Production device, system for producing optical material, system for producing spectacle lens, method for producing polymerizable composition for optical material, method for producing optical material, and method for producing spectacle lens

Abstract

This production device is for manufacturing a polymerizable composition for an optical material by mixing a first raw material composition and a second raw material composition. The production device comprises: a mixing unit that mixes the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition; a first raw material composition supply unit that supplies the first raw material composition to the mixing unit; a second raw material composition supply unit that supplies the second raw material composition to the mixing unit; and a stirring unit that stirs a mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition which has been mixed in the mixing unit, by using a driving force. The mixing unit is configured so that an element is disposed in a tube along the longitudinal direction thereof, and the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing in the tube are mixed by the element without using a driving force.

Description

Manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing system for optical material, manufacturing system for eyeglass lens, manufacturing method for polymerizable composition for optical material, manufacturing method for optical material, and manufacturing method for eyeglass lens

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing apparatus, a manufacturing system for an optical material, a manufacturing system for an eyeglass lens, a manufacturing method for a polymerizable composition for an optical material, a manufacturing method for an optical material, and a manufacturing method for an eyeglass lens.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-166706 discloses a method for manufacturing plastic lenses for spectacles using a curable resin obtained by blending two or more liquid raw materials. In this manufacturing method, the liquid raw materials are fed while controlling the feed rate based on the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the flow paths, and then mixed in a static mixer to discharge the curable resin into a mold.

[0003] WO 2016 / 204111 discloses a method for producing a plastic lens comprising the steps of: a first step, a second step, and a third step. In the first step, a solution containing a polymerization reactive compound is stirred and mixed in a blending tank. In the second step, the polymerizable composition obtained in the first step is transferred from the blending tank to a lens casting mold. In the third step, the polymerizable composition is cured. In the fourth step, the cured resin is released from the lens casting mold to obtain a plastic lens molded body. Furthermore, the second step includes a step of remixing the polymerizable composition discharged from the blending tank and injecting the mixture into the lens casting mold.

[0004] When a polymerizable composition for an optical material is produced by mixing a first raw material composition and a second raw material composition, the flow rate in the mixing section must be increased when the production is scaled up. When a power mixer that drives a rotary for mixing is used as the mixing section, short paths occur, resulting in the formation of striae.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress striae when a polymerizable composition for an optical material is produced by mixing a first raw material composition and a second raw material composition and then scaling up the produced product.

[0006] The manufacturing apparatus disclosed herein is a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a polymerizable composition for optical materials by mixing a first raw material composition and a second raw material composition, and includes: a mixing section that mixes the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition; a first raw material composition supplying section that supplies the first raw material composition to the mixing section; a second raw material composition supplying section that supplies the second raw material composition to the mixing section; and a stirring section that uses a driving force to stir the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing section, wherein the mixing section has an element disposed within a tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing within the tube are mixed by the element without using a driving force.

[0007] The optical material manufacturing system of the present disclosure includes a mixing section that mixes a first raw material composition and a second raw material composition, a first raw material composition supplying section that supplies the first raw material composition to the mixing section, a second raw material composition supplying section that supplies the second raw material composition to the mixing section, a stirring section that uses a driving force to stir the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing section to produce a polymerizable composition for an optical material, and a curing section that polymerizes and cures the polymerizable composition for an optical material to produce an optical material, and the mixing section has elements arranged within a tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing within the tube are mixed by the elements without using a driving force.

[0008] The method for producing a polymerizable composition for optical materials of the present disclosure includes a supplying step of supplying a first raw material composition to a mixing section in which elements are arranged inside a tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and supplying a second raw material composition to the mixing section; a mixing step of mixing the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing inside the tube by the elements without using a driving force; and a stirring step of stirring the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing step using a driving force to produce a polymerizable composition for optical materials.

[0009] The method for producing an optical material of the present disclosure includes a supplying step of supplying a first raw material composition to a mixing section in which elements are arranged within a tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and supplying a second raw material composition to the mixing section; a mixing step of mixing the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing within the tube using the elements without using a driving force; a stirring step of stirring the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing step using a driving force to produce a polymerizable composition for an optical material; and a curing step of polymerizing and curing the polymerizable composition for an optical material to produce an optical material.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, striae can be suppressed when the product is scaled up.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a manufacturing system according to the present embodiment; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of a part of a mixing member of the mixing device according to the present embodiment; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the mixing device according to the present embodiment; Fig. 4 is a table showing the evaluation results of Examples, Reference Examples, and Comparative Examples.

[0012] An example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] In the following description, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits.

[0014] In the following description, when a composition contains multiple substances corresponding to each component, the amount of each component in the composition means the total amount of the multiple substances present in the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0015] In the following description, in which numerical ranges are given in stages, the upper or lower limit value stated in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of another numerical range given in stages.

[0016] In the following description, the term "process" includes not only an independent process but also a process that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved.

[0017] <Optical Material Manufacturing System 10> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an optical material manufacturing system 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as manufacturing system 10).

[0018] The manufacturing system 10 is a system for manufacturing an optical material using a first raw material composition 91 and a second raw material composition 92. As shown in Figure 1, the manufacturing system 10 includes a first supply device 11, a second supply device 12, a mixing device 14, a stirring device 17, a filtering device 60, a supply pipe 88, a casting device 18, and a curing device 19. The first raw material composition 91, the second raw material composition 92, and each part of the manufacturing system 10 will be described below.

[0019] <First raw material composition 91 and second raw material composition 92> In the production system 10, the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 are mixed to produce a polymerizable composition for optical materials 93 containing two or more different types of monomers for optical materials and a polymerization catalyst.

[0020] Therefore, the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 as a whole contain two or more different types of monomers for optical materials and a polymerization catalyst.

[0021] For example, the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 may each contain different types of monomers for optical materials, and at least one of the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 may contain a polymerization catalyst.

[0022] There are no particular limitations on the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 as long as they contain two or more different types of monomers for optical materials and a polymerization catalyst as a whole.

[0023] <Monomer for Optical Material> Examples of the monomer for the optical material include a polyisocyanate compound having two or more isocyanate groups, a polythiol compound having two or more mercapto groups, a hydroxythiol compound having one or more mercapto groups and one or more hydroxyl groups, a polyol compound having two or more hydroxyl groups, and an amine compound.

[0024] The two or more different monomers for optical materials preferably include a polyisocyanate compound (A) having two or more isocyanate groups, and an active hydrogen compound (B) which is at least one selected from the group consisting of a polythiol compound having two or more mercapto groups, a hydroxythiol compound having one or more mercapto groups and one or more hydroxyl groups, a polyol compound having two or more hydroxyl groups, and an amine compound.

[0025] <Polyisocyanate Compound (A)> Examples of the polyisocyanate compound (A) include aliphatic polyisocyanate compounds, alicyclic polyisocyanate compounds, aromatic polyisocyanate compounds, and heterocyclic polyisocyanate compounds, and these compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more. These polyisocyanate compounds may include dimers, trimers, and prepolymers. Examples of these polyisocyanate compounds include the compounds exemplified in WO 2011 / 055540.

[0026] In the present disclosure, an alicyclic polyisocyanate compound refers to a polyisocyanate compound that contains an alicyclic structure and may contain a heterocyclic structure. An aromatic polyisocyanate compound refers to a polyisocyanate compound that contains an aromatic structure and may contain an alicyclic structure and a heterocyclic structure. A heterocyclic polyisocyanate compound refers to a polyisocyanate compound that contains a heterocyclic structure and does not contain an alicyclic structure or an aromatic structure.

[0027] The polyisocyanate compound (A) preferably contains at least one selected from an aliphatic polyisocyanate compound, an alicyclic polyisocyanate compound, an aromatic polyisocyanate compound, and a heterocyclic polyisocyanate compound, and more preferably contains at least one of an alicyclic polyisocyanate compound and an aromatic polyisocyanate compound.

[0028] In the present disclosure, from the viewpoints of suppressing striae in the optical material and shortening the production time of the optical material, it is preferable that the polyisocyanate compound (A) includes at least one selected from 2,5-bis(isocyanatomethyl)bicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane, 2,6-bis(isocyanatomethyl)bicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane, m-xylylene diisocyanate, 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, isophorone diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, and 1,5-pentamethylene diisocyanate, It is more preferable that the isocyanate-containing copolymer contains at least one selected from 2,5-bis(isocyanatomethyl)bicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane, 2,6-bis(isocyanatomethyl)bicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane, m-xylylene diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, and 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, and it is even more preferable that the isocyanate-containing copolymer contains at least one selected from m-xylylene diisocyanate, 2,5-bis(isocyanatomethyl)bicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane, and 2,6-bis(isocyanatomethyl)bicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane.

