Apparatus and method for manufacturing glass rotary body, and method for manufacturing optical element

Abstract

Provided is a glass rotating body manufacturing apparatus, a glass rotating body manufacturing method, and an optical element manufacturing method that can prevent glass block drop-off and improve glass rotating body forming stability. The glass rotating body manufacturing apparatus is characterized by having: a first forming member having a first forming surface; a second forming member having a second forming surface; a heating softening member that heats and softens a glass block sandwiched between the first forming surface and the second forming surface; and a rotational drive member that forms the glass block sandwiched between the first forming surface and the second forming surface into a glass rotating body by rotationally driving the first forming member and the second forming member, wherein a first radius of curvature of the first forming surface and a second radius of curvature of the second forming surface are different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing glass rotating bodies, a method for manufacturing glass rotating bodies, and a method for manufacturing optical elements. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a manufacturing apparatus for a glass rotating body, comprising: at least two forming members arranged facing each other in a manner that clamps a glass block; a heating unit that heats and softens the glass block; and a driving unit that moves the at least two forming members relative to each other, thereby causing the glass block, which has been heated and softened by the heating unit, to rotate.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-063098.

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the glass rotation manufacturing apparatus of Patent Document 1, when the glass block is rotated to form the glass rotation body, the glass block may fall off from the two forming components, or the forming stability of the glass rotation body may be reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention is based on the understanding of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a glass rotation body manufacturing apparatus, a glass rotation body manufacturing method, and an optical element manufacturing method that can prevent glass blocks from falling and improve the forming stability of the glass rotation body.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The glass rotating body manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment is characterized by comprising: a first forming member having a first forming surface; a second forming member having a second forming surface; a heating and softening member for heating and softening a glass block sandwiched between the first forming surface and the second forming surface; and a rotation driving member for rotating the first forming member and the second forming member to form the glass block sandwiched between the first forming surface and the second forming surface into a glass rotating body, wherein the first radius of curvature of the first forming surface and the second radius of curvature of the second forming surface are different from each other.

[0011] Alternatively, the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface can be set based on the radius of the glass rotating body.

[0012] Alternatively, the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface can be set to be the same as or approximately the same as the radius of the glass rotating body, and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface can be set to be larger than the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface.

[0013] When the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface is defined as R1 [mm], the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface is defined as R2 [mm], and the radius of the glass rotator is defined as R [mm], the following conditions (1) and (2) are preferably satisfied.

[0014] (1) 0.9R < R1 < 1.5R

[0015] (2) 1.5R < R2 < 30.0R.

[0016] Within the range that satisfies conditions (1) and (2), it is preferable to satisfy the following conditions (1') and (2').

[0017] (1') 0.95R < R1 < 1.5R

[0018] (2')1.5R<R2<10.0R.

[0019] Within the range that satisfies conditions (1) and (2), it is preferable to satisfy the following conditions (1”) and (2”).

[0020] (1”)0.95R<R1<1.25R

[0021] (2”)1.5R<R2<3.0R.

[0022] Alternatively, the first molding member may have: a first rotating cylindrical portion that is driven to rotate about a first rotating axis; and a first molding surface that extends on the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the first rotating axis, and a plurality of such surfaces are arranged side by side in the direction of the first rotating axis. The second molding member may have: a second rotating cylindrical portion that is driven to rotate about a second rotating axis; and a second molding surface that extends on the outer peripheral surface of the second rotating cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the second rotating axis, and a plurality of such surfaces are arranged side by side in the direction of the second rotating axis. A plurality of glass blocks are sandwiched between the plurality of first molding surfaces arranged side by side and the plurality of second molding surfaces arranged side by side.

[0023] Alternatively, the heating and softening component may be composed of a burner, which directly heats a plurality of glass blocks sandwiched between a plurality of first forming surfaces arranged in parallel on the first forming component and a plurality of second forming surfaces arranged in parallel on the second forming component.

[0024] Alternatively, the burner may not directly heat the first molding component and the second molding component.

