Edging machine and method for edging a lens mold assembly

Abstract

An edging machine (100) includes a lens mold assembly rotation mechanism (110) having coaxially aligned first and second rotation portions (112, 114). The first and second rotation portions (1112, 114) are operable to hold a lens mold assembly (102) therebetween and are rotatable about a common axis (113). The machine further includes an edging mechanism (120) having first and second blades (130, 140) disposed at first and second radial positions, respectively, from the common axis (113). The first blade (130) has a trimming edge (132) parallel to the common axis (113) for engaging a circumferential surface of the lens mold assembly (102) held between the first and second rotation portions (112, 114). The second blade (140) has a trimming edge (142) radially aligned with respect to the common axis (113) for engaging a convex surface (106) or a concave surface (101) of the lens mold assembly (102) held between the first and second rotation portions (112, 114).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various embodiments generally relate to an edging machine. In particular, various embodiments generally relate to an edging machine for removing flash on a lens mold assembly after molding. Various embodiments also relate to a method of edging a lens mold assembly after molding. BACKGROUND

[0002] After molding or polymerization of a liquid molding material, a conventional method for removing flash on a lens mold assembly is performed via a manual process. Typically, a lens mold assembly is formed by filling a cavity between two mold shells with a liquid molding material and holding the two mold shells together along their periphery with a tape. After the molding process or polymerization of the liquid molding material, whereby the liquid molding material is hardened to form a molded lens held between the two mold shells, the tape is removed. During the molding process or polymerization of the liquid molding material, the liquid molding material can seep between the tape and / or the mold shells, or can seep out of the tape, forming flash on the lens mold assembly. After the tape is removed, the lens mold assembly is inspected for flash and the flash is removed. The flash on the lens mold assembly is typically removed manually by an operator. To do so, the operator manually removes the tape around the lens mold assembly and uses a custom tool to scrape or wipe the edges and surfaces of the lens mold assembly. However, this manual edging process is time consuming, ergonomically unsuitable, and dependent on the operator’s skill. Accordingly, a major problem with this manual process is the efficiency issue. For example, the manual process limits production yield, is dependent on the operator’s skill, and production rate is affected by human fatigue.

[0003] An automatic trimming device is known from CN 109676840, which discloses a silicone insulator trimming device.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a more efficient, high-accuracy solution for edging a lens mold assembly to at least address some of the problems in the lens manufacturing process. SUMMARY

[0005] The invention relates to an edging machine as claimed in claims 1 to 14.

[0006] The invention also relates to a method of edging a lens mold assembly as claimed in claim 15.

[0007] According to various embodiments, an edging machine for removing flash from a lens mold assembly after molding is provided. The machine can include a lens mold assembly rotation mechanism having coaxially aligned first and second rotation portions. The first and second rotation portions can be operable to be axially spaced apart from one another along a common axis for holding the lens mold assembly therebetween. Each of the first and second rotation portions can be rotatable about the common axis. The machine can include an edging mechanism. The edging mechanism can include a first blade disposed at a first radial position from the common axis. The first blade can have a trimming edge parallel to the common axis for engaging a circumferential surface of the lens mold assembly held between the first and second rotation portions. The edging mechanism can include a second blade disposed at a second radial position from the common axis. The second blade can have a trimming edge radially aligned with respect to the common axis. The trimming edge of the second blade can be for engaging a convex or concave surface of the lens mold assembly held between the first and second rotation portions.

[0008] According to various embodiments, a method of edging a lens mold assembly after molding is provided. The method can include rotating the lens mold assembly held between coaxially aligned first and second rotation portions of an edging machine's lens mold assembly rotation mechanism, where the first and second rotation portions can be axially spaced apart from one another along a common axis for holding the lens mold assembly therebetween, and where the first and second rotation portions can be rotatable about the common axis to rotate the lens mold assembly. The method can include engaging a circumferential surface of the lens mold assembly with a trimming edge of a first blade of the edging machine's edging mechanism, where the first blade can be disposed at a first radial position from the common axis, and the trimming edge of the first blade can be parallel to the common axis. The method can include engaging a convex or concave surface of the lens mold assembly with a trimming edge of a second blade of the edging machine's edging mechanism, where the second blade can be disposed at a second radial position from the common axis, and the trimming edge of the second blade can be radially aligned with respect to the common axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] For a more complete understanding of the illustrations provided herein and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters represent like parts throughout the several views.

[0010] In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 depicts a schematic top view of a trimming machine for removing overflow from a lens mold assembly after molding, according to several different embodiments.

[0012] - FIG. IB Depicting according to several different embodiments FIG. 1A A schematic front view of a trimming machine.

[0013] - FIG. 1C Depicting according to several different embodiments FIG. 1A A schematic side view of a trimming machine.

[0014] - FIG. 2A A schematic top view of a trimming machine for removing overflow from a lens mold assembly after molding, according to several different embodiments, is depicted.

[0015] - FIG. 2B Depicting according to several different embodiments FIG. 2A A schematic front view of a trimming machine.

[0016] - FIG. 2C Depicting according to several different embodiments FIG. 2A A schematic side view of a trimming machine.

[0017] - FIG. 2D Depicting according to several different embodiments FIG. 2A A schematic front view of a variant of the trimming machine. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the following description, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and for clarity and conciseness or for informational purposes, certain features may be shown in a broad or schematic form. Furthermore, although several different embodiments of manufacture and use are discussed in detail below, it should be understood that many inventive concepts that can be implemented in a variety of contexts are provided as described herein. The embodiments discussed herein are merely representative and do not limit the scope of the invention. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that all technical features defined relative to the method can be transposed individually or in combination to the apparatus, and conversely, all technical features relative to the apparatus can be transposed individually or in combination to the method.

