Separator device adapted to be positioned between two ophthalmic lenses

Abstract

A separator device (10) adapted to be positioned between two ophthalmic lenses includes a housing having a top plate (12) and a bottom plate (14) parallel to the top plate (12). The top plate (12) has at least three circular apertures (16) and the bottom plate (14) has the same number of circular apertures (16) as the top plate (12) at the same location. The separator device (10) further comprises, at each of these positions, a sphere (18) housed between the top and bottom plates (12, 14), in a pair of apertures (16), each aperture (16) having a diameter smaller than that of each sphere (18), each sphere (18) protruding from the top and bottom plates (12, 14) through the apertures (16), and is freely rotatable in the aperture (16) due to a predetermined gap between each ball (18) and the edge of the aperture (16) receiving the ball (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a separator device suitable for positioning between two ophthalmic lenses. Background Technology

[0002] For various applications, such as bonding prescription lenses to electrochromic lenses or manufacturing organic-mineral hybrid lenses, it is necessary to accurately position the ophthalmic lens relative to another lens.

[0003] Due to the perfect surface matching between the two lenses after the contact pitch and deflection process, which is well known in the art, there is a high probability that a suction effect will occur between the two lenses, which may result in the inability to separate the two lenses or to shift one of the lenses.

[0004] Lens holding devices are known, and these devices include vacuum cups for holding the lenses. However, the suction effect of such vacuum cups is insufficient to compensate for undesirable surface adhesion between the two lenses. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure provides a separator device suitable for positioning between two ophthalmic lenses, notably comprising a housing having a top plate and a bottom plate parallel to the top plate, the top plate having at least three circular orifices, and the bottom plate having the same number of circular orifices at the same locations as the top plate, the separator device further comprising, at each of these locations, a sphere received between the top plate and the bottom plate in a pair of orifices, each orifice having a diameter smaller than that of each sphere, each sphere protruding from the top and bottom plates through the orifices, and being able to rotate freely within the orifices due to a predetermined gap between each sphere and the edge of the orifice receiving the sphere.

[0007] Therefore, a limited number of contact points exist between the separator service and the surface of the ophthalmic lens to position them relative to each other, eliminating the surface adhesion effect.

[0008] In this embodiment, the sphere has a diameter of 5 mm ± 0.7 μm.

[0009] In this embodiment, the sphere is made of stainless steel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the top plate and the bottom plate are assembled together by a threaded connection.

[0011] In one embodiment, the top plate has at least one cutout, and the bottom plate has the same number of cutouts at the same location as the top plate, these cutouts being adapted to grip the separator device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the separator device includes three spheres distributed at regular intervals on a circle.

[0013] For the same purpose described above, this disclosure also provides an assembly comprising two ophthalmic lenses, means for manipulating the two ophthalmic lenses, and a separator device arranged between the two ophthalmic lenses as briefly described above. Notably, the manipulating means includes a plurality of retainers that are translatably movable in a direction orthogonal to the surfaces of the two ophthalmic lenses. At least one of the retainers is provided with a vacuum conduction element that enables the at least one retainer to hold one surface of the two ophthalmic lenses in a predetermined holding position. Notably, the assembly is further characterized in that the number of spheres is equal to the number of retainers, and the positions of the spheres on the top and bottom plates correspond to the holding positions of at least one retainer.

[0014] The matching between the gripping position and the ball's position avoids the risk of lens warping due to the weight of the holder.

[0015] In one embodiment, the manipulation device includes five retainers and five spheres. Four of the five retainers are positioned on a first circle, and the fifth retainer is positioned at the center of the first circle. Four of the five spheres are located on a second circle having the same diameter as the first circle, and the fifth sphere is located at the center of the second circle. The centers of the first and second circles are aligned along the aforementioned direction orthogonal to the aforementioned surfaces of the two ophthalmic lenses.

[0016] Since the specific characteristics and advantages of the components are similar to those of the separator device, they will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To gain a more complete understanding of the descriptions and advantages presented herein, reference is now made to the following brief description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a separator device according to a specific embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a separator device according to another specific embodiment of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a separator device positioned between two ophthalmic lenses according to a specific embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 and Figure 5This is a schematic partial view of a component according to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, wherein the component is positioned where the separator device contacts two ophthalmic lenses.

