JPWO2014129146A1 - Optical system assembly apparatus and optical system assembly method - Google Patents

Abstract

In the optical system assembling apparatus and the optical system assembling method of the present invention, an optical system is assembled by press-fitting an optical element into a lens barrel. At the time of the press-fitting, a lens barrel holding jig for holding the lens barrel is supported so as to be swingable, and the optical element is pushed down, whereby the optical element is press-fitted into the lens barrel.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical system assembling apparatus and an optical system assembling method for automatically assembling an optical system such as a lens unit in which an optical element such as a lens or a light shielding plate is fitted in a lens barrel such as a lens holder.

  Conventionally, automatic assembly of a lens unit (lens module) using a microlens has been performed by an assembly device called a so-called scalar robot or a pick-and-place unit using a multi-axis (three or more axes) orthogonal robot.

  This assembly apparatus positions a lens holder (lens barrel) on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and optical elements such as a lens and a light shielding plate are placed in the positioned lens holder from above (along the Z direction). The lens unit is automatically assembled by inserting the lens unit.

  In such an assembly apparatus, high positioning accuracy is required in positioning the lens holder and inserting the optical element into the lens holder. For this reason, for example, a robot (scalar robot, orthogonal robot, etc.) provided with an expensive multi-axis drive mechanism with high positioning accuracy, such as a detection unit for detecting a lens barrel position, has been used.

  However, even in an assembly apparatus equipped with such a multi-axis drive mechanism with high positioning accuracy, errors (position fluctuations) and rattling occur on each axis due to long-term use. For example, a lens holder In some cases, the optical element is fitted into the lens holder while the optical axis of the optical element is inclined with respect to the optical axis (center axis).

  Therefore, in the assembling apparatus described in Patent Document 1, an image processing unit is provided, and the image processing unit images a component such as a lens, measures a positional shift amount of the component, and corrects the positional shift amount. By performing this process, it is possible to maintain high assembly accuracy in the assembly of the optical system.

  However, the assembly apparatus described above is very expensive because it includes an image processing unit in addition to an expensive multi-axis drive mechanism with high positioning accuracy. Moreover, even if the image processing by the image processing unit is used, misrecognition of the position of the component or unrecognition of the component itself occurs due to the influence of variation in the shape of the component such as an optical element or a change in the antireflection coating. For this reason, in some cases, high assembly accuracy may not be maintained in the automatic assembly of the lens unit, for example, the optical element is fitted into the lens holder or the like as described above with the optical axis inclined.

JP 2008-3179 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical system assembling apparatus and an optical system assembling method that are high in assembly accuracy of an optical system and inexpensive.

  In the optical system assembling apparatus and the optical system assembling method according to the present invention, the optical system is assembled by press-fitting an optical element into the lens barrel. At the time of the press-fitting, a lens barrel holding jig for holding the lens barrel is supported so as to be swingable, and the optical element is pushed down, whereby the optical element is press-fitted into the lens barrel. For this reason, such an optical system assembling apparatus and an optical system assembling method can be assembled with high accuracy and at a low cost.

  The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the lens holder assembled by the optical system assembly apparatus in embodiment. It is an expansion perspective view of the lens assembled by the said optical system assembly apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of the jig | tool for conveyance used for the said optical system assembly apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram of the said optical system assembly apparatus. It is a perspective view of the assembly position periphery of a conveyance stand in the optical system assembling apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating positioning by a clamp part. It is a figure for demonstrating 1st pushing-down operation | movement and 2nd pushing-down operation | movement. It is a figure for demonstrating the insertion sequence of the lens to a lens holder. A process of aligning the optical axis of the lens holder with the optical axis of the lens inclined with respect to the vertical direction using the circumferential deviation of the frictional force generated between the peripheral surface of the lens and the optical element placement portion will be described. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the jig | tool for conveyance which concerns on other embodiment, and the pushing-up member corresponding to this.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. In this specification, when referring generically, it shows with the reference symbol which abbreviate | omitted the suffix, and when referring to an individual structure, it shows with the reference symbol which attached the suffix.

  The optical system assembling apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment inserts an optical element 60 such as a lens or a light-shielding plate into a lens holder (lens barrel) 50 held by a conveyance jig (holding tool) 70 by press-fitting. Assemble the lens unit automatically. The conveyance jig is an example of a lens barrel holding jig that holds the lens barrel 50 in a posture in which the optical axis thereof is directed in the vertical direction. In the following, first, the lens holder 50 and the optical element (lens in the example of the present embodiment) 60 constituting the lens unit and the lens holder 50 are used for conveyance and positioning when the lens unit is assembled in the optical system assembly apparatus 10. After describing the jig (conveying jig) 70, the details of the optical system assembling apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lens holder assembled by the optical system assembling apparatus according to the embodiment. 1A is a perspective view of a lens holder, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IB-IB in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a lens assembled by the optical system assembling apparatus. FIG. 3 is a view showing a configuration of a conveying jig used in the optical system assembling apparatus. 3A is a perspective view of the conveying jig, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3A.

  The lens holder 50 is a cylindrical member in which one or a plurality of optical elements such as a lens and a light shielding plate are disposed. The lens holder 50 has an inner peripheral surface 52 in which the optical axis (center axis) C50 is directed in the vertical direction (vertical direction). The inner peripheral surface 52 includes an optical element placement portion 54, a large diameter portion 56 provided above the optical element placement portion 54, and a guide portion 58 provided between the optical element placement portion 54 and the large diameter portion 56. And including.

  The optical element placement portion 54 is a portion where the lens 60 is placed in the inner side (optical axis C50 side) region. When the lens 60 is inserted, the optical element placement portion 54 surrounds the lens 60 in the circumferential direction and the outer peripheral surface of the lens 60. (Peripheral surface) 62 has a shape in which a predetermined frictional force is generated. The optical element placement portion 54 of the present embodiment has a cylindrical peripheral surface shape (cylindrical surface shape). The inner diameter of the optical element placement portion 54 is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the lens 60. Thereby, when the lens 60 is inserted, a frictional force is generated between the lens 60 and the peripheral surface 62. The inner diameter and height dimension of the optical element placement portion 54 are values corresponding to the outer diameter and height dimension of the lens 60 placed in the optical element placement portion 54. In the optical element arrangement portion 54 of the present embodiment, the inner diameter is, for example, 1 to 8 mm, and the height (the vertical dimension) is, for example, 0.2 to 2.0 mm.

  The large-diameter portion 56 has a cylindrical peripheral surface shape having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the optical element arranging portion 54. The shape of the large-diameter portion 56 in plan view is not limited to a circle. When the optical element different from the lens 60 (the optical element disposed in the optical element disposition portion 54) is disposed on the inside of the large diameter portion 56, the large diameter portion 56 has a planar view shape corresponding to the planar view shape of the optical element. I just need it. When the optical element is not disposed, the shape of the large-diameter portion in plan view only needs to be larger than that of the optical element disposition portion 54 (that is, the optical element disposition portion 54 is completely included in the inside in plan view). Any size and shape), and is not limited.

  The guide portion 58 is a surface that connects the upper end of the optical element placement portion 54 and the lower end of the large diameter portion 56. That is, the guide portion 58 is connected to the upper end of the optical element placement portion 54 and is connected to the lower end of the large diameter portion 56. The inner diameter of the guide portion 58 gradually increases upward (that is, gradually decreases downward). The guide portion 58 of the present embodiment is a tapered surface having an inclination of a predetermined angle (for example, 45 °) with respect to the optical axis C50 at each position in the circumferential direction centering on the optical axis C50. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 58 has a shape in which the inner diameter gradually decreases at a constant rate downward, but the shape of the guide portion is not limited to this shape. The guide portion only needs to have an inner diameter that gradually decreases downward, and may be, for example, a curved shape that bulges upward or downward in a cross section passing through the optical axis C50. That is, in the guide portion, the lens 60 is lowered by applying a small downward force (including its own weight) to the lens 60 in a state where the lower peripheral edge portion (chamfered portion) 64 of the lens 60 is in contact. However, the surface may be a surface that is guided to the optical axis (center axis) C50 side (that is, the direction in which the optical axis C50 of the lens holder 50 and the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 coincide).

  The specific configuration of the lens holder 50 is not limited. If the lens holder 50 has a cylindrical shape and the inner peripheral surface 52 includes at least the guide portion 58 and the optical element placement portion 54 connected to the lower side in the vertical direction, the lens holder 50 may have other shapes. Good.

