PLANT, METHOD AND CARRIER FOR COATING SPECTACLE LENSES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for coating spectacle lenses according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for coating spectacle lenses according to the preamble of claim 9.

[0002] The present invention relates to the coating of ophthalmic lenses, preferably by vapor deposition, in particular by sputtering, also known as cathode sputtering. In this process, atoms are released from a solid, the so-called target, by the impact of high-energy ions and are transferred into a gas phase. In particular, the present invention relates to magnetron sputtering, in which a magnetic field is used in addition to an applied electric field.

[0003] In practice, it is difficult to achieve a uniform, efficient and / or individual or adapted coating of ophthalmic lenses to be coated, even though many different devices and methods are known from the state of the art.

[0004] WO 2013 / 131656 A2 deals with a system and method for processing and coating ophthalmic lenses. The lenses can be selectively conveyed to various devices. Specific requirements for efficient coating are not discussed in detail.

[0005] DE 196 06 463 A1 and EP 0 953 657 A1 disclose systems for coating substrates by sputtering, wherein a central handling device in a central chamber is connected to several coating devices, and wherein the substrates are conveyed from the handling device into the coating devices. The requirements for coating ophthalmic lenses are not discussed in detail.

[0006] DE 44 07 909 C3, which forms the basis of the present invention, discloses a system and method for coating ophthalmic lenses, wherein the ophthalmic lenses are placed on a rotatable carrier and conveyed successively to various coating stations by rotation. This does not allow for optimal coating of the ophthalmic lenses.

[0007] EP 0 913 714 A1 relates to a system for coating both sides of an optical lens with a water-repellent layer in a vacuum chamber. The system of D1 comprises several vacuum chambers arranged one behind the other, which can be separated from each other by through-valves. An intermediate chamber is arranged between each processing chamber for different coatings. A carrier with several lenses is conveyed linearly through the consecutively arranged chambers via a conveyor device such as a roller or a chain, and the lenses are coated accordingly.

[0008] US 2004 / 0031442 A1 relates to an evaporation process and an evaporation device for producing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), as well as a multi-chamber system for producing OLEDs. The system comprises several transport chambers arranged one behind the other. Further chambers are arranged in a star pattern around each transport chamber, which are intended, for example, for applying color layers or metal layers. The chambers form a vacuum system and are separated or separable from each other by gates. The transport chambers each have a pivoting arm that can transport the workpieces to be processed into and out of the respective chamber.

[0009] The present invention is based on the object of specifying a system and a method for coating spectacle lenses, whereby a very efficient and / or individual or adapted coating and / or a simple, compact and / or cost-effective structure is / are made possible.

[0010] The above object is achieved by a system according to claim 1 or a method according to claim 9. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a proposed system comprising multiple coating devices and a conveyor device for conveying the spectacle lenses or a wearer with the spectacle lenses from one coating device to another coating device is characterized in particular by the system having a transfer chamber and the coating devices having separate coating chambers, wherein the coating chambers and the transfer chamber form a continuous or interconnected vacuum system. This enables a highly uniform, efficient and / or customized or adapted coating and / or a simple, compact and cost-effective design.

[0012] The preferred vacuum system or the preferred interlinking of all process steps required for ophthalmic lens coating (in a vacuum) in one system or vacuum system ensures, in particular, that no individual steps or intermediate steps take place in the atmosphere. This enables a particularly efficient process, while also avoiding unwanted contamination or the like.

[0013] Preferably, in the system for coating ophthalmic lenses, a carrier for holding two or more ophthalmic lenses to be coated is conveyed successively into different coating devices or picked up by these for coating. For this purpose, a conveyor device is provided that conveys the carrier from one coating device to another. The coating devices have separate coating chambers and / or are separated or separable from each other by means of locks. This enables a highly uniform, efficient, and / or customized coating.

[0014] The lenses are preferably coated one after the other in different coating devices from opposite sides. The wearer is moved through the coating devices with the lenses to be coated. This, in turn, enables a very uniform, efficient, and / or customized coating.

[0015] Preferably, the carrier is successively fed to various coating devices, where the lenses are coated, in particular with the lenses rotating around their own, i.e., separate, axes during coating. This, too, allows for a very uniform, efficient, and / or customized coating.

[0016] The spectacle lenses are coated one after the other in different coating devices, wherein the carrier with the spectacle lenses to be coated is conveyed from one coating device to another coating device under negative pressure or through an evacuated or evacuable transfer chamber. In this way, undesired or excessive ventilation of the various coating devices can be avoided or at least minimized, thereby achieving particularly efficient coating. According to another, independently realizable aspect of the present invention, the spectacle lenses are first coated with a first - in particular functional - coating or base coating and subsequently with at least one further coating - preferably at least one dielectric layer or a plurality of different layers, in particular for producing an anti-reflective layer package orfor anti-reflective coating and / or for creating a mirror coating - in another coating device or coating line, in particular wherein the spectacle lenses are coated in groups of two or four spectacle lenses and / or wherein the spectacle lenses are conveyed under negative pressure from the first coating device or coating line to the other coating device or coating line. This, in turn, allows for a very uniform, efficient, and / or customized coating.

[0017] A proposed method and a proposed system are characterized in that the coating device or coating line for a coating, in particular the further coating, can be selected or is selected from a plurality of coating devices or coating lines, in particular depending on the availability, technical equipment and / or available resources.

[0018] In particular, the proposed method and system enable individual or customized coating of ophthalmic lenses at high throughput and / or in a coherent vacuum system. In particular, depending on the size and / or shape of the ophthalmic lenses, in particular depending on a convex or concave curvature of the surface(s) to be coated and / or depending on the surface(s) to be coated, coating is possible in an appropriately selected coating device or line and / or by appropriately adjusting the coating parameters. This enables a very specific and thus optimized coating of the ophthalmic lenses.

[0019] Preferably, the coating or sputtering of the two opposite sides of spectacle lenses, in particular both convex and concave surfaces or sides of a spectacle lens, is carried out simultaneously or sequentially, each using a pair of sputter sources or targets. This enables or facilitates the creation of particularly uniform coatings.

[0020] Preferably, the distance between the sputter sources, in particular the targets or cathodes, which are used in particular in a coating device for coating spectacle lenses, is used or varied as a setting parameter, preferably in order to achieve a particularly uniform coating.

[0021] A carrier for coating ophthalmic lenses is preferably proposed, preferably by means of vapor deposition, in particular sputtering, in particular wherein the ophthalmic lenses are accessible from opposite sides for double-sided coating and are rotatable about their own axes. This enables a uniform, efficient, and / or customized coating.

[0022] The carrier is preferably coupled to a rack or a carriage or frame for conveying into or through a coating device. This allows for a particularly simple and / or cost-effective construction.

[0023] In general, the following preferably applies to the above-mentioned aspects: The coating is preferably carried out at least partially by gas deposition, i.e. in a vacuum, and in particular by sputtering, particularly preferably magnetron sputtering.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the lenses are coated in groups of up to ten lenses, in particular two or four lenses.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the spectacle lenses are coated successively from opposite sides in different coating devices.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the carrier is conveyed together with the spectacle lenses to be coated under negative pressure or by means of an evacuated transfer chamber from one coating device or line to another coating device or line.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the carrier with the spectacle lenses to be coated and in particular also together with the carriage or frame and / or the rack is completely received by the respective coating device for coating.

[0028] Preferably, a predetermined or defined, in particular at least substantially vertical, orientation of the carrier and / or the lenses is maintained in the coating devices and / or in the system or during movement through the coating devices and / or system. This is conducive to a compact design, particularly with a small footprint and / or easy handling.

