Inert UV Curing Equipment

Abstract

A curing apparatus (100) includes a housing (102) having a loading portion (108) open to ambient atmosphere, a curing portion (110) having a curing chamber (124) with a controlled atmosphere, and a transition portion (112) extending between the loading portion (108) and the curing portion (110). A carrier (128) is movable between the loading portion (108) and the curing chamber (124) via the transition portion (112). The curing apparatus (100) further includes at least one ultraviolet radiation source (150) operable to transmit ultraviolet radiation into the curing chamber (124). The transition section (112) includes a plurality of baffles (158) that protrude from a sidewall (120) of the transition section (112) and are configured to minimize mixing between ambient atmosphere and the controlled atmosphere during movement of the carrier (128) between the loading section (108) and the curing chamber (124).

Description

Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an inert UV curing device for curing a coating of a coated article. In particular, the present invention relates to an UV curing device having a curing section with an inert atmosphere and a conveying section for conveying the coated article between a loading section and a curing section. A method for curing a coated article using the inert UV curing device is also disclosed. Background Art

[0004] For optical products such as lenses, one or more surfaces may be treated to improve the overall performance and function of the optical product. Examples of such treatments include forming one or more coatings on the surface of the optical substrate.

[0005] Various manufacturing techniques have been developed to produce coated optical articles from uncoated optical substrates. In some processes, the uncoated optical substrate is first cleaned and dried, and then a coating is applied to at least one surface of the substrate. For coatings that require UV curing, the coated substrate is passed through a curing device having a UV radiation source. In large-scale operations, the optical substrate can be processed on an automated production line. Such a production line can have multiple processing stations for performing various operations, including cleaning, drying, coating, and curing. It is desirable to develop a new UV curing device for curing coated optical substrates. Summary of the invention

[0006] In some non-limiting examples or aspects of the present disclosure, a curing device is provided, which may include a housing having: a loading portion, the loading portion being open to ambient atmosphere; a curing portion, the curing portion having a curing chamber with a controlled atmosphere; and a transition portion, the transition portion extending between the loading portion and the curing portion. The carrier may be moved between the loading portion and the curing chamber via the transition portion. The curing device may further include at least one ultraviolet radiation source, the at least one ultraviolet radiation source being operable to transmit ultraviolet radiation into the curing chamber. The transition portion may include a plurality of baffles protruding from a sidewall of the transition portion and configured to minimize mixing between the ambient atmosphere and the controlled atmosphere during movement of the carrier between the loading portion and the curing chamber.

[0007] In some non-limiting examples or aspects of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of baffles may be angled toward the loading portion. Each of the plurality of baffles may include a first end connected to a sidewall of the transition portion and a free second end protruding toward a transition rail of the transition portion. The plurality of baffles may include a first group of baffles extending from a first sidewall of the transition portion and a second group of baffles extending from a second sidewall of the transition portion. The plurality of baffles may be aligned such that an end of the first group of baffles is positioned opposite an end of the second group of baffles.

[0008] In some non-limiting examples or aspects of the present disclosure, the loading section may include a door for closing the loading section. A conveying mechanism may be provided for moving the carrier between the loading section and the curing section. The conveying mechanism may include a motor, a linear actuator, or a rotary actuator.

[0009] In some non-limiting examples or aspects of the present disclosure, the carrier may include a rotatable holder configured to rotate about a rotation axis when the carrier is positioned in the curing chamber. The rotatable holder may include a vacuum chuck configured to secure the article to the rotatable holder using a vacuum.

[0010] In some non-limiting examples or aspects of the present disclosure, at least one sensor may be disposed in the curing chamber, and the at least one sensor may be configured to measure the oxygen content in the curing chamber. At least one nozzle may be in fluid communication with the curing chamber and may be configured to deliver an inert gas to the curing chamber. The at least one nozzle may be configured to deliver the inert gas to the curing chamber at a constant pressure and a constant flow rate.

[0011] In some non-limiting examples or aspects of the present disclosure, a diffuser may be disposed between the at least one nozzle and the curing chamber. The diffuser may be configured to diffuse the inert gas flow into the curing chamber. An ultraviolet radiation filter may be disposed between the at least one ultraviolet radiation source and the curing chamber.

