JP5959317B2 - Optical element manufacturing apparatus and optical element manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical element manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for manufacturing optical elements such as lenses, prisms, and mirrors.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method for manufacturing an optical element by press-molding a heat-softened optical element material with a pair of molds is known. In addition, a method for manufacturing an optical element is known in which an optical element material is heated and softened by suspending the optical element material in a gas (see Patent Document 1).

  In the method of manufacturing an optical element described in Patent Document 1, before the optical element material comes into contact with the mold, the center of the optical element material can be heated to a deformable viscosity. Therefore, after the optical element material and the mold start to contact, the process until the optical element material is pressurized and deformed into a desired shape can be completed in a short time.

International Publication No. 2011/145389 Pamphlet

  However, in the method for manufacturing an optical element described in Patent Document 1, the mold waits for the optical element material while the optical element material is suspended in the gas and heated. Therefore, there is a problem in terms of manufacturing efficiency of the optical element.

  An object of the present invention is to improve manufacturing efficiency in an optical element manufacturing apparatus and method for pressurizing heated optical element material that is suspended in a gas.

  The optical element manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of heating units that suspend and heat an optical element material in a gas, a first mold and a second mold that are arranged to face each other, and the heating unit. An optical element material supply mechanism for sequentially supplying the optical element material heated by the first mold and the second mold; the first mold and the second mold; A pressurizing unit that sequentially pressurizes the optical element material supplied between the first mold and the second mold.

The optical element manufacturing apparatus may further include an optical element material receiving portion that receives the optical element material pressurized by the pressure portion.
In the optical element manufacturing apparatus, the optical element material supply mechanism moves the heating unit and the pressing unit relative to each other so that the heating unit and the pressing unit are moved to the optical element material. It is also possible to include a moving means arranged at a position where the ink is supplied.

In the optical element manufacturing apparatus, the moving unit may move the heating unit to a position where the optical element material is supplied.
In the optical element manufacturing apparatus, the plurality of heating units are arranged linearly, and the moving unit moves the plurality of heating units and the pressurizing unit in the arrangement direction of the plurality of heating units. You may make it move relatively.

  Further, in the optical element manufacturing apparatus, the plurality of heating units are arranged in a loop shape, and the moving unit moves the plurality of heating units around, or the pressure unit is moved to the plurality of the plurality of heating units. You may make it circulate through the position which supplies the said optical element material to the said several heating part by making it move around along a heating part.

  In the optical element manufacturing apparatus, the plurality of heating units are arranged in a loop around the pressurizing unit, and the moving unit moves the heating unit to a position for supplying the optical element material. You may make it make it.

  In the optical element manufacturing apparatus, the optical element material receiving portion is dropped from between the first mold and the second mold after being pressed by the pressure section. You may make it receive material.

  Further, in the optical element manufacturing apparatus, the optical element material supply mechanism supplies the optical element material from below between the first mold and the second mold, and receives the optical element material receiver. The unit may move between a position for receiving the optical element material and a position for avoiding interference when the optical element material is supplied by the optical element material supply mechanism.

  In the optical element manufacturing apparatus, the plurality of heating units include a first heating unit and a second heating unit, and the optical element material receiving unit is heated by the first heating unit. The first optical element material receiving part that receives the optical element material that has been pressed by the pressing part, and the optical element material that has been heated by the second heating part and pressed by the pressing part A second optical element material receiving portion that receives the first optical element material receiving portion.

  The optical element manufacturing method of the present invention includes a heating process in which an optical element material is suspended in a gas in each of a plurality of heating units, and the optical element material heated by the heating unit is disposed to face each other. A supply step of sequentially supplying between the first mold and the second mold, and the optical element material supplied between the first mold and the second mold. And a pressurizing step of sequentially pressurizing with the first mold and the second mold.

  The optical element manufacturing method may further include a receiving step of receiving the pressurized optical element material.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of an optical element which pressurizes the optical element material which floated and heated in gas, manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

It is a front view (the 1) which shows the manufacturing device of the optical element concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view (the 2) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 3) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 4) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 5) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 6) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 1) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 2) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 3) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 4) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 5) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 1) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view (the 2) which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing (the 1) for demonstrating the motion of the 1st heating part in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the motion of the 1st heating part in 3rd Embodiment of this invention (the 2). It is a top view which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the optical element which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an optical element manufacturing apparatus and method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
1A to 1F are front views showing an optical element manufacturing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F, the optical element manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a first heating unit 10 and a second heating unit 20, which are examples of a plurality of heating units, an optical element material supply mechanism 30, One movable mold unit 40, a second movable mold unit 50, a mold base part 60, a first optical element material receiving part 70, and a second optical element material receiving part 80 are provided.

The 1st heating part 10 and the 2nd heating part 20 have main-body parts 11 and 21 and gas supply pipes 12 and 22, and float optical element material 100 in gas and heat it.
The main body parts 11 and 21 have a substantially cylindrical shape, have a longitudinal direction extending in the vertical Z-axis direction, and open at the upper end. The main body portions 11 and 21 have an inner diameter of 7 mm, and the optical element material 100 has a diameter of 5 mm. However, these sizes are merely examples. The optical element material 100 is a spherical glass material, but may be other materials such as plastic or may have other shapes.

  The gas supply pipes 12 and 22 supply gas to the main body parts 11 and 21 from a gas supply source (not shown). The gas is heated by a gas heating means such as an electric coil disposed in the main body parts 11 and 21, but may be heated in a gas supply source. The heated gas is sprayed onto the optical element material 100 in the main body parts 11 and 21. Thereby, the optical element material 100 is heated in a state of being suspended in the gas by the heating gas.

