DEVICE AND USE FOR BLOCKING A LENS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for blocking a lens according to the preamble of claim 1 and to the use of a block shape for blocking a lens according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0002] Lenses, especially spectacle lenses, are typically clamped to a block holder using a block material for processing. The block holder serves to hold the attached—or clamped—lens very precisely and accurately for one or more processing operations. Afterward, the lens is unclamped, i.e., removed from the block holder. For cost-effective lens manufacturing, the clamping and unclamped processes should be simple, efficient, and quick.

[0003] Suitable block materials include alloys with low melting points, thermoplastics, or non-thermoplastic materials, particularly curing adhesives. The block material used results in different requirements and procedures for blocking the lens to the block.

[0004] Depending on the diameter of the lens or block and / or the curvature of the lens surface to be blocked, different diameters or heights are required or desirable for connecting the lens and block using the block material, i.e., different block sizes. Accordingly, a change in the block shape that determines the block size is also necessary, especially when blocking with alloys as the block material.

[0005] DE 39 30 503 C2 discloses a device for blocking a lens by means of a metallic block material on a block. The block is held in a rotatable receptacle. The space between the lens and the block is laterally limited by a plate-shaped block form for the block material. The block form can be tilted by means of actuators and supports the lens to be blocked. Replacing the block form to accommodate different block sizes would be very complex due to the actuators and is therefore not provided for.

[0006] DE 10 2004 021 696 A1 discloses a device for blocking lenses onto a block using an alloy block material. A receptacle, referred to as a blocking mold, holds the respective block. A support ring can be removed from a magazine containing various support rings by means of a robot arm and positioned on a bearing above the receptacle or the block. The support ring serves as a support for the lens to be blocked and laterally limits the space between the lens and the block for the block material to be poured in, thus forming a casting or block mold. The robot arm also serves to manipulate and position the lenses in various processing units, such as a coating unit for applying a film to the lens and a recognition unit for reading the lens type or determining the relative rotational position of the lens to the block or support ring.Changing the support rings is time-consuming and reduces throughput.

[0007] DE 10 2007 007 161 A1 discloses a device for blocking spectacle lenses onto a block using a block material. The device has a block shape with only one block opening and a cooling channel for cooling the block material.

[0008] German patent DE 10 2011 011 418 A1 discloses a magazine for ingots, wherein the ingots are held in tubular magazine units. The ingots are individually removed from below and rotated into a desired orientation, the orientation of which is detected by a detection unit. The aligned ingot is then fed to an ingot station.

[0009] The present invention is based on the objective of specifying a device and a use of a block shape for blocking a lens, wherein a particularly simple change of the block size and / or a simple or cost-effective design and / or fast blocking with high throughput is enabled.

[0010] The above problem is solved by a device according to claim 1 or by a use according to claim 13. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention is that the device or its block station preferably has a block mold (casting mold) with several differently shaped block openings for forming different block sizes. This makes switching from one block opening to another to produce a different block size very simple and quick, thereby avoiding, in particular, time-consuming retooling or replacement of the block mold.

[0012] The different block sizes differ particularly in terms of diameter, shape (contour) and / or axial height, in order to optimally attach the respective lens to the block piece and hold it for subsequent processing, depending, for example, on the lens diameter and / or the lens thickness variation or curvature.

[0013] A quick change of block size allows for high throughput when processing even different lenses and rapid adaptation to the respective requirements.

[0014] The block openings are preferably arranged one behind the other or in a row, allowing for very quick switching from one block opening to the next, particularly by rotating or linearly moving / shifting the block shape. This also promotes simple implementation, a compact design, and high throughput.

[0015] The block openings or the block inserts that can be received or are received therein – in particular ring-shaped – preferably differ in their inner diameter and / or their axial height and / or possibly in their inner contour in order to produce correspondingly different block sizes.

[0016] A proposed use of a block mold for blocking a lens onto a block using a block material, particularly an alloy, is characterized in particular by the fact that the block mold has several block openings, which are shaped differently to form different block sizes and / or are provided with different block inserts, wherein one block opening of the block mold is selected and used for blocking the lens, i.e., the selected block opening or an associated block insert laterally limits the space between the lens and the block for the block material during blocking. This results in corresponding advantages.

[0017] The block shape is preferably at least substantially plate-like. This allows for simple manufacturing and / or optimized cooling, as it creates a large surface area and thus a large cooling area. Good cooling promotes rapid solidification of the block material and therefore high throughput.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the block shape preferably has at least one coolant channel. This makes the block shape very easy and effective to cool. This, in turn, promotes a high throughput during block production.

[0019] The preferred combination of the preferably integrated coolant channel with an at least substantially plate-shaped design of the block form allows for particularly effective cooling and simple implementation.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the device preferably has a changeover drive for exclusively moving the block mold or for exclusively changing between different block openings of the block mold and thus block sizes. This in turn facilitates a simple and quick change from one block opening to another to produce a different block size and thus also a high throughput.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the device or its block station comprises a changeover mechanism with the changeover drive and a guide, wherein the guide is preferably designed as a linear guide and / or the block form is detachably connected to the guide. This allows for a simple design and / or a quick changeover of the block form.

[0022] In particular, the changing device serves exclusively to change between different block openings of the block shape, so that a change does not slow down the throughput.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the device preferably has two blocking stations along or parallel to a linear axis for loading lenses to be blocked, for feeding block pieces, and / or for unloading blocked lenses. This enables a compact and / or simple design with high throughput.

[0024] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the device preferably comprises a loading device for loading the block station(s) with lenses to be blocked and / or a discharge device, operating particularly independently of the loading device, for unloading the block station(s) of blocked lenses and / or a feed device, operating particularly independently of the loading device, for feeding the block station(s) with block pieces, in particular wherein at least two of the devices have a linear axis and these preferably run parallel to each other. This in turn facilitates a simple design and / or a high throughput.

