Automatic detection device for optical lens production and method of using same

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of optical lens inspection technology, specifically to an automatic inspection device and its usage method for optical lens production. This automatic inspection device includes a fixture, a transport module, an optical inspection module, a cleaning module, a receiving module, and a monitoring module, and is used in conjunction with lens processing equipment. This invention allows for convenient free movement of lenses between modules, loading and unloading or repositioning, arbitrary entry and exit between these modules, and hovering or rotating in place at any orientation and angle, thereby enabling multiple lenses to be simultaneously cleaned or inspected from multiple angles and directions. This invention can perform various inspections, including geometric parameters, surface defects, and optical performance, and generate lens processing data, serving the automatic processing of lenses and improving inspection and production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical lens inspection technology, specifically to an automatic inspection device for optical lens production and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Optical lenses are important optical components, widely used in various fields such as eyeglasses, telescopes, microscopes, lidar, and 3D imaging. The quality of optical lenses significantly affects the performance of optical devices.

[0003] Due to variations in manufacturing processes and materials, the geometric parameters and optical properties of lenses differ, often necessitating manual inspection in actual production. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to varying lighting conditions and diverse inspection instruments, and the difficulty in standardizing inspection criteria significantly impacts efficiency and accuracy. This is particularly true in optical lens manufacturing, where optical inspection is required at every stage, and its efficiency and accuracy directly affect production efficiency and quality. Therefore, there is a current need for an automated inspection device and its operating method for optical lens production, compatible with existing optical lens manufacturing equipment, to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic inspection device and its usage method for optical lens production, so as to solve the technical problem that it is currently impossible to quickly and efficiently inspect the optical data of lenses in optical lens production to facilitate automated and efficient production.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an automatic inspection device for optical lens production, used in conjunction with lens processing equipment. It includes a clamp with a locking component connected to it via an electrically controlled connector. The locking component is connected to the front or back of the lens via a protective component, enabling locking or unlocking of the lens. It also includes a transport module comprising a slide rail and several electrically driven sliders. The electrically driven sliders can move on the slide rail, and the clamp is connected to each slider via a main shaft. The main shaft enables at least two translational axes and one rotational axis rotation of the clamp. Finally, it includes an optical inspection module comprising a vibration-isolated platform and an inspection chamber, the inspection chamber being disposed on the vibration-isolated platform. A light source orientation is provided within the inspection chamber. The system includes an adjustment unit, a light source, a light source processing unit, a clamping component, and a detection unit. The light source's position and angle can be adjusted by the light source orientation adjustment unit. The clamping component can hold the side of the lens. The light emitted by the light source, after being processed by the light source processing unit, passes through the lens and is detected by the detection unit. The system also includes a cleaning module containing a cleaning chamber equipped with a cleaning unit and a drying unit. The cleaning unit is used to clean the lens and the clamp, and the drying unit is used to dry the lens and the clamp. Furthermore, the system includes a receiving module containing a lens tray, a clamp storage compartment, and a liquid storage tank. The lens tray is used to store the lenses according to a predetermined rule; the clamp storage compartment is used to store the clamps; and the liquid storage tank is used to store the cleaning module. The equipment includes the required liquids and / or generated waste liquids; it also includes a monitoring module comprising a status monitoring unit, a computing unit, and a control unit; the processing equipment includes several processing modules, which include at least one of a turning module, a milling module, a fine grinding module, a centering edge grinding module, and a polishing module; the status monitoring unit is used to acquire current lens data and desired optical data, wherein the current lens data includes current geometric data, current optical data, and current orientation data; the geometric data includes size, shape, radius of curvature, thickness distribution, appearance defect distribution, and surface error distribution; the optical data includes focal length, back focal length, wavefront aberration, transmittance, reflectivity, eccentricity, and dirt distribution; the orientation data includes lens clamping status and lens three-dimensional coordinates. The calculation unit is used to determine the current lens data based on the information obtained by the detection unit and the status monitoring unit. The calculation unit is also used to determine the desired geometric data and lens processing data based on the current lens data and the desired optical data. The control unit is electrically connected to the fixture, the transport module, the optical detection module, the cleaning module, the receiving module, and the processing module. It is used to control the fixture and the clamping member to fix or release the lens based on the lens processing data and the current lens data, and to control the transport module, the cleaning module, and the processing module to operate. It is also used to control the optical detection module to measure the current lens data, especially the current geometric data and the current optical data.

[0006] Furthermore, the locking surface shape of the locking member is fitted to the locking surface shape of the lens, and the outer contour of the locking surface of the locking member does not exceed the outer contour of the locking surface of the lens.

[0007] Furthermore, the protective component is made of a hot-melt material, and the temperature of the locking surface of the locking component is adjustable.