  The lens 60 has a substantially cylindrical appearance. The lens 60 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 62 whose optical axis C60 is directed in the vertical direction (vertical direction) and centered on the optical axis C60. The peripheral edge of the lower end of the lens 60 is chamfered. That is, the lens 60 has a chamfered portion 64 at the lower peripheral edge. The lens 60 (outer peripheral surface 62) has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the optical element arrangement portion 54 of the lens holder 50 (the outer diameter is the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the optical element arrangement portion 54). In the lens 60 of the present embodiment, the outer diameter is 1 to 8 mm, and the height (thickness) is 0.2 to 2.0 mm.

  The conveying jig 70 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance, and is formed of, for example, resin in the present embodiment. Further, the conveying jig 70 is provided at the central portion of the top surface (upper surface) 71 and is depressed downward, and is provided at the central portion of the bottom surface 74 and is depressed upward. And a concave portion 75 for use. The carrier jig 70 has a substantially quadrangular outline (substantially square in the example of the present embodiment) curved so that the four corners bulge outward in plan view. The four corners are curved along an arc concentric with the center (center axis) C70 of the conveying jig 70 in plan view (see FIG. 6A).

  The holding recess 72 is a portion into which the lens holder 50 is fitted, and has a shape corresponding to the lens holder 50. By fitting the lens holder 50 into the holding recess 72, the conveying jig 70 holds the lens holder 50 so as to stand upright with respect to the horizontal plane (ie, the optical axis C50 is oriented in the vertical direction). To do.

  The holding recess 72 has a circular inner peripheral surface 73 concentric with the center C70 of the conveying jig 70 in plan view. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 73 corresponds to the outer diameter of the lens holder 50 to be fitted. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 73 of the present embodiment is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the lens holder 50.

  The push-up concave portion 75 is a portion (concave portion) with which the tip (upper end) abuts when the push-up member 126 extending vertically is raised. Even if the protrusions 75 are repeatedly contacted with the protrusions 126 (protrusion by the protrusions 126) and have irregularities in the portions, the unevenness places the conveyance jig 70 on the conveyance surface 121. It is a recessed part provided so that it may not contact the said conveyance surface 121 when it places. By providing the push-up recess 75, even the transfer jig 70 having the unevenness can slide and move on the transfer surface 121 smoothly and stably. Accordingly, the push-up recess 75 has a shape that does not come into contact with the transfer surface 121 when the transfer jig 70 is placed on the transfer surface 121 even if the unevenness occurs (for example, the portion where the unevenness is generated is the bottom surface 74. The shape is not limited as long as it is a shape that is positioned higher).

  The bottom surface (bottom surface excluding the pushing-up concave portion 75) 74 of the conveying jig 70 is a horizontal surface of the conveying jig 70 in a state where the lens holder 50 is held (the lens holder 50 is fitted in the holding concave portion 72). It has a shape (for example, a horizontal plane shape or the like) that can be moved so as to slide on.

  In addition, the specific external shape of the jig 70 for conveyance is not limited. That is, the conveying jig is generated on the holding recess 72 for holding the lens holder 50 and the unevenness generated by the push-up of the push-up member 126 (the push-up causes the bottom surface of the push-up recess (the upper surface in FIG. 3B)). A concave portion 75 for raising to prevent the concave and convex portions from coming into contact with the conveyance surface 121, and the conveyance surface of the optical system assembly apparatus 10 while maintaining the posture of the lens holder 50 held by the concave portion 72 for holding. Any external shape that can move on the surface 121 may be used.

  Next, the optical system assembling apparatus will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the optical system assembling apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the assembly position of the transport table in the optical system assembling apparatus. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining positioning by the clamp portion. FIG. 6A is a plan view for explaining positioning by the first clamp part, and FIG. 6B is a plan view for explaining positioning by the second clamp part. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the first push-down operation and the second push-down operation. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a lens insertion sequence into the lens holder. FIG. 9 shows that the optical axis of the lens holder is aligned with the optical axis of the lens inclined with respect to the vertical direction by utilizing the circumferential bias of the frictional force generated between the peripheral surface of the lens and the optical element placement portion. It is a figure for demonstrating a process.

  The optical system assembling apparatus 10 includes a transport base unit 12, a transport unit 14 (not shown), an optical element holding unit 16, a positioning unit 18, and a control unit 20.

  The transport table unit 12 includes a metal transport table (base unit) 120, a suction unit 123, and a push-up unit (sandwich unit) 125.

  The transport table 120 is provided with a horizontal surface (transport surface (mounting surface)) 121 on which the transport jig 70 can be placed on the upper side and can be moved so as to slide in the horizontal direction. At its upper end. A suction opening 122 is formed below the insertion bit 160 of the optical element holding unit 16 on the transport surface 121 (see FIG. 4).

  The suction opening 122 is located on the transport surface 121 at the assembly position of the transport jig 70 (the position of the transport jig 70 holding the lens holder 50 when the lens 60 is inserted into the lens holder 50). If present, it is formed (opened) at a position below the conveying jig 70. The suction opening 122 is large enough to cover (close) the entire suction opening 122 with the transport jig 70 when the transport jig 70 is disposed above (assembling position) the suction opening 122. And an opening shape. For this reason, the conveyance jig 70 is disposed on the suction opening 122, that is, the suction portion 123 operates in a state where the conveyance jig 70 is disposed on the conveyance surface 121 so as to close the suction opening 122. As a result, the conveying jig 70 is attracted to the conveying surface 121 and fixed to the position.

  The suction unit 123 is provided on the lower side of the transport table 120, and sucks the air above the transport surface 121 through the suction opening 122 by the suction pump 124.

  The push-up portion 125 holds the lens 60 inserted in the lens holder 50 by the insertion bit 160 and the lens holder 50 in which the lens 60 is inserted between the insertion bit 160 of the optical element holding unit 16. The transporting jig 70 in the state of the above is sandwiched in the vertical direction, and the lens 60 is inserted (pushed) into the optical element placement portion 54. In this pinching, the push-up portion 125 cooperates with the insertion bit 160 so that the conveying jig 70 can swing (specifically, the central axis C70 of the conveying jig 70 swings in the vertical (vertical) direction. In such a state, the lens 60 and the conveying jig 70 are sandwiched (see FIG. 8I). The push-up unit 125 includes a push-up member 126 that pushes the conveyance jig 70 upward, and a push-up drive unit 127 that moves the push-up member 126 up and down (moves up and down) with respect to the conveyance surface 121.

  The push-up member 126 extends in the vertical direction and ascends to push up the bottom portion of the conveying jig 70 (the bottom surface of the push-up concave portion 75) at its tip portion (tip surface 126a). The leading end (upper end) of the push-up member 126 has a shape that makes point contact with the push-up concave portion 75 of the conveying jig 70. For example, specifically, the push-up member 126 has a curved surface 126a bulging upward at the tip thereof. The push-up member 126 of this embodiment has a hemispherical surface 126a at the tip thereof.

  In addition, the specific shape of the front end surface 126a of the push-up member 126 is not limited. That is, the front end surface 126a of the push-up member 126 can swing the transfer jig 70 when the transfer jig 70 is pushed up by the push-up member 126 and is separated from the transfer surface 121, and the transfer jig 70 can move. Any shape may be used as long as the center axis C70 of the tool 70 is in point contact with the push-up recess 75 in either the state where the central axis C70 is aligned or inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

  The push-up drive unit 127 moves the push-up member 126 up and down (moves up and down) while maintaining a posture in which the central axis is directed in the vertical direction. The push-up drive unit 127 according to the present embodiment raises the push-up member 126 from the initial position to the sandwiching position, or lowers the thrust member 126 from the sandwiching position to the initial position. The initial position of the push-up member 126 is a position where the tip (upper end) of the push-up member 126 is below the transport surface 121 (see FIG. 8A). Further, the sandwiching position is a position where the conveying jig 70 pushed up by the pushing member 126 is separated from the conveying surface 121 (in this embodiment, the conveying jig 70 is separated from the conveying surface 121 by about several mm). (Refer to FIG. 8I).

  The push-up drive unit 127 of the present embodiment is a so-called electric actuator that raises and lowers the push-up member 126 by a motor (not shown), but is not limited to this configuration. The push-up drive unit 127 may be an actuator of another drive system such as a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator, for example. That is, the push-up drive unit 127 may be a mechanism that can move the push-up member 126 up and down (up and down) with a predetermined positional accuracy.

  The conveyance unit 14 (not shown) is a device that moves the conveyance jig 70 placed on the conveyance surface 121 of the conveyance table 120. The transport unit 14 moves the transport jig 70 by sliding on the transport surface 121 by pressing the peripheral surface (side surface) of the transport jig 70. The transport unit 14 of the present embodiment pushes and moves the transport jig 70 in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG.