[0012] The curing apparatus may be characterized by one or more of the following aspects.

[0013] In a first aspect, a curing device configured for curing an optical product may have: a housing having a loading portion open to the ambient atmosphere, a curing portion whose curing chamber has a controlled atmosphere, and a transition portion extending between the loading portion and the curing portion; a carrier that can be moved between the loading portion and the curing chamber via the transition portion; and at least one ultraviolet radiation source that can be operated to transmit ultraviolet radiation into the curing chamber, wherein the transition portion includes a plurality of baffles that protrude from the side walls of the transition portion and are configured to minimize mixing between the ambient atmosphere and the controlled atmosphere during movement of the carrier between the loading portion and the curing chamber.

[0014] In a second aspect, in the curing apparatus according to the first aspect, each of the plurality of baffles is angled toward the loading portion.

[0015] In a third aspect, in the curing apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, each of the plurality of baffles includes a first end connected to a side wall of the transition portion and a free second end protruding toward a transition rail of the transition portion.

[0016] In a fourth aspect, in the curing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the plurality of baffles include a first group of baffles extending from a first side wall of the transition portion and a second group of baffles extending from a second side wall of the transition portion.

[0017] In a fifth aspect, in the curing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the plurality of baffles are aligned so that ends of the baffles of the first group are positioned opposite to ends of the baffles of the second group.

[0018] In a sixth aspect, in the curing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the loading section includes a door for closing the loading section.

[0019] In a seventh aspect, in the curing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a conveying mechanism is provided for moving the carrier between the loading part and the curing part.

[0020] In an eighth aspect, in the curing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the conveying mechanism includes a motor, a linear actuator, or a rotary actuator.

[0021] In a ninth aspect, in the curing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the carrier includes a rotatable holder configured to rotate about a rotation axis when the carrier is positioned in the curing chamber.

[0022] In a tenth aspect, in the curing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the rotatable holder includes a vacuum chuck configured to fix the article to the rotatable holder using a vacuum.

[0023] In an eleventh aspect, in the curing apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, at least one sensor is disposed in the curing chamber, and the at least one sensor is configured to measure the oxygen content in the curing chamber.

[0024] In a twelfth aspect, in the curing apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, at least one nozzle is in fluid communication with the curing chamber, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to deliver an inert gas to the curing chamber.

[0025] In a thirteenth aspect, in the curing apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, the at least one nozzle is configured to deliver the inert gas to the curing chamber at a constant pressure and a constant flow rate.

[0026] In a fourteenth aspect, in the curing apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, a diffuser is provided between the at least one nozzle and the curing chamber, the diffuser being configured to diffuse the inert gas flow into the curing chamber.

[0027] In a fifteenth aspect, in the curing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, an ultraviolet radiation filter is disposed between the at least one ultraviolet radiation source and the curing chamber.

[0028] The features that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims, which are annexed to and constitute a part of this disclosure. These and other features of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects obtained by its use will be more fully understood from the following detailed description, in which non-limiting examples of the invention are shown and described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a representative side view of an inert UV curing apparatus according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A representative cross-sectional side view of an inert UV curing apparatus is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 is a representative side view of a carrier configured for use with an inert UV curing device;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A representative top view of an inert UV curing apparatus is shown with the top portion of the housing removed;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 1a detailed top perspective view of the inert UV curing apparatus shown with the top portion of the housing removed; and

[0034] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method of curing an optical article using an inert UV curing device according to some examples or aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] Unless otherwise stated, Figures 1 to 6 1 and 2. In the present invention, like reference numerals may refer to like parts and elements as appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] Spatial or directional terms, such as "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "above", "below" etc., relate to the invention shown in the drawings and are not to be considered limiting as the invention may assume various alternative orientations.

[0038] All numbers used in the specification and claims should be understood as being modified in all cases by the term "about". "About" means plus or minus 25 percent of the stated value, such as plus or minus 10 percent of the stated value. However, it should not be considered as limiting any analysis of these values ​​under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0039] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein should be understood to cover the starting value and the ending value and any and all subranges or subratios contained therein. For example, the range or ratio "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between the minimum value 1 and the maximum value 10 (and including the end value); that is, all subranges or subratios starting with a minimum value of 1 or greater and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein represent the average value of the specified range and / or ratio.