  The gas supply amount of the gas supply pipes 12 and 22 may be determined as appropriate depending on the size of the optical element material 100, the sizes of the main body portions 11 and 21, and is 10 L / min in the present embodiment, for example. Although mentioned later, since the 1st heating part 10 and the 2nd heating part 20 move, gas supply pipes 12 and 22 have flexibility, and have sufficient slackness.

Note that the structures of the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20 are not limited to those of the present embodiment as long as the optical element material 100 can be heated by being heated by a heating gas.
The optical element material supply mechanism 30 includes an X-axis guide portion 31, an X-axis slider 32 which is an example of a moving unit, a first Z-axis guide portion 33, a first Z-axis slider 34, and a first heating. A portion support portion 35, a second Z-axis guide portion 36, a second Z-axis slider 37, and a second heating portion support portion 38.

  Although described in detail later, the optical element material supply mechanism 30 will describe the optical element material 100-1 heated by the first heating unit 10 and the optical element material 100-2 heated by the second heating unit 20. Sequentially supplied between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51.

The X-axis guide part 31 has a longitudinal direction extending in the horizontal X-axis direction.
The X-axis slider 32 slides in the X-axis direction with respect to the X-axis guide portion 31.
The first Z-axis guide portion 33 is fixed to the X-axis slider 32.

The first Z-axis slider 34 slides in the Z-axis direction with respect to the first Z-axis guide portion 33.
The first heating unit support unit 35 is fixed to the first Z-axis slider 34 and supports the first heating unit 10 on the outer peripheral surface of the main body unit 11.

Therefore, the first heating unit 10 slides in the Z-axis direction together with the first Z-axis slider 34, and slides in the X-axis direction together with the X-axis slider 32.
The second Z-axis guide part 36 is also fixed to the X-axis slider 32 in the same manner as the first Z-axis guide part 33.

The second Z-axis slider 37 slides in the Z-axis direction with respect to the second Z-axis guide portion 36.
The second heating unit support unit 38 is fixed to the second Z-axis slider 37 and supports the second heating unit 20 on the outer peripheral surface of the main body unit 21.

Therefore, the second heating unit 20 slides in the Z-axis direction together with the second Z-axis slider 37 and slides in the X-axis direction together with the X-axis slider 32.
The X-axis slider 32 moves the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20 in the X-axis direction, so that the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20 and the cylinders 44 and 54 ( The pressure part is moved relatively. As a result, the X-axis slider 32 is configured so that the first heating unit 10 or the second heating unit 20 and the cylinders 44 and 54 are disposed between the first molding die 41 and the second molding die 51. It functions as a moving means arranged at a position where 100 is supplied.

  The first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20 supply the optical element material 100 between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 in the X-axis direction by the X-axis slider 32. It moves to the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) where the optical element material 100 is introduced. In addition, since the 1st heating part 10 and the 2nd heating part 20 slide with the common X-axis slider 32, one of the 1st heating part 10 and the 2nd heating part 20 is a 1st position ( When in P1), the other slides in the second position (P2).

The first movable mold unit 40 includes a first mold 41, a heating block 42, a heat insulating block 43, and a cylinder 44 that is an example of a pressurizing unit.
The second movable mold unit 50 includes a second mold 51, a heating block 52, a cylinder 54, and a cylinder 54 that is an example of a pressurizing unit.

  The 1st shaping | molding die 41 and the 2nd shaping | molding die 51 exhibit substantially cylindrical shape, are arrange | positioned facing the horizontal X-axis direction, and pressurize the optical element material 100. FIG. In the first mold 41 and the second mold 51, for example, convex molding surfaces 41a and 51a are formed in the center. Further, the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 are formed with flange portions 41b and 51b at fixed ends on the heating blocks 42 and 52 side. Note that one of the first molding die 41 and the second molding die 51 arranged to face each other may be a fixed die.

For example, three cylindrical heaters 42a and 52a are inserted into the heating blocks 42 and 52, respectively.
The heat insulating blocks 43 and 53 insulate the heat of the heating blocks 42 and 52.

  The cylinders 44 and 54 move the first molding die 41 and the second molding die 51 together with the heat insulating blocks 43 and 53 and the heating blocks 42 and 52 in the X-axis direction, so that the first molding die 41 and the second molding die are moved. The optical element material 100 supplied between the molds is sequentially pressed.

The mold base portion 60 includes a first movable mold unit mounting portion 61, a second movable mold unit mounting portion 62, and a side wall 63.
The first movable unit 40 is attached to the first movable unit attachment portion 61 at the cylinder 44 portion.

The second movable unit 50 is attached to the second movable unit attachment portion 62 at the cylinder 54 portion.
The first movable unit mounting portion 61 and the second movable unit mounting portion 62 are fixed to both ends of the side wall 63 so as to face each other, and have, for example, a U shape in plan view.

  The first optical element material receiving part 70 and the second optical element material receiving part 80 have, for example, a plate shape extending in the XY plane, and receive the optical element material 100 pressurized by the cylinders 44 and 54. In the present embodiment, the pressed optical element material 100 (manufactured optical element 200) is obtained by moving the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 away from each other at the time of release after pressurization. It falls from between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51.

