JP4972164B2 - Manufacturing method and apparatus for ophthalmic lens - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a contact lens or an intraocular lens, and more particularly to a manufacturing method capable of stably molding a target lens by a molding method, and a mold forming apparatus used in such a manufacturing method. It is.

  Conventionally, as a kind of manufacturing method that can be adopted for soft-type or hard-type contact lenses or intraocular lenses that are inserted into a crystalline lens capsule as a substitute for a crystalline lens (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ophthalmic lenses”) A molding method is known. In general, such a molding method is performed by combining a front mold for molding a lens front surface shape with a rear mold for molding a lens rear surface shape, and filling between the front mold and the rear mold. The target ophthalmic lens is produced by molding the lens material, which is compared with other known lens molding methods such as the lace cut method (cut grinding method) and spin cast method (centrifugal casting method). Thus, there is an advantage that the target ophthalmic lens can be mass-produced at low cost.

  By the way, in the molding method, in order to avoid molding defects and stably obtain the target lens shape, it is necessary to align the front molding die and the rear molding die with high precision during mold alignment. The That is, when the molds are aligned with the axes of both molds shifted, a gap is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the molding cavity formed by the front molding die and the rear molding die, and molding defects such as burrs become a problem. At the same time, if the molds are molded in a state where the axes of the molds are deviated from each other, a molding failure such as distortion may occur, or the optical axes of the front and rear surfaces of the obtained ophthalmic lens may be misaligned. It may become.

  Some toric lenses, bifocal lenses, and the like in which a non-rotationally symmetric shape is imparted to the front surface of the lens or the rear surface of the lens require positioning of the front surface of the lens and the rear surface of the lens in the circumferential direction. For example, in a double-sided toric contact lens in which both the front surface of the lens and the rear surface of the lens are toric surfaces, in order to obtain the desired optical characteristics, the relative positions of the cylindrical axis on the front surface of the lens and the cylindrical axis on the rear surface of the lens Need to be aligned and molded with high precision. Further, not only a double-sided toric but also a lens in which a toric surface and a bifocal surface are combined, for example, the circumferential positioning of the lens front surface and the lens rear surface is required. In order to stably mold the lens shape that requires positioning in the circumferential direction between the front surface of the lens and the rear surface of the lens in the molding method, in addition to high-precision axial alignment of the front surface molding die and the rear surface molding die, It is necessary to align the circumferential position with high accuracy.

  In view of this, various methods have been proposed in the past for highly accurate axial alignment and circumferential alignment of the front mold and the rear mold, both of which are axial position and circumferential direction. It was still insufficient to align both positions with high accuracy.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-45146), the rear surface mold is lowered into the front surface mold by its own weight, so that the axial displacement of the rear surface mold is allowed and the mutual molds are separated. A mold forming apparatus for axial alignment is disclosed. However, in the molding apparatus as described in Patent Document 1, since the rear mold is brought into an unsupported state when descending, there is a risk of rotating in the circumferential direction. It is difficult to perform positioning. Furthermore, it is difficult to control the state of die matching to a high degree in a structure in which die matching is performed only by the gravitational action exerted on the rear mold. Certainly, in this patent document, there is a description that the rear mold is pressed after mold matching by its own weight. However, since it is difficult to control the initial state of mold matching to a high degree, Is difficult to perform stably, and the processing accuracy tends to vary.

  Moreover, in patent document 2 (special table 2005-511338 gazette), the jig | tool which presses the center part of the upper surface of a rear surface shaping | molding die is elastically supported via a spring, and the displacement of a jig | tool is permitted, There is disclosed a molding apparatus that absorbs axial misalignment of both molds. However, it is difficult to exert a stable pressing force only by pressing the central portion of the rear mold. Further, simply supporting by a spring only allows an inclination displacement with respect to the axis alignment direction, and cannot effectively cope with both types of axis misalignment. In addition, if the jig is tilted and displaced, the pressing force exerted on the rear mold may become more unstable.

  Further, in Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-225113), marks that are attached to predetermined locations in the circumferential direction of the front and rear surface molds are reflected while the front surface mold and the rear surface mold are rotated. There has been disclosed a molding apparatus for positioning the circumferential position of the front and rear molds by detecting using light. However, in the molding apparatus as described in Patent Document 3, since the axial positions of both molds depend on the mechanical accuracy of both jigs, it is difficult to align the axes of both molds with high accuracy. Furthermore, a drive mechanism for rotating the jig for holding the front and rear surface molds, a laser beam irradiation device, a light receiving device for receiving reflected light, and the like are required, and the operation thereof is controlled. A control mechanism is required and the structure is complicated. Further, there is a risk of erroneous detection due to dust or molding defects of the mold. In addition, a structure such as that described in this patent document is adopted as a structure for simultaneously aligning a large number of molds, and a drive mechanism, a laser beam irradiation device, etc. are provided for each of the large molds. Individual drive control is impractical and unsuitable for producing a large number of lenses simultaneously.

  As described above, any of the mold forming apparatuses is still insufficient for accurately positioning both the axial position and the circumferential position of the front mold and the rear mold.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-45146 JP 2005-511338 A JP 2005-225113 A

  Here, the present invention has been made in the background as described above, and the problem to be solved is to increase the axial position and the circumferential position of the front mold and the rear mold with a simple configuration. Providing a novel ophthalmic lens manufacturing method capable of obtaining excellent processing accuracy by aligning with accuracy, and a molding apparatus for an ophthalmic lens having a novel structure suitably used for such a manufacturing method There is to do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention made to solve the above-described problems will be described. In addition, the component employ | adopted in each aspect as described below is employable by arbitrary combinations as much as possible.

  That is, a first aspect of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens molding apparatus includes a first jig for supporting a front mold for molding a lens front surface shape and a rear mold for supporting a lens rear surface shape. An ophthalmic lens molding apparatus for molding a lens material filled between the front mold and the rear mold by bringing the first and second jigs close to each other. The first and second jigs are formed of a non-magnetic material, and at least one of the first and second jigs is provided with a receiving member formed of a non-magnetic material that supports the jig, and is supported by the receiving member. Displacement means for freely displaceable relative to the receiving member in all directions on a surface substantially orthogonal to the mold alignment direction and the rotation direction about the central axis of the jig, To the receiving member A magnet is provided on the held jig, a magnet is provided on at least one of the other jig and the receiving member, and the first and second jigs are moved by a magnetic attraction force generated by the displacement means and the set of these magnets. It is characterized in that a circumferential positioning means for positioning in the circumferential direction is provided.

  In the molding apparatus for an ophthalmic lens having a structure according to the present embodiment, both jigs that support the front and rear molds are freely displaced in all directions on the surface substantially orthogonal to the mold alignment direction by the displacement means. It is possible to squeeze. As a result, even if the axis misalignment occurs in both jigs in the initial state of mold matching, the axis misalignment is caused by the relative displacement of each jig and the mold supported by the jig in the process of approaching both molds. It can be advantageously eliminated. Accordingly, it is possible to align the molds in a state in which both molds are aligned with high accuracy, and in addition to being able to suppress the occurrence of burrs, etc. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of optical axis deviation and to stably obtain desired optical characteristics. And since such high-precision axis alignment is automatically performed by mutually displacing the jigs, it is not necessary to set the axis positions of the jigs with high precision. Therefore, excellent processing accuracy can be obtained with higher manufacturing efficiency.