[0008] Alternatively, the protective element is made of a flexible material, and the locking element and the protective element are provided with a central through hole. The clamp draws a vacuum through the central through hole to form a negative pressure or release a negative pressure.

[0009] Furthermore, the slide rail includes a running section and a parking section. The running section is used to move the electric slider within the range of the optical detection module, the cleaning module, the receiving module, and the processing module. The parking section is located at one or both ends of the detection section and is used to park the electric slider when it is not in operation. The slide rail is an annular slide rail or includes at least one section of an annular slide rail.

[0010] Furthermore, the light source processing unit may include at least one of a lens, a reflector, a screen, and an interferometer.

[0011] Furthermore, the detection unit may include at least one of an image sensor, a position-sensitive detector, and a high-resolution camera.

[0012] The present invention also provides a method for using an automatic inspection device for optical lens production, which includes the following steps:

[0013] Based on the current data of the lens, determine the lens that needs to be tested;

[0014] The transport module is controlled to move the lens to the cleaning module, and the cleaning module is controlled to complete the cleaning and drying process.

[0015] The transport module is controlled to move the lens to the optical detection module, and the optical detection module is controlled to generate the current data of the lens;

[0016] The lens processing data is generated based on the current lens data and the desired optical data;

[0017] Based on the lens processing data, the transport module is controlled to move the lens to the receiving module and complete the unloading or loading of the lens;

[0018] Based on the lens processing data, the transport module is controlled to move the lens to the processing module and complete the processing.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes the following automated part-changing steps:

[0020] Control the transport module to move an empty locking member to the receiving module, so that the locking surface of the locking member is in contact with the locking surface of the lens to be locked, and then lock the lens.

[0021] Control the conveying module to move a locking member that locks the lens to the receiving module so that the lens is exactly in the empty receiving position of the lens tray, and then unlock the lens;

[0022] The transport module is controlled to move a first locking member that locks the first surface of the lens and an empty second locking member to a specific position, so that the locking surface of the second locking member is in contact with the unlocked second surface of the lens, and then the second surface of the lens is locked while the first surface of the lens is unlocked.

[0023] Control the transport module to move a locking member that locks the lens to the optical detection module, so that the clamping part of the clamping member fits against the side of the lens, and then clamps the side of the lens while unlocking the lens.

[0024] Control the transport module to move an empty locking member to the optical detection module, so that the locking surface of the empty locking member is in contact with the front or back of the lens held on the clamping member, release the clamping member, and lock the lens at the same time.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The cooperation of the fixture and transport module enables free movement of lenses between the optical inspection module, cleaning module, receiving module, and processing module; the electrically controlled connector between the fixture and locking component facilitates lens loading / unloading or repositioning; combined with the multiple translational and rotational degrees of freedom provided by the spindle, lenses can freely enter and exit these modules, hover or rotate in place at any orientation and angle, facilitating multi-angle and omnidirectional processing, cleaning, or inspection of lenses. By setting multiple electric sliders and slide rail parking sections, combined with lens repositioning steps between multiple fixtures, multiple lenses can be processed, cleaned, or inspected simultaneously on this device, improving lens production efficiency. Protective components reduce lens breakage during locking and repositioning. The optical inspection module, through its adjustable light source, multi-degree-of-freedom lens clamping components, and replaceable optical accessories, can be flexibly arranged into various inspection structures, enabling the inspection of geometric parameters, surface defects, optical performance, and other aspects. The vibration isolation platform improves inspection accuracy and stability. The monitoring module enables the entire testing system to monitor its status, calculate parameters, and perform automatic control, ensuring rapid and efficient testing of lens optical data during optical lens production and improving testing and production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic inspection device for optical lens production according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a clamp connection locking member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another clamp connection locking component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a lens locked by a hot-melt material according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a lens locked by vacuuming according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention using a vacuum-locked lens;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an optical detection module for surface defect detection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an optical detection module for surface shape error detection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the usage method of the automatic inspection device for optical lens production according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the component replacement steps in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] In the picture:

[0038] Lens 1, front side 11, back side 12;

[0039] Clamp 2, locking component 21, protective component 22, electric control connector 23;

[0040] Conveying module 3, slide rail 31, electric slider 32, main shaft 33;

[0041] Optical inspection module 4, vibration isolation platform 41, inspection chamber 42, light source orientation adjustment unit 43, light source 44, light source processing unit 45, clamping component 46, inspection unit 47;

[0042] Cleaning module 5, cleaning chamber 51, washing unit 52, drying unit 53;

[0043] 6 is a container module; 61 is a lens tray; 62 is a locking component storage box; and 63 is a liquid storage tank.