[0025] In particular, a combination of the fourth and fifth aspects enables a simple setup with high throughput as well as optimized handling.

[0026] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the device preferably comprises a magazine for, in particular, stacked block pieces and a feeding device for individually removing the block pieces, especially from the magazine, particularly from above. This enables a simple design with high throughput, especially if the feeding device operates independently of the loading and / or unloading device.

[0027] Individual aspects and features of the present invention, both those mentioned above and those that follow, can be combined with one another as desired, but can also be implemented independently of one another.

[0028] Further aspects, features, advantages and properties of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic section of a part of a proposed device or blocking station for blocking a lens onto a block piece by means of a proposed block shape; Fig. 2 a partial enlargement of Fig. 1 Fig. 3 a perspective view of the block station; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the block mold from above; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the block mold from below; Fig. 6 a schematic section of the block mold; Fig. 7 a schematic section of the block mold with an optional block insert; Fig. 8 a schematic top view of the device; Fig. 9 a simplified side view of a loading device and measuring station of the device; Fig. 10 a schematic view of an unloading device and a feeding device or block manipulator of the device; and Fig. 11 a schematic side view of the feeding device and a magazine for block pieces.

[0029] In the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical components and parts, resulting in corresponding properties and advantages, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0030] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic section of a proposed device 1 or blocking station 10 for blocking – i.e., temporarily fixing – a lens 2 onto a block 3. Preferably, the device 1 is designed such that several lenses 2 can be blocked successively and / or at least partially overlapping in time, for example by several blocking stations 10 and / or by blocking lenses 2 in pairs in a blocking station 10.

[0031] Lens 2 is particularly preferred as a so-called spectacle lens, i.e. a lens for spectacles.

[0032] Lens 2 is preferably made of plastic, but may also be made of glass or the like.

[0033] The lens 2 preferably has a diameter of several centimeters, in particular of more than 3 centimeters.

[0034] As proposed, the lens 2 is blocked, i.e. temporarily attached, to the associated block piece 3 by means of a blocking agent or block material 4.

[0035] The block material 4 is particularly preferably a (metallic) alloy, especially with a melting point below 80 °C. Optionally, however, it can also be another material.

[0036] Optionally, a protective layer, such as a protective lacquer or film, is applied or provided on the side of lens 2 facing block material 4 or block piece 3. This serves in particular to protect this flat side of lens 2, especially the already machined or shaped side facing block piece 3.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a partial enlargement of Fig. 1 In the schematic section according to Fig. 1 and 2 The lens 2 is already blocked, i.e., connected to the block piece 3 by means of the block material 4.

[0038] The space between the block piece 3 and the lens 2, which is filled with the block material 4 and forms the "block" in the blocked state, is bounded laterally or circumferentially by a block mold 20, which in particular forms a mold for the block material 4 and determines the size (in particular shape, diameter and axial height) of the block, i.e. the block size. Furthermore, the block mold 20 preferably forms a support for the lens 2 during blocking.

[0039] The device 1 or block station 10 has a receptacle 30 for the block piece 3 in order to hold the block piece 3 for blocking - in particular with the desired orientation or tilt position and / or rotation position relative to the lens 2.

[0040] The block 3 is designed, particularly on its side facing away from the lens 2, to form a clamping fixture with a defined rotational position for machining the associated lens 2. For clamping, the block 3 is held in a defined position relative to the lens 2, particularly by the receptacle 30 of the device 1 or clamping station 10.

[0041] The receptacle 30 holds the block piece 3 on one side (here underside) of the block shape 20 and the lens 2 to be blocked is arranged on the other side (here top side) of the block shape 20, so that the block shape 20 with the inner wall of a block opening 21 limits the block or space between lens 2 and block piece 3 at least substantially laterally or circumferentially.

[0042] The device 1 or block station 10 preferably has a block medium feeder or block material feeder 40 or a feeder head 41 for feeding block medium or block material 4 into the space or block form 20, as shown in Fig. 1 schematically indicated.

[0043] The feed head 41 can feed the block material 4, in particular via a feed tip 42, into the space between the lens 2 and the block piece 3.

[0044] The feed head 41 is preferably provided with a shut-off valve 43 located near the outlet in order to be able to immediately shut off the block material feed 40 if necessary.

[0045] The feed head 41 is preferably supplied with the block material 4 via a block center line or block material line 44.

[0046] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of part of the proposed device 1 or the block station 10 in a tilting position or inclined block position preferred for blocking or filling the block material 4.

[0047] The device 1 or block station 10 preferably has a support 11, in particular a plate-shaped one, on which the block form 20 is arranged. In particular, the support 11 forms a bearing or base plate for the block form 20 and / or a holder for the receptacle 30.

[0048] In particular, the carrier 11 has an opening to form the block space, to accommodate the receptacle 30 and / or the block piece 3, or to allow the block piece 3 to be directly connected to the lens 2 via the block material 4. In the illustrated example, a connecting part 19, preferably annular, is arranged in the opening.

[0049] The block shape 20 preferably has several block openings 21, in particular two or three block openings 21, for forming different block sizes, as shown in Fig. 3 , 4 und 5 indicated, whereby Fig. 4 or 5 shows the proposed block shape 20 in a perspective from above or below.

[0050] The block shape 20 is preferably at least substantially plate-shaped and / or at least substantially flat on at least one flat side.

[0051] The block shape 20 is preferably formed in one piece or at least essentially in one piece.

[0052] The block shape 20 is preferably made of or consists of metal, in particular aluminium, or of another material with good thermal conductivity in order to ensure good heat dissipation.

[0053] The block openings 21 are preferably designed as perforations.

[0054] The block openings 21 are preferably circular in plan view. However, the block openings 21 can also have a different internal contour if required.

[0055] Fig. 6 shows the block shape 20 or a block opening 21 in a schematic section.