[0040] The terms "first", "second", etc. are not intended to refer to any particular order or sequence, but rather to different conditions, characteristics or elements.

[0041] All documents mentioned herein are “incorporated by reference” in their entirety.

[0042] The term "at least" is synonymous with "greater than or equal to."

[0043] The term "not greater than" is synonymous with "less than or equal to."

[0044] As used herein, "at least one" is synonymous with "one or more". For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, "at least one of A, B, or C" includes A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.

[0045] The term "adjacent" means close to but not in direct contact.

[0046] The term "comprising" is synonymous with "including."

[0047] As used herein, the term "parallel" or "substantially parallel" means that the relative angle between two objects (such as elongated objects, including a reference line) (if extended to a theoretical intersection) is 0° to 5°, or 0° to 3°, or 0° to 2°, or 0° to 1°, or 0° to 0.5°, or 0° to 0.25°, or 0° to 0.1° (including the recited values).

[0048] As used herein, the terms "perpendicular" or "substantially perpendicular" mean that the relative angle between two objects at their actual or theoretical intersection is 85° to 90°, or 87° to 90°, or 88° to 90°, or 89° to 90°, or 89.5° to 90°, or 89.75° to 90°, or 89.9° to 90° (inclusive of the recited values).

[0049] As used herein, the term "baffle" or "baffles" refers to a physical structure configured to restrict the flow of gas within the interior of a curing apparatus.

[0050] The term "optical" means relating to or associated with light and / or vision. For example, an optical element, optical article, or optical device can be selected from ophthalmic elements, ophthalmic articles, and ophthalmic devices; display elements, display articles, and display devices; visors; windows; and mirrors.

[0051] The term "ophthalmic" means pertaining to or associated with the eye and vision. Non-limiting examples of ophthalmic articles or elements include corrective and non-corrective lenses, including single-vision lenses or multi-vision lenses, which may be segmented or non-segmented multi-vision lenses (such as, but not limited to, bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses, and progressive lenses); and other elements used to correct, protect, or enhance vision (cosmetically or otherwise), including, but not limited to, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, magnifying lenses, and protective lenses or visors.

[0052] As used herein, the term "lens" means and encompasses at least individual lenses, lens pairs, partially formed (or semi-finished) lenses, fully formed (or finished) lenses, and lens blanks.

[0053] As used herein, the term "transparent," such as when used with a substrate, film, material, and / or coating, means that the indicated substrate, film, material, and / or coating has the property of transmitting visible light without significant scattering, so that objects located at a distance can be clearly observed.

[0054] As used herein, the terms "ultraviolet," "UV," "ultraviolet" or "ultraviolet radiation" mean electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of 10 nm to 400 nm.

[0055] As used herein, the term "coating" means a supported film obtained from a flowable coating material, which may optionally have a uniform thickness, and specifically excludes polymer sheets. The terms "layer" and "film" each encompass both coatings (such as coating layers or coating films) and sheets, and a layer may include a combination of independent layers, including sublayers and / or superlayers. The verb "coating" means the process of applying a coating material (or multiple materials) to a substrate to form a coating (or coating layer) in the appropriate context.

[0056] As used herein, the terms "curing", "cured" and related terms mean that at least a portion of the polymerizable and / or crosslinkable components that form the curable composition are at least partially polymerized and / or crosslinked. According to some examples, the degree of crosslinking can range from 5% to 100% of complete crosslinking. According to some other examples, the degree of crosslinking can range from 30% to 95% of complete crosslinking, such as 35% to 95%, or 50% to 95%, or 50% to 85%. The degree of crosslinking can range between any combination of these listed lower and upper values, including the listed values.

[0057] As used herein, the term "communication" may refer to the reception, receipt, transmission, transmission, provision, etc. of information (eg, data, signals, messages, instructions, commands, etc.).

[0058] As used herein, a "graphical user interface" or "GUI" refers to a generated display with which a user may interact, either directly or indirectly (eg, via buttons, keys, mouse, touch screen, etc.).

