Apparatus and method for cleaning a lens and apparatus and method for recycling a lens-fitted photo film unit

摘要

A taking lens (5, 105) of a used lens-fitted photo film unit (2) is cleaned according to sequential steps. Loosened cleaning tape (48, 366) is opposed to the taking lens. A cleaning head (56, 361) is caused to press the cleaning tape against the taking lens. While the cleaning tape is pressed against the taking lens, the cleaning head is moved, to wipe the taking lens with the cleaning tape. Furthermore, before wiping with the cleaning tape, the taking lens is brushed. The cleaning head is rotated back and forth. In a preferred embodiment, a recycling apparatus includes a disassembly line (100) which disassembles the lens-fitted photo film unit after removal of a cassette shell (24, 123) with photo film ( 25, 124) being exposed. A main body (15, 115, 171) is obtained with at least a cassette shutter closing mechanism (147) for a cassette shutter (27, 127) and a frame counter mechanism (152). A closing mechanism setting device (180, 181, 189, 198) sets the cassette shutter closing mechanism in the shutter opening position. A counter setting device (253, 259, 270, 277) sets the frame counter mechanism in an initial position thereof. The frame counter mechanism, when in the initial position, designates an initial one of the indicia in the frame counter mechanism. Furthermore, an inspection line (380) inspects operation of the mechanical parts (147, 152, 158). A cleaning line (383) cleans at least a viewfinder lens (132). A conveyor (385) conveys the lens-fitted photo film unit between the inspection line and the cleaning line.