Machining machine for optical lenses and production plant having the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a processing machine (1) for processing optical lenses (101, 102), which processing machine is composed of a structural unit (2). The processing machine has a horizontally aligned conveying route (10) for transporting a container (100) containing at least one optical lens (101, 102), wherein the conveying route (10) extends from an entry side (3) to an opposite exit side (4) of the structural unit (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing machine for processing optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses according to claim 1, and a production facility having at least two such processing machines according to claim 14. Background Technology

[0002] Numerous different machining machines for processing optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses are known from the prior art, for example, for manufacturing spectacle lenses. Turning machines are described, for example, in DE 10 2019 127 628A1. A synchronous turning machine for simultaneously turning two lens blanks is disclosed in DE 10 2015102 900A1. Containers (work trays) containing two lens blanks each are transported along a conveyor belt. A workpiece handling device extracts the lens pair from the tray and returns the two processed lenses to the container within the same lifting cycle. The extracted blank lenses are then transferred to the workpiece holder of the turning station and processed. A synchronous milling machine described in DE 10 2015 102 899A1 is similarly constructed. For example, for finer machining, grinding mechanisms are known from DE 198 09 353A1, polishing tools are known from DE 10 2013108 766A1, and polishing equipment is known from DE 10 2007 050 470A1. To secure the lens in the machining machine, it is also known to fix the lens to the block by means of adhesives, especially alloys. This is described, for example, in DE 10 2008064 333A1. Alternatively, there are mechanical, negative-pressure-based workpiece holders for the lens, as described, for example, in DE 102007 040 395B4 and DE 10 2004 016 445B4. It is also known from EP 3181 291B1 that a protective film is provided for the lens to be machined, which can be automatically removed from the lens again by means of the equipment described therein. Furthermore, as known from EP 3 819 092A1, the unfinished lens is automatically extracted from its outer packaging so that it can be subsequently conveyed in a container to downstream production machines. Additionally, there are circumferential machining machines, de-blocking machines for separating the lens from the block (see, for example, EP 2 042 265B1), coating equipment, cleaning machines, etc., to ultimately produce spectacle lenses from the unfinished lens. All these different work steps are performed using individual machining machines. Only closely related processes, such as turning and milling or grinding and polishing, are sometimes combined into a single machining machine.

[0003] To perform different work steps, the lenses or blank lenses must be transported to different workstations. For this purpose, containers for lens pairs are known, for example, from the mentioned DE 10 2015 102 899A1, DE 10 2015 102900A1 and EP 2042 265B1.

[0004] In the simplest case, employees carry containers with lens pairs from one machine to another. Workshop and production line designs with processing islands are known from general production design to reduce personnel costs. The production line mentioned last has been used at least partially in spectacle lens production, for which individual machines with additional conveyor routes, particularly conveyor belts, are connected to each other. Thus, pairs of optical lenses or optical blank lenses can be automatically transported in containers between processing machines. The problem is the varying travel times of the combined processing machines, which is why a central main conveyor route without processing machines is used, and each processing machine is positioned in a conveyor loop branching horizontally from the main conveyor route, consisting of conveyor belts. In this way, each processing machine can extract a container with the lens to be processed from the main conveyor route and then transport it on the conveyor loop at a machine-specific operating speed. Then, optical lenses or blank lenses are extracted from the container standing on the machine conveyor using, for example, a workpiece handling device described in DE 10 2015102 899A1. Here, the machine's conveyor belt constitutes a sub-segment of the conveyor loop.

[0005] A significant drawback is the substantial structural cost of connecting the various processing machines via additional conveyor systems. The production machines are arranged in a Christmas tree-like layout through laterally branched conveyor loops, which are very wide and long, resulting in excessive distances for operators and service personnel. Particularly, space must be reserved between two adjacent conveyor loops for operation and service, thus requiring a long main conveyor route. The overall networking of the machines presents challenges because accessibility to the processing machines and conveyor systems must be implemented in a way that meets work safety requirements. For this purpose, cabling and fluid lines are laid out in a way that is unobstructed and adheres to minimum aisle widths. The installation of production facilities with such processing machines is costly, requires a large number of individual production runs, is labor-intensive, and necessitates a large floor space. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a solution by means of a production facility that occupies a small area, can be installed simply and cost-effectively, is easily accessible to operators and service personnel during operation, and can at least partially compensate for the different travel times of processing machines.

[0007] The main features of the invention are described in claims 1 and 14. The design is the subject of claims 2 to 13, 15 and the specification.

[0008] This invention relates to a processing machine for processing optical lenses, the processing machine comprising structural units. The processing machine has horizontally aligned transport routes for transporting containers containing at least one, preferably at least two, and particularly preferably precisely two optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses, wherein the transport routes extend from the entry side of the structural unit to the opposite exit side of the structural unit. According to the invention, the processing machine has a container buffer and a container transport device. The container transport device is configured to: extract containers from the transport route and move them into the container buffer, and is also configured to: transport containers back onto the transport route. Furthermore, the processing machine has a workpiece handling station having at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably three, and particularly preferably four parking spaces for each container. The container transport device is also configured to: transport containers from the container buffer (optionally also directly from the transport route) to the parking spaces or at least one of the parking spaces. The workpiece handling station also has handling equipment configured to: extract optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses from containers placed in or on a parking space and deliver them to a processing station (especially a processing machine).