[0019] It should be understood that the terms "on," "over," "top," "bottom," "under," "side," "back," "left," "right," "front," "lateral," "side," "up," "down," and the like, are used in this description simply to aid in understanding relative positions or directions, and are not intended to limit the orientation of any device, or any portion of any device, or structure. Furthermore, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are defined to include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Likewise, the term "or" is defined as including both "and" and "and / or."

[0020] Various embodiments seek to provide an edging machine for removing flash on a lens mold assembly after molding, and a method of edging a lens mold assembly after molding. The lens mold assembly can include a three-layer intermediate structure having two mold shells with a molded lens formed therebetween. The two mold shells can include a female mold shell forming a top mold and a male mold shell forming a bottom mold. The molded lens can be formed between the female mold shell and the male mold shell. Accordingly, a convex surface of the female mold shell can form a top surface of the lens mold assembly, and a concave surface of the male mold shell can form a bottom surface of the lens mold assembly. During molding, flash can be formed on the lens mold assembly due to weeping of the liquid molding material. Various embodiments seek to provide a repeatable, fast, and accurate solution for edging the lens mold assembly so that the three-layer intermediate structure can be cleaned and free of flash in preparation for subsequent disassembly to retrieve the molded lens. Various embodiments can minimize or eliminate reliance on operator edging skills and productivity. Various embodiments can perform edging of the lens mold assembly in a fully automated manner whereby flash can be automatically scraped or wiped from the edge surfaces and the major surfaces of the lens mold assembly. Various embodiments can also provide a high accuracy, reliable, and repeatable tape edging process for scraping or wiping the flash to allow for sustained continuous operation of multiple lens mold assemblies one after another to ensure high productivity output.

[0021] In various embodiments, the edging or flash clean-up can be performed by metal blades held in certain or predetermined orientations to maximize the flash removal efficiency without damaging the lens mold assembly. According to various embodiments, a minimum of two blades can be required. The two blades can include one blade (or first blade or edge clean-up blade) to clean the edge surface (or circumferential surface) of the lens mold assembly and another blade (or second blade or surface clean-up blade) to clean the major surfaces of the lens mold assembly, such as the convex surface (or top surface) and / or the concave surface (or bottom surface) of the lens mold assembly. According to various embodiments, each blade can be mounted on a biasing device, such as a spring system, to ensure that the trimming edge of the blade accurately follows the shape of the lens mold assembly, i.e., the edge surface and / or the convex surface and / or the concave surface of the lens mold assembly. The biasing device can compensate for any misalignment of the lens mold assembly on the edging machine or misalignment between the two mold shells during the molding process.

[0022] According to various embodiments, both the edge clean-up blade and the surface clean-up blade can be mounted on separate holders. The holders can be pushed forward and backward by actuators, such as electrical or pneumatic actuators. According to various embodiments, each blade can make contact with the edge surface of the lens mold assembly or the convex surface of the lens mold assembly or the concave surface of the lens mold assembly at a certain or predetermined angle. According to various embodiments, the lens mold assembly can be rotated so that the edge clean-up blade and the surface clean-up blade can remove the flash on the lens mold assembly. According to various embodiments, the edging or clean-up result can be optimized based on the combination of the force of the blade, the rotational speed of the lens mold assembly, and the contact angle of the blade with the lens mold assembly. For example, the pushing force of the actuator that pushes the blade can not exceed 100 N and the lens mold assembly can be rotated at a minimum speed of 60 RPM for an optimized result. Further, the angle between the surface of the edge clean-up blade and the normal vector of the circumferential surface of the lens mold assembly can be between 1° and 90°, while the angle between the surface of the surface clean-up blade and the normal vector of the convex surface of the lens mold assembly can be between 5° and 40°.

[0023] According to various embodiments, an automatic edging machine for removing the flash on the lens mold assembly after molding is provided. According to various embodiments, the edging process can be completed within 12 seconds per lens. In other words, within every 12 seconds, the edging machine can remove the flash from the edge surface and the major surfaces of one lens mold assembly. Further, the accuracy of the automatic edging machine can be such that 95% to 100% of the lens mold assemblies are processed to be free of flash.

[0024] FIG. 1Adepicted is a schematic top view of an edging machine 100 for removing flash from a lens mold assembly 102 after molding, in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 1B depicted is a schematic front view of an edging machine 100, in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 1C depicted is a schematic side view of an edging machine 100, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0025] In accordance with various embodiments, the lens mold assembly 102 can be an intermediate assembly of a lens manufacturing process. The lens mold assembly 102 can include a three-layer intermediate structure 105 having a first mold portion 107 (or first molding shell), a second mold portion 109 (or second molding shell), and a molded lens 108 clamped therebetween. The first mold portion 107 can be a female molding shell forming a top mold, and the second mold portion 109 can be a male molding shell forming a bottom mold. The molded lens can be formed between the first mold portion 107 and the second mold portion 109. Accordingly, a convex surface 106 of the first mold portion 107 (in the form of a female molding shell) can form a top surface of the lens mold assembly 102, and a concave surface 101 of the second mold portion 109 (in the form of a male molding shell) can form a bottom surface of the lens mold assembly 102. In accordance with various embodiments, a circumferential surface 104 (or edge surface) of the lens mold assembly 102 can be a surface that encircles the lens mold assembly 102, extending between the top surface of the lens mold assembly 102 (or convex surface 106 of the first mold portion 107) and the bottom surface of the lens mold assembly 102 (or concave surface 101 of the second mold portion 109). In accordance with various embodiments, the lens mold assembly 102 can be in the form of a circular disc or plate or faceplate having a circular shape.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 1, according to various embodiments, an edging machine 100 can include a lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110. The lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110 can be configured to hold a lens mold assembly 102 and rotate it about an axis that extends vertically through a first mold portion 107, a molded lens 108, and a second mold portion 109. According to various embodiments, the lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110 can include a first rotation portion 112 and a second rotation portion 114 that are coaxially aligned. Accordingly, the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114 can be located on a common axis 113. Each of the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114 can be rotatable about the common axis 113. Accordingly, an axis of rotation of the first rotation portion 112 and an axis of rotation of the second rotation portion 114 can coincide with the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110 can include at least one rotation actuator coupled to the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114. According to various embodiments, the lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110 can include a first rotation actuator coupled to the first rotation portion 112 and a second rotation actuator coupled to the second rotation portion 114.