  And the 1st optical element material receiving part 70 and the 2nd optical element material receiving part 80 receive the optical element material 100 (200) which falls. Although a single optical element material receiving portion can be used, in this embodiment, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 is heated by the first heating portion 10 and pressurized by the cylinders 44 and 54. The optical element material 100-1 (200-1) is received, and the second optical element material receiving part 80 is heated by the second heating part 20 and pressurized by the cylinders 44 and 54. -2 (200-2) is received.

  The first optical element material receiving part 70 and the second optical element material receiving part 80 are moved upward in the Z-axis to perform the first molding in order to shorten the falling distance of the optical element material 100 (200). It is preferable to move closer to the mold 41 and the second mold 51 or to move downward in the Z axis so as to absorb the impact at the moment of contact with the optical element material 100.

  The first optical element material receiving part 70 and the second optical element material receiving part 80 are a receiving position (P11) for receiving the optical element material 100 (200), and supply of the optical element material 100 by the optical element material supply mechanism 30. Move in the X-axis direction over the retracted position (P12) that avoids interference at the time. Since the first optical element material receiving portion 70 and the second optical element material receiving portion 80 have the same height in the Z-axis direction in this embodiment, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 and When one of the second optical element material receiving portions 80 is in the receiving position (P11), the other optical element material receiving portion 80 slides so that the other is in the retracted position (P12).

Hereinafter, the flow of manufacturing the optical element 200 from the optical element material 100 will be described, but the description overlapping with the above description will be omitted.
First, the first heating unit 10 suspends the optical element material 100-1 in the gas in the main body 11 and heats it. Thereby, the optical element material 100-1 is heated, for example until it becomes more than a glass transition point (heating process).

  “Heating” means that heat is applied to the room temperature state. Therefore, for example, by introducing the optical element material 100 in a lower temperature state (for example, a room temperature state) into the main body part 11 than in the main body part 11, the temperature of the optical element material 100 in the main body part 11 is set to room temperature in the heating process. Can be raised to higher temperatures. In addition, for example, by putting the optical element material 100 in a higher temperature state in the main body 11 into the main body 11, the temperature of the optical element material 100 in the main body 11 is higher than room temperature in the heating process. Can be reduced. Further, for example, by putting the optical element material 100 isothermally in the main body 11 into the main body 11, the temperature of the optical element material 100 is kept higher than room temperature in the main body 11 in the heating process. Can do.

  While the first heating unit 10 is heating the optical element material 100-1, the optical element material supply mechanism 30 slides the X-axis slider 32 relative to the X-axis guide part 31 in the X-axis direction. The first heating unit 10 is moved to the position (P1) for supplying the optical element material 100-1 as shown in FIG. 1A.

  Above the first heating unit 10, the optical element 200-2 heated by the second heating unit 20 and pressurized by the cylinders 44 and 54 receives the second optical element material at the receiving position (P11). It is placed on the part 80.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1B, the second optical element material receiving portion 80 moves to the retracted position (P12) that avoids interference when the optical element material 100 is supplied by the optical element material supply mechanism 30. At the retracted position (P12), the optical element 200-2 placed on the second optical element material receiving portion 80 is recovered by the second optical element recovery arm 94 (optical element recovery step).

  Further, the second optical element material charging arm 92 charges the optical element material 100-2 into the main body 21 of the second heating unit 20 (optical element material charging step). And also in the 2nd heating part 20, optical element material 100-2 is heated within the main-body part 21 (heating process).

As shown in FIG. 1C, when the heating of the optical element material 100-1 is completed in the first heating unit 10, the heated optical element material 100 is thrown up from the first heating unit 10 and first molding is performed. Supplied in a non-contact state between the mold 41 and the second mold 51 (supply process).
In this supply step, the first Z-axis slider 34 of the optical element material supply mechanism 30 moves upward in the Z-axis, and the first heating unit 10 is located between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51. By stopping or decelerating before reaching, the optical element material 100-1 is thrown up by inertia.

In order to supply the optical element material 100-1 between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51, the first heating unit 10 is replaced with the first mold 41 and the second mold. You may move up the Z-axis until it reaches the point 51. Further, the optical element material 100-1 may be supplied between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 by increasing the amount of gas blown from the gas supply pipe 12. Good. In this case, a gas supply amount control unit (not shown) functions as a part of the optical element material supply mechanism (30). Further, the optical element material 100-1 may be supplied in a contact state between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 from the first heating unit 10 by a conveying member (not shown).
When the optical element material 100-1 is supplied between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51, the cylinders 44 and 54 connect the first mold 41 and the second mold 51. Keep close.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1D, the optical element material 100-1 is in contact with, for example, the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 at the same time, and the cylinders 44 and 54 are first in the X-axis direction. By further bringing the mold 41 and the second mold 51 closer, the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 are pressurized (pressurizing step). Thereby, the optical element material 100-1 is transferred in a biconcave shape from the convex molding surfaces 41a and 51a of the first molding die 41 and the second molding die 51. And the 1st heating part 10 falls to the position before supply.

  When the optical element material 100-1 is pressurized, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 moves to the receiving position (P11) for receiving the optical element material 100 (200). The movement of the first optical element material receiving portion 70 to the receiving position (P11) is performed in advance of receiving the pressurized optical element 200-1, so that the gas from the first heating portion 10 is transferred. Even if the blowing continues, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 can prevent the gas from being blown to the optical element material 100-1 being pressed.