[0009] Therefore, according to the present invention, a buffer container can be installed within the structural unit of the processing machine. For this purpose, the container buffer storage is constructed separately from the conveyor route, thus shortening the conveyor route. This allows multiple such processing machines to be arranged sequentially in a row. There is no need for a conveyor loop with machine-specific conveyor speeds and container buffers on the conveyor loop. This simplifies the layout of the production facility with such processing machines. The commissioning of such a production facility is correspondingly quick and cost-effective, as there is no or only a few dedicated production units required between the processing machines. Furthermore, this layout provides operators and service personnel with straight and short paths, for example, operating on one side of the processing machine row and maintaining on the opposite side. Moreover, it is possible to selectively use the processing machine to move, i.e., optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses that do not need to be processed can be simply conveyed with the container to the departure side without retrieval. This fulfills the function of the branches used in the prior art on the conveyor loop from the main conveyor route. The processing station supplies workpieces via a workpiece handling station, which in turn are supplied from the buffer container in the container buffer storage or directly from the conveyor route. If the container transport equipment is configured to selectively transport containers directly from the transport route to one of the parking spaces, then priority containers can easily override buffered containers. This allows for order prioritization: whether to meet customer expectations or to optimize the utilization of other processing machines along the production facility. The one or more parking spaces should not belong to the container buffer storage. Accordingly, the workpiece handling station should not be able to retrieve optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses from containers located in the container buffer storage. The container buffer storage can therefore allow containers to be arranged closely together in a small space, for example, vertically, without regard to accessibility to their contents (lenses).

[0010] According to a variant of the processing machine, the processing station has a source

[0011] a) The first group includes preparing the equipment, namely...

[0012] Unpacking equipment for extracting optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses from packaging;

[0013] Cleaning equipment for cleaning optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses;

[0014] A connector device for connecting optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses to blocks;

[0015] A film-applying device for bonding a protective film to the surface of an optical lens and / or a blank optical lens; and

[0016] Identification device for applying information to optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses;

[0017] and / or

[0018] b) The second group includes mechanical processing machines, namely

[0019] Milling machines used for milling optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses;

[0020] Turning machines used for turning optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses;

[0021] Grinding machines used for grinding optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses;

[0022] Polishing machines used for polishing optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses; and

[0023] Circumferential machining machines used to manufacture circumferential contours of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses.

[0024] and / or

[0025] c) The third group includes surface treatment machines, namely

[0026] Coating equipment for coating surfaces of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses; and

[0027] Tempering equipment for heat treatment of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses;

[0028] and / or

[0029] d) The fourth group includes post-processing machines, i.e.

[0030] Measuring equipment used to determine the parameters of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses;

[0031] Film removal equipment for removing protective films from optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses;

[0032] De-blocking equipment for separating optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses from blocks;

[0033] Cleaning equipment for removing processing residues from optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses; and

[0034] Packaging equipment for packaging optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses in packaging.

[0035] All these processing devices can perform the operations in processing optical lenses or optical blank lenses. Completely independent of the type of lens processing, these processing devices are advantageously combined with transport routes, container buffers, container handling devices, and workpiece handling devices to form advantageous structural units. Structural units with the same and / or different processing devices must be arranged sequentially. For example, if a structural unit with milling equipment is, for example, twice as fast as a structural unit with turning equipment, a pair of structural units with turning equipment can be simply arranged sequentially to coordinate production capacity. For example, to increase production capacity, another structural unit with the weakest production link can be simply added in. If it is desired to reduce production capacity, in the case of multiple structural units with multiple weakest production links, one of the structural units can be simply removed.

[0036] The processing equipment preferably has a workpiece holder, such as a chuck, a negative pressure retainer, or a clamp. This allows for the securing of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses during processing. For some processes, such as cleaning and coating, a simple tray may suffice as a workpiece holder without additional lens securing devices.

[0037] According to an optional design, the conveying route extends from the entry side of the structural unit to the opposite exit side of the structural unit, allowing a second processing machine with the same configuration as the conveying route to be placed next to the processing machine, such that the entry side of the second processing machine is adjacent to, and in particular directly adjacent to, the exit side of the processing machine, and the conveying route of the second processing machine continues, and in particular directly continues, the conveying route of the processing machine. Accordingly, no additional conveying technology is required between the processing machines.

[0038] According to one possible embodiment of the processing machine, the entry and exit sides are parallel to each other and aligned transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the transport path. This allows the processing machines to be arranged linearly in sequence. This is also preferably feasible without offset, whereby the entry and exit sides of the transport path should have the same position in the cross-section of the processing machine.

[0039] In one particular implementation, the conveying path has a conveyor belt or roller belt. This can be implemented structurally simply. In the case of a conveyor belt, it typically includes multiple rollers with conveyor belts. Roller belts use the individual rollers as the conveying path. At least when the roller belt sections or the individual rollers are driven separately from each other, each container can be moved forward at an individual speed by means of such rollers.

