Dyeing device and dyeing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a dyeing device and a dyeing method, which can appropriately dye a resin body while suppressing deformation of the resin body. The dyeing device heats a resin body having a dye attached to its surface to fix the dye to the resin body, and includes: a laser irradiation unit that irradiates a laser toward the resin body having a dye attached to its surface; a scanning unit that relatively scans the resin body with the laser irradiated by the laser irradiation unit; and a control unit that controls the scanning unit to change the irradiation position of the laser on the resin body. The control unit heats the resin body having a dye attached to its surface by irradiating the laser on a two-dimensional area of the resin body repeatedly multiple times to fix the dye to the resin body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dyeing apparatus and a dyeing method for dyeing a resin body using a laser. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for dyeing a resin body such as a plastic lens, a method of immersing the lens in a dyeing solution for a given time to dye the lens (dip dyeing method) has been known. This method has been used for a long time, but if the working environment is not good, it becomes a problem that it is difficult to dye a lens with a high refractive index. Therefore, the applicant of the present application has proposed a dyeing method based on the following method (hereinafter referred to as a vapor transfer dyeing method), that is, using an inkjet printer to apply (output) a dyeing ink containing a sublimable dye onto a substrate such as paper, and placing the substrate in a vacuum without contacting the lens, so that the sublimable dye flies to the lens side for dyeing (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In this method, the dye is fixed to the lens surface by heating the entire lens in an oven.

[0003] In addition, in such a vapor transfer dyeing method, if the heating temperature required for fixing is high, the resin body sometimes turns yellow. To solve such a problem, the following method has been proposed: scanning the laser across the resin body (line scanning) (for example, refer to Figure 3 ) of Patent Document 2), thereby locally heating the surface of the resin body, and thus fixing the dye. In addition, when fixing using a laser, when irradiating the entire region (dyeing target surface) of the resin body vapor-deposited with the dye under constant output conditions without considering the thickness change of the resin body, color unevenness easily occurs.

[0004] To cope with this situation, the following method has been proposed: appropriately changing the irradiation conditions of the laser irradiated on the heating portion on the resin body so that the heating temperature of the surface of the resin body based on the laser irradiation becomes substantially the same heating temperature (surface temperature) throughout the entire dyeing target region (for example, refer to Patent Document 2). For example, a method of suppressing color unevenness by changing the output conditions of the laser based on information of the resin body has been proposed. In addition, for example, a method of suppressing color unevenness by detecting the temperature at the laser irradiation position and changing the output conditions of the laser based on the detection result has been proposed.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-215306

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-015824

[0009] However, in the past, while implementing the color unevenness suppression method as described above, the irradiation position of the laser was changed, and the laser was irradiated on the two-dimensional region of the resin body once (per cycle). However, it is known that when the laser irradiation is completed by such an existing method, a given time is spent before the temperature rises at each irradiation position. Therefore, a temperature difference is generated between the position heated by the laser irradiation at the stage of starting the laser irradiation and the position heated by the laser irradiation at the stage of completing the laser irradiation. That is, it is known that even at each irradiation position, after being heated to the desired temperature, a temperature difference is generated between the positions heated at different timings due to heat diffusion to the inside and heat dissipation to the outside. Due to this influence, color unevenness or deformation is generated. In particular, it is known that in the method of heating the resin body by a single laser irradiation, a time difference is more likely to occur between the stage of starting the laser irradiation and the stage of completing the laser irradiation. Therefore, a temperature difference is likely to occur, resulting in color unevenness or deformation. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of the above problems, the technical problem of the present invention is to provide a laser dyeing device and a dyeing method that can appropriately dye a resin body while suppressing deformation of the resin body.

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is characterized by having the following structure.

[0012] The first aspect of the present invention provides a dyeing device that heats a resin body having a dye attached to its surface to fix the dye to the resin body. The dyeing device is characterized by including: a laser irradiation unit that irradiates a laser toward a resin body having a dye attached to its surface; a scanning unit that relatively scans the resin body with the laser irradiated by the laser irradiation unit; and a control unit that controls the scanning unit to change the irradiation position of the laser on the resin body. The control unit heats the resin body having the dye attached to its surface by repeatedly irradiating the two-dimensional region on the resin body with the laser, so as to fix the dye to the resin body.

[0013] In a second aspect, according to the dyeing device of the first aspect, the control unit heats the resin body having the dye attached to its surface by repeatedly irradiating the two-dimensional region on the resin body with the laser while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser, so as to fix the dye to the resin body.

[0014] In a third mode, the dyeing apparatus according to the second mode is characterized in that the dyeing apparatus includes a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the resin body, and the control unit irradiates the laser on the two-dimensional region on the resin body repeatedly a plurality of times while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit, so as to heat the resin body with the dye attached to its surface and fix the dye to the resin body.

[0015] In a fourth mode, the dyeing apparatus according to the third mode is characterized in that the temperature detection unit two-dimensionally detects the temperature of the resin body.

[0016] In a fifth mode, the dyeing apparatus according to the third mode or the fourth mode is characterized in that, in the irradiation of the laser after the second time, the control unit irradiates the laser on the two-dimensional region of the resin body while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit.

[0017] A sixth mode of the present invention provides a dyeing method for fixing the dye to the resin body by heating the resin body with the dye attached to its surface. The dyeing method is characterized by including a control step in which the resin body with the dye attached to its surface is heated by irradiating the laser toward the resin body with the dye attached and changing the irradiation position of the laser, so as to fix the dye to the resin body, and the resin body with the dye attached to its surface is heated by irradiating the laser on the two-dimensional region on the resin body repeatedly a plurality of times, so as to fix the dye to the resin body.

[0018] In a seventh mode, the dyeing method according to the sixth mode is characterized in that, in the control step, the resin body with the dye attached to its surface is heated by irradiating the laser on the two-dimensional region on the resin body repeatedly a plurality of times while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser, so as to fix the dye to the resin body.

[0019] In an eighth mode, the dyeing method according to the seventh mode is characterized in that the dyeing method includes a temperature detection step of detecting the temperature of the resin body, and in the control step, the resin body with the dye attached to its surface is heated by irradiating the laser on the two-dimensional region on the resin body repeatedly a plurality of times while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection step, so as to fix the dye to the resin body.

[0020] In the ninth mode, according to the dyeing method described in the eighth mode, it is characterized in that in the temperature detection step, the temperature of the resin body is two-dimensionally detected in the resin body.

[0021] In the tenth mode, according to the dyeing method described in the eighth mode or the ninth mode, it is characterized in that in the control step, in the irradiation of the laser after the second time, while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection step, the laser is irradiated on the two-dimensional region of the resin body. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a dyeing system used in a dyeing method using a laser.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a dyeing apparatus for fixing a dye to a resin body in a dyeing system.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the irradiation of the laser.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing an example of two-dimensional temperature detection results of a thermal imaging camera after irradiating the laser.

[0026] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0027] 1 Substrate for dyeing

[0028] 8 Lens

[0029] 20 Vacuum vapor transfer machine

[0030] 30 Dyeing apparatus

[0031] 32 Stage

[0032] 33 Laser light source

[0033] 36 Optical scanner

[0034] 38 Driving mechanism

[0035] 39 Control unit

[0036] 40 Controller unit

[0037] 41 Memory

[0038] 100 Substrate manufacturing apparatus for dyeing Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] <Summary>

[0040] Next, one representative embodiment of a dyeing apparatus that can fix a dye to a resin body by heating a resin body having a dye attached to its surface will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 4 This is a diagram for explaining the dyeing apparatus of the present embodiment. In addition, the items classified by < > below can be used independently or in combination.

[0041] In addition, the case of manufacturing a dyed lens by dyeing a lens (for example, lens 8) as one of the resin bodies using the gas-phase transfer dyeing method will be described below. Regarding the lens, the technology of the present disclosure can be applied regardless of the refractive power. For example, the technology of the present disclosure can be applied to lenses with various refractive powers (for example, low diopters, high diopters, 0 diopters, etc.). Of course, the technology exemplified below can also be applied to resin bodies other than lenses (for example, goggles, covers of mobile phones, covers for lamps, accessories, toys, films (for example, with a thickness of 400 μm or less), plates (for example, with a thickness of 400 μm or more), etc., any one of the shaped bodies), using the gas-phase transfer dyeing method for dyeing. Of course, as the resin body, it also includes components with resin attached to components (for example, wood, glass, etc.). In this case, the gas-phase transfer dyeing method can also be used to dye the resin.