[0027] Further, according to various embodiments, the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114 can be operable to be axially spaced apart from each other along the common axis for holding the lens mold assembly 102 therebetween. Accordingly, the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114 can be separated along the common axis 113 such that there is a space or gap or distance between the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114 along the common axis 113, whereby the space or the gap or the distance is sufficient to hold the lens mold assembly 102. Thus, the lens mold assembly 102 can be fitted or placed or inserted into the space or the gap or the distance between the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114 in such a way that the lens mold assembly 102 can be clamped or gripped or held between the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114. According to various embodiments, when the lens mold assembly 102 is clamped or gripped or held between the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114, the lens mold assembly 102 can be rotated by the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114. Accordingly, the lens mold assembly 102, the first rotation portion 112, and the second rotation portion 114 can function together as a single article or unit and can be rotatable together about the common axis 113. Thus, when the lens mold assembly 102 is clamped or gripped or held between the first rotation portion 112 and the second rotation portion 114, there can be no relative rotation between each other about the common axis 113 or they can be non-rotatable relative to each other about the common axis 113.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the lens mold assembly 102 can be held by the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 in an orientation that is perpendicular to the common axis 113. Accordingly, each of the first mold portion 107, the molded lens 108, and the second mold portion 109 can be perpendicular to the common axis 113, such that the common axis 113 extends perpendicularly through the three-layered mesostructure 105 of the lens mold assembly 102. Thus, the lens mold assembly 102 can be held in a manner that the thickness direction of the lens mold assembly 102 is parallel to the common axis 113.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the edging machine 100 can include an edging mechanism 120. According to various embodiments, the edging mechanism 120 can be configured to edge the lens mold assembly 102 as the lens mold assembly 102 is rotated by the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110. According to various embodiments, the edging mechanism 120 can be aligned with the space or gap or distance along the common axis 113 between the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 of the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110. Accordingly, the lens mold assembly held between the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 can be aligned with the edging mechanism 120, such that the edging mechanism 120 can be operable to edge the circumferential surface 104 and the major surfaces (i.e., the convex surface 106 and / or the concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the edging mechanism 120 can include a first blade 130 disposed at a first radial position from the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the first blade 130 can be located within a transverse plane 121 (or horizontal plane or lateral plane) that is perpendicular to the common axis 113 and intersects the common axis 113 at a space or gap or distance along the common axis 113 between the first rotational portion 112 and the second rotational portion 114. It should be understood that the phrase “the first blade 130 can be located within the transverse plane 121,” when used in a description, is for convenience and should be understood to mean that the first blade 130 is considered to be located within the transverse plane 121 as long as any portion of the first blade 130 intersects the transverse plane 121. According to various embodiments, the transverse plane 121 can intersect an edge of the lens mold assembly 102 held between the first rotational portion 112 and the second rotational portion 114, where the edge is where the circumferential surface 104 and the convex surface 106 meet. According to various embodiments, the first blade 130 can be positioned at a predetermined distance in a radial direction (or a direction of radiation) from the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the first blade 130 at the first radial position can be stationary with respect to the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the predetermined distance in the first radial direction can be based on a radius of the lens mold assembly 102 or a length of a straight line extending from a center of the lens mold assembly 102 to a periphery of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the first blade 130 can include a trimming edge 132. According to various embodiments, the trimming edge 132 can be parallel to the common axis 113 for engaging the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 held between the first rotational portion 112 and the second rotational portion 114. According to various embodiments, the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 can be a thin or sharp boundary of the first blade 130 for contacting the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 to trim or remove flash on the circumferential surface 104. According to various embodiments, the trimming edge 132 can be straight. With the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 parallel to the common axis 113, the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 can be axially aligned with the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 such that the trimming edge 132 can engage across a height of the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the edging mechanism 120 can include a second blade 140 disposed at a second radial position from the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the second blade 140 can be located within the transverse plane 121. It should be appreciated that the phrase “the second blade 140 can be located within the transverse plane 121,” when used in a description, is for convenience and should be appreciated to mean that the second blade 140 is considered to be located within the transverse plane 121 so long as any portion of the second blade 140 intersects the transverse plane 121. According to various embodiments, the second blade 140 can be positioned at a predetermined distance in a radial direction (or a radial direction) from the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the second blade 140 at the second radial position can be stationary relative to the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, a maximum distance of the predetermined distance in the second radial direction can be a radius of the lens mold assembly 102 or a length of a straight line extending from a center of the lens mold assembly 102 to a periphery of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the first radial position of the first blade 130 and the second radial position of the second blade 140 can be angularly spaced apart relative to the common axis 113. For example, the first radial position of the first blade 130 and the second radial position of the second blade 140 can be angularly spaced apart 90° relative to the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the first radial position of the first blade 130 and the second radial position of the second blade 140 can be angularly spaced apart between 1° and 180° relative to the common axis 113.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the second blade 140 can include a trimming edge 142. According to various embodiments, the trimming edge 142 can be radially aligned relative to the common axis 113. Accordingly, the trimming edge 142 can be aligned with a radial direction extending outwardly from the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 can be used to engage the convex surface 106 (or the concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 held between the first rotational portion 112 and the second rotational portion 114. While FIG. 1A 、 FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 is shown engaging the convex surface 106 of the lens mold assembly 102, it should be appreciated that the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 can be arranged and / or oriented and / or configured to engage the concave surface 101 of the lens mold assembly 102. According to various embodiments, the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 can be a thin or sharp boundary of the second blade 140 used to contact the convex surface 106 (or the concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 to trim or remove excess edge on the convex surface 106 (or the concave surface 101).

