Patent ID: 8083974
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: H04N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a lens array including a base with a shape of substantially rectangular plate, and a dome-shaped lens section formed on one face of the base and having a plurality of small lenses, the method comprising: press-molding a molten optical material in a molding die in which a plurality of dies corresponding to the lens array are formed to form a molded article in which a plurality of lens arrays are integrated; removing the molded article from the molding die after the press-molding; and separating adjacent lens arrays by bending at a boundary thereof, wherein dies corresponding to 2×(1+n) sets of the lens array are formed in the molding die, and the dies are arranged in a matrix of 2 rows×(1+n) columns, wherein n represents 0 or 1, wherein a projection is formed along a boundary between the dies at a bend separation face, wherein the dies have a step that is projected or recessed at a boundary between the rows spanning respectively over two of the dies arranged in columns, and wherein, in the press molding, at least two lateral faces, excluding the bend-separation face separated by bending the lens arrays, are press-molded as external position reference faces and a recess or a protrusion is formed by the step on one side of the base spanning over the boundary of adjacent ones of the lens arrays at the bend separation face.