[0056] The block openings 21 preferably differ in terms of their diameter (inner diameter) D and / or their axial height H and / or their inner contour in the top view in order to produce different block sizes.

[0057] Optionally, the respective block size or diameter D adjacent to the respective block opening 21 on the block form 20 can be specified - for example by numbers.

[0058] The diameter D is preferably assumed to be the diameter of the block opening 21 that is adjacent to the lens 2, or where the block opening 21 or block shape 20 forms its bearing edge for the lens 2. In this context, it should be noted that the block opening 21 preferably tapers conically from the bearing surface of the lens 2. This facilitates demolding, i.e., removal of the blocked lens 2 together with the block material 4 and the block piece 3, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 1 , 2 and 6 up.

[0059] The lens diameter is larger than the diameter D of the selected block opening 21, so that the lens 2 can rest on and be supported on the edge of the block opening 21 for blocking.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the block shape 20 or block opening 21 optionally has a particularly (axially) projecting edge (collar) 22, which in particular determines the axial height H of the block shape 20 or block opening 21 and thus the block size in the axial direction and / or in particular provides a receptacle for the Fig. 6 Block piece 3, not shown, is formed during blocking.

[0061] The rim 22 serves in particular to seal the casting chamber downwards or towards the block piece 3. This will be discussed in more detail later.

[0062] Preferably, the block opening 21 or each block opening 21 is provided with the projecting edge 22 on its underside and / or on the side facing away from the lens 2. Alternatively or additionally, however, a corresponding edge 22 can also be provided on the top side or on the side facing the lens 2 and may optionally form the contact surface or edge for the lens 2 during blocking.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, one or more block openings 21 can optionally be provided with a block insert 23, as shown in a schematic section of the block shape 20 according to Fig. 7 indicated that different block sizes also result when blocking with the respective block opening 21 compared to another block opening 21, particularly due to different sizes such as axial height H, inner diameter D and / or different inner contour.

[0064] Optionally, the block insert 23 projects axially, for example upwards or towards lens 2, as in Fig. 7 hinted at.

[0065] Preferably, the block insert 23 forms the support or contact edge for the lens 2 for blocking.

[0066] The walls of the block openings 21 or of the respective block insert 23 thus form a casting chamber surround for the block material 4 during block making.

[0067] The block shape 20 preferably has a lateral feed opening 24, in particular in the form of a groove-like or groove-like depression or recess, or in the form of a radial channel, and optionally a lateral or parallel outlet or overflow 25, preferably separately for each block opening 21, as in particular shown in Fig. 4 hinted at.

[0068] To feed the block material 4 into the block space or into the block mold 20, the feed head 41 can be inserted into the feed opening 24, in particular with its appropriately designed feed tip 42, as shown in Fig. 1 / 2 indicated. If a block insert 23 is provided, it has a corresponding opening extending from the feed opening 24, so that the block material 4 can flow into the block space or into the block form 20 as desired.

[0069] The overflow 25 allows excess block material 4 to escape and / or control of the filling with block material 4.

[0070] The overflow 25 is preferably arranged adjacent to the feed opening 24 of the respective block opening 21 and / or is designed in particular as a groove-like or rib-like or trough-like recess or depression or as a radial channel.

[0071] The walls of the block openings 21 or of the respective block insert 23 thus form a casting chamber surround for the block material 4 during block making.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the block shape 20 preferably has a recess 26 on its underside, as shown in Fig. 5 bis 7 indicated, in particular for the connecting part 19, as in Fig. 1 / 2 This has been hinted at. This will be discussed in more detail later.

[0073] The block shape 20 is preferably – particularly also independently of the realization of one or more block openings 21 – provided with at least one coolant connection 27 and / or a – particularly integrated – coolant channel 28, as in particular shown in Fig. 4 indicated, in particular to enable direct cooling or liquid cooling of block form 20 and thus faster and / or more definite blocking.

[0074] In the illustrated example, the block shape 20 preferably has two coolant connections 27 for the supply and return of coolant, in particular a liquid coolant, via in Fig. 3 Cooling lines or other fluidic connections not shown.

[0075] The coolant channel 28 preferably runs in a U-shape and / or loop shape and / or in the direction of a main extension and / or adjacent to the block opening 21 or the block openings 21 and / or at least substantially straight in or on the block shape 20.

[0076] The coolant channel 28 is preferably formed by one or more bores or grooves in the block shape 20 or a plate-shaped base body of the block shape 20 and / or covered by a cover 29, as shown in Fig. 1 bis 3 shown.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the cover 29 is preferably received in a recess of the block shape 20, in particular so that a largely smooth top surface is formed, as shown in Fig. 1 / 2 This has been indicated. However, other constructive solutions are also possible.

[0078] Alternatively, the coolant channel 28 can also be formed by one or more bores or other openings, which may be closed at the ends, so that no (separate) cover 29 is required.

[0079] The device 1 or block station 10 preferably has a changing device 12 for automated or motorized changing between the block openings 21 or for selecting one of the block openings 21 and thus for selecting a desired block size for blocking, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0080] The changing device 12 is preferably designed exclusively for moving, in particular shifting and / or rotating, the block shape 20 relative to the carrier 11 or to the receptacle 30, in order to selectively align or position one of the block openings 21 above the receptacle 30 or coaxially to it, depending on the desired block size.

[0081] In the illustrated example, the block shape 20 preferably undergoes a movement or displacement, particularly exclusively linear, relative to the support 11 or to the receptacle 30 to change from one block opening 21 to the other in the Fig. 3 indicated direction of movement B.

[0082] However, other movements are also possible in principle, such as rotation or swiveling and / or a movement superimposed on the linear movement.

[0083] Preferably, the movement for changing from one block opening 21 to the other is carried out essentially or exclusively transversely to the lens or block piece axis and / or parallel to the block opening plane of the block openings 21 or plate plane E of the block shape 20 and / or the support 11.