  The optical element holding unit 16 includes an insertion bit (optical element holding unit) 160 that holds the lens 60 at the lower end thereof, and an insertion bit driving unit 164 that drives the insertion bit 160.

  The insertion bit 160 is fixed to (attached to) the insertion bit driving unit 164 and a holding unit that is provided on the lower side of the insertion bit main body 161 and holds the lens 60 and the like inserted into the lens holder 50. (Columnar holding portion) 162. The insertion bit main body 161 has a suction portion (not shown) such as a suction pump inside, and the holding portion 162 holds (sucks) and releases the lens 60 by operation (suction) and stop of the suction portion. The holding part 162 extends downward from the lower end of the insertion bit main body 161, and is configured to be able to attract the lens 60 or the like to the lower end (front end). The holding part 162 of the present embodiment has a columnar appearance shape with the central axis C160 facing the vertical direction, and the outer diameter thereof is the same as the outer diameter of the lens 60 held by the holding part 162.

  The insertion bit driving unit 164 moves the insertion bit 160 up and down (up and down). The insertion bit driving unit 164 of this embodiment drives the head 165 along the rail portion 166, a head 165 to which the insertion bit 160 is fixed (attached), a rail portion 166 that guides the head 165 in the vertical direction, and the head 165. A head driving unit (motor in the example of this embodiment) 167. The insertion bit drive unit 164 of the present embodiment is a so-called electric actuator that drives the head 165 to reciprocate by the motor 167, but is not limited thereto. The insertion bit drive unit 164 may be an actuator of another drive system such as a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator, for example. That is, the insertion bit drive unit 164 may be any mechanism that can move the insertion bit 160 up and down (up and down) with a predetermined positional accuracy.

  The positioning unit 18 positions the lens holder 50 in the horizontal direction with respect to the lens 60 held by the insertion bit 160 below the insertion bit 160. The positioning unit 18 of the present embodiment aims to align the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 held by the insertion bit 160 with the optical axis C50 of the lens holder 50, and transports the lens holder 50 in a held state. The jig 70 is positioned on the transport surface 121. The positioning unit 18 includes a first clamp unit (lens barrel positioning unit) 180 and a second clamp unit (optical element positioning unit) 190.

  The first clamp part 180 is arranged so that the center axis C160 of the insertion bit 160 (holding part 162) and the optical axis C50 of the lens holder 50 coincide with each other. Position the direction. In other words, the first clamp unit 180 positions the lens holder 50 in the horizontal direction with respect to the insertion bit 160 (holding unit 162) through the horizontal positioning of the conveyance jig 70 with respect to the insertion bit 160. The first clamp unit 180 includes a first drive unit 182 that reciprocates the first clamp (V clamp) 181 and the first clamp 181 along the conveyance surface 121 (in the horizontal direction in the example of the present embodiment), A second drive unit 184 that reciprocates the two clamps (flat clamp) 183 and the second clamp 183 along the conveyance surface 121 (in the horizontal direction in the example of the present embodiment) and in the same direction as the reciprocating movement of the first clamp 181. And comprising. The first clamp unit 180 positions the conveyance jig 70 in the horizontal direction with respect to the insertion bit 160 by sandwiching the conveyance jig 70 from the horizontal direction by the first clamp 181 and the second clamp 183. As a result, the center axis C160 of the insertion bit 160 (holding portion 162) and the center axis C50 of the lens holder 50 held by the conveying jig 70 (holding recess 72) coincide or substantially coincide.

  The first clamps (V clamps) 181 are provided with an interval in a state where they stand upright (upright) with respect to the conveyance surface 121 and intersect with each other in a plane view (for example, orthogonal in this embodiment). A pair of contact surfaces 185 and 185 are provided (see FIG. 6A). The pair of contact surfaces 185 and 185 have height dimensions that can contact both the transfer jig 70 and the insertion bit main body 161 when the transfer jig 70 is positioned. Accordingly, the conveyance jig 70 is brought into contact with the pair of contact surfaces 185 and 185 in a state where the insertion bit main body 161 is in contact with the pair of contact surfaces 185 and 185, thereby conveying the insertion bit 160. The jig 70 can be positioned in the horizontal direction. The pair of contact surfaces 185 and 185 of the present embodiment contacts the corners of the conveyance jig 70 that is a curved surface when the conveyance jig 70 is positioned.

  In the optical system assembling apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the pair of contact surfaces 185 so that the third clamp 191 of the second clamp unit 190 can pass between the pair of contact surfaces 185 and 185 (see FIG. 5). , 185 are arranged apart from each other, but may constitute one surface (surface bent at the center) having a V-shape in plan view. That is, the surface of the first clamp 181 that contacts the conveying jig 70 (contact surface) may be any shape that can contact the circumferential surface at two or more locations in the circumferential direction. If the contact surface has such a shape, the contact area can be suppressed while ensuring the number of contact points, and thus the circumference with respect to the clamp having the contact surface (for example, the first clamp 181). It is possible to accurately position a part (for example, the conveying jig 70) having a surface (including a circumferential surface intermittent in the circumferential direction such as curved surfaces at four corners of the conveying jig 70) on the conveying surface 121. Become.

  In addition, the distance between the pair of contact surfaces 185 and 185 in the present embodiment (horizontal distance) is the third clamp 191 of the second clamp part 190 or a part of the drive part 192 that drives the third clamp 191 (third clamp). The drive shaft etc. connected to 191 are set to dimensions that can pass through.

  The second clamp (flat clamp) 183 has a contact surface 186 that is disposed at a position facing the first clamp 181 in the horizontal direction and stands upright (upright) with respect to the conveyance surface 121. The contact surface 186 of the second clamp 183 is opposed to the first clamp 181 while standing with respect to the transport surface 121. Specifically, the contact surface 186 faces the direction in which the normal line of the contact surface 186 passes through an intermediate position between the pair of contact surfaces 185 and 185 of the first clamp 181 in plan view. The contact surface 186 of the second clamp 183 of the present embodiment is oriented in a direction of 45 ° with respect to each contact surface 185 of the first clamp 181. The contact surface 186 has a height dimension that allows the conveyance jig 70 to be sandwiched between the contact surface 186 and the first clamp 181.

  The second clamp 183 presses the conveying jig 70 against the first clamp 181 so as to be sandwiched between the first clamp 181 and thereby the conveying jig for the insertion bit 160 in contact with the first clamp 181. The horizontal positioning of 70 is accurately performed.

  The second clamp unit 190 aims to align the central axis C160 of the insertion bit 160 (holding unit 162) with the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 held by the holding unit 162, and the lens 60 with respect to the holding unit 162. Perform horizontal positioning. The second clamp unit 190 includes a pair of third clamps (lens clamps) 191 and 191 and a third drive unit 192 that reciprocates the third clamps 191 so as to approach and separate from each other in the horizontal direction. , 192. Each 3rd clamp 191 is each provided with the contact surface 193 of planar view V shape as FIG. 6B shows. Each of the contact surfaces 193 is provided so as to face each other. And the 2nd clamp part 190 pinches | interposes the lower end part of the holding | maintenance part 162 and the lens 60 currently hold | maintained at this lower end part with a pair of 3rd clamps 191 and 191 with respect to the holding | maintenance part 162. The lens 60 is positioned in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 8D). That is, in the present embodiment, the second clamp part 190 has the same (substantially the same) outer diameter of the holding part 162 of the insertion bit 160 and the outer diameter of the lens 60 held by the holding part 162. The second clamp portion 190 sandwiches the lower end portion of the holding portion 162 and the lens 60 held on the lower end portion by the pair of third clamps 191 and 191 so that the central axis C160 of the holding portion 162 and The optical axis C60 of the lens 60 can be matched (or substantially matched).

  The third clamp 191 only needs to have a height dimension that sandwiches at least the lower end portion of the holding portion 162 together with the lens 60. However, in the case of the holding part 162 having a cylindrical outer shape with the same outer diameter at each position in the vertical direction as in the present embodiment, the third clamps 191 and 191 include the entire holding part 162 and the lens 60 in the vertical direction. May be sandwiched from the horizontal direction.

  The control unit 20 controls each part of the optical system assembly apparatus 10 according to the function of each part in order to assemble the lens unit. The control unit 20 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), various programs executed by the CPU, data required for the execution, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only). A non-volatile memory element such as Memory), a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) serving as a so-called working memory of the CPU, and a microcomputer including peripheral circuits thereof.

  The control unit 20 configured in this manner is functionally controlled by the control unit 20 executing a program, so that the conveyance control unit 201, the suction fixing control unit 202, the insertion bit control unit 203, and the positioning control are functionally performed. The unit 204 and the push-up control unit 207 are configured.

