Method for tinting or detinting a lens, lens obtainable by the method for tinting or detinting a lens, lens comprising a tint or detint, lens holder, and tinting device for tinting a lens

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for tinting or detinting a lens, a lens obtainable by said method, a lens comprising a tint or detint, a lens holder, and a tinting device allowing more complex (gradient) tints. The invention further relates to a corresponding computer program.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to tinting lenses, in particular spectacle lenses. In particular, the present invention relates to a first method, a second method and a third method for tinting or bleaching lenses, a lens obtainable by said method, a lens comprising a tint or bleaching, and a tinting device for producing lens tints of complex design, in particular, eccentric tints and pendulum tints.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding computer program for carrying out the method. Background Art

[0003] Whether for fashion reasons or for medical reasons, the tint of eyeglass lenses is desirable. For sunglasses, solid tinted lenses are most commonly used, however gradient tints have become increasingly important in recent years, offering additional advantages. In general, the idea of ​​a gradient tint is to have a full tint in the upper part of the lens while allowing the user to see the lower field of vision in brighter or even full light, thus allowing both glare protection and clear vision, for example when driving a car. The principle of such gradient tint glasses is that the iris is dilated due to the darker color at the top and lighter color at the bottom, thereby allowing more light to enter from the actual field of vision (such as the road or the computer), thereby improving visibility. Similarly, there are lenses on the market whose color changes from dark to lighter from bottom to top.

[0004] The most common method of progressively tinting a lens is to (partially) immerse the lens in a tinting bath and gradually remove the lens from the bath, so that the longer a portion of the lens is exposed to the tinting agent, the darker the tint of that portion becomes.

[0005] Despite the benefits of these standard gradient tints, in many cases, a significant amount of glare may still enter the eye, causing unnecessary eye fatigue and strain on the eyes. This is especially true during strenuous visual activities such as watching TV, working in front of a monitor, or reading a book, as the light from the periphery of the field of vision does not contribute to proper viewing. Quite the contrary, it causes refractions and reflections in the eye that impair vision, and it also reduces the iris aperture, thus allowing less light into the eye. This results in a computer display in the field of vision that may appear dim, while the surrounding light may be perceived as bright, which is undesirable.

[0006] For such situations, linear gradient tints as described above have been supplemented by annular gradient tints, where the density of the tint on the lens increases from the center of the lens toward the periphery of the lens, i.e. not just in one direction, but all around the lens. These kinds of tints allow light from the central field of vision to enter completely (or almost completely), while excluding disruptive and distracting peripheral light from other directions.

[0007] US Patent 5201955 describes an annular gradient optical lens tinting system. The system is configured to tint eyeglass lenses, wherein the lenses are engaged in a frame that both vertically reciprocates and simultaneously rotates around an axis at the center of the lens plane and orthogonal to the lens plane, so that the annular gradient tint is produced darker at the outer edge of each lens and becomes increasingly lighter toward the center, with the optical center of the lens being either completely transparent or significantly lighter than the rest of the lens.

[0008] However, there are many types of eyeglass frames and different anatomical conditions of customers, which requires the tint gradient to be better adapted to the lens, which is more complicated. For example, the tint gradient from the periphery to the center proposed in US Pat. No. 5,201,955 may not be equally suitable for all eyes.

[0009] WO 2009 / 152381 A1 relates to computer eyewear for reducing the effects of computer vision syndrome (CVS). In one embodiment, the eyewear comprises a frame and two lenses. The lenses may include optical treatments such as partially transmissive mirror coatings, tinting, or anti-reflective coatings.

[0010] WO 2011 / 123132 A1 relates to a method for dip coating a lens, the method comprising the following steps: immersing the lens in a coating solution bath having a horizontal coating solution surface; and removing the lens from the bath and passing it through the solution surface, wherein the removing step is performed under the following circumstances: the lens is moved so that the orientation of the lens continuously changes from a position where the optical axis of the lens is tilted upward and toward the concave surface of the lens (when the lens begins to emerge from the bath) to a position where the optical axis of the lens is tilted upward and toward the convex surface of the lens (when the lens ends emerging from the bath).

[0011] GB 2 208 322 A relates to a device for supporting a lens while it is immersed in a tinting bath, the device comprising a suspension rod, which can optionally be suspended on a hook-shaped portion and can optionally be fixed to a base plate / agitator. A support member is fixed to a connector that can slide along the suspension rod by a screw passing through a slot, which allows the support member to be pivotally or linearly moved relative to its attachment point to the connector. A lens holder is suspended from a crank-shaped portion of the support member. By adjusting the position and orientation of the support member, the horizontal axis of the lens can be properly aligned with the surface of the tinting bath.

[0012] US 2011 / 107965 A1 A relates to a device for imparting a gradient of tint density to an ophthalmic or optical lens. The gradient tinting device utilizes both vertical movement and rotation of the lens about its vertical axis as the lens moves into a tinting solution.

[0013] EP 2 018 954 A2 relates to an apparatus for wetting and coating an ophthalmic lens, the apparatus having a tank containing a cleaning solution or a coating solution, and a processing system for sequentially moving the lens and the solution relative to each other to wet the lens. A main control module is coupled to the processing system and is configured to execute a wetting profile. The wetting profile moves the lens to obtain a substantially uniform wetting rate of the lens surface, so that the thickness of the lens coating is more uniform. According to one method, the lens is wetted in a liquid bath. The lens is placed in a processing system, which moves the lens relative to the bath according to the wetting profile.

[0014] US202 / 255327A1 relates to a gradient colored product and a method for manufacturing the same. Summary of the invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for tinting or bleaching a lens, an improved lens obtainable by one of these methods, an improved lens comprising a tint or bleaching, and an improved tinting device. The inventors have realised that it is desirable to allow more complex (gradient) tints. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide a method and a tinting device that allow (novel) eccentric shading and swinging lens tints, in particular asymmetric and / or multi-coloured eccentric shading and swinging lens tints. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide a lens comprising a corresponding novel shading and / or swinging tint or bleaching design. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an alternative method for tinting / bleaching lenses with complex colour gradient designs.

[0016] In order to better solve one or more of these problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a first method for tinting or bleaching a lens is provided, the method comprising: inserting a lens into a receiving unit of a lens holder; providing an immersion bath comprising a fluid; immersing the lens holder in the fluid; and rotating the lens holder around a rotation axis to a predetermined maximum rotation angle, characterized in that the rotation axis is located outside the lens and is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the lens. In this case, the rotation axis does not coincide with the geometric (or optical) center of the lens, i.e., does not pass through the geometric (or optical) center of the lens, and the lens holder can be rotated without restriction, i.e., 360°, or a smaller or larger angle. However, in this case, the rotation may also be limited to remain below 360°. Preferably, the rotation axis is located outside the receiving unit of the lens holder.