[0035] According to various embodiments, as shown, when the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 is used to engage the convex surface 106 of the lens mold assembly 102, the trimming edge 142 can be angled at an angle from a transverse plane 121 that is perpendicular to the common axis 113. Accordingly, the trimming edge 142 can be angled toward the common axis 113 such that a vector extending to the trimming edge 142 that intersects the common axis 113 can form an angle with the common axis 113 that is less than 90°. According to various embodiments, the trimming edge 142 can be straight. With the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 angled toward the common axis 113, the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 can be tangentially aligned with the curvature of the convex surface 106 of the lens mold assembly 102 such that the trimming edge 142 can engage the convex surface 106 of the lens mold assembly 102 radially inward from the perimeter of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 and the common axis 113 can lie within a first radial plane 115. Accordingly, each point of the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 can lie within the first radial plane 115, or the entire trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 can be a straight line in the first radial plane 115. Likewise, the common axis 113 can be a straight line in the first radial plane 115. Since the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 and the common axis 113 are parallel to each other, the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 and the common axis 113 can be two parallel lines in the first radial plane 115.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the first blade 130 can be angled away from a first radial plane 115 that contains the common axis 113 and a trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130. According to various embodiments, a leading surface 134 of the first blade 130 can form a first angle a therebetween with the first radial plane 115. According to various embodiments, the leading surface 134 of the first blade 130 can be a surface of the first blade 130 that is generally facing a direction of rotation of the lens mold assembly 102. In other words, the leading surface 134 of the first blade 130 can be generally facing a direction of rotation of the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 of the lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110. Accordingly, the leading surface 134 of the first blade 130 can be a surface of the first blade that meets an oncoming flash when the lens mold assembly 102 is rotated by the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 of the lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110. According to various embodiments, the first angle a can be formed between the first blade 130 and the first radial plane 115, where the leading surface 134 of the first blade 130 is facing or opposite the first radial plane 115. According to various embodiments, the first angle a formed between the leading surface 134 of the first blade 130 and the first radial plane 115 can be between 1° to 90°. According to various embodiments, a trailing surface 136 of the first blade 130 can be an opposite surface of the leading surface 134 of the first blade 130. As the leading surface 134 of the first blade 130 is angled away from the first radial plane 115, the trailing surface 136 of the first blade 130 can be generally facing or pointing towards a deburred portion of the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 and the common axis 113 can lie within a second radial plane 117. Accordingly, each point of the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 can lie within the second radial plane 117. According to various embodiments, when the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 is used to engage the convex surface 106 and the trimming edge 142 is straight, the entire trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 can be a straight line in the second radial plane 117. Likewise, the common axis 113 can be a straight line in the second radial plane 117. As the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 is angled towards or is angled towards the common axis 113, the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 and the common axis 113 can be two converging lines in the second radial plane 117.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the common axis 113 can form an intersection line between the first radial plane 115 and the second radial plane 117 since the first radial plane 115 and the second radial plane 117 contain the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, an angle between the first radial plane 115 and the second radial plane 117 can correspond to an angular separation between the first radial position of the first blade 130 and the second radial position of the second blade 140 with respect to the common axis 113. For example, when the angular separation between the first radial position of the first blade 130 and the second radial position of the second blade 140 with respect to the common axis 113 is 90°, the angle between the first radial plane 115 and the second radial plane 117 can be 90°. According to various embodiments, since the angular separation between the first radial position of the first blade 130 and the second radial position of the second blade 140 with respect to the common axis 113 can be between 1° and 180°, the angle between the first radial plane 115 and the second radial plane 117 can be between 1° and 180°.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the second blade 140 can be angled away from a second radial plane 117 containing the common axis 113 and the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 when the second blade 140 is used to engage the convex surface 106. According to various embodiments, a trailing surface 146 of the second blade 140 can form a second angle β therebetween with the second radial plane 117. According to various embodiments, the trailing surface 146 of the second blade 140 can be a surface of the second blade 140 that generally follows the direction of rotation of the lens mold assembly 102. In other words, the trailing surface 146 of the second blade 140 can generally face or point in the same direction of rotation of the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 of the lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110. Accordingly, the trailing surface 146 of the second blade 140 can be a surface of the second blade from which the trimmed portions of the convex surface 106 of the lens mold assembly 102 are rotated away by the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 of the lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110. According to various embodiments, the second angle β can be formed between the second blade 140 and the second radial plane 117 with the trailing surface 146 of the second blade 140 facing or facing away from the second radial plane 117. According to various embodiments, the second angle β formed between the trailing surface 146 of the second blade 140 and the second radial plane 117 can be between 0° and 90°, or preferably between 5° and 40°. According to various embodiments, the second blade 140 can be optimized for trimming the convex surface 106 of the lens mold assembly 102 when the second angle β is between 5° and 40°. According to various embodiments, the leading surface 144 of the second blade 140 can be an opposite surface of the trailing surface 146 of the second blade 140. Since the trailing surface 146 of the second blade 140 is angled away from the second radial plane 117, the leading surface 144 of the second blade 140 can generally face or point toward the portion of the convex surface 106 of the lens mold assembly 102 having the leading flash.

[0041] According to various embodiments, when the second angle β formed between the trailing surface 146 of the second blade 140 and the second radial plane 117 is 0°, the second blade 140 can be aligned with the second radial plane 117 containing the common axis 113 and the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 such that the second blade 140 can lie completely within the second radial plane 117. Accordingly, the second blade 140 can lie flat within the second radial plane 117.

[0042] According to various embodiments, each of the first and second blades 130, 140 of the trimming mechanism 120 of the trimming machine 200 can be made of a metallic material.

[0043] FIG. 2AA schematic top view of a trimming machine 200 for removing overflow from a lens mold assembly 102 after molding, according to several different embodiments, is depicted. FIG. 2B A schematic front view of a trimming machine 200 according to several different embodiments is depicted. FIG. 2C A schematic side view of a trimming machine 200 according to several different embodiments is depicted.