[0042] For example, as the resin body, a resin body made of at least any one of a polycarbonate-based resin (for example, diethylene glycol bisallyl carbonate polymer (CR-39)), a polyurethane-based resin (triphenylethylene), an allyl-based resin (for example, allyl diglycol carbonate and its copolymer, diallyl phthalate and its copolymer), a fumaric acid-based resin (for example, benzyl fumarate copolymer), a styrene-based resin, a polymethacrylate-based resin, a fiber-based resin (for example, cellulose propionate), a high refractive index material such as a thiocarbamate or thioepoxy, a nylon-based resin (polyamide-based resin), etc. can be used as the material.

[0043] For example, Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a dyeing system used in the dyeing method using a laser in the present disclosure. In addition, for example, Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a dyeing apparatus for fixing a dye to a resin body in a dyeing system.

[0044] The dyeing system (for example, dyeing system 10) in the present embodiment includes a dyeing substrate production apparatus (for example, dyeing substrate production apparatus 100), a vacuum gas-phase transfer machine (for example, vacuum gas-phase transfer machine 20), and a dyeing apparatus (for example, dyeing apparatus 30).

[0045] For example, a substrate production apparatus for dyeing is used to attach a sublimable dye vapor-deposited on a resin body to a substrate for dyeing (e.g., substrate for dyeing 1), thereby producing a substrate for dyeing with the dye attached thereto. For example, a vacuum vapor transfer printer is used to vapor-deposit (transfer) a sublimable dye, which is a dye coated on a substrate for dyeing, onto a resin body as an object to be dyed. For example, a dyeing apparatus is used to fix the dye to the resin body by heating the resin body with the dye attached to its surface. For example, the dyeing apparatus of the present disclosure heats the resin body by irradiating the resin body with the dye attached thereto with a laser, thereby fixing the dye to the resin body.

[0046] For example, in the present embodiment, the dyeing apparatus includes a laser irradiation unit (e.g., laser light source 33), a scanning unit (e.g., optical scanner 36 and drive mechanism 38), and a control unit (e.g., control unit 39).

[0047] For example, the laser irradiation unit irradiates a laser toward the resin body with the dye attached to its surface. For example, the laser irradiation unit emits a laser of a given wavelength. For example, the laser irradiation unit emits a laser having a wavelength in the infrared region. In addition, the wavelength of the laser emitted by the laser irradiation unit is not limited to the infrared region. For example, the laser irradiation unit may also use a laser irradiation unit that emits a laser having a wavelength region that can be absorbed by the base material of the resin body. For example, the laser irradiation unit may also emit a laser having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region (including near ultraviolet).

[0048] In addition, for example, in addition to the dye, an absorber (e.g., infrared absorber, ultraviolet absorber, etc.) that absorbs a specific wavelength region can also be placed (coated, vapor-deposited) on the resin body, and the absorber absorbs the laser, thereby heating the resin body. In addition, when using an absorber, it is preferably laminated on the resin body in the order of the dye and the absorber.

[0049] For example, the scanning unit relatively scans the laser irradiated by the laser irradiation unit with respect to the resin body. For example, the scanning unit relatively scans the laser irradiated by the laser irradiation unit with respect to the resin body two-dimensionally. In addition, for example, scanning two-dimensionally means scanning two-dimensionally in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the irradiated laser.

[0050] For example, the scanning unit may also have a structure that moves the resin body relative to the laser to relatively scan the laser with respect to the resin body. In addition, for example, the scanning unit may also relatively scan the laser with respect to the resin body by scanning the laser with respect to the resin body. For example, the scanning unit may also relatively scan the laser with respect to the resin body by combining a structure that moves the resin body relative to the laser and a structure that scans the laser with respect to the resin body.

[0051] The scanning unit having a structure for moving the resin body relative to the laser has a moving stage (e.g., stage 32) for placing the resin body. As an example, for instance, the moving stage on which the resin body is placed can be arbitrarily moved by a driving unit. Additionally, the resin body can be directly placed on the moving stage. Further, for example, a placing member (e.g., placing stage 11) can be provided relative to the moving stage, and the resin body can be indirectly provided relative to the moving stage via the placing member. Moreover, the scanning unit having a structure for moving the resin body relative to the laser has a holding unit for holding the resin body. As an example, for instance, the resin body can be held by the holding unit and the holding unit can be arbitrarily moved by the driving unit.

[0052] The scanning unit that scans the laser relative to the resin body has an optical scanner and two-dimensionally scans the laser on the resin body. As an example, for instance, the optical scanner is a galvanometer mirror, and its reflection angle can be arbitrarily adjusted by a driver. Thereby, the reflection (travel) direction of the laser emitted from the laser irradiation unit changes, and the laser is scanned to an arbitrary position on the resin body, so that the irradiation position of the laser on the resin body is changed. Additionally, the optical scanner is not limited to a galvanometer mirror. For example, as long as it is a structure that deflects the laser, it can be an optical scanner. For example, as the optical scanner, it can be at least any one of a reflecting mirror (galvanometer mirror, polygon mirror, resonant scanner) and an acousto-optic device (AOM) that changes the travel (deflection) direction of light.

[0053] For example, the control unit controls the scanning unit to change the irradiation position of the laser on the resin body. In the present embodiment, for example, the control unit heats the resin body having a dye attached to its surface by repeatedly irradiating a two-dimensional region on the resin body multiple times (multiple cycles) to fix the dye to the resin body. That is, for example, the control unit heats the resin body having a dye attached to its surface by repeatedly irradiating a two-dimensional region that is a predetermined surface for dyeing on the resin body to fix the dye to the resin body. As described above, for example, since the dyeing apparatus in the present embodiment repeatedly heats the entire two-dimensional region, it is possible to suppress uneven heating on the resin body, and thereby perform dyeing with suppressed color unevenness.

[0054] Further, for example, when irradiating the laser multiple times repeatedly, the laser can be repeatedly irradiated at the same irradiation position as the irradiation position where the laser was irradiated in the previous cycle. By repeatedly irradiating the same position, it is possible to more efficiently perform heating while suppressing temperature unevenness. Additionally, in the present disclosure, the so-called same irradiation position includes substantially the same irradiation position.

[0055] For example, when a two-dimensional area (predetermined dyeing surface) on a resin body is irradiated with laser light repeatedly multiple times, the laser light can also be irradiated repeatedly multiple times under the same irradiation conditions. In this case, for example, the control unit can heat the resin body with a dye attached to its surface by irradiating the two-dimensional area on the resin body with laser light repeatedly multiple times under the same irradiation conditions, so as to fix the dye to the resin body. That is, for example, the control unit can irradiate the laser light repeatedly multiple times without changing the irradiation conditions of the laser light between each time (each cycle). In addition, for example, the two-dimensional area on the resin body refers to a two-dimensional area in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the irradiated laser light.

[0056] In addition, for example, when a two-dimensional area on a resin body is irradiated with laser light repeatedly multiple times, the laser light can also be irradiated repeatedly multiple times while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser light. In this case, for example, the control unit can heat the resin body with a dye attached to its surface by irradiating the two-dimensional area on the resin body with laser light repeatedly multiple times while changing the irradiation conditions, so as to fix the dye to the resin body. With such a structure, for example, it is possible to perform laser irradiation considering the state of the resin body such as the level of temperature (high temperature, low temperature, etc.) and the ease of temperature change (easy temperature change, difficult temperature change, etc.), and thus it is possible to further suppress the non-uniformity of the heating temperature on the resin body. As a result, it is possible to easily perform dyeing with suppressed color unevenness.

[0057] For example, as the change of the irradiation conditions, it can be at least any one of the output conditions (irradiation output), scanning speed (irradiation speed), scanning pattern (irradiation pattern), scanning position (irradiation position), etc. Of course, it is also possible to change irradiation conditions different from the above. For example, as long as the structure changes the irradiation state of the laser light, it can be regarded as the change of the irradiation conditions. In addition, among the respective irradiation conditions included in the irradiation conditions (for example, output conditions, scanning speed, scanning pattern, scanning position, etc.), multiple irradiation conditions in each irradiation condition can be stored in advance in a corresponding manner in a storage unit (for example, the memory 41). As an example, for example, the output condition included in the irradiation conditions and the scanning position can be stored in advance in a corresponding manner in the storage unit.

[0058] For example, as the change of the output condition (irradiation output), the output of the laser light source can be controlled to adjust the output of the laser light. In addition, for example, as the change of the output condition, the following structure can also be adopted, that is, a component for adjusting the output of the laser light is provided in the optical path where the laser light irradiates the resin body. For example, as the component, it can be a light quantity adjustment filter or an optical attenuator. Of course, the change of the output condition is not limited to the above structure. For example, as long as the structure changes the output state of the laser light when irradiating the resin body with the laser light, it can be regarded as the change of the output condition of the laser light.