  In addition, after the pressurization process is completed, that is, after the optical element material 100-1 is pressurized to a desired thickness, the heating blocks of the first movable unit 40 and the second movable unit 50 are heated. The state in which the optical element material 100 is pressurized and held until, for example, below the glass transition point, by lowering the temperature of the heaters 42a and 52a of 42 and 52, or by stopping the heaters 42a and 52a (natural cooling). You may cool as it is (cooling process). The cooling process may be performed without changing the set temperature when the set temperature of the heaters 42a and 52a in the pressurizing process is equal to or lower than the glass transition point.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1E, the optical element 200-1 is dropped by moving the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 away from each other by the cylinders 44 and 54, and the first optical element material receiving portion. 70 receives 200-1. In the first optical element material receiving portion 70, the optical element material 200-1 is not dropped from between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51, but an unillustrated take-out member or the like is optical. The element 200-1 may be taken out from between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 and placed on the first optical element material receiving portion 70.

  Further, the second heating unit 20 moves to the first position (P1) where the optical element material 100-1 is supplied between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51, and the first The heating unit 10 moves to the second position (P2) where the optical element material 100-2 is charged.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1F, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 moves to a retracted position (P12) that avoids interference when the optical element material 100 is supplied by the optical element material supply mechanism 30. At this retracted position (P12), the optical element 200-1 placed on the second optical element material receiving portion 80 is recovered by the first optical element recovery arm 93 (optical element recovery step).

  In addition, the first optical element material charging arm 91 inputs a new optical element material 100-1 into the main body 11 of the first heating unit 10 (optical element material charging step). And in the 1st heating part 10, optical element material 100-1 is heated (heating process).

  In the above operation, the optical element material 100-1 heated by the first heating unit 10 and the optical element material 100-2 heated by the second heating unit 20 are sequentially applied to the first mold 41 and the first. It repeats so that it may be supplied between 2 molds 51, and optical element 200 is manufactured one by one.

  Note that a single optical element material loading arm may serve as both the first optical element material loading arm 91 and the second optical element material loading arm 92. Further, a single optical element recovery arm may serve as both the first optical element recovery arm 93 and the second optical element recovery arm 94. Further, a single arm includes four elements, a first optical element material loading arm 91, a second optical element material loading arm 92, a first optical element recovery arm 93, and a second optical element recovery arm 94. You may make it also serve.

  In the present embodiment described above, the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20 which are examples of a plurality of heating units suspend and heat the optical element materials 100-1 and 100-2 in gas. . The optical element material supply mechanism 30 converts the optical element materials 100-1 and 100-2 heated by the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20 into a first molding die 41, a second molding die 51, and the like. Sequentially supply during The cylinders 44 and 54, which are an example of the pressurizing unit, use the optical element materials 100-1 and 100-2 supplied between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 as the first mold 41. And pressurizing sequentially by the second mold 51.

  Therefore, the optical element material 100 can be heated by the plurality of heating units (the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20), and the first molding is performed while the optical element material 100 is being heated. The optical element material 100 can be pressurized between the mold 41 and the second mold 51.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the manufacturing efficiency of the optical element 200 can be improved in the optical element manufacturing apparatus 1 and the manufacturing method for pressurizing the heated optical element material 100 while being suspended in a gas.

  In the present embodiment, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 and the second optical element material receiving portion 80 which are examples of the optical element material receiving portion are the optical element material 100 pressurized by the cylinders 44 and 54. Receive. Therefore, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 and the second optical element material receiving portion 80 can perform operations such as recovery of the pressurized optical element material 100 and obstruct the manufacture of the optical element 200. The pressed optical element material 100 can also be moved.

  In the present embodiment, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 and the second optical element material receiving portion 80 which are examples of the optical element material receiving portion are pressed by the cylinders 44 and 54 and then the first optical element material receiving portion 80 is pressed. The optical element material 100 that falls from between the mold 41 and the second mold 51 is received. Therefore, the optical element material 100 can be reliably received with a simple configuration.

  In this embodiment, the optical element material supply mechanism 30 supplies the optical element material 100 from below between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51, and is an example of an optical element material receiving portion. The first optical element material receiving unit 70 and the second optical element material receiving unit 80 are provided with a receiving position (P11) for receiving the optical element material 100, and when the optical element material 100 is supplied by the optical element material supply mechanism 30. It moves over the retracted position (P12) that avoids the interference. Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of the optical element 200 can be further improved.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the 1st heating part 10 and the 2nd heating part 20 are used as an example of a some heating part, and it heats by the 1st heating part 10 as an example of an optical element material receiving part. The first optical element material receiving portion 70 for receiving the optical element material 100-1 pressurized by the cylinders 44 and 54 and the optical element heated by the second heating portion 80 and pressurized by the cylinders 44 and 54 A second optical element material receiving portion 80 that receives the material 100-2 is used. Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of the optical element 200 can be further improved. Further, the first optical element material receiving part 70 and the second optical element material receiving part 80 are used to press the gas blown from the first heating part 10 and the second heating part 20 to an optical element material that is being pressurized. It is also possible to suppress spraying on 100.

  In the present embodiment, the optical element material supply mechanism 30 causes the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20 that are examples of the heating unit and the cylinders 44 and 54 that are examples of the pressurizing unit to be relative to each other. By moving the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20 and the cylinders 44 and 54 at the position (P1) where the optical element material 100 is supplied (of the moving means). Example). Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of the optical element 200 can be improved with a simple configuration.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the X-axis slider 32 which is an example of the moving unit is configured to supply the optical element material 100 to the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20 which are examples of the heating unit (P ) Move to 1. Therefore, compared with the case where the 1st movable type unit 40 and the 2nd movable type unit 50 containing the cylinders 44 and 54 which are examples of a pressurization part are moved, manufacture of the optical element 200 with a simpler structure. Efficiency can be improved.