[0022] Figure 6 Based on the contents of this disclosure Figure 4 and Figure 5 A schematic partial view of a component of an embodiment, wherein the component is positioned where the separator device is not in contact with one of the ophthalmic lenses. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the following description, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be shown in generalized or schematic form for clarity and brevity or for informational purposes. Furthermore, although different embodiments of manufacture and use are discussed in detail below, it should be understood that many inventive concepts, as described herein, can be embodied in a variety of contexts. The embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that all technical features defined relative to the method can be transposed individually or in combination to the apparatus, and conversely, all technical features relative to the apparatus can be transposed individually or in combination to the method.

[0024] The terms “comprises” (and any of its grammatical variations, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “has” (and any of its grammatical variations, such as “has” and “having”), “contains” (and any of its grammatical variations, such as “contains” and “containing”), and “includes” (and any of its grammatical variations, such as “includes” and “including”) are all open-ended connecting verbs. They are used to specify the presence of the stated feature, whole, step, or component or group thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, or components or groups thereof. Therefore, a method or a step in a method that “comprises,” “has,” “contains,” or “includes” one or more steps or elements has, but is not limited to, only those one or more steps or elements.

[0025] Figure 1 A specific embodiment of the separator device 10 according to this disclosure is shown.

[0026] The separator device 10 includes a housing having a top plate 12 and a bottom plate 14 parallel to the top plate 12.

[0027] The top plate 12 and the bottom plate 14 are assembled to each other, for example, by a threaded connection. Figure 1As shown, multiple screws 20 can be used for this purpose.

[0028] The top plate 12 has at least three circular openings 16. The bottom plate 14 has the same number of openings 16 as the top plate 12 at the same locations. Figure 1 In a particular embodiment, the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 14 have five openings 16, four of which are located on the circle and the fifth opening is located at the center of the circle.

[0029] At each of the locations of these orifices 16, the separator device 10 includes a sphere 18 which is housed between the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 14 in a pair of orifices 16 consisting of orifices 16 in the top plate 12 and corresponding orifices 16 in the bottom plate 14.

[0030] Advantageously, all orifices 16 can be identical, and all spheres 18 can be identical.

[0031] The diameter of each orifice 16 is smaller than the diameter of each sphere 18.

[0032] As a non-limiting example, the sphere 18 may have a diameter of 5 mm ± 0.7 μm.

[0033] Sphere 18 can be made of stainless steel.

[0034] Each sphere 18 protrudes from the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 14 through the pair of orifices 16 that receive the sphere 18.

[0035] Due to the predetermined gap between each sphere 18 and the edge of the aperture 18 that receives the sphere 18, each sphere 18 is able to rotate freely in the pair of apertures 16 that receive the sphere 18.

[0036] Advantageously, such as Figure 1 As shown, the top plate 12 may have at least one cutout 22, and the bottom plate 14 in this case has the same number of cutouts 22 at the same location as the top plate 12. The cutouts are adapted for manual gripping of the separator device 10 by an operator or automated gripping by a robotic arm.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In a particular embodiment, the separator device 10 has three cutouts in the form of an angular fan.

[0038] Figure 2 Another specific embodiment of the separator device 10 positioned on the ophthalmic lens 24 is shown.

[0039] exist Figure 2 In one embodiment, the separator device 10 has an annular shape, and each of the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 14 has three circular openings 16 for receiving three spheres 18 respectively. Advantageously, the three spheres 18 are distributed at regular intervals on the circle.

[0040] Figure 3 The separator device 10 is shown to be positioned between two ophthalmic lenses 30, 32. Each sphere 18 has a first contact point with the back of the ophthalmic lens 30 and a second contact point with the front of the ophthalmic lens 32.

[0041] Figure 4 A specific embodiment of component 40 according to this disclosure is shown. Component 40 includes two ophthalmic lenses 30, 32, a means 34 for manipulating the two ophthalmic lenses 30, 32, and a separator device 10 as described above.

[0042] The control device 34 includes a plurality of holders 36 that can be translated in a direction D orthogonal to the surfaces of the two ophthalmic lenses 30, 32.

[0043] At least one holder 36 is provided with a vacuum conduction element, such that the holder 36 is able to hold the aforementioned surface of one of the ophthalmic lenses 30 in a predetermined holding position.

[0044] exist Figure 4 In a particular embodiment, the plurality of holders 36 includes one holder adapted to hold the geometric center of the aforementioned surface of the lens 30 and four holders adapted to hold the periphery of the surface of the lens 30.

[0045] It should be noted that in the case of only one retainer 36, it is not necessarily positioned at the precise geometric center of the surface of the lens 30, but can be close to the geometric center.