[0044] Monitoring module 7, status monitoring unit 71, computing unit 72, control unit 73;

[0045] Processing module 8. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments implemented by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] This embodiment provides an automatic inspection device for optical lens production, the schematic diagram of which is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the automatic inspection device includes a fixture 2, a transport module 3, an optical inspection module 4, a cleaning module 5, a receiving module 6, and a monitoring module 7. This automatic inspection device is used in conjunction with the processing equipment for lens 1. The processing equipment also includes at least one processing module 8.

[0049] A locking element 21 is connected to the clamp 2 via an electrically controlled connector 23. The locking element 21 is connected to the front 11 or back 12 of the lens 1 via a protective element 22, for locking or unlocking the lens 1. Within the scope of this invention, the term "lens" refers both to a lens blank before the necessary processing steps are performed and to the final finished lens 1 (e.g., for use in eyeglasses or other optical devices). The lens 1 is generally made of a transparent material, such as plastic, glass, mineral glass, or other materials that can be processed in a suitable manner. The lens 1 includes at least one optical surface to be processed (specifically, the front 11). To expose the front 11 for easy processing, the surface opposite the optical surface to be processed (specifically, the back 12) is generally preferably fixed. The lens 1 is preferably fixed by the clamp 2, especially by the so-called locking element 21. The state in which the lens 1 is securely connected to the locking element 21 is called "locked," and the state in which the connection is released is called "unlocked." To protect the locking surface of lens 1, lens 1 preferably has a protective element 22, especially on its back side away from the machined surface. The protective element 22 is located between the locking element 21 and lens 1. The protective element 22 is generally made of a flexible thin sheet material, which allows the locking element 21 and lens 1 to fit as close as possible while simultaneously serving as a buffer and protecting the lens 1. In principle, the locking element 21 can be automatically installed on the fixture 2. To facilitate the automatic installation and removal of the locking element 21, the fixture 2 is connected to the locking element 21 via an electrically controlled connector 23, which can be electrically controlled to tighten or loosen the connection.

[0050] Preferably, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamp 2 connected to the locking member 21. For better fit, the locking member 21 has a locking surface, which is machined to fit the shape of the back surface 12 of the lens 1. The locking surface can be pre-machined or temporarily machined according to the shape of the back surface 12 of the lens 1 to be locked. In particular, the outer contour of the locking surface of the locking member 21 does not exceed the outer contour of the locked surface of the lens 1, that is, the side contour of the lens 1 is exposed, which facilitates fixing the lens 1 by clamping the side and also facilitates the machining of the side or outer contour of the lens 1.

[0051] Preferably, the locking member 21 has a protruding handle that can be inserted into the matching recessed hole of the clamp 2. For ease of insertion, the recessed hole may have a chamfer or be slightly larger than the handle. One possible implementation is that the locking member 21 is made of a ferromagnetic material (such as iron, cobalt, or nickel), and the clamp 2 is equipped with an electromagnet for electric control. When the electromagnet is energized, it generates magnetic force to secure the locking member 21; when the power is off, it releases the connection. This allows for convenient electronic control of the connection and release. Another possible implementation is that the locking member 21 is made of a material that expands and contracts with temperature, and the clamp 2 is equipped with a thermostat. When the thermostat heats up, the handle of the locking member 21 expands and secures it to the locking member 21; when the thermostat cools down, the handle of the locking member 21 contracts and releases the connection. This also allows for convenient electronic control of the connection and release. The locking element 21 and the clamp 2 shown here are both circumferentially opposite shapes, but in actual applications they can be any other shape, or even asymmetrical shapes.

[0052] Preferably, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another type of clamp 2 connecting to a locking member 21. The handle of the locking member 21 has a recessed keyway hole. The clamp 2 is equipped with an electric control connector 23, which is an electric key. By electrically controlling the key to extend into the keyway hole, the locking member 21 can be securely connected. When the electric key exits the keyway hole, the connection to the locking member 21 is released. Similarly, for easy positioning, the outer contour of the keyway hole on the handle of the locking member 21 can have a certain chamfer.

[0053] Preferably, the protective element 22 can be a hot-melt material (such as resin, plastic, adhesive tape, etc.), such as... Figure 4 As shown, there is a protective element 22 made of thermoplastic material between the locking element 21 and the back surface 12 of the lens 1. The temperature of the locking surface of the locking element 21 is adjustable. By changing the temperature of the locking surface, the protective element 22 can be melted or solidified, thereby realizing the locking and unlocking of the lens 1.

[0054] Alternatively, the protective element 22 can be made of a flexible material, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the locking member 21 and the protective member 22 are provided with a central through hole. The central through hole is connected to the vacuum pumping equipment. The clamp 2 creates a negative pressure or releases a negative pressure by drawing a vacuum through the central through hole. When there is a negative pressure in the central through hole, the lens 1 is locked, and when the pressure increases, the lens 1 is unlocked.

