JP2005049721A - Method of manufacturing optical element - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique of positioning in the case of superposing lens arrays when manufacturing a desired optical element by joining the lens arrays while superposing them. <P>SOLUTION: In each of lens arrays 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, respective lenses of a plurality of lenses are formed by being connected continuously in a perpendicular direction to the optical axis direction of the lenses. The positioning of superposition at the time of superposing these lens arrays 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 is performed on the basis of outer edges of the lens arrays 11-1, 11-2 11-3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for manufacturing a large number of optical elements such as lens parts configured by combining a plurality of lenses, and in particular, a desired optical system by overlapping and joining a lens array that is an assembly of a plurality of lenses. The present invention relates to a technology for manufacturing an element.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a lens array in which each of a plurality of lenses is connected in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens. A lens array 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an aggregate of nine lenses 101 arranged in a 3 × 3 square on a plane, and each lens 101 is connected in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. Joined by the member 102, a circular plate-like body is formed.

An example of a method for manufacturing the lens array 100 shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the lens array 100 is connected to a first material 111, which is a transparent glass material or plastic material that becomes the lens 101 after the lens array 100 is molded, and the lens array 100 after the lens array is molded. The member 102 is manufactured from a second material 112 that is a glass material, a plastic material, a metal, ceramics, or the like.

  The first material 111 is disposed in the hole 113 formed in the second material 112, and as shown in FIG. It is placed on 121. In addition, in FIG.10 (b), the 1st raw material 111 and the 2nd raw material 112 have shown the cross section when these are cut | disconnected in the position of the dashed-dotted line shown by AA 'in Fig.10 (a). .

  In this state, as shown by an arrow B in FIG. 5B, the lens array mold upper mold 122 is brought into contact with the surface of the second material 112 at an appropriate high temperature at which the first material 111 is softened. Lower from above. Thereby, the first material 111 is pressed by the lens lower surface mold 121-1 as the lens molding function surface of the lower pressing die 121 and the lens upper surface mold 122-1 as the lens molding function surface of the upper pressing die 122, and the lens lower surface mold 121. -1 and the lens upper surface mold 122-1.

Then, the lens array 100 as shown in FIG. 10C is formed as a whole by cooling to room temperature and solidifying the first material 111.
In the lens array 100, as shown in FIG. 2C, the first material 111 that is a lens functional member is fused to the hole 113 of the second material 112 that is a lens connecting member, and the second material 112 is fused. Nine lenses 101 made of the first material 111 are connected by the connecting member 102 made of the second material 112, which is integrated with the material 112.

  In FIG. 10B, the lens lower surface mold 121-1 and the lens upper surface mold 122-1 are shown as molds that form the lens 101 on a convex surface, but the upper and lower lens pressing molds are not limited to this. Either one may be for the convex surface of the lens and the other may be for the concave surface of the lens, or it may be a mold that forms the concave surface of the lens both above and below.

Note that the present applicant precedes the present application of a lens array manufacturing method for manufacturing a lens array by connecting a lens made of a first material with a connecting member made of a second material as described above. (Patent application No. 2002-317914).
As a method for manufacturing the lens array, in addition to the above-described example, if the lens array 100 shown in FIG. 9 is made of the same quality plastic material or glass material, the lens 101 and the connecting member 102 are manufactured by a general compression molding method. Can also be manufactured. If the lens array 100 is manufactured from a plastic material, it can be manufactured by a general injection molding method.

  By the way, a mass production method of optical elements is known in which a desired optical element is manufactured by overlapping and joining the lens arrays manufactured in this way or by dividing after the joining. In this manufacturing method, a technique for superimposing the lens arrays at an appropriate relative position is important. Various techniques have been proposed for positioning in superimposing the lens arrays.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when a solid-state imaging device is formed by adhering a lens array on one main surface of a wafer on which a plurality of image sensors are formed in an array, both the wafer and the lens array are provided. A technique is disclosed in which each optical lens constituting the lens array is made to correspond to each image sensor on the wafer by adhering the alignment marks so as to match.