[0017] Immersing the lens holder in the fluid particularly comprises moving the lens holder in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion bath. More particularly, immersing the lens holder in the fluid comprises repeatedly moving the lens holder in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion bath.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a second method for tinting or bleaching a lens is provided, the second method comprising: inserting the lens into a lens holder; setting up an immersion bath comprising a first fluid; immersing the lens holder in the first fluid; and rotating the lens holder around a rotation axis to a predetermined maximum rotation angle, wherein the rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the lens, characterized in that the second method further comprises: removing the lens holder from the immersion bath; rotating the lens (in the lens holder (in the plane of the lens)); and immersing the lens holder in another immersion bath comprising a second fluid, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid comprise tinting liquid or bleaching liquid.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a third method for tinting or bleaching a lens is provided, the third method comprising: inserting the lens into a receiving unit of a lens holder; setting an immersion bath comprising a first fluid; immersing the lens holder in the first fluid; and rotating the lens holder around a rotation axis to a predetermined maximum rotation angle, wherein the rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the lens, characterized in that the second method further comprises: removing the lens holder from the immersion bath; displacing the lens and the receiving unit relative to the lens holder in a direction parallel to the plane of the lens relative to the rotation axis; and immersing the lens holder in the same immersion bath or another immersion bath comprising a second fluid, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid comprise a tinting liquid or a bleaching liquid.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens obtainable by a first method, wherein the first method comprises partially immersing a lens holder in a dipping bath.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens obtainable by the second method.

[0022] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens obtainable by the third method.

[0023] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens comprising a tint or decolorization, characterized in that the tint or decolorization comprises at least two different gradients, the at least two different gradients comprising any one of an annular gradient and a pendulum gradient. For example, the lens may comprise two annular tints in two different areas of the lens having two different colors. Similarly, the lens may comprise two pendulum tints, the two pendulum tints being located in different areas on the lens.

[0024] In general, the annular gradient may include a vignetting, or a portion of a vignetting. Furthermore, the lens may include a pendulum gradient, which is produced by the lens moving like a pendulum in an immersion bath, in particular by the lens moving like a pendulum asymmetrically in an immersion bath, i.e. by the lens moving like a pendulum in a first direction to a first angle and in a second direction to a second angle, wherein the first angle (and the first direction) is different from the second angle (and the second direction). In particular, the tint or bleaching of the lens is provided to be not rotationally symmetrical with respect to the geometric center of the lens.

[0025] According to another aspect, a first tinting device for tinting a lens is provided, the first tinting device comprising: a lens holder, wherein the lens holder comprises a receiving unit and a rotation axis, the receiving unit being configured to hold the lens in a first plane, the rotation axis being substantially perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the lens holder is configured to rotate around the rotation axis; an immersion tank comprising a fluid, wherein the lens holder is configured to be immersed in the fluid; and a rotation unit, the rotation unit being configured to rotate the lens holder around the rotation axis to a predetermined maximum rotation angle, characterized in that the rotation axis is located outside the lens.

[0026] Preferably, the axis of rotation is even located outside the receiving unit.Furthermore, the lens holder can be configured to rotate about the axis of rotation during immersion of the lens holder in the immersion bath.

[0027] According to a further aspect, a computer program, in particular non-transitory, is provided, the computer program comprising program code means for causing the computer to control a first tinting device to perform the steps of any of the above methods when the computer program is executed on a computer or a processing unit. The basic idea of ​​the invention is to provide a method for tinting or bleaching a lens, which allows novel movement of the lens in an immersion bath. In particular, in the lens holders of the most conventional tinting devices, the lenses are usually arranged in such a way that the geometrical or optical center of these lenses coincides with the axis of rotation, and the lens holder rotates when immersed in the immersion bath. However, under this configuration, the generation of lens tints is limited. Therefore, there is an idea to make the axis of rotation outside the lens and approximately perpendicular to the lens. Another idea is to provide a tinting method comprising at least two tinting cycles to generate, for example, lenses comprising two different colors. Another idea (not covered by the claimed invention) is to adapt the immersion depth of the lens holder into the immersion bath according to the maximum rotation angle, and vice versa.

[0028] In this way, a wide variety of novel, non-rotationally symmetric lens tints (or tints) can be obtained. In fact, novel, non-rotationally symmetric lens tints and tints can be obtained regardless of the (maximum) rotation angle used. For example, a lens (whose axis of rotation is offset from the geometric center of the lens, so that the axis of rotation is located outside the lens) can be rotated in a first direction by a first angle, such as 45°, and then rotated back in a second direction, such as 90°, and then rotated back in the first direction again by 90°. In other words, the method can include moving asymmetrically like a pendulum in a dipping bath, thereby producing completely novel lens tints or tints.

[0029] Another idea is to provide at least two tinting cycles, wherein the parameters of the cycles differ from one another. For example, there is an idea that after the lens holder has been immersed in the immersion bath for the first time, the lens holder is removed from the immersion bath, the fluid is then changed, the lens is displaced relative to the axis of rotation, or the lens is rotated (e.g. around its own geometric center), and then the lens holder is immersed in the same immersion bath or in another immersion bath comprising another fluid. In this way, highly complex color tone designs that cannot be generated using conventional tinting methods can be achieved. For aesthetic reasons, and in order to control the amount of light reaching the eye from certain areas of the lens, such a lens can provide a targeted adaptation of the tinting while achieving good manufacturability. For example, a two-color lens can be obtained, in particular a two-color lens in which the two colors have different tint patterns or bleaching patterns on the lens. Of course, lenses comprising more than two colors can also be obtained.

[0030] Another idea (not covered by the claims of the present invention) is to adapt the (maximum) immersion depth of the lens holder in the immersion bath according to a predetermined maximum rotation angle, or to adapt the maximum rotation angle according to the (predetermined maximum) immersion depth of the lens holder in the immersion bath. Adapting the (maximum) immersion depth according to the predetermined maximum rotation angle means that there is a fixed connection between the maximum rotation angle and the immersion depth. For example, if the maximum rotation angle in the first rotation direction is determined to be 45° and the maximum rotation angle in the second rotation direction is 60°, and the 45° angle is associated with a maximum immersion depth of 3 cm and the 60° angle is associated with a maximum immersion depth of 4 cm, then when the lens holder is rotated to the maximum rotation angle in the first direction, the lens holder is immersed to a depth of 3 cm, and when the lens holder is rotated to the maximum rotation angle in the second direction, the lens holder is immersed to a depth of 4 cm. In other words, the rotation of the lens holder to the predetermined maximum rotation angle and the simultaneous immersion in the immersion bath follow a predetermined pattern, wherein the maximum rotation angle is associated with the predetermined (maximum) immersion depth (and vice versa). In other words, the (maximum) immersion depth of the lens holder may depend on the (predetermined) maximum rotation angle, and / or the maximum rotation angle may depend on the predetermined (maximum) immersion depth.

[0031] In many known lens tinting methods, the immersion of the lens holder in the immersion bath and the rotational movement of the lens holder are completely independent of each other. Therefore, reproducing a lens tint with the same design may be difficult to achieve. However, according to the above concept, the rotational movement and the vertical movement (i.e. the immersion movement) are linked to each other by a predetermined pattern. In other words, the (maximum) rotation angle (or any rotation angle) of the lens holder is linked to the immersion depth of the lens holder in the immersion bath according to a predetermined pattern. In this way, if the same (tinting or bleaching) pattern is applied in another tinting / bleaching cycle, it is ensured that a lens with the same tinting or bleaching design can be reproduced.