[0029] <Active Hydrogen Compound (B)> Examples of the active hydrogen compound (B) include a polythiol compound having two or more mercapto groups, a hydroxythiol compound having one or more mercapto groups and one or more hydroxyl groups, a polyol compound having two or more hydroxyl groups, and an amine compound.

[0030] The active hydrogen compound (B) may be an oligomer of the above active hydrogen compound or a halogen-substituted compound (e.g., a chlorine-substituted compound, a bromine-substituted compound, etc.) of the above active hydrogen compound. The active hydrogen compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0031] <Polythiol Compound Having Two or More Mercapto Groups> The polythiol compound is a compound having two or more mercapto groups, and examples thereof include the compounds exemplified in WO 2016 / 125736.

[0032] In the present disclosure, from the viewpoint of suppressing striae in an optical material and shortening the production time of the optical material, the polythiol compound is selected from the group consisting of 4-mercaptomethyl-1,8-dimercapto-3,6-dithiaoctane, 5,7-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, 4,7-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, 4,8-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, pentaerythritol, methyl ... It is preferable that the mercaptosilane compound contains at least one selected from the group consisting of thritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate), bis(mercaptoethyl)sulfide, pentaerythritol tetrakis(2-mercaptoacetate), 2,5-bis(mercaptomethyl)-1,4-dithiane, 1,1,3,3-tetrakis(mercaptomethylthio)propane, 4,6-bis(mercaptomethylthio)-1,3-dithiane, and 2-(2,2-bis(mercaptomethylthio)ethyl)-1,3-dithietane, more preferably, the mercaptomethyl-1,8-dimercapto-3,6-dithiaoctane is at least one selected from 4-mercaptomethyl-1,8-dimercapto-3,6-dithiaoctane, 5,7-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, 4,7-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, 4,8-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate), pentaerythritol tetrakis(2-mercaptoacetate), and 2,5-bis(mercaptomethyl)-1,4-dithiane; It is more preferable that the solvent contains at least one selected from 4-mercaptomethyl-1,8-dimercapto-3,6-dithiaoctane, 5,7-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, 4,7-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, 4,8-dimercaptomethyl-1,11-dimercapto-3,6,9-trithiaundecane, and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate).

[0033] <Hydroxythiol Compound Having One or More Mercapto Groups and One or More Hydroxyl Groups> Examples of thiol compounds having a hydroxy group include 2-mercaptoethanol, 3-mercapto-1,2-propanediol, glycerin bis(mercaptoacetate), 4-mercaptophenol, 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol, pentaerythritol tris(3-mercaptopropionate), and pentaerythritol tris(thioglycolate), but are not limited to these exemplary compounds.

[0034] <Polyol Compound Having Two or More Hydroxyl Groups> Examples of polyol compounds include one or more aliphatic or alicyclic alcohols. Specific examples include linear or branched aliphatic alcohols, alicyclic alcohols, and alcohols obtained by adding at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and ε-caprolactone to these alcohols. More specific examples include the compounds exemplified in WO 2016 / 125736.

[0035] The polyol compound is preferably at least one selected from ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-cyclopentanediol, 1,3-cyclopentanediol, 1,2-cyclohexanediol, 1,3-cyclohexanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanediol.

[0036] <Amine Compound> Examples of the amine compound include ethylenediamine, 1,2- or 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,2-, 1,3-, or 1,4-diaminobutane, 1,5-diaminopentane, 1,6-diaminohexane, 1,7-diaminoheptane, 1,8-diaminooctane, 1,10-diaminodecane, 1,2-, 1,3-, or 1,4-diaminocyclohexane, o-, m-, or p-diaminobenzene, 3,4- or 4,4'-diaminobenzophenone, 3,4- or 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfide, 3,3' or primary polyamine compounds such as 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone, 2,7-diaminofluorene, 1,5-, 1,8-, or 2,3-diaminonaphthalene, 2,3-, 2,6-, or 3,4-diaminopyridine, 2,4- or 2,6-diaminotoluene, m- or p-xylylenediamine, isophoronediamine, diaminomethylbicycloheptane, 1,3- or 1,4-diaminomethylcyclohexane, 2- or 4-aminopiperidine, 2- or 4-aminomethylpiperidine, 2- or 4-aminoethylpiperidine, N-aminoethylmorpholine, and N-aminopropylmorpholine; monofunctional secondary amine compounds such as diethylamine, dipropylamine, di-n-butylamine, di-sec-butylamine, diisobutylamine, di-n-pentylamine, di-3-pentylamine, dihexylamine, dioctylamine, di(2-ethylhexyl)amine, methylhexylamine, diallylamine, N-methylallylamine, piperidine, pyrrolidine, diphenylamine, N-methylamine, N-ethylamine, dibenzylamine, N-methylbenzylamine, N-ethylbenzylamine, dicyclohexylamine, N-methylaniline, N-ethylaniline, dinaphthylamine, 1-methylpiperazine, and morpholine;N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine, N,N'-dimethyl-1,2-diaminopropane, N,N'-dimethyl-1,3-diaminopropane, N,N'-dimethyl-1,2-diaminobutane, N,N'-dimethyl-1,3-diaminobutane, N,N'-dimethyl-1,4-diaminobutane, N,N'-dimethyl-1,5-diaminopentane, N,N'-dimethyl-1,6-diaminohexane, N,N'-dimethyl-1,7-diaminoheptane, N,N'-diethylethylenediamine, N,N'-diethyl-1,2-diaminopropane, N,N'-diethyl-1,3-diaminopropane, N,N'-diethyl-1,2-diamino secondary polyamine compounds such as nobutane, N,N'-diethyl-1,3-diaminobutane, N,N'-diethyl-1,4-diaminobutane, N,N'-diethyl-1,5-diaminopentane, N,N'-diethyl-1,6-diaminohexane, N,N'-diethyl-1,7-diaminoheptane, piperazine, 2-methylpiperazine, 2,5-dimethylpiperazine, 2,6-dimethylpiperazine, homopiperazine, 1,1-di-(4-piperidyl)methane, 1,2-di-(4-piperidyl)ethane, 1,3-di-(4-piperidyl)propane, 1,4-di-(4-piperidyl)butane, and tetramethylguanidine;

[0037] Among the above, the active hydrogen compound (B) preferably contains a polythiol compound having two or more mercapto groups.

[0038] The content of the polythiol compound having two or more mercapto groups is preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, and even more preferably 80% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the active hydrogen compound (B).

[0039] Furthermore, in the active hydrogen compound (B) of the present disclosure, the total content of 4-mercaptomethyl-1,8-dimercapto-3,6-dithiaoctane and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) is preferably 60 mass% or more, more preferably 70 mass% or more, and even more preferably 80 mass% or more, based on the total mass of the active hydrogen compound (B).

[0040] In the composition, the molar ratio (NCO groups / (OH groups+SH groups)) of the sum of hydroxyl groups (OH groups) and mercapto groups (SH groups) in the active hydrogen compound (B) to the isocyanate groups (NCO groups) in the polyisocyanate compound (A) is preferably 0.8 to 1.2, more preferably 0.85 to 1.15, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1.

[0041] From the viewpoint of suppressing U-shaped striae in the resulting optical material, the absolute value V of the difference (also referred to as viscosity difference V) between the viscosity Va of the first raw material composition 91 measured with a Brookfield viscometer at 25°C and 60 rpm (revolutions per minute) and the viscosity Vb of the second raw material composition 92 measured with a Brookfield viscometer at 25°C and 60 rpm is preferably 1500 mPa s or less, more preferably 1000 mPa s or less, even more preferably 500 mPa s or less, and particularly preferably 300 mPa s or less.

[0042] Although the viscosity may be increased to shorten the polymerization time, in the present disclosure, for example, the optical quality of the optical material can be maintained at a good level even if V is 10 mPa·s or more.

[0043] From the above viewpoint, the viscosity difference V may be 20 mPa·s or more, or may be 100 mPa·s or more, where Va is the viscosity of the first raw material composition 91 before the application of shear force, and Vb is the viscosity of the second raw material composition 92 before the application of shear force.

[0044] The viscosity Va of the above-mentioned first raw material composition 91 measured with a Brookfield viscometer under conditions of 25°C and 60 rpm is preferably in the range of 10 mPa s to 2000 mPa s, more preferably in the range of 50 mPa s to 1500 mPa s, and even more preferably in the range of 100 mPa s to 1000 mPa s.