  The conveyance control unit 201 controls the conveyance unit 14 (specifically, each drive unit (motor or the like) of the conveyance unit 14), and performs an initial position on the conveyance surface 121 (for example, a conveyance jig 70 using a holder supply device or the like). The transfer jig 70 arranged at a position where the lens holder 50 is supplied to the assembly position (below the insertion bit 160) is moved.

  The suction fixing control unit 202 controls the suction unit 123 of the transport base unit 12 to suck the transport jig 70 at the assembly position and fix it to the position, or stop the suction and fix it by the suction. The transporting jig 70 in the state where it has been released is released (movable). When the conveyance jig 70 is positioned on the conveyance surface 121 by the positioning unit 18, the suction fixing control unit 202 of the present embodiment controls the suction unit 123 to suck the conveyance jig 70 to the position. Fix it. Then, the suction fixing control unit 202 controls the suction unit 123 to stop the suction before the transport jig 70 is pushed up by the push-up member 126, and the transport jig fixed on the transport surface 121 by the suction. The tool 70 is released.

  The insertion bit control unit 203 controls the suction unit (not shown) of the insertion bit main body 161 to attract (hold) the lens 60 to the lower end of the holding unit 162 or to release the lens 60 from the holding unit 162. It has a control unit 205 and a vertical movement control unit 206 that controls the insertion bit driving unit 164 to control the vertical movement (lifting) of the insertion bit 160. Specifically, the insertion bit control unit 203 (the insertion bit suction control unit 205 and the vertical movement control unit 206) controls the insertion bit 160 and the insertion bit drive unit 164 as follows.

  First, the insertion bit suction control unit 205 operates the suction unit (not shown) of the insertion bit 160, and the lens 60 supplied by the optical element supply device (not shown) or the like, or the lens disposed in the lens conveyance jig or the like. 60 is held by the insertion bit 160 (that is, the lens 60 is attracted by the insertion bit 160), and the vertical movement control unit 206 controls the insertion bit drive unit 164 to move the insertion bit 160 in this state to the upper end position (up) ) This upper end position is a position where the lens 60 held at the lower end of the insertion bit 160 is above the upper end of the lens holder 50 held by the conveying jig 70.

  Next, when the conveyance jig 70 holding the lens holder 50 is conveyed to the assembly position of the conveyance surface 121, the vertical movement control unit 206 controls the insertion bit driving unit 164 to move the insertion bit 160 to the clamp position. Lower. The clamp position is a height at which the first clamp 181 (specifically, the pair of contact surfaces 185 and 185) can contact both the conveying jig 70 and the insertion bit body 161 during positioning by the positioning unit 18. It is the position.

  Next, when the positioning jig 18 positions the conveyance jig 70 with respect to the insertion bit 160 (that is, when the optical axis C50 of the lens holder 50 and the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 match or substantially match), the vertical movement is performed. The control unit 206 controls the insertion bit driving unit 164 to lower the insertion bit 160 in a state of holding the lens 60, and the lens holder holding the lens 60 held at the lower end of the holding unit 162 to the conveyance jig 70. Insert into 50.

  When the chamfered portion (peripheral portion) 64 at the lower end of the lens 60 contacts (contacts) the guide portion 58 in the lens holder 50 (see FIG. 7A), the vertical movement control unit 206 controls the insertion bit driving unit 164 to insert. Stop descent of bit 160. The contact of the lens 60 (the chamfered portion 64) with the guide portion 58 may be detected by a resistance change or a sensor when the insertion bit 160 is lowered, and the insertion bit 160 is lowered to a predetermined height position. Accordingly, it may be determined that the chamfered portion 64 of the lens 60 is in contact with the guide portion 58 of the lens holder 50 (which may be fake).

  When the chamfered portion 64 comes into contact with the guide portion 58, the insertion bit suction control unit 205 stops the suction portion (not shown) of the insertion bit main body 161 and releases the lens 60 held by the insertion bit 160. As a result, the lens 60 can move in the horizontal direction with respect to the insertion bit 160 (holding portion 162).

  Then, in a state where the insertion bit 160 releases the lens 60, the vertical movement control unit 206 controls the insertion bit driving unit 164 to lower the insertion bit 160 to the first height position (performs a first push-down operation). (See FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C). The first depressing operation is an operation of depressing the lens 60 until the lens 60 reaches the lower end of the guide portion 58, and this first height position is the same as that of the guide portion 58 in the lens 60. The contact portion (the chamfered portion 64 in the example of the present embodiment) is a height position (see FIG. 7C) that matches the lower end position of the guide portion 58.

  As a result, the lens 60 is pushed downward by the lower end of the holding portion 162. At this time, the lens 60 is released from being attracted by the holding portion 162, and the guide portion 58 of the lens holder 50 and the chamfered portion 64 at the lower end of the lens 60 are inclined, so that the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 is caused by the guide portion 58. Guided (moved) in a direction coinciding with the optical axis C50 of the lens holder 50. In this first push-down operation, the insertion bit 160 pushes down the lens 60 with a force of, for example, 0N or more and 3N or less (3N force in the example of the present embodiment). By pushing down the lens 60 with a force within this range, the lens 60 (optical axis C60) is fitted into the optical element placement portion 54 in a tilted state, or the optical element placement portion 54 is damaged by the lens 60 when fitted. Is prevented.

  When the first push-down operation is completed, the conveyance jig 70 is pushed up by the push-up member 126 and separated from the conveyance surface 121. In this state, the vertical movement control unit 206 controls the insertion bit drive unit 164 to perform insertion. The bit 160 is lowered to the second height position (second pressing operation is performed: see FIGS. 7C to 7D). The second depressing operation is an operation of performing a second depressing operation for further depressing the optical element downward after the first depressing operation. Thereby, the lens 60 is inserted (press-fit in this embodiment) up to the arrangement position of the lens 60 in the lens holder 50 (arrangement position planned in the lens unit). In the second push-down operation, the insertion bit 160 pushes down the lens 60 with a force larger than that in the first push-down operation, for example, a force of 5N or more and 10N or less (7N force in the example of the present embodiment). By depressing the lens 60 with a force in this range, the lens 60 is fitted (press-fitted) into the optical element placement portion 54 having an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter.

  When the insertion bit 160 is lowered to the second height position, the push-up member 126 is lowered and the conveyance jig 70 is lowered onto the conveyance surface 121. Thereafter, the vertical movement control unit 206 moves the insertion bit drive unit 164. Control to raise the insertion bit 160 to the upper end position. Thereby, the insertion (assembly / arrangement) of the lens 60 into the lens holder 50 is completed. Note that the lowering of the push-up member 126 and the raising of the insertion bit 160 may be performed simultaneously.

  The positioning control unit 204 controls the driving units 182, 184, and 192 of the first clamp unit 180 and the second clamp unit 190, thereby conveying the conveyance jig 70 conveyed to the assembly position by the conveyance unit 14. Positioning with respect to the insertion bit 160 is performed. Specifically, it is as follows.

  First, the positioning control unit 204 controls the first clamp unit 180 to position the conveyance jig 70 with respect to the insertion bit 160. Specifically, the positioning control unit 204 controls the first drive unit 182 of the first clamp 181 to advance the first clamp 181. When the pair of contact surfaces 185 and 185 of the first clamp 181 contact the insertion bit main body 161, the positioning control unit 204 stops the advancement of the first clamp 181 and the second drive unit 184 of the second clamp 183. To advance the second clamp 183. When the second clamp 183 moves forward to a predetermined position (a position where the conveying jig 70 is sandwiched between the first clamp 181 and the second clamp 183), the positioning control unit 204 moves the second clamp 183 forward. Stop. Thereby, the positioning of the conveying jig 70 with respect to the insertion bit 160 is completed.

  Next, the positioning control unit 204 controls the second clamp unit 190 to position the lens 60 with respect to the holding unit 162 of the insertion bit 160. Specifically, the positioning control unit 204 controls the third driving units 192 to advance the third clamps 191 respectively, and the pair of third clamps 191 and 191 sandwich the lower end of the holding unit 162 and the lens 60 together. As a result, the central axis C160 of the holding portion 162 of the insertion bit 160 and the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 held by the holding portion 162 coincide (or substantially coincide).

  As described above, the first clamp portion 180 and the second clamp portion 190 position the conveyance jig 70 with respect to the insertion bit 160 and the lens 60 with respect to the holding portion 162 of the insertion bit 160. The optical axis C60 of the lens 60 held by the insertion bit 160 and the optical axis (center axis) C50 of the lens holder 50 held by the conveyance jig 70 are aligned or substantially matched in the horizontal direction.