[0025] Alternatively, the burner may be configured such that it faces a plurality of glass blocks sandwiched between a plurality of first forming surfaces arranged side-by-side on the first forming member and a plurality of second forming surfaces arranged side-by-side on the second forming member, and extends parallel to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

[0026] The method for manufacturing a glass rotatable body according to this embodiment is characterized by comprising: a step of clamping a glass block between a first molding surface of a first molding member and a second molding surface of a second molding member; a step of heating and softening the glass block clamped between the first molding surface and the second molding surface; and a step of forming the glass block clamped between the first molding surface and the second molding surface into a glass rotatable body by rotating the first molding member and the second molding member, wherein the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface are different from each other.

[0027] The method for manufacturing an optical element according to this embodiment is characterized by comprising: a step of clamping a glass block between a first molding surface of a first molding member and a second molding surface of a second molding member; a step of heating and softening the glass block clamped between the first molding surface and the second molding surface; a step of forming the glass block clamped between the first molding surface and the second molding surface into a glass rotating body by rotating the first molding member and the second molding member; and a step of performing pressing, grinding, or polishing treatment on the glass rotating body to form an optical element, wherein the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface are different from each other.

[0028] Invention Effects

[0029] According to the present invention, an apparatus for manufacturing a glass rotator, a method for manufacturing a glass rotator, and a method for manufacturing an optical element are provided that can prevent the glass block from falling and improve the forming stability of the glass rotator. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 The first figure shows the manufacturing apparatus for the glass rotating body according to this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a second figure showing the manufacturing apparatus for the glass rotating body according to this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 The third figure shows the manufacturing apparatus for the glass rotating body according to this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 This is the fourth figure showing the manufacturing apparatus for the glass rotating body according to this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Reference Figures 1-4 The manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass rotating body of this embodiment (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the "manufacturing apparatus") will be described in detail. Figures 1-4 These are the first to fourth figures showing the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass rotating body according to this embodiment. In the following description, the term "glass rotating body" will be used... Figures 1-4 The X, Y, and Z axes are mutually orthogonal in all directions.

[0035] In manufacturing apparatus 1, multiple glass blocks (small glass pieces, fragments) are made using split optical glass ingots. These glass blocks can be shaped into any form, such as cubes or cylinders. In manufacturing apparatus 1, each of the multiple glass blocks is heated and softened while being rotated to form a spherical shape, thus obtaining a glass rotation body. Specifically, multiple glass blocks are placed between multiple rollers (curved forming surfaces), and while being heated and softened, the rollers are rotated to form a spherical shape, thereby obtaining a glass rotation body.

[0036] In manufacturing apparatus 1, compared to grinding and polishing glass blocks, glass rotating bodies (glass spheres) can be manufactured more easily. Furthermore, no glass shavings are generated as a result of grinding and polishing, thus achieving labor-saving, resource-saving, and low-cost operations. Furthermore, the formed glass rotating body (glass sphere) is heated and molded, thereby producing small optical components such as optical lenses. Alternatively, if the surface of the glass rotating body (glass sphere) is ground and polished, the glass rotating body (glass sphere) itself can be used as a spherical lens. In other words, by subjecting the formed glass rotating body (glass sphere) to pressing or grinding and polishing processes, optical components (e.g., optical lenses, spherical lenses, etc.) can be manufactured.

[0037] The manufacturing apparatus 1 has a first forming member (first forming roller) 10 and a second forming member (second forming roller) 20. The first forming member 10 and the second forming member 20 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction (with minimal gap) and configured to extend parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0038] The first molding member 10 has a first rotating cylindrical portion 12 that is rotatably driven around a first rotating axis 11 extending along the Y-axis. The first molding member 10 has a first molding surface 13 that extends on the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating cylindrical portion 12 in a direction intersecting the first rotating axis 11, and a plurality of such surfaces are arranged side by side in the direction of the first rotating axis 11. The first molding surfaces 13 have a predetermined radius of curvature (R) and are connected in the Y-axis direction.

[0039] The second molding member 20 has a second rotating cylindrical portion 22 that is rotatably driven around a second rotating axis 21 extending along the Y-axis. The second molding member 20 has a second molding surface 23 that extends on the outer peripheral surface of the second rotating cylindrical portion 22 in a direction intersecting the second rotating axis 21, and multiple second molding surfaces 23 are arranged side-by-side in the direction of the second rotating axis 21. The second molding surfaces 23 have a predetermined radius of curvature (R) and are connected in the Y-axis direction.