[0045] The first raw material composition 91 preferably contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyisocyanate compounds, epoxy compounds, and epithio compounds.

[0046] In addition, second raw material composition 92 preferably contains at least one active hydrogen compound selected from the group consisting of polythiol compounds having two or more mercapto groups, hydroxythiol compounds containing one or more mercapto groups and one or more hydroxyl groups, polyol compounds containing two or more hydroxyl groups, and amine compounds.

[0047] <Polymerization catalyst> The polymerization catalyst is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include basic catalysts, organometallic catalysts, zinc carbamates, ammonium salts, sulfonic acids, etc. The above polymerization catalysts may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more.

[0048] <Basic Catalyst> Examples of the basic catalyst include amine-based catalysts and imidazole-based catalysts.

[0049] Specific examples include tertiary amine catalysts such as triethylenediamine, N,N-dimethylethanolamine, triethylamine, and N-ethylmorpholine, 2-methylpyrazine, pyridine, α-picoline, β-picoline, γ-picoline, 2,6-lutidine, 3,5-lutidine, 2,4,6-collidine, 3-chloropyridine, N,N-diethylaniline, N,N-dimethylaniline, hexamethylenetetramine, quinoline, isoquinoline, N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, N,N-dimethylpiperazine, quinaldine, 4-methylmorpholine, triallylamine, trioctylamine, 1,2-dimethylimidazole, and 1-benzyl-2-methylimidazole.

[0050] Among the above, the basic catalyst is preferably an amine catalyst, such as tertiary amine catalysts such as 3,5-lutidine, 2,6-lutidine, 2,4,6-collidine, triethylenediamine, N,N-dimethylethanolamine, triethylamine, and N-ethylmorpholine.

[0051] The amine catalyst preferably contains at least one selected from 3,5-lutidine, 2,6-lutidine, 2,4,6-collidine, triethylenediamine, N,N-dimethylethanolamine, triethylamine, and N-ethylmorpholine.

[0052] The basic catalyst preferably contains a compound represented by the following general formula (2) and / or a compound represented by the following general formula (3).

[0053]

[0054] In general formula (2), R １ represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom, and when a plurality of R １ may be the same or different. Q represents a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom. m represents an integer of 0 to 5.

[0055]

[0056] In general formula (3), R ２ , R ３ and R ４ each independently represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or an allyl group.

[0057] The basic catalyst preferably has a pKa value of 1 to 9, more preferably 3 to 8, and even more preferably 4 to 8.

[0058] The pKa value (acid dissociation index) can be measured, for example, by (a) the method described in The Journal of Physical Chemistry, vol. 68, number 6, page 1560 (1964), (b) a method using an automatic potentiometric titrator (AT-610 (trade name) or the like) manufactured by Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing Co., Ltd., or the like. In addition, (c) the acid dissociation index described in Chemistry Handbook compiled by the Chemical Society of Japan (revised 3rd edition, June 25, 1984, published by Maruzen Co., Ltd.) or the like can also be used.

[0059] <Organometallic Catalyst> Examples of the organometallic catalyst include organotin catalysts; organic acid salts of iron, nickel, zinc, and the like; acetylacetonate complexes; catalyst compositions comprising a metal carboxylic acid compound and a quaternary ammonium salt compound; catalyst compositions comprising a bicyclic tertiary amine compound and a quaternary ammonium salt compound; and metal catalysts in which an alkoxy group, a carboxy group, or the like is coordinated to titanium or aluminum.

[0060] Of the above organometallic catalysts, organotin catalysts are preferred, including dibutyltin dichloride (DBC), dimethyltin dichloride (DMC), dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL), and dibutyltin diacetate.

[0061] The organotin catalyst preferably contains at least one selected from dibutyltin dichloride, dimethyltin dichloride, dibutyltin dilaurate, and dibutyltin diacetate.

[0062] The polymerization catalyst preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of basic catalysts having a pKa value of 4 to 8 and organometallic catalysts. It is also preferable that the polymerization catalyst contains at least one selected from amine catalysts and organotin catalysts.

[0063] The polymerization catalyst preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of 3,5-lutidine, 2,6-lutidine, 2,4,6-collidine, triethylenediamine, N,N-dimethylethanolamine, triethylamine, N-ethylmorpholine, dibutyltin dichloride, dimethyltin dichloride, dibutyltin dilaurate, and dibutyltin diacetate.

[0064] The first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 contain, in total, for example, 100 parts by mass of two or more different monomers for optical materials and 0.01 to 2.0 parts by mass of a polymerization catalyst.

[0065] That is, in this embodiment, 0.01 parts by mass to 2.0 parts by mass of the polymerization catalyst is used relative to 100 parts by mass in total of two or more different monomers for optical materials. As described above, the amount of the polymerization catalyst used in the present disclosure is large compared to conventional methods for producing optical materials.

[0066] This allows reaction heat of the polymerizable composition for optical material 93 to be generated in a short time when polymerizing the monomer for optical material in the polymerizable composition for optical material 93. By further utilizing this reaction heat for polymerization, the polymerization reaction can be favorably promoted, and a high-quality optical material with suppressed striae can be obtained in a shorter time than before.

[0067] By using 0.01 parts by mass or more of a polymerization catalyst per 100 parts by mass of two or more different monomers for optical materials, the polymerization reaction can be favorably promoted, thereby enabling the production of a high-quality optical material with suppressed striae in a short time. In addition, favorable promotion of the polymerization reaction can improve the releasability when removing the cured product from the mold.

[0068] From the above viewpoints, the polymerization catalyst is preferably used in an amount of 0.015 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.038 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 0.10 parts by mass or more, and particularly preferably 0.17 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of two or more different monomers for optical materials.

[0069] <First Supply Device 11> The first supply device 11 is an example of a first raw material composition supply unit, and is a device that supplies a first raw material composition 91 to the mixing device 14. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first supply device 11 includes, for example, a first tank 30, a first pipe 31, a first valve 34, a first connecting pipe 35, a connecting pipe 27, and a first flow rate adjusting unit 39.

[0070] The first tank 30 is a tank that stores the first raw material composition 91. The first pipe 31 is a pipe for supplying the first raw material composition 91 from the first tank 30 toward the mixing device 14. One end of the first pipe 31 is connected to the first tank 30, and the other end is connected to the first connecting pipe 35.

[0071] One end of the first connecting pipe 35 is connected to the other end of the first pipe 31. The other end of the first connecting pipe 35 is connected to one end of the connecting pipe 27. The first connecting pipe 35 and the connecting pipe 27 are, for example, T-shaped pipes.

[0072] The first flow rate adjustment unit 39 is a component that adjusts the flow rate of the first raw material composition 91 supplied from the first tank 30 to the mixing device 14. Specifically, the first flow rate adjustment unit 39 includes, for example, a first pump 32 and a first flow meter 33.

[0073] The first pump 32 is a pump that sends the first raw material composition 91 to the mixer 14. The first pump 32 is provided in the first pipe 31. For example, a gear pump, a diaphragm pump, a roller pump, a tube pump, or the like is used as the first pump 32.

[0074] The first flow meter 33 is a measuring unit that measures the flow rate of the first raw material composition 91 sent through the first pipe 31. The first flow meter 33 is provided in the first pipe 31 on the downstream side of the first pump 32.

[0075] The first valve 34 is a valve that opens and closes the flow path of the first pipe 31. The first valve 34 is provided in the first pipe 31 on the downstream side of the first flow meter 33.

[0076] In the first supply device 11, with the first valve 34 open, the first pump 32 supplies the first raw material composition 91 from the first tank 30 to the mixer 14 through the first pipe 31, the first connecting pipe 35, and the connecting pipe 27 (see FIG. 1 ). The first flow rate adjustment unit 39 adjusts the flow rate of the first raw material composition 91 supplied to the mixer 14 by controlling the operation of the first pump 32 based on the measurement result of the first flow meter 33.

[0077] <Second Supply Device 12> The second supply device 12 is an example of a second raw material composition supply unit, and is a device that supplies the second raw material composition 92 to the mixing device 14. As shown in FIG. 1 , the second supply device 12 includes, for example, a second tank 20, a second pipe 21, a second valve 24, a second connecting pipe 25, a connecting pipe 27, and a second flow rate adjuster 29. The connecting pipe 27 can be considered to be a component common to the first supply device 11 and the second supply device 12.