[0059] The discussion of the present invention may describe certain features as "specifically" or "preferably" within certain limitations (e.g., "preferably", "more preferably" or "even more preferably" within certain limitations). It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to these specific or preferred limitations, but encompasses the full scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] The present invention includes the following examples of the present invention in any combination, is composed of or is basically composed of. Various examples of the present invention can be discussed separately. However, it should be understood that this is only for ease of explanation and discussion. In the practice of the present invention, one or more aspects of the present invention described in an example can be combined with one or more aspects of the present invention described in one or more other examples.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 , a curing device 100 according to some examples or aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In different examples or embodiments, the curing device 100 can be configured to cure a coating applied to at least one surface of an article. In some examples or aspects, the article can be an opaque article, a translucent article and / or a transparent article. In some examples or aspects, the transparent article can be an optical article. The curing device 100 can be configured to emit ultraviolet radiation to cure a coating applied to at least one surface of the article. Although the following disclosure describes a curing device 100 configured to cure a single optical article at a time, it will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the curing device 100 can be scaled to cure any number of coated articles, including non-optical articles. Accordingly, the following disclosure is to be construed as exemplary only and is not intended to limit the configuration of the curing device 100.

[0062] The curing apparatus 100 has a housing 102 that defines a loading section 108 open to the ambient atmosphere, a curing section 110 having a controlled atmosphere, and a transition section 112 extending between the loading section 108 and the curing section 110. In some examples or aspects, the loading section 108, the curing section 110, and the transition section 112 can be defined by a common housing. In other examples or aspects, the loading section 108, the curing section 110, and the transition section 112 can have separate housings that are combined end-to-end to define the overall housing 102 of the curing apparatus 100.

[0063] Continue to refer Figure 1 The housing 102 has an upper portion or side wall 114 spaced apart from a lower portion or side wall 116. An interior 118 (120) of the housing 102 is defined between the upper portion or side wall 114 and the lower portion or side wall 116, and between a pair of longitudinal portions or side walls 120. Figure 2 ). In some examples or aspects, the pair of longitudinal portions or side walls 120, the upper portion or side wall 114, and / or the lower portion or side wall 116 are discrete elements that are removably or non-removably connected to each other. In other examples, the pair of longitudinal portions or side walls 120, the upper portion or side wall 114, and / or the lower portion or side wall 116 can be integrally formed with each other.

[0064] refer to Figure 2 , the loading section 108, the curing section 110, and the transition section 112 define separate chambers within the interior 118 of the housing 102. The loading section 108 has a loading chamber 122 configured to receive the optical article 200 during loading and unloading. The loading section 108 is open to the ambient atmosphere and can be closed by a door 123. The curing section 110 has a curing chamber 124 with a controlled atmosphere for curing the optical article 200. The loading chamber 122 and the curing chamber 124 are connected to each other via a transition chamber 126 of the transition section 112.

[0065] refer to Figure 2 The curing apparatus 100 includes a carrier 128 that can move between the loading chamber 122 and the curing chamber 124 via the transition chamber 126. The carrier 128 can move along Figure 2 108 and the curing chamber 124. The carrier 128 is configured to move between the loading chamber 122 and the curing chamber 124 on the track 130 in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 108. In some examples or aspects, the track 130 may be straight or curved. The carrier 128 is supported on the upper portion of the track 130 and is movable between the loading chamber 122 and the curing chamber 124 via a conveyor mechanism 132. As described herein, the carrier 128 is configured to support the optical article so that the optical article moves between the loading portion 108 and the curing portion 110. In some examples or aspects, the conveyor mechanism 132 includes a drive element 134, such as a motor, a linear actuator, or a rotary actuator operably connected to the carrier 128. The carrier 128 may be operably connected to the drive element 134 via a belt, a chain, a rod, or other mechanical connection. As described below, the actuation of the conveyor mechanism 132 may be controlled by a controller to move the carrier 128. The operation of the conveyor mechanism 132 may be controlled by a controller to control the starting and ending positions and the speed at which the carrier 128 moves between the loading chamber 122 and the curing chamber 124. In some embodiments or aspects, the speed at which the carrier 128 moves from the loading chamber 122 to the curing chamber 124 may be different than the speed at which the carrier 128 moves from the curing chamber 124 to the loading chamber 122.