  Further, particularly in this embodiment, by providing a circumferential positioning means by the magnetic attraction force of the magnet, the circumferential position of each jig is allowed to be the desired position while allowing displacement of both jigs in the direction perpendicular to the axis. Can be kept. Therefore, even in the molding of, for example, a double-sided toric contact lens that requires relative positioning in the circumferential direction between the front mold and the rear mold, excellent processing accuracy can be obtained with a simple configuration. In addition, as a magnet in this aspect, you may use not only a permanent magnet but an electromagnet, for example.

  Furthermore, in this aspect, since the molds are matched while maintaining both molds supported by the respective jigs, the pressing force by both jigs can be exerted stably throughout the mold matching process. At the same time, the relative displacement of both jigs is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mold alignment direction, so that the possibility of the jig being displaced in the mold alignment direction and damaging the pressing force is avoided, and effective for both molds. It is possible to exert a pressing force. As a result, stable mold matching can be performed.

  In addition, as a specific structure of the displacement means in this aspect, various structures can be appropriately employed. For example, a sphere as will be described later may be interposed between the jig and the receiving member, or the jig may be lifted from the receiving member by air pressure or hydraulic pressure to allow relative displacement of the jig with respect to the receiving member. good. Further, the displacement means may be provided on one side of the first and second jigs, or may be provided on both.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens molding apparatus, in the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to the first aspect, the first jig is supported by the receiving member, and the first The jig is provided with the magnet on the receiving member.

  In the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus structured according to this aspect, the first jig is positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the receiving member by applying a magnetic attractive force between the first jig and the receiving member. I can do it. Thereby, at the time of mold matching, the first jig can be prevented from rotating around the central axis, and the relative circumferential position between the first jig and the second jig can be stably maintained. I can do it.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens molding apparatus, in the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to the first aspect, each of the first jig and the second jig includes the magnet. It is characterized by providing.

  In the molding apparatus for an ophthalmic lens structured according to this aspect, by applying a magnetic attractive force between the first jig and the second jig, the first jig and the second jig are relatively The circumferential position can be positioned at the desired position. Therefore, even if there is a shift in the circumferential position of the first jig and the second jig at the initial stage of mold matching, the first jig and the second jig are supported by the receiving member in the process of bringing them closer together. By rotating the jig on the side that is rotated around the central axis by the magnetic attraction force, the circumferential position of both jigs can be automatically positioned at the intended position.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens molding apparatus, in the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the set of magnets is supported by the receiving member. A plurality of the jigs are arranged in the circumferential direction.

  In the molding apparatus for an ophthalmic lens structured according to this aspect, a relative circumferential direction between the jig supported by the receiving member and the other jig by applying a magnetic attraction force by a set of a plurality of magnets. The position can be positioned more stably. In addition, the magnet in this aspect should just be arrange | positioned in the circumferential direction of the jig supported by the receiving member, and the arrangement | positioning location is not necessarily limited to a receiving member. Therefore, a plurality of magnets may be provided at circumferential positions in each of the first jig and the second jig, as in the third aspect described above, without providing the magnets on the receiving member.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens molding apparatus, in the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the jig supported by the receiving member is provided. A rotation amount limiting means for limiting the rotation amount is provided.

  In the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus configured according to this aspect, the first jig and the second jig are greatly displaced in the circumferential direction, and the two magnets are separated from each other, thereby causing magnetic attraction between the two magnets. The possibility of the force not being exerted effectively can be advantageously avoided. In addition, as a specific structure of the rotation amount control means, various modes can be appropriately adopted. For example, a locking piece is provided on one of the jig supported by the receiving member and the receiving member, and the other is used. The amount of rotation limiting means can be realized with a simple configuration by locking the locking pieces.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens molding apparatus, in the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, at least three spheres are arranged on the receiving member and the receiving member. The displacement means is configured by interposing between the jig supported by the receiving member and supporting the jig with the spherical body.

  In the molding apparatus for an ophthalmic lens structured according to this aspect, the jig is supported in a point contact state with the sphere, so that it can be omnidirectionally and circumferentially on the surface substantially orthogonal to the mold alignment direction with a light force. The displacement means can be configured with a simple configuration. In addition, since the jig can be firmly prevented from being displaced in the pressing direction by supporting the jig with a sphere, it is possible to avoid damaging the pressing force for mold matching and to exert an effective pressing force on both molds. . In addition, as a displacement means in this aspect, three or more spheres may be interposed between the jig and the receiving member in a state where their relative positions are freely displaceable, or a cage in a thrust bearing Such a member may be used to interpose between the jig and the receiving member in a state where the relative positions of the plurality of spheres are fixed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens molding apparatus, in the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a pair of the first and second jigs is provided. Are provided, and the displacement means is provided in at least one of the jig pairs, and the circumferential positioning means is provided in each of the jig pairs. .

  In the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus having a structure according to this aspect, a large number of lenses can be molded simultaneously in a single mold matching step. In particular, in this embodiment, a plurality of jig pairs are automatically aligned by the displacement means, and the circumferential position is positioned by the circumferential positioning means. It is possible to align the jigs with high accuracy while making it unnecessary to adjust the position and the circumferential position. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a lens having a higher quality with a higher manufacturing efficiency.

  The present invention relating to a method for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens includes a first jig for supporting a front mold for molding a lens front surface shape, and a second jig for supporting a rear mold for molding a lens rear surface shape. In the method of manufacturing an ophthalmic lens in which the first and second jigs are brought close to each other to mold the lens material filled between the front mold and the rear mold, the front mold and the rear mold , Using a mold having a guide surface for aligning the center axes of each other, and using a magnet for positioning the first jig and the second jig in the circumferential direction, the second jig, While exerting a pressing force in a direction approaching the first jig, at least one of the first and second jigs is applied to the other jig using the guide action of the front mold and the rear mold. In a direction substantially perpendicular to the mold alignment direction The front mold and the rear mold are coaxially and circumferentially positioned by displacing the first and second jigs in the circumferential direction by using the magnetic attraction force of the magnet. And matching the mold.

According to the manufacturing method according to the present invention, by displacing the jig according to the guide action of the guide surface of the mold, the axial misalignment of both molds can be eliminated, and both molds can be matched with high accuracy. . Furthermore, in this manufacturing method, the die is aligned while exerting a pressing force on the second jig, and the jig is moved in the mold alignment direction because the movement direction of the jig is substantially perpendicular to the mold alignment direction. The possibility that the pressing force is lost due to the displacement can be avoided, and a stable pressing force can be exerted. Even when the jig is displaced, the relative position in the circumferential direction of both jigs is maintained by the magnet, so that the possibility of causing a positional shift in the circumferential direction can be advantageously reduced. Thereby, an excellent quality lens can be obtained with excellent manufacturing efficiency.

Explanatory drawing which shows the molding apparatus as 1st embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing of the shaping | molding die used for the mold shaping | molding apparatus. . Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation state of the molding apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows the molding apparatus as 2nd embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the molding apparatus as 3rd embodiment of this invention. The principal part expansion explanatory drawing which shows the molding apparatus as 4th embodiment of this invention. The principal part expansion explanatory drawing which shows the molding apparatus as 5th embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the different aspect of the molding apparatus of this invention. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the further different aspect of the molding apparatus of this invention. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the further different aspect of the molding apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Molding apparatus 12 Female support member 14 Male support member 16 Female mold 18 Male mold 20 Housing member 36 Bearing 54 Magnet 58 Magnet

  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, FIG. 1 shows a molding apparatus 10 for an ophthalmic lens as a first embodiment that is preferably used in the method for producing an ophthalmic lens of the present invention. In this specification, the ophthalmic lens includes a contact lens such as a soft type or a hard type, and an intraocular lens that is inserted into the crystalline lens capsule in place of the crystalline lens. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the vertical direction refers to the vertical direction in FIG.

