuously pouring the lens from the end on the groove side, the lens can be stored in a short time, and the cost can be reduced.
[0025]
Further, in the lens housing method of the present invention, it is preferable that the step of inserting the lens utilizes gravity. That is, continuous pouring of the lens can be performed without preparing a special urging device.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a tray-shaped container 11 for housing the lens of the present invention. 1A is a top view (front surface), FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a sectional view taken along a line HH in FIG. FIG.
[0028]
In the figure, a container 11 has a groove 13 for holding a lens on a surface 12 which is raised one step, and in this example, ten such grooves are formed. As shown, the plurality of grooves 13 are closed at one side end (upper side in the figure) and open at the other side end (lower side in the figure). The lower surface 14 around the raised surface 12 is provided with bosses 15 at two locations and square holes 16 at two locations. Further, four concave portions 17 for hooking rubber are formed on the outer periphery, and a large C surface 18 which is a mark for alignment in laminating is formed at a corner.
[0029]
Although not shown, a hole is provided on the back surface of the container 11 so as to fit into the boss 15 when the containers are laminated together with the C portion.
[0030]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state where the lens is accommodated in the container 11. 2A is a top view (front surface), and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 2A.
[0031]
In the figure, reference numeral 22 denotes a lens placed in the groove 13 and is continuously accommodated so as to have a diameter in contact with the groove 13 as shown. After a predetermined amount of the lens is placed in each groove 13 in this way, the closing member 21 is attached to the open side end (lower side in the figure) of the groove 13. The closing member 21 has protrusions 21b at two locations, and is detachably fixed by fitting the protrusions 21b into the square holes 16 (see FIG. 1).
[0032]
The closing member 21 closes the opened groove, so that even if the container 11 is slightly tilted at the time of work, the placed lens does not fall out, and the workability of the lens housing work and the removal of the lens after opening is improved. It can be excellent.
[0033]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the groove 13 of the container 11. As shown in the figure, the groove portion 13 is configured to receive and support a flange portion 22f formed outside the optically effective surface 22k of the lens 22 by a step portion 13d formed in the groove portion 13. The container 11 is integrally manufactured by injection molding using a plastic material such as polystyrene, for example. By this injection molding, the container 11 becomes rigid, and the step portion 13d can be accurately dimensioned, and can have an edge with no rounded corners.
[0034]
Thereby, even when the container is carelessly handled when the lens is accommodated in the container or when the lens is taken out of the container, it is possible to solve the problem that the individual lenses have various postures in the groove. At the same time, portions other than the optically effective surface of the small-diameter lens can be reliably held.
[0035]
In the figure, when the clearance between the outer periphery of the flange surface of the lens 22 and the groove is S1, and the clearance between the edge of the step 13d and the optically effective surface of the lens 22 is S2,
S2> S1
Is set so as to satisfy, even if the lens 22 slides inside the container 11, the lens 22 does not come into contact with the optically effective surface 22k, so that damage can be prevented.
[0036]
Further, it is desirable that the container 11 be formed of a material having conductivity such that the surface resistance value is 10 ⁹ Ω or less. This can be achieved by using a plastic material mixed or kneaded with carbon. Thus, the container 11 can be prevented from being charged, the adsorption of dust and the like to the container 11 and the lens 22 can be minimized, and the management during transfer and long-term storage can be facilitated.
[0037]
Further, the container 11 and the closing member 21 are formed in different colors or different densities, and the density of the container 11 is desirably formed higher than that of the closing member 21. For example, the container 11 is preferably black, navy blue, purple or the like, and particularly preferably the container 11 is black or dark gray and the closing member 21 is white. Thus, the presence or absence of the mounting of the closing member 21 can be reliably visually recognized, and the forgetting of the mounting can be prevented. In addition, when the container 11 is a dark color close to black with respect to the transparent lens, it is easy to visually recognize the gate position and the like of the lens, and it is possible to improve the workability at the time of taking out work.
[0038]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH (see FIG. 1) when the same container is stacked with the container on which the lens is mounted. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the same containers are stacked to sandwich the lenses housed in the respective groove portions.
[0039]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV (see FIG. 1) when a container on which a lens is mounted and the same container are similarly stacked. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the same containers are stacked to sandwich the lenses housed in the respective groove portions.
[0040]
Further, in the same figure, the back surface of the container 11, that is, the surface for holding the lens between the groove and the groove is matted. This mat processing is desirably 1 to 100 μm in depth and 2 to 200 μm in uneven spacing. By performing this matting process, it is possible to prevent the lens from being attracted to the back surface side when opening.
[0041]
Although FIGS. 4 and 5 show two containers 11 stacked, usually, a large number of containers 11 containing lenses are stacked, and a container without a lens is stacked at the top. .
[0042]
Next, a method of housing and placing the lens in the above-described container will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of a jig 61 for housing a lens in the container 11. In the figure, the jig body 62 and the upper cover 63 are connected by a hinge 64, and the upper cover 63 can be opened and closed by the hinge 64. Further, the main body 62 is provided with an inclined loading portion 65 capable of loading the container 11 in the direction of the arrow.
[0043]
First, the upper cover 63 is opened, and the container 11 is loaded along the loading section 65 in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. At this time, the container 11 is loaded with the C surface 18 facing downward and the groove 13 facing upward. As a result, the open side end of the groove 13 is located above. Thereafter, the upper cover 63 is closed. The upper cover 63 is desirably formed of a transparent material so that the loaded container and the accommodated lens can be checked. That is, the upper cover 63 temporarily closes the upper surface of the groove 13 of the container 11.
[0044]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the container 11 is loaded in the jig 61 and the upper cover 63 is closed. Protrusions 63t are provided on the top cover 63 in correspondence with the respective grooves 13, and are projected into the grooves 13 as illustrated.