[0078] The second tank 20 is a tank that stores the second raw material composition 92. The second pipe 21 is a pipe for supplying the second raw material composition 92 from the second tank 20 toward the mixing device 14. One end of the second pipe 21 is connected to the second tank 20, and the other end is connected to the second connecting pipe 25.

[0079] One end of the second connecting pipe 25 is connected to the other end of the second pipe 21. The other end of the second connecting pipe 25 is connected to one end of the connecting pipe 27. The second connecting pipe 25 is formed, for example, by a T-shaped pipe.

[0080] The second flow rate adjustment unit 29 is a component that adjusts the flow rate of the second raw material composition 92 supplied from the second tank 20 to the mixing device 14. Specifically, the second flow rate adjustment unit 29 includes, for example, a second pump 22 and a second flow meter 23.

[0081] The second pump 22 is a pump that sends the second raw material composition 92 to the mixer 14. The second pump 22 is provided in the second pipe 21. For example, a gear pump, a diaphragm pump, a roller pump, a tube pump, or the like is used as the second pump 22.

[0082] The second flow meter 23 is a measuring unit that measures the flow rate of the second raw material composition 92 sent through the second pipe 21. The second flow meter 23 is provided in the second pipe 21 on the downstream side of the second pump 22.

[0083] The second valve 24 is a valve that opens and closes the flow path of the second pipe 21. The second valve 24 is provided in the second pipe 21 on the downstream side of the second flow meter 23.

[0084] In the second supply device 12, with the second valve 24 open, the second pump 22 supplies the second raw material composition 92 from the second tank 20 to the mixer 14 through the second pipe 21, the second connecting pipe 25, and the connecting pipe 27 (see FIG. 1 ). The second flow rate adjustment unit 29 adjusts the amount of second raw material composition 92 supplied to the mixer 14 by controlling the operation of the second pump 22 based on the measurement result of the second flow meter 23.

[0085] <Mixing Device 14> The mixing device 14 is an example of a mixing section, and is a device that mixes the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92. As shown in Fig. 1 , the mixing device 14 has a containing tube 40 and a mixing member 50. The containing tube 40 is an example of a tube.

[0086] <Storage Tube 40> The storage tube 40 is a tube that stores the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 supplied therein and causes the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 to flow in a predetermined flow direction (specifically, downward). This flow direction can also be said to be along the longitudinal direction (i.e., the axial direction) of the storage tube 40.

[0087] The housing tube 40 is formed, for example, in a tubular shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape). The housing tube 40 has, for example, a constant inner diameter along the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 1 , a mixing member 50 is provided inside the housing tube 40.

[0088] In this embodiment, the housing tube 40 has a peripheral wall 40A, a bottom wall 40B, and an upper wall 40C. The peripheral wall 40A is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axial direction extending in the up-down direction (hereinafter referred to as the tube axis direction).

[0089] The upper wall 40C is provided at one end (specifically, the upper end) of the peripheral wall 40A in the tube axis direction. The upper wall 40C is formed in a circular shape when viewed in the tube axis direction. The upper wall 40C is provided with a supply port 41 through which the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 are supplied into the containing tube 40.

[0090] The other end of the T-shaped connecting pipe 27 is connected to the supply port 41. As a result, the first connecting pipe 35 and the second connecting pipe 25 are connected to the supply port 41 via the connecting pipe 27. The first raw material composition 91 in the first tank 30 is supplied from the supply port 41 to the inside of the containing pipe 40 through the first pipe 31, the first connecting pipe 35, and the connecting pipe 27. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first pipe 31, the first connecting pipe 35, and the connecting pipe 27 function as a first supply path through which the first raw material composition 91 is supplied. Furthermore, the second raw material composition 92 in the second tank 20 is supplied from the supply port 41 to the inside of the containing pipe 40 through the second pipe 21, the second connecting pipe 25, and the connecting pipe 27. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second pipe 21, the second connecting pipe 25, and the connecting pipe 27 function as a second supply path through which the second raw material composition 92 is supplied.

[0091] Supply port 41 is disposed above the upper end of mixing member 50. Therefore, first raw material composition 91 and second raw material composition 92 are supplied to the inside of containing tube 40 from above the upper end of mixing member 50.

[0092] Bottom wall 40B is provided at the other end (specifically, the lower end) of peripheral wall 40A in the tube axis direction. Bottom wall 40B is formed in a circular shape when viewed in the tube axis direction. Bottom wall 40B is provided with discharge port 46, which discharges the mixture of first raw material composition 91 and second raw material composition 92 (hereinafter simply referred to as "mixture") from inside containing tube 40. Therefore, discharge port 46 is located below supply port 41.

[0093] Furthermore, discharge port 46 is disposed below the lower end of mixer 50. Therefore, the mixture is discharged from inside housing tube 40 below the lower end of mixer 50. Furthermore, discharge port 46 is connected to discharge pipe 47 through which the mixture flows.

[0094] In the containing pipe 40, the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 supplied into the interior through the supply port 41 are caused to flow downward toward the discharge port 46. That is, the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 are each supplied into the interior of the containing pipe 40 from the supply port 41 located at the top of the containing pipe 40, flow downward while being mixed inside the containing pipe 40, and are discharged from the discharge port 46 located at the bottom of the containing pipe 40.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the storage tube 40 is constant along the axial direction, but this is not limiting. For example, the inner diameter of the storage tube 40 may be tapered so that it becomes narrower on the downstream side. The tube of the present disclosure may be any tube through which the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 can flow.

[0096] 1, the mixing member 50 is provided inside the housing tube 40 along the longitudinal direction (i.e., the axial direction) of the housing tube 40. That is, the mixing member 50 is disposed inside the housing tube 40 with the axis 50A (see FIG. 2) of the mixing member 50 aligned in the up-down direction.

[0097] 2, the mixing member 50 has a plurality of elements 52, 53. Specifically, the mixing member 50 has 10 or more and less than 120 elements 52, 53. In other words, the total number of elements 52 and elements 53 is in the range of 10 or more and less than 120.

[0098] Each of the elements 52 and 53 is formed in a spiral shape. Specifically, the elements 52 and 53 are formed in a plate shape twisted in a spiral shape around the axis 50A.

[0099] The element 52 is twisted 180° in one direction around the axis 50A (hereinafter referred to as the circumferential direction), and the element 53 is twisted 180° in the other circumferential direction. In this way, the twist directions of the elements 52 and 53 are opposite to each other.

[0100] The length 50L of each of the elements 52, 53 is 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The diameter 50R of each of the elements 52, 53 is 5 mm or more and 150 mm or less. The ratio of the length 50L to the diameter 50R is 0.8 or more and 3 or less. The length 50L, the diameter 50R, and the ratio may be different between the elements 52 and 53.

[0101] The elements 52 and the elements 53 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction with a phase shift of 90°, and the same number of elements are arranged alternately. As the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 supplied to one end of the containing tube 40 flow toward the other end of the containing tube 40 along the twist of the elements 52 and 53, they repeatedly separate and merge while swirling in one direction and the other in the circumferential direction. This generates turbulence in the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 flowing inside the containing tube 40, causing the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 to mix. Note that a turbulent flow is a flow in which parts of a fluid flow while mixing irregularly.

[0102] In this embodiment, the mixing member 50 is not driven to rotate, but remains stationary to mix the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92. The mixing device 14 does not have a drive unit that drives the mixing member 50 to rotate, and the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 are mixed statically by the mixing member 50.

[0103] The mixing member 50 (i.e., elements 52 and 53) contains one or more resins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, α-olefin copolymer, and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0104] <Stirring device 17> The stirring device 17 is an example of a stirring unit, and is a device that uses a driving force to stir the mixture mixed in the mixer 14. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the stirring device 17 has a stirring tank 70, a stirring member 72, and a driving unit 73.

[0105] The stirring tank 70 is a container that contains a mixture of a first raw material composition 91 and a second raw material composition 92. The stirring tank 70 is connected to the discharge pipe 47 of the mixer 14 by a connecting pipe 78. As a result, the mixture discharged from the housing pipe 40 of the mixer 14 is supplied to the stirring tank 70 through the connecting pipe 78. In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 78 is not provided with a filter that filters the mixture. In other words, the housing pipe 40 of the mixer 14 and the stirring tank 70 are arranged in series without a filter therebetween.

[0106] The stirring member 72 is a member that stirs the mixture contained in the stirring tank 70. The stirring member 72 has a shaft 72A and a stirring blade 72B. The shaft 72A extends in the vertical direction. The stirring blade 72B is provided at the lower end of the shaft 72A.

