WO2005054931A1

WO2005054931A1 - Device for molding toric contact lens

Info

Publication number: WO2005054931A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/015682
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keiji Yamashita; Shingo Hibino
Original assignee: Menicon Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-11-11
Filing date: 2004-10-22
Publication date: 2005-06-16
Also published as: JP2005148147A

Abstract

A novel device and method for molding a toric contact lens, capable of stably setting, with high accuracy, the angle of a toric axis. The position, about an axis (43), of a lens molding female mold (34) formed by molding a resin by using a female mold forming metal mold (30) is specified based on information obtained from the female mold forming metal mold (30), and the position, about the axis (43), of a lens molding male mold (36) formed by molding a resin by using a male mold forming metal mold (32) is specified based on information obtained from the male mold forming metal mold (32). Then, the lens molding female mold (34) and the lens molding male mold (36) are assembled with a specific relative positional relationship in the circumferential direction kept between the molds, defining a lens forming cavity (38) between mold assembly surfaces of the female mold (34) and the male mold (36). A toric contact lens (10) with a toric rear surface and the ballast front surface is molded in the lens forming cavity (38).

Description

Specification

Molding equipment for toric contact lenses

Technical field

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for molding a toric contact lens, and in particular,

A new toric contact lens that can set the cylinder axis angle of the optical part with the set cylinder power with high accuracy and can easily cope with the change of the cylinder axis angle. The present invention relates to a molding apparatus and a molding method.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, a molding method has been known as one type of manufacturing method of a contact lens (including a node type and a soft type; the same applies hereinafter). Such a molding method involves molding a female mold for forming a lens having a concave spherical molding surface and a male mold for forming a lens having a convex spherical molding surface. The defined lens molding cavity is filled with a predetermined polymerization monomer as a lens molding material and polymerized to produce a contact lens having a shape corresponding to the molding cavity. In particular, it is superior in production efficiency and the like as compared with other known methods for manufacturing contact lenses, such as the lace cutting method (cutting and polishing method) and the spin casting method (centrifugal casting method).

[0003] By the way, some contact lenses need to specify the orientation when worn in the circumferential direction. For example, in a toric contact lens used for correcting astigmatism, the axis of a cylindrical lens (hereinafter, referred to as toric axis) needs to be aligned with the astigmatic axis of the wearing eye. Therefore, toric contact lenses generally adopt a structure in which the rear surface of the lens has a toric shape to give a cylindrical lens power, while the front surface of the lens has a ballast shape to specify the circumferential position when worn. In addition, the ballast shape in the present invention is a ballast by a prism in which the optical center of the front surface of the lens is decentered from the geometric center of the rear surface of the lens, and a ballast by a slab-off in which the upper and lower parts of the lens are thinner on the front surface of the lens. It shall include various structures that can set the direction of the contact lens in the circumferential direction when the lens is worn by having a specific shape.

[0004] In such a contact lens, the direction of the toric axis set on the rear surface of the lens and the lens It is necessary to relatively accurately set the direction of the vertical axis when worn (hereinafter referred to as the “nost axis”) by the noses set on the front of the nozzle. Also, since the relative direction between the toric axis on the rear surface of the lens and the ballast axis on the front surface of the lens must be set according to the wearer, the relative direction between the toric axis and the ballast axis must be set as required. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately design and manufacture the device with high precision.

Therefore, conventionally, when a lens molding female mold for molding the front surface of a lens and a lens molding male mold for molding the rear surface of the lens are combined to define a lens molding cavity, both the male and female molds are used. A method of relatively positioning in the circumferential direction has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0006] However, in such a conventional lens molding method, in order to realize relative positioning of the female mold and the male mold in the circumferential direction, a sensor for detecting the circumferential position of each mold is used. There is a need for a means and a rotary driving means for rotating and positioning each of those dies in the circumferential direction, and there is a problem that the apparatus is complicated and the manufacturing cost is increased. In addition, it is not practical to manually align the male and female molds.When the alignment is performed using sensor means or circumferential driving means, the structure and operation are complicated. It is inevitable that the preparation and maintenance of the equipment, for which it is difficult to ensure the accuracy and stability of operation, will be troublesome.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 9 501876

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] Here, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and a problem to be solved is that a ballast axis provided on the front surface of the lens and a toric axis provided on the rear surface of the lens are provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel molding apparatus and a molding method for toric contact lenses that can stably and highly accurately set the relative angle of a toric contact lens with a simple apparatus structure.

Means for solving the problem

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention made to solve such a problem will be described. The components employed in each of the embodiments described below can be employed in any combination as possible. Further, aspects or technical features of the present invention are as described below. It is to be understood that the present invention is described in the entire specification and drawings, or is recognized based on the inventive concept that can be understood by those skilled in the art from the descriptions, without being limited to the above. .

(Embodiment 1 of the present invention relating to a molding apparatus)

Aspects of the first aspect of the present invention relating to the molding apparatus include: (a) a female mold forming metal for molding a lens molding female mold having a concave spherical molding surface for molding a ballast-shaped lens front surface; A mold; (b) a male mold for molding a male mold for lens molding having a convex spherical molding surface for molding the back surface of the toric lens; and (c) a mold for molding the female mold. The female mold for lens molding formed by the above method and the male mold for lens molding formed by the male mold are separated from each other in a state where the position around the central axis during molding is specified. And a mold transfer means for defining a lens forming cavity for forming a toric contact lens by mold matching, whereby the female mold forming metal for determining the ballast shape of the front surface of the lens is configured. Type The toric contact formed by the lens forming cavity is based on the direction of the ballast setting axis to be set and the direction of the toric setting axis in the male mold for determining the toric shape of the rear surface of the lens. The relative angle of the toric axis with respect to the ballast axis of the lens is set, and (d) the direction of the ballast setting axis can be changed in the female mold, and the ballast setting axis can be changed. (E) in the male mold, the direction of the toric setting axis can be changed, and the direction of the toric setting axis can be fixed. By adopting at least one of the male mold setting means and the male mold setting means for positioning the lens, the lens molding key is provided. In molding apparatus of toric contact lenses to be able to set changing the relative angle of the toric axis with respect to the ballast axis of the toric contact lenses to be molded by Activity.

In this aspect, the mold transfer means may be, for example, a state in which the female mold for lens molding and the Z or the male mold for lens molding are suctioned with a negative pressure to prevent free rotational displacement about a central axis. Then, the mold is released from the opened female mold and Z or the male mold, and the matching positions of the female mold for lens and the male mold for lens are formed. A mechanism constituted by a suction-adsorption type transfer mechanism utilizing negative pressure, which transfers the liquid to a vacuum, is preferably employed.