[0032] Accordingly, there is an idea to adapt a conventional lens holder to include a receiving unit which deviates (or can deviate) from the rotation axis of the lens holder to such an extent that the rotation axis is located outside the lens or outside the receiving unit. With conventional lens holders, the rotation axis of the lens holder and the geometric (or optical) center of the inserted lens usually coincide. In other words, conventional lens holders include receiving units which are rigidly fixed in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the rotation axis of the lens holder. However, this only allows a limited type of lens tints, in particular lens tints that are symmetrical with respect to the geometric (or optical) center of the lens. By providing an axis of rotation that is located outside the lens or outside the receiving unit, the lens can also be tinted according to other designs, in particular designs that are asymmetrical with respect to the center point of the lens.

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. It should be understood that the claimed computer program may have similar and / or identical developments or preferred embodiments as the claimed method, lens holder, or tinting device, in particular as defined in the dependent claims and as disclosed herein.

[0034] In the following, some terms used throughout the application will be briefly explained and defined:

[0035] The term "lens" may generally be understood as a lens blank, i.e. a blank from which a lens can be cut, for example. However, a lens may also be understood as a spectacle lens. However, the term "lens" may also include other kinds of visual aid lenses, such as lenses for microscopes or telescopes. In addition, the term "lens" may include flat glass, wherein the term "glass" is to be understood as any material suitable for a lens. Therefore, the term "glass" also includes plastic glass. Flat glass refers in particular to glass that allows distortion-free imaging. In addition to this, the term "lens" may also include any (curved) piece of transparent material, in particular a shield (preferably suitable for the eyes, for example wearable on the user's nose), more particularly, for example, a shield for a helmet, or a one-piece lens.

[0036] The term “rotation axis” does not necessarily mean an actually existing axis but may also include an imaginary axis.

[0037] The definition of "rotated less than 360°" may include rotating less than 360° in one direction, or rotating less than 180° in the first direction and the second direction, respectively. For example, rotating less than 360° may include rotating 10° or 359° in one direction. Similarly, rotating less than 360° may include rotating x° in the first direction and y° in the second direction, respectively, where (x+y) is less than 360°. For example, rotating less than 360° may include rotating 179° in the first direction and 179° in the second direction, respectively.

[0038] The term "receiving unit" defines a portion of a lens holder that is specifically configured to receive (and hold) one or more lenses. The receiving unit may include a frame, into which one or more lenses may be inserted, or a clamp for clamping the lenses. However, any other configuration suitable for receiving (and holding) a lens may be defined as a receiving unit.

[0039] The term "receiving area" may generally be understood as a portion of a receiving unit, in particular an area or space occupied by a lens when received by the receiving unit. For example, in the case where the receiving unit comprises a frame configured to hold the lens, the receiving area may be defined as an area inside the frame, i.e. an area enclosed by the frame. Similarly, if the receiving unit comprises a rod, in particular a rod comprising a recess configured to hold the lens, the receiving area may be understood as the space enclosed by the rod, or more particularly the area occupied by the lens when inserted between the rods or in a recess of the rod.

[0040] The term "geometric center" can be understood as a general definition, i.e. the arithmetic mean position of all points of an object. The geometric center is also often called the centroid.

[0041] The term "fluid" should be understood as a substance that continuously deforms under applied shear stress or external force. In particular, the fluid includes a liquid, a gas, or a plasma. In particular, the fluid may include a tinting liquid for tinting the lens, or a tinting vapor for tinting the lens, wherein tinting should be understood as applying color and / or color gradient to the lens. Similarly, the fluid may include a decolorizing liquid for decolorizing the lens, or a decolorizing vapor for decolorizing the lens, wherein the decolorizing liquid or decolorizing vapor (i.e., decolorizing fluid) may be defined as any type of liquid or vapor suitable for removing the color of the lens, in particular for bleaching the lens.

[0042] The term "tinting fluid" should be understood as a fluid comprising a tinting agent configured to tint a lens.

[0043] The term "decolorizing fluid" should be understood to include fluids containing decolorizing substances configured to decolorize lenses.

[0044] The term "gradient" is particularly used to describe the intensity distribution of the tinting or detinting of a lens on the lens surface. In particular, the term "gradient tint" is used to describe the gradual change in the color of the lens from light to dark, and more particularly to describe the intensity of the tint on the lens that gradually changes in a direction parallel to the lens surface, where the intensity increases in a first direction and decreases in the opposite direction. Similarly, the term "gradient detinting" is used to describe the gradual change in the intensity of the detinting in a direction parallel to the lens surface.

[0045] The term "immersion bath" may be understood as a reservoir for a fluid in which the lens holder, and thus the lens, may be dipped or immersed. The immersion bath may contain the liquid, for example, in a bucket or tank. The liquid may include a colorant, a decolorizing liquid, or any other kind of liquid suitable for tinting or decolorizing the lens.

[0046] The term "servo motor" may be understood as a rotary actuator or linear actuator that allows precise control of angular or linear position, velocity and acceleration. In general, a servo motor should be understood to include a suitable motor coupled to a sensor for position, velocity and / or acceleration feedback.

[0047] The term "belt drive" is to be understood as a drive comprising at least one belt and two pulleys, wherein power is transmitted between the at least two pulleys by means of the belt. In particular, the first pulley is configured to drive the belt, which in turn drives the second pulley. In particular, the pulley may comprise a shaft. Examples of belts include flat belts, V-belts and toothed belts.

[0048] The term "annular gradient" is to be understood as a gradient extending in all radial directions around a center point in a plane passing through the center point. However, the gradient is not necessarily the same in all directions. An annular gradient displaced from a specific point is to be understood as an annular gradient with a center point displaced from this specific point. An annular gradient may also be understood as an "annular gradient design". A local annular gradient is to be understood as a section of an annular gradient design.

[0049] The term "pendulum gradient" is understood to mean a gradient that is formed by the lens moving like a pendulum when immersed. Depending on whether the tint or discoloration formed is symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to the geometric center of the lens, gradients can be classified as "pendulum gradient from the periphery to the center" and "pendulum gradient from the periphery to an eccentric point".

[0050] The term "center of the gradient" with respect to annular tints, partial annular tints or pendulum tints is to be understood as the point about which the lens must be rotated to achieve the desired gradient, ie the point in the plane of the lens where the axis of rotation lies.

[0051] The term "substantially perpendicular to" is to be understood as "perpendicular to" or "at an angle of 90° thereto", with a tolerance of + / -10°, preferably + / -5°, more preferably + / -2.5°, even more preferably + / -1°.

[0052] The term "maximum rotation angle" is to be understood as the maximum angle to which the lens holder is rotated (before stopping the rotation and / or changing the rotation direction).

[0053] The term "maximum immersion depth" is to be understood as the deepest point of immersion (before the lens holder is immobilized, or before the lens holder is pulled upwards out of the immersion bath).

[0054] In an embodiment of the first method, the first method further comprises displacing the receiving unit from the rotation axis, preferably during the immersion. The receiving unit, and thus the lens, may be displaced continuously or stepwise, wherein the step size may range from at least one of: between 1 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 15 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 8 mm. Preferably, the lens is displaced from the rotation axis in a radial direction.

[0055] By adjusting the displacement, the asymmetry of the lens tint can be varied. The advantage of this method, in particular when it is performed during immersion, is that complex tint designs can be created in a single tinting cycle, i.e. without removing the lens holder from the immersion bath and / or without modifying the tinting apparatus as a whole. Thus, a wide variety of completely novel lens tints can be created. Furthermore, complex lens tints can be produced in a faster, cheaper and simpler manner.