  Subsequently, the positioning control unit 204 retracts each clamp (the first clamp 181 and the second clamp 183 of the first clamp unit 180 and the pair of third clamps 191 and 191 of the second clamp unit 190), respectively. The positioning of the transfer jig 70 with respect to the insertion bit 160 is completed.

  In the present embodiment, after the conveyance jig 70 is positioned with respect to the insertion bit 160 by the first clamp unit 180, the lens 60 (holding to the holding unit 162 of the insertion bit 160 is performed by the second clamp unit 190. Although the positioning of the lens 60) held by the portion 162 is performed, the present invention is not limited to this control. For example, the first clamp unit 180 and the second clamp unit 190 may be controlled to operate simultaneously, and the second clamp unit 190 may operate before the first clamp unit 180. May be controlled.

  The push-up control unit 207 controls the push-up drive unit 127 and moves the push-up member 126 after the insertion bit control unit 203 (specifically, the vertical movement control unit 206) causes the insertion bit 160 to perform the first push-down operation. Raise from the initial position to the pinching position. Further, the push-up control unit 207 controls the push-up driving unit 127 after the insertion bit control unit 203 causes the insertion bit 160 to perform the second push-down operation, and lowers the push-up member 126 from the sandwiching position to the initial position. .

  Next, the assembly of the lens unit in the optical system assembly apparatus 10 (the operation of inserting the lens 60 into the lens holder 50) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8L and FIGS. 9A to 9E. 8A to 8H, the push-up member 126 is omitted.

  The insertion bit 160 holds (sucks) the lens 60 supplied from the optical element supply device or the like, and rises to the upper end position. When the insertion bit 160 is raised to the upper end position, the conveyance unit 14 conveys the conveyance jig 70 holding the lens holder 50 to the assembly position.

  When the transport jig 70 is transported to the assembly position (position where the suction opening 122 of the transport surface 121 is closed (covered)), the insertion bit 160 is lowered to the clamp position, as shown in FIG. 8A. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8B, the first clamp 181 moves forward until the pair of contact surfaces 185, 185 touch the insertion bit body 161, and then the second clamp 183 moves forward to move the first clamp. The conveying jig 70 is sandwiched between the two. Thereby, the conveyance jig 70 is pressed against the first clamp 181, and the conveyance jig 70 (that is, the lens holder 50) is positioned with respect to the insertion bit 160.

  Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the suction pump 124 of the transport table 12 starts suction, and the transport jig 70 is sucked and fixed to the transport surface 121.

  When the conveyance jig 70 is thus fixed by suction, the lens 60 is positioned with respect to the holding portion 162 of the insertion bit 160 by the second clamp portion 190 as shown in FIG. 8D. Specifically, the pair of third clamps 191 and 191 advance to sandwich the lower end of the holding portion 162 and the lens 60 together from the horizontal direction. Thereby, the central axis C160 of the holding part 162 and the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 are matched or substantially matched.

  As described above, in the optical system assembly device 10, the lens holder 50 is positioned with respect to the insertion bit 160 by the first clamp unit 180, and then the lens 60 is positioned with respect to the insertion bit 160 by the second clamp unit 190. By doing so, positioning of the lens 60 with respect to the lens holder 50 is performed.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 8E and 8F, when the first clamp 181 retracts after the second and third clamps 183, 191 and 191 retract, the insertion bit 160 descends and the lens 60 is attached to the lens holder. 50.

  When the chamfered portion 64 of the lens 60 comes into contact with the guide portion 58 of the inner peripheral surface 52 of the lens holder 50, the insertion bit 160 stops the lowering and stops the suction of the lens 60 and releases it. When the lens 60 is released, subsequently, the insertion bit 160 performs a first pressing operation (pressing with a force of 3N in the example of the present embodiment) as shown in FIG. 8G. As a result, the lens 60 is guided and lowered by the guide portion 58, and the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 moves in a direction that coincides with the optical axis C50 of the lens holder 50 (optical element placement portion 54).

  When the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 and the optical axis C50 of the lens holder 50 coincide with each other, as shown in FIG. 8H, the suction unit 123 of the transport base unit 12 stops the suction, and the suction is performed on the transport surface 121 by the suction. The transfer jig 70 that has been fixed to is released.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8I, the push-up member 126 rises from the initial position, pushes up the bottom portion (specifically, the push-up recess 75) of the transfer jig 70, and lifts the transfer jig 70 from the transfer surface 121. (Separate). At this time, since the tip end surface 126a of the push-up member 126 has a hemispherical shape that bulges upward (a shape that makes point contact with the bottom surface of the push-up recess 75), the conveying jig 70 is in a swingable state. Become. That is, the lens 60 inserted inside the lens holder 50 and the conveying jig 70 holding the lens holder 50 are separated from the conveying surface 121 and the optical axis C50 of the lens holder 50 is in the vertical direction. The insertion bit 160 and the push-up member 126 are sandwiched in a swingable state.

  The insertion bit performs the second push-down operation (push down with a force of 7N in the example of the present embodiment) as shown in FIG. 8J while the transfer jig 70 is swingable.

  At this time, if the distance (deviation amount) between the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 and the central axis C160 of the holding portion 162 is small (see FIG. 7C), the optical element is not tilted by the second push-down operation. It is inserted (press-fitted) straight into the placement portion 54.

  On the other hand, when the amount of deviation is large (see FIG. 9A), the magnitude of the downward force applied from the holding portion 162 to the lens 60 varies greatly depending on the location (that is, the portion near the central axis C160 of the holding portion 162 is large). As the distance from the central axis C160 becomes smaller, refer to FIG. 9B. As a result, the lens 60 tries to fit in the optical element placement portion 54 in an inclined state (see FIG. 9C). However, in the optical system assembling apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the conveyance jig 70 (that is, the lens holder 50) is sandwiched between the insertion bit 160 and the push-up member 126 in a swingable state. Bias in the circumferential direction of the frictional force between the outer peripheral surface 62 of the lens 60 and the optical element placement portion 54 due to the inclination of the lens 60 (specifically, the optical axis C60 is tilted with respect to the optical axis C50 of the optical element placement portion 54). (Difference in the magnitude of the frictional force generated at each position in the circumferential direction of the lens outer circumferential surface 62 when the lens 60 is pushed into the optical element placement portion 54 along the optical axis C50 in the posture) Accordingly, the lens holder 50 is tilted following the tilted posture of the lens 60 (the tilt of the optical axis C60 with respect to the vertical direction). That is, it tilts together with the lens holder 50 held by the conveying jig 70 in a direction to eliminate the uneven frictional force in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 9D). Thus, when the second push-down operation is performed by the insertion bit 160, the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 and the optical axis C50 of the lens holder 50 coincide with each other, and the bias of the circumferential frictional force is eliminated. The lens 60 is pushed straightly (along the optical axis C50) with respect to the optical element arrangement part (optical element arrangement part in a posture in which the optical axis C50 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction) 54 following the inclination of 60 (FIG. 9E).

  When the lens 60 is press-fitted to the position of the lens 60 in the lens holder 50, as shown in FIGS. 8K and 8L, the push-up member 126 is lowered to the initial position, and the insertion bit 160 is raised to the upper end position. The transport unit 14 transports (moves) the transport jig 70 holding the lens holder 50 in which the lens 60 is inserted to a predetermined position.

  In the optical system assembly device 10, the above steps are repeated.

  In the optical system assembling apparatus 10 as described above, when the lens 60 is pushed into the lens holder 50 (optical element placement portion 54) pushed toward the lens 60 via the conveying jig 70, the lens holder 60 ( Even when the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 is inclined with respect to the optical axis C50 of the optical element arranging portion 54) (including the case where the optical axis C60 is inclined in the middle of insertion), the lens in a state in which the conveying jig 70 can swing. 60 and the conveying jig 70 (specifically, the conveying jig 70 that holds the lens holder 50 in which the lens 60 is inserted) are sandwiched between the peripheral surfaces of the lens 60 (when the optical axis C60 is inclined). The optical axis C60 of the lens 60 due to the circumferential bias of the frictional force generated between the outer circumferential surface 62 and the optical element placement portion 54 (distribution of the circumferentially biased frictional force due to the tilt (see FIG. 9C)). Against that light The lens holder 50 so as C50 match (details lens holder 50 conveying jig 70 for holding) is inclined (swung). As a result, the lens 60 can go straight into the optical element holding portion 54 in a state where the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 and the optical axis C50 of the optical element placement portion 54 coincide with each other, and as a result, the assembly accuracy is sufficiently high. Secured.