[0107] The driving unit 73 is disposed above the stirring tank 70. The driving unit 73 is, for example, a motor that drives the shaft 72A of the stirring member 72 to rotate.

[0108] In the stirring device 17, the drive unit 73 rotates the shaft 72A of the stirring member 72, thereby rotating the stirring blade 72B and stirring the mixture contained in the stirring tank 70. In this manner, the mixture of the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 is dynamically stirred to produce a polymerizable composition for an optical material 93. As described above, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 contains, for example, the two or more different monomers for an optical material described above and the polymerization catalyst described above.

[0109] <Filtering Device 60> The filtering device 60 is an example of a filter, and is a device that filters the mixture (i.e., the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93) stirred by the stirring device 17. The filtering device 60 is provided downstream of the stirring device 17, and the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 is supplied from the stirring device 17 to the filtering device 60.

[0110] Specifically, the filter device 60 has a filter container 62 and a filter 64. The filter container 62 is a container that stores the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93. The filter container 62 is connected to the stirring tank 70 of the stirring device 17 by a connecting pipe 68. As a result, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 stirred in the stirring tank 70 of the stirring device 17 is supplied from the stirring tank 70 to the filter container 62 through the connecting pipe 68.

[0111] The filter container 62 allows the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 supplied to the inside through the connecting pipe 68 to flow downward. The filter 64 is provided inside the filter container 62 and filters the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 flowing downward inside the filter container 62.

[0112] <Casting Device 18> The casting device 18 is a device that casts the polymerizable composition for optical material 93 filtered by the filter device 60 into the mold 84. As an example, a static mixer is used as the casting device 18. In this embodiment, two or more casting devices 18 are provided.

[0113] 1, the casting device 18 is connected to the filter container 62 of the filter device 60 by a supply pipe 88. As a result, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 filtered by the filter container 62 of the filter device 60 is supplied from the filter container 62 through the supply pipe 88 to the casting device 18. Then, in the casting device 18, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 is cast into the mold 84 while being stirred.

[0114] <Supply Pipe 88> The supply pipe 88 is disposed downstream of the agitator 17 and supplies the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 to the casting device 18. Specifically, one end (upstream end) of the supply pipe 88 is connected to the filter container 62 of the filter device 60, and the other end (downstream end) branches into two or more parts, each connected to one of the two or more casting devices 18. That is, the supply pipe 88 has branch pipes 88A branching into two or more parts. Each of these two or more branch pipes 88A is connected to one of the two or more casting devices 18. The number of casting devices 18 provided is the same as the number of branches of the supply pipe 88. Each of the two or more branch pipes 88A is provided with a valve 89 that opens and closes the flow path of the branch pipe 88A. In this embodiment, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 is supplied from the filter container 62 to the casting device 18 with one valve 89 open and the other valve 89 closed. This allows the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 to be selectively cast into the mold 84. In this embodiment, the number of branches of the supply pipe 88 and the number of casting devices 18 may be one.

[0115] As described above, in this embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the polymerizable composition for optical materials 93 is composed of the first supply device 11, the second supply device 12, the mixing device 14, the stirring device 17, the filter device 60, the supply pipe 88, and the casting device 18.

[0116] <Curing Device 19> The curing device 19 is an example of a curing section, and is a device that produces an optical material by polymerizing two or more different types of monomers for an optical material in the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 cast in the casting device 18, thereby curing the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93. As shown in Fig. 1 , the curing device 19 is, for example, a heater having a heating chamber 19A.

[0117] In the curing device 19, the mold 84 in which the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 has been poured is placed in a heating chamber 19A, and the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 is heated to polymerize the two or more different types of monomers for an optical material in the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93. In this way, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 is cured to produce an optical material.

[0118] <Uses of Optical Material> The optical material manufactured by the manufacturing system 10 can be used for plastic lenses, prisms, optical fibers, information recording substrates, filters, light-emitting diodes, etc. Among the above, the optical material can be suitably used for plastic lenses, and more suitably used for plastic lenses for spectacles. Therefore, the optical material manufacturing system described above is suitable as a spectacle lens manufacturing system for manufacturing spectacle lenses. Furthermore, the optical material manufacturing method described below is suitable as a spectacle lens manufacturing method for manufacturing spectacle lenses.

[0119] <Method for Producing Optical Material> The method for producing an optical material is a method for producing an optical material and is carried out using the above-described production system 10. This production method includes a method for producing a polymerizable composition for an optical material (hereinafter referred to as a composition production method) and includes a preparation step, a supply step, a mixing step, a stirring step, a filtration step, a casting step, and a curing step. The composition production method is a method for producing a polymerizable composition for an optical material by mixing a first raw material composition 91 and a second raw material composition 92 to produce a polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 containing two or more different monomers for an optical material and a polymerization catalyst. The composition production method includes a preparation step, a supply step, a mixing step, a stirring step, a filtration step, and a casting step. Each step of this production method, including the composition production method, is described below.

[0120] <Preparation Step> In the preparation step, the aforementioned production system 10 including the mixing device 14, the aforementioned first raw material composition 91, and the aforementioned second raw material composition 92 are prepared.

[0121] <Supply Step> In the supply step, the first supply device 11 and the second supply device 12 are used to supply the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 into the interior of the housing pipe 40 of the mixer 14. Specifically, in the supply step, with the first valve 34 open, the first pump 32 supplies the first raw material composition 91 from the first tank 30 to the interior of the housing pipe 40 of the mixer 14 through the first pipe 31, the first connecting pipe 35, and the connecting pipe 27.

[0122] In the supply step, with the second valve 24 open, the second pump 22 supplies the second raw material composition 92 from the second tank 20 to the inside of the housing pipe 40 of the mixing device 14 through the second pipe 21, the second connecting pipe 25, and the connecting pipe 27.

[0123] <Mixing Step> In the mixing step, the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 supplied into the containing pipe 40 in the supply step are mixed using the mixer 14. Specifically, in the mixing step, the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 are caused to flow downward inside the containing pipe 40, while the mixing member 50 of the mixer 14 generates turbulence in the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92, thereby statically mixing the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92. That is, in the mixing step, the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 flowing through the containing pipe 40 are mixed by the elements 52 and 53 without using a driving force.

[0124] <Stirring Step> In the stirring step, the mixture of the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 mixed in the mixing step is stirred using the stirrer 17. Specifically, in the stirring step, the drive unit 73 of the stirrer 17 rotationally drives the shaft 72A of the stirring member 72, thereby rotating the stirring blade 72B and dynamically stirring the mixture contained in the stirring tank 70. In this way, the polymerizable composition for optical material 93 is produced.

[0125] In this production method, the viscosity difference between the mixture mixed in the mixing step and the mixture stirred in the stirring step is adjusted to be within a range of 5 mPa·s to 300 mPa·s. The viscosity is adjusted, for example, by adjusting the stirring time in the stirring step. Note that the viscosity of the mixture mixed in the mixing step and the viscosity of the mixture stirred in the stirring step may be measured under the same conditions. For example, the viscosity may be adjusted based on the difference in viscosity measured at 25°C using a Sekonic Vm-10 vibration viscometer between the mixture whose mixing step is completed and the mixture whose stirring step is completed.

[0126] When the mixture mixed in the mixing step is transferred from the mixing step to the stirring step, it may be transferred by pressure using an inert gas or by using a pump.

[0127] <Filtration Step> In the filtration step, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 is filtered using the filter device 60. Specifically, in the filtration step, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 supplied into the filter container 62 is allowed to flow downward, and the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 is filtered by the filter 64 provided inside the filter container 62.

[0128] <Casting Step> In the casting step, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 filtered in the filtration step is cast into a mold using the casting device 18. Specifically, in the casting step, the casting device 18 casts the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 into the mold 84 while stirring it.

[0129] <Curing Step> In the curing step, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 cast into the mold 84 in the casting step is cured using the curing device 19. Specifically, the mold 84 in which the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 has been cast is placed in the heating chamber 19A, and the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 is heated, thereby polymerizing and curing the two or more different monomers for an optical material in the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93. In the curing step, the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 is cured in this manner, thereby producing an optical material.