[0046] exist Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In a particular embodiment, the retainer 36 is a tubular rod having an end adapted to contact the aforementioned surface of the lens 30.

[0047] As a non-limiting example, the end of the tubular rod may be hemispherical, as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum conduction element of the holder 36 includes a central longitudinal hole and at least one radial hole communicating with the central longitudinal hole, the holes being configured to be able to connect to a vacuum source (not shown).

[0049] According to this disclosure, the number of spheres 18 is equal to the number of holders 36, and the positions of the spheres 18 on the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 14 correspond to the gripping positions of the holders 36.

[0050] exist Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6In a particular embodiment, the manipulation device 34 includes five holders 36 and five balls 18. Four of the holders 36 are positioned on a first circle, and the fifth holder 36 is positioned at the center of the first circle. Four of the balls 18 are positioned on a second circle having the same diameter as the first circle, and the fifth ball 18 is positioned at the center of the second circle. The centers of the first and second circles are aligned along direction D.

[0051] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the diagram, component 40 is shown in a position where the separator device 10 contacts the surfaces of the ophthalmic lens 30 and the ophthalmic lens 32 via the sphere 18.

[0052] exist Figure 6 In the diagram, component 40 is shown in a position where the holder 36 has grasped the ophthalmic lens 30 and has translated the ophthalmic lens 30 along direction D, such that the ophthalmic lens 30 is held above the separator device 10 and at a predetermined distance from the separator device.

[0053] The separator device 10 and component 40 are suitable for any lens spherical curvature, i.e., suitable for any concave or convex lens.

[0054] The component may be equipped with an electric motor that controls the translation of the retainer 36 in order to minimize height changes during positioning of the retainer 36 relative to the ophthalmic lenses 30, 32.

[0055] The sphere 18 is advantageously calibrated so that, due to the bonding step, the ophthalmic lenses 30 and 32 can be perfectly positioned relative to each other.

[0056] Although representative methods and apparatuses have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope described and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A separator device (10) suitable for positioning between two ophthalmic lenses, characterized in that, The separator device includes a housing having a top plate (12) and a bottom plate (14) parallel to the top plate (12), the top plate (12) having at least three circular openings (16), and the bottom plate (14) having the same number of circular openings (16) at the same location as the top plate (12), the separator device (10) further including a sphere (18) at each of the locations, the sphere being received between the top plate and the bottom plate in a pair of the openings (16), the diameter of each opening (16) being smaller than the diameter of each sphere (18), each sphere (18) protruding from the top plate and the bottom plate (12, 14) through the opening (16), and being able to rotate freely in the opening (16) due to a predetermined gap between each sphere (18) and the edge of the opening (16) receiving the sphere (18).

2. The separator device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sphere (18) has a diameter of 5 mm ± 0.7 μm.

3. The separator device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sphere (18) is made of stainless steel.

4. The separator device (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that, The top plate and the bottom plate (12, 14) are assembled together by threaded connection.

5. The separator device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The top plate (12) has at least one cut (22), and the bottom plate (14) has the same number of cuts (22) at the same position as the top plate (12), the cuts (22) being adapted to grip the separator device (10).

6. The separator device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The separator device includes three spheres (18) distributed at regular intervals on a circle.

7. A component (40) comprising two ophthalmic lenses (30, 32), means (34) for manipulating the two ophthalmic lenses, and a separator device (10) disposed between the two ophthalmic lenses (30, 32) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The manipulation device (34) includes a plurality of holders (36) that are translatably movable in a direction (D) orthogonal to the surfaces of the two ophthalmic lenses (30, 32). At least one of the holders (36) is provided with a vacuum conduction element that enables the at least one holder (36) to hold one surface of the two ophthalmic lenses (30) in a predetermined holding position. The component (40) is further characterized in that the number of spheres (18) is equal to the number of holders (36), and the positions of the spheres (18) on the top plate and the bottom plate (12, 14) correspond to the holding positions of the at least one holder (36).

8. The component (40) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The manipulation device (34) includes five holders (36) and five spheres (18). Four of the five holders (36) are positioned on a first circle, and the fifth holder (36) is positioned at the center of the first circle. Four of the five spheres (18) are located on a second circle with the same diameter as the first circle, and the fifth sphere (18) is located at the center of the second circle. The centers of the first circle and the second circle are aligned along a direction orthogonal to the surfaces of the two ophthalmic lenses (30, 32).

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