  In addition, an image processing unit such as an image processing unit or a calculation unit for calculating a correction amount based on the imaging result, a mechanism for correcting a shift of each driving unit based on the obtained correction amount, etc. A complicated and expensive configuration may not be provided, that is, a simple mechanism in which the lens 60 inserted in the lens holder 50 and the conveying jig 70 holding the lens holder 50 are sandwiched from above and below. As long as it is provided, the price of the optical system assembling apparatus 10 can be reduced.

  As in the optical system assembling apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which a small member such as the conveying jig 70 is pushed up, the conveying jig 70 is placed and the lens 60 is assembled. Compared with the case where a large member such as the conveyance table 120 having the conveyance surface (mounting surface) 121 is lowered, the bottom portion (the push-up recess 75) of the conveyance jig 70 is separated from the conveyance surface 121 by a simpler configuration. Thus, the conveying jig 70 can be made to be swingable.

  Further, in the optical system assembling apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the push-up member 126 has a shape that makes point contact with the bottom portion (push-up concave portion 75) of the conveying jig 70. The transfer jig 70 that is pushed up by the tip and separated from the transfer surface 121 is likely to swing.

  Moreover, since the push-up member 126 has a curved surface that bulges upward as the tip surface 126a at the tip, even if the conveying jig 70 is inclined with respect to the push-up member 126 (posture), A point contact state is maintained at the contact portion between the push-up member 126 and the conveying jig 70.

  Further, in the optical system assembling apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, even if the positioning unit 18 has poor positioning accuracy in the horizontal plane direction of the lens holder 50 with respect to the insertion bit 160 (specifically, the lens 60 held by the insertion bit 160) ( For example, when the insertion bit 160 is lowered while the lens 60 is held and the lens 60 is inserted into the lens holder 50, the chamfered portion 64 at the lower end of the lens 60 is formed on the guide portion 58 of the inner peripheral surface 52. The lens 60 can be accurately placed (inserted) in the lens holder 50 (in the optical element placement portion 54) as long as the contact is accurate. Specifically, it is as follows.

  When the lens holder 50 is positioned by the positioning unit 18, the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 and the optical axis (center of the inner peripheral surface 52 of the lens holder 50 (the optical element arranging unit 54 in which the lens 60 is arranged)). Even if the axis C50 is misaligned, when the lens 60 is inserted into the lens holder 50 by the insertion bit 160, the lens 60 is released from the insertion bit 160 (that is, horizontal to the insertion bit 160). When the first push-down operation is performed in a state in which the lens 60 can move in the direction, the lens 60 is guided by the guide portion 58 and descends in the lens holder 50 (in the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 52). While moving in the horizontal direction, the optical axis C60 coincides with the optical axis (center axis) C50 of the inner peripheral surface 52 of the lens holder 50. Therefore, the lens 60 can enter the optical element placement portion 54 by the second push-down operation performed after the first push-down operation, and as a result, the lens 60 is accurately placed at the placement position in the lens holder 50. The As described above, according to the optical system assembly device 10 of the present embodiment, the lens holder 50 is positioned with respect to the lens 60 (the lens 60 held by the insertion bit 160) using the positioning unit 18 whose positioning accuracy is not high. However, the lens 60 can be accurately and reliably placed in the optical element placement portion 54 (that is, assembly accuracy is ensured).

  Further, in the optical system assembling apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the lens 60 is pushed down with a small force (for example, 3N) during the first push-down operation, and thus excessively downward when being guided by the guide unit 58. Force is prevented from being applied to the lens 60. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the lens 60 from being fitted into the optical element placement portion 54 in a tilted state, or the lens 60 from being fitted into the optical element placement portion 54 while scratching the inner peripheral surface 52 of the lens holder 50. However, the lens 60 can be guided (aligned) by the guide portion 58 so that the optical axis C60 of the lens 60 and the center axis C50 of the inner peripheral surface 52 of the lens holder 50 coincide with each other in the horizontal direction.

  Then, the lens 60 is pushed down with a large force (for example, 7N) after the alignment, so that the lens 60 is placed in the optical element placement portion 54 even if the inner diameter of the optical element placement portion 54 is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the lens 60. Can be securely inserted.

  In the optical system assembling apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the transport jig 70 (the transport jig in a state where the lens holder 50 is held) is held by the second clamp 183 while the first clamp 181 is in contact with the insertion bit 160. By positioning the tool 70) so as to be pressed against the first clamp 181, the lens holder 50 can be suitably positioned with respect to the lens 60.

  Further, in the optical system assembly device 10 of the present embodiment, the holding portion 162 and the lens 60 having the same outer diameter are sandwiched together by the pair of third clamps 191 and 191 from the horizontal direction, whereby the lens 60 is horizontally aligned with the insertion bit 160. Directional positioning can be performed with high accuracy. As described above, in the optical system assembly device 10, in addition to the positioning of the lens holder 50 with respect to the insertion bit 160 by the first clamp unit 180, the lens 60 with respect to the insertion bit 160 (holding unit 162) by the second clamp unit 190. By positioning, the lens holder 50 is positioned with respect to the lens 60 in the horizontal direction with higher accuracy.

  The optical system assembling apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the optical system assembling apparatus 10 of the above-described embodiment, the transfer jig 70 is separated from the transfer surface 121 by pushing up the transfer jig 70 upward by the push-up member 126. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. . For example, the conveyance table 120 in a state in which the lens 60 and the conveyance jig 70 holding the lens holder 50 in a state where the lens 60 is inserted are lightly sandwiched between the insertion bit 160 and the push-up member 126 from above and below. The conveyance jig 70 may be separated from the conveyance surface 121 by lowering the angle. Even in such a configuration, the conveying jig 70 is sandwiched between the pushing member 126 and the insertion bit 160 in a point contact state with the pushing member 126, and the conveying jig 70 is separated from the conveying surface 121. 70 can swing.

  The first clamp portion 180 of the above embodiment is sandwiched so that the conveying jig 70 is pressed against the first clamp 181 by the second clamp 183 in a state where the first clamp 181 is in contact with the insertion bit 160, that is, Although the two clamps 183 are configured to contact only the conveying jig 70 without contacting the insertion bit 160, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first clamp unit 180 includes a pair of clamps (clamp members) that sandwich the insertion bit 160 and the conveyance jig 70 (or the lens holder 50) holding the lens holder 50 together in the horizontal direction. It may be a configuration. Also with this configuration, the lens holder 50 is positioned relative to the lens 60 by sandwiching the insertion bit 160 and the conveying jig 70 (or the lens holder 50) holding the lens holder 50 together in a horizontal direction by a pair of clamps. It can be carried out.

  Although the bottom surface of the push-up recess 75 of the transfer jig 70 of the above embodiment is a horizontal surface, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the bottom surface of the push-up recess 75A has a curved surface shape that bulges downward. It may be. In this case, the front end surface 126b of the push-up member 126 may have a horizontal shape. That is, if the bottom surface of the push-up recess 75 (the contact surface with the push-up member 126) is curved so as to bulge downward, even if the tip surface 126b of the push-up member 126 is a horizontal plane, the conveying jig The transfer jig 70 can be swung when the 70 is pushed up by the push-up member 126 and separated from the transfer surface 121, and the center axis C70 of the transfer jig 70 coincides with the vertical direction. Alternatively, in any state of the inclined state, point contact is made with the bottom surface of the push-up recess 75.

  In the optical system assembling apparatus 10 of the above-described embodiment, the lens 60 is inserted into the optical element arrangement portion 54 of the lens holder 50, but other optical elements such as a light shielding plate may be inserted.

  The chamfered portion 64 is provided at the lower peripheral edge of the lens 60 of the above embodiment, but the chamfered portion 64 may not be provided. If the guide portion 58 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 52 of the lens holder (lens barrel) 50, the lens (optical element) is guided (aligned) by the first depression.

  Further, the inner diameter of the optical element placement portion 54 is larger than the outer diameter of the lens (optical element) 60, and the optical axis C50 of the lens holder (lens barrel) 50 and the optical axis C60 of the lens (optical element) 60 can be matched. For example, when the lens (optical element) 60 enters the optical element placement portion 54 by almost its own weight, the first pressing force and the second pressing force may have the same magnitude.

  The present specification discloses various aspects of the technology as described above, and the main technologies are summarized below.