[0044] According to several different embodiments FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C The trimming machine 200 can include FIG. 1A , FIG. 1B , FIG. 1C All features of the trimming machine 100. Accordingly, applicable to FIG. 1A , FIG. 1B , FIG. 1C All features, changes, modifications, and variations of the trimming machine 100 can also be applied. FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C The trimming machine 200. According to several different embodiments, with... FIG. 1A , FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C The trimming machine is similar to 100. FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C The trimming machine 200 may include a lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110 having a first rotating portion 112 and a second rotating portion 114, and a trimming mechanism 120 having a first blade 130 and a second blade 140. According to several different embodiments, FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C The trimming machine 200 may further include the following additional features and / or limitations.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the edging mechanism 120 of the edging machine 200 can include a first biasing device 250. According to various embodiments, the first biasing device 250 can be coupled to the first blade 130. According to various embodiments, the first biasing device 250 can bias the first blade 130 in a manner so as to urge or push or bias the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 towards the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 held between the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 of the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110. Accordingly, the first biasing device 250 can be configured to urge or push or bias the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 towards the common axis 113. Thus, the first biasing device 250 can exert a force on the first blade 130 in a manner so as to urge or push or bias the first blade 130 such that the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 is urged or pushed or biased in a radially inward direction towards the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the first biasing device 250 can have a natural tendency or inclination to bias the first blade 130 for urging or pushing or biasing the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 towards the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 when the first blade 130 is engaged with the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the first biasing device 250 can include one or more biasing elements coupled to the first blade 130 for biasing the first blade 130 to urge or push or bias the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 towards the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 held between the first and second rotating portions 112, 114. According to various embodiments, the first biasing device 250 can ensure good alignment between the first blade 130 and the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0047] According to various embodiments, the first biasing device 250 can compensate for misalignment of the lens mold assembly 102 with the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 due to centering issues when holding the lens mold assembly 102 between the first and second rotating portions 112, 114. Accordingly, with compensation from the first biasing device 250, the first blade 130 can continuously and consistently engage or contact the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 to trim or remove flash as the lens mold assembly 102 rotates even when there is misalignment of the lens mold assembly 102 with the first and second rotating portions 112, 114.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the first biasing device 250 can include a first biasing element 252 and a second biasing element 254. According to various embodiments, the first biasing element 252 can be coupled to the first portion 131 of the first blade 130, and the second biasing element 254 can be coupled to the second portion 133 of the first blade 130. According to various embodiments, the first portion 131 of the first blade 130 and the second portion 133 of the first blade 130 can be two different portions of the first blade 130 along a direction parallel to the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130. Accordingly, the first biasing element 252 and the second biasing element 254 can be distributed along the first blade 130 in a manner to spread over the first blade 130 in the direction parallel to the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the first biasing device 250 can include two to five biasing elements coupled to the first blade 130 and evenly distributed along a direction parallel to the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130. Accordingly, the first biasing device 250 can include two, or three, or four, or five biasing elements coupled to the first blade 130. Further, depending on the number of biasing elements, the two to five biasing elements can be coupled to the first blade 130 at regular intervals on the first blade 130 in the direction parallel to the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130. Accordingly, each of the biasing elements can be coupled to a respective portion of the first blade 130 that spreads in the direction parallel to the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130.

[0050] According to various embodiments, in the case where the first biasing device 250 has two to five biasing elements coupled to the first blade 130, the first biasing device 250 can compensate for misalignment in the three-layer intermediate structure 105 of the lens mold assembly 102 that results in a tilted profile at the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 due to misalignment during molding. Accordingly, with the compensation from the first biasing device 250 of the two to five biasing elements arrangement, the first blade 130 can be tilted to follow any profile changes of the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 for continuous and consistent engagement or contact with the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 to trim or remove flash as the lens mold assembly 102 rotates, even when there is misalignment in the three-layer intermediate structure 105 of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the edging mechanism of the edging machine 200 can include a second biasing device 260. According to various embodiments, the second biasing device 260 can be coupled to the second blade 140 in a manner so as to urge or push or bias the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 towards the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 held between the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 of the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110. Accordingly, the second biasing device 260 can be configured to substantially laterally urge or push or bias the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 along the second radial plane 117. Thus, the second biasing device 260 can exert a force on the second blade 140 in a manner so as to push or urge or bias the second blade 140 such that the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 is pushed or urged or biased in a direction substantially perpendicular to the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 and along the second radial plane 117. According to various embodiments, the second biasing device 260 can have a natural tendency or inclination to bias the second blade 140 for urging or pushing or biasing the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 towards the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 when the second blade 140 is engaged or in contact with the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the second biasing device 260 can include one or more biasing elements coupled to the second blade 140 for biasing the second blade 140 to urge or push or bias the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 towards the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 held between the first and second rotating portions 112, 114. According to various embodiments, the second biasing device 260 can ensure good alignment between the second blade 140 and the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the second biasing device 260 can include a first biasing element 262 and a second biasing element 264. According to various embodiments, the first biasing element 262 can be coupled to the first portion 141 of the second blade 140, and the second biasing element 264 can be coupled to the second portion 143 of the second blade 140. According to various embodiments, the first portion 141 of the second blade 140 and the second portion 143 of the second blade 140 can be two different portions of the second blade 140 along a direction parallel to the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140. Accordingly, the first biasing element 262 and the second biasing element 264 can be distributed along the second blade 140 in a manner to spread over the second blade 140 in the direction parallel to the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the second biasing device 260 can include two to five biasing elements coupled to the second blade 140 and evenly distributed along a direction parallel to the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140. Accordingly, the second biasing device 260 can include two, or three, or four, or five biasing elements coupled to the second blade 140. Further, depending on the number of biasing elements, the two to five biasing elements can be coupled to the second blade 140 at regular intervals in the direction parallel to the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 over the second blade 140. Accordingly, each of the biasing elements can be coupled to a respective portion of the second blade 140 that spreads in the direction parallel to the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the second biasing device 260 can compensate for misalignment of the lens mold assembly 102 with the first and second rotary portions 112, 114 due to centering issues when the lens mold assembly 102 is held between the first and second rotary portions 112, 114. Accordingly, with the compensation from the second biasing device 260, the second blade 140 can continuously and consistently engage with the convex surface 106 (or the concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 to trim or remove flash as the lens mold assembly 102 rotates following the curvature of the convex surface 106 (or the concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102, even when there is misalignment of the lens mold assembly 102 with the first and second rotary portions 112, 114.