[0040] The first forming member 10 and the second forming member 20 (first rotating shaft 11 and second rotating shaft 21, first rotating cylindrical portion 12 and second rotating cylindrical portion 22) extend parallel to each other in the Y-axis direction. Multiple glass blocks (small glass pieces, fragments) G pre It is sandwiched between a plurality of first molding surfaces 13 arranged side-by-side on the first molding member 10 (connected in the Y-axis direction) and a plurality of second molding surfaces 23 arranged side-by-side on the second molding member 20 (connected in the Y-axis direction). Figure 3 In the middle, the glass block G is placed on the upstream side (upper side in the figure) of the Y-axis direction in the first forming surface 13 and the second forming surface 23 which are arranged opposite to each other. pre During heating and softening by the heating and softening component (burner) 30 (described later), the glass rotates between the opposing first forming surface 13 and second forming surface 23 while moving downstream (lower in the figure) in the Y-axis direction, ultimately forming (manufacturing) a glass rotating body (glass sphere) G. post Between the first forming surface 13 and the second forming surface 23, which are arranged facing each other, glass blocks G are successively fed from the upstream side (upper side in the figure) in the Y-axis direction. pre This allows the glass to flow downstream along the Y-axis (lower side in the figure), thereby enabling the simultaneous forming (manufacturing) of multiple glass rotating bodies G. post .

[0041] Manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a glass block G sandwiched between a first forming surface 13 and a second forming surface 23. pre A heating and softening component (burner) 30 is used for heating and softening. The heating and softening component 30 has: a main body 31, which is located above the opposing surfaces of the first forming surface 13 and the second forming surface 23 (above the Z-axis direction) and extends in the Y-axis direction; and a nozzle 32, which extends from the main body 31 toward the glass block G sandwiched between the first forming surface 13 and the second forming surface 23. pre Directly above, extending in the Y-axis direction. Thus, the heating and softening member (burner) 30 is configured such that it faces a plurality of glass blocks G sandwiched between a plurality of first forming surfaces 13 arranged side-by-side on the first forming member 10 (connected in the Y-axis direction) and a plurality of second forming surfaces 23 arranged side-by-side on the second forming member 20 (connected in the Y-axis direction).pre It extends in the Y-axis direction, which is parallel to the first rotation axis 11 and the second rotation axis 21.

[0042] In other words, the heating and softening component (burner) 30 is sandwiched between multiple glass blocks G that are arranged side-by-side on the first forming component 10 (connected in the Y-axis direction) and between multiple second forming surfaces 23 arranged side-by-side on the second forming component 20 (connected in the Y-axis direction). pre Heating is performed directly, but the first molding component 10 and the second molding component 20 are not directly heated.

[0043] In the molding (manufacturing) of glass rotating body G post If the temperature of the first molding component 10 and the second molding component 20 (the first molding surface 13 and the second molding surface 23) is excessively increased, then the glass block G... pre It is possible that it will adhere to the first molding member 10 and the second molding member 20 (the first molding surface 13 and the second molding surface 23). Therefore, in molding (manufacturing) the glass rotating body G post When, it is preferable to relatively increase the glass block G pre The temperature of the first forming member 10 and the second forming member 20 (first forming surface 13 and second forming surface 23) is relatively reduced (preferably the temperature of the forming surface is not excessively increased, but only the glass block is heated to a temperature suitable for rotational forming).

[0044] At this point, according to this embodiment, the first molding member 10 (first molding surface 13) and the second molding member 20 (second molding surface 23) are not directly heated; only the glass block G sandwiched between them is heated. pre Direct heating can prevent glass block G pre The glass block adheres to the first forming member 10 and the second forming member 20 (first forming surface 13 and second forming surface 23). Furthermore, in existing glass rotating body manufacturing apparatuses, including those described in Patent Document 1, the glass block and forming member are heated together in a furnace, thus the problem of adhesion between the glass block and the forming member cannot be completely avoided.

[0045] Heating and softening component (burner) 30 to heat glass block G pre Heating softens it to the temperature before it becomes liquid. If glass block G... pre Heating it to a liquid state makes it difficult to mold the glass block G onto the first molding member 10 and the second molding member 20 (first molding surface 13 and second molding surface 23). pre Glass rotating body G is formed (manufactured) by rotation. post .