Second Embodiment
2A to 2E are front views showing an optical element manufacturing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the optical element manufacturing apparatus 101 of the present embodiment, the first movable unit 40 and the second movable unit 50 including the cylinders 44 and 54 in which the optical element material supply mechanism 130 is an example of a pressurizing unit are optically coupled. The element material 100 is moved in the X-axis direction to a position where the element material 100 is supplied between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51. Except for this point, the optical element manufacturing apparatus 101 of the present embodiment is the same as the optical element manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, except for the optical element material supply mechanism 130, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are attached to the drawings, and the description thereof is omitted.

The X-axis guide part 131 has a longitudinal direction extending in the horizontal X-axis direction.
The X-axis slider 132 slides in the X-axis direction with respect to the X-axis guide part 131. The first movable mold unit 40 and the second movable mold unit 50 are fixed to the X-axis slider 132 via the mold base portion 60.

The first Z-axis guide part 133 is fixed independently of the X-axis slider 132.
The first Z-axis slider 134 slides in the Z-axis direction with respect to the first Z-axis guide part 133.

The first heating unit support unit 135 is fixed to the first Z-axis slider 134 and supports the first heating unit 10 on the outer peripheral surface of the main body unit 11.
The second Z-axis guide part 136 is fixed independently of the X-axis slider 132 in the same manner as the first Z-axis guide part 133.

The second Z-axis slider 137 slides in the Z-axis direction with respect to the second Z-axis guide part 136.
The second heating unit support unit 138 is fixed to the second Z-axis slider 137 and supports the second heating unit 20 on the outer peripheral surface of the main body unit 21.

  Therefore, the first movable unit 40 and the second movable unit 50 slide in the X-axis direction together with the X-axis slider 132. The first heating unit 10 slides in the Z-axis direction together with the first Z-axis slider 134, and the second heating unit 20 slides in the Z-axis direction together with the second Z-axis slider 137.

  The X-axis slider 132 moves the cylinders 44 and 54 in the X-axis direction so that the first heating unit 10 or the second heating unit 20 and the cylinders 44 and 54 and the first molding die 41 are moved. It functions as a moving means arranged at a position where the optical element material 100 is supplied between the second mold 51.

  The cylinders 44 and 54 (the first movable type unit 40 and the second movable type unit 50) are optical element materials 100-1 heated by the first heating unit 10 in the X-axis direction by the X-axis slider 132. Is supplied between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51, the first position (P1) shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, and the optical element material heated by the second heating unit 20 100-2 moves to the second position (P2) shown in FIG. 2E, which is supplied between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51.

  Hereinafter, the flow of manufacturing the optical element 200 from the optical element material 100 will be described, but the description of the above-described configuration and matters overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted.

  First, the first heating unit 10 suspends the optical element material 100-1 in the gas in the main body 11 and heats it. Thereby, the optical element material 100-1 is heated, for example until it becomes more than a glass transition point (heating process).

  As shown in FIG. 2A, while the first heating unit 10 is heating the optical element material 100-1, the optical element material supply mechanism 130 moves the X-axis slider 132 relative to the X-axis guide part 131. By sliding in the axial direction, the cylinders 44 and 54 of the first movable unit 40 and the second movable unit 50 are moved to the first position (P1).

  The second optical element material receiving portion 80 is located at the retracted position (P12) that avoids interference when the optical element material 100 is supplied by the optical element material supply mechanism 30. At the retracted position (P12), the optical element 200-2 placed on the second optical element material receiving portion 80 is recovered by the second optical element recovery arm 94 (optical element recovery step).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the heating of the optical element material 100-1 is completed in the first heating unit 10, the heated optical element material 100 is thrown up from the first heating unit 10, The first mold 41 and the second mold 51 are supplied in a non-contact state (supply process).

  When the optical element material 100-1 is supplied between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51, the cylinders 44 and 54 connect the first mold 41 and the second mold 51. Keep close.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2C, the optical element material 100-1 contacts, for example, the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 at the same time, and the cylinders 44 and 54 are first in the X-axis direction. By further bringing the mold 41 and the second mold 51 closer, the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 are pressurized (pressurizing step). And the 1st heating part 10 falls to the position before supply.

  When the optical element material 100-1 is pressurized, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 moves to the receiving position (P11) for receiving the optical element material 100 (200). The movement of the first optical element material receiving portion 70 to the receiving position (P11) is performed in advance of receiving the pressurized optical element 200-1, so that the gas from the first heating portion 10 is transferred. Even if the blowing continues, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 can prevent the gas from being blown to the optical element material 100-1 being pressed.

  In addition, the first optical element material charging arm 91 inputs a new optical element material 100-1 into the main body 11 of the first heating unit 10 (optical element material charging step). And in the 1st heating part 10, optical element material 100-1 is heated (heating process).

  In addition, after the pressurization process is completed, that is, after the optical element material 100-1 is pressurized to a desired thickness, the heating blocks of the first movable unit 40 and the second movable unit 50 are heated. The state in which the optical element material 100 is pressurized and held until, for example, below the glass transition point, by lowering the temperature of the heaters 42a, 52a of 42, 52 or by stopping the heaters 52a, 52a (natural cooling). You may cool as it is (cooling process).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2D, the optical element 200-1 is dropped by moving the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 away from each other by the cylinders 44 and 54, and the first optical element material receiving portion. 70 receives 200-1.