[0059] For example, as a scanning pattern (irradiation pattern), it can be a scanning pattern that irradiates in a one-dimensional manner. In this case, for example, as the scanning pattern, it can be a line scan, a circular scan, etc. Additionally, for example, as the scanning pattern, it can also be an irradiation pattern that irradiates two-dimensionally. In this case, for example, as the scanning pattern, it can be a spiral scan (spiral-shaped scanning pattern), a cross scan, a map scan, a multi-scan, a radial scan, etc. Of course, laser irradiation can also be implemented with a scanning pattern different from the above.

[0060] For example, as the change of the scanning position (irradiation position), it can be at least any one of the structures such as changing the width (interval) between irradiation positions, staggering the irradiation positions, and irradiating only specific positions. As an example, for instance, in the case of staggering the irradiation positions, the irradiation position of the laser can be staggered for a two-dimensional region on the resin body. In this case, for example, when the laser is irradiated repeatedly, the laser can be repeatedly irradiated at an irradiation position different from the irradiation position where the laser was irradiated in the previous cycle. Of course, the change of the scanning position different from the above can also be carried out.

[0061] For example, regarding the timing of changing the irradiation conditions of the laser, it can be implemented at any timing. For example, when the control unit changes the irradiation conditions of the laser, it can change the irradiation conditions of the laser while irradiating the laser starting from the first (first cycle) irradiation of the laser. Additionally, for example, when the control unit changes the irradiation conditions of the laser, it can also change the irradiation conditions of the laser while irradiating the laser starting from at least the second (second cycle) and subsequent irradiations of the laser. In this case, for example, the control unit can change the irradiation conditions of the laser while irradiating the laser starting from the first irradiation of the laser. Additionally, in this case, for example, the control unit can keep the irradiation conditions of the laser unchanged during the first irradiation of the laser, and during the second and subsequent irradiations of the laser, change the irradiation conditions of the laser while irradiating the two-dimensional region of the resin body with the laser. Of course, it can also be appropriately carried out to change the irradiation conditions of the laser while irradiating the laser only at any number (cycles).

[0062] For example, the change of the irradiation conditions of the laser can also be carried out based on lens information. For example, as the lens information, it can be any one of the material of the lens, the type of the lens, the optical characteristics of the lens, the dyeing concentration, the lens power, the dyeing pattern, etc. Of course, it can also be lens information different from the above.

[0063] In addition, for example, the change of the irradiation conditions of the laser can also be carried out based on the temperature detection unit (e.g., the thermal imaging camera 50). For example, the dyeing device may further include a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the resin body. In this case, for example, the control unit can heat the resin body with the dye attached to its surface to fix the dye to the resin body by irradiating the laser repeatedly multiple times on the two-dimensional area of the resin body while changing the irradiation conditions based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit. As an example, for example, the control unit can set the irradiation conditions at each irradiation position of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit. Then, the control unit can change the irradiation conditions of the laser to the set irradiation conditions. With such a structure, for example, during the irradiation of the laser, even when the temperature on the resin body does not reach the expected temperature, the laser can be irradiated while grasping the actual temperature state, so that the laser can be irradiated in accordance with the temperature change. Thereby, the non-uniformity of the temperature on the resin body can be further suppressed, and thus the dyeing of the resin body with further suppressed color unevenness can be performed.

[0064] For example, the temperature detection unit may also be configured to detect (measure) the heating temperature of the irradiation position of the laser in a non-contact manner. As an example, for example, the temperature detection unit can appropriately use a radiation thermometer that measures the temperature of an object by measuring the intensity of infrared rays or visible light from the object. Of course, as long as it is a structure capable of detecting the temperature on the resin body, it is not limited to the above structure.

[0065] For example, the temperature detection unit can be set at an arbitrary position. As an example, for example, the temperature detection unit can be set to be able to detect the temperature on the resin body from an oblique upper direction. In addition, as an example, for example, it can also be set so that the measurement axis of the temperature detection unit is coaxial with the optical axis of the laser irradiation unit. Of course, the temperature detection unit can also be set at a position different from the above.

[0066] For example, the temperature detection unit may also be configured to only detect the temperature of a specific position on the resin body. As an example, for example, the temperature detection unit can detect the temperature at the position where the laser is being irradiated. In this case, for example, the control unit can detect the temperature at the position where the laser is being irradiated and irradiate the laser so that the temperature at the irradiation position of the laser reaches the desired temperature. Additionally, as an example, for example, the temperature detection unit can detect the temperature at the position after being irradiated by the laser. In this case, for example, the control unit can detect the temperature at the position after being irradiated by the laser and irradiate the laser while referring to the temperature condition.

[0067] In addition, for example, the temperature detection unit may also be configured to detect the temperature of a two-dimensional region on the resin body, that is, for example, the temperature detection unit may be configured to detect the temperature of the resin body two-dimensionally. In this case, for example, the temperature detection unit performs temperature detection at least at positions on the resin body where no laser is irradiated. Of course, for example, the temperature detection unit may also perform temperature detection at positions on the resin body where no laser is irradiated and positions where laser is being irradiated. In addition, for example, the position where no laser is irradiated may be a position where laser irradiation has not been performed, or may be a position after laser irradiation. For example, by detecting the temperature two-dimensionally, it is possible to change the irradiation conditions while grasping the temperature distribution of the entire resin body, so that more appropriate irradiation conditions can be set, thereby suppressing color unevenness. In addition, for example, when the resin body is heated by irradiating laser, the temperature rise sometimes occurs with a delay after laser irradiation. By detecting the temperature two-dimensionally, it is also possible to capture the temperature change after laser irradiation, so that the irradiation conditions can be changed while grasping the temperature distribution of the entire resin body, so that more appropriate irradiation conditions can be set, thereby suppressing color unevenness.

[0068] In addition, for example, in the case of a structure in which the temperature of the resin body is detected two-dimensionally and the irradiation conditions of the laser are changed, the control unit may change the irradiation conditions of the laser so that a preset heating temperature and the heating temperature detected two-dimensionally become substantially the same level. In addition, for example, the control unit may also analyze the detection results detected two-dimensionally on the resin body and sequentially change the irradiation conditions of the laser so that the temperature difference between the respective irradiation positions of the laser on the resin body does not exceed a given threshold value. The given threshold value can be obtained in advance through experiments or simulations.

[0069] In addition, in the case of a structure in which the temperature of the resin body is detected two-dimensionally and the irradiation conditions of the laser are changed, for example, more preferably, the control unit changes the irradiation conditions of the laser so that the temperature of each irradiation position of the laser on the resin body rises as uniformly as possible to a target temperature (desired temperature). In the present embodiment, since the temperature of the resin body can be detected two-dimensionally, it is possible to set the irradiation conditions of the laser in consideration of the temperature of the entire two-dimensional region of the resin body. For example, the control unit may change the irradiation conditions at each irradiation position of the laser based on the detected two-dimensional temperature detection results (two-dimensional temperature distribution) so that the temperature of the resin body rises uniformly toward the target temperature. Of course, the structure for detecting the temperature of the resin body two-dimensionally and changing the irradiation conditions of the laser is not limited to the above structure.

[0070] For example, as a structure for detecting the temperature of a two-dimensional region on a resin body, the temperature detection unit may at least include a thermal imaging camera. For example, by using a thermal imaging camera, it is easy to detect temperature changes two-dimensionally. Additionally, for example, as a structure for detecting the temperature of a two-dimensional region on a resin body, a structure in which a plurality of temperature detection units are provided may also be employed. Of course, the structure for detecting the temperature of a two-dimensional region on a resin body is not limited to the above structures.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, when changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit, regarding the timing of temperature detection performed by the temperature detection unit, it can be implemented at any timing. For example, detection can be performed each time a given number of times (e.g., once, twice, etc.) of laser irradiation is completed. Additionally, for example, detection can also be performed successively and in real time. Of course, the timing of temperature detection performed by the temperature detection unit is not limited to the above structures.

[0072] Moreover, for example, when setting the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit, the setting of the irradiation conditions of the laser can also be implemented based on any detection result. For example, the irradiation conditions of the laser can be set based on the detection result obtained by detecting the temperature before a given cycle (e.g., before the first time, before the second time, etc.). Additionally, for example, the setting of the irradiation conditions can also be changed (updated) based on the detection results successively and in real time. Of course, the setting of the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit is not limited to the above structures.