(Aspect 2 of the present invention relating to a molding apparatus)

The feature of the second aspect of the present invention relating to the molding apparatus is that a transport table that is circulated and moved by a circulation type transport path is employed, and (f) a concave surface for molding a ballast-shaped lens front surface on the transport path. A lens provided with a female mold supply area for supplying and supporting a lens molding female mold having a spherical spherical molding surface to the transfer table, and (g) a convex spherical molding surface for molding a rear surface of the toric lens. (H) a monomer supply area for supplying a monomer for polymerization into the female mold for lens molding supported by the transport table; (I) polymerizing the polymerization monomer in the lens molding cavity defined by the lens molding female mold and the lens molding male mold that are mutually matched on the carrying table. And (j) opening the female mold for lens molding and the male mold for lens molding described above, and removing the polymeric molded toric contact lens. In addition, a removal area for disposing of the female mold for lens molding and the male mold for lens molding is provided, and the polymerization molding of the toric contact lens is repeatedly performed continuously on the transport table which is circulated and moved. A mold for molding a female mold for lens molding, and a female mold for lens molding molded by the female mold for molding. And a female transfer means for transferring and supporting the transfer plate on the transfer plate in a state in which the position around the central axis in the molding is specified. And a male mold for molding the male mold for lens molding, and the male mold for lens molding formed by the male mold for molding around the center axis at the time of molding. And a male transfer means for transferring and supporting the transfer plate on the transfer plate in a state where the position of the toric contact lens is specified. In the female molding die to be determined, the direction of the ballast setting axis can be changed, and the female molding die setting means for fixedly positioning the direction of the ballast setting axis, (II) Toric shape on the front surface of the toric contact lens The male mold for determining the shape, the direction of the toric setting axis can be changed, and the male mold setting means for fixedly positioning the direction of the toric setting axis; By adopting at least one mold setting means, a toric contact lens which can change and set a relative angle of a toric axis with respect to a ballast axis of the toric contact lens molded by the lens molding cavity can be changed. In the molding apparatus.

In this aspect, both the female transfer means and the male transfer means may be, for example, freely adsorbed around the center axis by suctioning the female mold for lens molding or the male mold for lens molding under negative pressure. Negative rotational pressure is transferred to the supporting position on the transport plate while releasing the female mold or the male mold from the opened mold in a state where a large rotational displacement is prevented. A mechanism constituted by a suction-adsorption type transfer mechanism utilizing the above is preferably adopted.

(The present invention relating to a female mold forming die for molding)

The feature of the present invention relating to a female mold used for molding a contact lens is that a male mold for lens molding having a convex spherical molding surface for molding a rear surface of a toric lens is provided. A predetermined lens forming female mold having a concave spherical molding surface for molding the front surface of a ballast-shaped lens that defines the molding cavity of a toric contact lens having a rear toric and a front ballast by being subjected to mold matching. A female molding die for molding with a resin material, comprising a convex female molding surface for molding the concave spherical molding surface, wherein the toric contact is formed with respect to the female molding surface. A female mold core having a ballast setting axis for determining the ballast shape on the front surface of the lens is assembled to a separate female mold base, and the By changing the relative position of the mold core to the female mold base in the circumferential direction, the direction of the ballast setting axis of the female mold surface can be set, and the female A female mold for a contact lens, comprising positioning means for releasably fixing a relative position of a mold core for molding in a circumferential direction with respect to the female mold base.

In the present invention, as the positioning means, for example, a through-hole is provided in the female mold base, and a force on the opposite side to a mold-matching surface of the female mold base is provided. The female mold core is fitted into the hole and assembled, and a plurality of engaging recesses around a central axis are provided on a surface of the female mold core opposite to the mold mating surface. Is formed, and an engaging projection selectively engaged with the plurality of engaging recesses is provided on the female mold core.

(The present invention relating to a male mold for molding)

The feature of the present invention relating to a male mold used for molding a contact lens is that a male mold for a lens having a concave spherical molding surface for molding the front surface of a ballast lens is provided. A prescribed lens forming male mold having a convex spherical molding surface for molding the back surface of the toric lens, which defines the molding cavity of the toric contact lens having a rear toric and a front ballast by being matched, is subjected to a predetermined synthesis. A male molding die for molding with a resin material, comprising a concave male molding surface for molding the convex spherical molding surface, wherein the male molding surface has a concave male molding surface. A male mold core with a toric setting axis that determines the toric shape on the rear surface of the lens is assembled to a separate male mold base. By changing the relative position of the male molding die core with respect to the male molding die base in the circumferential direction, the direction of the toric setting axis of the male molding surface can be set. The male mold for a contact lens is provided with positioning means for releasably fixing the relative position of the male mold core in the circumferential direction with respect to the male mold base.

In the present invention, as the positioning means, for example, a through hole is provided in the male molding die base, and the male molding die base is provided on a side opposite to the mold mating surface of the male molding die base. Force While the male molding die core is fitted into the through-hole and assembled, a plurality of male molding die cores are formed around a central axis on a surface of the male molding die core opposite to the mold mating surface. It is advantageously configured by forming an engaging recess and providing the male molding die core with an engaging protrusion selectively engaged with the plurality of engaging recesses.

(The present invention relating to a method for manufacturing a toric contact lens)

A feature of the present invention relating to a method for manufacturing a toric contact lens is that the female mold for lens molding, which has been molded using the female mold for molding according to the above-mentioned present invention, is used as the female mold. Position around the central axis based on information obtained from the mold The lens molding male die molded using the male molding die according to the present invention described above is positioned around a central axis based on information obtained from the male molding die. The female mold for lens molding and the male mold for lens molding are mutually matched with a specific relative positional relationship in the circumferential direction, so that the female mold for lens molding and the male mold for lens molding are specified. The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a toritsu contactor lens for molding a toric contact lens having a rear toric and a front ballast in a lens molding cavity defined between the mold mating surfaces.

[0019] In the method of the present invention, for example, the relative position of the female mold core in the female mold with respect to the center axis of the female mold base with respect to the female mold base, and the male mold A plurality of types of toric contact lenses having different relative angles of the toric axis with respect to the ballast axis by changing at least one of the relative position of the male mold core relative to the male mold base with respect to the male mold base. A method for manufacturing a tricky contact lens, which molds a lens, can be advantageously employed. The invention's effect

According to the molding apparatus having the structure according to the present invention or the mold forming method according to the present invention as described above, the female mold for lens molding and the male mold for lens molding in the circumferential direction are combined. The position is determined by the positioning of the molding dies, and therefore, the relative position of the female mold for lens molding and the male mold for lens molding in the circumferential direction is determined by the matching of those molds. It is not necessary to detect and set each time.