  An optical system assembling apparatus according to one aspect is an optical system assembling apparatus for assembling an optical system by press-fitting an optical element into a lens barrel from above, and the optical axis of the optical element is oriented in the vertical direction. An optical element holding part that is detachably held and can be moved up and down, a lens barrel holding jig that holds the lens barrel in a posture in which the optical axis thereof is directed in the vertical direction, the optical element holding part, and the mirror A sandwiching portion for sandwiching the optical element between the lens holding jig, and the sandwiching portion swings the lens holding jig when the optical element is press-fitted into the barrel. The optical element is pressed and the optical element holding part pushes down the optical element. In this optical system assembling apparatus, preferably, the lens barrel is connected to an arrangement portion having an inner peripheral surface that generates a predetermined frictional force with the outer peripheral surface of the optical element, and an upper end of the arrangement portion. A guide portion having an inner diameter larger than that of the arrangement portion, and the optical element holding portion further includes a first push-down for pushing down the optical element until the optical element reaches a lower end of the guide portion, and A second push down of the optical element is performed.

  In one example of such an optical system assembling apparatus, the optical system assembling apparatus is an optical system assembling apparatus for assembling an optical system by inserting an optical element into a lens barrel, and the optical element is placed at the lower end of the optical element. An optical element holding part that can move up and down with the shaft being detachably held in a vertical orientation, a lens barrel positioning part that positions the lens barrel below the optical element holding part, and the optical A sandwiching part that sandwiches the optical element with the element holding part. The lens barrel is an inner peripheral surface having a central axis in the vertical direction, and when the optical element is inserted, surrounds the optical element in the circumferential direction and is predetermined between the optical element and the peripheral surface. An inner peripheral surface including an optical element placement portion having a shape that generates a frictional force, and the lens barrel positioning portion performs horizontal positioning with respect to the optical element in a state of being held by the optical element holding portion. The optical element holding portion in which the optical element is inserted into the lens barrel positioned by the lens barrel positioning portion, which is performed on the lens barrel held from below by a conveying jig. In between, the optical element is inserted into the lens barrel by sandwiching the optical jig with a conveying jig for holding the lens barrel in a state in which the conveying jig can swing.

  According to the above configuration, when the optical element is pushed into the barrel (optical element placement portion) pushed to the optical element side via the barrel holding jig (in one example, the conveyance jig), the barrel ( Even when the optical axis of the optical element is tilted with respect to the central axis of the optical element placement section (including when tilted in the middle of insertion), the optical element Since a lens barrel holding jig (in one example, the conveying jig for holding the lens barrel in which the optical element is inserted) is sandwiched, the optical element peripheral surface and the optical surface when the optical axis is inclined The central axis coincides with the optical axis of the optical element due to the circumferential deviation of the frictional force generated between the optical element and the optical element (see FIG. 9C) due to the inclination. As described above, the lens barrel (specifically, a conveying jig that holds the lens barrel) is tilted (oscillated). As a result, the optical element can go straight into the optical element holding portion in a state where the optical axis of the optical element coincides with the central axis of the optical element arrangement portion, and as a result, sufficient assembly accuracy is ensured.

  Moreover, a calculation unit for calculating a correction amount or the like based on the imaging unit or the imaging result, such as an image processing unit, and a mechanism for correcting a shift or the like of each drive unit or the like based on the obtained correction amount It is not necessary to provide a complicated and expensive configuration such as, that is, a simple structure in which an optical element inserted in a lens barrel and a lens barrel holding jig for holding the lens barrel are sandwiched from above and below. It is sufficient if a mechanism is provided, and the price of the optical system assembly apparatus can be reduced.

  In another aspect, in the above-described optical system assembling apparatus, preferably, the lens barrel holding jig is a conveying jig, and the horizontal direction of the lens barrel is below the optical element holding portion. A lens barrel positioning unit for positioning the lens. Also preferably, the above-described optical system assembling apparatus has a mounting surface in which an opening is formed, and the transfer jig in a state where the lens barrel is held on the upper side of the mounting surface can be mounted. The holding portion further includes a holding portion, the bottom portion of the transfer jig is pushed upward from the opening, the transfer jig is separated from the mounting surface, and the optical element holding portion is By pressing down 2, the optical element is press-fitted into the barrel. Further preferably, the above-described optical system assembling apparatus includes a base portion having a mounting surface extending in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction on which the conveying jig holding the lens barrel can be mounted on the upper side. The sandwiching part pushes up the bottom part of the transport jig upward from the mounting surface and separates the transport jig from the mounting surface, thereby interposing the optical element holding part. The optical element inserted inside the lens barrel and the conveying jig holding the lens barrel are sandwiched.

  Such an optical system assembling apparatus has a mounting surface on which a transporting jig or the like is mounted and an optical element assembling work or the like is performed by pushing up a small member such as a transporting jig. Compared to a case where a large member such as a base is lowered, the bottom part of the conveying jig can be separated from the placement surface by a simpler structure, so that the conveying jig can be swung.

  In this case, for example, the sandwiching portion includes a push-up member that extends in the vertical direction and pushes up the bottom portion of the transfer jig by the tip portion thereof, and the tip portion of the push-up member is the transfer member. The shape may be in point contact with the bottom of the jig.

  In such an optical system assembling apparatus, if the tip part (upper end part) of the push-up member has a shape that makes point contact with the bottom part of the conveying jig, it is pushed up by the tip part and separated from the mounting surface. The conveying jig is easy to swing.

  For example, the push-up member may have a curved surface that bulges upward at its tip.

  In such an optical system assembling apparatus, even when the conveying jig is inclined (attitude) with respect to the pushing member, the point contact state is maintained at the contact portion between the pushing member and the carrying jig.

  In another aspect, the above-described optical system assembling apparatus includes a control unit that controls the optical element holding unit and the sandwiching unit, and the control unit positions the lens barrel by the lens barrel positioning unit. When the optical element is held, the optical element holding part in a state where the optical element is held is lowered to release the holding of the optical element when the optical element comes into contact with the guide part. The optical element is pushed down until the part in contact with the part moves to the lower end position of the guide part, and then at least one of the optical element holding part and the sandwiching part is operated to hold the optical element and the lens barrel. The lens barrel holding jig may be sandwiched.

  In another aspect, the above-described optical system assembling apparatus includes a control unit that controls the optical element holding unit and the sandwiching unit, and the control unit is configured such that the lens barrel is moved by the lens barrel positioning unit. When the optical element is positioned, the optical element holding part holding the optical element is lowered to release the holding of the optical element when the optical element comes into contact with the guide part. A first depressing operation for depressing (in one example, a first depressing operation for depressing the optical element until a portion of the optical element that contacts the guide unit moves to a lower end position of the guide unit), and the push-up member A push-up operation that lifts the transfer jig away from the placement surface and a second push-down operation that performs the second push-down (in one example, the optical element holding portion is lowered) Serial and second depressed operation) for inserting pushes down the optical element on the optical element arranged portion may be allowed sequentially performed.

  According to these configurations, even if the positioning accuracy of the lens barrel in the horizontal plane direction with respect to the optical element (the optical element held in the optical system holding portion) by the lens barrel positioning portion is poor, the optical system assembling apparatus Can be accurately placed in the lens barrel (optical element placement portion). More specifically, it is as follows.

  When the lens barrel is positioned by the lens barrel positioning portion, even if the optical axis of the optical element is misaligned with the central axis of the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel (the optical element arranging portion in which the optical element is arranged) After the optical element is inserted into the lens barrel by the optical element holding part and comes into contact with the guide part, the optical element is released from the optical element holding part (that is, in the horizontal direction with respect to the optical element holding part) When the first push-down operation is performed in a state in which the optical element can move, the optical element is guided by the guide unit and moved horizontally while descending in the lens barrel (in the region surrounded by the inner peripheral surface). The optical axis of the lever coincides with the central axis of the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel. Thereafter, the optical element is pushed into the optical element placement portion by the second push-down operation, and is accurately placed at the placement position in the lens barrel. As described above, the optical system assembling apparatus having the above-described configuration positions the lens barrel with respect to the optical element (the optical element held in the optical element holding portion) using the lens barrel positioning portion whose positioning accuracy is not high. However, the optical element can be accurately and reliably arranged in the optical element arrangement portion, that is, the assembly accuracy of the optical system can be sufficiently ensured.

  Here, when the first push-down operation, the push-up operation, and the second push-down operation are sequentially performed, the force in the second push-down operation is greater than the force in the case of the first push-down operation. Larger is preferred. In this way, by pushing down the optical element with a small force in the first push-down operation, it is possible to prevent an excessive downward force from being applied to the optical element when guided by the guide portion. As a result, the optical system assembling apparatus more reliably prevents damage caused by excessive downward force (for example, the optical element fits into the optical element placement portion while scratching the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel). On the other hand, the optical element can be suitably guided by the guide portion so that the optical axis of the optical element and the central axis of the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel coincide with each other in the horizontal direction. Then, by pressing down the optical element with a large force after alignment, even if the inner diameter of the optical element placement portion is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the optical element, the optical element is securely inserted (press-fit) into the optical element placement portion. )can do.