[0040] In a particular design of the processing machine, the conveyor route is constructed linearly, especially along its entire length. This structure is simple, inexpensive, and enables linear conveyor routes along the production facility, allowing for the safe transport of containers without the risk of snagging.

[0041] A key feature is that the processing machine has a reading device for reading information from containers and / or optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses positioned on the transport route, and the container transport equipment is controlled by extraction logic that determines whether the container is extracted from the transport route or transported to the departure side without extraction. This ensures that only containers with lenses to be processed are extracted. For this purpose, a data connection exists between the reading device and the extraction logic, such as a processor with decision software. To optimize production facilities with multiple processing machines, if, for example, the container buffer of a downstream processing machine is full, containers with lenses not to be processed can additionally be temporarily stored in the container buffer.

[0042] In one variant, the structural unit has a housing with a straight first housing wall on the entry side and a second housing wall parallel to the first housing wall on the exit side. The straight housing walls allow the structural units to be closely positioned relative to each other, and the structural units can be easily pulled out of the row, for example, because there is no nesting. This should be understood broadly, as any reinforcing ribs and recesses, such as interfaces, are immediately apparent to those skilled in the art as harmless; the straight machine segments are essential to enable the processing machines to be placed relative to each other with as little clearance as possible.

[0043] Specifically, it can be proposed that the conveyor route does not extend beyond the first and second housing walls. This allows the entire length of the conveyor route to be used for processing and manufacturing the lens. The production facility can be designed to be correspondingly short because a purely conveyor path along the production facility is not required; for example, it is not necessary to provide a buffer device with a container on the additional conveyor route.

[0044] In a particular variant, the container transport equipment is configured to: (only) extract containers from one (first) segment of the transport route, but not from another (second) segment of the transport route (the numbering in the first and second segments does not refer to the transport direction of the transport route, but only to the subdivision into multiple segments). This allows for a compact container transport equipment because its radius of action along the transport route is limited. The second segment can serve as a horizontal buffer, thus allowing, for example, the extraction and placement of containers in the first segment without obstruction by following containers. Preferably, the second segment is positioned ahead of the first segment in the transport direction. This allows following containers to be stopped before the first segment. The second segment can extend exposed outside the housing, preferably on the upper side of the housing. This allows for visual observation of transport along the transport route from the outside. Faults are quickly detected and can be corrected, at least on the second segment, without opening the housing. For quality control purposes, it is desirable that individual containers can be manually extracted and repositioned without cost. The first segment can be housed within the housing. In this case, the housing constitutes a protective cover to prevent access to the moving parts of the container transport equipment. If only low adjusting force and speed occur when retrieving the container from the conveyor route, the protective measures can be removed if necessary. The first section can then extend exposed outside the casing.

[0045] Furthermore, the housing may have a front side and a rear side, wherein a conveying route extends from the entry side to the exit side between the front and rear sides. Optionally, at least one operating element is disposed on the front side. Also optionally, at least one maintenance cover may be configured on the rear side of the housing. Operation may be concentrated on the front side of the processing machine or a row of processing machines, while servicing is primarily performed from the rear side.

[0046] The container is also referred to by those skilled in the art as a pallet or work tray. The container is preferably made of plastic. Furthermore, the container should have an open top. This helps to create a lightweight, robust structure that is not critical to the harder parts of the processing machine and allows easy access to the lens or blank lens.

[0047] Optical lenses and optical blank lenses can be made of transparent glass or plastic. Optical lenses and optical blank lenses should have opposing surfaces, which are either already optically effective or have been processed to become optically effective surfaces. The optically effective surfaces can be concave and / or convex. Preferably, optical lenses and optical blank lenses have a circular circumference; however, the circumference may also be oval-shaped or adapted to the opening of the eyeglass lens during the manufacturing process, sooner or later.

[0048] According to a more detailed design, the container buffer storage has storage space for containers arranged vertically to each other. This achieves vertical storage, which is accomplished with a small footprint. This generally contributes to the small footprint of processing machines and production facilities. Preferably, the parking space is located below the conveyor route, specifically aligned below it. Adjacent to the container buffer storage, a conveyor shaft is preferably formed through which containers can be moved vertically by means of container transport equipment.

[0049] Specifically, storage space can be constructed using horizontally accessible shelving space. This allows for individual warehousing and retrieval without being tied to FIF (First In, First Out) or LIF (Last In, First Out) processing. This allows for coordination of processing speeds of the production facility's machines, or for priority containers to pass through the production facility gates faster than non-priority containers. In the alternative direct top-to-bottom stacking, in the simplest case, only the top containers can always be retrieved, resulting in LIF (Last In, First Out) processing. Specifically, container transport equipment can be configured to: pull the bottom container from the stack (thus achieving FIFO processing) or any container. However, in most cases, the increased storage capacity compared to shelving space is not economical compared to the additional technical overhead of flexible retrieval from the stack. Container buffer storage preferably provides space for at least three, more preferably at least four, and particularly preferably at least five containers.