Further, in Patent Document 2, two round pin holes are provided in each flat microlens array, and a plurality of flat microlens arrays are overlapped and bonded by passing two pins through each pin hole. By doing so, a technique for positioning each lens constituting the flat microlens array with high accuracy is disclosed.
JP 2002-290842 A JP 2000-304904 A

However, the positioning technique described above has the following problems.
In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the lens array and the wafer are both opaque, the positioning work becomes difficult.
Further, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, if the clearance (gap) between the pin and the pin hole is narrowed for the purpose of improving the positioning accuracy, it becomes difficult for the pin to come out from the pin hole, and workability is lowered. End up.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a problem to be solved is to provide a new positioning method when superimposing lens arrays.

The optical element manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a plate-like lens array in which each of a plurality of lenses is connected in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens. It is premised on manufacturing an optical element by joining together.
The optical element manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the positioning of the overlapping when the lens arrays are overlapped is performed with reference to the outer edge of the lens array.

According to this manufacturing method, positioning for superimposing the lens arrays is performed using the outer edge of the lens array as a reference, so that positioning can be easily performed even if the lens array is opaque.
In the optical element manufacturing method according to the present invention described above, at least one plane is provided on the outer edge of the lens array, and the above-described positioning is performed by using this plane and at least one point excluding the plane at the outer edge described above. You may make it carry out as a reference | standard.

By using these as positioning references, the relative positional relationship of each lens array on the plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction described above when the lens arrays are superimposed can be specifically specified. Become.
Here, the above-described positioning may be performed by superimposing the lens arrays so that all of the outer edges of the lens array are in contact with the jig.

This manufacturing method is an example of a specific method for performing positioning for superimposing lens arrays on the basis of the outer edge of the lens array. By doing so, each lens array is superimposed at an appropriate relative position. be able to.
Further, at this time, positioning may be performed while applying a force in a direction in which a portion of each outer edge of the lens array that is in contact with the jig is pressed against the jig.

In this way, for example, when a lens array that has been superposed after being applied with a thermosetting adhesive is heated and joined, the adhesive can be cured while maintaining an appropriate superposition position. .
In the method for manufacturing an optical element according to the present invention described above, at least two recesses may be provided on the outer edge of the lens array, and the above-described positioning may be performed with reference to these recesses.

By using these as positioning references, the relative positional relationship of each lens array on the plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction when the lens arrays are superimposed can be specifically specified. become.
Here, the positioning described above may be performed by superimposing such that at least two points in each of the above-described recesses are in contact with the jig.

This manufacturing method is also an example of a specific method for performing positioning for superimposing lens arrays on the basis of the outer edge of the lens array. By doing so, each lens array is superimposed at an appropriate relative position. be able to.
Furthermore, at this time, the above-described positioning may be performed while applying a force in a direction in which the point in contact with the above-described jig in each of the above-described recesses is pressed against the jig.

In this way, for example, when a lens array that has been superposed after being applied with a thermosetting adhesive is heated and joined, the adhesive can be cured while maintaining an appropriate superposition position. .
In addition, in the optical element manufacturing method according to another aspect of the present invention, positioning of the superposition when superimposing the lens arrays is performed in a square bar shape in a through hole that is a square hole provided in the lens array. This is performed by superimposing the lens arrays through pins.

According to this manufacturing method, each lens array can be superposed at an appropriate relative position by providing a single through hole in the lens array by fitting a square rod-like pin into the through hole that is a square hole. It becomes like this.
Further, since the positioning for superimposing the lens arrays is performed with reference to the through holes provided in the lens array, the positioning can be easily performed even if the lens array is opaque.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an optical element, wherein positioning of the superposition when superimposing the lens arrays is performed using at least two through holes provided in the lens array. At least one of them is characterized in that the lens array is superposed through a round bar-like pin in each of the through-holes having a long round shape.

  According to this manufacturing method, when a pin is passed through a through-hole for positioning, it has an oval shape (a shape in which a semicircle having the side as a diameter is added to a pair of opposing sides in a rectangle). Since the contact area between the inner wall of the through hole and the pin is reduced, the frictional force generated at the contact portion when the pin is inserted into and removed from the through hole is also reduced, thereby improving workability.

Further, since the positioning for superimposing the lens arrays is performed with reference to the through holes provided in the lens array, the positioning can be easily performed even if the lens array is opaque.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an optical element, wherein the positioning of the superposition when superimposing the lens arrays is performed by penetrating through at least two round holes provided in the lens array. Each of the holes is a rod-like pin, at least one of which has an elliptical shape, an oval shape, or a shape consisting of an arc longer than a semicircular circle and a chord for the arc. This is performed by superimposing the lens array through the pins.