[0056] According to various embodiments, each biasing element in the first biasing device 250 and the second biasing device 260 can include, but is not limited to, a spring, a compression spring, or a leaf spring. According to various embodiments, each biasing element in the first biasing device 250 and the second biasing device 260 can be configured to resist or oppose a compression force. For example, according to various embodiments, each biasing element in the first biasing device 250 and the second biasing device 260 can have a maximum compression force equal to or less than 60 N / mm, and a minimum compression force equal to or less than 5 N / mm.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the edging mechanism 120 of the edging machine 200 can include a first actuator 270 coupled to the first blade 130. According to various embodiments, the first actuator 270 can be configured to move the first blade 130 toward and away from the first radial position from the common axis 113. Accordingly, the first actuator 270 can move the first blade 130 forward and backward to engage or disengage with the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 held between the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114. According to various embodiments, an actuation end 272 of the first actuator 270 can be coupled to the first blade 130 such that when the actuation end 272 of the first actuator 270 is moved under actuation, the actuation end 272 can move the first blade 130 forward and backward for engagement or disengagement with the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the edging mechanism 120 of the edging machine 200 can include a second actuator 280 coupled to the second blade 140. According to various embodiments, the second actuator 280 can be configured to move the second blade 140 toward and away from the second radial position from the common axis 113. Accordingly, the second actuator 280 can move the second blade 140 forward and backward to engage or disengage with the convex surface 106 (or the concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 held between the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114. According to various embodiments, an actuation end 282 of the second actuator 280 can be coupled to the second blade 140 such that when the actuation end 282 of the second actuator 280 is moved under actuation, the actuation end 282 of the second actuator 280 can move the second blade 140 forward and backward for engagement or disengagement with the convex surface 106 (or the concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0059] According to various embodiments, each of the first actuator 270 and the second actuator 280 can include, but is not limited to, an electrical actuator or a pneumatic actuator. According to various embodiments, each of the first actuator 270 and the second actuator 280 can be configured to provide a non-excessive pushing force to the respective first blade and second blade 130, 140, such that the first blade and second blade 130, 140 can trim the lens mold assembly 102 without damaging the lens mold assembly 102. For example, according to various embodiments, the pushing force provided by each of the first actuator 270 and the second actuator 280 to push the respective first blade and second blade 130, 140 can not exceed 100 N, and can not be less than 10 N.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the first biasing device 250 can be coupled between the first actuator 270 and the first blade 130. Accordingly, the first biasing device 250 can connect the first blade 130 to the first actuator 270. Thus, the actuation end 272 of the first actuator 270 can be coupled to one side of the first biasing device 250, and the opposite side of the first biasing device 250 can be coupled to the first blade 130. According to various embodiments, the first biasing device 250 can act as a compliant mechanism or a suspension mechanism between the first actuator 270 and the first blade 130, in order to allow relative motion between the first actuator 270 and the first blade 130 when the first blade 130 engages the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102, in order to compensate for any misalignment of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the second biasing device 260 can be coupled between the second actuator 280 and the second blade 140. Accordingly, the second biasing device 260 can connect the second blade 140 to the second actuator 280. Thus, the actuation end 282 of the second actuator 280 can be coupled to one side of the second biasing device 260, and the opposite side of the second biasing device 260 can be coupled to the second blade 140. According to various embodiments, the second biasing device 260 can act as a compliant mechanism or a suspension mechanism between the second actuator 280 and the second blade 140, in order to allow relative motion between the second actuator 280 and the second blade 140 when the second blade 140 engages the convex surface 106 (or the concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102, in order to compensate for any misalignment of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0062] FIG. 2D A schematic front view of a trimming machine 201 according to various embodiments is depicted, which is a variant of the trimming machine 200 of FIGS. 2A-2C According to various embodiments, FIG. 2D The trimming machine 201 ofFIG. 2A , FIG. 2B , FIG. 2C All features of the trimming machine 200. According to several different embodiments, FIG. 2D The trimming machine 201 may further include the following additional features and / or limitations.

[0063] According to several different embodiments, the trimming mechanism 120 of the trimming machine 201 may include a first blade holder 292 coupled to a first blade 130. Accordingly, a first biasing device 250 may be coupled to the first blade 130 via the first blade holder 292. Therefore, the first biasing device 250 may be directly attached to the first blade holder 292, and the first blade holder 292 may hold the first blade 130. According to several different embodiments, with the first blade holder 292 holding the first blade 130, the first blade holder 292 may allow for easy maintenance and replacement of the first blade 130 without requiring disassembly of the first biasing device 250 to remove the first blade 130.

[0064] According to several different embodiments, the trimming mechanism 120 of the trimming machine 201 may include a second blade holder 294 coupled to the second blade 140. Accordingly, a second biasing device 260 may be coupled to the second blade 140 via the second blade holder 294. Therefore, the second biasing device 260 may be directly attached to the second blade holder 294, and the second blade holder 294 may hold the second blade 140. According to several different embodiments, with the second blade holder 294 holding the second blade 140, the second blade holder 294 may allow for easy maintenance and replacement of the second blade 140 without requiring disassembly of the second biasing device 260 to remove the second blade 140.