  The molding apparatus 10 includes a female support member 12 as a first jig and a male support member 14 as a second jig, and the female support member 12 has a lens front surface shape. While supporting the female mold 16 as the front mold for molding, the male support member 14 supports the male mold 18 as the rear mold for molding the rear surface shape of the lens. In particular, in this embodiment, the female support member 12 is supported in the accommodated state by the accommodating member 20 having a substantially columnar shape as a receiving member, and the insertion protrusion projecting to the lower end surface of the accommodating member 20. The housing member 20 is supported by the lower plate 24 by the portion 22 being fitted into a fitting hole 26 opened on the upper surface of the lower plate 24 serving as a base. On the other hand, the male support member 14 is supported by an upper plate 28 having a substantially thick plate shape. Then, when the upper plate 28 holding the male support member 14 is driven to approach / separate from the lower plate 24, the male support member 14 is driven to approach / separate from the female support member 12. It is supposed to be squeezed.

  The female mold support member 12 has a substantially cylindrical shape having a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the female mold 16. Here, the female support member 12 is formed of a nonmagnetic material, and as such a nonmagnetic material, for example, a nonmagnetic metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, a resin, glass, ceramic, or the like can be suitably employed. Further, a female holding hole 30 that opens upward is formed in the central portion of the upper surface of the female supporting member 12. The cross-sectional shape of the female mold holding hole 30 is a shape that substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the outer shape of the female mold 16. A flat first step surface 32 protruding radially inward and extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis is formed, and after being gradually reduced in diameter in the axial direction downward from the first step surface 32, the female mold A flat second step surface 34 that protrudes inward in the radial direction and extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis is formed at a substantially intermediate portion in the axial direction of the holding hole 30. The lower part from the second step surface 34 of the female holding hole 30 has a constant diameter dimension.

  The female support member 12 having such a structure is supported by the housing member 20 via a bearing 36 as a displacement means. The housing member 20 is formed of a nonmagnetic material similar to the female support member 12, and an opening recess 40 opened upward is formed in the central portion of the upper surface 38. The opening recess 40 is formed to extend in the axial direction of the housing member 20 with a constant circular cross section having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the female support member 12. In addition, the support surface 42 serving as the bottom surface of the opening recess 40 is a substantially flat surface extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the opening recess 40 (horizontal direction in the present embodiment).

  A bearing 36 is placed on the support surface 42. The bearing 36 in the present embodiment has a structure in which a so-called thrust bearing washer is removed, and a plurality of (eight in the present embodiment) metal balls 44 as spheres are held by a holding plate 46. It has a retained structure. More specifically, the metal sphere 44 is a sphere formed of metal, and the plurality of metal spheres 44 have the same diameter. On the other hand, the holding plate 46 is a thin annular member having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening recess 40. The holding plate 46 has a plurality of (eight in the present embodiment) holding holes 48 that penetrate in the thickness direction with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the metal ball 44 at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Has been. Then, by inserting the metal spheres 44 into the respective holding holes 48, the plurality of metal spheres 44 are held by the holding plate 46 in a state of being arranged in a circle. As a result, the bearing 36 includes the holding plate 46 and the metal ball 44. In the present embodiment, in particular, on the support surface 42, a plurality of concave recessed surfaces 50 that are slightly recessed with a shape along the metal sphere 44 are formed in the same size and arranged on the circumference. The bearings 36 are placed so as not to be displaced with respect to the support surface 42 by placing the metal balls 44 on the concave depressed surface 50.

  The female support member 12 is placed on the bearing 36. Here, the female support member 12 is supported in a point contact state by a metal ball 44 of a bearing 36 on a bottom surface 52 which is a flat surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis. As a result, the frictional force generated between the metal ball 44 and the bottom surface 52 is reduced, and the female support member 12 can be applied to the housing member 20 with a small force in all directions on the surface extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis. It can be easily displaced and can be rotated in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the female support member 12. It should be noted that the amount of displacement in the direction perpendicular to the axis allowed for the female support member 12 is preferably set within a range of approximately 0.4 mm, more preferably approximately 0.2 mm, on both sides in the radial direction. In addition, the height position of the upper surface of the female support member 12 is set to be equal to the height position of the upper surface 38 of the housing member 20 in the mounted state on the bearing 36. While maintaining the height position of the upper surface constant, it can be displaced in all directions and the circumferential direction on the surface extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis.

  A pair of magnets 54 are provided at both ends in the radial direction at the upper end of the female support member 12. In the present embodiment, the magnet 54 is a substantially cylindrical permanent magnet having magnetic poles at both ends in the axial direction. Further, at both ends in the radial direction of the female support member 12, a recessed portion 56 having a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from above and opened to the upper side of the female support member 12 and radially outward is formed. The magnet 54 is embedded in a substantially intermediate portion in the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the depressed portion 56. Here, the magnet 54 is embedded in the female support member 12 up to a position slightly deeper than the intermediate portion in the axial direction with the axial direction oriented substantially in the vertical direction. Thereby, one pole of the magnet 54 is exposed to the outside of the female support member 12, and in this embodiment, the pair of magnets 54 provided on the female support member 12 is one magnet 54. The S pole is positioned upward, and the other magnet 54 has the N pole positioned upward. Here, the height position of the upper end portion of the magnet 54 is set lower than the height position of the first step surface 32.

  Further, the same number (two in the present embodiment) of magnets 58 as the magnets 54 provided on the female support member 12 are provided at positions in the upper end portion of the housing member 20 that are opposed in the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the magnet 58 is a permanent magnet similar to the magnet 54 provided on the female support member 12. The upper surface 38 of the housing member 20 has a substantially semicircular shape having a diameter substantially equal to that of the recessed portion 56 of the female support member 12 when viewed from above, and the recessed portion 56. And a recessed portion 60 that is opened above the housing member 20 and on the inner surface of the opening recess 40. A magnet 58 is embedded in a substantially intermediate portion in the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the recessed portion 60. The magnet 58 is embedded in the housing member 20 to a position slightly deeper than the intermediate portion in the axial direction with the axial direction oriented in the vertical direction and substantially the same as the magnet 54 provided on the female support member 12. Are exposed to the outside of the housing member 20. In addition, the height position of the projecting end surface above the magnet 58 is substantially equal to the magnet 54.

  The magnet 54 provided on the female support member 12 and the magnet 58 provided on the housing member 20 form a pair and exert a magnetic attractive force on each other. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the magnet 58 provided in the housing member 20 has one magnet 58 with the north pole positioned upward and the other magnet 58 with the south pole positioned upward. A plurality of sets of 54 and 58 are provided in the circumferential direction of the female support member 12 (two sets in the present embodiment), and a set of the S pole of the magnet 54 and the N pole of the magnet 58 and the N of the magnet 54 are provided. A magnetic attraction force is exerted between the magnets 54 and 58 in each of the pairs of the poles and the south poles of the magnets 58. Here, since the female support member 12 can be easily rotated in the circumferential direction by the bearing 36, the female support member 12 is rotated around the central axis by the magnetic attractive force of the magnets 54 and 58, and The four magnets 54, 58 are uniquely positioned in the circumferential direction at positions where the four magnets 54, 58 are aligned in a straight line in the radial direction of the female support member 12, and the circumferential direction in which the female support member 12 is applied to the housing member 20 The position is maintained. As is clear from this, in the present embodiment, the circumferential positioning means is configured including the bearing 36 and the magnets 54 and 58.

