Line following operation unit for contact lenses
By designing an on-line production unit for contact lenses, the problems of product deformation and inventory accumulation in contact lens production have been solved, realizing fully automated integrated production and efficient traceability of defective products, while reducing costs and space occupation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422763776.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-13
AI Technical Summary
In current contact lens production, injection molding units operate in an isolated production environment, which causes products to deform when they accumulate in inventory, making it difficult to trace defective products, resulting in production delays, space occupation, and increased manufacturing costs.
Design an on-line operation unit for contact lenses, including several injection molding modules, a conveying mechanism and a feeding mechanism. The conveying mechanism stably delivers semi-finished products to the next operation process, avoiding inventory accumulation, and uses a feeding robot and a CCD camera to detect defective products in real time.
It has enabled fully automated integrated production of contact lenses, avoiding product deformation, improving production efficiency and product quality traceability, and reducing inventory space and manufacturing costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN223644112U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The utility model belongs to mechanical technical field relates to a kind of with line operation unit for contact lenses. BACKGROUND
[0002] The shell film and PP cup of contact lens are formed by corresponding injection molding machine, in the production of existing contact lens, injection molding machine group is independent production area, and each machine adopts island production mode.
[0003] After the shell film and pp cup of contact lens are formed by injection molding, the product will slightly deform with the passage of time, usually by standing for a period of time after product size stabilizes, that is, by the way of stacking inventory to supply the subsequent process.
[0004] This operation mode has the following disadvantages:
[0005] Stacked inventory can cause delayed discovery of defective semi-finished products, making it difficult to trace quality problems such as defective machines, and can cause production delays, resulting in significant losses.
[0006] Moreover, stacking inventory also occupies too much space, increasing preparation costs and other uncertain risks. SUMMARY
[0007] The utility model aims at the above problems existing in prior art, and provides a kind of with line operation unit for contact lenses with high stability and compact structure.
[0008] The purpose of the utility model can be achieved by the following technical solutions:
[0009] A kind of with line operation unit for contact lenses, including injection molding module for injection molding contact lens, characterized in that, the with line operation unit further includes conveying mechanism and blanking mechanism, the number of injection molding module is several, several injection molding modules are arranged at conveying mechanism along linear direction and arranged in front and back, blanking mechanism is arranged between adjacent two injection molding modules, the blanking mechanism can send semi-finished product formed at injection molding module into conveying mechanism, and the conveying mechanism can send semi-finished product into subsequent operation process of contact lens.
[0010] In the with line operation unit for contact lenses described above, the blanking mechanism is a blanking manipulator.
[0011] In the with line operation unit for contact lenses described above, the conveying mechanism includes rack, driving roller, driven roller, conveying belt and transfer carrier, the driving roller and the driven roller are connected to the rack, and the driving roller is connected to the driving member that can drive it to rotate continuously, the conveying belt is sleeved on the driving roller and the driven roller, and the transfer carrier is connected to the conveying belt.
[0012] In the above-mentioned in-line operation unit for contact lenses, the injection molding module is an injection molding machine.
[0013] In the above-mentioned inline operation unit for contact lenses, the injection molding modules are evenly distributed along the length of the frame and several injection molding modules are fixedly connected to the side of the frame.
[0014] In the above-mentioned on-line operation unit for contact lenses, the unloading robot is connected to the frame. In its initial position, the unloading robot is located directly above the conveyor belt. After the unloading robot moves, it can be located at the mold cavity of the injection module.
[0015] The aforementioned inline processing unit for contact lenses also includes a cavity-like housing, in which the injection molding module, conveying mechanism, and unloading mechanism are all located.
[0016] In the above-mentioned on-line operation unit for contact lenses, the side of the housing has an openable and closable door.
[0017] In the above-mentioned on-line operation unit for contact lenses, the top of the housing has a ventilation port, and the ventilation port has a ventilation fan.
[0018] In the above-mentioned contact lens on-line operation unit, the above-mentioned ventilation port and the corresponding ventilation fan form a ventilation assembly. The number of ventilation assemblies is several, and the several ventilation assemblies are evenly distributed along the length direction of the housing.
[0019] Compared with existing technologies, this on-line operation unit for contact lenses has a higher stability because it centrally and orderly sets up several injection molding modules, and the semi-finished products at the injection molding modules can stably enter the conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism can stably send the semi-finished products to the next operation process. During the operation, the semi-finished products will not accumulate or linger. This not only solves the problem of occupying storage space, but also allows for immediate backtracking when defective products are found.
