JP7404866B2 - Manufacturing method of dyed polarized lenses - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a dyeing substrate used in a method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, polarized lenses have been known in which a spectacle lens is integrated with a polarizing element having a polarizing film formed by uniaxially stretching a resin film such as polyvinyl alcohol (for example, Patent Document 1). Glasses using polarized lenses are used to protect the eyes from glare, reduce fatigue, and improve visibility in environments with high illuminance and a lot of reflected light (for example, mountains, the sea, etc.).

Conventionally, as a method of adding color to such polarized lenses, a method of kneading dye into the base material of the lens has sometimes been used.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-311804

However, dyed polarized lenses manufactured by conventional methods only have monochromatic designs or simple designs, and lack design quality. Additionally, when adding color to multiple polarized lenses using the same design pattern, it was difficult to add color to multiple polarized lenses using the same design pattern with good reproducibility. .

In addition, since the polarizing film uses a hydrophilic resin such as polyethylene alcohol, it has poor water resistance, and the polarizing lens is immersed in a dye solution containing a dispersed dye, which is used for conventional lens dyeing, for a predetermined period of time. Dyeing polarized lenses using a dipping method (dip dyeing method) changes the function of polarized light, making it difficult to dye them.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides dyed polarized light that suppresses changes in the polarization function, makes it possible to easily produce dyed polarized lenses in good condition, and allows for the application of various design patterns with good reproducibility. The technical problem is to provide a method for manufacturing lenses.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is characterized by having the following configuration.

The method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens, which includes a first step of obtaining a dyeing substrate by applying a sublimable dye having sublimation property to the substrate; The sublimable dye is applied to the dyeing substrate by placing the dyeing substrate obtained in the step opposite to a polarizing lens having a polarizing film on one surface of the lens and heating the dyeing substrate. a second step of sublimating the sublimable dye and attaching the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens; and irradiating the polarizing lens with the sublimable dye attached in the second step with a laser beam. and a third step of fixing the sublimable dye on the polarizing lens by heating, and the third step includes fixing the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens on a lens surface on which the polarizing film is not provided. The method is characterized in that the polarizing lens is heated by irradiating the laser beam, and the sublimable dye is fixed on the polarizing lens .

2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the manufacturing method of the present embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a manufacturing system used in the manufacturing method of this embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a dye fixing device used in the manufacturing method of the present embodiment.

<Manufacturing system for dyed polarized lenses>
In the present disclosure, the present inventors focused on a vapor phase transfer dyeing method that does not require a dyeing solution like the dip dyeing method, and found that polarized lenses cannot be dyed well by using the vapor phase transfer dyeing method. The research progressed. For example, in the vapor phase transfer dyeing method, a sublimable dye attached to a dyeing substrate is heated, the heated sublimable dye is vapor-deposited onto a lens, and the lens with the sublimable dye vapor-deposited is heated in an oven. This is a dyeing method for dyeing lenses. However, with the vapor phase transfer dyeing method, it has been found that when a polarized lens is dyed, the polarization function changes and the dyeing cannot be done well.

As a result of extensive research, the present inventors found that the reason why polarized lenses cannot be dyed well using the vapor-phase transfer dyeing method is that the polarizing film (polarized It has been discovered that the polarization function (for example, the polarization value decreases) due to deformation of the film (film). In addition, the present inventors believe that if a method of heating a polarized lens on which a sublimable dye is vapor-deposited is performed by irradiating a laser beam, the polarized lens can be locally heated. We discovered that it can be dyed without deforming it.

Typical embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For example, FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of a method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens according to this embodiment. For example, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a manufacturing system used in the method for manufacturing dyed polarized lenses of this embodiment. Note that, for example, the technology of the present disclosure can be applied to polarized lenses of various refractive powers (for example, low diopter, high diopter, 0 diopter, etc.).

For example, polarized lenses are made of polycarbonate, polycarbonate resins (e.g., diethylene glycol bisallyl carbonate polymer (CR-39)), polyurethane resins (Trivex), allyl resins (e.g., allyl diglycol carbonate and its copolymers). polymers, diallyl phthalate and its copolymers), fumaric acid resins (e.g. benzyl fumarate copolymers), styrene resins, polymethyl acrylate resins, fiber resins (e.g. cellulose propionate), thiourethanes. A polarized lens made of at least one of a high refractive index material such as a nylon resin, a nylon resin (a polyamide resin), etc., may be used.

For example, in the method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens of this embodiment, a first step, a second step, and a third step are performed. For example, the method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens of this embodiment is performed in the order of a first step, a second step, and a third step. For example, the first step is a step of obtaining a dyeing substrate (for example, the dyeing substrate 1) by applying a sublimable dye having sublimability to the substrate (for example, the substrate 2). For example, in the second step, the dyeing substrate obtained in the first step is opposed to a polarizing lens (for example, lens 8), and the dyeing substrate is heated, thereby removing the sublimable dye applied to the dyeing substrate. This is the process of sublimating and attaching the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens. For example, the third step is a step of heating the polarizing lens by irradiating the polarizing lens to which the sublimable dye has been attached in the second step with a laser beam, thereby fixing the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens. .