Therefore, the relative angle (toric axis angle) between the ballast axis and the toric axis of the molded toric contact lens can be easily and accurately set, and in particular, the fixed toric axis angle When continuously forming a toric contact lens provided with, extremely excellent production efficiency and molding accuracy can be realized.

[0022] Further, if a female mold or a male mold having a structure according to the present invention is employed, the mold forming method according to the present invention can be performed more advantageously. In addition, it is possible to easily and efficiently form various types of toric contact lenses having different toric axis angles.

Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is an explanatory process diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for manufacturing a toric contact lens according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing one embodiment of a female mold according to the present invention, and is a view corresponding to a section taken along the line III-III in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the female mold shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing one embodiment of a male mold according to the present invention, and is a view corresponding to a section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the male mold shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway front view showing an upper mold core constituting the female mold shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a fitting plate used in the female mold shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the fitting plate shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an upper mold core constituting the male mold shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory plan view showing an overall schematic structure of an embodiment of a production line for toric contact lenses.

15 is an explanatory plan view for explaining a drive mechanism of the transport tray in the production line shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view corresponding to a section taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory plan view for explaining a structure of a support beam in the production line shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view corresponding to a section taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17.

Explanation of reference numerals Toric contact lens back of lens

Lens front

Toric axis

Ballast axis

Lens geometric center axis Optical center axis

Female Mold Molding Male Mold Molding Lens Molding Female Mold Lens Molding Male Lens Molding Cavity Concave Spherical Molding Surface Convex Spherical Molding Surface Female Molding Cavity Male Molding Cavity Female Mold Molding Male Upper mold base Upper mold core

Ballast setting shaft engaging recess

Engaging projection

Mating plate Upper mold base Upper mold core Toric setting axis Mating plate 162 engagement recess

166 engaging projection

170 transfer line

178 Carry tray

186 support beam

190 Support rod

192 suction pad

196 Negative pressure passage

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the present invention more specifically, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, FIGS. 1 (a), (mouth), (c), (2), and (e) show an outline of a molding process of a toric contact lens according to the method of the present invention. Here, (2) and (e) show a toric contact lens 10 as a target molded product. The toric contact lens 10 has a partial substantially spherical shell shape as a whole, and is worn, as is well known, on the surface of the cornea of the eyeball. The toric contact lens 10 has a circular shape in a front view shown in (2), and has a lens rear surface 12 having a substantially concave spherical surface and a lens front surface 14 having a substantially convex spherical surface. are doing. The lens rear surface 12 has a substantially concave spherical base curve corresponding to the surface shape of the cornea to be worn as a whole. The lens front surface 14 has a peripheral portion 18 formed around a circular optical portion 16 in a front view shown in (2), and a slab-off 20 formed at the outer peripheral edge.

[0027] Further, a cylindrical lens power is given to the lens rear surface 12, and a cylindrical axis (referred to as toric axis) 22 is set with an inclination angle: 0 corresponding to the angle of the astigmatic axis of the eye to be worn. ing. The angle of inclination: Θ is based on a vertical line that is substantially up and down when worn, and the vertical line is set as a ballast shaft 24 provided on the front surface 14 of the lens. That is, in the toric contact lens 10 illustrated as an example, the optical unit 16 of the lens front surface 14 is positioned with respect to the lens geometric center axis 26 passing through the optical center of the lens rear surface 12. The optical center axis 28 of the peripheral part 18 is decentered downward by a predetermined distance: δ, thereby setting a prism. The prism imparts a ballast shape, and is biased downward on the ballast axis 24 which is the eccentric direction of the optical center axis 28 with respect to the center of gravity of the toric contact lens 10 and the geometric center axis 26 of the lens. . Thus, at the time of wearing, the ballast shaft 24 to be pressed is positioned and held in the circumferential direction so as to be substantially vertical, based on the action of gravity. Specifically, when the toric contact lens 10 is worn, it is positioned in the circumferential direction on the cornea with the vertical direction of (2) being the vertical vertical direction. Inclination angle corresponding to the angle of the astigmatic axis of the academic system: Θ can be inclined from the vertical direction.

When molding such a toric contact lens 10 according to the method of the present invention, first, a female mold forming die 30 shown in FIG. The female mold 34 for lens molding and the male mold 36 for lens molding shown in FIG. 3C are respectively resin-molded using the male mold 32 shown in FIG. Then, an appropriate monomer material as a polymerization monomer is polymerized and molded in a lens molding cavity 38 defined by molding the female mold 34 for lens molding and the male mold 36 for lens molding. The toric contact lens 10 as described above, which is shown in FIGS.

[0029] There, the lens molding cavity 38 defined by the lens molding female mold 34 and the lens molding male mold 36 shown in (c) has a shape corresponding to the target toric contact lens 10. Then you have to.

That is, in the female mold 34 for lens molding, the concave spherical molded surface 40 forming the cavity forming surface has a shape corresponding to the lens front surface 14 of the target toric contact lens 10. Although not explicitly shown above, a ballast forming axis in a specific radial direction corresponding to the ballast axis 24 of the toric contact lens 10 is set on the pressed concave spherical molding surface 40. In the male mold 36 for lens molding, the convex spherical molding surface 42 constituting the cavity forming surface has a shape corresponding to the lens rear surface 12 of the target toric contact lens 10, and therefore, is clearly shown in the drawing. Not been, but heels On the convex spherical molding surface 42, an axis for forming a toric in a specific radial direction corresponding to the toric axis 22 of the toric contact lens 10 is set.

The female mold 34 for lens molding and the male mold 36 for lens molding are formed in the radial direction in which the ballast forming axis is set in the female mold 34 for lens molding, and in the male mold 36 for lens molding. The diametrical direction in which the toric forming axis is set is relatively positioned in the circumferential direction around the central axis 43 of the lens forming cavity 38 so as to have a specific relative angle, and the mold is matched. Specifically, the cylindrical axis angle (toric axis angle) set in the target toric contact lens 10 is matched by Θ such that both radial directions are relatively shifted in the circumferential direction. As a result, it is possible to define the lens molding cavity 38 having a shape corresponding to the toric contact lens 10 intended for the rear toric and front ballast as described above.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 1 (mouth), a female mold forming die 30 for performing resin molding of the lens molding female mold 34 by injection molding or the like is used. And a lower mold 46 for forming a female mold. A female mold forming cavity 48 for molding the female mold 34 for lens molding is defined between the upper and lower molds 44 and 46.