According to this manufacturing method, when the pin is passed through the through hole for positioning, the contact area between the pin having the above-described cross-sectional shape and the through hole is reduced, so that the pin is inserted into and removed from the through hole. As a result, the frictional force generated at the contact portion is also reduced, so that workability is improved.
Further, since the positioning for superimposing the lens arrays is performed with reference to the through holes provided in the lens array, the positioning can be easily performed even if the lens array is opaque.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an optical element, comprising: positioning at least one through-hole provided in the lens array and the lens; It is characterized by being performed on the basis of the outer edge of the array.

According to this manufacturing method, the relative positional relationship between the lens arrays when the lens arrays are overlaid can be specifically specified by using these as positioning references.
Further, since the positioning for superimposing the lens arrays is performed with reference to the through holes and the outer edge provided in the lens array, the positioning can be easily performed even if the lens array is opaque.

  Here, in the positioning described above, a rod-shaped pin is passed through a through hole provided in each lens array, and a portion serving as a positioning reference of each outer edge of the lens array is in contact with the jig. Alternatively, the lens array may be overlapped.

This manufacturing method is also an example of a specific method for performing positioning for superimposing lens arrays on the basis of the outer edge of the lens array. By doing so, each lens array is superimposed at an appropriate relative position. be able to.
At this time, the positioning may be performed while applying a force in a direction in which the portion of the outer edge of the lens array that is in contact with the jig is pressed against the jig.

  In this way, for example, when a lens array that has been superposed after being applied with a thermosetting adhesive is heated and joined, the adhesive can be cured while maintaining an appropriate superposition position. .

    According to the present invention, according to any of the above-described aspects, the lens arrays can be overlapped at an appropriate relative position when the lens arrays are overlapped, and a desired optical element can be efficiently produced. Play.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment described below, the lens array is an aggregate of four lenses arranged in a square of 2 × 2 on a plane, and each lens is in the optical axis direction of the lens. On the other hand, a plate-like body formed by being connected in a direction perpendicular to the direction (hereinafter, this direction will be referred to as a “lens array plate direction”) is used. In addition, this lens array uses a glass material or a plastic material as a lens material, and uses a metal, a glass material, a plastic material, or a ceramic as a material of a connecting member, and has been described in the above [Background Art] section. Manufacture using manufacturing methods.

  Then, an adhesive is applied to each of the lens arrays using a printing method such as dispenser, screen printing, pad printing (tampo printing), or pattern printing by an inkjet method, and the lens arrays coated with the adhesive are stacked. The laminated lens arrays are bonded together by solidifying the adhesive in the combined state to form an optical element. A plurality of optical elements can also be obtained by cutting the bonded laminated lens array.

  First, FIG. 1 will be described. This figure shows a first example of a positioning method when superimposing lens arrays. In this example, this positioning is based on at least one plane provided on the outer edge of the lens array and at least one point excluding the plane on the outer edge, and any of these portions used as a reference for the positioning is cured. This is done by superimposing the lens arrays in contact with the tool.

  In FIG. 1, 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 are all lens arrays. Also, 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, and 12-6 are all used for positioning the lens arrays 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3. The surfaces of the lens arrays 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 that are in contact with each other are finished flat.

  In FIG. 1, in (a), the plate surface of the lens array 11-1 is formed in a square shape. The lens array 11-1 is arranged so that the jigs 12-1 and 12-2 are in contact with the plane of the side surface of the outer edge of the lens array 11-1 that is in contact with two adjacent sides of the square. With respect to the lens array 11-1 formed in the same shape, the outer edges of the lens array 11-1 that are two adjacent sides in the square are used as a reference, and these outer edges are in contact with the jigs 12-1 and 12-2, respectively. By stacking while arranging, these can be stacked at an appropriate relative position.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 1B, the plate surface of the lens array 11-2 is formed in a regular octagon. Then, the lens array 11-2 so that the jigs 12-3 and 12-4 are in contact with the plane of the side surface of the outer edge of the lens array 11-2 that is in contact with two sides adjacent to one specific side in the regular octagon. Is arranged. With respect to the lens array 11-2 formed in the same shape, with reference to the outer edge of the lens array 11-2 that is the above-mentioned two sides in the regular octagon, the jigs 12-3 and 12-4 are in contact with the outer edge, respectively. By stacking while arranging, these can be stacked at an appropriate relative position.