In this way, for example, the method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens in the present embodiment includes a first step of obtaining a dyeing substrate by applying a sublimable dye having sublimation properties to the substrate; a second step in which the sublimable dye applied to the dyeing substrate is sublimated by placing the dyeing substrate opposite to the polarizing lens and heating the dyeing substrate, and the sublimable dye is attached to the polarizing lens; The method includes a third step of heating the polarizing lens by irradiating a laser beam onto the polarizing lens to which the sublimable dye has been attached in the step, thereby fixing the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens. This suppresses changes in the polarization function of the polarized lens, and makes it possible to easily manufacture dyed polarized lenses in good condition.

In addition, for example, polarized lenses can be dyed with various design patterns such as detailed designs and gradation designs, and this method is particularly effective as a manufacturing method for improving design. Further, for example, polarized lenses can be dyed with the same design pattern, and the reproducibility of the design pattern when manufacturing dyed polarized lenses can be improved.

For example, the polarized lens may be one in which a polarizing film is provided on one of the convex and concave surfaces of the lens. In this case, for example, a polarizing film may be provided on the convex side of the lens. Further, in this case, for example, a polarizing film may be provided on the concave side of the lens. Further, for example, the polarized lens may be a polarized lens in which a polarizing film is provided inside the base material of the lens. That is, for example, the polarized lens may be a polarized lens in which a polarized film is sandwiched between lens base materials. Of course, the polarizing lens is not limited to the above-mentioned polarizing lens, and any lens having a polarizing function may be used.

For example, in the third step, the polarized lens is heated by irradiating a laser beam onto the lens surface on which the polarizing film is not provided, and the sublimable dye is fixed on the polarized lens. It's okay. As an example, in the case of a polarized lens in which a polarizing film is provided on one of the convex or concave surfaces of the lens, the third step is to irradiate the surface on which the polarizing film is not provided with a laser beam. The polarizing lens may be heated to fix the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens. In this way, for example, by irradiating a surface on which a polarizing film is not provided with laser light, the polarizing film can be heated well, and the irradiation of the laser light onto the polarizing film is suppressed, so that the polarizing film deformation can be suppressed, and polarized lenses can be dyed better. For example, the present technology is particularly useful for a polarized lens in which a polarized film that is easily affected by heat is provided on one of the front and back surfaces of the lens.

Note that in this embodiment, for example, a gradation design using the sublimable dye may be formed on the polarizing lens by attaching the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens in a state with a concentration gradient. In this case, for example, in the first step, a sublimable dye may be applied onto the substrate so that the color density changes. Further, for example, in the second step, the sublimable dye applied to the dyeing substrate is sublimated by heating the dyeing substrate, and the sublimable dye is attached to the polarizing lens in a state with a concentration gradient. It's okay. For example, in the third step, the sublimable dye is fixed on the polarizing lens by heating the polarizing lens to which the sublimable dye has been attached in a state with a concentration gradient in the second step. A gradation design may be formed using a sublimable dye. In this way, for example, a dyed polarized lens having a gradation design can be easily obtained by attaching and fixing a sublimable dye to a polarized lens with a concentration gradient. For example, when using a manufacturing method in which a polarized lens and a dyeing substrate face each other in a non-contact manner, the sublimable dye can be sufficiently dispersed and attached to the polarized lens. A gradation pattern can be more suitably reproduced.

For example, in this embodiment, the manufacturing system 100 is used to carry out each step in the method for manufacturing dyed polarized lenses. For example, with reference to FIG. 2, a schematic configuration of the manufacturing system 100 in this embodiment will be described. The manufacturing system 100 of this embodiment includes a dye coating device 10, a vapor deposition device 30, and a dye fixing device (fixing device) 60.

For example, in the first step, the dye coating device 10 is used. For example, the dye coating device 10 is used to coat the substrate 2 with a sublimable dye to be deposited on the polarizing lens 8 to obtain a dyeing substrate 1 coated with the sublimable dye. For example, the vapor deposition apparatus 30 is used in the second step. For example, the vapor deposition device 30 makes the dyeing substrate 1 face the polarizing lens 8 and heats the dyeing substrate to sublimate the sublimable dye applied to the dyeing substrate 1, and transfers the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens 8. Used to attach to. For example, in the third step, the fixing device 60 is used. For example, the fixing device 60 is used to heat the polarizing lens 8 and fixing the sublimable dye onto the polarizing lens 8 by irradiating laser light onto the polarizing lens 8 to which the sublimable dye is attached.

Note that, for example, in the present embodiment, the method for manufacturing dyed polarized lenses may include a pretreatment step for manufacturing polarized lenses before implementing the first step. In this case, for example, the method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens may include a pretreatment step of manufacturing a polarized lens by adding a polarizing function to the lens.

For example, it may include a pretreatment step for manufacturing polarized lenses. For example, the pretreatment step may be carried out by injection molding, press molding, or casting. Of course, the pretreatment step is not limited to the above method, and various polarizing lens manufacturing methods can be used.

For example, the injection molding method is a method of manufacturing polarized lenses by placing a polarizing film in a space formed by a mold member having a concave surface and a convex surface, and supplying lens material to one of the spaces. For example, the press molding method is a method of manufacturing polarized lenses by sandwiching a flat laminate in which thermoplastic laminates are placed on both sides of a polarizing film between a concave pressing plate and a convex pressing plate of a press. . For example, in the casting method, polarized lenses are manufactured by placing a polarizing film inside a gasket to which a mold member is fitted, fitting mold members on both sides of the film, injecting lens material, and polymerizing it. It's a method.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens will be described in detail.