[0029] A continuous or interconnected vacuum system is formed, which in particular comprises several coating devices or coating chambers, locks and at least one transfer chamber as well as, if necessary, one or more receiving stations and / or delivery stations.

[0030] In particular, various process chambers or coating devices, possibly with different coating technologies, are combined into a single, interlinked system, in particular a connected vacuum system. According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, various coating technologies are particularly preferably combined in a proposed system and / or in a proposed method, in particular various vapor deposition processes, such as sputtering, magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, CVD coating and / or PVD coating, or the like.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the system is of modular design, so that, depending on longer and shorter coating processes, more or fewer modules or units or devices for the respective coatings are combined with each other or combined to form a coherent vacuum chamber system.

[0032] Dedicated or separate coating chambers are particularly preferred for long processes, whereas the same coating chamber can be used multiple times for several short processes in succession, so that an optimal throughput can be achieved overall.

[0033] Particularly preferably, the proposed system and the proposed method enable a complete coating of a spectacle lens or a spectacle lens side, so that in particular all required coatings and subsequent surface treatments can be carried out in an integrated manner, preferably in one system.

[0034] According to the proposal, coatings for anti-reflective and / or mirroring can be applied.

[0035] According to the proposal, different surface properties can be achieved through appropriate treatment or coating – also called surface finish or final coating – particularly preferably oleophobic properties or surfaces, hydrophobic properties or surfaces, and / or so-called antifog surfaces that produce little fogging. For this purpose, at least one additional coating device is used for the surface finish or final coating or treatment and is particularly integrated into the vacuum system or plant.

[0036] According to the proposal, in particular, there is no continuous treatment or coating of the spectacle lenses, but rather a division into different coating processes and / or different coating devices and / or coating lines, which enables a high degree of flexibility with high throughput.

[0037] According to the proposal, in particular an automated coating of spectacle lenses is made possible, particularly preferably one after the other in different coating devices, wherein in particular an automated and / or optimized operation and passage through the different coating devices is made possible.

[0038] In particular, the spectacle lenses are coated in a batch operation, i.e. not in a continuous process or not continuously, wherein the coating is carried out in particular only in small groups of spectacle lenses, preferably in groups of individual pairs or several pairs of spectacle lenses, but if necessary also of individual spectacle lenses or any number of spectacle lenses, particularly preferably of up to or less than ten spectacle lenses.

[0039] As already mentioned, the present invention relates in particular to the coating of non-flat or curved lenses or glasses, especially spectacle lenses. However, the present invention can optionally also be used for other lenses or optical components.

[0040] The aforementioned aspects as well as the features and aspects of the present invention resulting from the further description can be realized independently of one another, but also in any desired combination.

[0041] Further aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic section of a coating device for coating spectacle lenses; Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the coating device; Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the coating device according to Fig. 2 , but with alternatively arranged spectacle lenses; Fig. 4 a schematic side view of a section of a proposed system and a proposed carrier for holding spectacle lenses to be coated; Fig. 5 another side view of the carrier of Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6 shows a schematic plan view of the proposed system with a plurality of coating devices according to a first embodiment; and Fig. 7 shows a schematic plan view of the proposed system according to a second embodiment.

[0042] In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and parts, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0043] First, a particularly preferred structure and a particularly preferred mode of operation of a coating device are explained, before a proposed carrier and a proposed system and proposed methods for coating are discussed in more detail.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a highly schematic cross-section of a coating device 1 for coating spectacle lenses 2. These lenses are also referred to simply as lenses below. In particular, the coating takes place before edge processing for adaptation to a spectacle frame or the like.

[0045] During coating, the lenses or spectacle lenses 2 are, in particular, still circular and / or preferably have a defined or uniform diameter. However, the lenses or spectacle lenses 2 can also have a different shape for coating, for example, an elliptical or other shape or contour in plan view, possibly even already adapted to a spectacle frame.

[0046] The lenses 2 or uncoated ophthalmic lens blanks are preferably made of plastic or glass.

[0047] A particularly preferred design of the coating device 1 will be explained in more detail below. However, coating devices 1 with different designs can also be used in accordance with the invention, which will be discussed later.

[0048] The coating device 1 is preferably designed for coating the lenses 2 by vapor deposition, in particular by sputtering, also called cathode sputtering, i.e., in particular in a vacuum. So-called magnetron sputtering is particularly preferred. In addition to an electrically applied field, a magnetic field is also used or applied, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0049] Particularly preferably, curved, in particular concave, surfaces of the lenses 2 are coated according to the invention. Fig. 1 Such a curved surface is schematically indicated in the lens 2 shown on the right. However, convex surfaces or other surfaces of the lens 2 can also be coated accordingly.

[0050] The coating device 1 preferably has at least one sputter source 3, here preferably two sputter sources 3.

[0051] The coating device 1 or the respective sputter source 3 has a target 4, the material of which is removed during coating or sputtering and - in particular together with other components of the gas atmosphere - forms the desired coating on the respective lens 2 or its surface to be coated.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows the coating device 1 or sputter sources 3 in a schematic side view.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the sputter sources 3 or targets 4 are preferably at least substantially elongated or tubular or cylindrical.

[0054] The targets 4 are in particular hollow cylindrical or tubular.

[0055] The sputter sources 3 and targets 4 are preferably arranged parallel to each other.

[0056] Preferably, the targets 4 are rotatable about rotation axes D. The rotation axes D preferably run in a common plane and / or in particular parallel to each other, as in the Fig. 1 and 2 indicated, but can alternatively also be inclined to each other. The rotation axes D preferably correspond to the longitudinal axes of the sputter sources 3.

[0057] Each sputter source 3 preferably has a magnet arrangement 5 which is assigned to the respective target 4 for generating the aforementioned magnetic field and thus a directed sputter cloud S, as shown in Fig. 1 indicated schematically. In particular, the magnet arrangement 5 is arranged below or in the respective target 4.

[0058] The coating device 1 has a voltage source 6, as shown in Fig. 1 indicated in order to be able to operate the sputter sources 3 or targets 4 - in particular alternately - as cathodes or to apply the required voltage, in particular in the form of pulses, for sputtering.

[0059] Particularly preferably, the sputter sources 3 and targets 4 are alternately operated or supplied with direct current (pulses). This is also referred to as "bipolar DC." One sputter source 3 or target 4 then alternately serves as the cathode, and the other sputter source 3 or target 4 serves as the anode.

[0060] Alternatively, operation with alternating current or other operation can be carried out.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, one or more additional or separate anodes may be used, although this is not preferred.

[0062] The coating device 1 preferably has a coating chamber 7 in which the coating takes place or the sputter sources 3 are arranged.

[0063] The coating chamber 7 is in particular by means of a Fig. 1 The device 8, which is only schematically indicated, can be evacuated as desired, such as a connection, a vacuum pump, or the like. The device or vacuum pump 8 is particularly preferably arranged on the side of the sputter sources 3 or targets 4 facing away from the lenses 2 and / or particularly preferably in a center plane M or centrally.

[0064] The coating device 1 or coating chamber 7 preferably has a schematically indicated gas supply 9, in particular in the form of a gas lance extending into the coating space.

[0065] The coating device 1 preferably has a carrier 10 for holding the lenses 2, as shown in Fig. 1 indicated.

[0066] In Fig. 2 and 3 the carrier 10 is not shown for illustrative purposes.

[0067] The lenses 2 to be coated are preferably each rotatable or rotatable about an axis A. The coating device 1 or the carrier 10 is designed for the corresponding rotatable mounting and in particular for the corresponding driving of the lenses 2. In particular, the coating device 1 has a corresponding, in Fig. 1 only schematically indicated rotary drive 11, preferably to drive all lenses 2 of the carrier 10 together.

