US 11,485,665 B2 · Mould pair having alignment surfaces

Abstract

A pair of moulds for moulding an optical component is disclosed. The pair of moulds includes a first mould having a first surface, and a second mould having a second surface. The first surface includes a moulding portion for moulding a first optical surface of the optical component, and an alignment portion for alignment with the second mould. The alignment portion extends around the moulding portion. The second surface includes a moulding portion for moulding a second, opposite optical surface of the optical component, and an alignment portion for alignment with the first mould via a contact with the alignment portion of the first surface. When the moulds are brought together, they self-align. A corresponding moulding apparatus and a method may use the mould pair to manufacture various optical components.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A pair of moulds for moulding an optical component, the pair of moulds comprising:

a first mould comprising a first surface;
and
a second mould comprising a second surface;
wherein the first surface comprises a moulding portion for moulding a first optical surface of the optical component, and a grooved alignment portion for alignment with the second mould, the grooved alignment portion extending around the moulding portion of the first surface and comprising concentric circular regions having at least one of triangular or trapezoidal cross-section;
and
wherein the second surface comprises a moulding portion for moulding a second optical surface of the optical component opposing the first optical surface thereof, and a ridged alignment portion for alignment with the first mould via a contact with the grooved alignment portion of the first surface, the ridged alignment portion extending around the moulding portion of the second surface and comprising concentric circular regions having at least one of triangular or trapezoidal cross-section.

3 more elements

A moulding apparatus for moulding an optical component, the moulding apparatus comprising:

a first mould comprising a first surface;
and
a second mould comprising a second surface;
a mould support for supporting the first and second moulds such that the first and second surfaces are facing each other;
and
a press apparatus for pressing the first and second moulds against each other;
wherein the first surface comprises a moulding portion for moulding a first optical surface of the optical component, and a grooved alignment portion for alignment with the second mould, the grooved alignment portion extending around the moulding portion of the first surface and comprising concentric circular regions having at least one of triangular or trapezoidal cross-section;
and
wherein the second surface comprises a moulding portion for moulding a second optical surface of the optical component opposing the first optical surface thereof, and a ridged alignment portion for alignment with the first mould via a contact with the grooved alignment portion of the first surface, the ridged alignment portion extending around the moulding portion of the second surface and comprising concentric circular regions having at least one of triangular or trapezoidal cross-section.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mould pair having alignment surfaces

Life of this patent

Mould pair having alignment surfaces

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18