[0050] Container transport equipment may have at least one first container receiving component for lifting and moving containers. Therefore, the containers no longer move along any tracks, but are lifted through space. This can be achieved in a space-saving manner. Optionally, the container transport equipment may have at least one second container receiving component, by means of which the second container receiving component can be lifted and moved independently of the first container receiving component. This allows two containers to be manipulated simultaneously, for example, one entering a container buffer storage from a transport route and the second moving from the container buffer storage to one or more parking spaces. The first and / or second container receiving components may be constituted by a lifting mechanism having forks, grippers, hooks, or suction plates, or at least have such components.

[0051] The operating equipment of the workpiece operating station should also be configured to: extract optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses separately from the processing station and place them in containers located in one of the parking spaces. The operating equipment may include at least one gripper or at least one suction cup, preferably a pair thereof, to hold the two optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses.

[0052] Furthermore, the parking space can be configured on a turntable, which specifically allows the container to switch parking spaces according to the rotation angle of the turntable and thereby rotate into the access area of ​​the container transport equipment or operating equipment. Thus, since the container transport equipment and operating equipment can collide simultaneously, the loading process of the processing machine can be executed quickly. The turntable is preferably located below the container buffer storage. Optionally, the turntable extends partially into the vertical row of the container buffer storage.

[0053] According to a specific design, the container transport equipment has multiple placement and retrieval positions, all of which are vertically arranged above and below each other, preferably vertically aligned. Thus, the container transport equipment can be simply and compactly constructed in terms of its base. The multiple placement and retrieval positions preferably have locations on the transport route, at least two (especially all) storage spaces for the container buffer, and locations coinciding with the parking space of the workpiece handling station.

[0054] In a particular variant, the turntable has three or four parking spaces and correspondingly three or four adjacent rotational positions, the positions of which can be exchanged using the rotational positions.

[0055] The container transport equipment is configured to: park and retrieve containers in a parking space in at least one first rotational position, particularly only in the first rotational position, and

[0056] The workpiece operating station is configured to: extract and place optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses from a container in a parking space in at least one of the other rotational positions.

[0057] If the entrance to the container transport equipment is restricted to one of the parking spaces, the entrance is located, for example, below the container buffer storage, thus saving space. The same applies if the workpiece handling station can only access one of its associated parking spaces. The other parking spaces then serve as short-term buffers, allowing loading of the processing machine to resume immediately after the turntable has rotated (e.g., 120 degrees or 90 degrees).

[0058] In container transport equipment, crates containing processed lenses are always removed first, and new crates are then erected. The turntable is then rotated. Meanwhile, in terms of workpiece handling equipment, lenses are extracted from the container, and processed lenses are placed into the container.

[0059] The present invention also relates to a production facility having first and second processing machines as described above and below, wherein the second processing machine is mounted next to the first processing machine such that the entry side of the second processing machine is adjacent to, and in particular directly adjacent to, the exit side of the first processing machine, and the transport route of the second processing machine continues, and in particular directly continues, the transport route of the first processing machine. This enables a production facility with two processing machines where containers do not need to be manually transferred between devices or where a central main transport route with a transport loop is not required for transfer.

[0060] The core application of this invention is that the first and second processing machines each have processing equipment from the second group, namely, machining machines.

[0061] Specifically, to double the output, it can be proposed that at least two processing devices with identical structures be located in adjacent processing machines. Then, the container transport device of the first processing machine retrieves the first half-container from the transport route, and the transport device of the second processing machine retrieves the second half-container.

[0062] Alternatively or supplementarily, a third processing machine, as described above and below, may be installed before the first processing machine, such that the exit side of the third processing machine is adjacent, in particular directly adjacent, to the entry side of the first processing machine, and the transport route of the first processing machine continues, in particular directly, the transport route of the third processing machine, wherein the third processing machine has processing equipment from the first group, i.e., preparation equipment. (The numbering should not be construed as requiring the aforementioned second processing machine. The numbering is purely identification and not a sequential description or numbering. This also applies to further descriptions.)

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, it may be proposed that a fourth processing machine, as described above and below, is installed behind the second processing machine such that the entry side of the fourth processing machine is adjacent to, and directly adjacent to, the exit side of the second processing machine, and the transport route of the fourth processing machine continues, in particular directly, the transport route of the second processing machine, wherein the fourth processing machine has processing equipment from the third group, i.e., a surface treatment machine, or processing equipment from the fourth group, i.e., a post-processing machine.

[0064] In one particular design, the processing machine is configured with the same container buffer storage, container transport equipment, and optionally, at least substantially the same workpiece operating station mechanism. The transport route and / or housing and / or machine frame can optionally be configured with at least substantially the same structure. This results in a large number of identical components, leading to low production facility costs and standardized spare parts for maintenance. Advantages are also gained in terms of service, as the same type of system is always maintained. Specifically, the optional turntable of the workpiece operating station can also be configured with the same structure without any problems. The operating device used to move the lens to the processing equipment can then be individually adapted to the processing equipment. Therefore, different movement processes, target positions, and transfers are required for the interface.