[0056] In another embodiment of the first method, the lens holder is rotated in the first direction at a first predetermined angle to the first position and / or in the second direction at a second predetermined angle to the second position, wherein the first predetermined angle is different from the second predetermined angle. For example, the lens holder may be rotated 45° in the first direction and 90° in the second direction, or the lens holder may be rotated 45° in the first direction and 45° in the second direction.

[0057] In another embodiment of the first method, the lens holder is held in the first position for a first time period and in the second position for a second time period, wherein the first time period is different from the second time period. In this way, the intensity of the lens tint or bleaching can be different for different areas of the lens.

[0058] In another embodiment of the first method, immersing the lens holder in the fluid includes moving the lens holder in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion bath. Preferably, the speed and distance / depth of moving the lens holder can be adapted. For example, the lens holder can be moved into the immersion bath by a first distance (i.e., a first depth) and can also be moved in the opposite direction (i.e., out of the immersion bath) by a second distance (i.e., a second depth), the second distance (depth) being different from the first distance (depth).

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, immersing the lens holder in the fluid comprises immersing the lens holder completely or partially in an immersion bath. In particular, the receiving unit / receiving area of ​​the lens holder can be completely or partially immersed in the immersion bath by moving the lens holder. Accordingly, the lens (or lenses) can be completely or partially immersed in the immersion bath.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment, the first method comprises adapting a maximum immersion depth of the lens holder into the immersion bath according to a predetermined maximum rotation angle of the lens holder.

[0061] In another preferred embodiment, the lens holder is moved by a servo motor in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion bath. The use of a servo motor supports smooth and constant movement and thus supports precise tinting or detinting of the lens.

[0062] In another embodiment, the lens holder is rotated by a belt drive. Thus, the angular position of the lens can be precisely adapted. This allows for precise (angle-dependent) tinting or detinting of the lens.

[0063] In another embodiment of the first method, the fluid comprises a liquid, in particular a tinting liquid or a decolorizing liquid, the tinting liquid comprises a colorant configured to tint the lens, and the decolorizing liquid is configured to decolorize the lens. However, the fluid may also comprise vapor or mist, in particular a tinting vapor or a decolorizing vapor, the tinting vapor is configured to tint the lens, and the decolorizing vapor is configured to decolorize the lens.

[0064] In another embodiment, the first method comprises the following steps: removing the lens holder from the immersion bath; performing any of the following: replacing the fluid, displacing the lens (in particular the geometric center of the lens) relative to the rotation axis, or rotating the lens around its own geometric center; and immersing the lens holder in the same immersion bath or another immersion bath. Accordingly, the method may include two or even more tinting or bleaching cycles, i.e. cycles of tinting / bleaching the lens, or in other words, operating cycles of the tinting device. For example, the tinting liquid used in the first tinting cycle can be replaced so that a colorant with a different color can be used for the second tinting cycle. Similarly, in the first cycle, the lens is positioned in a first position, and before another tinting (or bleaching) cycle, the lens can be shifted away from the position.

[0065] In the embodiment of the lens, the lens comprises an ophthalmic lens, a flat glass, a one-piece lens, or a protective shield, in particular a helmet protective shield.

[0066] In another embodiment of the lens, the lens comprises a polygonal shape, in particular a triangular shape or a quadrilateral shape.

[0067] In an embodiment of the first tinting device, the receiving unit of the lens holder is configured to be displaced from the rotation axis in a plane parallel to the first plane, in particular, configured to be adjustably displaced, more particularly configured to be adjustably displaced by 40 mm. In another embodiment, the receiving unit of the lens holder can be displaced by up to 10 mm, in particular up to 15 mm, in particular up to 20 mm, in particular up to 30 mm, in particular up to 40 mm. In one embodiment, the receiving unit of the lens holder can be displaced by at least 5 mm, in particular at least 10 mm, in particular at least 15 mm, in particular at least 20 mm. The position of the receiving unit can be continuously adjustable or gradually adjustable, wherein the range of the step size can be at least one of the following: between 1 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 15 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 8 mm. Preferably, the receiving unit is configured to be displaced from the rotation axis in a radial direction.

[0068] In particular, if a displacement is performed during the tinting cycle (i.e. during the immersion of the lens in the immersion bath), by adjusting the displacement amount (i.e. the displacement amount), the design of the lens tint can be changed. For the displacement, the receiving unit can include, for example, a displacement element, which is configured to be displaced within a so-called eccentric area of ​​the lens holder. The advantage of this method is that complex tint designs can be created in a single tinting cycle, i.e. without removing the lens holder from the immersion bath and / or without overall modification of the tinting device. Thus, a variety of completely novel lens tints can be created. In addition, complex lens tints can be produced in a faster, cheaper and simpler way.

[0069] In another embodiment of the first tinting device, the receiving unit of the lens holder comprises a guiding element, which is configured to support the lens in position in the lens holder, more particularly in the receiving area of ​​the lens holder. The guiding element can be a marking, such as a colored dot, for example marking the desired positioning of the lens. Likewise, the guiding element can be a recess or a protrusion in the receiving unit, or the guiding element can be, for example, a rod, which is configured to be inserted, for example, into a notch on the edge of the lens. The guiding element allows the lens to be precisely positioned in the lens holder and thus allows the tint and color gradient to be precisely applied.

[0070] In another embodiment, the lens holder of the first tinting device comprises two opposing plates, wherein the plates are substantially parallel to the first plane, and wherein the receiving unit comprises a connecting element configured to connect the plates. For example, the connecting element may be a rod or a panel connecting the plates. Preferably, the plates are discs. More preferably, the plates comprise an eccentric region, and the receiving unit comprises a displacement element, wherein the displacement element can be displaced within the eccentric region.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element comprises a recess and / or a protrusion for holding the lens. For example, the connecting element may comprise a notch, or a protruding clamp for clamping the lens. In this way, it can be ensured that the lens is held in a fixed position by the lens holder.

[0072] In another embodiment of the first tinting device, the receiving unit of the lens holder is configured to hold three or more lenses. In this case, guide elements that support the positioning of the lenses are particularly helpful. This is because these guide elements can indicate the desired position and / or orientation of the lenses to be tinted. Therefore, the user can easily insert multiple lenses into the lens holder in the same orientation, so that multiple lenses can be tinted in the same way at the same time. In particular, this allows the tinting effect of multiple lenses to be more precise, that is, allows high-precision mass production.

[0073] In another embodiment of the first tinting device, the rotating unit is configured to rotate the lens holder in the first direction at a first predetermined angle to the first position and in the second direction at a second predetermined angle to the second position. Therefore, the rotational movement of the lens holder can be performed in an asymmetric manner. For example, the lens holder can be configured to rotate 90° in the first direction and 60° in the second direction.

[0074] Preferably, the rotating unit may also be configured to adapt the rotation speed.

[0075] In another embodiment of the first tinting device, the rotation unit is configured to hold the lens holder in the first position for a first time period and in the second position for a second time period, wherein the first time period is different from the second time period. This allows the intensity of the tint or the intensity of the bleaching to be different in different areas of the lens, thus allowing completely novel tinting designs or bleaching designs.

[0076] In yet another embodiment of the first tinting device, the rotating unit is configured to adapt the predetermined maximum rotation angle of the lens holder according to an immersion depth of the lens holder in the immersion bath.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the first tinting device, the rotating unit comprises a belt transmission. The use of a belt transmission allows the lens holder to be stably rotated in the tinting device. However, other types of transmissions are also conceivable.