[0130] <Scale-up in this embodiment> In this embodiment, scale-up is performed to increase the production amount of the optical material. Here, scale-up refers to a case where at least one of the following conditions is satisfied. Condition 1 is that in the supplying step, the total flow rate obtained by adding together the first flow rate of the first raw material composition 91 supplied to the mixing device 14 and the second flow rate of the second raw material composition 92 supplied to the mixing device 14 is 20 g / s or more. This total flow rate is preferably, for example, 36 g / s or more. There is no particular upper limit to this total flow rate, but it is, for example, 100 g / s or less. The total flow rate is calculated, for example, by averaging values ​​calculated by measuring each of the first flow rate and the second flow rate five times (n = 5). The first flow rate is measured, for example, using the first connecting pipe 35. The second flow rate is measured, for example, using the second connecting pipe 25. Conventionally, this total flow rate has been set to, for example, 16 g / s, whereas in this embodiment, scale-up is achieved by setting the total flow rate to 20 g / s or more. The flow rate of first raw material composition 91 is adjusted by first flow rate adjuster 39 as described above. The flow rate of second raw material composition 92 is adjusted by second flow rate adjuster 29 as described above. Condition 2 is that supply pipe 88 is branched into two or more branches. The number of branches of supply pipe 88 (i.e., the number of branch pipes 88A) is preferably 2 to 8, and more preferably 4 to 8. Increasing the number of branches in this way also makes it possible to scale up the process.

[0131] <Operations and Effects of the Present Embodiment> In the production system 10, the mixer 14 mixes the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 flowing inside the container pipe 40 using the elements 52 and 53 without using a driving force.

[0132] Therefore, short-passing, which tends to occur when a power mixer that mixes by driving a rotary is used, is unlikely to occur even when the flow rate is increased in the mixer 14. As a result, even when the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 to be produced is scaled up, poor mixing is unlikely to occur in the mixer 14. As a result, the occurrence of striae in the optical material produced by curing the polymerizable composition for an optical material 93 can be suppressed.

[0133] In this embodiment, the mixer 14 mixes the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 using the elements 52 and 53 without using a driving force, and then the mixer 17 stirs the mixture using a driving force. In this way, by combining mixing without using a driving force and stirring with a driving force, poor mixing of the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 can be suppressed.

[0134] In particular, in this embodiment, the static mixing device 14 is disposed upstream of the dynamic mixing device 17, so that an initially homogeneous dispersion state is formed immediately after the raw materials are supplied, making it difficult for localized concentration deviations to occur in the downstream mixing device 17. This effectively prevents poor mixing and striae. Furthermore, premixing is performed by the mixing device 14 prior to the mixing step, which reduces the mixing time and drive energy required in the mixing device 17. As a result, the energy efficiency of the entire device is improved, and the transition to the curing step is quicker.

[0135] In this embodiment, the housing pipe 40 of the mixer 14 and the stirring tank 70 of the stirrer 17 are arranged in series without a filter in between. This makes it difficult for the mixture to stagnate between the mixer 14 and the stirrer 17, thereby preventing poor mixing of the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92.

[0136] In this embodiment, the elements 52 and 53 are spiral-shaped. This makes it easy for turbulence to occur in the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 flowing inside the housing pipe 40 of the mixer 14. Furthermore, the elements 52 and 53 are twisted in opposite directions. This makes it easy for turbulence to occur in the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 flowing inside the housing pipe 40 of the mixer 14. This makes it possible to prevent poor mixing of the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92.

[0137] In this embodiment, the number of elements 52, 53 in the mixing device 14 is 10 or more and less than 120. When the number of elements 52, 53 is 10 or more, sufficient mixing is achieved. On the other hand, when the number of elements 52, 53 is less than 120, the mixing ratio of the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 can be maintained uniform, and striae can be suppressed. In this embodiment, since the number of elements 52, 53 is 10 or more and less than 120, sufficient mixing is achieved and the occurrence of striae can be suppressed. As a result, the quality of the optical material is stabilized.

[0138] In the present embodiment, in the mixing device 14, the length 50L of each of the elements 52, 53 is 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The diameter 50R of the elements 52, 53 is 5 mm or more and 150 mm or less. The ratio of the length 50L to the diameter 50R is 0.8 or more and 3 or less.

[0139] Here, when the length 50L is 5 mm or more, good mixing can be achieved. On the other hand, when the length 50L is 50 mm or less, it is easy to maintain a uniform mixing ratio between the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92. Furthermore, when the diameter 50R is 5 mm or more, good mixing can be achieved, and when the diameter 50R is 50 mm or less, it is easy to maintain a uniform mixing ratio between the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92. Furthermore, when the ratio of length 50L to diameter 50R is 0.8 or more and 3 or less, good mixing can be achieved and productivity is also good.

[0140] In this embodiment, the length 50L is 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less, the diameter 50R is 5 mm or more and 150 mm or less, and the ratio of the length 50L to the diameter 50R is 0.8 or more and 3 or less, so that poor mixing is unlikely to occur. As a result, the occurrence of striae in the optical material produced by curing the polymerizable composition for optical material 93 can be suppressed.

[0141] In this embodiment, the mixing member 50 (i.e., elements 52 and 53) contains one or more resins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, α-olefin copolymer, and polyethylene terephthalate. This makes it easier to ensure peelability compared to when the mixing member 50 is made of metal, and therefore reduces the amount of mixture remaining.

[0142] In this embodiment, the viscosity difference between the mixture mixed in the mixing step and the mixture stirred in the stirring step is adjusted to be within a range of 5 mPa·s to 300 mPa·s, thereby shortening the time required for polymerizing and curing the polymerizable composition for optical materials 93 and improving productivity.

[0143] <Evaluation> The following evaluations of appearance, yield, and resin properties were carried out for Examples 1 to 3, Reference Example 1, and Comparative Example 1. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these Examples and Reference Examples.

[0144] <Appearance Evaluation> Three molded articles randomly selected from the optical materials obtained in each Example, Reference Example, and Comparative Example were projected with an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp (light source model OPM-252HEG: manufactured by Ushio Inc.), the transmitted image was visually observed, and the presence or absence of striae was evaluated according to the following criteria. A: No striae were observed on any of the three articles. Specifically, no striae with a length of 1.0 mm or more were visually observed within or outside a radius of 15 mm from the center of the molded article. B: Although striae were observed on one or more articles, the product was generally acceptable. Specifically, although striae with a length of 1.0 mm or more were visually observed outside a radius of 15 mm from the center of the molded article, no striae with a length of 1.0 mm or more were visually observed within a radius of 15 mm from the center of the molded article, and the product was generally acceptable. C: Striae were observed on all three articles, and the product was unacceptable. Specifically, striae having a length of 1.0 mm or more were visually observed within and outside a range of a radius of 15 mm from the center of the molded body.

[0145] <Yield> Sixty molded bodies were prepared, and the resulting resins were exposed to a high-pressure mercury lamp and visually inspected for the presence or absence of striae to calculate the yield. Products that were unacceptable as products (those rated "C" above) were classified as defective products, and products that were acceptable as products (those rated "A" or "B" above) were classified as non-defective products. The yield was calculated as the percentage (%) of non-defective products to the total of defective products and non-defective products.

[0146] <Resin Physical Properties> The optical materials obtained in each Example, Reference Example, and Comparative Example were measured as follows, and the resin physical properties were evaluated according to the following criteria. (1) Refractive Index Measurement The refractive indexes of the obtained optical materials were measured at wavelengths of 546.1 nm (mercury e-line), 480.0 nm (Cd F'-line), and 643.9 nm (Cd C'-line) using a Pulfrich refractometer KPR-3000 manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. (2) Heat Resistance Measurement The glass transition temperature Tg of the obtained optical materials was measured using a thermomechanical analyzer TMA-60 manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation by the TMA penetration method (50 g load, pin tip 0.5 mmφ, heating rate 10°C / min), and was used as an index of heat resistance. The higher the glass transition temperature Tg, the better the heat resistance. (3) Evaluation A: Refractive index ne within 1.598±0.001, heat resistance within 113±3°C B: Refractive index ne 1.598±0.001 or more, heat resistance 113±3°C or more

[0147] <Preparation of First Raw Material Composition 91 and Second Raw Material Composition 92> A mixture was prepared by adding 0.1 parts by mass of an internal release agent for MR manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. [internal release agent], 1.5 parts by mass of Tinuvin 329 [ultraviolet absorber], and 48.1 parts by mass of 2,5(6)-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-bicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane [monomer for optical materials]. This mixture was stirred at 25°C for 1 hour to achieve complete dissolution. Subsequently, 3.5 parts by mass of pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) [monomer for optical materials] and 3.7 parts by mass of 4-mercaptomethyl-1,8-dimercapto-3,6-dithiaoctane [monomer for optical materials] were added to this mixture, and the mixture was stirred at 25°C for 5 minutes to obtain a homogeneous solution. Furthermore, 0.13 parts by mass of 3,5-lutidine [polymerization catalyst] (pKa value = 6.14, -Ea / R = -3397) was added to the obtained homogeneous solution and stirred at 40°C for 3 hours to polymerize the monomer for optical materials while adjusting the viscosity, thereby obtaining a mixture containing a prepolymer. Thereafter, the mixture containing the prepolymer was degassed at 400 Pa and 25°C for 1 hour to obtain prepolymer A as first raw material composition 91. The viscosity Va of prepolymer A at 25°C was 420 mPa s.