[0066] refer to Figure 3, the carrier 128 has a rotatable holder 136 that is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 138. In some examples or aspects, the rotatable holder 136 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 138 when the carrier 128 is positioned in the curing chamber 124. The carrier 128 further has a support platform 140 that is configured to support the optical article 200 thereon. The support platform 140 can have a vacuum chuck 142 that is configured to fix the optical article 200 on the carrier 128 using a vacuum. In this way, the optical article 200 can be supported via its lower surface without any additional mechanical fixing device that may contact the coated surface of the optical article 200.

[0067] Continue to refer Figure 3 , the optical article 200 has a front surface or top surface 202, a rear surface or bottom surface 204, and a side surface 206 extending between the top surface 202 and the bottom surface 204. In the case where the optical article 200 is an ophthalmic lens, the bottom surface 204 is opposite to the eye of the individual wearing the optical article 200, the side surface 206 is typically located in a support frame, and the top surface 202 faces the incident light (not shown), at least a portion of which passes through the optical article 200 and enters the eye of the individual. For some examples or aspects, at least one of the top surface 202, the bottom surface 204, and the side surface 206 can have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to circular, flat, cylindrical, spherical, planar, substantially planar, plano-concave and / or plano-convex, and curved (including but not limited to convex and / or concave). The optical article 200 is configured to be supported on the support platform 140 of the carrier 128, such as via the bottom surface 204. In some examples or aspects, the optical article 200 can be supported on the support platform 140 of the carrier 128 via the side surface 206 .

[0068] The optical article 200 may be selected from ophthalmic articles or ophthalmic elements, display articles or display elements, visors, windows, mirrors, active liquid crystal cell articles or active liquid crystal cell elements, and passive liquid crystal cell articles or passive liquid crystal cell elements. Examples of ophthalmic articles or ophthalmic elements include, but are not limited to, corrective lenses and non-corrective lenses, including single-vision lenses or multi-vision lenses, which may be segmented or non-segmented multi-vision lenses (such as but not limited to bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses, and progressive lenses); and other elements for correcting, protecting, or enhancing vision (aesthetically or otherwise), including but not limited to contact lenses, intraocular lenses, magnifying lenses, and protective lenses or visors. Examples of display articles, display elements, and display devices include, but are not limited to, screens, monitors, and security elements, including but not limited to security markings and authentication markings. Examples of windows include, but are not limited to, automotive and aircraft transparencies, filters, blinds, and optical switches. The optical article 200 may include a polymeric organic material selected from a thermosetting polymeric organic material, a thermoplastic polymeric organic material, or a mixture of such polymeric organic materials.

[0069] refer to Figure 2 , the curing device 100 has at least one ultraviolet radiation source 150 (hereinafter referred to as "UV source 150"), which is operable to transmit ultraviolet (UV) radiation into the curing chamber 124. In some examples or aspects, the curing device 100 can have a plurality of UV sources 150. The at least one UV source 150 can be mounted in the upper portion 152 of the housing 102, so that the at least one UV source 150 guides UV radiation from the upper portion 152 of the housing 102 into the curing chamber 124. The at least one UV source 150 is positioned so that when the optical article 200 is positioned in the curing chamber 124, at least a portion of the UV radiation emitted from the at least one UV source is incident on at least one surface of the optical article 200. In some examples, the at least one ultraviolet radiation source 150 can be an ultraviolet lamp having at least one bulb (such as a mercury bulb) configured to emit radiation within the ultraviolet spectrum. The specifications of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source 150 can be selected according to the type of coating to be cured.

[0070] Continue to refer Figure 2, the filter 154 can be positioned between the at least one UV source 150 and the curing chamber 124. The filter 154 can be configured to filter the UV radiation from the at least one UV source 150, such as filtering out radiation of a desired wavelength. The filtering characteristics of the filter 154 can be selected according to the desired wavelength of ultraviolet radiation to be filtered out. The curing apparatus 100 can have at least one reflective element positioned within the curing chamber 124 to reflect at least a portion of the UV radiation emitted from the at least one UV source 150 in a direction toward the optical article 200. In some examples, the at least one reflective element can be a mirror or a mirror-like film.