[0078] In another embodiment, the first tinting device further comprises a lifting unit configured to move the lens holder in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion tank. The lifting unit may be a belt drive type. Preferably, the lifting unit is configured to adapt the movement amount (i.e., the distance the lens holder moves, or the immersion depth) and the movement speed. For example, the lifting unit may be configured to move the lens holder into the immersion tank by a first distance, and to move the lens holder in the opposite direction (i.e., out of the immersion tank) by a second distance.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the first tinting device, the lifting unit is configured to completely or partially immerse the lens holder in the immersion bath by moving the lens holder. In particular, the lifting unit can be configured to completely or partially immerse the receiving area of ​​the lens holder in the immersion bath by moving the lens holder. Accordingly, the lifting unit is configured to completely or partially immerse the lens (or lenses) held in the receiving area by the receiving unit in the immersion bath.

[0080] In yet another embodiment, the lifting unit is configured to be driven by a servo motor. Likewise, the rotation unit can be driven by a servo motor. This ensures a smooth and constant linear movement or a smooth and constant rotation, respectively.

[0081] In another embodiment, the lifting unit is configured to adapt the maximum immersion depth of the lens holder into the immersion bath according to a predetermined maximum rotation angle of the lens holder. In other words, the lifting unit can be configured to adapt the movement of the lens holder depending on the maximum rotation of the lens holder caused by the rotation unit. However, similarly, the rotation unit can be configured to adapt the rotation angle of the lens holder depending on the movement of the lens holder caused by the lifting unit. For example, if the lens holder is rotated 5° in a first direction, the lifting unit can be configured to move the lens holder completely above the immersion bath towards the immersion bath so that the lens holder is immersed in the immersion bath to a first immersion depth. That is, the linear movement caused by the lifting unit and the maximum rotational movement caused by the rotation unit can be associated with each other.

[0082] In yet another embodiment, the coloring device further comprises a stirring mechanism, which is configured to stir the immersion bath. The stirring mechanism ensures that the colorant or decolorizing liquid is evenly distributed in the immersion bath.

[0083] In addition, the coloring device may further include a heating element configured to heat the immersion bath.

[0084] It is understood that the features mentioned above and the features still to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the accompanying drawings:

[0086] Figure 1 A flow chart showing a first embodiment of a method for tinting or detinting a lens according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0087] Figure 2A Various lenses obtainable by conventional methods for tinting or detinting lenses are shown.

[0088] Figure 2B shows a first lens obtainable by a second embodiment of a method according to an aspect of the invention;

[0089] Figure 3 shows a second lens obtainable by a third embodiment of a method according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0090] Figure 4 shows a pair of lenses obtainable by a fourth embodiment of a method according to an aspect of the invention;

[0091] Figure 5 An embodiment of a lens holder known in the prior art is shown;

[0092] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 An embodiment of a lens holder, wherein a plurality of lenses are inserted into the lens holder;

[0093] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B It shows that Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a lens in a lens holder shown after tinting;

[0094] Figure 8 A first embodiment of a lens holder for use in an embodiment of a tinting device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0095] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B It shows that Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a lens in a lens holder shown after tinting;

[0096] Fig.10A perspective view showing a portion of a second embodiment of a lens holder for use in an embodiment of a tinting device according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0097] Fig.11 A side view of a first embodiment of a coloring device (not covered by the claims) is shown;

[0098] Fig.12 shows a schematic diagram indicating the displacement of the receiving unit relative to the rotation axis of the lens holder,

[0099] Fig.13 A perspective view showing a second embodiment of a coloring device (not covered by the claims);

[0100] Fig.14 A third embodiment of a lens holder for use in an embodiment of a tinting device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0101] Fig.15 shows a side view of a third embodiment of a coloring device according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0102] Fig.16 An exemplary gear arrangement for precisely controlling the angular rotation of a lens holder in a tinting device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] Figure 1 A flow chart of a first embodiment of a method for tinting or bleaching a lens according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. In a first step S202, a lens (or lenses) is inserted into a lens holder. The lens holder may comprise a conventional lens holder in which the lens is arranged in such a way that the geometric center of the lens coincides with the axis of rotation of the lens holder, or a lens holder according to an aspect of the present invention may be used in which the geometric center of the inserted lens may be offset from the axis of rotation.

[0104] In the second step S204, a bath containing a fluid is provided. For example, the fluid may be a coloring liquid or a bleaching (decolorizing) liquid. Since the time sequence of steps S202 and S204 is insignificant, step S204 may be performed before step S202.

[0105] In the third step S206, the lens holder is immersed in the fluid of the immersion bath. The lens holder can be fully or partially immersed in the immersion bath.

[0106] In step S208, it is decided whether to perform step S210 or step S212 next. This decision is based on the lens holder used. More specifically, this decision is based on the arrangement of the lens in the lens holder. If the rotation axis of the lens holder is not located outside the receiving unit or outside the lens, i.e., passes through the receiving area or the lens, step S210 is performed. Step S210 includes: adapting the maximum immersion depth of the lens holder in the immersion bath according to the (predetermined) maximum rotation angle, or adapting the maximum rotation angle according to the (predetermined maximum) immersion depth of the lens holder in the immersion bath. However, if it is checked and confirmed in step S208 that the rotation axis is located outside the lens in the lens holder (or outside the receiving unit), the lens holder is allowed to rotate independently of the immersion depth of the lens holder in the immersion bath (S212).

[0107] Optionally, the method of this embodiment further includes step S214, namely: removing the lens holder from the immersion bath; performing any of the following: replacing the fluid, displacing the lens relative to the rotation axis, or rotating the lens around its own geometric center; and immersing the lens holder into the same immersion bath or another immersion bath.

[0108] Figure 2A A first lens is shown which is obtainable by conventional methods for tinting or detinting lenses. Figure 2A a) shows the lens tint fading from the periphery to the center. Figure 2A b) shows another variation of similar coloring. Figure 2A c) shows a lens that is tinted from the center to the periphery. These kinds of tints can be obtained by a method comprising partially immersing the lens in a bath and rotating it at least 360° around an axis passing through the geometric center of the lens and perpendicular to the plane of the lens.

[0109] Figure 2B A first lens obtainable by a second embodiment of a method according to an aspect of the invention is shown. Figure 2B All lenses shown (more particularly lens tints) can be obtained by a method comprising displacing the geometrical centre of the lens from the rotation axis of the lens holder or by using a lens holder displaced from the rotation axis by the receiving unit. The lens holder rotates at least 360°. Figure 2B a) shows a lens with a tint that is eccentrically colored. Such a tint can be achieved if the lens, in particular the geometric center of the lens, is positioned away from the rotation axis of the lens holder. Furthermore, the rotation axis should be arranged in a parallel plane above the surface of the immersion bath, i.e. outside the immersion bath containing the colorant. If the lens holder is then rotated about its rotation axis, a tint is obtained. Figure 2B a) The color scheme shown. Figure 2B b) shows a lens with vignetting from the eccentricity. The method used can be the same as that used for Figure 2B The method is the same as for the lens shown in a), the only difference being that the axis of rotation should lie in a parallel plane below the surface of the immersion bath, i.e. inside the immersion bath.