[0073] For example, when the control unit changes the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit, it can irradiate the laser while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser starting from the first (first cycle) laser irradiation.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, when the control unit changes the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit, it can also irradiate the laser while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser starting from at least the second (second cycle) and subsequent laser irradiations. In this case, for example, the control unit can irradiate the laser while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser starting from the first laser irradiation. Additionally, in this case, for example, the control unit can irradiate the two-dimensional region of the resin body with the laser while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit during the second and subsequent laser irradiations. Thus, for example, it is possible to detect the temperature change state of the resin body after the first laser irradiation under the same irradiation conditions to set the irradiation conditions for the second and subsequent laser irradiations. Therefore, it is possible to detect the characteristics of the temperature change of each resin body, and thereby set the irradiation conditions of the laser corresponding to the characteristics. As a result, staining with further suppressed color unevenness can be performed.

[0075] In addition, for example, a structure may be provided with a control unit for changing the irradiation conditions of the laser and a control unit for controlling the scanning unit separately. Of course, a structure may also be provided with a control unit that combines a control unit for changing the irradiation conditions of the laser and a control unit for controlling the scanning unit.

[0076] <Example>

[0077] Hereinafter, the structure of the dyeing apparatus in this example will be described. For example, Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a dyeing system used in the laser-based dyeing method of the present disclosure. In addition, in this example, as the resin body to be dyed, the case of using a lens will be described as an example.

[0078] The dyeing system 10 in this example includes a dyeing substrate manufacturing apparatus 100, a vacuum vapor transfer printer 20, and a dyeing apparatus 30. For example, the dyeing substrate manufacturing apparatus 100 is configured to attach a sublimable dye vapor-deposited on the lens 8 to the dyeing substrate 1, thereby manufacturing the dyeing substrate 1 with the dye attached thereto. For example, the vacuum vapor transfer printer 20 is configured to vapor-deposit (transfer) a sublimable dye, which is the dye coated on the dyeing substrate 1, onto the lens 8 as the object to be dyed. For example, the dyeing apparatus 30 is configured to irradiate the lens 8 with the attached dye with a laser to perform dyeing.

[0079] <Dyeing Substrate Manufacturing Apparatus>

[0080] For example, the dyeing substrate manufacturing apparatus 100 forms a dye layer by attaching a sublimable dye that will be subsequently vapor-deposited on the lens 8 to the dyeing substrate 1. The dyeing substrate 1 is a medium that temporarily holds the dye used for dyeing the lens 8.

[0081] As an example, the dyeing substrate manufacturing apparatus 100 of this example uses an inkjet printer 103 to attach (print in this embodiment) a liquid ink containing a sublimable dye to the dyeing substrate 1. Therefore, the dyeing substrate manufacturing apparatus 100 can attach the dye of the hue desired by the operator to the dyeing substrate 1 more accurately. That is, the accuracy of the amount, hue, and gray scale of the dye attached to the dyeing substrate 1 is improved. In addition, the operator can easily handle the dye. Moreover, by using the inkjet printer 103, the amount of dye used is reduced. In this embodiment, a step of drying the ink printed by the inkjet printer 103 is performed. In addition, in this embodiment, as a method of printing the dye, the structure using an inkjet printer is described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. A structure may also be adopted in which a dye is attached to the dyeing substrate by printing using a laser printer. In this case, for example, a sublimable toner is used, and the dye is attached to the dyeing substrate by a laser printer.

[0082] For example, the substrate 1 for dyeing is obtained by coating (outputting) dyeing ink in a given shape onto a medium such as paper that can be used in an inkjet printer 103. In addition, in order to improve the heat absorption efficiency of the substrate 1 for dyeing, a substrate for dyeing is used in which the entire area of the back surface (the surface where printing is not performed) is black.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the print data used for driving control of the inkjet printer 103 is created by a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") 102. An operator can easily adjust, for example, the hue, saturation, lightness, presence or absence and degree of gray scale of the dye (ink) attached to the substrate 1 for dyeing by using drawing software or the like installed in the PC 102. The operator can also repeatedly attach the ink to a plurality of substrates 1 for dyeing in the same hue by saving the print data in the memory of the PC 102, the memory of the inkjet printer 103, a USB memory, or the like. In addition, the operator can also select one print data from a plurality of print data pre-created by a manufacturer or the like to cause the inkjet printer 103 to perform printing.

[0084] In addition, the dye can be attached to the substrate 1 for dyeing without using the inkjet printer 103. For example, the dye attachment unit can also attach the ink to the substrate 1 for dyeing by driving a dispenser (liquid metering coating device), a roller, or the like. Screen printing, offset printing, intaglio printing, flexographic printing, or the like can also be used. In addition, instead of using the substrate manufacturing device 100 for dyeing, an operator himself / herself can also attach the ink to the substrate 1 for dyeing by using a pen, a roller, or the like.

[0085] In addition, in the present embodiment, dyes of at least three colors, red, blue, and yellow, are attached to the substrate 1 for dyeing by the inkjet printer 103. The dye needs to have sublimability and be heat-resistant during sublimation. As an example, in the present embodiment, quinophthalone-based sublimable dyes or anthraquinone-based sublimable dyes are used.

[0086] <Vacuum vapor transfer machine>

[0087] For example, the vacuum vapor transfer machine 20 heats the dye attached to the substrate 1 for dyeing by using electromagnetic waves, so that the dye sublimes toward the lens 8. As a result, the dye is vapor-deposited on the lens 8. In addition, various layers such as a receiving film for facilitating the fixation of the dye in the subsequent fixing process can also be formed on the lens 8. The vacuum vapor transfer machine 20 of the present embodiment includes an electromagnetic wave generation unit 21, a pump 22, a valve 23, and a jig 200 for dyeing. For example, an opening / closing door (not shown) for allowing the lens 8, the aforementioned substrate 1 for dyeing, etc. to enter and exit is provided in the vacuum vapor transfer machine 20.

[0088] For example, in the present embodiment, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 21 uses a halogen lamp that generates infrared rays. However, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 21 is not limited thereto as long as it can heat the substrate 1 for dyeing. For example, a structure that generates electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as ultraviolet rays or microwaves may be used instead of the halogen lamp.

[0089] For example, by irradiating the substrate 1 for dyeing with electromagnetic waves, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 21 can raise the temperature of the dye in a short time. In addition, when sublimating the dye on the substrate 1 for dyeing, it is also considered to heat the dye by bringing a hot iron plate or the like into contact with the substrate 1 for dyeing. However, it is difficult to bring the substrate 1 for dyeing into uniform contact (for example, without gaps) with the iron plate or the like. If the contact state is uneven, the dye will not be heated uniformly, and color unevenness or the like may occur. In contrast, in the vacuum vapor transfer machine 20 of the present embodiment, the dye can be uniformly heated by electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave generating unit 21 that is separated from the substrate 1 for dyeing.

[0090] For example, the dyeing jig 200 holds the mounting table 11 on which the substrate 1 for dyeing and the lens 8 are arranged. For example, the dyeing jig 200 holds the lens 8 (dyeing target surface) arranged on the mounting table 11 and the substrate 1 for dyeing (ink-coated surface) in a non-contact manner relative to each other. That is, the substrate 1 for dyeing is arranged such that the surface to which the dye adheres faces the lens 8. In addition, when the distance between the dye adhesion surface of the substrate 1 for dyeing and the lens 8 is too narrow, the sublimation of the dye will not proceed sufficiently, and color unevenness or the like tends to occur. There is also a case where color unevenness occurs due to contact between the substrate 1 for dyeing and the lens 8. In addition, when the distance between the dye adhesion surface of the substrate 1 for dyeing and the lens 8 is too large, there is a possibility that the sublimated dye will aggregate again and color unevenness will occur, and the concentration of the evaporated dye will also become thin. Therefore, it is preferable to set the distance between the substrate 1 for dyeing and the lens 8 to an appropriate distance (for example, 2 mm to 30 mm).

[0091] For example, the pump 22 discharges the gas inside the vacuum vapor transfer machine 20 to the outside to reduce the air pressure inside the vacuum vapor transfer machine 20. For example, the air pressure inside the vacuum vapor transfer machine 20 during vapor deposition only needs to be 30 Pa to 10 kPa, and more preferably about 50 Pa to 500 Pa. That is, for example, the pump 22 can be used to make the inside of the vacuum vapor transfer machine 20 substantially vacuum. For example, the valve 23 switches the opening and closing of the internal space of the vacuum vapor transfer machine 20. That is, for example, the valve 23 can be used when, by opening the valve 23, external air is introduced into the substantially vacuum vacuum vapor transfer machine 20 by the pump 22 to return it to atmospheric pressure.