[0071] refer to Figures 4 to 5 , the curing apparatus 100 includes a plurality of baffles 158 configured to minimize mixing between the ambient atmosphere in the loading chamber 122 and the controlled atmosphere in the curing chamber 124. In some examples or aspects, the plurality of baffles 158 can be disposed in the transition chamber 126. Each of the plurality of baffles 158 can be coupled to one or more side walls of the housing 102, such as one or more of the side walls of the transition chamber 126. For example, each of the plurality of baffles 158 can be coupled to one or more of the upper portion or side wall 114, the lower portion or side wall 116, and the longitudinal portion or side wall 120 of the housing 102. Figures 4 to 5 A plurality of baffles 158 are shown protruding from the longitudinal portion or sidewall 120 of the housing 102 in the transition chamber 126. The plurality of baffles 158 may be removably or non-removably connected to one or more of the upper portion or sidewall 114, the lower portion or sidewall 116, and the longitudinal portion or sidewall 120 of the housing 102. In some embodiments or aspects, the plurality of baffles 158 may be connected to an intermediate element that is connected to one or more of the upper portion or sidewall 114, the lower portion or sidewall 116, and the longitudinal portion or sidewall 120 of the housing 102.

[0072] Continue to refer Figures 4 to 5 , each of the plurality of baffles 158 includes a first end 160 connected to one or more of the upper portion or sidewall 114, the lower portion or sidewall 116, and the longitudinal portion or sidewall 120 of the housing 102, and a free second end 162 that protrudes toward a transition rail 164 of the transition portion 112. Each of the plurality of baffles 158 is angled toward the loading portion 108. Each of the plurality of baffles 158 may be angled toward the loading portion 108 at the same angle. In some examples, the plurality of baffles 158 may be angled toward the loading portion 108 at different angles.

[0073] Continue to refer Figures 4 to 5, a plurality of baffles 158 are arranged in two rows on opposite sides of the transition guide 164. The plurality of baffles 158 may include a first group of baffles 158a extending from a first side wall 166 of the transition portion 112 and a second group of baffles 158b extending from a second side wall 168 of the transition portion 112. The first group of baffles 158a is separated from the second group of baffles 158b by a distance D sufficient to allow the carrier 128 carrying the optical article 200 to pass through the transition portion 112 unimpeded. The plurality of baffles 158 may be aligned so that the second end 162 of each baffle in the first group of baffles 158a is positioned opposite to the second end 162 of each baffle in the second group of baffles 158b.

[0074] refer to Figure 4 , the curing chamber 124 of the curing apparatus 100 can have an atmosphere that is different from the atmosphere outside the curing chamber 124. In some examples or aspects, the curing chamber 124 can have an inert atmosphere due to an increased concentration of an inert gas, such as nitrogen or one or more rare gases. Without intending to be bound by theory, it has been found that the curing of the coating covering the optical article 200 can be significantly improved when the coating is cured in a controlled and inert atmosphere that is different from the ambient atmosphere. The plurality of baffles 158 are configured to act as a barrier to block the flow of ambient air from the loading chamber 122 into the curing chamber 124 during the movement of the optical article 200 from the loading chamber 122 to the curing chamber 124, and to act as a barrier to block the flow of the inert atmosphere out of the curing chamber 124 during the movement of the optical article 200 from the curing chamber 124 to the loading chamber 122. For example, during the movement of the optical article 200 between the loading chamber 122 and the curing chamber 124, the optical article 200 moves the air around it. The plurality of baffles 158 are configured to minimize the movement of air around the optical article 200 in order to minimize the exchange between the ambient air in the loading chamber 122 and the inert gas in the curing chamber 124. In this manner, the introduction of ambient atmosphere (i.e., oxygen) from the loading chamber 122 into the inert atmosphere in the curing chamber 124 can be minimized in order to conserve the use of inert gas.