  A male support member 14 for supporting the male mold 18 is disposed above the female support member 12 having such a structure. The male support member 14 is formed of a non-magnetic material similar to the female support member 12 and has a thick cylindrical pressing portion having an outer diameter dimension substantially equal to the diameter dimension of the female support member 12. 62 and a shaft portion 64 having an outer diameter dimension smaller than that of the pressing portion 62 and extending straight on the same axis as the pressing portion 62 are integrally formed. A male holding hole 68 having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the male mold 18 is formed in the central portion of the bottom surface 66 of the pressing portion 62, and the male holding hole 68 is formed in a circular shape. The bottom surface is a flat support surface 70 extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the male support member 14.

  Furthermore, a negative pressure suction hole 72 extending on the central axis is formed in the male support member 14. The negative pressure suction hole 72 has a substantially constant circular cross-sectional shape and is formed to extend straight on the central axis of the male support member 14 and the shaft portion 64. The lower end portion of the negative pressure suction hole 72 is opened at the center of the support surface 70, while the upper end portion extends in the radial direction of the shaft portion 64 and opens on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 64. A communication hole 74 is formed and connected to the negative pressure suction hole 72.

  In the male support member 14 having such a structure, the upper surface of the pressing portion 62 is made to be the bottom surface of the upper plate 28 by inserting substantially the entire shaft portion 64 into the insertion hole 76 formed in the upper plate 28. It is fixedly supported on the upper plate 28 in a state of being brought into contact. Here, the communication hole 74 formed in the shaft portion 64 is connected to the negative pressure suction hole 78 formed in the upper plate 28 and opened in the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 76, and the negative pressure By connecting the suction hole 78 to a negative pressure source (not shown), a negative pressure is applied to the negative pressure suction hole 72 of the male support member 14. The upper plate 28 is driven to approach / separate the lower plate 24 by hydraulic means, pneumatic means, etc., so that the male support member 14 approaches the female support member 12 in a substantially vertical direction. / It is designed to be distantly displaced.

  The female mold 16 is supported by the female mold support member 12, and the male mold 18 is supported by the male mold support member 14. FIG. 2 shows a female mold 16 and a male mold 18 that are preferably used in the present embodiment.

  The female die 16 is made of a suitable synthetic resin material such as polypropylene and is manufactured by a conventionally known resin molding method such as injection molding. The female die 16 has a concave shape that opens upward as a whole, and has a substantially rotating body around the die center axis 80. More specifically, the central portion of the female die 16 is a spherical shell-like portion 82 projecting downward, and the outer peripheral side of the spherical shell-like portion 82 is directed upward via a step-like portion 84. A tapered cylindrical portion 86 that gradually expands and extends is integrally formed. Further, an annular plate-shaped flange-shaped portion 88 that extends outward in the direction perpendicular to the axis is integrally formed at the upper end opening of the tapered tube portion 86.

  Here, the spherical shell 82 has a concave surface, which is a surface on one side in the axial direction (upward in FIG. 2) that opens upward, and corresponds to the front curve of the target ophthalmic lens. A concave forming surface 90 is formed. In particular, in the present embodiment, the concave forming surface 90 is a non-rotating target shape that forms a toric surface. Further, the stepped portion 84 extends in the circumferential direction with a substantially L-shaped cross section that protrudes slightly outward in the direction perpendicular to the axis from the outer peripheral edge of the spherical shell 82 and then bends upward in the axial direction. . The stepped portion 84 forms an annular flat surface 92 having a flat, generally annular shape that spreads outward from the outer peripheral edge of the concave forming surface 90 in the direction perpendicular to the axis. At the same time, a vertical cylindrical inner peripheral surface 94 that rises substantially vertically from the outer peripheral edge of the annular flat surface 92 and protrudes in the axial direction upward with a predetermined height is formed. Further, the stepped portion 84 forms an annular contact surface 96 having a flat annular shape extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis from the outer peripheral edge of the other axial surface (downward in FIG. 2) of the spherical shell 82. Has been.

  On the other hand, the male mold 18 is formed by a known resin molding method such as injection molding using the same synthetic resin material as the female mold 16. The male mold 18 has a convex shape protruding downward as a whole, and has a substantially rotating body shape around the mold center axis 98. More specifically, the center portion of the male mold 18 is a spherical shell-shaped portion 100 projecting downward, and the outer peripheral side of the spherical shell-shaped portion 100 is directed upward via a step-shaped portion 102. A tapered tube portion 104 that gradually expands and extends is integrally formed. Further, a flange-like portion 106 that extends outward in the direction perpendicular to the axis is integrally formed at the upper end opening of the tapered tube portion 104.

  Here, the spherical shell portion 100 corresponds to the base curve of the target ophthalmic lens by a convex surface which is a surface protruding in the downward direction and one of the surfaces in the axial direction (downward in FIG. 2). The convex forming surface 108 is formed. In particular, in the present embodiment, the convex forming surface 108 is a non-rotation target shape that forms a toric surface. Further, the stepped portion 102 extends in the circumferential direction with a substantially L-shaped cross section protruding slightly from the outer peripheral edge of the spherical shell-shaped portion 100 in the direction perpendicular to the axis and then bent upward in the axial direction. Such a stepped portion 102 forms an abutting flat surface 110 having a flat, substantially annular shape that spreads outward from the outer peripheral edge of the convex forming surface 108 in the direction perpendicular to the axis. At the same time, a vertical cylindrical outer peripheral surface 112 that rises substantially perpendicularly from the outer peripheral edge of the contact flat surface 110 and protrudes upward in the axial direction with a predetermined height is formed. Further, an annular protrusion that protrudes downward is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the flange-shaped part 106, and the lower end surface of the protrusion is a flat stopper surface 114 that extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis.

  In the female mold 16 and the male mold 18 having such a structure, the annular flat surface 92 of the female mold 16 and the abutting flat surface 110 of the male mold 18 have substantially the same inner diameter, The outer dimension of the annular flat surface 92 is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the contact flat surface 110. Then, the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the male mold 18 is inserted in the process of matching the male mold 18 with the female mold 16 by inserting the spherical shell 100 of the male mold 18 into the opening of the tapered cylindrical portion 86 of the female mold 16. The lower end edge portion of 112 is abutted and guided to the inner peripheral surface 116 of the tapered cylindrical portion 86 of the female die 16 and is positioned in a state where the respective die center axes 80 and 98 are aligned. Further, finally, as shown in FIG. 2B, the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 112 of the male mold 18 is fitted into the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 94 of the female mold 16, and the annular shape of the female mold 16 is set. The abutting flat surface 110 of the male mold 18 is brought into contact with the flat surface 92, and positioning in the direction perpendicular to the axis is performed. As a result, a molding cavity 118 corresponding to the target lens shape is formed between the opposing surfaces of the concave forming surface 90 of the female mold 16 and the convex forming surface 108 of the male mold 18.