[0084] Instead of the aforementioned lateral displacement and / or rotation in the aforementioned plane of movement, it is alternatively or additionally possible to lift or remove the block shape 20 from the support 11 or connecting part 19.

[0085] In the illustrated example, the changing device 12 preferably has a changing drive 13 and / or a guide 14.

[0086] The changeover drive 13 is preferably designed as a linear drive or actuator cylinder, in particular a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. However, other technical implementations are also possible.

[0087] The changing device 12 or the changing drive 13 is preferably provided exclusively for moving the block form 20 to change between the block openings 21.

[0088] In the illustrated example, the changing device 12 or the changing drive 13 is preferably arranged next to the guide 14 and / or on the side of the guide 14 facing away from the block shape 20 and / or on the support 11.

[0089] The guide 14 is preferably designed as a linear guide and / or is preferably arranged on a longitudinal side of the block shape 20.

[0090] The guide 14 holds the block form 20 preferably slidably on the support 11 or in the block station 10.

[0091] The block form 20 is preferably detachably or interchangeably connected or connectable to the guide 14 or changing device 12, in particular by screwing.

[0092] The connection of the block form 20 to the guide 14 or exchange device 12 and / or other components of the block station 10 is preferably effected by means of a quick-release fastener, a connecting element, a screw or the like, as shown in Fig. 1 and 3only schematically indicated to allow for a quick and easy change of the block shape 20, especially for cleaning purposes or for conversion.

[0093] In the illustrated example, the guide 14 allows the block form 20 to be lifted or folded down from the support 11 or connecting part 19 – for example, manually – to facilitate easy cleaning. This is made possible or facilitated here in particular by the lateral arrangement of the guide 14 and / or the alignment of the linear axis of movement parallel to one side of the block form 20.

[0094] Preferably, the block form 20 rests only loosely and / or by its weight force - in particular on the connecting part 19 - at least when changing from one block opening 21 to another opening 21.

[0095] In particular, the block form 20 is only guided to be displaceable on one side or in the area of ​​an edge and / or is essentially guided or held in its plane of the plate.

[0096] The direction of movement B or plane of movement E preferably runs transversely or perpendicularly to the central axis of the block opening(s) 21 or receptacle 30 and / or at least substantially parallel to the plate plane or main plane of the carrier 11, the block shape 20 and / or the lens 2 positioned for blocking. This preferred transverse movement leads to several advantages.

[0097] The lateral movement allows for a very simple and / or quick change from one block opening 21 to the next block opening 21, enabling a simple and / or compact setup.

[0098] The lateral movement is advantageous in counteracting soiling, as a kind of self-cleaning effect is achieved.

[0099] Preferably, the block shape 20, particularly with its edge 22, forms a relatively narrow or defined contact surface or planar seal against the connecting part 19. The block shape 20 is cut free outside the contact surface or sealing area, particularly by the recess 26 and / or the connecting part 19 and / or the support 11, so that any block material remnants that may occur or escape can be collected and / or, in particular, pushed away by transverse movement. This ensures a good seal for the block material 4 between the block shape 20 and the connecting part 19, even when moving from one block opening 21 to another. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0100] In the illustrated example, the connecting part 19 is preferably inserted into or arranged on the support 11. However, the connecting part 19 can also be formed directly by the support 11 or another component if required.

[0101] In the illustrated example, blocking of the lens 2 preferably occurs singly in the blocking station 10. However, blocking in pairs, i.e., blocking of two lenses 2 simultaneously, is also possible. The blocking element 20 then preferably has two corresponding blocking openings 21. Alternatively, two blocking elements 20 can also be assigned to one blocking station 10.

[0102] According to another alternative, the block shape 20 can also be pivotable or rotatable, in particular designed as a rotatable plate or platter, in order to optionally provide one or two block openings 21 for blocking and to change the block opening(s) 21 as required by rotating the block shape 20.

[0103] In the illustrated example, the block shape 20 is preferably moved automatically or by a motor, or the block opening 21 is changed. However, this can alternatively also be done manually. In this case, for example, a changeover drive 13 is not required.

[0104] The device 1 or block station 10 or changer 12 or guide 14 can, if required, also be provided with a detent and / or locking mechanism to secure the block shape 20 against movement or displacement and / or lifting or folding, in particular by positive locking or force locking, when the block opening 21 is correctly or centrally positioned over the receptacle 30.

[0105] The device 1 or block station 10 preferably has a retainer 15, which is in particular pivotable, which fixes or holds the lens 2 in the desired position after the lens 2 has been positioned for blocking, i.e. in particular on the block form 20 or the edge of the selected block opening 21 or the optionally present block insert 23, as shown in Fig. 1 and 3 Illustrated by example.

[0106] The hold-down device 15 is particularly preferred via a holder drive 16, as shown in Fig. 1 and 3 schematically indicated, or similar, movable, actuated, or pivotable in the desired manner, in particular so that the lens 2 is held in the desired position for blocking with the desired holding force or preload and / or the block shape 20 is fixed or pressed against the connecting part 19.

[0107] Block station 10 can preferably be in a tilted or block position, as shown in Fig. 3 indicated, to assume the position for blocking - more precisely for filling the block material 4 - so that the block material 4 supplied from the upper side via the feed opening 24 fills the block or space between lens 2 and block piece 3 as bubble-free as possible and the air contained therein can escape unhindered, especially via the overflow 25, so that the space is filled almost completely by the block material 4 before it solidifies or hardens.

[0108] The loading of the block station 10 with the block piece 3 to be blocked and the lens 2 to be blocked, on the other hand, preferably takes place with at least an essentially horizontal orientation (in particular of the lens 2 or block shape 20 or of the carrier 11 or of the block piece 3) in a so-called loading position or in a horizontal position. The removal of the blocked lens 2 preferably also takes place in the loading position.