[0020] Of course, defective products can be inspected by the naked eye of the workers, or they can be inspected precisely with the help of a CCD camera.
[0021] Specifically, this line-following operation unit has the following advantages:
[0022] 1. The injection molding machine operates on the production line and supplies subsequent workstations, achieving fully automated integrated production across the entire line;
[0023] 2. Injection-molded products should be used on the production line immediately after production to avoid dimensional changes caused by prolonged storage.
[0024] 3. Production is carried out on the production line, which facilitates the traceability of defective semi-finished products. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a continuous online production system for contact lenses.
[0026] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of the continuous online production system for contact lenses.
[0027] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the continuous online production system for contact lenses.
[0028] In the diagram, 1. Dry film processing module; 1a. Pad printing unit; 1b. Molding unit; 1b1. Glue injection area; 1b2. Curing area; 1b3. Peeling area; 2. Wet film processing module; 3. Sterilization module; 4. Outsourcing module; 5. Transfer and buffer mechanism; 5a. Feeding robot; 5b. Turntable; 5b1. Fixture; 5c. Discharge robot; 6. Material rack mechanism; 7. Injection molding module; 8. Conveying mechanism; 8a. Frame; 8b. Conveyor belt; 8c. Intermediate transfer device; 9. Unloading mechanism; 10. Box; 10a. Box door; 10b. Ventilation port; 11. Ventilation fan. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0030] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "mounted on" another component, it can be directly mounted on the other component or may be interspersed with a component. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may be interspersed with a component. When a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly fixed to the other component or may be interspersed with a component.
[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 Figure 3As shown, the continuous online production system for contact lenses includes a dry lens processing module 1, a wet lens processing module 2, a sterilization processing module 3, and an outsourcing processing module 4. The continuous online production method for contact lenses includes the following steps:
[0033] A. Adaptation and Preparation: Select the corresponding module according to the processing requirements of contact lenses;
[0034] B. Module connection: A material rack mechanism 6 is set between two adjacent modules to connect and communicate with each other. Several material rack mechanisms 6 can connect several modules in series.
[0035] C. Inspection and Buffering Operation: When the semi-finished product enters the adjacent next module from the set module through the material rack mechanism 6, the semi-finished product is inspected and buffered. After inspection, unqualified semi-finished products are rejected. Several modules are in continuous operation. The semi-finished products output from each module enter the corresponding buffer area. After the semi-finished products are buffered in the buffer area, the speed at which the semi-finished products enter the next module can be controlled.
[0036] This continuous online contact lens production system includes a dry lens processing module 1, a wet lens processing module 2, a sterilization processing module 3, and an outsourcing processing module 4. Each of the dry lens processing module 1, wet lens processing module 2, and sterilization processing module 3 has a transfer buffer mechanism 5 at its output end. Several adjacent modules are connected by a material rack mechanism 6. The transfer buffer mechanism 5 can transfer semi-finished products from the previous module to the next adjacent module through the material rack mechanism 6 according to the set conveying speed and conveying volume.
[0037] Dry tablet processing module 1, wet tablet processing module 2, sterilization processing module 3 and outsourcing processing module 4 are all independent modules. Adjacent modules are connected by a material rack mechanism 6, and under the action of the material rack mechanism 6, the semi-finished product can be stably moved from the previous module to the next adjacent module.
[0038] The dry film processing module 1 includes a pad printing unit 1a and a forming unit 1b, and a material rack mechanism connecting the pad printing unit 1a and the forming unit 1b is provided.
[0039] The molding unit 1b includes a glue injection area 1b1, a curing area 1b2, and a peeling area 1b3. The curing area 1b2 and the peeling area 1b3 are adjacent and centrally located. The curing area 1b2 is located between the glue injection area 1b1 and the peeling area 1b3. The pad printing unit 1a and the glue injection area 1b1, as well as the glue injection area 1b1 and the curing area 1b2, are each provided with a material rack mechanism 6.
[0040] Pad printing is a high-precision printing technology widely used to print text, images, logos, and other information onto contact lenses. This technology ensures the clarity and durability of the printed content without affecting the optical performance and comfort of the contact lenses.
[0041] Molding or casting is a crucial step in the contact lens manufacturing process. It involves injecting polymer materials (such as hydrogels or silicone hydrogels) into a mold, which then cures to form the final contact lens. This process ensures the lens's precision, consistency, and optical performance.
[0042] Demolding is a crucial step in the contact lens manufacturing process, referring to the removal of the cured contact lens from the mold. This step requires careful handling to ensure the lens's integrity and optical performance are not compromised.