[0068] The carrier 10 is preferably exchangeable together with at least two lenses 2 or all lenses 2 or here four lenses 2 that are coated simultaneously in the coating device 1 or coating chamber 7.

[0069] In particular, the carrier 10 holds the lenses 2 rotatably, particularly preferably rotatably coupled, especially about their own or different axes A. Particularly preferably, the carrier 10 has a rotary coupling 12, for example via a corresponding gear, as shown in Fig. 1 indicated schematically.

[0070] Preferably, the carrier 10 itself is not moved during coating, but only the lenses 2 held by it are rotated.

[0071] Preferably, the carrier 10 can be automatically coupled by drive or gear, in particular with the rotary drive 11 or the like, of the coating device 1 when inserted or pushed into the coating device 1 or coating chamber 7.

[0072] Particularly preferably, the carrier holds the lenses 2 or at least their centers of gravity or centers at least substantially in a plane which particularly preferably runs parallel to the common plane of the axes of rotation D of the targets 4.

[0073] The carrier 10 allows a quick loading of the coating device 1 or coating chamber 7 with the lenses 2 to be coated or a quick removal of the coated lenses 2.

[0074] The coating chamber 7 can preferably be closed gas-tight for coating purposes.

[0075] The coating device 1 or coating chamber 7 can preferably be loaded with the lenses 2 to be coated or the carrier 10 via an access opening (not shown). The access opening can preferably be closed, in particular in a gas-tight manner, by means of the carrier 10 or by a closure (not shown).

[0076] The carrier 10 can preferably be used generally in devices for coating lenses 2, in particular also in coating processes other than sputtering.

[0077] The axes of rotation D or longitudinal extensions L of the targets 4 preferably run in a common plane, particularly preferably a vertical or horizontal plane.

[0078] The lenses 2 are preferably arranged above and / or (only) on one side of the aforementioned plane.

[0079] Preferably, each lens 2 is arranged above an associated target 4. The term "above" can refer to the vertical height or distance from the associated target 4 and / or to the fact that the surface of the lens 2 to be coated has at least one surface normal that intersects the target 4 and, particularly preferably, its rotational axis D.

[0080] Preferably, the lenses 2 are assigned in pairs to a sputter source 3 or a target 4.

[0081] In particular, two lenses 2 are arranged over a common target 4, as in Fig. 2 indicated.

[0082] Particularly preferably, the coating device 1 or the carrier 10 is designed to accommodate two pairs of lenses 2, i.e. a total of four lenses 2, wherein two lenses 2 are assigned to a common sputter source 3 or a common target 4.

[0083] The axis A, around which the lens 2 rotates during the coating, is preferably stationary or fixed relative to the target 4 or the sputter source 3 or axis of rotation D.

[0084] In particular, a linear movement or a center of gravity movement, such as a circular movement, between the sputter source 3 or the target 4 or the rotational axes D on the one hand and the lens 2 or lenses 2 or axes A to be coated on the other hand is avoided or excluded. This contributes to a particularly simple structure.

[0085] The (vertical) distance Z of the lens 2 from the associated target 4 is in Fig. 1 and preferably fixed. Optionally, the distance Z of the lens 2 from the associated target 4 can be adjusted or adjusted depending on the diameter and / or curvature or shape of the lens 2 or surface to be coated.

[0086] The axes A of two lenses 2 assigned to a common target 4 preferably run in a common plane and in particular parallel to each other.

[0087] The axes A preferably run transversely or perpendicularly to the target plane or common plane of the rotation axes D or to the rotation axis D of the associated target 4.

[0088] The axes A can also be inclined relative to each other in their common plane, in particular towards each other or outwards or away from each other.

[0089] The rotation axis A of the lens 2 can also be shifted in a direction transverse to the rotation axis D in the horizontal direction or towards the center between the two rotation axes D of the targets 4, in particular so that an offset or distance V is formed between the lens axis A and the associated target axis D, as in Fig. 1 for the lens 2 arranged on the right side (the same applies, of course, preferably also to the lens 2 arranged on the left side).

[0090] The distance V is preferably fixed. Optionally, the distance V between the lens axis A and the associated target axis D can be adjusted or adjusted depending on the diameter and / or curvature or shape of the lens 2 or surface to be coated.

[0091] The gas supply 9 is preferably arranged below the sputter sources 3 or targets 4 and / or therebetween, particularly preferably in the center plane M of the coating device 1 or coating chamber 7.

[0092] The gas supply 9 is preferably tubular and / or rod-shaped and / or provided with gas outlets preferably arranged in a row and / or pointing upwards.

[0093] The sputter cloud S that occurs during coating, i.e. the atomized target material, is directed at least substantially in a desired direction by means of the aforementioned magnetic field or the magnet arrangement 5. This Fig. 1 The main direction H of the propagation of the sputter cloud S, indicated by dashed lines, can be influenced, in particular fixed, by appropriate arrangement or orientation of the magnet arrangement 5.

[0094] In the illustrated example, the main direction H in the sectional plane is perpendicular to the rotation axes D and / or the two targets 4, preferably inclined relative to each other and / or by the angle W (starting from a parallel alignment). Preferably, the angle W is adjustable or adaptable, in particular by appropriate adjustment or control of the magnet arrangements 5.

[0095] As already mentioned, the main directions H of the two sputter clouds S can also run parallel to each other and / or perpendicular to the plane of extension of the targets 4 or the plane with the rotation axes D.

[0096] Preferably, the principal directions H run vertically upward or contain such a directional component. Alternatively, the principal directions H can be aligned horizontally. The arrangement of the lenses 2 and sputter sources 3 or targets 4 must then, of course, be selected accordingly.

[0097] Particularly preferably, the lenses 2 are coated in pairs, in particular, two pairs of lenses 2 are coated simultaneously. In principle, however, it is also possible to coat only one pair of lenses 2 in the coating device 1 as proposed. For this purpose, the two lenses are then preferably coated over a common target 4 and / or between the two targets 4, as schematically shown in Fig. 3 shown in an alternative arrangement.

[0098] In particular, the lenses 2 are coated in a batch process, i.e., not in a continuous process. Coating is carried out in particular only in small groups of lenses 2, preferably in groups of individual pairs or multiple pairs of lenses 2, but if necessary also in individual lenses 2 or any number of lenses 2.

[0099] The lenses 2 preferably rotate centrally around the respective axis A, in particular with respect to the geometric center of the lens 2.

[0100] According to a variant embodiment not shown, the lenses 2 can optionally also rotate or be clamped eccentrically with respect to the rotation axis A. The eccentricity is preferably smaller than the radius of the lens 2, but may also be larger if necessary.

[0101] In particular, the rotation axis A intersects the respective lens 2.

[0102] The axis A preferably runs perpendicular to the main plane of the respective lens 2.

[0103] Each of the lenses 2 is preferably rotatable about its own axis A. The lenses 2 are therefore rotatable about different axes A.

[0104] The axis A preferably runs transversely, optionally perpendicularly, to the longitudinal extension or rotation axis D of the associated target 4.

[0105] In particular, the rotation axis A of the respective lens 2 intersects the associated target 4, as in Fig. 1 indicated, or optionally the longitudinal or rotational axis D of the assigned target 4.

[0106] During coating or rotation, the lens 2 preferably always points with its side to be coated towards the associated target 4 or the two associated targets 4.

[0107] Preferably, the axis of rotation D of the respective target 4 runs perpendicular to any or at least one surface normal of the lens 2 or surface to be coated.

[0108] The surface normal of the optical or geometric center of the lens 2 can be inclined to the rotation axis A or rotation axis D.