[0092] <Dyeing device>

[0093] For example, the dyeing device 30 irradiates a laser onto the lens 8 with a sublimable dye attached thereto in the vacuum vapor transfer printer 20 and heats it at a given temperature, thereby fixing and developing the dye. For example, Figure 2 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a dyeing device that fixes a dye to a resin body in a dyeing system. In addition, in the present embodiment, Figure 2 the left - right direction (horizontal direction) of the dyeing device 30 on the paper surface is taken as the X - direction, Figure 2 the depth direction (front - rear direction) of the dyeing device 30 on the paper surface is taken as the Y - direction, and Figure 2 the up - down direction (vertical direction) of the dyeing device 30 on the paper surface is taken as the Z - direction for explanation.

[0094] For example, the dyeing device 30 is composed of a device main body 31 that emits a laser and a stage 32. The device main body 31 includes a stage 32, a laser light source 33, an optical scanner 36, a lens 37, a drive mechanism 38, a control unit 39, a controller unit 40, a memory 41, etc.

[0095] For example, the laser light source 33 emits a laser with a given wavelength. In the present embodiment, for example, the laser light source 33 emits a laser with a wavelength in the infrared region. For example, in the present embodiment, the laser light source 33 emits a CO2 laser with a wavelength of 10.2 - 10.8 μm. This wavelength is infrared light, and the sublimable dye hardly absorbs this wavelength of light. In the present embodiment, as the material of the lens 8, a material with a high refractive index such as a thiocarbamate - based or thioepoxy - based material is used. The material of the lens 8 used in the present embodiment absorbs about 50 - 100% of the wavelength of 10.2 - 10.8 μm. Since the CO2 laser is not easily absorbed by the dye but is absorbed by the lens 8, only the surface of the lens 8 is heated to relax the molecular structure of the polymer of the resin. By allowing the sublimable disperse dye to diffuse into the part where the molecular structure of the polymer is relaxed, the disperse dye can be fixed to the surface of the lens 8.

[0096] In addition, for example, the laser light source 33 is not limited to the above structure. In the present embodiment, for example, as long as the laser light source 33 is a light source that emits a laser 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 resin body (the lens in the present embodiment), it can be used.

[0097] For example, the laser emitted from the laser light source 33 is bent by the optical scanner 36 and then passes through the lens 37 and is focused. For example, in the present embodiment, the laser emitted from the laser light source has a diameter of about 2.0 mm. In addition, in the present embodiment, after passing through the lens 37, defocusing is performed on the surface of the lens 8 to have a diameter of about 10 mm to 35 mm. For example, the diameter of the laser on the lens based on defocusing is not limited to this, and it can be appropriately determined considering productivity and irradiation energy. For example, on the lens 8, the spot diameter of the laser is preferably 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or more and 40 mm or less. In addition, a cylindrical lens or the like can be used to form the laser into a line shape.

[0098] For example, the optical scanner 36 scans the laser two-dimensionally (in the XY direction) on the lens 8. In the present embodiment, for example, the optical scanner 36 is two current mirrors, and their reflection angles and scanning speeds are arbitrarily adjusted by the drive mechanism 38. In addition, for example, regarding the adjustment of the reflection angle of the current mirror, adjustment is performed in the amount of movement and the direction of movement. For example, it moves by the drive of the drive mechanism 38, and its reflection angle and scanning speed are always detected by a detection unit (not shown). For example, the drive control of the drive mechanism 38 is performed by the control unit 39, and its control information (reflection angle, scanning speed) is set by a controller unit (condition setting unit) 40 equipped with switches (not shown). With such a structure, regarding the laser emitted from the laser light source 33, its reflection (travel) angle changes, and it is scanned to an arbitrary position on the lens 8. Thereby, the irradiation position of the laser on the lens 8 is changed. In addition, as the optical scanner 36, any structure that deflects light can be used. For example, in addition to mirrors (current mirrors, polygon mirrors, resonant scanners), an acousto-optic device (AOM) or the like that changes the traveling (deflection) direction of light can also be used.

[0099] For example, a stage 32 is provided at the irradiation destination of the defocused laser. For example, a mounting table 11 is fixedly placed on the stage 32, and the lens 8 vapor-deposited with a sublimable dye is placed with its vapor-deposited surface (dyeing predetermined surface) facing upward.

[0100] In Figure 2 In the shown dyeing apparatus 30, a thermal imaging camera 50 is provided, and the thermal imaging camera 50 is a temperature detection unit for non-contact detection (measurement) of the heating temperature (lens surface temperature) of the irradiation position of the laser relative to the lens 8. For example, by using the thermal imaging camera 50, the temperature of the lens 8 can be detected two-dimensionally. That is, the two-dimensional temperature distribution of the lens 8 can be detected.

[0101] For example, the thermal imaging camera 50 is set to be able to detect the irradiation position (heating part) of the laser on the lens 8 from diagonally above. More preferably, the thermal imaging camera 50 is set such that the measurement axis of the thermal imaging camera 50 intersects the optical axis of the laser at a given angle, and the height position of the lens 8 is set such that the intersection point is located on the lens 8.

[0102] For example, the thermal imaging camera 50 is connected to the control unit 39, and the detection result of the heating temperature by the thermal imaging camera 50 is sent to the control unit 39. Based on the received detection result of the heating temperature, the control unit 39 appropriately changes the laser irradiation conditions for each irradiation position of the laser on the lens 8 and controls the output of the laser emitted from the laser light source 33 so that the preset heating temperature can be maintained within a given range. Regarding the setting of the target heating temperature at each irradiation position of the laser, it is preset using the controller unit 40. For example, regarding the setting of the heating temperature, considering the material of the transparent resin body (here, the lens) as the object to be dyed, the heating temperature is set to be able to fix the dye to the lens 8. The setting of the heating temperature also depends on the resin material and is set to the heating temperature required for fixing the dye and a temperature at which re-sublimation of the dye is not likely to occur. Such a heating temperature is preferably in the range of 100°C to 200°C, and more preferably in the range of 110°C to 180°C. In addition, depending on the set heating temperature, a part of the dye attached to the lens 8 may sublimate. However, since the substantially same heating temperature can be maintained over the entire area of the predetermined surface to be dyed of the lens, the sublimation of the dye becomes the same degree regardless of the irradiation position of the lens, thereby suppressing the occurrence of color unevenness.

[0103] In addition, the control unit 39 drives the optical scanner 36 to sufficiently provide the time required to fix the dye to the lens 8 according to the heating temperature set at the laser irradiation position of the lens 8. In addition, the relative laser scanning speed based on the optical scanner 36 can be fixed regardless of the set heating temperature or can be set corresponding to the set heating temperature. For example, information on a plurality of laser irradiation conditions for setting different heating temperatures and scanning speeds according to various resin materials can be pre-stored in the memory 41, and by specifying the type of the lens (resin material, lens shape, dyeing concentration, dyeing pattern, lens power, etc.) in the controller unit 40, the corresponding laser irradiation conditions (such as heating temperature, scanning speed) can be retrieved from the memory 41 for setting.

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, the output of the laser emitted from the laser light source 33 is adjusted to maintain the set heating temperature within a given range, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the output of the laser may be kept constant, and other laser irradiation conditions may be changed, such as changing the defocus state of the laser on the lens 8 using an optical component, or irradiating the laser in a pulsed manner, so as to maintain the set heating temperature.

[0105] In addition, in the case where the reflected light (scattered light) of the laser enters the thermal imaging camera 50 and affects the detection result, a filter that cuts off the wavelength of the laser and allows other wavelengths to pass through may be provided in front of the thermal imaging camera 50.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, an example of a structure in which the irradiation conditions of the laser are changed using a temperature detection unit (the thermal imaging camera 50 in this embodiment) has been described, but it is not limited thereto. The temperature detection unit may not be used, and the laser may be irradiated while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser. In this case, for example, the irradiation conditions of the laser may be changed based on lens information.

[0107] A more detailed description of the change in the irradiation conditions of the laser based on lens information is given. For example, lens information and the laser irradiation conditions required for proper dyeing (for example, output conditions based on the scanning position, scanning speed conditions, scanning patterns, etc.) are stored in advance in the memory 41 in a corresponding manner. For example, as the lens information, it may be at least any one of the material of the lens, the type of the lens (for example, positive lens, negative lens, etc.), color information (dyeing concentration, dyeing pattern), optical characteristics of the lens (for example, spherical power, cylindrical power, axis angle, etc.). In addition, for example, the correspondence between the laser irradiation conditions and the lens information may be set by calculating the laser irradiation conditions that are less likely to cause color unevenness or yellowing and can perform dyeing well by using simulation or experiments.

[0108] For example, when using the dyeing device 30 to dye the lens 8, the type of the plastic lens to be dyed (lens information) is input using the controller unit 40. For example, the control unit 39 retrieves the set information (laser irradiation conditions) corresponding to the input lens information from the memory 41, and controls the laser light source 33 and the drive mechanism 38 based on the retrieved set information.