<First step>
For example, in the first step, the dyeing substrate 1 is obtained (manufactured) by applying a sublimable dye to the substrate 2 using the dye coating device 10 . For example, in the first step, the dye coating device 10 forms the dye portion 6 by attaching a sublimable dye, which will be deposited later on the polarizing lens 8, to the substrate 2. For example, the substrate 2 is a medium that temporarily holds a sublimable dye used to dye the polarizing lens 8. A detailed description of the base 2 will be given later.

In this embodiment, for example, a printing device is used as the dye coating device 10. For example, in the present embodiment, in the first step, the dyeing substrate 1 is obtained by printing a dyeing ink containing a sublimable dye on the substrate 2 using a printing device. This makes it easier to accurately control the amount of sublimable dye applied, and allows the sublimable dye to be applied more uniformly to the substrate. Furthermore, sublimable dyes can be easily applied in various design patterns. Additionally, the use of a printing device reduces the use of sublimable dyes. Note that in this embodiment, the sublimable dye is held even more firmly by performing a step of drying the ink printed by the printing device.

Note that, for example, in this embodiment, the sublimable dye may be dissolved in the ink solvent. For example, this function-adding ink is put into an ink container (for example, an ink pack, an ink cartridge, etc.) for an inkjet printer, and the ink container is installed in the installation part 14 of the inkjet printer 11. Note that this embodiment will be described using an example in which the ink cartridge 13 is used as the ink container. For example, dyeing ink is put into an ink cartridge 13 for an inkjet printer, and this cartridge 13 is installed in the installation section 14 of the inkjet printer 11.

In this embodiment, for example, a case will be described in which an inject printer 11 is used as the printing device. In this case, the sublimable dye is applied to the substrate 2 by printing using the inkjet printer 11, for example. In this embodiment, for example, the inkjet printer 11 includes a mounting section 14, an inkjet head 15, and a control means (control section) 16. Of course, the inkjet printer 11 is not limited to the above configuration.

For example, the mounting unit 14 is mounted with an ink container (for example, an ink cartridge 13 described below) for dyeing ink containing a sublimable dye. For example, the inkjet head 15 discharges the dyeing ink toward the substrate 2 from the ink container for the function-adding ink and the ink container for the dyeing ink, which are provided in the mounting portion 14 . As a result, the dyeing ink is printed on the substrate 2. For example, the control unit 16 controls the driving of the inkjet head 15 and causes the inkjet head 15 to eject dyeing ink.

For example, in order to print dyeing ink containing a sublimable dye for dyeing onto the substrate 2 using this inkjet printer 11, printing is performed using a personal computer 12 (hereinafter referred to as PC). Adjust the ejection amount of each dyeing ink.

In this embodiment, the amount of dyeing ink containing a sublimable dye is stored in the memory 20 as color data. Further, as color data, the color density of the polarizing lens at the time of dyeing is stored in the memory 20. For example, by selecting the desired color data by the operator, it is possible to recall the color data from the memory 20 and reproduce the addition of the same color any number of times. Furthermore, for example, the color shading of the sublimable dye is digitally managed, so it is possible to obtain the same color density as many times as needed. In other words, it is possible for the operator to reproduce the desired color tone and color density for the polarizing lens 8.

Note that, for example, the density gradient can be obtained using a gradation function provided in drawing software or the like. Further, for example, a gradation according to the user's preference may be set in advance and stored in the PC 12 as unique gradation data (color data). Note that, for example, various designs (for example, a gradation pattern with a density gradient, a monochromatic design, an image, etc.) can be added as the desired color.

Note that the concentration of the sublimable dye may also be changeable. For example, by changing the density of the sublimable dye, the density of the color added to the polarizing lens 8 can be changed. In this case, for example, the density of the sublimable dye may be selectable, and color data for applying the sublimable dye at a selected density may be selected for each density of the sublimable dye.

For example, the substrate 2 on which a sublimable dye is printed by a printing device may include paper, a metal plate (eg, aluminum, iron, copper, etc.), glass, or the like. In the following description, the substrate 2 will be explained using paper as an example. Further, in this embodiment, for example, the base 2 is a sheet-like base. Further, in the following description, the printing device will be described using the inject printer 11 as an example. For example, the substrate 2 is placed in the inject printer 11, and by operating the PC 12, printing is performed with each ink so that preset functions, colors, and color densities are achieved.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the structure which uses the inkjet printer 11 as an example of the printing device in the dye application apparatus 10 was demonstrated, it is not limited to this. As a printing device, a laser printer may be used to print and apply the sublimable dye to the substrate 2. In this case, the sublimable dye is applied to the substrate 2 by, for example, a laser printer using a toner containing the sublimable dye.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the structure which applies a sublimable dye to the base|substrate 2 using the printing apparatus as the dyeing|staining adhesion part 10 was mentioned as an example, it is not limited to this. For example, the dye coating device 10 may have any configuration as long as it can coat the substrate 2 with a sublimable dye. For example, the dye coating device 10 may apply dyeing ink to the substrate 2 by driving a dispenser (liquid quantitative coating device), a roller, or the like. Alternatively, for example, the dyeing ink may be applied to the substrate 2 by an operator using a brush, a roller, a spray, or the like, without using the dye application device 10. Note that the sublimable dye may be applied to the substrate 2 without being converted into ink.