  That is, both the male and female molds 16 and 18 are guided in the direction perpendicular to the axis by the inner peripheral surface 116 of the tapered cylindrical portion 86, the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 94, and the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 112, and are positioned relative to each other. The guide surface is constituted by including the inner peripheral surface 116 and the cylindrical inner and outer peripheral surfaces 94 and 112. At the same time, both the male and female molds 16 and 18 are positioned in the axial direction by the contact of the contact flat surface 110 with the annular flat surface 92, whereby the shape of the molding cavity 118 is determined. Although not necessarily obvious from the drawings, the stopper surface 114 formed on the male mold 18 is slightly separated from the flange-shaped portion 88 of the female mold 16 in the mating state of the male and female molds 16 and 18. Thus, the male and female molds 16 and 18 can be prevented from approaching more than necessary and the relative inclination.

  Then, the female mold 16 and the male mold 18 having such a structure are supported by the female mold support member 12 and the male mold support member 14, respectively. The female mold 16 is inserted into the female mold holding hole 30 formed in the female mold support member 12 with the spherical shell-shaped portion 82 protruding downward. The female mold 16 is supported by the first step surface 32 by placing the flange-shaped portion 88 of the female mold 16 on the first step surface 32 of the female mold holding hole 30. Here, the female die 16 is almost entirely fitted into the female support member 12 in the accommodated state, and is supported in a state where the tapered cylindrical portion 86 is opened upward. When the female die 16 is placed on the female support member 12, the annular contact surface 96 of the female die 16 faces the second step surface 34 of the female die support member 12 in a slightly spaced state. It is designed to be positioned, so that it is possible to suppress the unnecessary downward displacement during the mold matching. Moreover, since the magnet 54 provided in the female support member 12 has a protruding height dimension lower than that of the first step surface 32, it is also possible to prevent the female mold 16 from being hindered. In the mounted state of the female die 16, the outer peripheral edge of the flange-like portion 88 of the female die 16 slightly overlaps the magnet 54 when viewed from above.

  On the other hand, the male mold 18 is fitted into the male mold holding hole 68 of the male support member 14 with the spherical shell-shaped portion 100 protruding downward, and the negative pressure suction force by the negative pressure suction hole 72 is exerted. As a result, the flange-shaped portion 106 is attracted to and supported by the male support member 14 in a state where the flange-shaped portion 106 is superimposed on the support surface 70.

  When the target ophthalmic lens is molded by using such a molding apparatus 10, the female mold 16 supported by the female mold supporting member 12 is modeled as shown in FIG. A polymerizable monomer 120 as a lens material for obtaining a target ophthalmic lens is injected into the concave forming surface 90 through an injection tube or the like. In addition, as the polymerizable monomer 120 as the lens material, various known liquid monomer compositions used as a raw material for contact lenses and intraocular lenses can be appropriately employed. In addition to those in which one or more of the radically polymerizable compounds used are blended, there may be no problem even if they are composed of macromers or prepolymers. In addition, such a compound is blended with an appropriate cross-linking agent and a polymerization initiator, for example, an additive such as a thermal polymerization initiator, a photopolymerization initiator or a sensitizer, as necessary, to form a liquid monomer. It is considered as a composition. In the present embodiment, as the polymerizable monomer 120, a photopolymerization monomer by ultraviolet irradiation using a photopolymerization initiator is suitably employed.

  Next, the male support member 14 that supports the male mold 18 is brought closer to the female support member 12. As a result, the spherical shell-shaped portion 100 of the male mold 18 is inserted into the opening of the tapered cylindrical section 86 of the female mold 16. Then, the lower end edge of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 112 of the male mold 18 is further exerted on the male support member 14 by pushing the pressing force in the approaching direction to the female support member 12 to further bring the male mold 18 closer to the female mold 16. The portion is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface 116 of the tapered cylindrical portion 86 of the female die 16. Here, in the molding apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the female support member 12 can be freely displaced in all directions on the surface extending in the direction perpendicular to the housing member 20 with a small force via the bearing 36. Since the male die 18 is pushed into the female die 16 by the guiding action of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 112 and the tapered cylindrical portion 86, the female die supporting member 12 is perpendicular to the axis, in other words, the die. It is displaced in the direction orthogonal to the alignment direction. At the same time, a magnetic attractive force is exerted between the magnet 54 provided on the female support member 12 and the magnet 58 provided on the storage member 20, so that the circumferential position of the female support member 12 with respect to the storage member 20. However, the magnets 54 and 58 are maintained at positions where they face each other in the radial direction of the female support member 12. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3B as a model, the shafts 80 and 98 are guided on the same axis while the two molds 16 and 18 maintain the relative circumferential positions, so that the cylinder of the male mold 18 is obtained. The outer peripheral surface 112 and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 94 of the female die 16 are fitted together.

  Further, when a pressing force is further applied to the male support member 14, both the male and female molds 16 and 18 are aligned with each other as shown in a model in FIG. Mold matching is performed with the surface 110 being in contact with the annular flat surface 92 of the female die 16. As a result, the polymerizable monomer 120 injected onto the concave forming surface 90 of the female mold 16 is pressed and expanded from above by the convex forming surface 108 of the male mold 18, so that the concave forming shape of the female mold 16 is obtained. A molding cavity 118 formed between the opposing surfaces of the surface 90 and the convex forming surface 108 of the male mold 18 is filled.

  Subsequently, the polymerizable monomer 120 filled in the molding cavities 118 of the male and female dies 16 and 18 held in the mold-matched state is irradiated with UV light for a predetermined time by an ultraviolet irradiation device (not shown) or the like for polymerization. Apply processing. When a photopolymerizable monomer such as ultraviolet rays is used as in this embodiment, the male and female molds 16 and 18 are formed of a light transmissive material. Then, after the polymerization process, the male support member 14 was displaced in a direction away from the female support member 12 (upward in FIG. 3), and the male mold 18 was opened from the female mold 16 to be formed. By releasing the ophthalmic lens, an ophthalmic lens having a target shape corresponding to the shape of the molding cavity 118 can be obtained.

  In the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus 10 having such a structure, the female mold support member 12 can be displaced in the direction perpendicular to the axis, so that the female mold 16 and the male mold 18 are in an initial state of mold matching. Even if there is a slight axial deviation between the two, the female mold 16 can be displaced in the direction perpendicular to the male mold 18 in the process of matching the male and female molds 16, 18. Is done. As a result, the molds 16 and 18 can be aligned in a state where the axes are aligned with high accuracy. As a result, the polymerizable monomer 120 injected onto the concave forming surface 66 of the female die 16 can be smoothly spread in the circumferential direction by the convex forming surface 108 of the male die 18. It is possible to quickly and stably fill the inside. And since the relative position in the circumferential direction of the female support member 12 with respect to the housing member 20 is kept constant by the magnetic attractive force of the magnets 54 and 58, the positional deviation in the circumferential direction of both the male and female molds 16 and 18 also occurs. Is advantageously reduced. Thereby, with a simple configuration, the molds 16 and 18 can be aligned with each other in a state of being aligned with high accuracy in the direction perpendicular to the axis and in the circumferential direction, and the molding cavity 118 is defined with high accuracy. This makes it possible to manufacture the target intraocular lens with excellent dimensional accuracy and stability.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as the female mold 16 and the male mold 18, the inner peripheral surface 116, the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 94, and the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the tapered cylindrical portion 86 as guide surfaces for aligning them with each other. A mold having 112 is used. As a result, the displacement of the female support member 12 can be generated more advantageously by the guiding action of both the molds 16, 18, and the axes of the both molds 16, 18 can be more advantageously aligned. It is said that.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the female mold 16 is supported by the female mold support member 12, and the male mold 18 is mold-matched in a state supported by the male mold support member 14 by negative pressure suction. A pressing force in a direction approaching the female mold 16 can be exerted on the male mold 18 throughout the mold matching process. As a result, stable mold matching can be performed. Here, particularly in the present embodiment, since the female support member 12 is supported by a plurality of metal balls 44, displacement in the direction perpendicular to the axis is allowed, while in other words, in the axial direction, in other words, die matching The displacement in the direction is limited. Accordingly, it is also avoided that the female support member 12 is displaced in the mold alignment direction and the pressing force of the male support member 14 is absorbed, and the pressing force of the male mold 18 against the polymerizable monomer 120 is avoided. It is possible to effectively