[0055] Preferably, such as Figure 6 As shown, for large, thin, or fragile lenses 1, the protective component 22, in addition to the central through hole, also has a microchannel connected to the central through hole and whose outlet faces the lens side. The microchannel can increase the adsorption force while dispersing the pressure on the lens at the central through hole, making the lens 1 more uniformly stressed and able to withstand greater adsorption force.

[0056] The transport module 3 includes a slide rail 31 and several electrically driven sliders 32. The electrically driven sliders 32 can move on the slide rail 31. A clamp 2 is connected to each electrically driven slider 32 via a spindle 33. The spindle 33 is used to achieve at least translational motion of the clamp 2 along two linear axes and rotation about one rotational axis. Depending on the processing requirements, at least one electrically driven slider 32 is in operation on the slide rail 31. The movement of the electrically driven slider 32 drives the spindle 33 and its clamp 2 and lens 1 to move together. In principle, this is achieved through the reasonable layout of the slide rail 31 and each module (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (Example: the slide rail 31 surrounds the layout of each module). The electric slider 32 can transport the clamp 2 to the vicinity of any other module, and then, through the translation of the spindle 33, the lens 1 can be moved within the range of any module. The rotation of the spindle 33 can also change the angle of the slide rail. In principle, the spindle 33 preferably has two orthogonal translational degrees of freedom, which can be achieved by a cross slide, and one rotational degree of freedom of the spindle 33 can be achieved by a circular shaft. The spindle 33 is preferably a directly driven, precisely supported shaft, a direct driver, or other driver. The clamped clamp 2 can be rotated or rotated for processing by means of the spindle 33, that is, the spindle 33 serves as a rotational driver for the lens 1. Particularly preferred is that the lens 1 can be controlled to rotate or rotate at a defined speed and / or a defined rotational position. For this purpose, the locking member 21 can also be designed as a multi-component type to increase more degrees of freedom, as is known in the prior art.

[0057] Preferably, the slide rail 13 includes a running section and a parking section. The running section is used to move the electric slider 32 within the range of the optical inspection module 4, cleaning module 5, receiving module 6, and processing module 8. The parking section is located at one or both ends of the inspection section and is used to park the electric slider 32 that is not in operation. The slide rail 13 is an annular slide rail or includes at least one section of an annular slide rail. The slide rail 13 can be supplemented with other functional sections, such as a parking section for storing stopped or faulty electric sliders 32, to prevent excess electric sliders 32 from interfering with the normally operating electric sliders 32, and to facilitate the replacement, maintenance, and other operations of the electric sliders 32. The slide rail 13 can be as follows: Figure 1 The annular slide rail shown can also be a linear slide rail 13. Preferably, to facilitate the operation of the electric slider 32, the slide rail 13 includes at least one annular branch segment, both ends of which are connected to the running segment. The electric slider 32 can enter and exit the running segment from either side of the branch slide rail, thereby realizing the reverse direction of the electric slider 32, the staggered positions of multiple electric sliders 32, and other replicable operating modes. Of course, complex operating modes of the lens 1 can also be realized by the interchange of the lens 1 with different electric sliders 32.

[0058] The optical inspection module 4 includes a vibration isolation platform 41 and an inspection chamber 42, which is mounted on the vibration isolation platform 41. The inspection chamber 42 contains a light source orientation adjustment unit 43, a light source 44, a light source processing unit 45, a clamping component 46, and an inspection unit 47. The clamping component 46 can hold the side of the lens 1. The position and angle of the light source 44 can be changed by the light source orientation adjustment unit 43. The light emitted by the light source 44, after being processed by the light source processing unit 45, is transmitted, refracted, or reflected by the lens 1 and detected by the inspection unit 47. Because optical inspection is sensitive to vibration, and the transport module 3, cleaning module 5, and processing module 8 inevitably generate vibration, the inspection chamber 42 must be mounted on the vibration isolation platform 41 to isolate vibration. The light source 44 can be a monochromatic or multicolor light source, a visible or invisible light source, a point light source or a parallel light source, a laser generator, an image generator, etc. Preferably, the clamping member 46 can be a multi-component structure combining a slide and a turntable to achieve multi-axis translation and multi-axis rotation of the lens 1, facilitating omnidirectional inspection of the lens 1. Optical inspection is primarily performed within the inspection chamber 42. Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a detection chamber 42 for detecting the center error of lens 1. The light source 44 is a laser emitter, the light source processing unit 45 is a reflecting screen, and the detection unit 47 is a position-sensitive detector. The laser beam emitted by the laser emitter is reflected by the reflecting screen and illuminates the surface of lens 1 at a specific angle. After refraction by lens 1, it is focused onto the photosensitive surface of the position-sensitive detector. Typically, the principle of rotational self-collimation is used, and the eccentricity is calculated by measuring the jump of the image point when the lens rotates, thus detecting the optical center deviation of lens 1. Other possible types of optical inspection include geometric parameter inspection (such as radius of curvature, center thickness, external dimensions, surface shape error, center error, etc.), surface defect inspection (such as scratches, pitting, broken edges, mold spots, stains, etc.), and optical performance inspection (such as focal length, modulation transfer function, wavefront aberration, transmittance, reflectivity, etc.). One inspection chamber 42 can handle one or more types of inspections, or multiple inspection chambers 42 can be configured as needed.