[0065] Furthermore, it is proposed to provide processing machines of uniform length, or at least only a few different, defined lengths. This yields a module or a small number of modules, which are then completed, particularly using the desired processing equipment. This also keeps the number of different occurrences in the production facility low. In the event of damage, it may not be necessary to remove the entire machine from the production line; instead, the processing equipment can simply be replaced. This modularity can even change the purpose of the processing machine by replacing the processing equipment with different ones. Thus, the cost of modernizing the machine is lower than the cost of replacing the entire processing machine.

[0066] The operating elements and control devices of the processing equipment can also be constructed separately.

[0067] Preferably, no additional conveyor elements are arranged between adjacent processing machines. However, this is not permissible at all installation sites, which is why additional conveyor elements may be optionally used to, for example, bridge hall windows / hall transitions or height level switching, or to provide an L-shaped or U-shaped layout for the production facility.

[0068] Furthermore, the production facility should have a central machine control unit to centrally operate each processing machine. However, the processing machines can have additional local control units that cooperate with the central machine control unit. Attached Figure Description

[0069] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of embodiments according to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0070] Figure 1 A perspective view of a production facility with four processing machines arranged in sequence is shown;

[0071] Figure 2 The diagram shows a production facility with a U-shaped layout and multiple processing machines.

[0072] Figure 3 A perspective view shows two sequentially arranged machining machines with transparent housings and concealed machining stations; and

[0073] Figure 4 A perspective view of selected components from two sequentially arranged processing machines is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Figure 1 A perspective view of a production facility 200 with four processing machines 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c arranged sequentially is shown. Here, the second processing machine 1a is mounted behind the first processing machine 1, such that the entry side 3a of the second processing machine 1a is directly adjacent to the exit side 4 of the first processing machine 1, and the conveying route 10a of the second processing machine 1a directly continues the conveying route 10a of the first processing machine 1. For example, the first and second processing machines 1 and 1a each have processing equipment 61 and 61a from a machining group. Alternatively, two identical processing equipment 61 and 61a can be used.

[0075] The third processing machine 1b is installed before the first processing machine 1, such that the exit side 4b of the third processing machine 1b is directly adjacent to the inlet side 3 of the first processing machine 1, and the conveying route 10 of the first processing machine 1 directly continues the conveying route 10b of the first processing machine 1. The third processing machine 1 may, for example, have a processing device 61b from the preparation equipment group.

[0076] The fourth processing machine 1c is also mounted behind the second processing machine 1a, such that the entry side 3c of the fourth processing machine 1c is directly adjacent to the exit side 4a of the second processing machine 1a, and the conveying route 10c of the fourth processing machine 1c directly continues the conveying route 10a of the second processing machine 1a. The fourth processing machine 1c may, for example, have a processing device 61c from a surface treatment machine or a post-treatment machine group. Different processing devices will be described in detail later.

[0077] Figure 1 The production facility 200 shown can, for example, be supplemented into a longer production facility 200, as it appears from a bird's-eye view. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, a large number of other processing machines are arranged in rows. A U-shaped layout is meaningful in such a long overall transport route, with a direction reversal section 201 located in the middle of the route. Here, the front side 8, particularly the operating side, is aligned forward. This allows the operator to reach all processing machines within a short distance. The rear side 9 of processing machines 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c, particularly the service side, points outward. For service purposes, short distances are generally less important than a spacious working surface.

[0078] According to Figure 1and 4 In the case of production facility 200, it is generally feasible that the processing machines 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c are structurally identical to the container buffer storage 20 and the container transport equipment 30, and at least substantially identical to the workpiece operating station 40. The housing 5, the conveying routes 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, and any machine frame can also be at least substantially identical in structure.

[0079] Here, as Figure 2 As shown, conveyor routes 10, 10a, 10b, 10c or processing machines 1, 1a, 1b, 1c can have different lengths to accommodate, for example, different processing devices 61, 61a, 61b, 61c. Here, according to... Figure 2 It is limited to three different, defined structural lengths.

[0080] like Figure 2 It is identified that, although a modular basic concept is adopted, when necessary, a special machine 202 with a conveying circuit 203 is suspended between processing machines 1, 1a, 1b, 1c according to the invention in such a way that the processing machines 1, 1a, 1b, 1c according to the invention are not directly arranged in a way that allows them to be placed together.

[0081] No additional conveying elements are arranged between all other processing machines 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c. However, alternatively, there is the possibility of adapting the step distance to the installation site by, for example, overcoming hall openings or height levels with separate conveyor routes, or selecting an L-shaped layout to use an L-shaped parking surface.

[0082] Figure 1 and 2 Detailed technical designs of the processing machines 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c shown are derived from... Figure 3 and 4 This is derived from...

[0083] Figure 3 A perspective view of two sequentially arranged processing machines 1 and 1b is shown, each machine having a transparently shown housing 5 and a concealed processing station 60. Figure 4 The perspective view of the selected components of two sequentially arranged processing machines 1 and 1a is again visible. Therefore, the same reference numerals refer to the same type of components.