  Further, in FIG. 1C, the lens array 11-3 has a circular plate surface with a part thereof lacking in a straight line, more specifically, an arc longer than a semicircular circumference and the arc. It is formed in the shape which consists of a string. The jig 12-5 is in contact with the plane of the outer edge of the lens array 11-3 in contact with the strings in the shape of the plate surface, and the lens array 11 corresponding to one point on the arc in the shape of the plate surface. -3 The lens array 11-3 is arranged so that the jig 12-6 is in contact with the side surface portion of the outer edge. With respect to the lens array 11-3 formed in the same shape, the outer edges of the lens array 11-1, which are these portions in the shape of the plate surface of the lens array 11-3, are used as references, and jigs 12-5 and 12 are formed on the outer edge. By stacking the -6s so as to be in contact with each other, they can be overlapped at an appropriate relative position.

  Next, FIG. 2 will be described. This figure shows a second example of a positioning method when superimposing lens arrays. In this example, this positioning is performed in the same manner as in the first example shown in FIG. 1, but at this time, the force in the direction in which the portion of the outer edge of the lens array that is in contact with the jig is pressed against the jig. While applying.

  Lens arrays 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “lens array 11”) and jig 12-1 in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, and 12-6 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “jigs 12”) are all the same as those shown in FIG. In addition, in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, movable jigs 13-1, 13-2, and 13-3 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "movable jig 13"). ) Has been added.

  2A and 2B, after the lens array 11 is arranged and stacked so that the outer edge of the lens array 11 is in contact with the jig 12, as in the first example described above, A predetermined portion of the outer edge of the lens array 11 is pressed against each of the jigs 12 by applying a force in the direction of the arrow shown in each of b) and (c). For example, when joining the lens array 11 which overlap | superposed using the thermosetting adhesive agent, it heats, applying such a force to the lens array 11, and an adhesive agent is hardened. By doing so, it is possible to cure the adhesive while maintaining an appropriate overlapping position.

  Next, FIG. 3 will be described. This figure shows a third example of the positioning method when the lens arrays are overlapped. In this example, this positioning is performed by superimposing the lens array so that at least two concave portions provided on the outer edge of the lens array are used as a reference, and these positioning reference parts are in contact with the jig. .

  In FIG. 3, reference numerals 21-1 and 21-2 denote lens arrays. Also, 22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4, 22-5, and 22-6 are all used for positioning the lens arrays 21-1 and 21-2. It is a fixed jig and has a round bar shape.

The plate surface of the lens array 21-1 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is square and has a V-shaped groove at the center of each side.
In FIG. 3A, the jig 22-1 and the two valley surfaces forming the V-shaped grooves on the outer side surface respectively formed on the two adjacent sides in the square shape of the plate surface of the lens array 21-1, The lens array 21-1 is arranged so that 22-2 are in contact with each other. With respect to the lens array 21-1 formed in such a shape, two V-shaped grooves provided on the outer side surface of two adjacent sides in the square shape of the plate surface are used as a reference, and the two grooves are configured. By stacking the valleys so that the valley surfaces are in contact with the jigs 22-1 and 22-2, they can be stacked at an appropriate relative position.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 3B, the jig 22 is formed on both valley surfaces constituting the V-shaped grooves on the outer side surfaces respectively formed on two opposing sides in the square shape of the plate surface of the lens array 21-1. The lens array 21-1 is arranged so that -3 and 22-4 are in contact with each other. With respect to the lens array 21-1 formed in such a shape, two V-shaped grooves provided on the outer side surface of two opposing sides in the square shape of the plate surface are used as a reference, and the two grooves are configured. These can be stacked at an appropriate relative position by stacking them while arranging the valleys so as to contact the jigs 22-3 and 22-4.