[0059] Preferably, the light source processing unit 45 may include at least one of a lens, a reflector, a screen, and an interferometer.

[0060] Preferably, the detection unit 47 may include at least one of an image sensor, a position-sensitive detector, and a high-resolution camera.

[0061] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of an optical detection module 4 for surface defect detection according to an embodiment of the present invention. The light source 44 is a laser emitter, the light source processing unit 45 is a polarizing mirror, and the detection unit 47 consists of at least two image sensors. Light emitted from the laser emitter passes through the polarizing mirror and illuminates the surface to be tested by the lens 1. One image sensor is placed on the reflected light path to acquire the image formed by the reflected light, used to detect reflective defects such as surface structure and contamination. The other image sensor is not placed on the reflected light path and is specifically used to acquire the image formed by scattered light, used to detect scattering defects such as scratches and pitting. Generally, the acquired images are processed, and various surface defects are identified and classified using machine learning algorithms. The light source orientation adjustment unit 43 can change the position and angle of the light source to achieve dark-field illumination and / or bright-field illumination. Dark-field illumination is more conducive to the detection of scattering defects such as scratches and pitting, while bright-field illumination is more conducive to the detection of reflective defects such as surface structure and contamination.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an optical detection module 4 for surface shape error detection according to an embodiment of the present invention. The light source 44 is a laser emitter, the light source processing unit 45 is an interferometer, and the detection unit 47 is a high-resolution camera. The laser emitter generates a monochromatic coherent beam, which is split into a reference beam and a measurement beam by a beam splitter. The measurement beam, after being reflected by the surface under test, interferes with the reference beam, producing interference fringes. The high-resolution camera records the intensity distribution of the interference field. Generally, a phase-shifting algorithm is used to solve the three-dimensional topography, converting the phase information into surface shape error data.

[0063] The cleaning module 5 includes a cleaning chamber 51, which contains a cleaning unit 52 and a drying unit 53. The cleaning unit 52 is used to clean the lens 1 and the fixture 2, and the drying unit 53 is used to dry the lens 1 and the fixture 2. Dirt and dust may remain on the surface of the processed lens 1. Before testing, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dried in the cleaning module 5 to obtain a clean surface for testing. Figure 1 The diagram only schematically shows the cleaning unit 52 and the drying unit 53. In reality, there may be multiple stages such as dust removal, cleaning with cleaning solution, cleaning with pure water, ultrasonic cleaning, and drying. Since these are all existing technologies, they will not be described in detail here. In principle, the wastewater and exhaust gas generated during the cleaning process are collected, stored, and treated separately. Here, the cleaning module 5 is set up separately, that is, it is designed to be isolated from other modules. In principle, the cleaning module 5 can also be integrated into the processing module 8.

[0064] The receiving module 6 includes a lens tray 61, a fixture library 62, and a liquid storage tank 63. The lens tray 61 is used to store lenses 1 according to predetermined rules; the fixture library 62 is used to store fixtures 2; and the liquid storage tank 63 is used to store the liquids needed by the cleaning module 5 and / or the waste liquid generated. The receiving module 6 is mainly used to store various materials needed for the processing equipment. These materials may include lens raw materials, lens blanks, lenses 1, fixtures 2, locking components 21, protective components 22, cleaning fluid, purified water, processing tools, cooling lubricants, polishing agents, polishing sandpaper, etc. The receiving module 6 is generally designed with various storage containers categorized by material. Figure 1 The diagram only schematically illustrates three storage containers: lens tray 61, fixture storage 62, and liquid storage tank 63. In principle, the number, size, material, shape, and internal compartments of the storage containers for different equipment can vary. Preferably, the storage module 6 can also be configured with a warehousing and logistics system to achieve more efficient storage and retrieval. Preferably, the storage module 6 can also be configured with a processing and recycling system to achieve the recycling and reuse of some resources such as cleaning fluid and water.

[0065] The monitoring module 7 includes a status monitoring unit 71, a processing unit 72, and a control unit 73. The monitoring module 7... Figure 1 The diagram is shown schematically, and the details will be explained below.

