Method and apparatus for producing lens for vehicular lamp

Details Method and apparatus for producing lens for vehicular lamp Method and apparatus for producing lens for vehicular lamp

2000-02-22

2001-09-18

Sells, James (Department: 1734)

Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture

Methods

Surface bonding and/or assembly therefor

C156S292000, C156S580000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06290792

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for producing a lens for a vehicular lamp and an apparatus for producing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to the production of a lens for a vehicular lamp which is formed by integrally joining a plurality of lens members utilizing a low-cost vibration welding technique.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Composite lenses formed by integrally joining a plurality of lens members for a vehicular lamp have been well known. Such a composite lens is exemplified by a composite lens formed by integrally joining two lens members each of a different color, for example, red and white.
Such a composite lens has been conventionally produced by a so-called multiple-color molding technique. However, multiple-color molding requires a costly metal mold for high precision, which results in a high cost for the lens. In particular, when producing only a small quantity of such lenses, the resultant product becomes extremely costly.
In conjunction with the foregoing problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lens for a vehicular lamp which is formed by integrally joining a plurality of lens members utilizing a low-cost technique.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to solve the foregoing problem, the method for producing the lens for a vehicular lamp according to the present invention employs a vibration welding apparatus wherein a fixed portion and a vibrating portion each have a lens fixing jig composed of a pair of holding jigs, and includes the steps of holding a lens member between a pair of holding jigs located close together, bringing each welding portion of the respective lens members into contact with each other by moving the vibrating portion and the fixed portion close together, and integrally welding the lens members by vibrating the vibrating portion.
The method for producing the lens for a vehicular lamp of the present invention provides low-cost production of vehicular lamp lenses formed by integrally joining a plurality of lens members.
Further in order to solve the foregoing problem, an apparatus for producing a lens for a vehicular lamp according to the present invention includes a fixed portion and a vibrating portion arranged so as to be able to be close to or away from each other, wherein the fixed portion and the vibrating portion each have a lens fixing jig composed of a pair of holding jigs, a lens member is held between a pair of holding jigs, and the vibrating portion and the fixed portion are brought close together to cause the welding portions of the respective lens members to contact each other such that the lens members are integrally welded through vibration generated by the vibrating portion.
The apparatus for producing the lens for a vehicular lamp according to the present invention provides low-cost production of a vehicular lamp lens formed by integrally joining a plurality of lens members.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5160393 (1992-11-01), Snyder
patent: 5378951 (1995-01-01), Snyder
patent: 5464498 (1995-11-01), McGrath
patent: 5468336 (1995-11-01), Lotz et al.
patent: 6033505 (2000-03-01), Sugiyama et al.
patent: 6159317 (2000-12-01), Sugiyama et al.

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