[0110] Figure 2B c) shows a pair of lenses including a tint eccentrically centered from the periphery. The positioning of the tint can be precisely adjusted by fixing the lens in a predetermined position in the lens holder, in particular at a predetermined distance from the rotation axis of the lens holder and at a predetermined angular position relative to the geometric center of the lens. Figure 2B d) shows another pair of lenses including eccentric blooming from all sides. Figure 2B d), the shading is only partially applied to the lens. In particular, Figure 2B d) shows a lens tint with the center of the gradient outside the lens but close to the edge of the lens. In other words, to achieve Figure 2B d) The axis of rotation must be located outside the lens. Different vignetting sizes can be obtained by adjusting the immersion depth in the immersion bath and shifting the axis of rotation.

[0111] Figure 3 A second lens obtainable by a method according to an aspect of the invention is shown. Figure 3 a) shows a lens with a so-called "pendulum" tint. This tint can be obtained if the rotation axis of the lens holder is positioned in a parallel plane above the surface of the immersion bath, i.e. outside the immersion bath, and the lens holder is rotated only about 90° in both directions. Figure 3 b) shows a lens with a so-called "double pendulum" tint. This tint can be achieved in the same way as Figure 3 The tint shown in a) is achieved in the same way, but between tinting cycles the lens is rotated 180° in the lens plane. Figure 3 The tinted lens shown in a) is rotated 120° before being immersed in the bath 104 each time, so that Figure 3 c) The color tone shown, that is, the "three-swing from the periphery to the center" color tone. Figure 3 d) shows the "rectangular swing from the periphery to the center" color tone. Figure 3 This tint can be achieved by rotating the tinted lens shown in a) by 90° before each tinting cycle in the bath 104. Figure 3 b) Figure 3 c) and Figure 3 The lens tint shown in d) can be achieved according to an embodiment of the second method of the present invention. Figure 3 e) shows "pendulum tint" as another example of custom tinting that can be provided by controlling the immersion depth based on angular rotation. The lens tint can be achieved by an embodiment of the third method disclosed in this application.

[0112] Figure 4 A pair of lenses obtainable by another embodiment of the second method according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the geometric center of the lens is offset from the rotation axis of the lens holder. Furthermore, in a first tinting cycle, the lens holder is rotated by at least 360°, wherein in a second cycle, the rotation of the lens holder is limited to less than 360°. More particularly, the lens holder is rotated by less than 180° in a first direction and then by less than 180° in a second direction. Since in order to obtain Figure 4 In the shades shown, the receiving unit is eccentric and the lens holder rotates like a pendulum, so Figure 4 The hue shown is called "swinging from the periphery to the off-center".

[0113] Figure 5 A conventional lens holder 10 is shown, which is configured to tint a plurality of lenses simultaneously. The lens holder 10 comprises two opposing plates 14a and 14b, which are connected by three rods 24a, 24b and 24c. The three rods 24a, 24b and 24c comprise a plurality of recesses 28. The lens 50 to be tinted can be inserted into the recesses of the rods and fastened by a rod 26 which can be inserted between the plates 12a and 12b. The rod 26 is configured to exert a force on the lens positioned in the recess, in particular to force the lens to remain within the recess 28 of the rod. Accordingly, the three rods 24a, 24b and 24c and the rod form a receiving unit 20.

[0114] On the side of the plates facing away from the rod and the bar, the plates 14a and 14b each comprise an axis 12a and 12b, respectively. The lens holder 10 can be rotated around a (virtual) axis of rotation 60 extending through the axes 12a and 12b. Typically, the axes 12a and 12b are positioned at the geometric center of the plates 14a and 14b. Typically, the receiving unit 20 is arranged in such a way that the geometric center of the lens 50 held by the receiving unit 20 is positioned on the axis of rotation 60. Therefore, when the lens holder 10 is rotated around the axis of rotation 60, the lenses 50 inserted in the lens holder rotate around the geometric center of these lenses.

[0115] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 In the conventional lens holder 10, a lens 50 is inserted into the receiving unit 20. As can be seen, the lens 50 is clamped between the rods 24a, 24b and 24c and the rod 26. In particular, the lens is fixed by the notch 28 of the rod, thereby preventing the lens from shifting.

[0116] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Shown as Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the lens in the lens holder 10 after tinting. In particular, Fig. 7A A front view of a lens 50 inserted into a lens holder 10 comprising three rods 24a, 24b and 24c and a rod 26 is shown. The tint of the lens 50 can be achieved by a tinting process in which the lens holder 10 (and therefore the lens 50) is rotated at least 360° (or a multiple of 360°) about its axis of rotation 60 while being immersed in a bath of varying depths. In fact, such a so-called immersive tinted lens can be produced by using a rotating lens holder 10 that reciprocates in the bath in such a way that the axis of rotation 60 remains below the surface of the bath throughout the tinting process. Fig. 7A The lens tint shown is a "coloured tint from the centre outwards".

[0117] Figure 7B A front view of a lens 50 inserted into a lens holder 10 comprising three rods 24a, 24b and 24c and a rod 26 is shown. The lens is tinted with a so-called vignetting tint. This tint can be obtained by Fig. 7A The tinting process described is achieved using a solid color tinted lens, wherein the bath contains a decolorizing liquid instead of a colorant. However, the same tinting can be achieved by using a colorant in the bath while the axis of rotation 60 of the lens holder is maintained above the surface of the bath throughout the tinting process.

[0118] Figure 8 A first embodiment of a lens holder 10 for use in an embodiment of a tinting device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. The lens holder 10 includes two opposing plates 14a and 14b, which are connected by three rods 24a, 24b and 24c. The three rods 24a, 24b and 24c include a plurality of recesses 28. The lens 50 to be tinted can be inserted into the recesses of the rods and secured by a rod 26, which is configured to apply a force to the inserted lens, thereby forcing the lens to remain within the recesses 28 of the rods. The lens holder 10 further includes two shafts 12a and 12b, which are on the outside of the plate 14a and the outside of the plate 14b, respectively. The shafts 12a and 12b are configured to be inserted into receiving portions for these shafts of the tinting device, thereby allowing the lens holder 10 to rotate about a rotation axis 60 extending through the shafts 12a and 12b. With Figure 5 and Figure 6Unlike the conventional lens holder shown, the lens holder 10 of the present invention comprises a receiving unit 20 offset from the rotation axis 60. In particular, the geometric center of the receiving area for the lens is displaced relative to the rotation axis 60. More precisely, the rotation axis of the lens holder is located outside the lens (even outside the receiving portion).

[0119] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B Shown as Figure 8 The lens 50 in the lens holder 10 is shown in schematic form after being tinted. In particular, Fig.9A A front view of a lens 50 inserted into a lens holder 10 including three rods 24a, 24b and 24c and a bar 26 is shown. Fig.9A The tint of the middle lens 50 reflects a so-called eccentric tint, wherein the center of the gradient is located outside the lens but close to the edge of the lens. Figure 8 By partially immersing the lens holder 10 (and the lens) in a bath containing a decolorizing solution and rotating the lens holder 10 at least 360° around its rotation axis, a color tint can be achieved from an eccentric position to all sides. If the lens holder 10 is (slightly) moved up and down relative to the immersion surface (indicated by the dotted line) while rotating the lens holder 10, a color tint gradient can be achieved.