[0084] Especially in Figure 3The document identifies a processing machine 1 for processing optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102. The entire processing machine 1, along with a second processing machine 1, forms a structural unit 2. The processing machine has a horizontally extending transport route 10 for transporting a container 100 containing exactly two optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102. The transport route 10 extends from the entry side 3 of the structural unit 2 to the opposite exit side 4 of the structural unit 2. This specifically allows a second processing machine 1b, with the same structure as the transport route 10, to be placed next to the processing machine 1, such that the exit side 4b of the second processing machine 1b is directly adjacent to the entry side 3 of the processing machine 1, and the transport route 10 of the processing machine 1 continues the transport route 10b of the second processing machine 1b. It is identifiable that the entry side 3 and the exit side 4 are aligned parallel to each other and laterally, and here perpendicularly, to the transport route 10.

[0085] The conveyor route 10 may have a conveyor belt or roller belt 11 and is currently configured linearly along its entire length, particularly when viewed from above and in the height profile. The conveyor route is also horizontally aligned in geodetic measurements.

[0086] Within the housing 5 of structural unit 2, a container buffer storage 20 with multiple storage spaces 21, 22 is arranged. The storage spaces 21, 22 are vertically aligned and form a horizontally accessible shelf. The storage spaces 21, 22 are located directly below the conveyor route 10; this alignment can be complete or partial. A vertical shaft is formed in front of the storage spaces 21, 22, through which the container 100 can move vertically in front of the container buffer storage 20 without tilting it. For this purpose, the shaft has a larger base than the container 100.

[0087] The processing machine 1 has a container transport device 30 for transporting container 100. The container transport device 30 is configured to: extract container 100 from transport route 10 and place it into container buffer storage 20. The container transport device also takes over the task of transporting container 100 back onto transport route 10. It is identifiable that a first section 12 of transport route 10 extends through the container transport device 30, and a second section 13 of transport route 10 extends exposed on the upper side of housing 5. The second section 13 is currently located ahead of the first section 12 in the transport direction of transport route 10. A reading device 70 for reading information from container 100 and / or optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 is arranged in the region of the first section 12. The container transport device 30 is operated by means of extraction logic, which, taking into account the information from the reading device 70, determines whether container 100 is extracted from transport route 10 or whether container 100 is transported to departure side 4 via transport route 10 without extraction.

[0088] For operation of container 100, container transport equipment 30 has at least one first container receiving member 31 for lifting and moving container 100. This can be a lift with a container slider, gripper, fork, hook, or suction plate, or at least such a component. A fork-shaped receiving member is currently shown, which travels below container 100 and can lift and raise it to the area of ​​a transport well adjacent to container buffer storage 20. Container 100 then moves up and down within said transport well.

[0089] The housing 5 has a front side 8 and a rear side 9, and a conveying route 10 extends parallel from the entry side 3 to the exit side 4 between the front side 8 and the rear side 9. A straight first housing wall portion 6 is located on the entry side 3, and a second housing wall portion 7 parallel to the first housing wall portion 6 is located on the exit side 4. The conveying route 10 does not extend beyond the first and second housing walls 6, 7 (at most a few centimeters (<5 cm)). In particular, operating elements may be arranged on the front side 8. A maintenance cover may be provided on the rear side 9 of the housing 5. Optionally, operating elements may also be arranged on the rear side 9 to allow service personnel to perform specific operations on the processing machine 1 without having to go to the opposite machine side.

[0090] Container 100, also known as a tray or work tray, is preferably made of plastic and has an open upper side. Currently, exactly two optical lenses or optical blank lenses 101, 102 are present therein. The lenses may be made of optically transparent glass or plastic and have opposing surfaces, which are either already optically active or processed to be optically active. The optically active surfaces 101, 102 may be concave and / or convex. The optical lenses or optical blank lenses 101, 102 may have a circular circumference, but in lens manufacturing they may also be elliptical or adapted to the opening of the eyeglass frame.

[0091] Furthermore, the processing machine 1 has a workpiece operating station 40, which has four parking spaces 41, 42, 43, and 44 for each container 100. The four parking spaces 41, 42, 43, and 44 are configured on a turntable 45, such that the container 100 switches between parking spaces 41, 42, 43, and 44 according to the rotation angle of the turntable 45, and thereby enters the access area of ​​the container transport device 30 or the operating device 50. The container transport device 30 or the operating device 50 can access at least one of the parking spaces 41, 42, 43, and 44 respectively. The turntable 45 has four rotational positions to be approached, wherein the container transport device 30 is configured to: park the container 100 in parking space 41 in the first rotation and extract it therein.

[0092] The workpiece handling station 40 has an operating device 50 configured to: extract optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 from a container 100 and deliver them to a processing station 60, the container being located in one of the parking spaces 42, 43. Furthermore, the operating device 50 is configured to: extract optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 from the processing station 60 and place them in the container 100, which is located in one of the parking spaces 42, 43. For this purpose, the operating device 50 may have at least one gripper or at least one suction plate, preferably a pair, to hold one or both optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102. A variant with four grippers or suction plates is also contemplated so that it is not necessary to return to the container 100 in the parking spaces 42, 43 between extracting the lens pair from the processing station and retransmitting the lens pair to be processed.

[0093] Processing station 60 may in particular be produced from the following processing equipment 61

[0094] a) The first group includes preparing the equipment, namely...