  As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, this is merely an example, and the present invention is not construed as being limited in any way by the specific description in the embodiment. Structures and the like as in the embodiments exemplified below can also be suitably employed. In addition, in the following description, about the member and site | part made into the structure similar to the above-mentioned 1st embodiment, respectively, by attaching | subjecting the code | symbol same as 1st embodiment in a figure, those Detailed description is omitted.

  For example, FIG. 4 shows a molding apparatus 130 for an ophthalmic lens as a second embodiment of the present invention. The mold forming apparatus 130 has substantially the same structure as the mold forming apparatus 10 as the first embodiment described above, and the magnet provided in the housing member 20 in the mold forming apparatus 10 as the first embodiment. Instead of 58, a pair of magnets 132 are provided on the male support member 14.

  More specifically, a pair of magnets 132 are provided at the lower end of the male support member 14 in the molding apparatus 130 so as to face each other in the radial direction. The magnets 132 are permanent magnets similar to the magnets 54 provided on the female support member 12, and the magnets 54 and the molds of the female support member 12 are formed at both radial ends of the bottom surface 66 of the male support member 14. It is provided in a buried state at a position facing in the mating direction. The lower end surfaces of these magnets 132 are exposed to the outside of the male support member 14. Here, the magnets 132 provided on the male support member 14 and the magnets 54 provided on the female support member 12 are arranged such that opposite magnetic poles face each other in the mold matching direction, and exert a magnetic attractive force to each other. In this embodiment, one of the magnets 54 provided on the female support member 12 has an N pole located above and the other an S pole located above. Then, the magnet 132 provided on the male support member 14 is arranged such that one magnet 132 is positioned on the lower side of the N pole and the other magnet 132 is positioned on the lower side so as to form a pair with the magnet 54. The pole is located. The circumferential positions of the male and female support members 12 and 14 in which the opposite magnetic poles of the magnets 54 and 132 are opposed to each other in the mold alignment direction are relative to the target male and female support members 12 and 14. It is designed to be positioned in the circumferential direction. Thereby, in this embodiment, the circumferential direction positioning means is comprised including the bearing 36 which supports the female-type support member 12, and the magnets 54 and 132. FIG.

  In the molding apparatus 130 having such a structure, as in the first embodiment, the female mold support member 12 is supported by the bearing 36 and can freely move in all directions on the surface substantially orthogonal to the mold alignment direction. Therefore, the axial misalignment between the male support member 14 and the female support member 12 is automatically corrected, so that the male and female dies 16 and 18 supported by these support members 12 and 14 are moved. Axes can be aligned with high accuracy. At the same time, when the male support member 14 is brought close to the female support member 12, the magnetic support force is exerted between the magnet 132 and the magnet 54, so that the female support member 12 is rotated around the central axis. Can be rotated. Thereby, the relative circumferential positioning of both molds 16 and 18 can be performed.

  Next, FIG. 5 schematically shows an ophthalmic lens molding apparatus 140 as a third embodiment. The mold forming apparatus 140 has a structure including a plurality of mold forming apparatuses 130 having a structure according to the above-described second embodiment.

  More specifically, the molding apparatus 140 includes a thick plate-shaped lower plate 142 that supports the female support member 12 in the accommodated state, and the lower plate 142 has a plurality of opening recesses 40 ( In this embodiment, 16 pieces of 8 × 2 rows) are formed. The female support member 12 is fitted into each of the opening recesses 40 via the bearings 36 and supported by the lower plate 142. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, 16 female support members 12 arranged in 8 × 2 rows are provided, and each of the female support members 12 is individually connected to the lower plate 142. The lower plate 142 is supported so as to be displaceable in the direction perpendicular to the axis and in the circumferential direction. At the same time, each female support member 12 is provided with a pair of magnets 54 at positions facing each other in the radial direction, as in the second embodiment.

  On the other hand, the male support member 14 is disposed so as to be opposed to the upper side of the female support member 12, and in this embodiment, 16 male support members are arranged in 8 × 2 rows. 14 is provided. Although not shown in detail, the plurality of male support members 14, 14 are moved to / from the lower plate 142 by hydraulic means, pneumatic means, etc., as in the second embodiment. The shaft portion 64 is supported on a plate-like upper plate that can be driven separately, so that the shaft portion 64 can be integrally driven, and the plurality of male support members 14 are simultaneously connected to the female support member 12. It is possible to displace to approach / separate. Further, each male support member 14 is provided with a magnet 132 at a position facing the magnet 54 of the female support member 12 in the mold matching direction, as in the second embodiment.

  The upper die is placed on the lower plate 142 while the female die 16 is mounted on the plural female die supporting members 12 and the male die 18 is supported on the plural male die supporting members 14 in a negative pressure suction state. Approach them. Here, a magnetic attractive force is exerted between the magnets 54 provided on each female support member 12 and the magnets 132 provided on the male support member 14 facing each other in the mold-matching direction. 12 is rotated in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the male and female molds 16 and 18 supported by the male and female mold support members 12 and 14 are aligned in the circumferential direction. At the same time, with the circumferential positions of the male and female molds 16 and 18 being aligned, the female mold support member 12 is displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mold alignment direction, whereby the shafts of the male and female molds 16 and 18 are aligned. Matching is also done at the same time.

  The molding apparatus 140 having such a structure includes a bearing 36 and magnets 54 and 132 as displacement means in each of a plurality (16 in this embodiment) of male and female support members 12 and 14. Since the male and female mold support members 12 and 14 are automatically aligned in the circumferential direction and the direction perpendicular to the axis at the time of mold matching, a large number of both molds 16 and 18 are arranged. At the same time, it is possible to perform alignment efficiently and with high precision, and an ophthalmic lens having excellent shape stability can be manufactured with higher manufacturing efficiency.

  In addition, in this embodiment, it was set as the structure provided with two or more mold forming apparatuses 130 in above-mentioned 2nd embodiment, For example, the mold forming apparatus 10 made into the structure according to above-mentioned 1st embodiment is used. Of course, a structure having a plurality of structures is also possible. That is, instead of the magnet 132 of the male support member 14 in the mold forming apparatus 140 in this embodiment, the lower plate 142 is similar to the mold forming apparatus 10 in the first embodiment described above in the female support member 12. For example, the female support member 12 may be positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the lower plate 142 by providing a magnet 58 at a position opposite to the magnet 54 provided in the radial direction of the female support member 12. .

  Further, in FIG. 6, a female support member 152 as a first jig and a male support member 154 as a second jig constituting a molding apparatus 150 as a fourth embodiment of the present invention are modeled. Show.