The female mold upper mold 44 in the female mold 30 has a spherical convex female mold surface 56 for molding the concave spherical mold surface 40 of the lens mold female mold 34. ing. That is, the shape of the female molding surface 56 is transferred to the concave spherical molding surface 40 of the female mold 34 for lens molding, and the target toric contact lens Ten lens fronts 14 are formed. Accordingly, the female mold surface 56 of the female mold upper mold 44 has a shape corresponding to the lens front surface 14 of the target toric contact lens 10 and is not explicitly shown in the drawing, but is strong. On the female mold surface 56, a ballast setting axis is set in a specific radial direction corresponding to the ballast axis 24 of the toric contact lens 10.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), the male mold 32 for resin molding the lens mold 36 by injection molding or the like is a male mold upper mold 50. And a lower mold 52 for male molding. A male mold cavity 54 for molding the lens mold 36 is formed between the upper and lower molds 50 and 52. The male mold lower mold 52 of the male mold mold 32 has a spherical concave male mold surface 58 for molding the convex spherical mold surface 42 of the lens mold male mold 36. I have. That is, the shape of the male molding surface 58 is transferred to the convex spherical molding surface 42 of the male mold 36 for lens molding, and the target toric contact lens has a shape corresponding to the powerful convex spherical molding surface 42. Ten lens rear surfaces 12 are formed. Accordingly, the male molding surface 58 of the male mold lower mold 52 has a shape corresponding to the lens rear surface 12 of the target toric contact lens 10 and is not explicitly shown in the drawing, but is powerful. On the male mold surface 58, a toric setting axis is set in a specific radial direction corresponding to the toric axis 22 of the toric contact lens 10.

[0036] The female mold 30 and the male mold 32 are positioned in the circumferential direction around the central axes 60 and 62, respectively, and fixedly supported by a predetermined base or the like. It is installed. As a result, in the female mold 30, the direction of the ballast setting axis set on the female mold surface 56 is positioned in a specific direction around the central axis 60, and in the male mold 32, The direction of the toric setting axis set on the male molding surface 58 is positioned around the central axis 62 in a specific direction. Therefore, when the lens forming female mold 34 resin-molded by the female mold forming mold 30 is opened and removed from the mold, at least the state held by the female mold forming mold 30 is maintained. In addition, the direction of the axis for forming the prism is specified around the central axis 60. Also, the lens molding male mold 36 resin-molded with the male mold molding mold 32 is at least held in the male mold molding mold 32 when the mold is opened and removed. The direction of the toric forming axis is specified around the central axis 62.

[0037] Further, the lens molding female mold 34 molded by the female molding mold 30 and the lens molding male mold 36 molded by the male molding mold 32 are each separated from the mold by predetermined molding. The toric contact lens 10 is conveyed to the area described above, and is subjected to mold matching as described above, and provided for polymerization molding of the toric contact lens 10. The female mold 34 for lens molding and the male mold 36 for lens molding are matched when one of the molds is held in the mold and only the other mold is removed. Alternatively, the mold may be matched with the one mold held while being held by the molding die. At that time, the molding die with one mold held The whole mold may be transported to the mold matching area, but it is also possible to transfer the other mold to the strong molding place, leaving it in the place where the one mold was molded, and then perform mold matching there .

[0038] Regardless of whether the mold or both molds are removed from each other and the molds are matched, or where the molds are matched, the female mold 34 for lens molding and the lens that match each other are used. The molding male molds 36 are mutually matched by specifying their circumferential positions while retaining positional information about the central axes 60 and 62 in the molding dies 30 and 32. Specifically, the direction of the ballast setting axis in the lens molding female mold 34, which was specified when the female molding die 30 was opened as described above, and the specification when the male molding die 32 was opened. The lens mold female mold 34 and the lens mold male mold 34 with the free rotation around the central axis being restrained immediately, while specifying the direction of the toric setting axis in the lens mold 36 36 is conveyed to a predetermined position and the two molds are matched.

[0039] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1 (c), the female mold 34 for lens molding and the male mold 36 for lens molding, which are mutually matched, are positioned around the central axis 43 in the respective molds 34, 36 themselves. There is no need to detect or align in the circumferential direction. That is, if the female molding die 30 and the male molding die 32 are fixedly installed around the respective central axes 60 and 62, the lens molding female die 34 and the lens molding male die 36 are The molds are always matched with a stable circumferential relative position around the central axis 43. As a result, in the toric contact lens 10 to be polymerized, the relative angle (cylindrical axis angle) of the toric shaft 22 specified by the male mold 36 for lens molding to the ballast axis 24 specified by the female mold 34 for lens molding. : Power can be set stably and with high accuracy.

[0040] In particular, since the cylindrical axis angle of the toric contact lens 10 is set by the female mold 30 and the male mold 32 which are fixedly installed, the resin is sequentially reduced. Even if a large number of toric contact lenses 10 with a constant cylindrical axis angle of Θ are continuously formed using the female mold 34 for lens molding and the male mold 36 for lens molding, the lens mold is formed for each molding. There is no need to align the female mold 34 and the male mold 36 for lens molding. First, if the female mold 30 and the male mold 32 are positioned and installed, the desired cylindrical shaft angle can be obtained. : Toric contact lens 10 with Θ with excellent molding efficiency and high accuracy It becomes possible to form continuously.

Further, by changing the installation state of at least one of the female mold 30 and the male mold 32 by rotating them around the central axes 60 and 62, By changing the relative direction of the ballast setting axis and the toric setting axis set in the mold 30 and the male mold 32, the cylinder axis angle set in the toric contact lens 10 to be molded: Can be changed and set. In this case, it is also possible to set the value of the cylindrical axis angle Θ with high precision so that it is not necessary to separately detect the positions around the central axis 43 of the female mold 34 for lens molding and the male mold 36 for lens molding. It becomes possible.

When the setting state of the female mold 30 is changed by rotating around the central axis 60, the female mold upper and lower dies 44, 46 are rotated and displaced as a whole. It is possible to change the position, but if the direction of the ballast setting axis is changed around the central axis 60, it is sufficient to change the cylindrical axis angle: の of the toric contact lens 10 which is the final molded product. Therefore, the female mold setting means for setting the direction of the ballast setting axis in the female mold 30 to be changeable is, for example, a female mold with the female mold lower mold 46 fixed. This can also be realized by configuring only the upper mold 44 for molding to be relatively rotatable around the central axis 60 and fixedly positionable.