[0095] Unpacking equipment for extracting optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 from packaging;

[0096] Cleaning equipment for cleaning optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0097] A connecting device for connecting optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 to blocks;

[0098] A film-applying device for bonding a protective film to the surface of an optical lens and / or a blank optical lens 101, 102; and

[0099] Marking device for applying information to optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102; and / or

[0100] b) The second group includes mechanical processing machines, namely

[0101] Milling machines used for milling optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0102] Turning machines used for turning optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0103] Grinding machine for grinding optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0104] Polishing machines for polishing optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102; and

[0105] Circumferential machining machine for manufacturing the circumferential contours of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0106] and / or

[0107] c) The third group includes surface treatment machines, namely

[0108] Coating equipment for coating the surfaces of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102; and

[0109] Tempering equipment for heat treatment of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102; and / or

[0110] d) The fourth group includes post-processing machines, i.e.

[0111] Measuring equipment for determining the parameters of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0112] A film removal apparatus for removing protective films from optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0113] A disassembly device for separating optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 from blocks;

[0114] Cleaning equipment for removing processing residues from optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102; and

[0115] Packaging equipment for packaging optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 in a package.

[0116] a) The first group includes preparing the equipment, namely

[0117] Unpacking equipment for extracting optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 from packaging;

[0118] Cleaning apparatus for cleaning optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0119] A connector for connecting optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 to blocks of blocks;

[0120] A film-applying device for bonding a protective film to the surface of an optical lens and / or a blank optical lens 101, 102; and

[0121] Marking devices for applying information to optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102; and / or

[0122] b) The second group includes machining machines, namely

[0123] Milling machines for milling optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0124] Lathes used for turning optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0125] Grinding machine for grinding optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0126] Polishing machines for polishing optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102; and

[0127] A circumferential processing machine for producing the circumferential contours of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0128] and or

[0129] c) The third group includes surface treatment machines, namely

[0130] A coating apparatus for coating the surfaces of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102; and

[0131] Tempering apparatus for heat treatment of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0132] and or

[0133] d) The fourth group includes post-processing machines, namely...

[0134] Measuring equipment for determining the parameters of optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0135] A foil removal device for removing protective foil from optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102;

[0136] A segmentation device for separating optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 from individual blocks;

[0137] Cleaning apparatus for removing processing residues from optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102; and

[0138] Packaging equipment for packaging optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses 101, 102 in packaging;

[0139] The present invention is not limited to one of the above embodiments, but can be modified in many ways.

[0140] All features and advantages arising from the claims, description and drawings, including structural details, spatial arrangement and method steps, may be essential to the invention on their own and in various combinations.

[0141] Appendix Label List 1: Processing Machine (BM)

[0142] 2 structural units

[0143] 3. Entry side of structural unit

[0144] 4. Separation side of structural unit

[0145] 5. Shell

[0146] 6 First shell wall

[0147] 7 Second shell wall

[0148] 8 front side

[0149] 9 rear side

[0150] 10 Conveying routes

[0151] 11-roll belt

[0152] 12. The first section of the transport route

[0153] 13. The second section of the transport route

[0154] 20 Container Buffer Storage

[0155] 21 Storage space

[0156] 22 storage space

[0157] 30 Container transport equipment

[0158] 31 First container housing

[0159] 40 workpiece operation station

[0160] 41 Parking Space

[0161] 42 Parking Space

[0162] 43 Parking Space

[0163] 44 Parking Space

[0164] 45 turntables

[0165] Operating equipment for 50 workpiece operation stations

[0166] 60 processing stations

[0167] 61 Processing equipment

[0168] 70 Reading devices

[0169] 100 containers

[0170] 101 optical lens or optical blank lens

[0171] 102 Optical lens or optical blank lens

[0172] 200 production facilities

[0173] 201 Reversal of direction

[0174] 1a Second processing machine

[0175] 3a Entering side (second processing machine)

[0176] 4a Departure side (second processing machine)

[0177] 10a Conveyor Route (Second Processing Machine)

[0178] 61a processing equipment (second processing machine)

[0179] 1b Third processing machine

[0180] 3b Entering side (third processing machine)

[0181] 4b Departure side (third processing machine)

[0182] 10b Conveyor Route (Third Processing Machine)

[0183] 60b processing station (third processing machine)

[0184] 61b processing equipment (third processing machine)

[0185] 1c Fourth Processing Machine

[0186] 3C entry side (fourth processing machine)

[0187] 4c Departure side (fourth processing machine)

[0188] 10c Conveyor Route (Fourth Processing Machine)

[0189] 61c machining equipment (fourth machining machine)

Claims

1. A processing machine (1) for processing optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses (101, 102), wherein the processing machine is composed of structural units (2) and has a horizontally aligned transport route (10) for transporting a container (100) containing at least one optical lens or optical blank lens (101, 102). The conveying route (10) extends from the entry side (3) of the structural unit (2) to the opposite exit side (4) of the structural unit (2). Its features are, The processing machine (1) has a container buffer storage (20) and a container transport device (30). The container transport device (30) is configured to: extract a container (100) from the transport route (10) and move it into the container buffer storage (20), and the container transport device (30) is configured to: transport the container (100) back onto the transport route (10). The processing machine (1) has a workpiece operation station (40) having at least one parking space (41, 42, 43, 44) for each of the containers (100). The container transport device (30) is configured to transport a container (100) from the container buffer storage (20) to one of the at least one parking space (41, 42, 43, 44). The workpiece handling station (40) has an operating device (50) configured to: extract the at least one optical lens and / or optical blank lens (101, 102) from a container (100) standing on one of the at least one parking space (41, 42, 43, 44) and deliver it to the processing station (60).