  The female support member 152 in this aspect is formed integrally with, for example, the lower plate 24 in the first embodiment described above, and protrudes upward with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the female mold 16. 156 is formed integrally with the lower plate 24, and a female holding hole 30 that opens upward is formed at the center of the projecting portion 156. The female mold 16 is placed and supported on the first step surface 32 of the female mold holding hole 30. That is, the female die 16 is directly supported on the lower plate 24 so as not to be displaced. In this embodiment, the lower plate 24 constitutes a female die support member 152. As in the second embodiment described above, a pair of magnets 157 are provided at positions opposed to each other in the radial direction at the upper end portion of the protruding portion 156, and one magnet 157 has the N pole upward. The other magnet 157 is positioned so that the south pole is positioned upward.

  On the other hand, the male support member 154 is supported by an upper holding member 158 as a receiving member. The upper holding member 158 is integrally formed of a holding portion 162 having a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape having a housing recess 160 that opens downward, and a rod-shaped shaft portion 164 that protrudes upward from a central portion of the upper surface of the holding portion 162. The structure is formed automatically. The end of the shaft portion 164 opposite to the holding portion 162 is supported by an upper plate (not shown) disposed above the lower plate 24. Then, when the upper plate is driven to approach / separate the lower plate 24 by hydraulic means, pneumatic means, etc. (not shown), the upper holding member 158 is displaced to approach / separate from the lower plate 24. It is like that. Further, the upper holding member 158 is formed with a negative pressure suction hole 166 extending on the central axis. The negative pressure suction hole 166 is opened at the lower end thereof into the housing recess 160 through a connection port 168 formed in the central portion of the upper bottom surface of the housing recess 160, and on the central axis of the shaft portion 164. Is extended upward and connected to a negative pressure source (not shown).

  A male support member 154 is disposed in the housing recess 160 of the upper holding member 158 having such a structure. The male support member 154 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a support protrusion 170 that protrudes radially outward is integrally formed over the entire circumference of the male support member 154. Here, the diameter of the support protrusion 170 is smaller than the diameter of the housing recess 160. In addition, a male holding hole 68 that opens downward is formed in the central portion of the bottom surface of the male supporting member 154. Further, a negative pressure suction hole 72 penetrating on the central axis is formed in the male support member 154, and a lower end portion of the negative pressure suction hole 72 is a bottom surface of the male mold holding hole 68. While being opened at the center of the surface 70, the upper end is opened upward from a connection port 172 formed integrally with the upper surface of the male support member 154. The lower end of the male support member 154 is provided with a pair of magnets 174 at positions opposite to each other in the radial direction of the male support member 154, as in the second embodiment. In the pair of magnets 174, one magnet 174 positions the north pole downward, while the other magnet 174 positions the south pole downward. Thereby, the position where the opposite magnetic poles of the magnet 174 and the magnet 157 provided on the female support member 152 are opposed to each other in the mold alignment direction is the relative circumference of the target male and female support members 152, 154. It is designed to be a directional position.

  The male support member 154 having such a structure is disposed in the housing recess 160 of the holding portion 162. More specifically, a support piece 176 that protrudes inward over the entire circumference is integrally formed at the lower opening end of the accommodation recess 160. The inner diameter dimension of the support piece 176 is slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of the projecting portion 156 of the female support member 152, and the thickness dimension thereof is smaller than the projecting dimension of the projecting portion 156. A bearing 178 is disposed on the support piece 176. The bearing 178 has the same structure as the bearing 36 in the first embodiment, and has a structure in which a plurality of metal balls 180 are held by a cage (not shown). Further, particularly in the present embodiment, a curved concave surface 182 that is recessed along the metal ball 180 is formed on the upper surface of the support piece 176, and the metal ball 180 is placed on the curved concave surface 182. Thus, the bearing 178 is placed so as not to be displaceable with respect to the support piece 176.

  Then, the support protrusion 170 of the male support member 154 is placed on the metal ball 180 of the bearing 178 placed on the support piece 176, so that the male support member 154 is placed on the bearing 178. Has been. Further, particularly in the present embodiment, a bearing 178 similar to that placed on the support piece 176 is also placed on the upper surface of the support protrusion 170 of the male support member 154. A metal ball 180 is superimposed on a curved concave surface 182 formed on the upper bottom surface of the housing recess 160 and is disposed so as not to be displaceable with respect to the upper bottom surface of the housing recess 160. Thus, the male support member 154 is sandwiched between a pair of bearings 178 disposed above and below the housing recess 160 and is housed in the housing recess 160, and is on a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the mold alignment direction. While being freely displaceable, circumferential displacement around the central axis is possible, while holding in the upper holding member 158 is impossible in the axial displacement. As described above, in this embodiment, the displacement means is configured including the bearing 178, and the circumferential positioning unit is configured including the bearing 178 and the magnets 157 and 174.

  The connection port 168 of the upper holding member 158 and the connection port 172 of the male support member 154 are airtightly connected by an easily deformable tube member 184 made of, for example, a rubber tube. Thus, even when the axial positions of both connection ports 168 and 172 are displaced due to the displacement of the male support member 154 in the axial direction, the connection state of both the negative pressure suction holes 166 and 172 is maintained, and the negative pressure suction is performed. A negative pressure suction force is applied to the hole 72.

  In the molding apparatus 150 having such a structure, the female mold 16 is fitted into the female mold holding hole 30 formed in the female mold supporting member 152, and the flange-shaped portion 88 of the female mold 16 is held by the female mold. The female die 16 is supported by the female die support member 152 by being supported by the first step surface 32 of the hole 30. On the other hand, when the male mold 18 is fitted into the male mold holding hole 68 of the male support member 154, the negative pressure is applied to the negative pressure suction hole 72, so that the male mold 18 is negatively applied to the male support member 154. Supported in a pressure suction state. Then, the upper holding member 158 is brought close to the female support member 152, and the protruding portion 156 of the female support member 152 is inserted into the opening of the support piece 176 of the upper holding member 158, so that the female 16 and the male mold 18 are matched. Here, in this embodiment, the male support member 152 is provided with a magnetic attraction force between the magnet 157 provided on the female support member 152 and the magnet 74 provided on the male support member 154. 154 is rotated in the circumferential direction, and the male and female support members 152 and 154 are positioned at the target circumferential position. At the same time, the male support member 154 is displaced in the direction perpendicular to the axis by the guiding action of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 112 of the male mold 18 and the inner peripheral surface 116 and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 94 of the tapered cylindrical portion 86 of the female mold 16. To be sedated As a result, the molds can be aligned in a state where the axes are aligned with high precision while keeping the circumferential positions of both molds 16 and 18 at the target positions. Here, particularly in the present embodiment, since the bearing 178 is also disposed above the male support member 154 and the axial displacement of the male support member 154 is limited, the male support member 154 is therefore limited. It is also advantageously avoided that the pressing force by the upper holding member 158 is impaired due to displacement in the axial direction, and the pressing force by the upper holding member 158 can be effectively exerted.

  Next, FIG. 7 shows a female support member 192 as a first jig and a male support member as a second jig constituting an ophthalmic lens molding apparatus 190 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 194 is shown as a model. The female support member 192 and the male support member 194 in this aspect have substantially the same structure as the female support member 12 and the male support member 14 in the second embodiment described above, and each has a diameter. A magnet 54 and a magnet 132 are provided at positions facing each other in the direction so as to exert a magnetic attractive force to each other. FIG. 7 shows a state in which pressure is generated in a pressure hole 198 described later and the female support member 192 is lifted.