[0109] To change between the loading position and the tilting position and vice versa, the block station 10 or the carrier 11 is preferably tiltable about a pivot axis S and the device 1 or block station 10 preferably has a corresponding pivoting device, in particular a pivot bearing 17 and / or a pivot drive 18.

[0110] The pivot axis S preferably runs adjacent to or parallel to a longitudinal edge or longitudinal axis of the support 11 or the block shape 20.

[0111] In the illustrated example, the pivot bearing 17 preferably holds the support 11 substantially in the region of one longitudinal side, and the pivot drive 18, such as an actuating cylinder or the like, engages particularly in the region of the other longitudinal side of the support 11. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0112] In Fig. 1 and 2For illustrative purposes, the block station 10 is shown in a substantially horizontal orientation. However, filling with the block material 4 using the illustrated feed head 41 or by other means preferably takes place in the aforementioned tilted position, as already explained.

[0113] The receptacle 30 preferably has a holder 31 for holding the block piece 3, particularly in a defined rotational position.

[0114] The block 3 is preferably provided on its side facing away from the lens 2, i.e., the holding side, with one or more projections, a recess, in particular a V-shaped groove, an orientation groove and / or other orientation means or the like, to enable it to be held or clamped in a machining tool (not shown) with a defined rotational position for machining the blocked lens 2. The holder 31 is designed accordingly to accommodate the block 3 with a defined rotational position or to hold it for the clamping process.

[0115] In particular, the holder 31 in the illustrated example has a preferably annular receiving groove and / or a central recess on its end face, so that the block piece 3 in the received state is peripherally separated from the holder 31 or a holding area 39 of the holder 31 (cf. Fig. 2 ) is surrounded by a relatively tight fit and / or, in particular, is held in a defined rotational position by axial / radial engagement.

[0116] The receptacle 30 has in particular a bearing housing 32 - preferably at least substantially hollow cylindrical - for rotatable mounting of the bracket 31.

[0117] The holder 31 and the block piece 3 are rotatable about a rotary axis C, preferably by means of a rotary drive 33, which is in particular designed as a servo motor and / or is coupled via a geared coupling or a gearbox 34, such as a toothed belt, a drive wheel and / or one or more gears, in such a way that the holder 31 and thus the block piece 3 can be rotatable in a defined manner, preferably by up to 360°, and positioned in a desired rotational position.

[0118] The rotary drive 33 is preferably arranged axially offset to the axis of rotation C or bracket 31 and / or coupled to the bracket 31 in such a way that the bracket 31 can preferably be removed without dismantling the rotary drive 33, in particular axially removed, for example for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

[0119] The holder 31 is preferably provided with an axially movable punch 35, which is associated with the end receiving the block piece 3, in order to close a central recess in the block piece 3 in a block-material-tight manner and / or, after blocking, to allow axial ejection or removal of the block piece 3 together with the blocked lens 2 - as shown in the illustration in Fig. 1 / 2 by axial upward movement - to effect or at least support this. The piston 35 is particularly preferably pneumatically controlled or moved.

[0120] The receptacle 30 or the holder 31 with the block piece 3 is preferably tiltable from a non-tilted normal position (in which the central axis or axis of rotation C runs perpendicular to the support plane or the support edge of the block shape 20 or the corresponding block opening 21 for the lens 2 or perpendicular to the main or plate plane E of the block shape 20 or the carrier 11) into a desired block position, as shown in Fig. 1 indicated, in order to achieve a corresponding tilt between lens 2 and block piece 3 during blocking - especially for a subsequent prismatic correction by lens 2.

[0121] In the illustrated example, the receptacle 30 or the bearing housing 32 is therefore preferably tiltable on the block station 10 or the support 11, in particular via the connecting part 19 or another component.

[0122] The connecting part 19 is preferably located in a corresponding block opening or perforation of the carrier 11 and, in the illustrated example, preferably projects forward on the side facing the block shape 20, in particular to engage in its recess 26 and / or to create a preferably direct contact or preferably a planar or ring-shaped seal between the connecting part 19 on the one hand and the block shape 20 or its edge 22 on the other hand, so that the block material 4 does not escape undesirably during blocking.

[0123] The holder 31, or its holding area 39, preferably rests with its circumferential or outer surface against the inner surface of the connecting part 19 to seal the block or casting chamber for the block material 4, particularly also in the tilted state. For this purpose, a spherical bearing, support, or guide is formed between the holder 31, or the holding area 39, on the one hand, and the connecting part 19 or another component associated with the support 11 on the other, as shown in particular by Fig. 2 This is evident. This prevents the unwanted escape of block material 4. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0124] The connecting part 19 is preferably at least substantially ring-shaped and / or projects axially on the side facing the bearing housing 32.

[0125] Particularly preferably, the connecting part 19 with the receptacle 30 or the bearing housing 32, which preferably abuts the outside of the connecting part 19, additionally or alternatively forms a tilting or spherical bearing, which allows the receptacle 30 to tilt from the normal position in all directions into the block position, particularly preferably coaxially to the bearing of the holding area 39 or the holder 31 in the connecting part 19.

[0126] The tilting axis of the receptacle 30 or the support 31 is particularly preferably located at least substantially in the area of ​​the block piece 3, here substantially in the area of ​​the upper or block-side end of the block piece 3.

[0127] In the presentation in Fig. 1 The recording is tilted 30 to the right.

[0128] The maximum tilt is preferably at least 4°, in particular about 5°, starting from the normal position.

[0129] According to a particularly preferred aspect, the receptacle 30 or the bearing housing 32 is held by one or more axial springs 36 and / or preloaded against the support 11 or the connecting part 19. This enables very easy assembly and disassembly and / or weight compensation.

[0130] For the defined tilting of the mount 30, preferably two actuators 37 are provided (in Fig. 1 (Only one actuator 37 is shown on the left side), which acts on the mounting 30 or its bearing housing 32 or associated components – transversely or radially to the axis of rotation C – at a 90° offset. This offset allows tilting about any desired tilting axis (orientation perpendicular to the axis of rotation C or parallel to the plate plane E of the support 11).