The same applies to the male mold 32, and when the installation state is changed by rotating about the central axis 62, the upper and lower dies 50, 52 for the male mold are used as a whole. It is possible to change the installation position by rotating and displacing, but if the direction of the toric setting axis is changed around the central axis 62, the cylinder of the toric contact lens 10 as the final molded product Change settings are sufficient. Therefore, the male mold setting means for setting the direction of the toric setting axis to be changeable in the male mold 32 is, for example, a male mold with the male mold upper mold 50 fixed in position. This can also be realized by configuring only the lower mold 52 so as to be relatively rotatable around the central axis 62 and fixedly positionable.

Further, in the female mold 30, in order to further easily change the direction of the ballast setting axis, for example, the female mold surface 56 of the female mold upper Only the mold core to be formed can be relatively rotated and fixedly positioned around the central axis 60. Configuration. Similarly, in the male mold 32, in order to further simplify the change of the direction of the toric setting axis, for example, in the male mold lower mold 52, the male mold surface 58 Can be configured to be relatively rotatable about the central axis 62 and fixedly positionable.

[0045] Specific structural examples of the female mold and the male mold employing such a configuration are shown in Figs. 2, 3 and Figs. The female mold 64 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the male mold 66 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are both shown in FIGS. This is another embodiment different from the above-described female molding die 30 and male molding die 32 described above, in which the shapes and the like of the molding cavities also have different forces as shown in FIGS. 1 (2) and (e). A female mold 34 for molding a lens and a male mold 36 for molding a lens similar to those shown in FIG. 1 (c), which are used for polymerizing the toric contact lens 10, are resin molded.

[0046] That is, the female molding die 64 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a female molding upper die 64a and a female molding lower die 64b attached to a fixing plate of a mold clamping device (not shown). It consists of: The female mold lower mold 64b is composed of a lower mold base 70 and a lower mold core 72 fixedly attached to a mounting plate (not shown) fixed to a fixed platen, respectively. The lower mold base 70 has a rectangular block shape, and is provided with a mounting hole 74 that penetrates in the center in the mold-matching direction. The lower mold core 72 is fitted into the mounting hole 74 and fixedly assembled. Both lower end surfaces of the lower mold base 70 and the lower mold core 72 are supported by the mounting plate and cannot be pulled out. Is positioned at Thus, the upper end surface of the lower mold base 70 is a mold mating surface 75, and the upper end surface of the lower mold core 72 is a lower mold cavity forming surface 76.

On the other hand, the female mold upper mold 64a shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is an upper mold base fixedly attached to a mounting plate fixed to a movable plate of a mold clamping device (not shown). 82 and an upper die core 86. The upper mold base 82 has a rectangular block shape, and a mounting hole 88 as a through hole penetrating in the mold-matching direction is provided at a central portion. The upper mold core 86 is fitted into the mounting hole 88 and assembled. The upper mold base 82 and the upper mold core 86 have their upper end faces attached in the assembled state. It is supported by a plate and fixedly positioned in the axial direction. Thus, the lower end surface of the upper mold base 82 is a mold mating surface 92, and the lower end surface of the upper mold core 86 is an upper mold cavity forming surface 94.

Here, in the female mold for resin molding 34 (see FIG. 1 (c)) formed by resin molding with the female mold for molding 64 of the present embodiment, the concave spherical molding surface 40 as the lens molding surface is formed. The molding surface is constituted by the lower end surface of the upper mold core 86. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the upper mold core 86 has a shape corresponding to the lens front surface 14 of the target toric contact lens 10 (see FIGS. 1 (2) and (e)). A spherical convex female mold surface 100 having a curvature central axis 98 at a position eccentric by a predetermined distance: δ in the radial direction with respect to the mold central axis 96 is formed. That is, the axis in the direction perpendicular to the axis that is decentered from the center axis 96 of curvature with respect to the center axis 96 of the mold is the ballast setting axis 102.

[0049] Therefore, in the female mold forming die 64 that is strong, only the female mold upper mold 64a is clamped while the female mold lower mold 64b is fixed to the fixed plate of the mold clamping device. It is possible to change and set the direction of the nost setting axis 102 simply by removing it from the device and rotating the upper mold core 86 by a suitable amount around the mold center axis 96 with respect to the upper mold base 82. is there.

[0050] Further, in the upper mold core 86, a fitting concave groove 104 extending linearly in one radial direction is formed with a constant width on the upper end surface superimposed on the mounting plate. In the upper mold base 82, a notch-shaped engaging concave portion 108 opened at the inner peripheral edge of the mounting hole 88 on the upper end surface superimposed on the mounting plate is provided at predetermined intervals over a region of approximately 180 degrees. A plurality (in the present embodiment, a total of 18 pieces are formed at intervals of 10 degrees in the circumferential direction around the mold central axis 96).

Then, the upper mold core 86 and the upper mold base 82 are positioned by positioning the upper mold core 86 with respect to the upper mold base 82 and fitting the fitting plate 114 into the fitting concave groove 104. Can be connected so that they cannot rotate relative to each other around the mold center axis 96. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the fitting plate 114 has a long rectangular flat plate shape, and has an engagement portion protruding on the outer peripheral surface of the upper mold core 86 at one end in the longitudinal direction. The projection 112 is formed in a body. Then, under a state where the upper mold core 86 is assembled to the upper mold base 82, the engaging convex portion 112 is fitted into an arbitrary engaging concave portion 108 to be engaged. The upper mold core 86 can be fixedly positioned around the mold center axis 96 with respect to the upper mold base 82!

Therefore, in such a female molding die 64, the engagement position of the engagement protrusion 112 of the fitting plate 114 is changed to the plurality of engagement recesses 108 provided on the upper mold base 82. By arbitrarily selecting from among the above, the setting direction of the ballast setting shaft 102 on the female molding surface 100 can be It is possible to adjust and set appropriately and easily. In this embodiment, as is clear from FIGS. 7-8, the longitudinal direction of the fitting concave groove 104 into which the fitting plate 114 is fitted is set so as to be in the direction of the no-last setting shaft 102. .

Since the basic structure of the male mold 66 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is the same as that of the above-described female mold 64, it is schematically described here. Only a brief explanation.

In other words, the illustrated male mold 66 is composed of an upper male mold 66a and a lower male mold 66b. The male mold lower mold 66b includes a lower mold base 128 and a lower mold core 130, and is fixedly attached to a mounting plate (not shown) fixed to a fixed platen. The upper end surface of the lower mold base 128 is a mold mating surface 134, and the upper end surface of the lower mold core 130 is a lower mold cavity forming surface 136.