[0109] In addition, in the present embodiment, a structure in which a laser is scanned by the optical scanner 36 has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the laser can also be scanned on the surface to be dyed by moving the lens 8 side. In this case, for example, the stage 32 can be made movable, and by moving the stage 32, the lens 8 side can be moved. Of course, a structure can also be adopted in which both the structure for scanning the laser and the structure for moving the lens 8 side are used to scan the laser on the lens 8.

[0110] <Dyeing method>

[0111] Hereinafter, a series of processes of the dyeing method of the lens 8 will be described. In addition, the lens 8 used in the present embodiment is a meniscus lens having a negative power, and the thickness near the center is thinner than the thickness of the lens periphery.

[0112] For example, as Figure 2 shown, the lens 8 is placed on the stage 11 with the surface on which the sublimable dye is uniformly attached facing upward. Then, a laser is irradiated onto the surface of the lens 8 to which the sublimable dye is attached. In the present embodiment, for example, since the laser has a high power, after the laser is temporarily condensed by the lens 37, it is defocused on the surface of the lens 8. As a result, the irradiated spot light is broadened and the density of the light becomes weak. In addition, by using a detection unit (not shown), the drive position of the optical scanner 36 by the drive mechanism 38 is always grasped by the control unit 39, so that the irradiation position of the laser with respect to the lens 8 of a known size placed on the stage 11 can be detected.

[0113] In addition, due to the heating of the lens by the laser, the lens may be deformed, and deformation may occur on the lens surface. Such deformation is considered to be caused by the difference (temperature difference) in heat dissipation (heat removal) near the surface due to the difference in the thickness of the lens with respect to each region of the lens surface. For example, even if laser heating control is performed to keep the heating temperature of the lens surface constant in order to suppress color unevenness, the temperature change of each region on the lens surface after heating (after laser scanning) is different according to the thickness of the lens corresponding to each region.

[0114] For example, there is a difference in the rate of temperature drop after heating between the portion (region) where the lens thickness is thin and the portion (region) where the lens thickness is thick. Therefore, it is considered that in the case of a lens in which the thickness of the lens peripheral region is different from the thickness near the center, the temperature difference on the lens becomes larger, and deformation is likely to occur. In addition, it is considered that in the case where the thickness of the lens is uniform, although a temperature difference is generated in the lens, the temperature difference is small.

[0115] Therefore, in the case of heating the lens surface while relatively scanning the laser with respect to the lens and continuously changing the heated portion (area), it is necessary to scan the laser in such a way that the temperature difference between the portion of the lens surface being heated and the other portions that have been heated and started to dissipate heat becomes smaller.

[0116] In the present embodiment, as the scanning pattern, a spiral scan (spiral scanning pattern) is set. That is, in the present embodiment, for example, when irradiating the laser, the control unit 39 relatively scans the lens 8 with the laser in a spiral shape. For example, the control unit 39 drives the drive mechanism 38 and controls the optical scanner 36 to scan the lens 8 with the laser in a spiral shape.

[0117] For example, in the present embodiment, the temperature on the lens 8 is two-dimensionally detected by the thermal imaging camera 50. For example, the control unit 39 appropriately changes the laser irradiation conditions based on the detected two-dimensional temperature distribution and controls the output of the laser emitted from the laser light source 33 so that a preset heating temperature can be maintained within a given range. In addition, for the setting of the target heating temperature at each irradiation position of the laser, the controller unit 40 is used for setting.

[0118] For example, in the present embodiment, the control unit 39 heats the lens 8 with a dye attached to its surface by irradiating the laser onto a two-dimensional region on the lens 8 repeatedly multiple times to fix the dye to the lens 8. For example, in the irradiation of the laser after the second time, the control unit 39 irradiates the two-dimensional region of the lens 8 while changing the laser irradiation conditions based on the detection result of the thermal imaging camera 50. That is, for example, the control unit 39 first irradiates the laser for the first time (first cycle) on the dyeing predetermined surface, which is the two-dimensional region of the lens 8, without changing the laser irradiation conditions, under the same irradiation conditions (pre-irradiation). In addition, for example, the pre-irradiation of the laser is performed on the entire region of the predetermined dyeing surface. For example, in the irradiation of the laser in subsequent cycles (after the second cycle), the control unit 39 irradiates the laser while changing the laser irradiation conditions based on the detection result of the thermal imaging camera 50.

[0119] A more detailed description will be given. Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining the irradiation of the laser. As Figure 3 shown, for example, the control unit 39 controls the optical scanner 36 along the spiral scanning pattern S, and while controlling the laser in the XY direction, irradiates the laser onto the dyeing predetermined surface (the entire region in the present embodiment) of the lens 8.

[0120] In this embodiment, in multiple repeated irradiations, as a two-dimensional region, the same scanning region (irradiation region) is repeatedly scanned with a laser. For example, the control unit 39 irradiates the same scanning region with a laser multiple times using the optical scanner 36. Of course, the so-called same scanning region does not need to be exactly the same scanning region, and scanning can also be performed in a substantially the same scanning region.

[0121] For example, after the first laser irradiation is completed, the control unit 39 performs a second laser irradiation within the same scanning region as the first time. For example, after the control unit 39 irradiates the laser along the Figure 3 shown scanning pattern S, the laser is irradiated again.

[0122] For example, during the first irradiation, the control unit 39 two-dimensionally detects the temperature at a given timing using the thermal imaging camera 50. In addition, the given timing can be arbitrarily set. For example, the thermal imaging camera 50 can detect the temperature of the lens 8 successively and in real time, or can detect the temperature of the lens 8 at the timing when the laser irradiation of each time (each cycle) ends. For example, when the control unit 39 performs laser irradiation after the second time, while changing the laser irradiation conditions based on the detection result detected by the thermal imaging camera 50, the laser is irradiated along the scanning pattern S. In addition, in this embodiment, in the first laser irradiation (pre-irradiation), the laser is irradiated without changing the irradiation conditions.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, a structure in which pre-irradiation is performed once is taken as an example, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the pre-irradiation can be performed any number of times. As an example, for example, the control unit 39 can perform 20 times of pre-irradiation under the same irradiation conditions.

[0124] For example, the laser emitted from the laser light source 33 is converged by the lens 37 and then irradiated onto the lens 8 in a defocused state. When a part of the lens 8 is heated by the irradiated laser, infrared rays are generated. For example, the thermal imaging camera 50 detects the intensity of infrared light of a specific wavelength at the laser irradiation position generated in the lens 8, thereby detecting the heating temperature.

[0125] For example, the detection result of the thermal imaging camera 50 is sent to the control unit 39. Based on the received detection result of the heating temperature, the control unit 39 appropriately changes the laser irradiation conditions and controls the output of the laser emitted from the laser light source 33 so that the preset heating temperature can be maintained within a given range. Regarding the setting of the target heating temperature, it is preset using the controller unit 40. For example, regarding the setting of the heating temperature, considering the material of the lens 8, it is set to a heating temperature at which the dye can be fixed to the lens 8. The setting of the heating temperature also depends on the resin material and is set to the heating temperature required for fixing the dye and a temperature at which re-sublimation of the dye is not likely to occur. Such a heating temperature is preferably in the range of 100°C to 200°C, more preferably in the range of 110°C to 180°C. Additionally, depending on the set heating temperature, a part of the dye attached to the lens 8 may sublimate. However, since the substantially same heating temperature can be maintained over the entire area of the predetermined surface to be dyed of the lens, the sublimation of the dye becomes the same degree regardless of the irradiation position of the lens, thereby suppressing the occurrence of color unevenness.

[0126] In addition, for example, the acquisition of lens information can also be structured such that the control unit 39 acquires it by receiving the lens information obtained by another device using the receiving unit. In addition, for example, the acquisition of lens information can also be structured such that the control unit 39 acquires it by receiving the lens information input by the inspector using the controller unit 40.

[0127] Figure 4 is an example of a two-dimensional temperature detection result of the thermal imaging camera 50 after the first laser irradiation. As Figure 4 shown, for example, the two-dimensional temperature distribution P is obtained using the thermal imaging camera 50. In Figure 4 , the darker the shade, the higher the temperature. For example, in Figure 4 , the temperature is higher towards the central region. For example, in the first laser irradiation, the laser is irradiated under the same irradiation conditions. Therefore, as the central region P1 of the lens 8 is approached, the thickness of the lens becomes thinner, so the temperature easily rises. Therefore, the temperature of the central region P1 is higher than that of the peripheral region P2.