[0043] Sterilization of contact lenses is a crucial step in ensuring their sterility before wear, which is essential for preventing eye infections and protecting the user's health. There are various methods for sterilizing contact lenses, including chemical sterilization, physical sterilization, and a combination of these methods.
[0044] Outsourcing of contact lenses refers to packaging finished contact lenses, which not only protects the finished contact lenses but also facilitates logistics and transportation.
[0045] Hydration of contact lenses is an important process. By soaking contact lenses in saline solution or other suitable solutions, they absorb moisture, regain their softness and transparency, and thus ensure comfort and safety when wearing them.
[0046] The dry operation module 1 includes pad printing, glue application, curing, and peeling processes, while the wet operation module is the hydration process.
[0047] Sterilization module 3 is used for sterilizing finished contact lenses, and packaging module 4 is used for packaging finished contact lenses.
[0048] Since the dry operation module 1 includes multiple independent processes, a material rack mechanism is also set between adjacent processes in this module to connect adjacent processes and enable the semi-finished products in this module to be quickly transported between adjacent processes.
[0049] Of course, each module or corresponding process operates continuously, so the previous module or process will continuously output semi-finished products. At this time, the transfer and buffer mechanism 5 buffers a relatively large number of semi-finished products, and only delivers a set amount of semi-finished products to the next process or module.
[0050] The transfer and buffer mechanism 5 includes an infeed robot 5a, a turntable 5b, and an outfeed robot 5c. Each module has a support. The infeed robot 5a, the turntable 5b, and the outfeed robot 5c are all connected to the corresponding support. The infeed robot 5a and the outfeed robot 5c are located on both sides of the turntable 5b. The turntable 5b has a fixture 5b1 for storing semi-finished products.
[0051] The feeding robot 5a clamps the semi-finished product from the previous process or module and sends the clamped semi-finished product to the turntable 5b. After the turntable 5b rotates, the semi-finished product on it enters the unloading robot 5c. The unloading robot 5c clamps the semi-finished product and sends it to the next process or module.
[0052] It can be seen that the feeding robot 5a is responsible for feeding the semi-finished product into the turntable 5b, and the unloading robot 5c is responsible for clamping the semi-finished product from the turntable 5b and feeding it into the corresponding process or module.
[0053] Of course, the turntable 5b will rotate intermittently, thereby further reducing the stroke of the feeding robot 5a and the discharging robot 5c.
[0054] The number of fixtures 5b1 is several, and the fixtures 5b1 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the upper part of the turntable 5b.
[0055] Multiple jigs 5b1 can store a larger number of semi-finished products, ultimately increasing the buffer capacity and enabling the transport of semi-finished products at lower or higher speeds.
[0056] This in-line work unit for contact lenses is located in the dry lens work module, and this unit includes an injection molding module 7 for injection molding contact lenses.
[0057] This on-line operation unit also includes a conveying mechanism 8 and a feeding mechanism. There are several injection molding modules 7, which are arranged in a straight line at the conveying mechanism 8. There is a feeding mechanism 9 between each pair of adjacent injection molding modules 7. The feeding mechanism 9 can send the semi-finished products formed at the injection molding module 7 into the conveying mechanism 8. The conveying mechanism 8 can send the semi-finished products into the subsequent processing steps of the contact lenses.
[0058] The unloading mechanism 9 can easily remove the semi-finished products formed at the injection molding module 7, such as the shell film of a contact lens or a PP cup.
[0059] The unloading robot clamps the semi-finished products and feeds them into the conveying mechanism 8. Under the action of the conveying mechanism 8, the formed semi-finished products can quickly enter the next operation process, which not only effectively improves the operation efficiency, but also avoids the accumulation of semi-finished products in inventory and occupies too much space.
[0060] In this embodiment, the unloading mechanism 9 is an unloading robot.
[0061] The conveying mechanism 8 includes a frame 8a, a drive roller, a driven roller, a conveyor belt 8b, and an intermediate transfer device 8c. The drive roller and the driven roller are both connected to the frame 8a, and the drive roller is used to connect to a drive component that can drive it to rotate continuously. The conveyor belt 8b is sleeved on the drive roller and the driven roller, and the intermediate transfer device 8c is connected to the conveyor belt 8b.
[0062] As the drive unit continuously rotates the active roller, the conveyor belt 8b, which is fitted onto the active and driven rollers, moves horizontally along with it. Since the intermediate transfer device 8c is connected to the conveyor belt 8b, the intermediate transfer device 8c, which contains the semi-finished product, can move smoothly until the semi-finished product is delivered to the next processing step.