Note that when applying the sublimable dye to the substrate 2, the sublimable dye may be applied at least once or more. For example, the sublimable dye may be applied to the substrate 2 by one application (e.g., one printing), or the sublimable dye may be applied to the substrate 2 by multiple applications (e.g., multiple printing). It may also be applied to the base body 2. That is, the number of times the sublimable dye is applied to the substrate 2 may be changed depending on the color and density.

Further, in this embodiment, dyes of at least three colors, red, blue, and yellow, are attached to the substrate 2 by the inkjet printer 11. The dye must have sublimation properties and be able to withstand the heat during sublimation. As an example, in this embodiment, a quinophthalone-based sublimable dye or an anthraquinone-based sublimable dye is used.

<Second process>
As described above, the second step is performed using the dyeing substrate 1 obtained in the first step. For example, in the second step, the dyeing substrate 1 obtained in the first step is opposed to the polarizing lens 8, and the dyeing substrate 1 is heated to sublimate the sublimable dye applied to the dyeing substrate 1. This is a step of attaching a sublimable dye to the polarizing lens 8. For example, the vapor deposition apparatus 30 is used in the second step.

For example, the vapor deposition device 30 heats the sublimable dye attached to the dyeing substrate 1 using electromagnetic waves, thereby sublimating the sublimable dye toward the polarizing lens 8 . As a result, the sublimable dye is deposited on the polarizing lens 8. Note that the polarizing lens 8 may have various layers formed thereon, such as a receiving film for facilitating the fixing of the sublimable dye in the third step described below.

For example, the vapor deposition apparatus 30 of this embodiment includes an electromagnetic wave generating section 31, a vapor deposition jig 32, a pump 36, and a valve 37. Of course, the configuration of the vapor deposition apparatus 30 is not limited to the above configuration.

For example, the electromagnetic wave generating section 31 generates electromagnetic waves. As an example, in this embodiment, a halogen lamp that generates infrared rays is used as the electromagnetic wave generating section 31. However, the electromagnetic wave generating section 31 may be anything that generates electromagnetic waves. Therefore, instead of the halogen lamp, a configuration that generates electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as ultraviolet rays and microwaves may be used.

For example, the vapor deposition device 30 can raise the temperature of the sublimable dye in a short time by irradiating the dyeing substrate 1 with electromagnetic waves. Further, when sublimating the sublimable dye on the dyeing substrate 1, it is also possible to heat the sublimable dye by bringing a heated iron plate or the like into contact with the dyeing substrate 1. However, it is difficult to bring the dyeing substrate 1 into contact with the iron plate or the like uniformly (for example, without any gaps). If the contact condition is not uniform, the sublimable dye will not be heated uniformly, which may cause color unevenness. In contrast, the vapor deposition apparatus 30 of this embodiment can uniformly heat the sublimable dye using electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave generating section 31 spaced apart from the dyeing substrate 1.

For example, the deposition jig 32 holds the dyeing substrate 1 and the polarizing lens 8. The deposition jig 32 of this embodiment includes a lens support section 33 and a base support section 34. The lens support section 33 includes a cylindrical base and a mounting table disposed inside the base. The polarizing lens 8 is supported by the mounting table of the lens support section 33 while being surrounded by the base. The substrate support part 34 is located at the upper end of the cylindrical base and supports the dyeing substrate 1 above the polarizing lens 8. Although details are not shown, when the outer peripheral edge of the dyeing substrate 1 is placed on the substrate support portion 34, an annular substrate pressing member is placed on the outer peripheral edge of the dyeing substrate 1. As a result, the position of the dyeing substrate 1 is fixed. Conventionally, in order to suppress the staining of the vapor deposition device 30, a plate-shaped glass is further placed on the top surface of the dyeing substrate 1 held by the substrate support 34, so that the sublimable dye is sublimated. It may be possible to suppress the dye from spreading to the back side of the dyeing substrate 1.

For example, the dyeing substrate 1 is arranged such that the surface to which the sublimable dye is attached faces the polarizing lens 8 . In this embodiment, the dyeing substrate 1 is supported above the polarizing lens 8, so the dyeing substrate 1 is placed on the substrate support portion 34 so that the surface to which the sublimable dye is attached faces downward.

For example, when the dyeing substrate 1 and the polarizing lens 8 are opposed to each other, they may be opposed to each other without contact (for example, by 2 mm to 30 mm). In this case, for example, in the second step, the dyeing substrate 1 obtained in the first step is opposed to the polarizing lens 8 in a non-contact manner, and the dyeing substrate 1 is heated, thereby applying the dye to the dyeing substrate 1. The sublimable dye may be sublimated and the sublimable dye may be attached to the polarizing lens 8.

For example, by making them face each other in a non-contact manner, it is possible to suppress the heat generated when the dyeing substrate is heated to sublimate the sublimable dye from being conducted to the polarizing lens. This can prevent the polarizing lens from discoloring or shrinking due to heat, and also prevent the polarizing film in the polarizing lens from deforming.