[0120] Fig. 9B Also shown is a front view of a lens 50 inserted into the lens holder 10 including the three rods 24a, 24b and 24c and the rod 26. The tint of the lens 50 shown is tinted from the periphery to the eccentricity and can be applied as in Fig. 9B The lens tinting process is accomplished in the same manner as shown, except that the lens 50 is exposed to a tinting agent rather than a detinting solution.

[0121] Fig.10 A perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a lens holder for use in an embodiment of a tinting device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. In particular, Fig.10A receiving unit is shown which comprises three rods 24a, 24b, 24c and a rod 26, wherein the three rods and the rod are connected to a displacement element 84. In this embodiment, the displacement element 84 comprises a ring. The rods 24a, 24b and 24c comprise recesses into which the lens 50 is inserted. In addition, the lens 50 is prevented from falling out of the receiving unit by the rod 26. The fixed position is ensured by a guide element 15, which in this embodiment is a stick extending through a recess on the edge of the lens. The ring is arranged in such a way that the plane of the ring is perpendicular to the rods. In other words, the plane of the ring is configured to be parallel to the lens plane. The displacement element 84 (i.e., the ring) is configured to be inserted into an eccentric space 82 of a plate 14 of a lens holder.

[0122] In this embodiment, the displacement element 84 is configured to be displaced in the eccentric space 84. In particular, the plate may include a scale indicating the amount of displacement (i.e., the displacement amount) from the rotation axis of the lens holder. For example, if the mark on the ring points to "0" on the scale, this may indicate that the receiving unit is positioned in such a way that the geometric center of the receiving area (and therefore, the lens) surrounded by the rod and the bar intersects the rotation axis of the lens holder. On the other hand, for example, if the mark points to "10", this will indicate an eccentricity of 10 mm, i.e., the geometric center of the lens is displaced 10 mm from the rotation axis. Similarly, the receiving unit can be rotated in the eccentric space 84 around an axis passing through the receiving area (and therefore, the lens). The amount of rotation may also be indicated by the scale.

[0123] The lens holder may further include a fixing element (e.g., a screw) configured to fix the displacement element 84 in the eccentric space 82 of the lens holder. In this embodiment, the eccentric space 82 comprises a recess in the plate 14. However, other kinds of eccentric spaces are contemplated. For example, the eccentric space may be defined by a rail or the like, on which the displacement element 84 may move.

[0124] Fig.11 A side view of a first embodiment of a second coloring device 100 (not covered by the claims) is shown. Fig.11 Only a portion of the tinting device 100 can be seen in FIG. In particular, the plate 14a of the lens holder 10 and the shaft 12a on the plate 14a are shown. The shaft 12a of the lens holder 10 is inserted into the receiving element of the tinting device 100. With this configuration, the lens holder 10 can be stably rotated by driving the shaft.

[0125] Fig.12 A schematic diagram indicating the displacement of the receiving unit 20 relative to the rotation axis of the lens holder is shown. In this figure, the displacement element 84 is represented by a ring, while the receiving area 21 of the receiving unit reflecting the position of the lens 50 is indicated by a circle surrounded by dashed lines. Fig.12In particular, the displacement of the geometric center 80 of the receiving area 21 of the lens holder (and therefore of the lens) relative to the rotation axis 60 is shown; 5 mm is indicated. In particular, an eccentric space 82 is shown, which indicates the space in which the receiving unit 20 can move. As can be seen, and also as indicated by the scale shown, the geometric center 80 of the receiving unit 20 and therefore of the lens can be further deviated from the rotation axis 60, in particular in such a way that the rotation axis no longer passes through the receiving area of ​​the lens holder, i.e. the rotation axis is located outside the receiving area (i.e. in the case of a displacement of the displacement element 84 to the lowest possible position). However, the receiving unit 20 can also be displaced back to a position in which the geometric center 80 and the rotation axis 60 coincide.

[0126] Fig.13 A perspective view of another embodiment of a second tinting device 100 (not covered by the claims) for tinting a lens 50 is shown. The tinting device 100 comprises a lens holder 10, a bath 104, and a rotating unit 102. The lens holder 10 comprises two opposing plates 14a and 14b, which are connected by a rod 24 and a rod 26. In order to hold the lens 50 in a fixed position, the rod comprises a recess for receiving the lens, and the rod ensures that the lens remains fixed in the lens holder. In this embodiment, the rod of the lens holder 10 comprises a plurality of recesses, thereby allowing a plurality of lenses to be held in a receiving area of ​​the lens holder 10. The lens holder 10 further comprises shafts 12a and 12b, which are configured to be inserted into a receiving element 106 of the tinting device 100. Accordingly, the lens holder 10 can be rotated around a (virtual) rotation axis 60 connecting the shaft 12a with the shaft 12b. In fact, the tinting device 100 is provided with a rotation unit 102 comprising a belt drive 107 configured to rotate the shaft 12 a and thus the lens holder 10 around the rotation axis 60 .

[0127] The rod 24 and the rod 26 are connected with their ends to a displacement element 84, which is connected to the plates 14a and 14b, respectively. In particular, the displacement element can be moved in the eccentric space 82 (i.e., recess) in the plates 14a and 14b, respectively. Accordingly, the receiving unit can be displaced along the surface of the plates 14a and 14b, respectively, relative to the point where the (imaginary) rotation axis 60 passes through the plates 14a and 14b.

[0128] exist Fig.13In the illustrated embodiment, the tinting device 100 further includes a lifting unit 108, which is configured to move the lens holder 10 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion bath. The lifting unit 108 can move the lens holder toward the bottom of the immersion bath and / or in the opposite direction. Therefore, the lifting unit 108 is configured to adjust the immersion depth in the immersion bath 104. In particular, the lifting unit 108 can move the lens holder 10 while the rotation unit 102 rotates the lens holder 10. In this embodiment, the lens holder 10 can be rotated in a first direction around its rotation axis 60 to a first maximum angle, while being immersed in the immersion bath to a first depth by the lifting unit 108. Then, the lens holder 10 can be lifted so that it is no longer immersed in the immersion bath. In the next step, the lens holder can be rotated in a second direction around its rotation axis 60 to a second maximum angle by the rotation unit 102, while being immersed in the immersion bath to a second depth by the lifting unit 108.

[0129] By adjusting the immersion depth of the lens in the immersion bath 104 and adjusting the rotation angle in both rotational directions, various personalized lens tints can be generated. This is particularly applicable if the tint is changed during the tinting process (i.e., between tinting cycles), for example by changing the color of the colorant. In addition, instead of using a colorant in the immersion bath, a decolorizing liquid can be used, thereby producing novel decolorizing effects. For example, the tinting device 100 can be used to create a lens with a tint that is tinted from the periphery to the eccentric position in a first position, and a tint that is tinted from the eccentric position to the periphery in a second position.

[0130] In this embodiment, the lifting unit 108 is operated by a servo motor 110. The use of such a motor ensures a smooth movement of the lens holder 10 and thus ensures a precise tinting of the lens.

[0131] Fig.14 Another embodiment of a lens holder 10 for use in a tinting device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the lens holder 10 is configured to hold a plurality of lenses 50, in particular more than 160 lenses. The lens holder 10 comprises a rack 16 to be inserted into the tinting device 100. The rack 16 comprises 16 sub-holders arranged in two rows. Each sub-holder comprises two rods comprising recesses for receiving and fixing a plurality of lenses 50, in particular more than 10 lenses.