[0045]
The position of the projection 63t is set so that the length G from the open side end of the groove 13 to the side surface of the projection 63t is an integral multiple of the maximum lens diameter. In this state, the lens is continuously inserted into the groove 13 by the lens inserter 71 from the open side end of the groove 13 located at the upper portion. At this time, since the jig is inclined, the lens is continuously poured into the groove 13 by its own weight.
[0046]
FIG. 8 is a diagram of a schematic structure of the lens insertion machine 71. As shown in the figure, the lenses 22 are arranged in a line in a lens barrel 72, and a lens locking lever 73 is rotatably fixed to a tip end thereof by a shaft 74. The lens locking lever 73 is urged by a compression spring 75 so that the lens 22 does not fall out of the lens barrel 72.
[0047]
The projection 71b at the tip of the lens insertion machine 71 is inserted into the bottom of the groove 13 of the container 11, the groove 13 is connected to the lens barrel 72, and the lens locking lever 73 is pressed in the direction of arrow A against the compression spring 75. I do. As a result, the lens locking lever 73 rotates in the direction of arrow B, and the lens 22 is continuously inserted into the groove 13 of the container 11 by its own weight. When the lens 22 is inserted by the length of G (see FIG. 7) in the groove, the lens cannot be accommodated any more, and the inflow of the lens stops. Thereafter, when the pressing of the lens locking lever 73 is stopped, the lens locking lever 73 locks the lens 22 again from the side as shown in the figure. This is the method of inserting a lens into one groove 13.
[0048]
Although the lens 22 is configured to be inserted by its own weight, it goes without saying that air pressure or the like may be used or used together.
[0049]
By performing the above-described lens insertion in all the groove portions of the container, the housing and placement of the lens 22 in the container 11 are completed. Thereafter, the closing member 21 shown in FIG. 2 is attached, the upper cover 63 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is opened, and the container 11 is removed from the jig 61. If the required number of lenses is only for one container, the container 11 on which no lens is mounted is stacked on the upper part, and the process is completed. When a plurality of containers 11 are necessary for the number of lenses, the above-described lens is inserted into each container and the containers are stacked, and a container having no lens mounted on the last upper surface may be stacked.
[0050]
That is, by temporarily closing the upper surface of the groove and continuously pouring the lens from the open end of the groove, the lens can be stored in a short time, workability can be improved, and cost can be reduced. Become. In addition, the jig and the lens insertion machine are used at an angle to utilize gravity, and continuous insertion of the lens is possible without preparing a special urging device, which is economical.
[0051]
Hereinafter, the packing form will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which many containers on which lenses are mounted are stacked and fixed. An empty container is laminated on the uppermost stage, and a rubber band is hooked and fixed on four rubber holding concave portions 17 shown in FIG. Each container is firmly fixed by the engagement of the boss 15 shown in FIG. 1 and this rubber.
[0052]
FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example of an individual box that stores a plurality of lens storage containers fixed with rubber bands. The figure shows a state where three sets of lens storage containers are stored. It may be transported in this state, or, in the case of a larger amount, may be transported after packing in a plurality of individual boxes.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, when storing a lens in a storage container on the lens manufacturing side, it is possible to easily store the lens in a short time and reduce the cost, and the optical unit manufacturer side that relies on hand at the transfer destination to take out the lens. In addition, a lens storage container and a lens storage method which can easily take out each lens without a problem such as a scratch in a stable posture can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a tray-shaped container for housing a lens of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a state where a lens is housed in a container.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a groove of a container.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH (see FIG. 1) when a container on which a lens is mounted and the same container are stacked.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV (see FIG. 1) when a container on which a lens is mounted and the same container are stacked.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of a jig for mounting a lens on a container.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a container is loaded in a jig and an upper cover is closed.
FIG. 8 is a diagram of a schematic structure of a lens insertion machine.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which a number of containers on which lenses are mounted are stacked and fixed.
FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example of an individual box that stores a plurality of lens storage containers fixed with rubber bands.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Container 13 Groove 15 Boss 16 Square hole 17 Recess 18 C surface 21 Closing member 22 Lens 61 Jig 62 Jig main body 63 Top cover 64 Hinge 71 Lens insertion machine 72 Lens cylinder 73 Lens locking lever 75 Compression spring

Claims (7)

A container for mounting a plurality of lenses, a lens storage container that sandwiches the lenses in the stacking direction by stacking the containers,
The container, having a closing member removable to the container,
The surface of the container has a plurality of grooves for holding a lens, the grooves are closed at one side end, and the other side end is opened,
The lens housing container, wherein the closing member substantially closes an open side end of the groove. A container for mounting a plurality of lenses, a lens storage container that sandwiches the lenses in the stacking direction by stacking the containers,
The container is formed by injection molding,
A lens container, wherein the surface of the container has a plurality of grooves for holding a lens, the grooves are closed at one side end, and the other side is open. The lens container according to claim 1, wherein the container is formed of a conductive material. The lens container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a surface of the container that sandwiches the lens between the groove and the groove when the container is laminated is matted. The lens container according to claim 1, wherein the container and the closing member are formed in different colors or different densities. In a lens storage method using a container having a groove for mounting a plurality of lenses,
A step of temporarily substantially closing the upper surface of the groove,
Inserting a lens from the open side end of the groove;
Closing the open side end of the groove;
Stacking the containers. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of inserting the lens utilizes gravity.

Images