Further, for example, by making them face each other in a non-contact manner, a distance is created between the dyeing substrate and the polarizing lens, so that the sublimable dye can be sufficiently dispersed and attached to the polarizing lens. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress uneven adhesion of the sublimable dye on the polarized lens, and it is possible to manufacture a good dyed polarized lens. Moreover, especially when a gradation pattern is coated on the dyeing substrate, the gradation pattern can be suitably reproduced on the polarized lens.

For example, the pump 36 exhausts the gas inside the vapor deposition device 30 to the outside, thereby lowering the air pressure inside the vapor deposition device 30. That is, for example, the pump 36 exhausts the gas inside the vapor deposition apparatus 30 to the outside, and makes the inside of the vapor deposition apparatus 30 a predetermined degree of vacuum.

For example, in the second step, when the lens 8 is put into the vapor deposition apparatus 30 and a sublimable dye is deposited, the pump 36 is used to set the inside of the vapor deposition apparatus 30 to a predetermined degree of vacuum and the deposition operation is performed. Note that, for example, in this embodiment, the interior of the vapor deposition apparatus 30 is brought into a predetermined vacuum state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to perform the deposition operation under normal pressure inside the deposition apparatus 30.

For example, after being in a vacuum state, the dyeing substrate 1 is heated from above using the electromagnetic wave generating section 31 to sublimate the sublimable dye. For example, if the heating temperature is lower than 100°C on the dyeing substrate 1, it will be difficult for the sublimable dye to sublimate from the dyeing substrate 1, and if it exceeds 300°C, the quality of the sublimable dye will change due to the high temperature, and polarization will occur due to radiant heat. Deformation of the lens 8, deformation of the polarizing film, re-sublimation of the sublimable dye, etc. are likely to occur. Therefore, the heating temperature is preferably between 150 and 250° C., but it is preferable to select a temperature as high as possible depending on the material of the polarizing lens 8 and the sublimable dye.

Note that, for example, the second step may be a step in which vapor deposition is performed at least once. In this case, for example, the vapor deposition may be repeated multiple times (for example, twice) using a plurality of dyeing substrates 1. Such a method is useful, for example, when a large amount of sublimable dye is desired to be applied to the polarizing lens 8, or when a plurality of types (for example, five types) of sublimable dyes are used.

<3rd process>
For example, when the second step is completed, the third step is performed. The third step will be explained below. For example, in the third step, the polarizing lens 8 to which the sublimable dye has been attached in the second step is irradiated with laser light to heat the polarizing lens 8 and fix the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens 8.

Note that, for example, when performing the third step, the sublimable dye may be fixed by heating under normal pressure. Of course, the third step may be performed under a different atmospheric pressure. For example, the operator attaches the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens 8 in the vapor deposition apparatus 30, and then takes out the polarizing lens 8 to which the sublimable dye has been attached. For example, an operator places the polarizing lens 8 into the dye fixing device 60 and heats it under normal pressure to fix the sublimable dye.

For example, the dye fixing device 60 is used to irradiate the polarizing lens 8 coated with a sublimable dye in the vacuum phase transfer machine 20 with laser light and heat it at a predetermined temperature to fix the dye and develop color. For example, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the dye fixing device 60. In this embodiment, the left and right direction (horizontal direction) of the dye fixing device 60 on the paper surface of FIG. 3 is the X direction, and the depth direction (front and back direction) of the dye fixing device 60 on the paper surface of FIG. The vertical direction (vertical direction) of the dye fixing device 60 on the paper surface of No. 3 will be described as the Z direction.

For example, the dye fixing device 60 includes a device main body 61 that emits a laser beam and a stage 62. The apparatus main body 61 includes a stage 62, a laser light source 63, an optical scanner 66, a lens 67, a drive mechanism 68, a control section 69, a control section 40, a memory 41, and the like.

For example, the laser light source 63 emits laser light of a predetermined wavelength. In this embodiment, for example, the laser light source 63 emits laser light with a wavelength in the infrared region. For example, in this embodiment, the laser light source 63 emits CO2 laser light with a wavelength of 10.2 to 10.8 μm. This wavelength is infrared light, and the sublimable dye hardly absorbs light of this wavelength. . In this embodiment, polycarbonate is used as the material for the polarizing lens 8. The material of the polarizing lens 8 used in this embodiment absorbs almost 100% of wavelengths of 10.2 to 10.8 μm, excluding reflection. The CO2 laser beam is difficult to be absorbed by the dye, and is absorbed by the surface of the polarizing lens 8, thereby heating only the surface of the polarizing lens 8, loosening the molecular structure of the polymer in the resin, and changing the molecular structure of the polymer. By diffusing the sublimable disperse dye into the loosened portion, the disperse dye can be fixed on the surface of the polarizing lens 8.

Note that, for example, the laser light source 63 is not limited to this. In this embodiment, for example, the laser light source 63 can be used as long as it emits laser light with a wavelength in the infrared region or a wavelength in the ultraviolet region (including near ultraviolet) that can be absorbed by the base material of the polarizing lens 8. It is.