[0109] The lens centers are preferably arranged symmetrically to the respective target 4 in the longitudinal extension of the target 4.

[0110] The lenses 2 to be coated or their geometric or optical centers are preferably arranged at least substantially in a common plane, wherein this plane particularly preferably runs parallel to the plane of extension of the sputter sources 3 or targets 4 or axes of rotation D.

[0111] Particularly preferably, the cathode distance, i.e. the distance between the targets 4 and / or the distance Z of the lenses 2 from the targets 4 or sputter sources 3 and / or the angles W are varied depending on the lenses 2 to be coated, in particular on the surface shape of the lenses 2 to be coated, i.e. for example flatly curved or strongly curved or depending on the degree of curvature and / or whether it is a concave or convex surface.

[0112] In the following, a particularly preferred structure of the proposed carrier 10 will be explained in more detail. The previous statements and explanations, in particular with regard to Fig. 1 apply preferably accordingly or in addition, even without explicit repetition.

[0113] Fig. 4 shows, in a schematic side view, a section of a proposed system 100 for coating spectacle lenses 2 and a particularly preferred embodiment of the proposed carrier 10 for holding lenses or spectacle lenses 2 to be coated.

[0114] In Fig. 4 In particular, a coating device 1 of the system 100 is shown as a section or in an open state, so that the carrier 10 located in the coating device 1 in the illustrated state is visible together with the lenses 2 held thereby. The coating device 1 is preferably constructed as already described and / or preferably operates as already described.

[0115] The lenses 2, here in particular one or two pairs of lenses 2, are preferably held at the edge or circumference and / or resiliently, in particular by preferably resilient or flexible holding elements 13.

[0116] The holding elements 13 are prestressed, in particular, in the radial direction toward the center or lens 2. The holding elements 13 hold the corresponding lens 2, in particular centrally in or below an opening 16 of the carrier 10, so that the lens 2 can be coated in the desired manner.

[0117] Particularly preferably, the system 100 or the carrier 10 is designed such that the lenses 2 held by the carrier 10 can be coated from opposite sides or from both sides—in particular without detaching from the carrier 10. Preferably, the carrier 10 is open on both sides, in particular flat sides, or is provided with openings 16 to enable the coating of the lenses 2 on both sides.

[0118] In the illustrated example, the holding elements 13 are preferably coupled to a holder or bearing element, here a ring element 14. Preferably, the bearing or ring element 14 is rotatable or rotatably driven. In the illustrated example, the bearing or ring element 14 is particularly designed as a gear or coupled to a gear, so that particularly preferably all—here four—bearing or ring elements 14 and the associated lenses 2 are rotatable about their own axes A, i.e., about different axes A.

[0119] In the illustrated example, the rotary coupling 12 is achieved in particular via the meshing engagement of the gears or ring elements 14. However, other design solutions, for example with a gear, belt or the like, are also possible.

[0120] The carrier 10 preferably has a base body 15, in particular a plate-shaped base body, into which the holders or holding elements 13 for the lenses 2 and in particular also the bearing or ring elements 14 are integrated.

[0121] The base body 15 is preferably covered on both sides and / or provided with the aforementioned openings 16 so that the lenses 2 can be coated accordingly.

[0122] The carrier 10 is preferably coupled or coupled to a carriage or frame 17, as in Fig. 4 indicated. The carriage or frame 17 serves in particular for handling or conveying the carrier 10 with the lenses 2 to be coated in the system 100 or through the coating device(s) 1.

[0123] In the illustrated example, the frame 17 is preferably designed for clamping and / or force-fitting the support 10 and / or is fork-shaped.

[0124] The carrier 10 is preferably coupled or coupled to a guide element 18 and / or a rack 19, in particular via the frame 17, as shown in Fig. 4 indicated schematically.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the guide element 18 is preferably coupled to the frame 17 in an articulated manner, with the articulated axis running in particular in the conveying direction F. However, other constructive solutions are also possible.

[0126] The guide element 18 preferably carries the rack 19.

[0127] In the example shown, the teeth of the rack 19 preferably point downward. However, other orientations are also possible. For example, the teeth can also point sideways or, in principle, upwards.

[0128] The system 100 or the illustrated or each coating device 1 preferably has a conveying device 20 for conveying the carrier 10 through the system 100 or into the (respective) coating device 1 and / or out of it.

[0129] Particularly preferably, the carrier 10 together with the lenses 2 to be coated and in particular also together with the carriage or frame 17 is completely received in the respective coating device 1 or its coating chamber 7 for coating.

[0130] In the illustrated example, the conveyor device 20, or preferably each coating device 1, preferably comprises a conveyor drive 21, which, in particular, engages or can engage with a corresponding pinion or the like on the carrier 10 or frame 17, particularly preferably on the rack 19, for linear conveying or movement—for example, in the schematically indicated conveying direction F. In particular, the conveyor drive 21 comprises a stepper motor with the pinion.

[0131] The carrier 10 is preferably guided on rails 22 in a movable or displaceable manner in the system 100 or coating device 1, preferably on opposite sides or above and / or below.

[0132] In Fig. 4 only an upper rail 22 is shown. Fig. 5 shows in another side view in the direction of conveying direction F, i.e. transversely to the longitudinal extension of the rails 22, how the carrier 10, in particular together with the coupled carriage or frame 17, is particularly preferably guided on opposite sides or above and below by rails 22 in the illustrated example. Preferably, the carrier 10 or the frame 17 or in particular the guide element 18 is guided laterally and / or vertically - here below - by one or two rails 22, as in Fig. 5 indicated schematically. For example, lateral ribs, projections, or webs 18A of the guide element 18 can engage in corresponding grooves, particularly in the guide rails 22 arranged on opposite sides. A sliding guide is particularly preferably realized in this way. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0133] On the other side or above, the support 10 or an upwardly projecting support section 10A is preferably only laterally supported by one or two rails 22, as in Fig. 5 As indicated, a sliding guide is preferred here, too. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0134] The carrier 10 is in particular displaceable or movable together with the frame 17 or vice versa in the conveying direction F or opposite thereto.

[0135] The conveyor device 20 or the conveyor drive 21 enables a desired movement, conveyance and / or positioning of the carrier 10 within the (respective) coating device 1 or in the system 100.

[0136] In the illustrated example, an at least substantially vertical orientation of the carrier 10 or the lenses 2 (relative to their main extension planes or flat sides) is preferred during conveyance through the system 1 or coating device(s) 1 in order to enable the most compact design possible with, in particular, a small footprint. However, other orientations are also possible.

[0137] In Fig. 4 The sputter sources 3 and targets 4 of the coating device 1 are schematically arranged in the coating chamber 7. Target drives 23 for rotating the targets 4 are assigned to the targets 4. The target drives 23 are preferably arranged outside the coating chamber 7, as in Fig. 4 indicated. However, other constructive solutions are also possible.

[0138] The rotation axes D or longitudinal extensions L of the targets 4 preferably run vertically.

[0139] The rotation axes A of the lenses 2 preferably run at least substantially horizontally.

[0140] In Fig. 4 It is also indicated that the rotary drive 11 of the (respective) coating device 1 is drivingly coupled, in particular with a corresponding gear, preferably automatically or inevitably, to the carrier 10 or the rotary coupling 12 or at least one ring element 14, or is engaged when the carrier 10 is in a coating position in the coating device 1. Accordingly, the rotary drive 11 can then set the lenses 2 in the desired rotation about the axes A during coating.

[0141] To establish the aforementioned drive engagement, a gear or ring element 14 of the carrier 10 protrudes laterally—here upward—in such a way that the desired drive coupling is automatically established when the carrier 10 is pushed or inserted. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0142] The following is based on the schematic representation of Fig. 6 a first preferred embodiment of the proposed system 100 for coating lenses 2 is explained, wherein the previous statements and explanations apply in particular correspondingly or additionally, even without explicit repetition.