2. The processing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing station (60) has processing equipment (61), which is manufactured by... a) Group 1, b) Group 2, c) Group 3 and / or d) Group 4.

3. The processing machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, a) The first group includes preparation equipment, the preparation equipment comprising: a. Unpacking equipment for extracting the optical lens and / or the optical blank lens (101, 102) from the packaging; b. Cleaning equipment for cleaning the optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses (101, 102); c. A connecting device for connecting the optical lens and / or optical blank lens (101, 102) to the block; d. A film-applying device for bonding the surfaces of the optical lens and / or the optical blank lens (101, 102) to the protective film; and e. Identification device for applying information to the optical lens and / or optical blank lens (101, 102).

4. The processing machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second group, b), includes machining machines, which include: a. A milling machine for milling the optical lens and / or optical blank lens (101, 102); b. A turning machine for turning the optical lens and / or the optical blank lens (101, 102); c. A grinding machine for grinding the optical lens and / or the optical blank lens (101, 102); d. A polishing machine for polishing the optical lens and / or the optical blank lens (101, 102); and e. A circumferential machining machine for manufacturing the circumferential contour of the optical lens and / or optical blank lens (101, 102).

5. The processing machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third group, c), includes surface treatment machines, which include: a. A coating apparatus for coating the surfaces of the optical lens and / or the optical blank lens (101, 102); and b. A tempering apparatus for heat treatment of the optical lens and / or optical blank lens (101, 102).

6. The processing machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fourth group, d), includes a post-processing machine, which comprises: a. A measuring device for determining the parameters of the optical lens and / or the optical blank lens (101, 102); b. A film removal apparatus for removing the protective film from the optical lens and / or the optical blank lens (101, 102); c. A disassembly device for separating the optical lens and / or optical blank lens (101, 102) from the block; d. Cleaning equipment for removing processing residues from the optical lens and / or optical blank lens (101, 102); and e. Packaging equipment for packaging the optical lens and / or optical blank lens (101, 102) in a package.

7. The processing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The processing machine (1) is a first processing machine (1), and the conveying route (10) extends from the entry side (3) of the structural unit (2) to the opposite exit side (4) of the structural unit (2). A second processing machine (1a) with the same structure as the conveying route (10) can be placed next to the first processing machine (1) such that the entry side (3a) of the second processing machine (1a) is adjacent to the exit side (4) of the first processing machine (1), and the conveying route (10a) of the second processing machine (1a) continues the conveying route (10) of the first processing machine (1).

8. The processing machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The entry side (3) and the exit side (4) are parallel to each other and aligned laterally with the transport route (10).

9. The processing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1-6 and 8, characterized in that, The conveying route (10) has a conveyor belt or roller belt (11).

10. The processing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1-6 and 8, characterized in that, The transport route (10) is linearly constructed.

11. The processing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1-6 and 8, characterized in that, The processing machine has a reading device (70) for reading information from containers (100) and / or optical lenses and / or optical blank lenses (101, 102) on the conveying route (10), and the container transport device (30) is operated by means of extraction logic, which determines whether the container (100) is extracted from the conveying route (10) or the container (100) is transported to the departure side (4) without extraction.

12. The processing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1-6 and 8, characterized in that, The structural unit (2) has a housing (5), the housing has a straight first housing wall (6) on the entry side (3), and the housing has a second housing wall (7) parallel to the first housing wall (6) on the exit side (4).

13. The processing machine (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The transport route (10) does not extend beyond the first and second housing walls (6, 7).

14. The processing machine (1) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that, The container transport device (30) is configured to extract a container (100) from one segment (12) of the transport route (10), but not from another segment (13) of the transport route (10).

15. The processing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1-6 and 8, characterized in that, The container buffer storage (20) has storage spaces (21, 22) arranged vertically on top of each other for the container (100).

16. The processing machine (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The storage spaces (21, 22) are formed by horizontally accessible shelf locations.

17. The processing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1-6 and 8, characterized in that, The parking spaces (41, 42, 43, 44) are formed on the turntable (45).

18. A production facility (200) having first and second processing machines (1, 1a) according to claim 7, wherein the second processing machine (1a) is mounted next to the first processing machine (1) such that the entry side (3a) of the second processing machine (1a) is adjacent to the exit side (4) of the first processing machine (1), and the conveying route (10a) of the second processing machine (1a) continues the conveying route (10) of the first processing machine (1).

19. The production facility (200) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The container buffer storage (20) of the first processing machine (1) is constructed in the same way as the container buffer storage of the second processing machine (1a), and the container transport device (30) of the first processing machine (1) is constructed in the same way as the container transport device of the second processing machine (1a).

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