  Further, in FIG. 3C, connecting members that concentrically surround four lenses in 2 rows and 2 columns are connected in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens to form a lens array 21-2. ing. In this shape, the outer edge of the lens array 21-2 formed by the side surface portion of the outer edge of the connecting member for a certain lens and the side surface portion of the outer edge of the connecting member for each of the two lenses adjacent to the lens. The lens array 21-2 is arranged so that the jigs 22-5 and 22-6 are in contact with the two concave portions on the side surface. The lens array 21-2 formed in such a shape is stacked while being arranged so that the concave portions on the outer side surface of the lens array 21-2 are in contact with the jigs 22-5 and 22-6, respectively. Also, these can be overlapped at an appropriate relative position.

  Next, FIG. 4 will be described. This figure shows a fourth example of a positioning method when superimposing lens arrays. In this example, this positioning is performed in the same manner as in the third example shown in FIG. 3, but at this time, the force in the direction in which the portion of each outer edge of the lens array that contacts the jig is pressed against the jig. While applying.

  Lens arrays 21-1 and 21-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “lens array 21”) and jigs 22-1, 22-2, 22-5, and 22 in FIGS. -6 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “jig 22”) is the same as that shown in FIG. In addition, movable jigs 23-1 and 23-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “movable jig 23”) are added to FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively.

  As in the third example described above, after the concave portions (V-shaped grooves are also concave portions) formed on the outer edge of the lens array 21 are arranged so as to contact the jig 22 and stacked, the movable jig 23 is then stacked. Applies a force to the lens array 21 in the directions of the arrows shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, thereby pressing a predetermined portion of the outer edge of the lens array 21 against each of the jigs 22. For example, in the case of joining the lens arrays 21 that are overlapped using a thermosetting adhesive, the adhesive is cured by heating while applying such a force to the lens array 21. By doing so, it is possible to cure the adhesive while maintaining an appropriate overlapping position.

  Next, FIG. 5 will be described. This figure shows a fifth example of the positioning method when the lens arrays are overlapped. In this example, this positioning is performed by superimposing the lens array through a square bar pin in a through hole which is a square hole provided in the lens array.

  In FIG. 5, the connecting member that connects four lenses in 2 rows and 2 columns in the lens array 31 is provided with one through hole having a square hole shape, and is a square bar shape in which the arrangement is fixed. The pin 32 is passed through the through hole. Here, since the cross-sectional shape of the pin 32 is a square and is fitted into a through hole provided in the lens array 31, the lens array 31 does not move. Therefore, by stacking the lens array 31 through such pins 32 in the through holes of such square holes, they can be superimposed at an appropriate relative position.

  Next, FIG. 6 will be described. This figure shows a sixth example of a positioning method when superimposing lens arrays. In this example, this positioning is performed by superimposing the lens array on two through holes provided in the lens array through a round bar-like pin, and one of the through holes is formed as an oblong circle. It is a shape.

  In FIG. 6A, the connecting member connecting the lenses in the lens array 41 is provided with two through holes. One of the through holes has a circular shape, while the other hole has an oval shape. Then, round bar-shaped pins 42-1 and 42-2 having a circular cross-sectional shape and a fixed arrangement are passed through these through holes.

  Here, the through hole having the circular hole shape in the lens array 41 is formed in a shape into which the pin 42-1 which is a round bar is fitted. On the other hand, the diameter of the semicircular portion of the through hole that is the shape of the oval hole in the lens array 41 (the distance between the opposing straight portions on the circumference of the oval) is as shown in FIG. Since the pin 42-2, which is a round bar, is formed so as to substantially coincide with the diameter of the circle of its cross section, the lens array 41 cannot move in the plate surface direction.

  Accordingly, by stacking the lens array 41 through such pins 42-1 and 42-2 in such a through hole, these can be overlapped at an appropriate relative position. Furthermore, by doing in this way, when the pin 42-2 is passed through the through hole for positioning, the contact area between the inner wall of the long hole and the pin 42-2 is reduced. As a result of reducing the frictional force generated at the contact portion when the pin 42-2 is inserted into and removed from the through hole, workability is improved.

  Next, FIG. 7 will be described. This figure shows a seventh example of the positioning method when the lens arrays are overlapped. In this example, this positioning is performed by superimposing the lens array on each of at least two round holes, which are provided in the lens array, through rod-shaped pins. One of them has an elliptical cross-sectional shape.