[0066] Figure 1 The central monitoring module 7 is set up independently of other modules. In principle, the monitoring module 7 can also be integrated into other modules. More generally, there are both independently set central monitoring modules 7 and integrated distributed monitoring modules 7.

[0067] The status monitoring unit 71 is used to acquire the current data and desired optical data of the lens. The current lens data includes current geometric data, current optical data, and current orientation data. The desired optical data is generally preset by the input device or input at any time. The term "current" here takes into account the delay in information transmission and, in principle, refers to the moment of the most recent measurement or information acquisition.

[0068] Generally, the status monitoring unit 71 can acquire information from other modules, such as the locking or unlocking status of the locking member 21, the temperature of the locking surface, the pressure of the central through hole, the magnetic field strength of the electromagnet, and the connection status of the electric control connector 23 from the clamp 2; the orientation data of each electric slider 32 and the orientation data of each axis of the spindle 33 from the transport module 3; the orientation data of the light source 44, the orientation data of the clamping member 46, and the detection results of the detection unit 47 from the optical detection module 4; the cleaning progress and status parameters of each cleaning unit from the cleaning module 5; the number and orientation of each storage container and the distribution of various materials in each storage container from the containing module 6; and the processing progress and status parameters of each processing unit from the processing module 8. It can also be configured with its own sensors, cameras, etc. to acquire more information.

[0069] Geometric data includes dimensions, shape, radius of curvature, thickness distribution, appearance defect distribution, and surface error distribution; optical data includes focal length, back focal length, wavefront aberration, transmittance, reflectance, eccentricity, and dirt distribution; orientation data includes lens clamping status, lens three-dimensional coordinates, and lens angle.

[0070] These four categories of information basically cover all the information used to characterize the state of lens 1. Of course, other information can be added according to the actual processing, testing, or use. For example, in the case of eyeglasses, it may also be necessary to include the wearer's personalized optical data and information about the eyeglass frame, which is usually determined by the optometrist. This includes data on the spherical surface (e.g., diopter), data on the cylinder for correcting astigmatism (e.g., curvature thickness and position of the cylinder axis), data on the prism for correcting strabismus (e.g., prism tilt or thickness, prism position and shape, prism axis, etc.), data on the near and / or far regions, pupillary distance (the distance between the eyes used to position the lens in the frame), mounting height (the height from the lower edge of the lens to the midpoint of the eye), edge shape (used to adapt to the shape of the eyeglass frame), and / or data on the angular position of the lens with respect to the eye or in the frame (wide angle, chuck angle used to describe the tilt of the lens plane relative to the optical axis of the eye in the horizontal plane, etc.).

[0071] The arithmetic unit 72 is used to determine the current lens data based on the information obtained by the detection unit 47 and the status monitoring unit 71; it is also used to determine the desired geometric data and lens processing data based on the current lens data and the desired optical data. The arithmetic unit 72 is particularly understood as a data processing device, a computing device, or a computing unit, which may be particularly preferably constructed or implemented by a separate computer and / or by software or computing programs.

[0072] The computing unit 72 has a computing model for determining the current data of the lens based on the information acquired by the detection unit 47, especially a computing model for determining the current geometric data and the current optical data. For example, a computing model for calculating the optical center deviation based on the image point jump data when the lens rotates, acquired by the position-sensitive detector, using the principle of rotational autocollimation; a computing model for identifying and classifying various surface defects based on images of bright or dark illumination acquired by the image acquisition device, using image processing and machine learning algorithms; and a computing model for solving the three-dimensional morphology and converting it into surface error data based on the interference field intensity distribution recorded by the high-resolution camera using a phase-shifting algorithm.

[0073] The computing unit 72 also includes a computing model for determining desired geometric data and lens processing data from the current lens data and desired optical data, which is a significant simplification compared to existing technologies. The computing unit 72 generates desired geometric data based on the desired optical data (the specific optical and geometric data have been described above and will not be repeated here); then, it generates lens processing data based on the current lens data, especially the current geometric data and desired geometric data. First, it generates the geometric data to be processed, such as cutting amount, thinning amount, etc., and then generates lens processing data based on the geometric data to be processed, such as processing steps (in a broad sense, processing steps also include cleaning steps, inspection steps, lens repositioning steps, etc.), processing equipment, and processing parameters, etc., and generates different processing data for different processing steps when necessary.

[0074] The control unit 73 is electrically connected to the fixture 2, transport module 3, optical inspection module 4, cleaning module 5, receiving module 6 and processing module 8. It is used to control the fixture 2 and clamping member 46 to fix or release the lens 1 according to the lens processing data and the current lens data, control the operation of transport module 3, cleaning module 5 and processing module 8, and also to control the optical inspection module 4 to measure the current lens data, especially the current geometric data and the current optical data.