[0148] 20.4 parts by mass of pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) [monomer for optical materials] and 21.8 parts by mass of 4-mercaptomethyl-1,8-dimercapto-3,6-dithiaoctane [monomer for optical materials] were charged and stirred at 25°C for 5 minutes to prepare a mixed solution. Then, 2.5 parts by mass of 2,5(6)-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-bicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane [monomer for optical materials] was charged and stirred at 25°C for 5 minutes to obtain a homogeneous solution. Furthermore, 0.02 parts by mass of 3,5-lutidine [polymerization catalyst] (pKa value = 6.14, -Ea / R = -3397) was charged to the resulting homogeneous solution and stirred at 40°C for 3 hours, polymerizing the monomer for optical materials while adjusting the viscosity to obtain a prepolymer. Thereafter, this prepolymer liquid was degassed at 400 Pa and 25° C. for 1 hour to obtain a prepolymer B as a second raw material composition 92. The viscosity Va of the prepolymer B at 25° C. was 388 mPa·s.

[0149] <Production of Optical Material> Using the first raw material composition 91 and second raw material composition 92 prepared as described above and the aforementioned production system 10, an optical material (specifically, a lens with four curves and a center thickness of 10 mm) was produced by the aforementioned production method. As shown below, in Examples 1 to 3 and Reference Example 1, a static mixer (static mixing section) was used as the mixing device 14, and the number of elements 52 and 53 of the mixing member 50 was varied, but production was carried out under the same conditions. Gear pumps were used as the first pump 32 and the second pump 22, and the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92 were delivered at a flow rate of 16 g / s. The stirring device 17 (dynamic stirring section) was operated at 500 rpm (revolutions per minute). The amount of the filling solution was 1200 g. The filling solution amount refers to the mass of the mixed raw material (polymerizable composition for optical material 93) introduced per molding batch. The number of branches of the supply pipe 88 (i.e., the number of branch pipes 88A) is four.

[0150] Example 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , the number of elements 52, 53 in the mixing member 50 was 24. The length of the elements was 10 mm, and the diameter of the elements was 10 mm. The total flow rate, which was the sum of the first flow rate of the first raw material composition 91 supplied to the mixing device 14 and the second flow rate of the second raw material composition 92 supplied to the mixing device 14, was 16 g / s. The total flow rate was calculated by measuring the first flow rate and the second flow rate five times (n=5), and averaging the calculated values. The first flow rate was measured using the first connecting pipe 35. The second flow rate was measured using the second connecting pipe 25. The outlet viscosity was 400 mPa·s. The outlet viscosity was measured using a vibration viscometer. In this evaluation, continuous operation was performed for more than 70 hours in Examples 1 to 3 and Reference Example 1.

[0151] 4, the number of elements 52, 53 in the mixing member 50 was 39. The total flow rate was 16 g / s. The outlet viscosity was 405 mPa·s.

[0152] 4, the number of elements 52, 53 in the mixing member 50 was set to 54. The total flow rate was 16 g / s. The outlet viscosity was 410 mPa·s.

[0153] 4, the number of elements 52, 53 in the mixing member 50 was 120. The total flow rate was 16 g / s. The outlet viscosity was 425 mPa·s.

[0154] Comparative Example 1 As shown in Fig. 4, a power mixer (dynamic mixing section) was used as the mixing device 14 instead of a static mixer (static mixing section). The total flow rate was 16 g / s. The outlet viscosity was 425 mPa s.

[0155] <Evaluation Results> As shown in Figure 4, Examples 1 to 3 and Reference Example 1 were superior in appearance evaluation and resin physical properties compared to Comparative Example 1, and the yield was good even when the continuous operation time exceeded 100 hours. In Comparative Example 1, the O-ring broke during molding of the optical material when the continuous operation time was less than 70 hours, causing line leakage, and the cast mold was found to have a poor appearance, so appearance evaluation and resin physical properties were not evaluated. In Examples 1 to 3 and Reference Example 1, the yield was calculated as the average value for each hour over a continuous operation time of 70 hours. In Comparative Example 1, the O-ring broke and line leakage occurred when the continuous operation time was less than 70 hours, so the yield was calculated as the average value for each hour over a continuous operation time of 30 hours.

[0156] Furthermore, Examples 2 and 3 had a higher yield than Example 1. Thus, it was confirmed that Examples 1 to 3 suppressed striae and improved yield.

[0157] <Modifications of Mixing Device 14> As shown in Fig. 3, the mixing device 14 may have two or more housing tubes 40 arranged in series. The configuration shown in Fig. 3 has one housing tube 40X and a housing tube 40Y arranged in the next stage. A mixing member 50 described below is arranged in each of the housing tube 40X and the housing tube 40Y. The housing tube 40X and the housing tube 40Y are connected by a connecting tube 43.

[0158] No mixing member 50 is disposed inside the connecting pipe 43. That is, the mixing device 14 shown in Fig. 3 has a flow path between the housing pipe 40X and the housing pipe 40Y in which no elements 52, 53 are disposed.

[0159] Furthermore, the flow direction of the mixture inside storage tube 40X is different from that of storage tube 40Y. Specifically, the mixture flows downward in storage tube 40X, while the mixture flows horizontally (in the lateral direction) in storage tube 40Y.

[0160] In this way, the mixer 14 has a flow path between the housing tube 40X and the housing tube 40Y where the elements 52 and 53 are not arranged, and thus the flow direction can be changed between the housing tube 40X and the housing tube 40Y. As a result, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the mixer 14 is improved.

[0161] <Modifications of the Mixing Member 50> In the present embodiment, the elements 52 and 53 are formed in a spiral shape, but this is not limited thereto. The elements of the present disclosure may be, for example, blade-shaped, and it is possible to appropriately select a shape that generates turbulence in the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92.

[0162] Furthermore, the number, length, diameter, and "ratio of the length to the diameter" of the elements 52 and 53 are not limited to the above-mentioned numerical ranges. The number, length, diameter, and "ratio of the length to the diameter" of the elements may be set within a range that allows the elements to statically mix the first raw material composition 91 and the second raw material composition 92.

[0163] Furthermore, the mixing member 50 (i.e., the elements 52 and 53) contains one or more resins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, α-olefin copolymer, and polyethylene terephthalate, but is not limited thereto. The mixing member 50 may be made of metal, for example, stainless steel, or any of a variety of other materials.

[0164] <Modification of Filter Device 60> In the present embodiment, the filter device 60 is provided downstream of the agitator 17, but this is not limiting. In addition to or instead of being downstream of the agitator 17, the filter device 60 may be disposed between the mixer 14 and the agitator 17. In this case, the mixture mixed in the mixer 14 is filtered. Furthermore, the manufacturing system 10 may be configured without the filter device 60. In this case, the upstream end of the supply pipe 88 is connected to the agitator 17.