  In FIG. 7A, the connecting member connecting the lenses in the lens array 51 is provided with two through holes. These through holes are all round holes, that is, the hole shape is circular. Then, rod-like pins 52-1 and 52-2 whose arrangement is fixed are passed through these through holes.

  The pin 52-1 has a round bar shape, that is, a cross-sectional shape that fits into a through hole that is a round hole in the lens array 51. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, which is an enlarged view of the pin 52-2, the cross-sectional shape is an elliptical shape, and the major axis is substantially the same as the diameter of a through hole that is a round hole in the lens array 51. Since they are formed so as to coincide with each other, the lens array 51 cannot move in the plate surface direction.

  Accordingly, by stacking the lens array 51 through such pins 52-1 and 52-2 in such a through hole, these can be overlapped at an appropriate relative position. Further, by doing so, when the pin 52-2 is passed through the through hole for positioning, the inner wall of the through hole having a round shape and the pin 52-2 having an elliptical cross-sectional shape are provided. Since the contact area is reduced, the frictional force generated at the contact portion when the pin 52-2 is inserted into and removed from the through hole is also reduced. As a result, workability is improved.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the shape of the cross section of the pin 52-2 is an elliptical shape. Instead, the cross section of the pin 52-2 is an oval shape. The diameter of the semicircle portion of the oval is smaller than the diameter of the through hole that is a round hole in the lens array 51, and the diameter of the semicircle portion of the oval and the length of the straight portion of the oval is You may form so that the sum (the longest distance between two semicircle parts) may correspond with the diameter of the through-hole which is a round hole in the lens array 51. FIG. By doing so, the frictional force generated at the contact portion when the pin 52-2 is inserted into and removed from the through hole is reduced, and the same action can be obtained.

  Further, the cross section of the pin 52-2 is partially cut off with a straight line, as shown in the cross section of the pin 52-3 shown in FIG. It is good also as the shape (shape which consists of an arc longer than the semicircle in a circle, and the chord about the said arc). By doing so, the frictional force generated at the contact portion when the pin 52-3 is inserted into and removed from the through hole is reduced, and the same action can be obtained.

Next, FIG. 8 will be described. This figure shows an eighth example of the positioning method when the lens arrays are overlapped. In this example, this positioning is performed with reference to at least one through hole provided in the lens array and the outer edge of the lens array.
In FIG. 8, 61-1 and 61-2 are both lens arrays. The connecting members connecting the lenses in the lens arrays 61-1 and 61-2 are provided with through holes. These through holes are all round holes, that is, the hole shape is circular. And the arrangement | positioning is being fixed to these through-holes, and the round bar-like pin 62-1 or 62-3 which is a shape fitted to a through-hole is passed.

62-2 and 62-4 are jigs with fixed arrangements used for positioning the lens arrays 61-1 and 61-2. These touching surfaces are finished flat.
In FIG. 8A, the plate surface of the lens array 61-1 is formed in a circular shape. The lens array 61-1 is arranged so that the jig 62-2 contacts the outer edge of the lens array 61-1. As described above, with reference to the through hole provided in the lens array 61-1 and the outer edge of the lens array 61-1, the pin 62-1 is passed through the through hole and the outer edge is in contact with the jig 62-2. By stacking the lens arrays 61-1 while arranging them as described above, they can be stacked at an appropriate relative position.