  In another aspect, in the above-described optical system assembling apparatus, the lens barrel positioning portion extends in the vertical direction and contacts both the optical element holding portion and the lens barrel holding jig or the lens barrel. A first clamp member having a contactable height dimension and capable of reciprocating in a horizontal direction toward the optical element holding portion; and the first clamp member sandwiching the optical element holding portion in plan view; A second clamp member capable of reciprocating in a horizontal direction from the opposite position toward the first clamp member, and the second clamp member is between the first clamp member, You may have the height dimension which can pinch | interpose the said jig | tool for lens-barrel holding | maintenance or the said lens-barrel.

  In such an optical system assembling apparatus, the first clamp member holds the lens barrel by the second clamp member (or the lens barrel) with the first clamp member in contact with the optical element holding portion. The lens barrel can be positioned with respect to the optical element by being sandwiched so as to be pressed against the member.

  In another aspect, in the above-described optical system assembling apparatus, the lens barrel positioning unit includes a pair of sandwiching the optical element holding unit and the lens barrel holding jig or the lens barrel together in the horizontal direction. You may have a clamp member.

  Such an optical system assembling apparatus sandwiches an optical element holding portion and a lens barrel holding jig (or a lens barrel) that holds a lens barrel together in a horizontal direction by a pair of clamp members, thereby providing a mirror for the optical element. The cylinder can be positioned.

  In another aspect, in the above-described optical system assembling apparatus, the optical system assembling apparatus may be configured such that the optical element held by the optical element holding part is not limited to the lens barrel positioning part with respect to the optical element holding part. It is preferable to further include an optical element positioning unit that performs horizontal positioning. In this case, the optical element holding portion includes a columnar columnar holding portion that extends vertically at the lower end portion and holds the optical element at the lower end, and the outer diameter of the columnar holding portion is the outer diameter of the optical element. The optical element positioning portion sandwiches the optical element and at least the lower end portion of the columnar holding portion together from the horizontal direction.

  Such an optical system assembling apparatus can accurately position the optical element in the horizontal direction with respect to the optical element holding portion by sandwiching the columnar holding portion and the optical element having the same outer diameter together. Therefore, by positioning the lens barrel with respect to the optical element holding unit by the lens barrel positioning unit, the optical system assembling apparatus can perform the horizontal positioning of the lens barrel with respect to the optical element with higher accuracy.

  An optical system assembling method according to another aspect is an optical system assembling method for assembling an optical system by press-fitting the optical element into a lens barrel, and the optical axis of the optical element is vertically moved to an optical element holding portion. The lens barrel is detachably held in a posture facing the direction, the lens barrel is swingably supported, and the lens barrel and the optical element holding portion are relative to each other in the optical axis direction while the lens barrel is swingable. The optical element is press-fitted into the barrel by movement. In this optical system assembling method, preferably, the lens barrel is held by the lens barrel holding jig in a posture in which the optical axis is directed in the vertical direction, and the bottom portion of the lens barrel holding jig is point-supported. Make it swingable.

  Such an optical system assembling method has high accuracy in assembling the optical system and can be made inexpensive.

  This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-31000 filed on Feb. 20, 2013, the contents of which are included in the present application.

  In order to express the present invention, the present invention has been properly and fully described through the embodiments with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art can easily change and / or improve the above-described embodiments. It should be recognized that this is possible. Therefore, unless the modifications or improvements implemented by those skilled in the art are at a level that departs from the scope of the claims recited in the claims, the modifications or improvements are not covered by the claims. To be construed as inclusive.

  According to the present invention, an optical system assembling apparatus and an optical system assembling method can be provided.

Claims (14)

An optical system assembling apparatus for assembling an optical system by press-fitting an optical element into a lens barrel from above,
An optical element holding portion that holds the optical element in a detachable manner in a posture in which the optical axis thereof is directed in the vertical direction;
A lens barrel holding jig for holding the lens barrel in a posture in which the optical axis thereof is directed in the vertical direction;
A sandwiching part for sandwiching the optical element between the optical element holding part and the lens barrel holding jig;
The sandwiching portion supports the lens barrel holding jig so as to be swingable when the optical element is press-fitted into the lens barrel.
The optical element holding part pushes down the optical element to press-fit the optical element,
Optical system assembly equipment. The lens barrel includes an arrangement portion having an inner peripheral surface that generates a predetermined frictional force with the outer peripheral surface of the optical element, and a guide portion that is connected to the upper end of the arrangement portion and has an inner diameter larger than the arrangement portion. Have
The optical element holding part performs a first push-down of pushing down the optical element until the optical element reaches the lower end of the guide part, and a second push-down pushing down the optical element further downward.
The optical system assembly apparatus according to claim 1. The lens barrel holding jig is a conveying jig, and has a lens barrel positioning portion that positions the lens barrel in the horizontal direction on the lower side of the optical element holding portion.
The optical system assembling apparatus according to claim 1. A mounting surface having an opening formed thereon, further comprising a base portion on which the transfer jig in a state in which the lens barrel is held on the upper surface of the mounting surface can be mounted;
The sandwiching part pushes up the bottom part of the conveyance jig upward from the opening, separates the conveyance jig from the mounting surface, and the optical element holding part performs the second depression. And press-fitting the optical element into the lens barrel.
The optical system assembling apparatus according to claim 3. The sandwiching portion has a push-up member that extends in the vertical direction and pushes up the bottom portion of the conveying jig at its tip by raising.
The tip of the push-up member has a shape that makes point contact with the bottom of the transfer jig.
The optical system assembling apparatus according to claim 4. The push-up member has a shape having a curved surface bulging upward at its tip.
The optical system assembly apparatus according to claim 5. A control unit for controlling the optical element holding unit and the sandwiching unit;
When the lens barrel is positioned by the lens barrel positioning unit, the control unit lowers the optical element holding unit in a state where the optical element is held and the optical element comes into contact with the guide unit. After releasing the holding of the optical element, the optical element is pushed down until the part of the optical element that contacts the guide part moves to the lower end position of the guide part, and then the optical element holding part and the sandwiching part The optical element and the lens barrel holding jig holding the lens barrel are sandwiched by operating at least one of
The optical system assembly apparatus of any one of Claims 2-6. A control unit for controlling the optical element holding unit and the sandwiching unit,
When the lens barrel is positioned by the lens barrel positioning unit, the control unit lowers the optical element holding unit in a state where the optical element is held and the optical element comes into contact with the guide unit. A first depressing operation for performing the first depressing after releasing the holding of the optical element;
A push-up operation for raising the push-up member and separating the transfer jig from the placement surface;
A second depressing action for performing the second depressing;
In order
The optical system assembling apparatus according to claim 6 or 7. The force in the case of the second depressing action is greater than the force in the case of the first depressing action;
The optical system assembling apparatus according to claim 8. The lens barrel positioning unit is
It extends in the vertical direction and has a height dimension capable of contacting both the optical element holding portion and the lens barrel holding jig or the lens barrel, and reciprocates horizontally toward the optical element holding portion. A movable first clamping member;
A second clamp member that can reciprocate in a horizontal direction from the position facing the first clamp member across the optical element holding portion in plan view toward the first clamp member;
The second clamp member has a height dimension capable of sandwiching the lens barrel holding jig or the lens barrel between the first clamp member,
The optical system assembly apparatus of any one of Claims 1-9. The lens barrel positioning portion has a pair of clamp members that sandwich the optical element holding portion and the lens barrel holding jig or the lens barrel together in a horizontal direction.
The optical system assembly apparatus of any one of Claims 1-9. An optical element positioning unit that performs horizontal positioning of the optical element held by the optical element holding unit with respect to the optical element holding unit;
The optical element holding part includes a columnar columnar holding part that extends vertically at the lower end and holds the optical element at the lower end,
The outer diameter of the columnar holding portion is the same as the outer diameter of the optical element,
The optical element positioning part sandwiches the optical element and at least the lower end part of the columnar holding part together from the horizontal direction,
The optical system assembly apparatus of any one of Claims 1-11. An optical system assembly method for assembling an optical system by press-fitting an optical element into a lens barrel,
Holding the optical element detachably in an attitude in which the optical axis is directed in the vertical direction on the optical element holding part,
Supporting the lens barrel in a swingable manner;
The optical element is press-fitted into the lens barrel by relative movement in the optical axis direction between the lens barrel and the optical element holding portion in a state where the lens barrel can swing.
Optical system assembly method. Holding the lens barrel on the lens barrel holding jig in a posture in which the optical axis is directed in the vertical direction,
It is possible to swing by supporting the bottom of the lens holding jig.
The optical system assembling method according to claim 13.

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