On the other hand, the male mold upper mold 66a is composed of an upper mold base 140 and an upper mold core 144, and is fixed to a mounting plate fixed to a movable plate of a mold clamping device (not shown). It is installed in a way. The upper mold core 144 is fitted into a mounting hole 148 of the upper mold base 140. The upper mold core 144 is rotatable around the mold center axis 150 with respect to the upper mold base 140. The lower end surface of the upper mold base 140 is a mold mating surface 151, and the lower end surface of the upper mold core 144 is an upper mold cavity forming surface 152.

Further, in the lens molding male mold 36 (see FIG. 1 (c)) formed by resin molding with the male molding mold 66, the molding surface of the convex spherical molding surface 42 as the lens molding surface is The upper mold core 144 is formed by the lower end surface. That is, the lower end surface of the upper mold core 144 corresponds to the lens rear surface 12 of the target toric contact lens 10 (see FIGS. 1 (2) and (e)) as shown in FIGS. It has a spherical concave shape centered on the mold center axis 150 and The male molding surface 154 has a toric shape.

Further, a fitting concave groove 156 is formed on the upper end surface of the upper mold core 144, and a fitting plate 160 is fitted therein, so that the upper mold core 144 and the upper mold base 140 are formed. Relative rotation is prevented. In the present embodiment, the direction of the center line of the fitting groove 156 in the upper mold core 144 is the direction of the toric setting axis 157 on the male molding surface 154 (that is, the curvature of the male molding surface 154 is the largest). The radius is large so that it is parallel to the radial direction! The upper mold base 140 has a plurality of (18 in the present embodiment, 18 at circumferential intervals around the mold center axis 150 at intervals of 10 degrees) opening at the inner peripheral edge of the mounting hole 148. 162 are formed. Then, the engagement protrusion 166 of the fitting plate 160 is selectively engaged with the engagement recess 162, so that the upper mold core 144 has a force V in the circumferential direction around the center axis 150 of the mold. Are positioned relative to the upper mold base 140!

[0058] Therefore, also in such a male molding die 66, as in the case of the female molding die 64, the engagement position of the engagement projection 166 of the fitting plate 160 is changed. By appropriately selecting from a plurality of engagement recesses 162 provided on the mold base 140, the upper mold base 140 fixed in a fixed direction to the movable platen of the mold clamping device can be used as a male mold base. The setting direction of the toric setting axis 157 on the molding surface 154 can be adjusted appropriately and easily.

[0059] Furthermore, a lens molding female mold 34 and a lens molding male molded using the female molding mold 30 or 64 and the male molding mold 32 or 66 having the above-described structure. As shown in FIG. 1, the mold 36 is molded while specifying the relative directions of the ballast setting axis and the toric setting axis respectively set as shown in FIG. For example, the female mold forming mold 30 or 64 and the male mold forming mold 32 or 66 are opened after molding, and the released lens mold female mold 34 and the lens mold male mold are opened. A transfer mechanism that suctions and adsorbs the transferred object by using a negative pressure is suitably adopted, whereby the lens mold female mold 34 and the lens mold male mold 36 are damaged. To prevent free displacement around the central axis while avoiding damage such as While still identifying the, it is possible to advantageously transported to the mold positioning.

[0060] Mold of toric contact lens 10 provided with such a negative pressure suction type transfer mechanism One embodiment of the molding apparatus is shown in FIG.

[0061] That is, Fig. 14 is an overall schematic model diagram of a transfer line 170 as an apparatus for manufacturing a toric contact lens. The strong transfer line 170 has five manufacturing steps: No. 1—No. And the five manufacturing processes: No. 1—No. 5, male and female molds 34, 36, etc. for lens molding are sequentially conveyed to the working area, and the five manufacturing processes: It is configured to include a circulation type conveyance path 172 as conveyance means for performing the operation in order.

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the transfer line 170 is formed by a pair of left and right endless annular rail fittings 174, 174, and is guided and moved by the transfer rail 176. It comprises a transport tray 178 and a drive rod 180 for driving and moving the transport tray 178 along the transport rail 176. The drive rod 180 drives a drive block 182 mounted below the transport tray 178 by a ball screw mechanism or the like. Also, an appropriate number (four in the present embodiment) of mold holding holes 184 are formed in the transport tray 178, and the male and female molds for lens molding 34, 36 are held by these mold holding holes 184. It has become.

[0063] In the five manufacturing steps: No. 1 to No. 5 provided on such a transport path 172, processing devices for manufacturing the toric contact lens 10 are installed, respectively. ing. That is, in the (i) manufacturing process: No. 1 implementation area, an injection molding machine for molding the female mold 34 for lens molding is installed. (Ii) In the manufacturing process: No. 2 implementation area, An injection molding machine for molding the male mold 36 for lens molding is installed. (Iii) Manufacturing process: The area defined by the male and female molds 34, 36 for lens molding is in the working area of No. 3. A monomer injecting machine for injecting monomer material into the molding cavity is installed. (Iv) Manufacturing process: The working area of No. 4 is defined by both male and female molds 34, 36 for matching lens molding. A polymerization apparatus is installed to mold the desired toric contact lens 10 by polymerizing the monomer material filled in the lens molding cavity by photopolymerization or thermal polymerization. (V) Manufacturing process: No The unloading machine that removes the male and female molds 34, 36 for lens molding from the transport tray 178 It is, Ru.

[0064] In addition, in the injection molding machine installed in the manufacturing area of the manufacturing process: No. 1, A female mold forming die 30 or 64 is provided with a mold clamping device mounted with its circumferential position around the center axis 60, 96 of the die specified and positioned. The injection molding machine including the mold clamping device forms the female mold 34 for molding a lens with a ballast setting axis extending in a specific direction with respect to the transport line 170.

[0065] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine installed in the area where the manufacturing process: No. 2 is implemented, the male mold 32 or 66 as described above is rotated around the central axis 62, 150 of the mold. A mold clamping device is installed with its directional position specified and positioned. The lens molding male mold 36 is molded by an injection molding machine including this mold clamping device with a toric setting axis extending in a specific direction with respect to the transport line 170.

Further, in each of the working areas of the manufacturing process: Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 5, as shown in FIGS. A support beam 186 extending above the tray 178 is provided. The support beam 186 is provided with a plurality of (four in this embodiment) support rods 190 in a rigid frame 188, and the support rods 190 are positioned at the positions of the mold holding holes 184 of the transport tray 178. Is associated with. Further, the support beam 186 is driven by a driving means such as an electric motor (not shown) in a state where the rotation position about the center axis is specified, and each of the manufacturing processes: No. 1, 2, 3, 5 It is now possible to reciprocate between the implementation area and the transport rail 176!