  8B, a movable jig 63 is added to FIG. 8A, and the outer edge of the lens array 61-1 through which the pin 62-1 is passed is the jig as shown in FIG. After being arranged so as to be in contact with 62-2 and stacked, the movable jig 63 applies a force to the lens array 61-1 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. A predetermined portion of the outer edge of 1 is pressed against the jig 62-2. For example, when the superposed lens array 61-1 is bonded using a thermosetting adhesive, the adhesive is cured by heating while applying such a force to the lens array 61-1. By doing so, it is possible to cure the adhesive while maintaining an appropriate overlapping position.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 8C, the plate surface of the lens array 61-2 is formed in a square shape. The lens array 61-2 is arranged so that the jig 62-4 is in contact with the outer edge of the lens array 61-2 that is one side of the square. In this way, with reference to the through hole provided in the lens array 61-2 and the outer edge of the lens array 61-2, the pin 62-3 is passed through the through hole and the outer edge is in contact with the jig 62-4. By stacking the lens arrays 61-2 while arranging them as described above, they can be stacked at an appropriate relative position.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the method of positioning of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the positioning method of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the positioning method of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of the positioning method of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the 5th example of the positioning method of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the 6th example of the positioning method of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the 7th example of the positioning method of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the 8th example of the positioning method of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the example of a lens array. It is a figure which shows an example of the manufacturing method of the lens array shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 21-1, 21-2, 31, 41, 51,
61-1, 61-2, 100 Lens array 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, 12-6,
22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4, 22-5, 22-6,
62-2, 62-4 Jigs 13-1, 13-2, 13-3, 23-1, 23-2, 63 Movable jigs 32, 42-1, 42-2, 52-1, 52-2 , 52-3,
62-1 and 62-3 pins 101 lens 102 connecting member 111 first material 112 second material 113 hole 121 lower pressing mold 121-1 lower surface mold 122 upper pressing mold 122-1 upper surface mold

Claims (13)

An optical element is manufactured by stacking and joining a plate-like lens array formed by connecting each of a plurality of lenses in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens in the optical axis direction. In the method
Positioning of superposition when superimposing the lens array is performed with reference to the outer edge of the lens array,
A method for manufacturing an optical element. Providing at least one plane on the outer edge of the lens array;
The positioning is performed with reference to the plane and at least one point excluding the plane at the outer edge.
The method of manufacturing an optical element according to claim 1.   The optical system according to claim 2, wherein the positioning is performed by superimposing the lens arrays so that each of the outer edges of the lens arrays is in contact with a jig. Device manufacturing method.   4. The method of manufacturing an optical element according to claim 3, wherein the positioning is performed while applying a force in a direction in which a portion in contact with the jig among the outer edges of the lens array is pressed against the jig. 5. . Providing at least two recesses on the outer edge of the lens array;
The positioning is performed with respect to the recess.
The method of manufacturing an optical element according to claim 1.   6. The method of manufacturing an optical element according to claim 5, wherein the positioning is performed by superimposing at least two points in each of the recesses so that both are in contact with the jig.   The method of manufacturing an optical element according to claim 6, wherein the positioning is performed while applying a force in a direction in which a point in contact with the jig in each of the recesses is pressed against the jig. An optical element is manufactured by stacking and joining a plate-like lens array formed by connecting each of a plurality of lenses in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens in the optical axis direction. In the method
Positioning of superposition when superimposing the lens arrays is performed by superimposing the lens arrays through square bar-like pins in through holes that are square holes provided in the lens array.
A method for manufacturing an optical element. An optical element is manufactured by stacking and joining a plate-like lens array formed by connecting each of a plurality of lenses in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens in the optical axis direction. In the method
When superimposing the lens arrays, the positioning of the superposition is performed by arranging at least two through-holes provided in the lens array, at least one of which is an oblong shape. By overlapping the lens array through pins,
A method for manufacturing an optical element. An optical element is manufactured by stacking and joining a plate-like lens array formed by connecting each of a plurality of lenses in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens in the optical axis direction. In the method
Positioning of the superposition when superimposing the lens arrays is performed on each of the through-holes that are at least two round holes provided in the lens array, and at least one of them is a cross-sectional shape. Is performed by superimposing the lens array through the pin, which is an ellipse shape, an oval shape, or a shape consisting of an arc longer than a semicircumference in a circle and a chord for the arc,
A method for manufacturing an optical element. An optical element is manufactured by stacking and joining a plate-like lens array formed by connecting each of a plurality of lenses in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens in the optical axis direction. In the method
Positioning of superposition when superimposing the lens arrays is performed with reference to at least one through hole provided in the lens array and an outer edge of the lens array.
A method for manufacturing an optical element.   The positioning is performed by passing a rod-like pin through a through hole provided in each of the lens arrays, and the lens is positioned such that a portion of the outer edge of each of the lens arrays that serves as a positioning reference is in contact with the jig. The method of manufacturing an optical element according to claim 11, wherein the optical elements are overlapped. 13. The method of manufacturing an optical element according to claim 12, wherein the positioning is performed while applying a force in a direction in which a portion of each outer edge of the lens array in contact with the jig is pressed against the jig. .

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