[0128] For example, the control unit 39 receives the two-dimensional temperature distribution P and appropriately changes the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the two-dimensional temperature distribution P. For example, the control unit 39 controls the laser light source 33 to sequentially adjust the output of the laser so that the heating temperature preset in the controller unit 40 and the heating temperature in the two-dimensional temperature distribution P become substantially the same. Additionally, for example, the control unit 39 analyzes the two-dimensional temperature distribution P on the lens 8 and controls the laser light source 33 to sequentially adjust the output of the laser so that the temperature difference between the respective irradiation positions of the laser on the lens 8 does not exceed a given threshold. Additionally, the given threshold can be obtained in advance through experiments or simulations.

[0129] Furthermore, for example, more preferably, the control unit 39 changes the irradiation conditions of the laser so that the temperatures of the respective irradiation positions of the laser on the lens 8 rise as uniformly as possible toward the target temperature. In the present embodiment, since the two-dimensional temperature distribution P of the lens 8 can be detected, the irradiation conditions of the laser can be set considering the temperature of the entire region of the dyeing predetermined surface of the lens 8. For example, the control unit 39 controls the laser light source 33 to sequentially adjust the output of the laser based on the detected two-dimensional temperature distribution P so that the temperature of the entire resin body rises uniformly toward the target temperature.

[0130] In the present embodiment, the control unit 39 controls the output of the laser emitted from the laser light source 33. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the control unit 39 sets the irradiation conditions for the second laser irradiation based on the temperature detection result at the timing when the first laser irradiation is completed. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the control unit 39 sets the irradiation conditions for the third laser irradiation based on the temperature detection result at the timing when the second laser irradiation is completed. That is, in the present embodiment, for example, during the laser irradiation after the second time, the control unit 39 repeatedly performs feedback control of acquiring the two-dimensional temperature distribution detected by the thermal imaging camera 50 at the timing when each (each cycle) of the laser irradiation is completed and setting the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result.

[0131] Of course, the timing for performing the above feedback control is not limited to the above structure. The feedback control can be implemented at any timing. As an example, the feedback control can be executed in real time. In this case, for example, the thermal imaging camera 50 can two-dimensionally detect the temperature sequentially and in real time, and based on the detected result, sequentially and in real time change the irradiation conditions of the laser (including the change during the laser irradiation in a given cycle).

[0132] In addition, in the present embodiment, as a change in the irradiation conditions, the output of the laser emitted from the laser light source is adjusted, but it is not limited thereto. For example, other laser irradiation conditions may be changed, such as changing the defocus state of the laser on the lens 8 using an optical component, irradiating the laser in a pulsed manner, or changing the irradiation time of the laser at the irradiation position by changing the scanning speed, whereby the set heating temperature can be maintained.

[0133] As described above, for example, in the present embodiment, the dyeing apparatus includes: a laser irradiation unit that irradiates a laser toward a resin body having a dye attached to its surface; a scanning unit that relatively scans the resin body with the laser irradiated by the laser irradiation unit; and a control unit that controls the scanning unit to change the irradiation position of the laser on the resin body. In addition, the control unit may heat the resin body having the dye attached to its surface by irradiating the laser onto a two-dimensional region on the resin body repeatedly multiple times, so as to fix the dye to the resin body. With such a configuration, for example, since the dyeing apparatus in the present embodiment repeatedly heats the entire two-dimensional region, uneven heating on the resin body can be suppressed, and thus dyeing with suppressed color unevenness can be performed.

[0134] In addition, for example, the control unit may heat the resin body having the dye attached to its surface by irradiating the laser onto a two-dimensional region on the resin body repeatedly multiple times while changing the irradiation conditions, so as to fix the dye to the resin body. With such a configuration, for example, laser irradiation can be performed in consideration of the state of the resin body such as the level of temperature (high temperature, low temperature, etc.) and the ease of temperature change (easy temperature change, difficult temperature change, etc.), and thus uneven heating temperature on the resin body can be further suppressed. As a result, dyeing with suppressed color unevenness can be easily performed.

[0135] In addition, for example, the dyeing apparatus may include a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the resin body. In this case, for example, the control unit may heat the resin body having the dye attached to its surface by irradiating the laser onto a two-dimensional region on the resin body repeatedly multiple times while changing the irradiation conditions based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit, so as to fix the dye to the resin body. With such a configuration, for example, during the laser irradiation process, even when the temperature on the resin body does not reach the expected temperature, laser irradiation can be performed while grasping the actual temperature state, and thus laser irradiation corresponding to the temperature change can be performed. As a result, unevenness of the temperature on the resin body can be further suppressed, and thus dyeing of the resin body with further suppressed color unevenness can be performed.

[0136] In addition, for example, the temperature detection unit can also detect the temperature of the resin body two-dimensionally. In this way, for example, by detecting the temperature two-dimensionally, the irradiation conditions can be changed while grasping the temperature distribution of the entire resin body, so more appropriate irradiation conditions can be set, thereby suppressing color unevenness. In addition, for example, when irradiating a laser to heat the resin body, the temperature rise may be delayed after the laser irradiation. By detecting the temperature two-dimensionally, the temperature change after the laser irradiation can also be captured, so the irradiation conditions can be changed while grasping the temperature distribution of the entire resin body, so more appropriate irradiation conditions can be set, thereby suppressing color unevenness.

[0137] In addition, for example, the temperature detection unit can at least include a thermal imaging camera. For example, by using a thermal imaging camera, it is easy to detect temperature changes two-dimensionally.

[0138] In addition, for example, during the irradiation of the laser after the second time, the control unit can irradiate the laser to a two-dimensional region of the resin body while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit. With such a structure, for example, the temperature change state of the resin body after the first laser irradiation under the same irradiation conditions can be detected, and the irradiation conditions of the laser after the second time can be set. Therefore, the characteristics of the temperature change of each resin body can be detected, and the irradiation conditions of the laser corresponding to the characteristics can be set accordingly. Thereby, dyeing with further suppressed color unevenness can be performed.

[0139] In addition, in this embodiment, as a method of placing (coating) the dye on the lens surface, a method of heating the sublimable dye in a vacuum to evaporate and deposit the dye on the lens is adopted, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the sublimable dye can also be sublimated in the atmosphere to evaporate and deposit it on the lens surface. In addition, for example, the dye can also be coated on the lens surface by a spin coating method or the like. For example, when the dye is coated on the lens surface by the spin coating method, a film containing the dye and a hydrophilic resin can be formed on the lens surface by spin coating a hydrophilic resin containing the dye.

[0140] Hereinafter, experimental examples are shown to specifically illustrate the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the following experimental examples. In Experimental Example 1 below, the laser was scanned relative to the resin body in a spiral shape multiple times, thereby heating the resin body with a dye attached to its surface to fix the dye to the resin body. In addition, in Experimental Example 2, in addition to the control of Experimental Example 1, the temperature of the resin body was detected two-dimensionally using the temperature detection unit, and the laser was irradiated while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result. The deformation of the resin body after dyeing, the temperature difference on the resin body, and the quality of the dyeing were respectively evaluated in the experimental examples.

[0141] <Experimental Example 1>

[0142] Using a drawing software on a PC, a colored layer was printed onto a dyeing substrate (high-quality PPC paper) with a paper thickness of 100 μm through a printer (EPSON PX-6250S), thereby attaching the dye to the dyeing substrate. The sublimation ink used for printing was a disperse dye (aqueous) manufactured by Nidek Co., and the hue was determined to be gray (mixing ratio: red:blue:yellow = 153:80:250). The dyeing substrate was manufactured as described above.

[0143] Dyeing was performed using the dyeing substrate obtained in this way. The dyeing substrate and an MR8 lens (S-0.00) were installed in a jig and placed in a vacuum vapor transfer machine (TTM-1000 manufactured by Nidek Co.) to perform the operation of vapor-depositing the dye onto the MR8 lens. The conditions at this time were that the distance between the dyeing surface side of the MR8 lens and the dyeing substrate was 5 mm. After reducing the air pressure inside the vacuum vapor transfer machine to 0.5 kPa with 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). In addition, the refractive index of the MR8 lens was 1.60. The temperature near the dyeing substrate was measured using a temperature sensor, and when it reached 225 °C, the power supply of the halogen lamp was cut off to sublime and attach the dye.

[0144] The MR8 lens with the attached dye was placed on the stage of a dyeing device (GEM-30A manufactured by Laser Coherent). A thermal imaging camera (HTPA80×64dR2L10.5 / 0.95F7.7HiA manufactured by Heimann) was installed in the dyeing device. Two current mirrors of the dyeing device were controlled to scan the laser in a spiral shape on the MR8 lens, thereby fixing the dye to the MR8 lens. During the irradiation of the laser, the laser was irradiated 60 times (cycles).