[0132] Fig.15A side view of an embodiment of a tinting device 100 according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. The tinting device 100 includes three lens holders 10a, 10b and 10c which are partially immersed in a bath 104 of the tinting device 100. A plurality of lenses 50 to be tinted are inserted into the lens holder 10c.

[0133] Fig.16 An exemplary gear arrangement for precisely controlling the angular rotation of a lens holder in a tinting device is shown. In conventional tinting arrangements, such precise angular control is not required. The inventors have recognized that, particularly in the case where the lifting unit 108 is configured to adapt the immersion depth of the lens holder 10 into the immersion bath 104 according to the rotation angle of the lens holder 10, precise control of the angular rotation can be provided by providing a tinting device as follows: the tinting device includes a lens holder, the lens holder including a gear arrangement, the gear arrangement being suitable for rotating the lens holder around a rotation axis. In particular, a spur gear transmission provides accurate control of the angular rotation.

[0134] Although the present invention is shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such showing and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0135] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0136] The computer program may be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0137] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A first method for tinting or detinting a lens, the method comprising: - inserting the lens (50) into the receiving unit (20) of the lens holder (10), - providing an immersion bath containing a fluid, - immersing the lens holder (10) in the fluid, and - rotating the lens holder (10) around its rotation axis to a predetermined maximum rotation angle, wherein the predetermined maximum rotation angle is 360° or less than 360°, It is characterized in that The rotation axis (60) is offset from the geometric center of the lens so that the rotation axis (60) is located outside the lens, and the rotation axis (60) is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the lens (50).

2. The first method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first method further comprises displacing the receiving unit (20) relative to the rotation axis (60).

3. The first method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first method further comprises displacing the receiving unit (20) relative to the rotation axis (60) during immersion.

4. The first method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The lens holder (10) rotates to a first position at a first predetermined angle in a first direction and rotates to a second position at a second predetermined angle in a second direction, wherein the first predetermined angle is different from the second predetermined angle.

5. The first method according to claim 4, characterized in that The lens holder (10) is held in the first position for a first period of time and in the second position for a second period of time, wherein the first period of time is different from the second period of time.

6. The first method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Immersing the lens holder (10) in the fluid includes moving the lens holder (10) in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion bath.

7. The first method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Immersing the lens holder (10) in the fluid includes completely or partially immersing the lens holder (10) in the immersion bath.

8. The first method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first method further comprises adapting a maximum immersion depth of the lens holder (10) into the immersion bath according to a predetermined maximum rotation angle of the lens holder (10).

9. The first method according to claim 6, characterized in that The lens holder (10) is moved in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion bath by a servo motor.

10. The first method according to claim 7, characterized in that The lens holder (10) is moved in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion bath by a servo motor.

11. The first method according to claim 7, characterized in that The lens holder (10) is moved in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion bath by a servo motor.

12. The first method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The lens holder (10) is rotated by a belt transmission device.

13. The first method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The fluid comprises a liquid.

14. The first method according to claim 13, characterized in that The fluid is a tinting liquid or a decolorizing liquid. The tinting liquid includes a colorant configured to tint the lens (50). The decolorizing liquid is configured to decolorize the lens (50).

15. The first method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first method further comprises the following steps: - removing the lens holder (10) from the immersion bath, - performing any of the following: replacing the fluid, displacing the lens relative to the axis of rotation, or rotating the lens about its own geometric center, and - Immersing the lens holder (10) in the same immersion bath or in another immersion bath.

16. The first method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The lens includes a flat glass, a one-piece lens, or a protective cover.

17. The first method according to claim 16, characterized in that The shield is a helmet shield.

18. The first method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The lens (50) comprises a polygonal shape.

19. The first method according to claim 18, characterized in that The polygonal shape is a triangular shape or a quadrilateral shape.

20. A first tinting device (100) for tinting a lens (50), the tinting device (100) comprising - a lens holder (10), the lens holder comprising a receiving unit (20) configured to hold the lens (50) in a first plane, and - an axis of rotation (60) which is substantially perpendicular to said first plane, in, The lens holder (10) is configured to rotate about the rotation axis (60), - a dipping bath (104) comprising a fluid, wherein the lens holder (10) is configured to be immersed in the fluid, and a rotating unit (102) configured to rotate the lens holder (10) around a rotation axis (60) of the lens holder (10) to a predetermined maximum rotation angle, wherein the predetermined maximum rotation angle is 360° or less than 360°, The characteristic is that the rotation axis (60) deviates from the geometric center of the lens, so that the rotation axis (60) is located outside the lens (50).

21. The first coloring device (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that The receiving unit (20) is configured to be displaced from the rotation axis (60) in a plane parallel to the first plane.

22. The first coloring device (100) according to claim 21, characterized in that The receiving unit (20) is configured to be adjustably displaceable.

23. The first coloring device (100) according to claim 22, characterized in that The receiving unit (20) is configured to be adjustably displaceable by a maximum of 40 mm.

24. The first coloring device (100) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that: The receiving unit (20) includes a guiding element (15) configured to support the lens (10) to be positioned in the lens holder (10).

25. The first coloring device (100) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that: The lens holder (10) comprises two opposing plates (14a, 14b), wherein the plates (14a, 14b) are substantially parallel to the first plane, and wherein the receiving unit (20) comprises connecting elements (24a, 24b, 24c) configured to connect the plates (14a, 14b).

26. The first coloring device (100) according to claim 25, characterized in that The connecting element (24a, 24b, 24c) comprises a recess (28) and / or a protrusion for holding the lens (10).

27. The first coloring device (100) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that: The receiving unit (20) is configured to hold three or more lenses (50).

28. The first coloring device (100) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that: The rotating unit (102) is configured to rotate the lens holder (10) in a first direction at a first predetermined angle to a first position and in a second direction at a second predetermined angle to a second position, wherein the first predetermined angle is different from the second predetermined angle.

29. The first coloring device (100) according to claim 28, characterized in that The rotating unit (102) is configured to hold the lens holder (10) at the first position for a first time period and at the second position for a second time period, wherein the first time period is different from the second time period.

30. The first coloring device (100) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that: The rotating unit (102) is configured to adjust a predetermined maximum rotation angle of the lens holder (10) according to an immersion depth of the lens holder in the immersion bath.

31. The first coloring device (100) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that: The rotating unit (102) comprises a belt transmission (107).

32. The first coloring device (100) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that: The tinting device (100) further includes a lifting unit (108) configured to move the lens holder (10) in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the immersion bath (104).

33. The first coloring device (100) according to claim 32, characterized in that The lifting unit (108) is configured to completely or partially immerse the lens holder (10) in the immersion bath (104) by moving the lens holder (10).

34. The first coloring device (100) according to claim 32, characterized in that The lifting unit (108) is configured to be driven by a servo motor (110).

35. The first coloring device (100) according to claim 33, characterized in that The lifting unit (108) is configured to be driven by a servo motor (110).

36. The first coloring device (100) according to claim 32, characterized in that The lifting unit (108) is configured to adjust the maximum immersion depth of the lens holder (10) immersed in the immersion bath (104) according to a predetermined maximum rotation angle of the lens holder (10).

37. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program comprising program code means for causing a computer or a processing unit to control a first coloring device as described in any one of claims 20 to 36 to perform the steps of a method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19 when the computer program is executed on the computer or the processing unit.

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