[0046] As an example, the heating and softening component (burner) consists of 30 pairs of glass blocks G. preThe preferred heating is to heat it to a viscosity of 10. 5 ~10 15 The temperature at which it becomes liquid, like Poisson's. Viscosity is 10. 5 The point of flow of the glass is 10. 5 The viscosity was determined based on (poise) and was 10. 15 The transition point of glass (10) 13 ~10 15 The viscosity is determined based on the glass's flow point (poise). Therefore, it is preferable to use the viscosity of the glass block G within the range of the glass's flow point to its transition point. pre The glass is then molded. Additionally, the viscosity of the glass is 10. 5 Poiseu refers to the viscosity of glass in its molten state, which is 10 times higher than that of glass in its mol 1 ~10 3 Poisson's high viscosity makes it distinctly different from the molten state of glass.

[0047] Furthermore, as an example, the flame temperature of the heating and softening component (burner) 30 is approximately 1200°C, which can easily heat the glass block G. pre Heating to a high temperature is possible. Combustion gases (e.g., LNG, LPG, etc.) can be burned with a mixture of air and oxygen, or a hydrogen-oxygen burner can be used. However, when heating glass containing transition metals such as Ti, Nb, and W as glass components using a burner, the transition metals in the glass may sometimes be reduced, resulting in coloration. In this case, after the glass block is formed into a glass rotor, or after optical elements are fabricated from the glass rotor, the coloration can be removed by annealing the glass in an oxidizing environment such as the atmosphere (decolorization). As another heating unit, an infrared heater, such as a halogen heater, can be used.

[0048] Manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a rotary drive member 40, which drives a first forming member 10 and a second forming member 20 to rotate a glass block G sandwiched between a first forming surface 13 and a second forming surface 23. pre Molded (manufactured) into a glass rotating body G post The rotary drive component 40 has a degree of freedom in its structure, allowing for various design changes. An example is provided below. A first rotating rod (not shown) corresponding to a first rotating shaft 11 is provided in the central hole of the first rotating cylindrical portion 12 of the first forming component 10. A second rotating rod (not shown) corresponding to a second rotating shaft 21 is provided in the central hole of the second rotating cylindrical portion 22 of the second forming component 20. A motor drive mechanism (not shown) is also provided to rotate and drive these first and second rotating rods. The first rotating rod, the second rotating rod, and the motor drive mechanism constitute the "rotary drive component 40".

[0049] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the rotary drive member 40 drives the first molding member 10 and the second molding member 20 to rotate in the same direction (clockwise in the figure). The rotational drive speed of the rotary drive member 40 on the first molding member 10 and the second molding member 20 can be the same or different.

[0050] However, in the glass rotating body manufacturing apparatus of Patent Document 1, when the glass block is rotated to form the glass rotating body, the glass block may fall off from the two forming members, or the forming stability of the glass rotating body may decrease. More specifically, since the forming surfaces of the two forming members holding the glass block have the same shape (the same radius of curvature, the same diameter or radius), the glass block may fall off from the forming surfaces of the two forming members, or the glass block may be pulled between the forming surfaces of the two forming members and cannot be formed.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, by making the shapes of the first molding surface 13 and the second molding surface 23 different, and more specifically, by making the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface 13 and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface 23 different, the glass block G is successfully prevented from... pre The drop, and improved the glass rotation G post The molding stability.

[0052] The first radius of curvature of the first molding surface 13 and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface 23 are related to the glass rotation body G. post The radius is set as a reference. More specifically, preferably, the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface 13 is set to be the same as that of the glass rotating body G. post The radii are the same or approximately the same, and the second curvature radius of the second molding surface 23 is set to be larger than the first curvature radius of the first molding surface 13.

[0053] Having a glass rotator G post The first forming surface 13, with the same or approximately the same first curvature radius, performs the following function: to make the glass block G... pre Glass rotating body G is formed (manufactured) by rotation. post At that time, the glass rotating body G post Adjusted to the target shape (target radius). In contrast, the second molding surface 23, having a second radius of curvature larger than that of the first molding surface 13, functions as follows: cooperating with the first molding surface 13 to sandwich the glass block G between the opposing first molding surface 13 and the second molding surface 23. pre The state of the glass block G helps (promotes) pre From the upstream side in the Y-axis direction ( Figure 3 The upper side of the middle) downstream of the Y-axis ( Figure 3(The lower part of the middle) flows smoothly.