For example, the laser light emitted from the laser light source 63 is bent by the optical scanner 66, passes through the lens 67, and is focused. For example, in this embodiment, a laser beam having a diameter of about 1.8 mm is emitted from a laser light source. In this embodiment, after passing through the lens 67, the light is defocused to a diameter of approximately 3 mm to 20 mm on the surface of the lens 8. For example, the diameter of the laser beam on the lens due to defocusing is not limited to this, and may be appropriately determined in consideration of productivity and irradiation energy. For example, the spot diameter of the laser beam on the polarizing lens 8 is preferably about 2 mm or more and 50 mm or less, more preferably about 3 mm or more and 30 mm or less. It is also possible to form the laser beam into a line using a cylindrical lens or the like.

For example, the optical scanner 66 scans a laser beam two-dimensionally (XY directions) on the polarizing lens 8. In this embodiment, for example, the optical scanner 66 is two galvano mirrors, and the reflection angle and scanning speed thereof are arbitrarily adjusted by the drive mechanism 68. Note that, for example, the reflection angle of the galvanic mirror is adjusted by the amount of movement and the direction of movement. For example, it is moved by driving a drive mechanism (eg, a motor, etc.) 68, and its reflection angle and scanning speed are constantly detected by a detection means (not shown). For example, drive control of the drive mechanism 68 is performed by a control section 69, and its control information (reflection angle and scanning speed) is set by a control section (condition setting section) 40 provided with switches (not shown). With such a configuration, the reflection (advancement) angle of the laser beam emitted from the laser light source 63 is changed, and the laser beam is scanned to an arbitrary position on the polarizing lens 8. Thereby, the irradiation position of the laser beam on the polarizing lens 8 is changed. Note that the optical scanner 66 may have any configuration as long as it deflects light. For example, in addition to a reflecting mirror (galvano mirror, polygon mirror, resonant scanner), an acousto-optic element (AOM) that changes the direction of propagation (deflection) of light, etc. are used.

For example, a stage 62 is installed at the irradiation destination of the defocused laser beam. For example, a mounting table 70 is fixedly placed on the stage 62, and a polarizing lens 8 on which a sublimable dye is vapor-deposited is placed with its vapor-deposited surface (the surface to be dyed) facing upward.

In the dye fixing device 60 shown in FIG. 3, a thermo camera 50 is provided as a temperature detection means for detecting (measuring) the heating temperature (lens surface temperature) of the laser beam irradiation position on the polarizing lens 8 in a non-contact manner. ing. For example, by using the thermo camera 50, the temperature of the polarizing lens 8 can be detected two-dimensionally. That is, the two-dimensional temperature distribution of the polarizing lens 8 can be detected.

For example, the thermo camera 50 is installed so as to be able to detect the laser beam irradiation position (heated location) on the polarizing lens 8 from diagonally above. More preferably, the thermo camera 50 is installed so that the measurement axis of the thermo camera 50 and the optical axis of the laser beam intersect at a predetermined angle, and the height position of the polarizing lens 8 is adjusted so that this intersection is located on the polarizing lens 8. It is good if it is set.

For example, the thermo camera 50 is connected to the control unit 69, and the heating temperature detection result by the thermo camera 50 is transmitted to the control unit 69. Based on the received heating temperature detection result, the control unit 69 sets laser irradiation conditions for each laser beam irradiation position on the polarizing lens 8 so that the preset heating temperature can be maintained within a predetermined range. The output of the laser light emitted from the laser light source 63 is controlled by changing it as appropriate. The target heating temperature at each laser beam irradiation position is set in advance using the control unit 40.

For example, the heating temperature is set at a temperature that does not deform the polarizing lens 8, does not deform the polarizing film, and allows sufficient color development. Such heating temperature is preferably in the range of 120°C to 180°C, more preferably 140°C to 160°C. Note that depending on the heating temperature that is set, there is a possibility that some of the dye attached to the polarizing lens 8 will sublimate, but since the heating temperature can be maintained at approximately the same level over the entire area of the polarizing lens 8 that is to be dyed, Sublimation of the dye is to the same extent regardless of the irradiation position of the polarizing lens 8, and the occurrence of color unevenness is suppressed.

Furthermore, the control unit 69 drives the optical scanner 66 so that the heating temperature set at the laser irradiation position of the polarizing lens 8 provides sufficient time for the dye to be fixed on the polarizing lens 8 . Note that the relative scanning speed of the laser beam by the optical scanner 66 may be fixed regardless of the set heating temperature, or may be set in association with the set heating temperature. For example, a plurality of information on laser irradiation conditions for setting different heating temperatures and scanning speeds depending on the materials of various polarizing lenses 8 may be stored in the memory 41 in advance, By specifying the laser irradiation conditions (for example, heating temperature and scanning speed) from the memory 41, the corresponding laser irradiation conditions (for example, heating temperature and scanning speed) can be set by specifying the laser irradiation conditions (for example, heating temperature and scanning speed) using the control unit 40.

Note that in this embodiment, the output of the laser light emitted from the laser light source 63 is adjusted so that the set heating temperature can be maintained within a predetermined range, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, while the output of the laser beam is constant, other laser irradiation conditions may be changed, such as changing the defocus state of the laser beam on the polarizing lens 8 using an optical member or irradiating the laser beam in a pulsed manner. It may also be possible to maintain the heating temperature set by.