  As shown in FIG. 2E, while the first heating unit 10 is heating the optical element material 100-1, the optical element material supply mechanism 130 moves the X-axis slider 132 relative to the X-axis guide part 131. By sliding in the axial direction, the cylinders 44 and 54 of the first movable unit 40 and the second movable unit 50 are moved to the second position (P2).

  As a result, the first optical element material receiving portion 70 does not move, but is positioned at the retracted position (P12) that avoids interference when the optical element material 100 is supplied by the optical element material supply mechanism 130. The optical element 200-1 placed on the first optical element material receiving portion 70 is recovered by the first optical element recovery arm 93 (optical element recovery step).

Further, the second optical element material receiving portion 80 moves and holds the retracted position (P12) that avoids interference when the optical element material 100 is supplied by the optical element material supply mechanism 130.
In the above operation, the optical element material 100-1 heated by the first heating unit 10 and the optical element material 100-2 heated by the second heating unit 20 are sequentially applied to the first mold 41 and the first. It repeats so that it may be supplied between 2 molds 51, and optical element 200 is manufactured one by one.

  Also in this embodiment described above, the optical element material 100 can be heated by a plurality of heating units (the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20), and the optical element material 100 is heated. Since the optical element material 100 can be pressurized between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 while the optical element 200 is being manufactured, the manufacturing efficiency of the optical element 200 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the optical element material supply mechanism 130 includes cylinders 44 and 54 (first movable type unit 40 and second movable type unit 50), which are examples of the pressurizing unit, and the optical element material 100. It moves to the supply position (P1, P2). Therefore, when moving the 1st heating part 10 and the 2nd heating part 20 (especially in order to repeat supply with a short cycle, it is necessary to move the 1st heating part 10 and the 2nd heating part 20 at high speed. The floating state is stable and the inner wall of the first heating unit 10 and the second heating unit 20 collides with the optical element material 100 (defects such as scratches and adhesion of foreign matter), or It is possible to prevent fusion to the inner wall.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the X-axis guide part 131 and the X-axis slider 132 that is an example of a moving unit are used to move the cylinders 44 and 54 that are an example of a pressurizing part has been described. However, as the moving means arranged at the positions (P1, P2) for supplying the optical element material 100 by moving the cylinders 44, 54, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cylinders 44-1, 54-1 are used. The cylinders 44-1 and 54-1 themselves function as moving means for disposing the cylinders 44-1 and 54-1 at positions (P 1 and P 2) where the optical element material 100 is supplied. May be.

  In the optical element manufacturing apparatus 101-1 according to the modification of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first movable mold of the mold base 60-1 due to the long stroke of the cylinders 44-1 and 54-1. The interval between the unit mounting part 61 and the second movable mold unit mounting part 62 is larger than that of the mold base 60 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a front view showing an optical element manufacturing apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
In the optical element manufacturing apparatus 201 of this embodiment, the optical element material supply mechanism 230 drops the optical element material 100 from the first heating unit 210 and the second heating unit 220, thereby causing the first molding die 41 and It supplies between the 2nd shaping | molding die 51. FIG. Further, only one optical element material receiving portion 270 is disposed. Except for these points and configurations related thereto, the optical element manufacturing apparatus 201 of the present embodiment is the same as the optical element manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, except for the optical element material supply mechanism 130, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are attached to the drawings, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The first heating unit 210 and the second heating unit 220 include vertical main body parts 211 and 221, horizontal main body parts 212 and 222, and gas supply pipes 213 and 223, and the optical element material 100 is in the gas. Float with and heat.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the vertical main bodies 211 and 221 have a substantially cylindrical shape, have a longitudinal direction extending in the Z-axis direction, and open at upper and lower ends.
The horizontal main bodies 212 and 222 have a substantially cylindrical shape and have a longitudinal direction extending in the X-axis direction. Further, the horizontal main body portions 212 and 222 are connected to the central portion in the height direction of the vertical main body portions 211 and 221, and supply the gas supplied from the gas supply pipes 213 and 223 to the vertical main body portions 211 and 221.

  The optical element material supply mechanism 230 includes an X-axis guide portion 231, an X-axis slider 232 that is an example of a moving unit, a first heating portion support portion 233, a second heating portion support portion 234, and a shutter 235. Have.

The X-axis guide part 231 has a longitudinal direction extending in the X-axis direction.
The X-axis slider 232 slides in the X-axis direction with respect to the X-axis guide portion 231. A first heating unit support 233 that supports the first heating unit 210 is attached to the X-axis slider 232 in the first heating unit mounting unit 232a. The X-axis slider 232 is attached with a second heating part support part 234 that supports the second heating part 220 in the second heating part attachment part 232b.

  The shutter 235 is formed with a through hole 235 a extending in the Z-axis direction, and the through hole 235 a is positioned above the space between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51. Above the through hole 235a, the vertical main body 211 of the first heating unit 210 and the vertical main body 221 of the second heating unit 220 move alternately. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B, the optical element material 100 is supplied from the lower ends of the vertical main body portions 211 and 221 between the first molding die 41 and the second molding die 51 through the through holes 235a. Can do. The shutter 235 can also block the lower ends of the vertical main body portions 211 and 221 as shown in FIG. 5A.

  The first heating unit 210 and the second heating unit 220 supply the optical element material 100 between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 in the X-axis direction by the X-axis slider 232. It moves to the position and the position where the optical element material 100 is introduced.