[0131] The actuators 37 preferably operate pneumatically.

[0132] The actuators 37 preferably act transversely to the axis of rotation C and / or via pressure pistons on the receptacle 30 or the bearing housing 32 or components connected thereto. Return is preferably effected by return springs 38, as shown in Fig. 1 The schematic representation shows a simple construction. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0133] The receptacle 30 or the bearing housing 32, the rotary drive 33, the springs 36, the actuators 37 and / or the return springs 38 is or are preferably arranged or attached - indirectly or directly - to the block station 10 or to the support 11 - in particular on the side of the support 11 facing away from the block shape 20.

[0134] A particularly preferred configuration of the proposed device 1 is described below with reference to the schematic top view shown in the figure. Fig. 8 explained in more detail.

[0135] The device 1 has at least one block station 10, and particularly preferably two or more block stations 10. The block stations 10 are preferably constructed in at least an essentially similar or identical manner, as already explained above.

[0136] Each block station 10 is preferably assigned its own feed head 41.

[0137] The feed head 41 preferably includes – in particular in addition to the feed tip 42 for the block material 4 – a level sensor 45 for detecting the filling of the space between lens 2 and block piece 3 or the block shape 20 with block material 4. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0138] The feed head 41 is preferably linearly formed from the Fig. 1 / 2 shown feed position into a detached waiting position (as in Fig. 8 (shown) and vice versa movable, wherein the axis or direction of movement is preferably parallel to the inclined main plane in the block position and / or in extension of the feed opening 24 of the block opening 21 which is located above the receptacle 30.

[0139] The block material feeder 40 preferably has a common reservoir 46 for the block material 4, so that the feed heads 41 can be supplied with the block material 4 via corresponding block material lines 44.

[0140] The device 1 preferably has at least one cooling device 50 for supplying the block mold 20 or its coolant channel 28 with coolant. The cooling device 50 is connected, in particular, to the coolant connections 27 or the coolant channel 28 of the respective block mold 20 via coolant lines 51.

[0141] Due to the mobility or displacement of the block shape 20 - especially in the direction of movement B - and due to the preferred pivoting movement between the loading position and tilting position, the coolant supply or the coolant lines 51 must be designed and guided in a correspondingly flexible manner to enable these movements and at the same time maintain the coolant supply.

[0142] In Fig. 8 For the sake of simplicity, only a connection of the coolant supply or cooling device 50 to the lower block station 10 or its block form 20 is shown.

[0143] The proposed device 1 preferably has a conveying device 60 for conveying lenses 2 to be blocked and / or conveying blocked lenses 2 away.

[0144] The conveying device 60 is particularly preferably designed as a conveyor belt or belt conveyor.

[0145] The lenses 2 to be blocked are preferably fed onto or into transport carriers 70. Particularly preferably, the transport carriers 70 are designed as transport boxes and / or each serve to hold two lenses 2.

[0146] Preferably, the transport carriers 70 are also used for conveying blocked lenses 2.

[0147] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a transport carrier 70 in an unloading position for removing a lens 2 to be blocked, and a dashed line shows it in a loading position for loading it with a blocked lens 2. However, other design solutions are also possible. For example, different transport carriers 70 can be used for blocked lenses 2 than for the lens 2 to be blocked.

[0148] The device 1 preferably has a measuring station 80 for the lenses 2 in order to "measure" the lenses 2 preferably individually, i.e. in particular to detect a rotational position and / or position and / or markings, characteristics or the like, the position of an optically active surface (top or bottom) or the like.

[0149] The device 1 preferably has a magazine 90 for block pieces 3.

[0150] The measuring station 80 and the magazine 90 are preferably located on opposite sides of the block station(s) 10 and / or in the conveying direction F of the conveying device 60 (in the illustration example according to Fig. 8 (from left to right) offset or arranged one after the other.

[0151] Alternatively, the magazine 90 can also be located adjacent to or on the same side as the measuring station 80 and / or upstream in the conveying direction F towards the measuring station 80 or a charging device 100.

[0152] The device 1 preferably has a loading device 100 for conveying lenses 2 to be blocked to the blocking station 10 or the blocking stations 10. In particular, the loading device 100 is designed such that the lenses 2 are conveyed or transported – preferably individually – from the conveying device 60 or the transport carrier 70 to the respective blocking station 10, or first to the optional measuring station 80 and from there to the respective blocking station 10, or only from the measuring station 80 to the respective blocking station 10.

[0153] In particular, the loading device 100 picks up the lenses 2 from the respective transport carrier 70, conveys them first to the optional measuring station 80 and then to the respective block station 10, preferably optionally to one of the block stations 10.

[0154] Instead of the preferred single-lens feeding, lenses 2 can also be fed in pairs. In particular, paired measurement in measuring station 80 and / or paired blocking in blocking station 10 then also takes place.

[0155] Preferably, the loading device 100 has a first lens conveying device 110 to convey a lens 2 to be blocked from the conveying device 60 or the transport carrier 70 in the unloading position to the measuring station 80, and / or a second lens conveying device 120 to convey the lens 2 to the respective blocking station 10.

[0156] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a particularly preferred design of the measuring station 80. This includes in particular a measuring table or measuring carrier 81, a lighting device 82 and / or a detection device or camera 83.

[0157] The lens 2 is preferably transferred to the measuring station 80 or placed on the measuring table or measuring carrier 81 of the measuring station 80, as shown in Fig. 9 hinted at.

[0158] The measuring station 80 preferably detects engravings and / or markings, labels and / or optical areas of effect of lens 2.

[0159] The measuring station 80 or its lighting device 82 preferably has a projector, screen or the like, which, for example, sends a pattern (stripe or grid pattern) through the lens 2 or projects it onto it, so that the optical effect of the lens 2 as well as markings and engravings are distorted and accordingly a detection of the optical effect of the lens 2, the engravings and markings, etc., is made possible.