[0143] The system 100 preferably has a receiving station 24 for receiving the lenses 2 to be coated or the carrier 10 with lenses 2 to be coated. In particular, the receiving station 24 serves to couple the carrier 10 to an associated carriage or frame 17. Alternatively, however, this can also be done in advance or separately, provided that a carriage or frame 17 is used at all.

[0144] The receiving station 24 can, for example, be manually loaded with carriers 10 and lenses 2. Alternatively, automatic loading or loading with carriers 10 and / or lenses 2 can also take place. For example, the carriers 10 with already loaded lenses 2 or other containers with the lenses 2 can be conveyed to the receiving station 24 by an optional conveyor system 25, such as a conveyor belt or the like, and in particular, can be automatically picked up by the receiving station 24.

[0145] If necessary, the lenses 2 can also be picked up or inserted into the carriers 10 manually or automatically in or at the picking station 24.

[0146] The receiving station 24 preferably aligns the carrier 10 in the desired manner, here in particular vertically, if necessary.

[0147] It is also possible for the carriers 10, with or without lenses 2, to be supplied or conveyed to the receiving station 24, in particular by the conveyor system 25, already with or in the desired orientation, here in particular with a vertical orientation. For example, the carriers 10 can be supplied or conveyed to the receiving station 24 in a type of magazine or transport carriage and / or in a stacked or upright position. This enables a very compact design of the system 100 with minimal space requirements.

[0148] Preferably, the carrier 10, together with the lenses 2 to be coated, is conveyed or moved exclusively in the preferred orientation through the coating device(s) 1 or the entire system 100. This is particularly beneficial for simple handling and / or a compact design.

[0149] The receiving station 24 is followed by a (first) coating device 1, which for easier differentiation into Fig. 6 designated Fig. 1A and used to apply a first coating.

[0150] This is preferably followed by a further (first) coating device 1B, which serves to apply the first coating to the opposite side of the lenses 2, so that the lenses 2 are then coated on both sides. However, the coating device 1B can also be used to apply another coating.

[0151] The two coating devices 1A, 1B preferably form a (first) coating line B, hereinafter referred to as B1 for easier differentiation.

[0152] In Fig. 6 It is indicated that the target drives 23 of the first coating device 1A on the one hand and the second coating device 1B on the other hand and thus also the associated targets 4 are arranged on opposite sides of the carrier 10 and thus of the lenses 2 in order to enable the opposite or double-sided coating of the lenses 2.

[0153] However, it is also possible to combine the two coating devices 1A and 1B in a common housing and / or with a common coating chamber 7 (this is exemplified in the case of the device shown in Fig. 7 shown second embodiment).

[0154] In Fig. 6 Furthermore, devices or vacuum pumps 8 are indicated schematically in order to evacuate the coating chambers 7 of the coating devices 1 for coating.

[0155] Preferably, some, several, or all of the coating devices 1 of the system 100 are traversed by the lenses 2 or carriers 10, in particular in a straight line, discontinuously, or sequentially, and / or are loaded with the lenses 2 or carriers 10 via a receiving opening, with the lenses 2 or carriers 10 being dispensed again via a discharge opening separate from the receiving opening. This is particularly beneficial for the desired linking of the coating devices 1 or coating chambers 7 and / or for the sequential passage or running through the various coating devices 1 or system 100.

[0156] Preferably, a lock 26 is arranged upstream and / or downstream of each coating device 1 in order to be able to close the receiving opening and the discharge opening for coating as gas-tight as possible and to be able to generate the desired vacuum - in particular a high vacuum - for coating.

[0157] Optionally, the receiving station 24 can also already be evacuated or placed under a pre-vacuum, in particular a rough or fine vacuum, in order to not ventilate the coating device 1A directly to normal pressure when the lock 26 is opened towards the first coating device 1A, but to keep it at a pressure that is as low as possible or relatively low.

[0158] The carrier 10 is conveyed or moved in a straight line and / or linearly or on or by rails 22 from the feed station 24 by means of the conveyor device 20, in particular corresponding or distributed conveyor drives 21, into the first coating device 1A or generally into or through the coating devices 1 and / or through the system 100.

[0159] After coating in the first coating device 1A, the carrier 10 together with the lenses 2 then coated on one side is conveyed further, again in a straight line or linear manner and / or by means of corresponding rails 22 or by means of the conveyor device 20 or the conveyor drives 21, into the second coating device 1B in order to coat the lenses 2 on the other side there.

[0160] The coating chambers 7 of the coating devices 1A, 1B, i.e. of the various coating devices 1, are preferably separate or designed separately and / or separable from one another, in particular gas-tight or vacuum-tight, here by the lock(s) 26.

[0161] The (first) coating line B1 preferably comprises two coating devices 1A, 1B for opposite coating. However, it is also possible for the coating line B1 to comprise only one coating device 1, in particular for selectively coating one or two sides. Furthermore, the coating line B1 preferably also comprises corresponding locks 26, in particular at the beginning and end and / or between individual coating devices 1.

[0162] Particularly preferably, conveying takes place in such a way that the lenses 2 to be coated, along with the associated carrier 10, are picked up at one end of the coating line B1 and released again at another or opposite end. Alternatively, it is also possible to pick up the lenses 2 for coating at one end and release them again at the same end of the coating line B1 after coating.

[0163] The system 100 not only has a (first) coating device 1A or first coating devices 1A, 1B or coating line B1, but also further coating devices 1 or coating lines B, to which the lenses 2 can be or are optionally fed, in particular together with the respective carrier 10.

[0164] The first coating devices 1A and 1B are particularly preferred as sputtering devices, in particular for magnetron sputtering, very particularly preferred as with regard to Fig. 1 bis 3 described and / or designed for the one-sided application of a coating.

[0165] The two devices 1A and 1B are preferably provided for applying a coating from opposite sides to the lens(es) 2 and / or with sputter sources 3 or targets 4 arranged on opposite sides, in particular with respect to the conveying direction F and / or main plane of the carrier 10 or the lenses 2, as in Fig. 6 indicated schematically.

[0166] The further coating devices 1C and 1D are preferably designed as described above, i.e. in particular corresponding to or similar to the two coating devices 1A and 1B, and in particular also for applying coatings on opposite sides.

[0167] In principle, the two coating devices 1A and 1B on the one hand and the two coating devices 1C and 1D on the other hand can also be designed differently and / or work with different coating processes.

[0168] The system 100 or conveyor device 20 has a transfer chamber 27 in order to receive the lenses 2 or the carrier 10 with the lenses 2 after application of the first coating - in particular a double-sided base coating - and to be able to convey them further - under vacuum - to the downstream further coating devices 1C, 1D or coating lines B2 to B6.

[0169] The further coating devices 1 or coating lines B are connected in parallel to the transfer chamber 27 and can therefore be loaded with lenses 2 or the carriers 10 independently of one another.

[0170] The transfer chamber 27 can preferably be evacuated by means of an associated vacuum pump 28 and allows the lenses 2 to be conveyed further after coating in the coating device 1A and / or 1B or coating line B1 under vacuum or negative pressure to a downstream or subsequent coating device 1 or coating line B, here to one of the coating devices 1C or coating lines B2 to B6.

[0171] The conveying device 20 or transfer chamber 27 preferably has a conveyor 29 for the corresponding handling or conveying, in particular transverse conveying, of the lenses 2, preferably together with the associated carrier 10. Conveying in a transverse direction Q, namely transverse or perpendicular to the other primary, in particular linear or rectilinear conveying direction F in the system 100, is enabled or realized.