In addition, if reflected light (scattered light) of the laser light enters the thermo camera 50 and affects the detection results, a filter that cuts the wavelength of the laser light and transmits other wavelengths is placed in front of the thermo camera 50. You may also set it up.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the structure which changes the irradiation conditions of a laser beam using the thermo camera 50 is mentioned as an example, and is demonstrated, it is not limited to this. Laser light irradiation may be performed without using the thermo camera 50, while changing the laser light irradiation conditions. In this case, for example, the laser beam irradiation conditions may be changed based on the lens information.

Changing the laser beam irradiation conditions based on lens information will be explained in more detail. For example, the memory 41 stores lens information and laser irradiation conditions necessary for suitable staining (e.g., output conditions based on scanning position, scanning speed conditions, scanning patterns, etc.) in association with each other in advance. has been done. For example, lens information includes lens material, lens type (e.g., plus lens, minus lens, etc.), color information (staining concentration, dyeing pattern, etc.), and lens optical properties (e.g., spherical power, cylindrical power, axial power, etc.). angle, etc.). For example, the association of laser irradiation conditions with lens information should be set by calculating, through simulations, experiments, etc., laser irradiation conditions that are less likely to cause color unevenness or yellowing and can perform good staining. It's okay.

For example, when dyeing the polarizing lens 8 using the dye fixing device 60, the type of lens (lens information) to be dyed is input using the control unit 40. For example, the control unit 69 reads setting information (laser light irradiation conditions) corresponding to the input lens information from the memory 41, and controls the laser light source 63 and the drive mechanism 68 based on the read setting information.

Note that in this embodiment, a configuration in which laser light is scanned by the optical scanner 66 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the surface to be dyed may be scanned with laser light by moving the polarizing lens 8 side. In this case, for example, the stage 62 may be made movable, and by moving the stage 62, the polarizing lens 8 side may be moved. Of course, it is also possible to use a configuration in which the polarizing lens 8 is scanned with a laser beam using both a configuration in which the laser beam is scanned and a configuration in which the polarizing lens 8 side is moved.

As described above, for example, the method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens in this embodiment includes the first step of obtaining a dyeing substrate by applying a sublimable dye having sublimation properties to the substrate; A second step in which the sublimable dye applied to the dyeing substrate is sublimated by placing the dyeing substrate opposite to a polarizing lens and heating the dyeing substrate, and the sublimable dye is attached to the polarizing lens; The method includes a third step of heating the polarizing lens by irradiating the polarizing lens to which the sublimable dye has been attached in the second step with a laser beam, thereby fixing the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens. This suppresses changes in the polarization function of the polarized lens, and makes it possible to easily manufacture dyed polarized lenses in good condition.

In addition, for example, polarized lenses can be dyed with various design patterns such as detailed designs and gradation designs, and this method is particularly effective as a manufacturing method for improving design. Further, for example, polarized lenses can be dyed with the same design pattern, and the reproducibility of the design pattern when manufacturing dyed polarized lenses can be improved.

In this embodiment, the method of heating the dyeing substrate 1 is exemplified as heating from above, but the method is not limited thereto. For example, when heating the dyeing substrate 1 from the side or from below, the sublimable dye can be sublimated in the same way.

In addition, in this embodiment, two or more of the steps (for example, the first step, the second step, the third step, etc.) performed in each of the dye coating device 10, the vapor deposition device 30, and the dye fixing device 60 are It may also be performed by one device. For example, a device that performs both the second step performed by the vapor deposition device 30 and the third step performed by the dye fixing device 60 may be used. In this case, for example, the device may automatically perform a plurality of steps (for example, from the second step to the third step) in a series of steps.

Note that, for example, the dyed polarized lens may be further coated with a coating (for example, a hard coat, an antireflection coat, an antifouling coat, etc.). For example, coatings may be applied to improve certain functions in dyed polarized lenses.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be specifically described by showing embodiments and comparative examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and comparative examples. In the following embodiments, a polarized lens having a dye adhered to its surface was heated by irradiating laser light to fix the dye on the polarized lens. Furthermore, in the following comparative example, a polarized lens having a dye attached to its surface was heated in an oven to fix the dye on the polarized lens. The polarizing function and dyeing quality of the dyed polarized lenses obtained in the experimental examples and comparative examples were evaluated.

<Experiment example>
A colored layer was printed on a substrate for dyeing (high-quality PPC paper) with a paper thickness of 100 μm using a PC draw software and a printer (EPSON PX-6250S) to adhere the dye. The sublimation ink used for printing was a disperse dye (aqueous) manufactured by Nidek Co., Ltd., and the hue was determined to be gray (mixing ratio red: blue: yellow = 320:280:600). A dyeing substrate was produced as described above.

Dyeing was performed using the dyeing substrate thus obtained. A dyeing substrate and a PC lens (hereinafter referred to as a polarizing lens) (S-0.00) with a polarizing film pasted on the convex side of the lens are attached to the jig, and a vacuum phase transfer machine (Nidek TTM) is attached. -1000), and the dye was vapor-deposited onto the polarized lens. The conditions at this time were that the distance between the dyed surface side of the polarized lens and the dyeing substrate was 15 mm. After the pressure inside the vacuum phase transfer machine was lowered to 0.1 kPa using a pump, the surface temperature of the dyeing substrate was heated to 225° C. using a heating unit (a halogen lamp was used in this experimental example). The temperature near the dyeing substrate was measured using a temperature sensor, and when it reached 225° C., the halogen lamp was turned off, and the dye was sublimated and attached.