[0160] The illumination device 82 illuminates or shines through the lens 2, preferably with a stripe or grating pattern – as required, in the visible and / or invisible wavelength range, or optionally with different patterns and / or wavelengths – preferably from one side or below. However, reflective measurement or illumination is also possible.

[0161] The detection device or camera 83 is preferably arranged on the opposite side or above the measuring carrier 81.

[0162] The measuring station 80 can use the detection device or camera 83 to preferably detect the type and / or orientation of the lens 2, in particular by evaluating the camera image. Specifically, it can determine on which side the lens 2 is located and / or in which rotational position or orientation the lens 2 is located. Furthermore, markings or other characteristics of the lens 2 can also be detected and / or evaluated.

[0163] The loading device 100, or the first and / or second lens feeder 110 or 120, can be used as needed to correct the position of lens 2 in the measuring station 80. For example, the first lens feeder 110 can pick up lens 2 again, rotate it, and then place it down again. The second lens feeder 120 can, for example, grip and center lens 2 circumferentially. However, other manipulations are also possible.

[0164] In the illustrated example, the first lens conveyor 110 and the second lens conveyor 120 are preferably separate or independently operating conveyors. This is beneficial for optimized throughput and / or a simple design with few axes of movement. However, the two can also be formed by a common device, for example, a multi-axis robot arm or the like.

[0165] The loading device 100 or first lens conveying device 110 preferably has a first lens manipulator 111, in particular with a suction device 112 or other organ for picking up and holding the lens 2, as in Fig. 8 and 9 indicated, in order to receive a lens 2 to be blocked and transport it to the measuring station 80, in particular to place it there on the measuring carrier 81.

[0166] Preferably, the lens manipulator 111 is movable or positionable along a (first) linear axis L1 or guide or rail 113, in particular via a slide 114 slidably guided thereon and a corresponding drive.

[0167] The lens manipulator 111 or the suction device 112 is preferably movable transversely or perpendicularly to the linear axis L1 and / or vertically, in particular to be able to lift and place the lens 2. This is achieved in particular by means of a suitable drive, such as a lifting cylinder or the like.

[0168] Furthermore, the lens manipulator 111 or its suction device 112 or other holding element for the lens 2 is rotatable, in particular about a vertical axis or the lens axis, in order to be able to align the lens 2 in its rotational position.

[0169] In particular, the loading device 100, or first lens conveying device 110, or the first lens manipulator 111, or its suction device 112, is used to rotate the lens 2 after initial detection or measurement in the measuring station 80, provided that the lens 2 does not have the desired rotational position. For this purpose, the lens manipulator 111 takes the lens 2 from the measuring carrier 81 again as a precaution, rotates it into the desired rotational position, and then places it back onto the measuring carrier 81.

[0170] Optionally, a control measurement and / or further transfer of lens 2 to block station 10 then takes place.

[0171] The loading device 100 or second lens conveying device 120 preferably has a second lens manipulator 121, in particular with a gripper 122 or other element for picking up and holding the lens 2, as shown in Fig. 8 and 9indicated, in order to receive a lens 2 to be blocked and in particular optionally transport it to one of the blocking stations 10 and in particular to place it there on the block form 20.

[0172] Preferably the (second) lens manipulator 121 is movable or positionable along a (second) linear axis L2 or guide or rail 123, in particular via a slide 124 slidably guided thereon and a corresponding drive.

[0173] In the illustrated example, the (second) lens manipulator 121 preferably has a pivot arm 125, which is arranged, in particular, pivotably about a turning axis W on the slide 124 or a boom attached thereto. The pivot arm 125 carries the gripper 122 of the lens manipulator 121, which is preferably designed as a centering gripper. In particular, the centering gripper 122 has two holding jaws movable relative to each other, which can grip a lens 2 circumferentially and thereby center it.

[0174] The loading device 100, or second lens conveying device 120, or the (second) lens manipulator 121, is preferably designed such that a lens 2 to be blocked can be taken from the measuring station 80 – in particular from the measuring carrier 81 – the lens 2 can be turned over and / or conveyed to the (desired) blocking station 10 – in particular, selectively to one of the blocking stations 10. In particular, the swivel arm 125 allows the lens 2 to be turned over.

[0175] Typically, the lens 2 is fed by the conveyor 60 or by means of the transport carrier 70 in such a way that a flat side of the lens 2 that has already been processed or can no longer be mechanically processed is facing upwards. The lens 2 is to be blocked with this side – the so-called block side – so that the other side can be (mechanically) processed later after blocking.

[0176] The turning axis W for turning preferably runs horizontally and / or preferably lies between the lens center on the measuring station 80 and the lens center on the adjacent block station 10.

[0177] The swivel arm 125, together with the gripper 122, preferably bridges approximately the distance between the lens center on the measuring station 80 and the line on which the centers of the block openings 21 of the block shape(s) 20 lie. This results in a very simple design. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0178] The movement along the (second) linear axis L2 then allows the optional positioning of the lens 2 to be blocked on the selected block station 10 or corresponding block shape 20 / block opening 21 of this block station 10.

[0179] By swiveling the swivel arm 125, the lens 2 can therefore preferably be turned from its position on the measuring station 80 and, if necessary, transferred directly to the opposite block station 10 without linear displacement, in particular placed and / or positioned on the block form 20.

[0180] Instead of movement and positioning along the (second) linear axis L2 to select the corresponding or other block station 10, another constructive solution, such as moving the block stations 10, can also be provided.

[0181] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows the first lens conveying device 110 or the first lens manipulator 111 or its suction device 112 in the raised state and the second lens conveying device 120 or the second lens manipulator 121 or gripper 122 when capturing or positioning the lens 2 on the measuring station 80 or its measuring carrier 81.