Further, a suction pad 192 is fixed to the lower end of each support rod 190, and a negative pressure passage 196 opening into the suction pad 192 is formed through the support rod 190 and the air supply pipe 194. , And a negative pressure pump (not shown). As a result, in the manufacturing process: Nos. 1 and 2, the lens molding female mold 34 or the lens molding male mold 36 molded by the injection molding machine installed in each execution area is suction-adsorbed by the suction pad 192. Then, the mold is removed from the female mold 30 or the male mold 32, transferred onto the transfer tray 178, and guided into the mold holding hole 184.

For the supporting rod 190 and the like, as a moving mechanism thereof, for example, a guide rail mechanism, a swing mechanism around one axis, and various kinds of movement mechanisms such as an articulated robot can be appropriately adopted. Regardless of which mechanism is adopted, in the manufacturing process: Nos. 1 and 2, the female mold for lens molding injection-molded by an injection molding machine installed in each working area is used. The male mold 36 for lens molding is transferred to the mold holding hole 184 of the transport tray 178 in a state where the position in the circumferential direction is specified. Further, the specific configuration of the negative pressure suction mechanism is a known configuration described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-19972 and the like, and therefore the details thereof are omitted here.

[0069] In the manufacturing apparatus for a toric contact lens having such a structure, first, in the region of the manufacturing process: No. 1, a female mold for lens molding formed by an injection molding machine arranged side by side is used. 34 is transferred onto the transport tray 178 by the support beam 186 and set in the mold holding hole 184. Subsequent manufacturing process: In the execution area of No. 2, the male mold 36 for lens molding formed by the side-by-side injection molding machine was transferred onto the carrying tray 178 by the support beam 186, and was set earlier. It is placed on the female mold 34 for lens molding and is temporarily matched. Note that the provisionally matched female mold 34 for lens molding and the male mold 36 for lens molding have a ballast setting axis and a toric setting axis which are respectively set relatively at an appropriate angle in the circumferential direction: Θ. It will be positioned.

[0070] Subsequently, in the manufacturing region of the manufacturing process: No. 3, the male mold 36 for lens molding temporarily matched on the transport tray 178 is suction-negatively adsorbed by the support rod 190, and the mold is opened. In the mold open state, a predetermined monomer material is supplied onto the concave spherical molding surface 40 of the lens molding female mold 34 opened upward. After that, the opened male mold 36 for lens molding is mounted on the female mold 34 for lens molding while reproducing the initial relative positional relationship in the circumferential direction, and the mold is closed. Further later, in the manufacturing region of No. 4, the monomer material filled in the lens forming cavity is polymerized by the polymerization device installed therein to form the target toric contact lens 10. Subsequently, in the manufacturing area of the manufacturing process: No. 5, for example, the male and female molds for lens molding 34 and 36 are formed from the respective mold holding holes 184 of the transport tray 178 by ejector means installed below the transport rail 176. After being lifted up and removed, it is suctioned and adsorbed by the above-mentioned support beam 186, and the male and female molds for lens molding 34, 36 are transferred from the transport tray 178 to a removal device arranged side by side. Then, after opening the male and female molds for lens molding 34, 36 using this demolding device, the toric contact, which is a product, is separated from the male and female molds for lens molding 34, 36 using an appropriate solvent as necessary. Remove the lens and remove it. The used male and female molds 34, 36 for lens molding are disposed of. As described above, one manufacturing cycle of the toric contact lens is performed. The transport tray 178 having the empty mold holding hole 184 is transported by the circulation-type transport line 170, and is again subjected to the manufacturing process: By being returned to No. 1, it is subjected to the above-mentioned manufacturing process of the toric contact lens, whereby the manufacturing cycle of the powerful toric contact lens is continuously and repeatedly performed.

[0072] Therefore, by employing such a manufacturing apparatus, it becomes possible to easily and efficiently manufacture the toric contact lens 10 according to the method of the present invention. The male and female molds 34, 36 are not required to be positioned relatively in the circumferential direction each time the molds are matched. The molds 32 and 66 automatically align the male and female molds 34 and 36 for molding the lens in the circumferential direction, and stably and precisely form the toric contact lens 10 having the desired toric axis angle: Θ. It can be manufactured with.

[0073] Also, since there is no need to provide expensive sensor means and positioning drive means for relatively positioning the male and female molds 34, 36 for lens molding in the circumferential direction each time the molds are matched, The structure of the device is simple, and maintenance is easy.

[0074] The forces described above in detail for the embodiments of the present invention are merely examples, and the present invention is not to be construed as being limited in any way by the specific description in the powerful embodiments.

For example, in order to confirm the relative position in the circumferential direction at the time of matching of the male and female molds for lens molding 34, 36, that is, the value of the set toric axis angle: 設定, the male and female molds for lens molding 34 are checked. Of course, it is also possible to use a sensor means for detecting the relative position in the circumferential direction of the present invention in the present invention.

Further, in the embodiment, the female supply area is configured by the manufacturing region of No. 1 in the manufacturing process, and the male supply area is configured by the execution region of No. 2 in the manufacturing process. Manufacturing process: The monomer supply area is configured by the implementation area of No. 3, and the production process: The polymerization molding area is configured by the implementation area of No. 4, and the manufacturing process: Demolding is performed by the implementation area of No. 5. Areas are configured, but in addition to each of these implementation areas, appropriate process areas such as a confirmation area, a sorting area, a storage area, Additional adoption is, of course, possible.

In addition, although not enumerated one by one, the present invention can be implemented in an embodiment in which various changes, modifications, improvements, and the like are added based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It goes without saying that any of them is included in the scope of the present invention unless departing from the gist of the invention.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] (a) a female mold for molding a female mold for lens molding having a concave spherical molding surface for molding the front surface of a ballast-shaped lens;

(b) a male mold for molding a male mold for lens molding having a convex spherical molding surface for molding the rear surface of a toric lens;

(c) the center of the lens molding female mold molded by the female molding mold and the lens molding male mold molded by the male molding mold, respectively; Mold transfer means for forming a lens molding cavity for molding a toric contact lens by mutually matching in a state where the position around the axis is specified, The lens is determined based on a direction of a ballast setting axis of the female mold for determining a ballast shape and a direction of a toric setting axis of the male mold for determining a toric shape of the rear surface of the lens. A relative angle of the toric axis with respect to a ballast axis of the toric contact lens molded by the lens molding cavity is set,

(d) in the female molding die, a female molding die setting means for allowing the direction of the ballast setting axis to be changeable and for fixedly positioning the direction of the ballast setting axis; In the male molding die, at least one of a male molding die setting means for enabling the direction of the toric setting axis to be changeable and fixedly positioning the direction of the toric setting axis. By adopting mold setting means, a relative angle of a toric axis with respect to a ballast axis of the toric contact lens molded by the lens molding cavity can be changed and set. Lens molding equipment.