[0145] When performing the spiral scan, the spiral scan was performed in the following manner, that is, while moving inward relative to the MR8 lens in a manner that the scan radius was narrowed by 2 mm each time, the laser was irradiated over the entire area of the MR8 lens. In addition, as the irradiation conditions of the laser at this time, a laser with a diameter of about 2.0 mm was emitted from the laser light source, the laser was bent using a current mirror, and then the laser was passed through an fθ lens (focal length: 100 mm), and the distance to the lens was set to 300 mm to defocus the laser, thereby irradiating the laser in a manner that a spot diameter of about 22 mm was formed on the MR8 lens. In addition, the irradiation conditions of the laser were set so that the surface temperature at each part of the MR8 lens became 175 °C, the output of the laser was fixed at 30 W, the scanning speed of the peripheral area was set to 500 mm / min, and the scanning speed of the central area (the central area with a radius of 30 mm of the MR8 lens) was set to 750 mm / min.

[0146] The MR8 lens dyed in the above manner was evaluated. In addition, the following was also evaluated in the same way. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0147] [Evaluation of lens deformation]

[0148] For the dyed MR8 lens, visually confirm the change in the shape of the dyed MR8 lens and confirm whether deformation has occurred.

[0149] Significant deformation occurred: ×

[0150] Almost no deformation occurred: ○

[0151] [Temperature difference evaluation]

[0152] For the lens at the time when all laser irradiations are completed, use a thermal imaging camera to detect the two-dimensional temperature distribution of the lens. In the detected two-dimensional temperature distribution, confirm the temperatures at the center position and the four peripheral positions (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) of the lens respectively, and confirm whether the temperature difference exceeds a given threshold (set to 50 °C in this experimental example).

[0153] The temperature difference exceeds the threshold: ×

[0154] The temperature difference is within the threshold: ◎

[0155] [Evaluation of dyeing quality]

[0156] For the dyed MR8 lens, visually confirm the color unevenness of the shape of the dyed MR8 lens and confirm whether color unevenness has occurred.

[0157] Color unevenness is seen: ×

[0158] Almost no color unevenness is seen: ○

[0159] No color unevenness is seen: ◎

[0160] <Experimental example 2>

[0161] The evaluation of the MR8 lens after dyeing was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the laser irradiation method in the dyeing apparatus was changed to an irradiation method using a thermal imaging camera. The results are shown in Table 1. In the laser irradiation, initially in Experimental Example 2, during the laser irradiation, pre-irradiation was performed 20 times (cycles). During the pre-irradiation, when scanning in a spiral shape, the spiral scanning was performed in such a manner that while moving inward relative to the MR8 lens with the scanning radius narrowing by 2 mm each time, the laser was irradiated over the entire area of the MR8 lens. Additionally, as the irradiation conditions of the laser at this time, a laser with a diameter of about 2.0 mm was emitted from the laser light source, the laser was bent using a current mirror, and then the laser was passed through an fθ lens (focal length: 100 mm), and the distance to the lens was set to 300 mm to defocus the laser, thereby irradiating the laser in such a way that a spot diameter of about 22 mm was formed on the MR8 lens. Further, the irradiation conditions of the laser were set so that the surface temperature at each part of the MR8 lens became 175°C, the output of the laser was fixed at 30 W, the scanning speed of the peripheral area was set to 500 mm / min, and the scanning speed of the central area (the central area with a radius of 30 mm of the MR8 lens) was set to 750 mm / min. Additionally, during the 20 times of pre-irradiation, the above laser irradiation conditions were not changed and the laser irradiation was repeated under the same irradiation conditions. After the pre-irradiation was completed, 40 times of laser irradiation were continued. In the laser irradiation after the pre-irradiation was completed, the surface temperature of the MR8 lens was two-dimensionally detected using a thermal imaging camera, and based on the detection results, the output conditions at each irradiation position of the laser were set, and the laser irradiation was performed while successively adjusting the set output. The temperature detection by the thermal imaging camera was performed each time one scan was completed. Additionally, each time one laser irradiation was completed, the output conditions of the laser for the next cycle were set based on the temperature detection results detected by the thermal imaging camera. In this experimental example, as the output conditions of the laser, the output conditions were set such that the preset target heating temperature (197°C in this experimental example) and the heating temperature at each irradiation position two-dimensionally detected by the thermal imaging camera were approximately the same, and the temperature difference between each irradiation position of the laser did not exceed a given threshold value (50°C in this experimental example).

[0162]

Table 1

[0163] Central temperature Upper right temperature Upper left temperature Lower right temperature Lower left temperature Temperature difference Deformation evaluation Temperature difference evaluation Color unevenness evaluation Experimental example 1 220℃ 172℃ 181℃ 178℃ 176℃ 48℃ ○ ◎ ◎ Experimental example 2 197℃ 170℃ 179℃ 178℃ 174℃ 27℃ ○ ◎ ◎

[0164] (Results)

[0165] As shown in Table 1, Example 1 shows the following. That is, when the lens is scanned with laser relatively in a spiral shape multiple times to heat the lens with a dye attached to its surface and fix the dye to the resin body, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the lens while further suppressing the non-uniformity of the heating temperature in the lens. Thus, it is possible to perform dyeing with suppressed color unevenness.

[0166] In addition, Experimental Example 2 shows the following. That is, in addition to the control of Experimental Example 1, the temperature of the resin body is detected two-dimensionally by the temperature detection unit, and while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection results, the laser is irradiated. Thus, compared with Experimental Example 1, it is possible to further suppress the non-uniformity of the heating temperature in the lens. That is, it shows that it is possible to perform dyeing with further suppressed color unevenness.

Claims

1. A dyeing device that heats a resin body with a dye attached to its surface to fix the dye to the resin body, characterized in that it comprises: A laser irradiation unit that irradiates a laser onto a resin body with a dye attached to its surface; A scanning unit that relatively two-dimensionally scans the resin body with the laser irradiated by the laser irradiation unit; A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature distribution of a two-dimensional region that is a predetermined surface for dyeing on the resin body; and A control unit that controls the scanning unit to change the irradiation position of the laser on the resin body, The control unit sets the irradiation conditions at each irradiation position of the laser based on the temperature distribution detected by the temperature detection unit to change the irradiation conditions of the laser, and while doing so, repeatedly performs the irradiation of the laser on the two-dimensional region accompanied by the two-dimensional scanning of the resin body multiple times, i.e., for multiple cycles, to heat the resin body with the dye attached to its surface and fix the dye to the resin body. The irradiation of the laser for the multiple cycles includes the first scanning of the laser accompanied by the two-dimensional scanning of the two-dimensional region and the irradiation of the laser after the first irradiation of the two-dimensional region is completed, which is accompanied by the two-dimensional scanning of the two-dimensional region. The control unit sets the irradiation conditions of the laser for multiple cycles based on the temperature distribution detected by the temperature detection unit. During the irradiation of the laser for the multiple cycles, feedback control of obtaining the temperature distribution detected by the temperature detection unit and setting the irradiation conditions of the laser based on this temperature distribution is repeatedly performed.

2. The dyeing device according to claim 1, characterized in that During the irradiation of the laser after the second time, the control unit irradiates the laser on the two-dimensional region of the resin body while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit.

3. A dyeing method that heats a resin body with a dye attached to its surface to fix the dye to the resin body, characterized in that It includes the following steps: A temperature detection step of detecting the temperature distribution of a two-dimensional region that is a predetermined surface for dyeing on the resin body; A control step of irradiating a laser onto the resin body with the dye attached while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser by setting the irradiation conditions at each irradiation position of the laser based on the temperature distribution detected in the temperature detection step, and changing the irradiation position of the laser, to heat the resin body with the dye attached to its surface and fix the dye to the resin body, and by repeatedly performing the irradiation of the laser on the two-dimensional region accompanied by the two-dimensional scanning of the resin body multiple times, i.e., for multiple cycles, to heat the resin body with the dye attached to its surface and fix the dye to the resin body. The irradiation of the laser in the multiple cycles includes the first scanning of the laser accompanied by the two-dimensional scanning of the two-dimensional region and the irradiation of the laser after the first irradiation of the two-dimensional region is completed, which is accompanied by the two-dimensional scanning of the two-dimensional region and subsequent to the first time. In the control step, the irradiation conditions of the laser for multiple cycles are set based on the temperature distribution detected in the temperature detection step. In the irradiation of the laser in the multiple cycles, the feedback control of obtaining the temperature distribution detected by the temperature detection step and setting the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the temperature distribution is repeatedly performed.

4. The dyeing method according to claim 3, wherein In the control step, in the irradiation of the laser after the second time, while changing the irradiation conditions of the laser based on the detection result of the temperature detection step, the laser is irradiated onto the two-dimensional region of the resin body.

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