[0054] Furthermore, in existing technology, assuming that the forming surfaces of the two forming members clamping the glass block have the same shape (same radius of curvature), if the radius of curvature of the two forming surfaces is too large, there is a concern that the glass block may fall off from the sides (horizontal portion) of the two forming surfaces. On the other hand, if the radius of curvature of the two forming surfaces is too small, there is a concern that the glass block may not be contained between the two forming surfaces and may fall off. Moreover, even if the radius of curvature of the two forming surfaces is close to the target radius of the glass rotating body, because the glass block is pulled too much between the two forming surfaces, it is difficult to flow smoothly from the upstream side to the downstream side with the glass block clamped between the two forming surfaces.

[0055] Let the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface 13 be defined as R1 [mm], and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface 23 be defined as R2 [mm], and the glass rotating body G post When the radius is defined as R[mm], the following conditions (1) and (2) are preferably satisfied.

[0056] (1) 0.9R < R1 < 1.5R

[0057] (2) 1.5R < R2 < 30.0R.

[0058] Within the range that satisfies conditions (1) and (2), it is preferable to satisfy the following conditions (1') and (2').

[0059] (1') 0.95R < R1 < 1.5R

[0060] (2')1.5R<R2<10.0R.

[0061] Within the range that satisfies conditions (1) and (2), it is preferable to satisfy the following conditions (1”) and (2”).

[0062] (1”)0.95R<R1<1.25R

[0063] (2”)1.5R<R2<3.0R.

[0064] By satisfying condition (1), it is possible to make the glass block G pre Glass rotating body G is formed (manufactured) by rotation. post At that time, the glass rotating body G post Adjust to the target shape (target radius). Additionally, it can prevent glass block G... pre The drop. By satisfying condition (1'), and further satisfying condition (1”), the effect can be obtained more significantly. Whether it is greater than the upper limit or less than the lower limit of condition (1), the glass rotator G will be dropped. postAdjusting to the target shape (target radius) can become difficult, or the glass block G... pre It might fall.

[0065] By satisfying condition (2), it is possible to sandwich a glass block G between the first forming surface 13 and the second forming surface 23 that are arranged in opposite directions. pre The state of the glass block G helps (promotes) pre From the upstream side in the Y-axis direction ( Figure 3 The upper side of the middle) downstream of the Y-axis ( Figure 3 It flows smoothly (to the lower side of the middle). Furthermore, it can prevent glass block G from... pre The falling of the glass block G. This effect can be more significantly achieved by satisfying condition (2') and further satisfying condition (2”). Whether the value is greater than the upper limit or less than the lower limit of condition (2), the glass block G... pre Smooth flow can become difficult, or the glass block G... pre It might fall.

[0066] Furthermore, in order to prevent glass block G pre The falling and the increase of the glass rotation G post The depth (range) of the R-surface of the first molding surface 13 and the second molding surface 23 is also an important factor in determining the molding stability. For example, the first molding surface 13 preferably occupies a depth (range) of 90° or more and 180° or less relative to the virtual circle based on the first radius of curvature, more preferably 100° or more and 180° or less, and even more preferably 110° or more and 180° or less. Furthermore, the second molding surface 23 preferably occupies a depth (range) covering the glass block G on the first molding surface 13. pre The degree of depth (range). Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the R-surface of the first molding surface 13 and the second molding surface 23 is an arc, but even if there are wall-like portions that rise vertically from both ends of the arc (molding surface, R-surface), as long as the wall-like portions do not hinder the glass rotation body G post There is no problem with the height of the molding. As an example, the height of the wall portion can be less than 2 mm, and more preferably less than 1 mm.

[0067] When the rotational drive member 40 drives the first molding member 10 and the second molding member 20 at different speeds, it is preferable that the rotational drive speed of the first molding member 10, which has a first molding surface 13 with a small radius of curvature, is slower than the rotational drive speed of the second molding member 20, which has a second molding surface 23 with a large radius of curvature. This prevents the glass block G from... pre Driven upwards by the rotation of the first forming member 10 (first forming surface 13), the glass rotating body G is formed in a stable position. post In the glass rotating body Gpost When the diameter is less than the specified value, for example, in the case of a glass rotating body G with a forming diameter of less than 10 mm. post At that time, the effect can be obtained particularly significantly.