[0075] Processing module 8 is used to process lens 1 by cutting or other forming methods. Figure 1 The diagram is only schematically shown (dashed lines). Machining module 8 may include at least one of the following: turning module, milling module, fine grinding module, centering edge grinding module, and polishing module.

[0076] It should be noted that, Figure 1 The layout shown is only a simplified illustration. There can be more than one module, and the arrangement of the modules can be varied. Some modules can even be removed, for example, the processing module can be set up separately and connected to this automatic detection device manually or automatically.

[0077] Example 2

[0078] This embodiment provides a method for using an automatic inspection device for optical lens production, the flowchart of which is shown below. Figure 9 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0079] Based on the current lens data, lens 1 that needs to be tested is identified;

[0080] The control transport module 3 moves the lens 1 to the cleaning module 5 and controls the cleaning module 5 to complete the cleaning and drying process;

[0081] The control transport module 3 moves the lens 1 to the optical detection module 4 and controls the optical detection module 4 to generate the current lens data;

[0082] Based on the current lens data and the desired optical data, generate lens processing data;

[0083] Based on the lens processing data, the control conveying module 3 moves the lens 1 to the receiving module 6 and completes the unloading or loading of the lens 1;

[0084] Based on the lens processing data, the control transport module 3 moves the lens 1 to the processing module 8 and completes the processing.

[0085] The above steps are also the main working steps of the automatic detection device. Through these steps, the entire workflow of automatic feeding, automatic processing, automatic cleaning, automatic detection, automatic generation of lens processing data, automatic reprocessing, and automatic unloading can be realized.

[0086] Preferably, such as Figure 10 As shown, this method of use also includes the following automatic part replacement steps:

[0087] The control and conveying module 3 moves an empty locking component 21 to the receiving module 6, so that the locking surface of the locking component 21 is in contact with the locking surface of the lens 1 to be locked, and then locks the lens 1; thus realizing lens loading.

[0088] The control and conveying module 3 moves a locking piece 21, which locks the lens 1, to the receiving module 6 so that the lens 1 is exactly in the blank receiving position of the lens material tray 61, and then unlocks the lens 1; thus realizing the lens unloading.

[0089] The control and transport module 3 moves a first locking member 21 that locks the first surface of lens 1 and an empty second locking member 21 to a specific position, so that the locking surface of the second locking member 21 is in contact with the unlocked second surface of lens 1, and then locks the second surface of lens 1 while unlocking the first surface of lens 1; thus realizing the interchange of the lens between the two locking members.

[0090] The control and transport module 3 moves a locking member 21 with lens 1 locked to the optical detection module 4, so that the clamping part of the clamping member 46 fits against the side of lens 1, and then clamps the side of lens 1 while unlocking lens 1; thus realizing the lens being moved from the locking member to the clamping member.

[0091] The control transport module 3 moves an empty locking piece 21 to the optical detection module 4, so that the locking surface of the empty locking piece 21 is in contact with the front 11 or back 12 of the lens 1 held on the clamping piece 46, and the clamping piece 46 is released while the lens 1 is locked; thus realizing the lens being moved from the clamping piece to the locking piece.