[2] The female mold is opened in a state where the mold transfer means suctions the female mold for lens molding and Z or the male mold for lens molding under a negative pressure to prevent free rotational displacement around a central axis. A suction suction type utilizing negative pressure, which is released from the molding die and Z or the male molding die, and is transferred to a mold matching position between the lens molding female die and the lens molding male die. 2. The apparatus for molding a toric contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a transfer mechanism. In addition to employing a transport table that is circulated and moved by a circulating transport path,

(f) a female mold supply area for supplying and supporting a lens molding female mold having a concave spherical molding surface for molding a ballast-shaped lens front surface to the transfer table;

(g) a male mold supply area for supplying and supporting a lens molding male mold having a convex spherical molding surface for molding the toric-shaped lens rear surface to the transfer table;

(h) a monomer supply area for supplying a monomer for polymerization into the female mold for lens molding supported by the transfer table;

(i) Forming a toric contact lens by polymerizing the monomer for polymerization in a lens molding cavity defined by the female mold for lens molding and the male mold for lens molding that are mutually matched on the transport table. Polymerization molding area,

(j) The female mold for lens molding and the male mold for lens molding are opened, and the polymerization molded toric contact lens is removed from the mold, and the female mold for lens molding and the lens mold for lens molding are removed. Demolding area to dispose of male mold

A mold forming apparatus for toric contact lenses, wherein polymerizing and molding of toric contact lenses is repeatedly performed continuously on the transport table that is circulated and moved.

A state in which the position of the female mold for molding the lens mold for molding the female mold and the lens mold for molding formed by the female mold for mold around the central axis at the time of molding is specified. And a female transfer means for transferring and supporting on the transfer plate in the female supply area, and a male mold for molding the male mold for lens molding; and the male mold. Male transfer means for transferring the male mold for lens molding formed by a molding die onto the carrier plate in a state where the position around the central axis at the time of molding is specified, and supporting the male mold. Installed in the supply area,

(I) determining the ballast shape on the front surface of the lens of the toric contact lens; in the female mold, the direction of the ballast setting axis can be changed, and the direction of the ballast setting axis is fixedly positioned. (II) determining a toric shape on the front surface of the lens of the toric contact lens In the male molding die, at least one of a male molding die setting means for allowing the direction of the toric setting axis to be changeable and for fixedly positioning the direction of the toric setting axis. By adopting mold setting means, it is possible to change and set a relative angle of a toric axis with respect to a ballast axis of the toric contact lens molded by the lens molding cavity. Contact lens molding equipment.

[4] Both the female transfer means and the male transfer means adsorb the female mold for lens molding or the male mold for lens negative pressure to prevent free rotational displacement about the center axis. In a squeezed state, suction suction using negative pressure is carried out while releasing the mold from the opened female mold or the male mold, and transferring the mold to the support position on the transfer plate. 4. The apparatus for molding a toric contact lens according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus is configured by a mold transfer mechanism.

[5] Molding of a toric contact lens having a rear toric and a front ballast is defined by being mold-matched to a male mold for lens molding having a convex spherical molding surface for molding the rear surface of a toric lens. A female molding die for molding a lens molding female mold having a concave spherical molding surface for molding a ballast-shaped lens front surface with a predetermined synthetic resin material,

A female having a convex female molding surface for molding the concave spherical molding surface, and a ballast setting axis for determining a ballast shape on the lens front surface of the toric contact lens with respect to the female molding surface; Assembling the mold core for molding into a separate female molding mold base, and changing the relative position of the female molding mold core with respect to the female molding mold base in the circumferential direction. To set the direction of the ballast setting axis of the female molding surface, and release the circumferential relative position of the female molding die core with respect to the female molding die base. A mold for forming a female mold of a contact lens, characterized by comprising positioning means for fixing as possible.

[6] A through hole is provided in the female mold base, and the female mold core is connected to the through hole from the side opposite to the mating surface of the female mold base. On the other hand, a surface of the female mold core opposite to the mold mating surface is fitted. By forming a plurality of engagement recesses around the central axis in the female mold core and providing the engagement protrusions selectively engaged with the plurality of engagement recesses in the female mold core. 6. The female mold forming die according to claim 5, wherein the positioning means is constituted.

[7] Forming a toric contact lens having a rear toric and a front ballast by being matched with a female mold for lens molding having a concave spherical molding surface for molding a front surface of a ballast-shaped lens. A male mold for molding a lens mold having a convex spherical molding surface for molding a rear surface of a toric lens with a predetermined synthetic resin material,

A male having a concave male molding surface for molding the convex spherical molding surface, and having a toric setting axis for determining a toric shape on the rear surface of the lens of the toric contact lens with respect to the male molding surface. The mold core for molding is assembled on a separate male molding base, and the relative position of the male molding core with respect to the male molding base is changed in the circumferential direction. By doing so, the direction of the toric setting axis of the male molding surface can be set, and the relative position of the male molding die core in the circumferential direction with respect to the male molding die base. And a positioning means for releasably fixing the contact lens.

[8] A through hole is provided in the male mold base, and the male mold core is connected to the through hole from the side opposite to the mating surface of the male mold base. While fitting and assembling, a plurality of engagement recesses are formed around the central axis on a surface of the male molding die core opposite to the mold mating surface, and the plurality of engagement recesses are formed in the plurality of engagement recesses. 8. The male mold according to claim 7, wherein the positioning means is configured by providing an engagement convex portion selectively engaged with the male mold core.

[9] The lens molding female mold formed by resin molding using the female molding mold according to claim 5 or 6 around the center axis based on information obtained from the female molding mold. A position is specified, and the lens-forming male mold formed by resin molding using the male-forming mold according to claim 7 or 8 is based on information obtained from the male-forming mold. The position around the central axis is specified, and the female mold for lens molding and the male mold for lens molding are mutually matched with a specific relative positional relationship in the circumferential direction. lens A method of manufacturing a toric contact lens, comprising molding a toric contact lens having a rear toric and a front ballast in a lens molding cavity defined between the molding surfaces of a male mold for molding.

The relative position of the female mold core in the female mold relative to the center axis of the female mold base with respect to the female mold base, and the relative position of the male mold core in the male mold. Claims: A mold for molding a plurality of types of toric contact lenses having different relative angles of a toric axis with respect to a ballast axis by changing at least one of a relative position around a central axis with respect to the male mold base. 9. The method for producing a toric contact lens according to item 9.