[0068] The rotational driving direction of the rotary drive member 40 on the first forming member 10 and the second forming member 20 is preferably in the direction of rotation. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The clockwise direction is indicated by the arrow. That is, within the specified area where the glass block G is clamped... pre When a first molding member 10 having a first molding surface 13 with a small radius of curvature and a second molding member 20 having a second molding surface 23 with a large radius of curvature are used, it is preferable that the first molding member 10 is oriented towards the glass block G. pre Rotate in the direction from which the second forming member 20 is lifted (moved away), and the second forming member 20 moves toward the direction from which the glass block G... pre The rotation is directed in the direction of pressing down (pressing) the first forming member 10, and the rotational drive directions of both are the same. The difference in rotational drive of the first forming member 10 and the second forming member 20 by the aforementioned rotational drive member 40 (rotational drive speed of the first forming member 10 < rotational drive speed of the second forming member 20), combined with the above, prevents the glass block G from... pre Driven and lifted upwards by the rotation of the first forming member 10 (first forming surface 13), the glass rotating body G can be formed in a stable position more significantly. post The effect.

[0069] As described above, the glass rotation body manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment includes: a first forming member having a first forming surface; a second forming member having a second forming surface; a heating and softening member for heating and softening a glass block sandwiched between the first forming surface and the second forming surface; and a rotation driving member for rotating the first forming member and the second forming member to form the glass block sandwiched between the first forming surface and the second forming surface into a glass rotation body, wherein the first radius of curvature of the first forming surface and the second radius of curvature of the second forming surface are different from each other. This prevents the glass block from falling and improves the forming stability of the glass rotation body.

[0070] The invention disclosed herein has been described in detail above. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The invention can be implemented in modified and altered ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0071] The method for manufacturing a glass rotatable body according to this embodiment is characterized by comprising: a step of clamping a glass block between a first molding surface of a first molding member and a second molding surface of a second molding member; a step of heating and softening the glass block clamped between the first molding surface and the second molding surface; and a step of forming the glass block clamped between the first molding surface and the second molding surface into a glass rotatable body by rotating the first molding member and the second molding member, wherein the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface are different from each other.

[0072] In a first embodiment of the method for manufacturing a glass rotatable body, a strip of optical glass with a refractive index nd of 1.8061, an Abbe number νd of 40.73, a glass transition temperature of 567°C, and a yield point of 604°C is produced using a known method. This strip is then cut into small square blocks to create multiple approximately cubic glass blocks. These glass blocks are then shaped into glass rotatable bodies (glass spheres) using the glass rotatable body manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment described above. The diameter of the glass rotatable body (glass sphere) is adjusted to be in the range of 2 to 5 mm. Furthermore, the sphericity of the obtained glass rotatable body (glass sphere) is approximately 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0073] In a second embodiment of the method for manufacturing a glass rotatable body, a strip of optical glass with a refractive index nd of 2.00069, an Abbe number νd of 25.46, a glass transition temperature of 688°C, and a yield point of 736°C is produced using a known method. This strip is then cut into small square blocks to create multiple approximately cubic glass blocks. These glass blocks are then shaped into glass rotatable bodies (glass spheres) using the glass rotatable body manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment described above. The diameter of the glass rotatable body (glass sphere) is adjusted to be in the range of 2 to 10 mm. Furthermore, the sphericity of the obtained glass rotatable body (glass sphere) is approximately 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0074] The method for manufacturing an optical element according to this embodiment is characterized by comprising: a step of clamping a glass block between a first molding surface of a first molding member and a second molding surface of a second molding member; a step of heating and softening the glass block clamped between the first molding surface and the second molding surface; a step of forming the glass block clamped between the first molding surface and the second molding surface into a glass rotating body by rotating the first molding member and the second molding member; and a step of performing pressing, grinding, or polishing treatment on the glass rotating body to form an optical element, wherein the first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface are different from each other.

[0075] In a first embodiment of the method for manufacturing an optical element, the glass spherical lens with a smooth surface is produced by grinding and polishing the glass spherical lens manufactured in the first and second embodiments of the above-described method for manufacturing a glass spherical lens using known methods. An anti-reflective coating or other coating can be formed on the lens surface as needed.