  Also in this embodiment, except that the optical element material 100 is dropped from the first heating unit 210 and the second heating unit 220 to be supplied between the first molding die 41 and the second molding die 51. Since the flow of manufacturing the optical element 200 is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Also in the present embodiment described above, the optical element material 100 can be heated by a plurality of heating units (the first heating unit 210 and the second heating unit 220), and the optical element material 100 is heated. Since the optical element material 100 can be pressurized between the first mold 41 and the second mold 51 while the optical element 200 is being manufactured, the manufacturing efficiency of the optical element 200 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the optical element material supply mechanism 230 drops the optical element material 100 from the first heating unit 210 and the second heating unit 220 so that the first molding die 41 and the second molding die. The example in which the optical element material 100 is supplied has been described. However, the direction in which the optical element material 100 is supplied may be a direction that intersects the central axis that connects the centers of the first mold 41 and the second mold 51. That's fine.

  Further, the first molding die 41 and the second molding die 51 may be opposed to each other in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction instead of facing the horizontal direction.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a front view showing an optical element manufacturing apparatus 301 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In the optical element manufacturing apparatus 301 of the present embodiment, the plurality of heating units 310-1 to 310-15 are arranged in a loop. A moving means (not shown) moves the plurality of heating units 310-1 to 310-15 around the optical element material 100 to form the first mold (first movable mold unit 340) and the second mold (first). The second movable unit 350) is circulated to a supply position (position of the heating unit 310-15). Except for these points and the configuration related thereto, the optical element manufacturing apparatus 301 of the present embodiment is the same as the optical element manufacturing apparatuses 1, 101, and 201 of the first to third embodiments. Is omitted.

  Fifteen heating units 310-1 to 310-15 are arranged. Assuming that the timing at which the optical element material 100-1 is supplied by the first optical element material loading arm 91 is the first cycle, pressurization by the first movable unit 340 and the second movable unit 350 in the 15th cycle. The optical element material 100 is heated until the process is started.

  The plurality of heating units 310-1 to 310-15 are, for example, disposed below the first movable type unit 340 and the second movable type unit 350 in the Z-axis direction. Although 100 is thrown up similarly to 1st Embodiment, you may supply by dropping similarly to 3rd Embodiment.

  The first movable unit 340 and the second movable unit 350 (pressurizing unit) may be moved around the plurality of heating units 310-1 to 310-15.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a front view showing an optical element manufacturing apparatus 401 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
In the optical element manufacturing apparatus 401 of the present embodiment, the plurality of heating units 410-1 to 410-15 are loop-shaped around the pressurizing unit (the first movable unit 440 and the second movable unit 450). Is arranged. The moving means (not shown) includes one of the heating units 410-1 to 410-15 (heating unit 410-15), the optical element material 100 and the first molding die (first movable mold unit 440). It moves to the position (position of heating part 410-15) supplied between 2 shaping | molding dies (2nd movable mold unit 450). Except for these points and the configuration related thereto, the optical element manufacturing apparatus 401 of the present embodiment is the same as the optical element manufacturing apparatuses 1, 101, and 201 of the first to third embodiments, and thus detailed description will be made. Is omitted.

  Fifteen heating units 410-1 to 410-15 are arranged. When the timing at which the optical element material 100-1 is supplied by an optical element material loading arm or the like (not shown) is the first cycle, the pressurizing process by the first movable unit 440 and the second movable unit 450 in the 15th cycle. The optical element material 100 is heated until is started.

  The moving means (not shown) moves the plurality of heating units 410-1 to 410-15 around and moves the heating unit 410-15 at a specific position to the supply position, but the plurality of heating units 410-1 to 410-15. The heating units 410-1 to 410-15 may be moved to the supply position without rotating the oscillating.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a front view showing an optical element manufacturing apparatus 501 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
In the optical element manufacturing apparatus 501 of the present embodiment, the plurality of heating units 510-1 to 510-15 are arranged linearly. The moving means (not shown) moves the optical element material 100 to the first molding die (first movable die) by moving all of the plurality of heating units 510-1 to 510-15 in the arrangement direction (X-axis direction). It moves to the position (position of the heating part 310-15) supplied between unit 540) and the 2nd shaping | molding die (2nd movable mold unit 550). Except for these points and the configuration related thereto, the optical element manufacturing apparatus 501 of the present embodiment is the same as the optical element manufacturing apparatuses 1, 101, and 201 of the first to third embodiments. Is omitted.

  Fifteen heating units 510-1 to 510-15 are arranged. If the timing at which the optical element material 100-1 is supplied by an optical element material loading arm or the like (not shown) is the first cycle, the pressurizing process by the first movable type unit 540 and the second movable type unit 550 in the 15th cycle. The optical element material 100 is heated until is started.

  After all of the fifteen heating units 510-1 to 510-15 have reached the supply position, the heating unit 510-15 that has first reached the supply position is moved in the direction opposite to the X-axis direction to the input position of the optical element material 100. It is good to move and perform the operation of 15 cycles anew.