[0165] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0166] <Additional Notes> [Aspect 1] A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a polymerizable composition for an optical material by mixing a first raw material composition and a second raw material composition, comprising: a mixing section that mixes the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition; a first raw material composition supplying section that supplies the first raw material composition to the mixing section; a second raw material composition supplying section that supplies the second raw material composition to the mixing section; and a stirring section that uses a driving force to stir the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing section, wherein the mixing section has an element disposed within a tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing within the tube are mixed by the element without using a driving force. [Aspect 2] The manufacturing apparatus according to Aspect 1, wherein the mixing section and the stirring section are disposed in series without a filter that filters the mixture. [Aspect 3] The manufacturing apparatus according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, wherein the polymerizable composition for an optical material contains two or more different monomers for an optical material and a polymerization catalyst. [Aspect 4] The production apparatus according to Aspect 3, wherein the two or more different monomers for optical materials comprise: a polyisocyanate compound having two or more isocyanate groups; and at least one active hydrogen compound selected from the group consisting of a polythiol compound having two or more mercapto groups, a hydroxythiol compound having one or more mercapto groups and one or more hydroxyl groups, a polyol compound having two or more hydroxyl groups, and an amine compound. [Aspect 5] The production apparatus according to Aspect 4, wherein the first raw material composition comprises a polyisocyanate compound having two or more isocyanate groups, and the second raw material composition comprises a polythiol compound having two or more mercapto groups. [Aspect 6] The production apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein each of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition has a viscosity of 30 mPa·s or more and 1,000 mPa·s or less, measured using a Brookfield viscometer at 25°C and 60 rpm. [Aspect 7] The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the mixing section has 10 or more and less than 120 of the elements, and the elements are spiral-shaped.[Aspect 8] The manufacturing apparatus according to Aspect 7, wherein the mixing section has a length per element of 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less, a diameter of the element of 5 mm or more and 150 mm or less, and a ratio of the length to the diameter of the element of 0.8 or more and 3 or less. [Aspect 9] The manufacturing apparatus according to Aspect 7 or Aspect 8, wherein the element contains one or more resins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, an α-olefin copolymer, and polyethylene terephthalate. [Aspect 10] The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the mixing section has two or more pipes arranged in series, and a flow path between one pipe and the next pipe has no element therebetween. [Aspect 11] The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, further comprising a filter provided downstream of the stirring section, for filtering the mixture stirred in the stirring section. [Aspect 12] The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, comprising a flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts each of a flow rate of the first raw material composition supplied from the first raw material composition supply unit to the mixing unit and a flow rate of the second raw material composition supplied from the second raw material composition supply unit to the mixing unit. [Aspect 13] The manufacturing apparatus according to Aspect 1, comprising: two or more casting devices that cast the polymerizable composition for an optical material; and a supply pipe that is arranged downstream of the stirring unit and supplies the polymerizable composition for an optical material to the casting devices, wherein the supply pipe is branched into two or more branches and is capable of supplying the polymerizable composition for an optical material to each of the two or more casting devices. [Aspect 14] A system for producing an optical material, comprising: a mixing section that mixes a first raw material composition and a second raw material composition; a first raw material composition supplying section that supplies the first raw material composition to the mixing section; a second raw material composition supplying section that supplies the second raw material composition to the mixing section; a stirring section that uses a driving force to stir the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing section to produce a polymerizable composition for an optical material; and a curing section that polymerizes and cures the polymerizable composition for an optical material to produce an optical material, wherein the mixing section has elements arranged within a tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing within the tube are mixed by the elements without using a driving force.[Aspect 15] A system for manufacturing eyeglass lenses as the system for manufacturing optical materials according to Aspect 14, wherein the optical material is an eyeglass lens. [Aspect 16] A method for manufacturing a polymerizable composition for optical materials, comprising: a supplying step of supplying a first raw material composition to a mixing section in which elements are arranged inside a tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and supplying a second raw material composition to the mixing section; a mixing step of mixing the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing inside the tube by the elements without using a driving force; and a stirring step of stirring the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing step using a driving force to produce a polymerizable composition for optical materials. [Aspect 17] A method for manufacturing a polymerizable composition for optical materials according to Aspect 16, wherein the viscosity of the mixture mixed in the mixing step and the viscosity of the mixture stirred in the stirring step are adjusted so that the difference between the viscosity of the mixture mixed in the mixing step and the viscosity of the mixture stirred in the stirring step is within a range of 5 mPa·s to 300 mPa·s. [Aspect 18] The method for producing a polymerizable composition for optical materials according to Aspect 16, wherein the total flow rate of the first raw material composition supplied to the mixing section and the second raw material composition supplied to the mixing section in the supplying step is 20 g / s or more. [Aspect 19] A method for producing an optical material, comprising: a supplying step of supplying a first raw material composition to a mixing section having elements arranged in a tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and supplying a second raw material composition to the mixing section; a mixing step of mixing the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing within the tube using the elements without using a driving force; a stirring step of stirring the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing step using a driving force to produce a polymerizable composition for optical materials; and a curing step of polymerizing and curing the polymerizable composition for optical materials to produce an optical material. [Aspect 20] The method for producing an optical material according to Aspect 19, wherein the optical material is a spectacle lens.

[0167] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-117218, filed on July 22, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus for producing a polymerizable composition for an optical material by mixing a first raw material composition and a second raw material composition, the manufacturing apparatus comprising: a mixing section that mixes the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition; a first raw material composition supply section that supplies the first raw material composition to the mixing section; a second raw material composition supply section that supplies the second raw material composition to the mixing section; and a stirring section that uses a driving force to stir the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing section, wherein the mixing section has an element disposed within a tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing within the tube are mixed by the element without using a driving force.

2. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mixing section and the stirring section are arranged in series without a filter for filtering the mixture.

3. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the polymerizable composition for optical materials contains two or more different types of monomers for optical materials and a polymerization catalyst.

4. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the two or more different types of monomers for optical materials comprise: a polyisocyanate compound having two or more isocyanate groups; and at least one active hydrogen compound selected from the group consisting of a polythiol compound having two or more mercapto groups, a hydroxythiol compound having one or more mercapto groups and one or more hydroxyl groups, a polyol compound having two or more hydroxyl groups, and an amine compound.

5. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first raw material composition contains a polyisocyanate compound having two or more isocyanate groups, and the second raw material composition contains a polythiol compound having two or more mercapto groups.

6. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition has a viscosity of 30 mPa·s or more and 1000 mPa·s or less, measured at 25°C and 60 rpm using a Brookfield viscometer.

7. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mixing section has 10 or more and less than 120 of the elements, and the elements are spiral-shaped.

8. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mixing section has a length per element of 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less, a diameter of the element of 5 mm or more and 150 mm or less, and a ratio of the length to the diameter of 0.8 or more and 3 or less.

9. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the element contains one or more resins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, α-olefin copolymer, and polyethylene terephthalate.

10. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mixing section has two or more pipes arranged in series, and between one pipe and the next pipe there is a flow path in which the element is not arranged.

11. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed downstream of the stirring section for filtering the mixture stirred in the stirring section.

12. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a flow rate adjusting section for adjusting the flow rate of the first raw material composition supplied from the first raw material composition supply section to the mixing section, and the flow rate of the second raw material composition supplied from the second raw material composition supply section to the mixing section.

13. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: two or more casting devices for casting the polymerizable composition for optical materials; and a supply pipe arranged downstream of the stirring section for supplying the polymerizable composition for optical materials to the casting devices, wherein the supply pipe is branched into two or more branches and is capable of supplying the polymerizable composition for optical materials to each of the two or more casting devices.

14. A system for producing an optical material, comprising: a mixing section that mixes a first raw material composition and a second raw material composition; a first raw material composition supply section that supplies the first raw material composition to the mixing section; a second raw material composition supply section that supplies the second raw material composition to the mixing section; a stirring section that uses a driving force to stir the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing section to produce a polymerizable composition for an optical material; and a curing section that polymerizes and cures the polymerizable composition for an optical material to produce an optical material, wherein the mixing section has elements arranged within a tube along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing within the tube are mixed by the elements without using a driving force.

15. A system for manufacturing eyeglass lenses as a system for manufacturing optical materials according to claim 14, wherein the optical material is an eyeglass lens.

16. A method for producing a polymerizable composition for optical materials, comprising: a supplying step of supplying a first raw material composition to a mixing section in which elements are arranged inside a pipe along the longitudinal direction of the pipe, and supplying a second raw material composition to the mixing section; a mixing step of mixing the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing inside the pipe by the elements without using a driving force; and a stirring step of stirring the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing step using a driving force to produce a polymerizable composition for optical materials.

17. A method for producing a polymerizable composition for optical materials according to claim 16, wherein the viscosity difference between the mixture mixed in the mixing step and the mixture stirred in the stirring step is adjusted to be within the range of 5 mPa·s or more and 300 mPa·s or less.

18. The method for producing a polymerizable composition for optical materials according to claim 16, wherein in the supplying step, the total flow rate of the first raw material composition supplied to the mixing section and the flow rate of the second raw material composition supplied to the mixing section is 20 g / s or more.

19. A method for producing an optical material, comprising: a supplying step of supplying a first raw material composition to a mixing section in which elements are arranged inside a pipe along the longitudinal direction of the pipe, and supplying a second raw material composition to the mixing section; a mixing step of mixing the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition flowing inside the pipe by the elements without using a driving force; a stirring step of stirring the mixture of the first raw material composition and the second raw material composition mixed in the mixing step using a driving force to produce a polymerizable composition for an optical material; and a curing step of polymerizing and curing the polymerizable composition for an optical material to produce an optical material.

20. The method for manufacturing eyeglass lenses as a method for manufacturing optical materials according to claim 19, wherein the optical material is eyeglass lenses.

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