[0092] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic inspection device for optical lens production, used in conjunction with lens (1) processing equipment, characterized in that, include: A clamp (2) is provided, and a locking member (21) is connected to the clamp (2) via an electric control connector (23). The locking member (21) is connected to the front (11) or back (12) of the lens (1) via a protective member (22) to lock or unlock the lens (1). The transport module (3) includes a slide rail (31) and several electric sliders (32). The electric sliders (32) can move on the slide rail (31). The clamp (2) is connected to the electric slider (32) via a main shaft (33). The main shaft (33) is used to realize at least the translation of the clamp (2) along two linear axes and the rotation about a rotation axis. The optical detection module (4) includes a vibration isolation platform (41) and a detection chamber (42). The detection chamber (42) is set on the vibration isolation platform (41). The detection chamber (42) is equipped with a light source orientation adjustment unit (43), a light source (44), a light source processing unit (45), a clamping member (46), and a detection unit (47). The position and angle of the light source (44) can be changed by the light source orientation adjustment unit (43). The side of the lens (1) can be clamped on the clamping member (46). The light emitted by the light source (44) is processed by the light source processing unit (45) and then detected by the detection unit (47) through the lens (1). The cleaning module (5) includes a cleaning chamber (51), which is equipped with a cleaning unit (52) and a drying unit (53). The cleaning unit (52) is used for cleaning the lens (1) and the clamp (2), and the drying unit (53) is used for drying the lens (1) and the clamp (2). The receiving module (6) includes a lens tray (61), a fixture library (62), and a liquid storage tank (63); the lens tray (61) is used to store the lens (1) according to a predetermined rule; the fixture library (62) is used to store the fixture (2); and the liquid storage tank (63) is used to store the liquid and / or waste liquid required by the cleaning module (5). The monitoring module (7) includes a status monitoring unit (71), a computing unit (72), and a control unit (73); The processing equipment includes several processing modules (8), and the processing module (8) includes at least one of turning module, milling module, fine grinding module, centering edge grinding module, and polishing module; The status monitoring unit (71) is used to acquire the current data and expected optical data of the lens. The current data of the lens includes the current geometric data, current optical data and current orientation data of the lens. The geometric data includes dimensions, shape, radius of curvature, thickness distribution, appearance defect distribution, and surface error distribution; The optical data includes focal length, back focal length, wavefront aberration, transmittance, reflectance, eccentricity, and dirt distribution. The orientation data includes the lens clamping status, the lens's three-dimensional coordinates, and the lens angle; The arithmetic unit (72) is used to determine the current data of the lens based on the information obtained by the detection unit (47) and the status monitoring unit (71); it is also used to determine the expected geometric data and lens processing data based on the current lens data and the expected optical data. The control unit (73) is electrically connected to the fixture (2), the transport module (3), the optical detection module (4), the cleaning module (5), the receiving module (6), and the processing module (8). It is used to control the fixture (2) and the clamping member (46) to fix or release the lens (1) according to the lens processing data and the current lens data, and to control the operation of the transport module (3), the cleaning module (5), and the processing module (8). It is also used to control the optical detection module (4) to measure the current lens data, the current geometric data, and the current optical data.

2. The automatic detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking surface of the locking member (21) is in shape that fits the locking surface of the lens (1), and the outer contour of the locking surface of the locking member (21) does not exceed the outer contour of the locking surface of the lens (1).

3. The automatic detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protective element (22) is made of hot melt material, and the locking surface temperature of the locking element (21) is adjustable.

4. The automatic detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protective element (22) is made of flexible material. The locking element (21) and the protective element (22) are provided with a central through hole. The clamp (2) forms a negative pressure or releases a negative pressure by drawing a vacuum through the central through hole.

5. The automatic detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The slide rail (13) includes a running section and a parking section. The running section is used to move the electric slider (32) to the range of the optical detection module (4), the cleaning module (5), the receiving module (6), and the processing module (8). The parking section is located at one or both ends of the running section and is used to park the electric slider (32) when it is not in operation. The slide rail (13) is an annular slide rail or includes at least one annular slide rail.

6. The automatic detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The light source processing unit (45) may include at least one of a lens, a reflector, a screen, and an interferometer.

7. The automatic inspection device for optical lens production according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection unit (47) may include at least one of an image sensor, a position-sensitive detector, and a high-resolution camera.

8. A method of using an automatic inspection device for optical lens production, used in any one of the automatic inspection devices according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Based on the current data of the lens, determine the lens (1) that needs to be tested; The transport module (3) is controlled to move the lens (1) to the cleaning module (5), and the cleaning module (5) is controlled to complete the cleaning and drying. The transport module (3) is controlled to move the lens (1) to the optical detection module (4), and the optical detection module (4) is controlled to generate the current data of the lens; The lens processing data is generated based on the current lens data and the desired optical data; Based on the lens processing data, the transport module (3) is controlled to move the lens (1) to the receiving module (6) and complete the unloading or loading of the lens (1); Based on the lens processing data, the transport module (3) is controlled to move the lens (1) to the processing module (8) and complete the processing.

9. The method of use according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes the following automatic part replacement steps: Control the transport module (3) to move an empty locking member (21) to the receiving module (6) so that the locking surface of the locking member (21) is in contact with the locking surface of the lens (1) to be locked, and then lock the lens (1). Control the transport module (3) to move a locking member (21) that locks the lens (1) to the receiving module (6) so that the lens (1) is exactly in the blank receiving position of the lens tray (61), and then unlock the lens (1); Control the transport module (3) to move a first locking member (21) that locks the first surface of the lens (1) and an empty second locking member (21) to a specific position, so that the locking surface of the second locking member (21) is in contact with the unlocked second surface of the lens (1), and then lock the second surface of the lens (1) while unlocking the first surface of the lens (1); Control the transport module (3) to move a locking member (21) that locks the lens (1) to the optical detection module (4), so that the clamping part of the clamping member (46) fits against the side of the lens (1), and then clamps the side of the lens (1) while unlocking the lens (1). Control the transport module (3) to move an empty locking member (21) to the optical detection module (4), so that the locking surface of the empty locking member (21) is in contact with the front (11) or back (12) of the lens (1) held on the clamping member (46), release the clamping member (46), and lock the lens (1) at the same time.

Images