[0076] In a second embodiment of the method for manufacturing an optical element, an aspherical lens is fabricated by precision pressing the glass sphere (glass ball) manufactured in the first and second embodiments of the glass sphere manufacturing method described above using a known method. An anti-reflective coating or other coating can be formed on the lens surface as needed.

[0077] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0078] 1: A manufacturing apparatus for glass rotating bodies;

[0079] 10: First forming component (first forming roller);

[0080] 11: First axis of rotation;

[0081] 12: First rotating cylindrical section;

[0082] 13: First forming surface;

[0083] 20: Second forming component (second forming roller);

[0084] 21: Second rotation axis;

[0085] 22: Second rotating cylindrical section;

[0086] 23: Second forming surface;

[0087] 30: Heating and softening components (burner);

[0088] 31: Main body;

[0089] 32: Nozzle section;

[0090] 40: Rotational drive component;

[0091] G pre Glass blocks (small pieces or fragments);

[0092] G post : Glass rotating body (glass sphere).

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus for a glass rotating body, characterized in that, have: The first molding component has a first molding surface; The second molding component has a second molding surface; A heating and softening component that heats and softens a glass block sandwiched between the first forming surface and the second forming surface; as well as A rotary drive component, which drives the first forming component and the second forming component to form the glass block sandwiched between the first forming surface and the second forming surface into a glass rotating body. The first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface are different from each other. The first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface are set based on the radius of the glass rotating body. When the first curvature radius of the first molding surface is defined as R1 [mm], the second curvature radius of the second molding surface is defined as R2 [mm], and the radius of the glass rotator is defined as R [mm], the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied. 。 2. The manufacturing apparatus for a glass rotating body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first molding member has: a first rotating cylindrical portion that is driven to rotate about a first rotating axis; and a first molding surface that extends on the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the first rotating axis, and a plurality of such surfaces are arranged side by side in the direction of the first rotating axis. The second molding member has: a second rotating cylindrical portion that is driven to rotate about a second rotating axis; and a second molding surface that extends on the outer peripheral surface of the second rotating cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the second rotating axis, and a plurality of such surfaces are arranged side by side in the direction of the second rotating axis. A plurality of glass blocks are sandwiched between a plurality of first molding surfaces arranged in parallel and a plurality of second molding surfaces arranged in parallel.

3. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass rotating body according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating and softening component is composed of a burner, which directly heats a plurality of glass blocks sandwiched between a plurality of first forming surfaces arranged in parallel on the first forming component and a plurality of second forming surfaces arranged in parallel on the second forming component.

4. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass rotating body according to claim 3, characterized in that, The burner does not directly heat the first molding component and the second molding component.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass rotating body according to claim 3, characterized in that, The burner is configured to face a plurality of glass blocks sandwiched between a plurality of first forming surfaces arranged side-by-side on the first forming member and a plurality of second forming surfaces arranged side-by-side on the second forming member, and extends parallel to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

6. A method for manufacturing a glass rotating body, characterized in that, have: The process of inserting a glass block between the first molding surface of the first molding component and the second molding surface of the second molding component; The process of heating and softening the glass block sandwiched between the first forming surface and the second forming surface; and The process of forming a glass block sandwiched between the first and second molding surfaces into a glass rotating body by rotating the first molding component and the second molding component. The first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface are different from each other. The first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface are set based on the radius of the glass rotating body. When the first curvature radius of the first molding surface is defined as R1 [mm], the second curvature radius of the second molding surface is defined as R2 [mm], and the radius of the glass rotator is defined as R [mm], the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied. 。 7. A method for manufacturing an optical element, characterized in that, have: The process of inserting a glass block between the first molding surface of the first molding component and the second molding surface of the second molding component; The process of heating and softening the glass block sandwiched between the first forming surface and the second forming surface; The process of forming a glass block sandwiched between the first molding surface and the second molding surface into a glass rotating body by rotating the first molding component and the second molding component; as well as The process of pressing, grinding, or polishing the glass rotating body to make it into an optical element. The first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface are different from each other. The first radius of curvature of the first molding surface and the second radius of curvature of the second molding surface are set based on the radius of the glass rotating body. When the first curvature radius of the first molding surface is defined as R1 [mm], the second curvature radius of the second molding surface is defined as R2 [mm], and the radius of the glass rotator is defined as R [mm], the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied. 。

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