[0172] After the application or completion of the (first) coating or the base coating in the first coating line B1 or in the coating device 1B connected to the transfer chamber 27, the lock 26 to the transfer chamber 27 is opened, and the lenses 2 are preferably conveyed further into the transfer chamber 27 together with the carrier 10 or transferred to it.

[0173] The conveyor 29 then enables conveyance or displacement or movement in the transverse direction Q and further conveyance, optionally to one of the further coating devices 1C or coating lines B2 to B6 connected to the transfer chamber 27.

[0174] The additional coating devices 1C or coating lines B2 to B6 are preferably each connected in parallel to the transfer chamber 27 via a lock 26, in particular so that the conveyance of the lenses 2 or carriers 10 also takes place in a conveying direction F that runs parallel or in extension to the conveying direction F between the receiving station 24 and the transfer chamber 27 or in the first coating line B1. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0175] In the further coating device 1C and a preferably respectively adjoining coating device 1D, a further coating or several coatings are applied to the lenses 2, preferably again alternately from opposite sides.

[0176] The further coating devices 1C and 1D allow in particular an alternating double-sided coating of the lenses 2 and / or are preferably linked (coupled) or form a (further) coating line B.

[0177] The coating devices 1C and 1D, and in particular also an adjoining delivery station 30, are arranged in such a way that a straight or linear conveyance of the carriers 10 from the transfer chamber 27 through the two coating devices 1C and 1D to the adjoining delivery station 30 is possible. However, other structural solutions or paths are also possible.

[0178] Locks 26 are preferably arranged before and after and / or between the coating devices 1C and 1D.

[0179] In particular, the further coating lines B2 to B6 each have or are formed by a coating device 1C and a subsequent coating device 1D.

[0180] In particular, locks 26 are arranged between the processing lines B2 to B6, on the one hand to the transfer chamber 27 and on the other hand to the associated delivery station 30.

[0181] After the application of the further coating(s) - in particular of one or more anti-reflective coatings and / or of one or more mirror coating layers - in the further coating devices 1C, 1D or in the further or second coating lines B2 to B6, the lenses 2 are further conveyed or delivered to the respective delivery station 30, in particular together with the associated carriers 10.

[0182] In the delivery station 30, the coated lenses 2 can either be removed manually or, in particular, automatically delivered to the conveyor system 25, such as a conveyor belt or the like.

[0183] It is also possible that, before the lenses 2 are delivered to the delivery station 30, a further or final coating or treatment of the lenses 2, in particular for the so-called surface finish or by applying a final coating, takes place. This can, for example, be carried out in the further or second or last coating lines B2 to B6 and / or in one or more additional coating devices (see Fig. 1E in the second embodiment according to Fig. 7 ) take place.

[0184] As a result, the system 100 can in particular provide or produce finished coated lenses or spectacle lenses 2.

[0185] The delivery station 30 is preferably in turn connected via a lock 26 to the further or last coating device 1D or processing line B2 to B6 or the vacuum system preferably formed by the system 100, i.e. in particular comparable to the connection of the receiving station 24. Preferably, the delivery station 30 is also placed under negative pressure or vacuum in order to prevent at least excessive venting of the coating device 1D or an increase in the gas pressure in the coating device 1D when the lock 26 is opened.

[0186] Particularly preferably, the system 100 forms a linked or connected vacuum system which comprises several or all coating devices 1 or coating chambers 7, optionally the locks 26, preferably at least one transfer chamber 27 and optionally the receiving station 24 and / or discharge station 30.

[0187] Preferably, a continuous vacuum system is formed through which the lenses 2 to be coated or the carrier 10 with the lenses 2 are conveyed.

[0188] Preferably, the system 100 or its vacuum system is generally kept at or below a vacuum during operation, even if the vacuum may vary. For example, the coating devices 1, at least the coating devices 1 for sputtering, are placed under a high vacuum for coating—that is, in particular with the locks 26 closed. Other parts of the system 100 or the vacuum system, such as the transfer chamber 27, the receiving station 24 and / or the dispensing station 30 and / or other components or connections, are preferably set or evacuated to a lower vacuum, that is, for example, (only) a rough vacuum or a fine vacuum.

[0189] Particularly preferably, during continuous operation and in particular when changing lenses 2 and / or carriers 10, a certain minimum vacuum, in particular a rough vacuum or fine vacuum, is maintained or maintained at least in some, several, or in particular all coating devices 1 of the vacuum system, in particular also when opening the locks 26. This is particularly beneficial for efficient coating or process flow or operation.

[0190] Preferably, the system 100 is of modular construction, so that different coating devices 1, in particular also with different coating processes, in particular those taking place under vacuum, can be combined in the system 100 or in the vacuum system.

[0191] Particularly preferably, the coating is carried out by vapor deposition, in particular chemical vapor deposition (CVD or vapor phase deposition) and / or physical vapor deposition, i.e. physical coating processes such as PVD, thermal evaporation, sputtering and / or the like.

[0192] The proposed system 100 and the proposed method allow, in particular, the application of a base coating to the lenses 2 as a first coating, here by means of the coating device(s) 1A, 1B or the first coating line B1. The application of this coating takes a relatively short time.

[0193] Later, further coatings are applied in the additional coating devices 1C, 1D or further / second coating lines B2 to B6. The lenses 2 can also be transferred between the two coating devices 1C and 1D several times, if necessary, and / or different gases and / or targets can be used during the coating process. Accordingly, this second coating process, for example, to build up a layer package for anti-reflective coating or to apply multiple anti-reflective layers and / or a mirror coating, takes significantly longer than the application of the first coating or base coating.

[0194] In order to achieve a good throughput of the system 100, it is therefore preferable to provide substantially more additional or second coating lines B2 to B6 than first coating lines B1, in particular more than twice as many.

[0195] The system 100 or the conveyor device 20 or the conveyor 29 can each optionally - particularly preferably depending on the availability, technical equipment and / or the respective requirements - feed or convey the lenses 2 to be (further) coated to one of the further or second coating lines B2 to B6.

[0196] The following is based on Fig. 7 a second embodiment of the proposed system 100 and the proposed method is explained in more detail, wherein in particular differences from the first embodiment are primarily highlighted and in particular the previous statements and explanations regarding the first embodiment and also regarding the fundamentally preferred structure of the coating device 1 apply accordingly or in addition.

[0197] In the second embodiment, the coating devices 1A and 1B or 1C and 1D, which each allow coating of the lenses 2 from opposite sides and / or form a coating line B, can be designed in pairs as a structural unit and / or provided with a common housing.

[0198] In the second embodiment, the system 100 preferably has two or more first processing lines B1, which can preferably be equipped or fed independently of one another with lenses 2 to be coated, in particular via corresponding separate receiving stations 24 with lenses 2 to be coated and associated carriers 10.

[0199] The coating lines B1 are connected in parallel to the downstream transfer chamber 27 in order to then optionally convey the coated lenses 2 to one of the second or further coating lines B2 to B5.

[0200] The second coating lines B2 to B5 are preferably followed by an additional transfer chamber 31, which is preferably constructed like the transfer chamber 27 and / or in particular serves for optionally conveying the coated lenses 2 to one or more additional devices, in particular coating devices 1E.

[0201] Preferably, the coating lines B2 to B5 are each connected via locks 26 to the upstream transfer chamber 27 and / or the downstream transfer chamber 31.

[0202] In general, it should be noted that preferably all locks 26 can be individually closed in order to separate individual spaces and in particular the coating chambers 7 of the coating devices 1 as required and in particular to place them under vacuum, preferably high vacuum, for the respective coating, which is carried out in particular by so-called gas phase deposition, particularly preferably by sputtering.