  Note that the plurality of heating units 510-1 to 510-1 are moved by moving the first movable unit 540 and the second movable unit 550 (pressure unit) instead of the plurality of heating units 510-1 to 510-15. 510-15, the first movable unit 540, and the second movable unit 550 (pressure unit) may be relatively moved in the arrangement direction.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Optical element manufacturing apparatus 10: 1st heating part 11: Main body part 12: Gas supply pipe 20: 2nd heating part 21: Main body part 22: Gas supply pipe 30: Optical element material supply mechanism 31: X-axis Guide section 32: X-axis slider 33: First Z-axis guide section 34: First Z-axis slider 35: First heating section support section 36: Second Z-axis guide section 37: Second Z-axis slider 38: 2nd heating part support part 40: 1st movable mold unit 41: 1st shaping | molding die 41a: Molding surface 41b: Flange part 42: Heating block 42a: Heater 43: Heat insulation block 44: Cylinder 50: 2nd Movable mold unit 51: second mold 51a: molding surface 51b: flange 52: heating block 52a: heater 53: heat insulation block 54: cylinder 60: mold base 61: first movable mold unit Attached part 62: second movable unit mounting part 63: side wall 70: first optical element material receiving part 80: second optical element material receiving part 91: first optical element material loading arm 92: second Optical element material loading arm 93: First optical element recovery arm 94: Second optical element recovery arm 100: Optical element material 101: Optical element manufacturing apparatus 131: X-axis guide part 132: X-axis slider 133: First Z-axis guide part 134: 1st Z-axis slider 135: 1st heating part support part 136: 2nd Z-axis guide part 137: 2nd Z-axis slider 138: 2nd heating part support part 200: Optical element 201: Optical element manufacturing apparatus 210: First heating section 211: Vertical main body section 212: Horizontal main body section 213: Gas supply pipe 220: Second heating section 221: Vertical main body section 222: Horizontal main body section 23: Gas supply pipe 230: Optical element material supply mechanism 231: X-axis guide part 232: X-axis slider 232a: First heating part attachment part 232b: Second heating part attachment part 233: First heating part support part 234: second heating unit support unit 235: shutter 235a: through-hole 270: optical element material receiving unit 301: optical element manufacturing apparatus 310: heating unit 340: first movable unit 350: second movable unit 401: optical element manufacturing apparatus 410: heating unit 440: first movable unit 450: second movable type unit 501: optical element manufacturing apparatus 510: heating unit 540: first movable type unit 550: second Movable unit

Claims (11)

A plurality of heating units that heat the optical element material by suspending it in a gas;
A first mold and a second mold disposed opposite to each other;
An optical element material supply mechanism for sequentially supplying the optical element material heated by the heating unit between the first mold and the second mold;
A pressurizing unit that sequentially pressurizes the optical element material supplied between the first mold and the second mold with the first mold and the second mold ;
The optical element material supply mechanism is configured to move the heating unit and the pressurizing unit relative to each other, thereby moving the heating unit and the pressurizing unit to a position for supplying the optical element material. Including an optical element manufacturing apparatus.   The optical element manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an optical element material receiving portion that receives the optical element material pressed by the pressing portion. It said moving means, said heating unit is moved to a position to supply the optical element material, apparatus for manufacturing an optical element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein. The plurality of heating units are arranged linearly,
It said moving means, said plurality of heating portion and the pressing, is relatively moved in the arrangement direction of the plurality of heating portions, the manufacturing apparatus of an optical element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein. The plurality of heating units are arranged in a loop shape,
The moving means moves the plurality of heating units around, or moves the pressurizing unit around the plurality of heating units, so that the plurality of heating units are moved to the optical element material. It is recycled to the position for supplying, manufacturing apparatus of an optical element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein. The plurality of heating units are arranged in a loop around the pressurizing unit,
It said moving means, said heating unit is moved to a position to supply the optical element material, apparatus for manufacturing an optical element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein. A plurality of heating units that heat the optical element material by suspending it in a gas;
A first mold and a second mold disposed opposite to each other;
An optical element material supply mechanism for sequentially supplying the optical element material heated by the heating unit between the first mold and the second mold;
A pressure unit that sequentially pressurizes the optical element material supplied between the first mold and the second mold by the first mold and the second mold;
An optical element material receiving part for receiving the optical element material pressed by the pressing part,
The optical element material receiving unit receives the optical element material falling from between the first mold and the second mold after being pressurized by the pressing apparatus for producing optical optical element . The optical element material supply mechanism supplies the optical element material from below between the first mold and the second mold,
The optical element material receiving unit is set to the position for receiving the optical element material, said moving across the position to avoid interference when the supply of the optical element material by the optical element material supply mechanism according to claim 7, wherein Optical element manufacturing equipment. The plurality of heating units include a first heating unit and a second heating unit,
The optical element material receiving portion is
A first optical element material receiving part that receives the optical element material heated by the first heating part and pressurized by the pressing part;
The optical element manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising: a second optical element material receiving portion that receives the optical element material heated by the second heating portion and pressurized by the pressing portion. . A heating step in which the optical element material is suspended in a gas and heated in each of the plurality of heating units;
A supply step of sequentially supplying the optical element material heated by the heating unit between a first molding die and a second molding die arranged to face each other;
A pressing step of sequentially pressing the optical element material supplied between the first mold and the second mold with the first mold and the second mold ;
In the supplying step, the heating unit and the pressurizing unit are moved relative to each other so that the heating unit and the pressurizing unit are arranged at positions where the optical element material is supplied. . A heating step in which the optical element material is suspended in a gas and heated in each of the plurality of heating units;
A supply step of sequentially supplying the optical element material heated by the heating unit between a first molding die and a second molding die arranged to face each other;
A pressing step of sequentially pressing the optical element material supplied between the first mold and the second mold with the first mold and the second mold;
Receiving the pressurized optical element material ; and
In the receiving step, an optical element manufacturing method of receiving the optical element material falling from between the first mold and the second mold after being pressed by the pressing unit .

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