[0075] Continue to refer Figure 4, at least one nozzle 170 may be provided for delivering an inert gas into the curing chamber 124. The at least one nozzle 170 is in communication with a container 172 containing an inert gas. In some examples, a plurality of nozzles 170 may be provided. The at least one nozzle 170 extends into the curing chamber 124 through one or more of the upper portion or sidewall 114, the lower portion or sidewall 116 of the housing 102 to deliver the inert gas into the curing chamber 124. In some examples or aspects, the at least one nozzle 170 may be configured to deliver the inert gas into the interior chamber 124 at a fixed flow rate and pressure. In other examples or aspects, the at least one nozzle 170 may be adjustable to control the flow rate and pressure of the inert gas delivered to the curing chamber 124. In such examples or aspects, a proportional valve 174 may be provided to control the flow rate and pressure of the at least one nozzle 170. The proportional valve 174 may be adjusted manually or electronically. The flow rate and pressure of the inert gas flowing through the at least one nozzle 170 may be controlled by a controller, as described herein.

[0076] At least one sensor 176 may be provided for detecting the oxygen concentration in the curing chamber 124. By determining the oxygen concentration in the curing chamber 124, a controller associated with the at least one sensor 176 may determine the concentration of the inert gas in the curing chamber 124. The output from the at least one sensor 176 may be used to adjust the flow rate of the inert gas through the at least one nozzle 170 to maintain the concentration of the inert gas at a predetermined level.

[0077] refer to Figure 4 , the curing apparatus 100 may have at least one diffuser plate 178 disposed between the at least one nozzle 170 and the curing chamber 124. The at least one diffuser plate 178 may have a plurality of openings 180 configured to allow the inert gas to flow therethrough and into the curing chamber 124. The openings 180 may have a small diameter (e.g., about 5 μm) so as to uniformly diffuse the inert gas within the curing chamber 124.

[0078] refer to Figure 2 , the curing apparatus 100 has at least one controller 182 that is operably connected to at least one component of the curing apparatus 100. In some examples or aspects, the at least one controller 182 can be configured to control the operation of at least one of the drive element 134 of the conveyor mechanism 132, the rotatable holder 136 of the carrier 128, the UV source 150, and the valve 174 of the nozzle 170. In other examples or aspects, a separate controller 182 can be provided for each of the drive element 134 of the conveyor mechanism 132, the rotatable holder 136 of the carrier 128, the UV source 150, and the valve 174 of the nozzle 170.

[0079] In some examples or aspects, at least one controller 150 may be a microprocessor controller. At least one controller 150 may be configured for pulse width modulation (PWM) operation, wherein a digital control signal may be used to implement analog operation of at least one of the drive element 134 of the conveyor 132, the rotatable holder 136 of the carrier 128, the UV source 150, and the valve 174 of the nozzle 170. In some examples or aspects, at least one controller 182 may be configured for continuous modulation control of at least one of the drive element 134 of the conveyor 132, the rotatable holder 136 of the carrier 128, the UV source 150, and the valve 174 of the nozzle 170. As discussed herein, at least one controller 182 may have a memory configured to store one or more predetermined automated curing processes. In some examples or aspects, at least one controller 182 may be configured to operate with the aid of a 110V or 220V AC power circuit and / or a battery power supply. In other examples or aspects, at least one controller 182 may be configured to operate with the aid of a 12V DC power circuit.

[0080] Already referenced Figures 1 to 5 Having described the curing apparatus 100, reference will now be made to Figure 6 An exemplary method 300 is described for curing a coating applied to an optical article 200 using a curing apparatus 100. In some examples or aspects, the curing apparatus 100 can be configured to cure a coating applied to a single optical article 200. In other examples or aspects, the curing apparatus 100 can be configured to cure a coating applied to a plurality of optical articles 200 in a batch process.

[0081] refer to Figure 6 At step 302, a coated but uncured optical article 200 is loaded into the curing apparatus 100. For example, the optical article 200 may be loaded into the curing apparatus 100 by opening the door 123 leading to the loading section 108 and loading the optical article 200 onto the carrier 128 positioned in the loading chamber 122. The optical article 200 is secured to the carrier 128 by actuating the vacuum chuck 142.