[0203] The two transfer chambers 27, 31 are optionally connected by one or two conveying connections 32, as in Fig. 7 indicated by dashed lines, in particular to enable return conveyance and / or recirculation and / or bypassing of the second coating lines B2 to B5. The conveying connections 32 are preferably also evacuatable like the transfer chambers 27, 31, in particular connected to them in a gas-tight manner, and form part of the proposed vacuum system of the system 100.

[0204] The optional conveying connections 32 preferably allow additional conveying parallel to the normal conveying F of the lenses 2, optionally also in the opposite direction.

[0205] The conveyor connections 32 are preferably equipped with corresponding conveyors 29 (not shown).

[0206] In particular, by means of at least one conveyor connection 32, it is possible for lenses 2 or carrier 10 with the lenses 2 to be transported back to the transfer chamber 27 via the transfer chamber 31 and the conveyor connection 32 after passing through one of the further coating lines B2 to B5, in order to then optionally pass through the same coating line B2 to B5 or another coating line B2 to B5.

[0207] Alternatively or additionally, the lenses 2 or carriers 10 can in principle also be exchanged directly or moved back and forth between the individual coating devices, here in particular 1C and 1D, in one or each coating line B, particularly preferably in the further coating lines B2 to B5, as required, in order in particular to enable an optimal process when applying several layers.

[0208] It should be noted that the second coating in the second or subsequent coating lines B2 to B5 often involves the application of approximately ten or more layers, so that this coating often takes more than twice or three times as long as the application of the first coating or base coat. Accordingly, it is preferable to provide a correspondingly larger number of second coating lines B2 to B5 than first coating lines B1.

[0209] The conveyor device 20 or transfer chamber 27 is optionally also designed for the temporary storage of lenses 2 or carriers 10 with lenses 2 after application of the first coating or base coating or after leaving the first coating line B1. For this purpose, the transfer chamber 27 or its conveyor 29 can be designed accordingly, for example, to accommodate multiple lenses 2 or carriers 10, by providing additional conveyor elements and / or by providing storage locations, storage areas, and / or magazines, which are then preferably also integrated into the vacuum system.

[0210] Alternatively or additionally to the aforementioned intermediate storage, the additional transfer chamber 31 can also be used via a conveyor connection 32 and / or particularly preferably the already mentioned ring or circular conveying of lenses 2 or carriers 10 with lenses 2 through the additional conveyor connections 32 in combination with the transfer chambers 27 and 31 or similar configurations.

[0211] The system 100 preferably has one or more additional coating devices 1E for further or subsequent surface treatment or coating of the lenses 2.

[0212] In particular, two or more additional coating devices 1E are connected in parallel to the additional transfer chamber 31, as shown in Fig. 7 indicated, or alternatively connected to the transfer chamber 27, particularly preferably in each case via locks 26. Thus, the additional coating devices 1E enable additional surface treatment and / or coating of the lenses 2, in particular the already mentioned surface finish and / or application of a protective layer.

[0213] The transfer chamber 31 can optionally be used for intermediate storage of lenses 2 or carriers 10 with lenses 2 prior to forwarding to the one or more additional coating devices 1E. Alternatively or additionally, such intermediate storage can also be achieved by the aforementioned circular or ring conveying when the two transfer chambers 27 and 31 are coupled via two conveying connections 32.

[0214] In general, it should be noted that the intermediate storage can also be achieved or improved by coupling the two transfer chambers 27 and 31 via a single conveyor connection 32, in particular if the conveyor connection 32 enables any exchange of the lenses 2 or carriers 10 from the transfer chamber 27 to the transfer chamber 31 and vice versa.

[0215] Finally, the finished coated or treated lenses 2 are delivered - here preferably directly from the additional devices 1E - in particular each to a separate delivery station 30.

[0216] In the second embodiment, it is schematically indicated that the conveyor system 25 or a conveyor belt or the like can also be guided through the receiving stations 24 and / or delivery stations 30.

[0217] It should be noted in general that the coating devices 1 can, in principle, be at least substantially identical in construction, but may also be constructed and / or equipped differently. For example, coating devices 1 with different constructions or operating in different ways can be used for different coating lines B.

[0218] Particularly preferably, the coating of the lenses 2 in the coating devices 1A to 1D or coating lines B is carried out by sputtering, in particular magnetron sputtering, as already described in particular with reference to the Fig. 1 bis 3 explained by way of example for a coating device 1. The coating devices 1A to 1D of the system 100 are constructed in this preferred manner. However, differently constructed coating devices can also be used and / or combined.

[0219] The additional coating devices 1E preferably coat the lenses 2 not by sputtering or cathode sputtering, but in particular by thermal evaporation, CVD, PVD or the like.

[0220] Optionally, the additional coating devices 1E can also be integrated into the further coating lines B2 to B5 and / or into one of the further coating devices 1C, 1D. In this case, the additional transfer chamber 31 can be omitted if necessary, even if it is useful in view of a possible minimization of the otherwise required number of dispensing stations 30 or is used anyway.

[0221] The present invention, the proposed system 100, and the proposed method particularly preferably relate to the coating of lenses 2 in a vacuum, preferably by vapor deposition, in particular sputtering, particularly preferably magnetron sputtering. Preferably, at least some layers, in particular the first coating and / or the second coating, are applied to the lenses 2 using the proposed system 100 or the proposed method by vapor deposition, in particular sputtering, particularly preferably magnetron sputtering.

[0222] The lenses or spectacle lenses 2 have—preferably curved or domed, in particular concave or convex—surfaces or flat sides that are to be coated. The present invention, the proposed system 100, and the proposed methods relate in particular only to the coating of such curved or domed surfaces of lenses or spectacle lenses 2. In this case, the highest precision and particularly uniform formation of the respective layers are particularly important.

[0223] Particularly preferably, starting with the receiving station 24 until the then coated lens 2 is delivered to the delivery station 30, the lens 2 is continuously held in a vacuum or vacuum system, even if the vacuum - in particular during operation, by opening and closing the locks 26 and / or spatially depending on the respective area of ​​the system 100 - can vary, for example in the coating devices 1 and / or locks 26 or transfer chambers 27, 31 and / or additional devices 1E can also be different and / or locally different gases can be added or used.

[0224] During or for coating, individual or multiple coating devices 1, in particular at least the coating devices 1A and 1B or the first coating line B1 and / or the coating devices 1C and 1D or the second coating lines B2 to B5 or their coating chamber(s) 7, are preferably evacuated to a pressure of less than 0.1 Pa or a high vacuum is applied or generated there. The same preferably also applies to the additional coating devices 1E. Depending on requirements, these can also operate at a somewhat higher pressure or in a "lower" vacuum, e.g., in a fine vacuum.

[0225] The pressure in the remaining system 100 or in the transfer chamber 27 and / or 31 and / or in the additional conveying connection 32 and / or in the receiving station 24 and / or discharge station 30 is preferably somewhat higher than in the coating devices 1 and / or is in particular below 1,000 Pa and / or above 0.1 Pa. In particular, a vacuum is therefore also applied or generated there, in particular a rough vacuum or fine vacuum.

[0226] The proposed system 100 and the proposed method as well as the proposed carrier 10 allow in particular an individual or adapted coating of small groups of lenses 2, in particular of two or four lenses 2 each, wherein a good high throughput is made possible by the optional distribution to different coating lines B or coating devices 1.

[0227] In particular, the lenses 2 are coated in a batch operation, i.e. not in a continuous process or not continuously, wherein the coating is carried out in particular only in small groups of lenses 2, preferably in groups of individual pairs or several pairs of lenses 2, but if necessary also of individual lenses or any number of lenses 2, particularly preferably of fewer than ten lenses 2.