[0065] refer to FIG. 1A , FIG. 1B , FIG. 1C 100 trimming machines FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B , FIG. 2C The trimming machine 200, and FIG. 2Dedging machine 201. According to various embodiments, the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 of the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110 can be linearly moved along the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 can be linearly moved relative to each other along the common axis 113. According to various embodiments, the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 can be linearly moved toward or away from each other along the common axis 113. Accordingly, the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 can be moved in opposite directions toward or away from each other along the common axis 113. When the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 are moved toward each other, the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110 can clamp or grip or hold the lens mold assembly 102 between the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114. When the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 are moved away from each other, the lens mold assembly 102 can be removed from the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 of the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110 can be further moved in a synchronized manner along the common axis 113 for moving the lens mold assembly 102 held therebetween into alignment with the edging mechanism 120. Accordingly, in addition to being moved in opposite directions relative to each other, the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 can be simultaneously moved in the same direction in a coordinated manner, such that the lens mold assembly 102 clamped or gripped or held between the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 can be moved along the common axis 113 for alignment with the edging mechanism 120. According to various embodiments, moving the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 in a synchronized manner along the common axis 113 can include moving upwardly as well as moving downwardly for fine-tuning the alignment between the lens mold assembly 102 and the edging mechanism 120.

[0067] According to various embodiments, each of the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 can include a pad or a cup or a contact surface or any suitable element for engaging the first mold portion 107 and the second mold portion 109, respectively, of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0068] According to various embodiments, each of the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 can be coupled to a linear actuator for moving along the common axis 113. For example, each of the first rotating portion 112 and the second rotating portion 114 can be coupled to a plunger or a piston or an extension rod or any other suitable element of a linear actuator.

[0069] As FIGS. 1A-1Cand FIGS. 2A-2D As shown, it is also a method of trimming a lens mold assembly 102 after molding according to a number of different embodiments. According to a number of different embodiments, the method can include rotating the lens mold assembly 102 between a coaxially aligned first rotating portion and a second rotating portion 112, 114 of a lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110 held in the trimming machine 100, 200, 201, wherein the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 can be axially spaced apart from one another along a common axis 113 for holding the lens mold assembly 102 therebetween, and wherein the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 can be rotatable about the common axis 113 to rotate the lens mold assembly 102. Accordingly, the lens mold assembly 102 can be rotated by the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110 with the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 holding the lens mold assembly 102 therebetween and rotating the lens mold assembly 102 with them as they rotate.

[0070] According to a number of different embodiments, the method can include engaging a circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 with a trimming edge 132 of a first blade 130 of a trimming mechanism 120 of the trimming machine 100, 200, 201, wherein the first blade 130 can be disposed at a first radial position from the common axis 113 and the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 can be parallel with the common axis 113. Accordingly, as the lens mold assembly 102 is rotated, the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 of the trimming mechanism 120 can be brought into engagement with the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 such that the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130 can trim the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the method can include engaging the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 with the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 of the trimming mechanism 120 of the edging machine 100, 200, 201, where the second blade 140 can be disposed at a second radial position from the common axis 113 and the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 can be radially aligned with respect to the common axis 113. Accordingly, as the lens mold assembly 102 is rotated, the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 of the trimming mechanism 120 can be brought into engagement with the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 such that the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 can edge the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102. Further, when the method includes engaging the convex surface 106 of the lens mold assembly 102 with the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140, the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140 can be inclined at an angle from the transverse plane 121 that is perpendicular to the common axis 113.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the method can further include moving the first blade 130 of the trimming mechanism 120 of the edging machine 100, 200, 201 toward and away from the first radial position with respect to the common axis 113 for engaging the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 with the trimming edge 132 of the first blade 130. According to various embodiments, moving the first blade 130 of the trimming mechanism 120 of the edging machine 200, 201 can be via the first actuator 270.

[0073] According to various embodiments, the method can further include moving the second blade 140 of the trimming mechanism 120 of the edging machine 100, 200, 201 toward and away from the second radial position with respect to the common axis 113 for engaging the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 with the trimming edge 142 of the second blade 140. According to various embodiments, moving the second blade 140 of the trimming mechanism 120 of the edging machine 200, 201 can be via the second actuator 280.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the method can include moving the lens mold assembly 102 along a common axis 113 via the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 of the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110 of the edging machine 100, 200, 201 to align a portion of the circumferential surface 104 of the lens mold assembly 102 to a first radial position relative to the common axis 113 and a portion of the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102 to a second radial position relative to the common axis 113 such that the first and second blades 130, 140 of the edging mechanism 120 can be moved into engagement with the circumferential surface 104 and the convex surface 106 (or concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102, respectively. Accordingly, after the lens mold assembly 102 is held between the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 of the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110, the lens mold assembly rotating mechanism 110 can move the first and second rotating portions 112, 114 along the common axis to align the lens mold assembly 102 to the edging machine 100, 200, 201.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the machine 100, 200, 201 can comprise a processor. In various embodiments, a "processor" can be understood as any kind of a logic implementing entity, which can be special purpose circuitry or a processor executing software, firmware, or any combination thereof stored in memory. Thus, in one embodiment, a "processor" can be hard-wired circuitry or programmable logic such as a programmable processor, e.g., a microprocessor such as a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) processor or a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processor. A "processor" can also be a processor executing software, e.g., any kind of computer program, e.g., a computer program using a virtual machine code such as Java. Any other kind of implementation of the respective functions described below in more detail can also be understood as a "processor" according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, a processor can be part of a computing system or a controller or a microcontroller or any other system providing processing capabilities. According to various embodiments, such a system can comprise a memory, e.g., for processing by the apparatus. The memory used in these embodiments can be a volatile memory, e.g., a DRAM (dynamic random access memory), or a non-volatile memory, e.g., a PROM (programmable read-only memory), an EPROM (erasable PROM), an EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), or a flash memory, e.g., a floating gate memory, a charge trap memory, an MRAM (magnetic random access memory), or a PCRAM (phase change random access memory).