[0082] At step 304, the inert atmosphere in the curing chamber 124 is controlled to a desired level. For example, an inert gas from a container 172 is delivered to the curing chamber 124 via at least one nozzle 170. The oxygen content of the inert atmosphere is determined using at least one sensor 176, and the flow of the inert gas can be adjusted via valve 174 to achieve a predetermined threshold inside the curing chamber 124.

[0083] At step 306, the optical article 200 is moved from the loading chamber 122 to the curing chamber 124. For example, the drive element 134 of the transport mechanism 132 is actuated to move the carrier 128 from the loading chamber 122 to the curing chamber 124 via the transition chamber 126. During the movement of the carrier 128 through the transition chamber 126, the plurality of baffles 158 are configured to minimize the exchange between the ambient atmosphere in the loading chamber 122 and the inert atmosphere in the curing chamber 124.

[0084] After positioning the carrier 128 in the curing chamber 124, the UV source 150 is actuated at step 308 to initiate the curing process. The optical article 200 can be rotated about the axis of rotation 138 of the rotatable holder 138 of the carrier 128.

[0085] After the curing process is complete, the optical article 200 is moved from the curing chamber 124 back into the loading chamber 122 at step 310. For example, the drive element 134 of the transport mechanism 132 is actuated to move the carrier 128 from the curing chamber 124 to the loading chamber 122 via the transition chamber 126. During the movement of the carrier 128 through the transition chamber 126, the plurality of baffles 158 are configured to minimize the exchange between the ambient atmosphere in the loading chamber 122 and the inert atmosphere in the curing chamber 124.

[0086] At step 312, the cured optical article 200 is unloaded from the curing apparatus 100. For example, the optical article 200 may be unloaded from the curing apparatus 100 by opening the door 123 leading to the loading section 108 and unloading the optical article 200 from the carrier 128 positioned in the loading chamber 122. The vacuum chuck 142 is deactivated to allow the optical article 200 to be removed from the carrier 128.

[0087] The invention has been described with reference to specific details of particular examples thereof. It is not intended that these details be considered limitations on the scope of the invention unless and to the extent they are included in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A curing device comprising: A housing having: a loading portion, the loading portion being open to the ambient atmosphere; a curing section having a curing chamber with a controlled atmosphere; and a transition portion extending between the loading portion and the curing portion; a carrier movable between the loading section and the curing chamber via the transition section; as well as at least one ultraviolet radiation source operable to transmit ultraviolet radiation into the curing chamber, Wherein, the transition section includes a plurality of baffles protruding from a sidewall of the transition section and configured to minimize mixing between the ambient atmosphere and the controlled atmosphere during movement of the carrier between the loading section and the curing chamber.

2. The curing device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of baffles is angled toward the loading portion.

3. The curing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of baffles includes a first end connected to a sidewall of the transition portion and a free second end that protrudes toward a transition rail of the transition portion.

4. The curing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of baffles include a first set of baffles extending from a first sidewall of the transition portion and a second set of baffles extending from a second sidewall of the transition portion.

5. The curing device according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of baffles are aligned such that an end of the first set of baffles is positioned opposite an end of the second set of baffles.

6. The curing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The loading section includes a door for closing the loading section.

7. The curing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a conveying mechanism for moving the carrier between the loading part and the curing part.

8. The curing device according to claim 7, wherein: The transmission mechanism includes a motor, a linear actuator or a rotary actuator.

9. The curing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The carrier includes a rotatable holder configured to rotate about a rotation axis when the carrier is positioned in the curing chamber.

10. The curing device according to claim 9, wherein: The rotatable holder includes a vacuum cup configured to secure an article to the rotatable holder using a vacuum.

11. The curing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one sensor in the curing chamber configured to measure the oxygen content in the curing chamber.

12. The curing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one nozzle, the at least one nozzle being in fluid communication with the curing chamber, wherein: The at least one nozzle is configured to deliver an inert gas to the curing chamber.

13. The curing device according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one nozzle is configured to deliver the inert gas to the curing chamber at a constant pressure and a constant flow rate.

14. The curing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a diffuser between the at least one nozzle and the curing chamber, the diffuser being configured to diffuse the inert gas flow into the curing chamber.

15. The curing apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an ultraviolet radiation filter disposed between the at least one ultraviolet radiation source and the curing chamber.

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