The polarized lens to which the dye was attached was set on the stage of a dye fixing device (GEM-100A manufactured by Laser Coherent). The stage on which the polarized lens was placed was moved, and the concave side of the polarized lens was irradiated with laser light, which was scanned across (in a crank shape) to fix the dye on the polarized lens. As the laser light irradiation conditions, a laser light with a diameter of about 2.0 mm is emitted from the laser light source, the distance from the laser condensing lens (f = 37.5 mm) to the polarizing lens is 390 mm, and by defocusing, Irradiation was performed on a polarized lens so that the spot diameter was about 22 mm. Note that the laser beam irradiation conditions were set so that the surface temperature of each part of the polarizing lens was 150° C., the laser beam output was 43 W, and the scanning speed was 750 mm/min.

Polarized lenses dyed using the obtained dyeing substrate as described above were evaluated. Note that similar evaluations were made for the following items. The results are shown in Table 1.

[Evaluation of polarization degree of polarizing film]
For dyed polarized lenses and polarized lenses before dyeing, cross transmittance (with the polarization axis parallel to The cross transmittance (transmittance measured by orthogonally combining the change axes) H2 was measured. The degree of polarization was calculated from the orthogonal transmittance H1 and the cross transmittance H2 based on the following formula.

As a result of the measurement, the degree of polarization of the polarized lens before dyeing was 98.0%. For this reason, a degree of polarization of 98.0% was used as an evaluation standard for evaluating whether the polarization function of the polarizing lens had deteriorated after dyeing. That is, after dyeing the polarized lens, it was evaluated whether the polarization function of the polarized lens had decreased based on whether the degree of polarization of the dyed polarized lens decreased below 98.0%.
Polarization degree is less than 98.0%: ×
Polarization degree is 98.0% or more:○

[Dyeing quality evaluation]
Regarding the dyed polarized lenses, color unevenness in the shape of the dyed polarized lenses was visually confirmed to confirm whether color unevenness occurred.
Color unevenness can be seen: ×
No color unevenness:○

<Comparative example>
The dyed polarized lenses were evaluated in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, except that the dye-attached polarized lenses were heated in an oven for 2 hours to fix the dyes on the polarized lenses. The results are shown in Table 1. Note that the oven heating temperature condition at this time was 135°C.

(result)
As shown in Table 1, when the dye was fixed in an oven (comparative example), the degree of polarization of the polarizing film decreased. In addition, the polarizing film was visually deformed and peeled off. On the other hand, when the dye was fixed using laser light as in the experimental example, the degree of polarization of the polarizing film did not decrease. In addition, no deformation of the polarizing film was visually observed, and it was confirmed that the polarizing film could be dyed well.

1 Substrate for dyeing 2 Substrate 8 Polarizing lens 10 Dye coating device 11 Inkjet printer 12 Personal computer 13 Ink cartridge 14 Mounting section 15 Inkjet head 16 Control section 20 Memory 30 Vapor deposition device 40 Control section 41 Memory 50 Thermo camera 60 Dye fixing device 62 Stage 63 Laser light source 66 Optical scanner 67 Lens 68 Drive mechanism 69 Control unit 100 Manufacturing system

Claims (3)

A method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens, comprising:
A first step of obtaining a dyeing substrate by applying a sublimable dye having sublimation property to the substrate;
The dyeing substrate obtained in the first step is made to face a polarizing lens having a polarizing film provided on one surface of the lens , and the dyeing substrate is heated, whereby the dyeing substrate is coated on the dyeing substrate. a second step of sublimating a sublimable dye and attaching the sublimable dye to the polarizing lens;
a third step of heating the polarizing lens and fixing the sublimable dye on the polarizing lens by irradiating the polarizing lens with the sublimable dye attached in the second step with a laser beam;
has
In the third step, the polarizing lens is heated by irradiating the laser beam onto a lens surface on which the polarizing film is not provided, and the sublimable dye is transferred to the polarizing lens. A method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens, characterized by fixing the lens to a dyed polarized lens. The method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens according to claim 1,
In the second step, the dyeing substrate obtained in the first step is opposed to the polarizing lens in a non-contact manner, and the dyeing substrate is heated, thereby reducing the sublimability applied to the dyeing substrate. A method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens, comprising sublimating a dye and attaching the sublimable dye to the polarized lens . The method for manufacturing a dyed polarized lens according to claim 1 or 2,
In the first step, the sublimable dye is applied onto the substrate so that the color density changes;
In the second step, the sublimable dye applied to the dyeing substrate is sublimated by heating the dyeing substrate, and the sublimable dye is attached to the polarizing lens with a concentration gradient. ,
The third step is to fix the sublimable dye on the polarizing lens by heating the polarizing lens to which the sublimable dye has been attached in a state with a concentration gradient in the second step, and fixing the sublimable dye on the polarizing lens. A method for producing a dyed polarized lens, comprising forming a gradation design using the sublimable dye on the polarized lens.

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