[0063] The injection molding module 7 is an injection molding machine.
[0064] The injection molding modules 7 are evenly distributed along the length of the frame 8a, and several injection molding modules 7 are fixedly connected to the side of the frame 8a.
[0065] This not only allows for the stable positioning and connection of several injection molding modules 7, but also results in a relatively compact overall structure after connection.
[0066] The unloading robot is connected to the frame 8a. In its initial position, the unloading robot is located directly above the conveyor belt 8b. After the unloading robot moves, it can be located at the mold cavity of the injection molding module 7.
[0067] After the unloading robot arm moves, it can stably grip the semi-finished product at injection module 7 and stably send the gripped semi-finished product directly above the conveyor belt 8b. When the intermediate transfer device 8c is directly below the semi-finished product, the gripped semi-finished product is released and stably enters the intermediate transfer device 8c.
[0068] It also includes a housing 10 with an internal cavity, in which the injection molding module 7, the conveying mechanism 8 and the unloading mechanism 9 are all located.
[0069] The housing 10 covers the injection molding module 7, the conveying mechanism 8, and the unloading mechanism 9, which can prevent the injection molding module 7, the conveying mechanism 8, and the unloading mechanism 9 from being affected by the outside world, and effectively improve their operational stability.
[0070] At the same time, it can improve safety and prevent accidental injuries to workers during the operation.
[0071] The box body 10 has an openable and closable door 10a on its side.
[0072] Once the door 10a is opened, the operating status of the injection molding module 7, the conveying mechanism 8, and the unloading mechanism 9 can be checked immediately. It also facilitates routine maintenance and repairs.
[0073] The top of the housing 10 has a ventilation port 10b, and a ventilation fan 11 is located at the ventilation port 10b.
[0074] The ventilation fan 11 can promptly expel hot air from the enclosure 10, preventing the temperature inside the enclosure 10 from becoming too high.
[0075] The aforementioned ventilation port 10b and its corresponding ventilation fan 11 form a ventilation assembly. The number of ventilation assemblies is several, and the several ventilation assemblies are evenly distributed along the length direction of the housing 10.
[0076] The inclusion of multiple ventilation components further prevents the temperature inside the chamber from becoming too high.
[0077] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0078] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any appropriate changes and variations made to the above embodiments within the scope of the essential spirit of the present utility model shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present utility model.
Claims
1. A line-following operation unit for contact lenses, comprising an injection molding module (7) for injection molding contact lenses, characterized in that, This on-line operation unit also includes a conveying mechanism (8) and a feeding mechanism (9). There are several injection molding modules (7). Several injection molding modules (7) are arranged in a straight line back and forth at the conveying mechanism (8). There is a feeding mechanism (9) between each two adjacent injection molding modules (7). The feeding mechanism (9) can send the semi-finished products formed at the injection molding module (7) to the conveying mechanism (8). The conveying mechanism (8) can send the semi-finished products to the subsequent operation process of contact lenses.
2. The contact lens follow-up unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unloading mechanism (9) is an unloading robot.
3. The contact lens follow-up unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism includes a frame (8a), a drive roller, a driven roller, a conveyor belt (8b), and an intermediate transfer device (8c). The drive roller and the driven roller are both connected to the frame (8a), and the drive roller is used to connect to a drive component that can drive it to rotate continuously. The conveyor belt (8b) is sleeved on the drive roller and the driven roller, and the intermediate transfer device (8c) is connected to the conveyor belt (8b).
4. The contact lens follow-up unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The injection molding module (7) is an injection molding machine.
5. The contact lens follow-up unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The injection molding modules (7) are evenly distributed along the length of the frame (8a), and several injection molding modules (7) are fixedly connected to the side of the frame (8a).
6. The contact lens follow-up unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unloading robot is connected to the frame (8a). In its initial position, the unloading robot is located directly above the conveyor belt (8b). After the unloading robot moves, it can be located at the cavity of the injection molding module (7).
7. The contact lens follow-up unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a box (10) with an internal cavity, in which the injection molding module (7), conveying mechanism (8) and unloading mechanism (9) are all located.
8. The contact lens follow-up unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The box (10) has an openable and closable door (10a) on its side.
9. The contact lens follow-up unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The top of the enclosure has a ventilation port (10b), and a ventilation fan (11) is located at the ventilation port (10b).
10. The contact lens follow-up unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, The above-mentioned ventilation port (10b) and the corresponding ventilation fan (11) form a ventilation assembly. The number of ventilation assemblies is several, and the several ventilation assemblies are evenly distributed along the length direction of the box (10).