[0076] According to various embodiments, the processor can be configured to generate various control signals for operating various components of the machine 100, 200, 201. According to various embodiments, the processor can be configured to generate various control signals in order to operate the machine 100, 200, 201 according to various methods described herein. According to various embodiments, the processor can be configured to generate various control signals in a predetermined order based on various methods described herein. According to various embodiments, the processor can receive various detection signals from various sensor arrangements (e.g., such as proximity sensors and / or contact sensors for detecting whether the lens mold assembly 102 is in position for edging), process the various detection signals, and generate corresponding control signals in response to the various detection signals for controlling various components of the machine 100, 200, 201. For example, the processor can be configured to control the lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110 to rotate the lens mold assembly 102, control the edging mechanism 120 to move the first blade 130 and the second blade 140 into engagement with the circumferential surface 104 and the convex surface 106 (or the concave surface 101) of the lens mold assembly 102, respectively, control the lens mold assembly rotation mechanism 110 to stop rotating, and control the edging mechanism 120 to move to withdraw the first blade 130 and the second blade 140 so that the edged lens mold assembly 102 can be removed from the machine 100, 200, 201.

[0077] Various embodiments have provided an edging machine for removing excess material from a lens mold assembly, and a method of edging a lens mold assembly after molding in an efficient and repeatable manner. Various embodiments are all capable of rotating a lens mold assembly, automatically engaging trimming blades with the lens mold assembly, and accurately edging the lens mold assembly. Accordingly, various embodiments can provide an efficient and high-yield process for edging a lens mold assembly.

[0078] While representative methods and articles have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An edging machine for removing flash on a lens mold assembly after molding, the machine comprising: - a lens mold assembly rotating mechanism having coaxially aligned first and second rotating portions operable to be axially spaced apart from each other along a common axis for holding the lens mold assembly therebetween, each of the first and second rotating portions being rotatable about the common axis; and - an edging mechanism comprising: - a first blade disposed at a first radial position from the common axis, the first blade having a trimming edge parallel to the common axis for engaging a circumferential surface of the lens mold assembly held between the first and second rotating portions, and - a second blade disposed at a second radial position from the common axis, the second blade having a trimming edge radially aligned with respect to the common axis, wherein the trimming edge of the second blade is for engaging a convex or concave surface of the lens mold assembly held between the first and second rotating portions. The trimming edge of the second blade is inclined at an angle from a transverse plane perpendicular to the common axis so as to be for engaging the convex surface of the lens mold assembly.

2. The machine of claim 1, wherein, The edging mechanism further comprises a first biasing device coupled to the first blade so as to bias the trimming edge of the first blade towards the circumferential surface of the lens mold assembly held between the first and second rotating portions.

3. The machine of claim 1, wherein, The first biasing device comprises a first biasing element coupled to a first portion of the first blade and a second biasing element coupled to a second portion of the first blade, the first and second portions of the first blade being two different portions of the first blade along a direction parallel to the trimming edge of the first blade.

4. The machine of claim 3, wherein, The first biasing device comprises two to five biasing elements coupled to the first blade and uniformly distributed along a direction parallel to the trimming edge of the first blade.

5. The machine of claim 4, wherein, The edging mechanism further comprises a second biasing device coupled to the second blade so as to bias the trimming edge of the second blade towards the convex surface of the lens mold assembly held between the first and second rotating portions.

6. The machine of claim 1, wherein, The second biasing device comprises a first biasing element coupled to a first portion of the second blade and a second biasing element coupled to a second portion of the second blade, the first and second portions of the second blade being two different portions of the first blade along a direction parallel to the trimming edge of the second blade.

7. The machine of claim 6, wherein, The second biasing device comprises two to five biasing elements coupled to the second blade and uniformly distributed along a direction parallel to the trimming edge of the second blade.

8. The machine of claim 7, wherein, ​ 9. The machine of claim 1, wherein, The first blade is angled away from a first radial plane containing the common axis and the trimming edge of the first blade so as to cause a leading surface of the first blade to form a first angle therebetween with the first radial plane.

10. The machine of claim 9, wherein, The first angle formed between the leading surface of the first blade and the first radial plane is between 1° and 90°.

11. The machine of claim 2, wherein, The second blade is angled away from a second radial plane containing the common axis and the trimming edge of the second blade so as to cause a trailing surface of the second blade to form a second angle therebetween with the second radial plane.

12. The machine of claim 11, wherein, The second angle formed between the trailing surface of the second blade and the second radial plane is between 5° and 40°.

13. The machine of claim 1, wherein, The second blade is aligned with a second radial plane containing the common axis and the trimming edge of the second blade so as to cause the second blade to lie within the second radial plane.

14. The machine of claim 1, wherein, The edging mechanism includes a first actuator coupled to the first blade, the first actuator configured to move the first blade toward and away from a first radial position from the common axis.

15. The machine of claim 1, wherein, The edging mechanism includes a second actuator coupled to the second blade, the second actuator configured to move the second blade toward and away from a second radial position from the common axis.

16. A method of edging a lens mold assembly after molding, the method comprising: - rotating the lens mold assembly between coaxially aligned first and second rotating portions of a lens mold assembly rotating mechanism of an edging machine, wherein the first and second rotating portions are axially spaced apart from one another along a common axis for holding the lens mold assembly therebetween, and wherein the first and second rotating portions are rotatable about the common axis to rotate the lens mold assembly; - engaging a circumferential surface of the lens mold assembly with a trimming edge of a first blade of an edging mechanism of the edging machine, wherein the first blade is disposed at a first radial position from the common axis and the trimming edge of the first blade is parallel to the common axis; and - engaging a convex or concave surface of the lens mold assembly with a trimming edge of a second blade of the edging mechanism of the edging machine, wherein the second blade is disposed at a second radial position from the common axis and the trimming edge of the second blade is radially aligned with respect to the common axis.

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