[0228] The proposed system 100 or the proposed method is preferably used for applying one or more anti-reflective layers.

[0229] According to the proposal, in particular a reactive coating is also carried out, wherein by appropriately supplying reactive gas, for example nitrogen, hydrogen and / or oxygen, to the working gas (noble gas), in particular argon, the target material can react therewith and form a desired coating on the lens 2.

[0230] The conveying device 20 of the system 100 preferably comprises the decentralized or distributed conveyor drives 21, transfer chamber(s) 27, 31 and / or conveyor 29.

[0231] The conveyor drives 21 are arranged in particular in or on the coating devices 1, coating chambers 7, coating lines B, locks 26, transfer chambers 27, 31, conveyors 29, receiving stations 24 and / or delivery stations 30 in order to enable the desired conveyance of the carriers 10.

[0232] In general, it should be noted that the second coating or anti-reflective coating is preferably constructed or composed of a single layer or a multilayer stack of dielectric materials. In particular, multilayer coatings comprising layers with a high refractive index and layers with a low refractive index are provided. The materials of the individual layers of the layer stack are generally ceramic materials that are transparent at least in the visible spectral range. In particular, various oxides or mixed oxides are used for this purpose. The thickness of these layers is generally between 10 and 100 nm. The total thickness of an anti-reflective layer stack is typically between 100 and 1,000 nm.

[0233] The preferred vacuum system or the preferred interlinking of all process steps required for ophthalmic lens coating in one system or vacuum system ensures, in particular, that no individual steps or intermediate steps take place in the atmosphere. This enables a particularly efficient process, while also avoiding unwanted contamination or the like. List of reference symbols:

[0234] 1 Coating device 2 Lens 3 Sputter source 4 Target 5 Magnet assembly 6 Voltage source 7 Coating chamber 8 Device / vacuum pump 9 Gas supply 10 Carrier 10 Carrier section 11 Rotary drive 12 Rotary coupling 13 Holding element 14 Ring element 15 Base body 16 Opening 17 Frame 18 Guide element 18 Web 19 Rack 20 Conveyor device 21 Conveyor drive 22 Rail 23 Target drive 24 Pick-up station 25 Conveyor system 26 Lock 27 Transfer chamber 28 Vacuum pump 29 Conveyor 30 Discharge station 31 Additional transfer chamber 32 Conveyor connection 100Attachment A Rotation axis of the lens B Coating line D Rotation axis of the target F Conveyor direction H Main direction LLongitudinal extension of the target M Center plane Q Transverse direction SSputter cloud VDistance lens axis-target axis W Angle Z Distance lens-target

Claims

1. Installation (100) for coating eyeglass lenses (2), with multiple coating devices (1) for coating of the eyeglass lenses (2) in a vacuum, preferably by means of gaseous-phase deposition, in particular sputtering, and with a conveying apparatus (20) for linear conveying of the eyeglass lenses (2) or a carrier (10) with the eyeglass lenses (2) from a coating device (1) to another coating device (1), wherein the installation (100) has a transfer chamber (27, 31) and wherein the coating devices (1) have separate coating chambers (7), wherein the coating chambers (7) and the transfer chambers (27, 31) form a continuous and / or interconnecting vacuum system, characterized in that the transfer chamber (27, 31) is designed for further conveying of the eyeglass lenses (2) selectively to different coating devices (1) or coating lines (B), wherein the different coating devices (1) and / or coating lines (B) are connected in parallel to the transfer chamber (27).

2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the coating chambers (7) are separated or separable from one another and / or from the transfer chamber (27, 31) by means of locks (26).

3. Installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the installation (100) and / or conveying apparatus (20) is designed for discontinuous conveying of eyeglass lenses (2) from a coating device (1) into another coating device (1).

4. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each coating device (1) has its own conveying drive (21) for further conveying of the eyeglass lenses (2) to another coating device (1) or the transfer chamber (27, 31), and / or in that multiple or all coating devices (1) each have their own rotary drive (11) for rotation of the eyeglass lenses (2) to be coated.

5. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the installation (100) has coating devices (1) that operate in different ways for different coating methods and / or has at least one device (33) for surface finish.

6. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the installation (100) and / or the carrier (10) is or are designed for two-sided coating of eyeglass lenses (2), and / or in that the installation (100) is designed for coating the eyeglass lenses (2) in groups, respectively, in particular of one to ten eyeglass lenses (2), in particular wherein the groups are coated in succession in different coating devices (1), and / or in that the installation (100) is designed for accommodating multiple groups of eyeglass lenses (2).

7. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the installation (100) is designed in such a way that the eyeglass lenses (2) are differently coated and / or conveyed to different coating devices (1), individually specifically and / or depending on a convex or concave curvature of their surface(s) to be coated and / or depending on the curvature of the surface(s) to be coated, and / or that the coating devices (1) and / or coating parameters are adapted accordingly.

8. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a conveying system (25) is assigned to the installation (100) or forms a part of the installation (100) in order to load the installation (100) and / or its vacuum system in an automated manner with eyeglass lenses (2) to be coated and / or carriers (10) with eyeglass lenses (2) to be coated, and / or in order to convey away coated eyeglass lenses (2) and / or carriers (10) with coated eyeglass lenses (2) in an automated manner, in particular to further convey to another processing apparatus.

9. Method for coating eyeglass lenses (2) in an installation (100) in a vacuum, preferably by means of gaseous-phase deposition, in particular sputtering, wherein the eyeglass lenses (2) are provided first with a first coating or basic coating in a coating device (1A, 1B) or coating line (B1) and then with at least one further coating, such as one or more anti-reflective layers or a mirror coating, in another coating device (1C, 1D) or coating line (B2-B6), wherein the eyeglass lenses (2) are conveyed from the coating device (1A, 1B) and / or coating line (B1) for the first coating and / or basic coating, subsequently through a transfer chamber (27, 31) under vacuum to the other coating device (1C, 1D) and / or coating line (B2-B6), characterized in that the other coating device (1C, 1D) and / or coating line (B2-B6) is selected from a plurality of coating devices (1C, 1D) and / or coating lines (B2-B6) connected in parallel to the transfer chamber (27), wherein the conveying through the transfer chamber (27) is carried out transversely to the other primary, linear conveying in the installation (100).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the eyeglass lenses (2) are coated in succession in different coating devices (1) from opposite sides, and / or in that, respectively, two sputtering sources (3) or targets (4) are used for coating one side and the other side of the eyeglass lenses (2).

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the eyeglass lenses (2) are coated with different coating methods, and / or in that the eyeglass lenses (2) are finally subjected to a surface finish and / or are provided with an end coating, in particular for producing an oleophobic, hydrophobic and / or non-fogging surface.

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the eyeglass lenses (2) are coated differently and / or conveyed to different coating devices (1), in an individual manner and / or depending on a convex or concave curvature of their surface(s) to be coated and / or depending on the curvature of the surface(s) to be coated.

13. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the installation (100) and / or its vacuum system is loaded in an automated manner with eyeglass lenses (2) to be coated and / or carriers (10) with eyeglass lenses (2) to be coated, and / or in that coated eyeglass lenses (2) and / or carriers (10) with coated eyeglass lenses (2) are conveyed away in an automated manner, in particular to another processing apparatus.

14. Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the eyeglass lenses (2) are held exclusively under vacuum after accommodation in the installation (100) and / or its vacuum system until multiple, in particular all, coatings and / or a surface finish has / have been applied.

15. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, respectively, two sputtering sources (3) or targets (4) arranged beside one another and / or in parallel are used for the application of the first coating and a further coating.