  In the present embodiment, the female support member 192 is placed on the support surface 42 of the opening recess 40 formed in the lower plate 24 as a receiving member, and is accommodated in the opening recess 40. Here, particularly in the present embodiment, a locking piece 196 is formed at the opening edge of the opening recess 40 so as to protrude radially inward over the entire circumference. The inner diameter of the locking piece 196 is smaller than the diameter of the female support member 192 and larger than the diameter of the male support member 194. It is designed to stop the rank. The height dimension from the support surface 42 of the opening recess 40 to the bottom surface of the locking piece 196 is slightly larger than the height dimension of the female support member 192.

  A plurality of pressure holes 198 are opened in the support surface 42 of the opening recess 40. These pressurization holes 198 are connected to a pressurization source (not shown), and pressurization is generated by, for example, sending compressed air or the like. As a result, the female support member 192 is levitated from the support surface 42 of the opening recess 40 by the air pressure of the compressed air discharged from the pressurizing hole 198, and is perpendicular to the axis and circumferentially. It can be displaced in the direction. Thus, in the present embodiment, the displacement means is configured including the pressure hole 198 and the circumferential positioning means is configured including the pressure hole 198 and the magnets 54 and 132. In particular, in the present embodiment, a slight gap is formed between the floating upper surface of the female support member 192 and the locking piece 196, and the female support member 192 contacts the locking piece 196. The air pressure discharged from the pressurizing hole 198 is adjusted so that nothing happens.

  In the molding apparatus 190 having such a structure, the female mold 16 and the male mold 18 are matched by bringing the male mold support member 194 close to the female mold support member 192 in a floating state. . Here, also in this embodiment, since the female support member 192 is levitated from the lower plate 24 and is allowed to rotate around the central axis, it is provided on the male and female support members 192 and 194. The circumferential positions of the male and female support members 192 and 194 are aligned by the magnetic attractive force of the magnets 54 and 132. At the same time, since the displacement of the female support member 192 in the direction perpendicular to the axis is allowed, both molds 16 and 18 can be matched with high accuracy. Further, by adjusting the air pressure exerted on the female support member 192 so that the pressing force exerted from the male support member 194 can be offset, the pressing force applied by the male support member 194 is not impaired. The mold matching force exerted on the molds 16 and 18 can be advantageously ensured.

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention has been explained in full detail, these are illustrations to the last, Comprising: This invention is not limited at all by the specific description in this embodiment. .

  For example, a rotation amount restricting means for restricting excessive excessive displacement in the circumferential direction between the first jig and the second jig may be provided. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates one mode in which the ophthalmic lens molding apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment includes a rotation amount limiting unit.

  In this embodiment, a plate-like locking piece 200 is provided on the upper end surface of the female support member 12 so as to project outward in the radial direction, and extends above the housing member 20. On the upper surface of the housing member 20, a pair of locking protrusions 202 protruding upward are formed at positions separated by a predetermined distance across the locking piece 200 in the circumferential direction of the female support member 12.

  According to such an aspect, the rotation amount limiting means is configured by the locking piece 200 and the pair of locking projections 202, and when the female support member 12 is excessively rotated in the circumferential direction, When the locking piece 200 is locked by the locking projection 202, the excessive displacement of the female support member 12 can be limited.

  In addition, one or more sets of magnets in the present invention may be provided, and three or more sets of magnets may be provided as illustrated in FIG. In this way, positioning in the circumferential direction can be performed more stably. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 9, it is more preferable that the N pole and the S pole are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the female support member 12. In this way, when the female support member 12 is displaced from the desired position in the circumferential direction, the repulsive forces that are separated from each other are exerted by the magnets 58 having the same magnetic pole as that of the magnet 54, so that the female support member 12 12 can be stably positioned according to the target circumferential position.

  Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 10, in addition to the magnets constituting the set of the magnet 54 provided on the female support member 12 and the magnet 58 provided on the storage member 20, in one of the male and female support members 12 and the storage member 20. A magnet 204 that exerts a repulsive force on the magnet provided on the other side may be provided. In FIG. 10, in the female support member 12, the same magnetic pole (N pole in FIG. 10) as the magnet 58 is provided in the middle portion in the circumferential direction of the magnet 54 that forms a pair with the magnet 58 provided in the housing member 20. A magnetic pole magnet 204 is provided. In this manner, in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG. 9, when the female support member 12 is displaced from the desired position in the circumferential direction, a repulsive force is exerted between the magnet 58 and the magnet 204. Thus, the female support member 12 can be stably positioned at the intended circumferential position.

  Furthermore, the magnet used in the present invention is not limited to a permanent magnet, and an electromagnet may be used.

  Furthermore, the jig provided with the displacing means is not necessarily limited to only one of the two jigs, and may be provided on both jigs. Displacement means (see FIG. 1) shown in one embodiment is provided, and displacement means (see FIG. 6) shown in the fourth embodiment is provided on the second jig that supports the male mold. Also good.

Claims (8)

A first jig for supporting a front mold for molding a lens front surface shape and a second jig for supporting a rear mold for molding a lens rear surface shape, and bringing the first and second jigs close to each other. In an ophthalmic lens molding apparatus for molding a lens material filled between the front mold and the rear mold,
The first and second jigs are formed of a non-magnetic material, and at least one of the first and second jigs is provided with a receiving member formed of a non-magnetic material that supports the jig. Displacement means for allowing the supported jig to be relatively displaceable in all directions on a surface substantially orthogonal to the mold alignment direction and a rotation direction about the central axis of the jig as a rotation center with respect to the receiving member. A magnet is provided on the jig supported by the receiving member, and a magnet is provided on at least one of the other jig and the receiving member. An ophthalmic lens molding apparatus comprising a circumferential positioning means for positioning the second jig in the circumferential direction.   2. The ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first jig is supported by the receiving member, and the magnet is provided on the first jig and the receiving member. 3.   The ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnet is provided in each of the first jig and the second jig.   4. The ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of sets of magnets are arranged in a circumferential direction of the jig supported by the receiving member. 5.   The ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation amount limiting unit that limits a rotation amount of the jig supported by the receiving member.   6. The displacement means according to claim 1, wherein at least three spheres are interposed between the receiving member and the jig supported by the receiving member, and the jig is supported by the sphere. An ophthalmic lens molding apparatus according to claim 1.   A plurality of pairs of the first and second jigs are provided, the displacement means is provided in at least one of the jig pairs, and the circumferential positioning means is provided in each of the jig pairs. The molding apparatus of the ophthalmic lens as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6 provided. A first jig for supporting a front mold for molding a lens front surface shape and a second jig for supporting a rear mold for molding a lens rear surface shape, and bringing the first and second jigs close to each other. In the manufacturing method of the ophthalmic lens for molding the lens material filled between the front mold and the rear mold,
As the front molding die and the rear molding die, using a molding die having a guide surface that aligns the center axis of each other, and using a magnet for positioning the first jig and the second jig in the circumferential direction, Guide action of at least one of the first and second jigs on the front mold and the rear mold while exerting a pressing force in a direction approaching the first jig on the second jig. The first jig and the second jig are positioned in the circumferential direction by using the magnetic attraction force of the magnet. A method for producing an ophthalmic lens, wherein the front molding die and the rear molding die are coaxially positioned in the circumferential direction to perform mold matching.

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