[0182] Before conveying a lens 2 to be blocked to a blocking station 10 or before placing the lens 2 to be blocked onto the block form 20 in the preferably provided horizontal loading position, the block opening 21 of the block form 20 is preferably changed (if desired and / or necessary) and the blocking station 10 or its receiving 30 is loaded with a block piece 3. This preferably also takes place in the horizontal loading position of the blocking station 10.

[0183] The changing of the block opening 21 preferably takes place automatically or by motor using the changing device 12, as already explained.

[0184] The preferred feeding of block station 10 with block section 3 will be explained later. First, the process after blocking will be discussed in more detail.

[0185] The device 1 has an unloading device 130, preferably operating independently of the loading device 100 and / or first lens conveyor 110 and / or second lens conveyor 120, for unloading the block station(s) 10 after blocking, i.e., for conveying away the blocked lens 2 and in particular for transferring it to the conveyor 60 or a transport carrier 70 (in Fig. 8 (shown as a dashed line on the right side in a loading position to receive a blocked lens 2).

[0186] The device 1 preferably has a common loading device 100 or (second) lens conveying device 120 for conveying the lenses 2 to be blocked to the (multiple) blocking stations 10.

[0187] The device 1 preferably also has a common discharge device 130 with a (third) lens manipulator 131 for the (multiple) block stations 10.

[0188] Preferably, the discharge device 130 or the (third) lens manipulator 131 has a suction device 132 or another organ for receiving and holding the blocked lens 2, as shown in Fig. 10 schematically indicated, to receive a blocked lens 2 and transport it from the respective block station 10 to the conveying device 60, in particular to place it on the transport carrier 70.

[0189] Preferably, the (third) lens manipulator 131 is movable or positionable along a (third) linear axis L3 or guide or rail 133, in particular via a slide 134 slidably guided thereon and a corresponding drive.

[0190] The (third) lens manipulator 131 or its suction device 132 or other organ is preferably movable transversely or perpendicularly to the linear axis L3 and / or vertically, in particular to be able to lift and place the blocked lens 2 together with the block piece 3.

[0191] Furthermore, the third lens manipulator 131 or its suction device 132 or other holding element for the lens 2 is rotatable, in particular about a vertical axis or the lens axis, in order to be able to align the lens 2 in its rotational position as required before it is transferred or placed on the transport carrier 70.

[0192] The first linear axis L1, second linear axis L2 and / or third linear axis L3 preferably run at least substantially horizontally and / or transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction F of the conveying device 60 and / or parallel to each other.

[0193] The first and / or third guide rail(s) 113 and 133, respectively, preferably extend over the conveyor 60, particularly to enable the loading and unloading of the transport carriers 70 as desired. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0194] The pivot axis S of the block station(s) 10, the direction of movement B of the block form(s) 20 for changing the opening, the turning axis W of the loading device 100 or second lens conveyor device 120 or of the pivot arm 125 and / or at least one of the linear axes L1, L2, L3 preferably runs at least substantially horizontally, parallel to each other and / or transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction F of the conveyor device 60.

[0195] Particularly preferred are the block stations 10 and / or their block shapes 20 or the centers of the block openings 21 of one or all block shapes 20 arranged in a row or line, which runs in particular parallel to the first, second and / or third linear axis L1, L2, L3 and / or transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction F of the conveying device 60 or the transport carrier 70. This facilitates a simple and / or compact design.

[0196] The loading position of the transport carriers 70 is preferably in a straight line extension to the block stations 10 or block forms 20 or block openings 21.

[0197] The block stations 10 are preferably arranged along or parallel to the linear axis L2 or L3 for loading and / or unloading with lenses 2 or for feeding with block pieces 3.

[0198] The device 1 preferably has a feeding device 140 for feeding the block station(s) 10 with block pieces 3, as shown in Fig. 8 and 10 as well as in the schematic side view according to Fig. 11 shown.

[0199] The feeding device 140 is designed in particular such that a block piece 3 can be taken from the magazine 90, preferably oriented in a defined or desired rotational position and fed to the respective block station 10 or receptacle 30, in particular inserted into the holder 31 of the respective receptacle 30.

[0200] The magazine 90 is preferably rotatable, especially around a vertical axis.

[0201] The magazine 90 features, in particular, tubular block holders 91 for the stacked storage of block pieces 3, as shown in Fig. 11 As can be seen. If necessary, the various block holders 91 can be equipped with different block pieces 3.

[0202] The block receptacles 91 preferably extend vertically and / or are open at the top.

[0203] By moving or rotating the magazine 90, a desired block holder 91 can be moved into a removal position, so that a desired block 3 can be removed.

[0204] In the illustrated example, the block piece holders 91 are preferably arranged on a support or rotary table 92 and / or held on a support plate 94.

[0205] The block holders 91 are preferably interchangeable or snap-fit, in particular attached or held by means of holding devices 93 on the magazine 90 or rotary table 92 and / or on a support plate 94.

[0206] In the illustrated example, the device 1 or feeding device 140 preferably has one or more block conveying devices, particularly preferably a (first) block conveying device 150, a (second) block conveying device 160 and / or a (third) block conveying device 170.

[0207] The first block conveying device 150 preferably comprises a first block manipulator 151, in particular with a suction device 152 or other element for picking up and holding a block 3, as shown in Fig. 8 and 11indicated, in order to take up a block piece 3 to be blocked, in particular from the magazine 90 and to pass it on with a defined rotational position, in particular to transfer it to the second block piece conveyor 160 or to place the block piece 3 on it.

[0208] Preferably, the block manipulator 151 is movable or positionable along a linear axis L4 or guide or rail 153, in particular via a slide 154 slidably guided thereon and a corresponding drive.

[0209] The block manipulator 151 or its suction device 152 or other holding element is preferably movable transversely or perpendicularly to the linear axis L4 and / or vertically, in particular to be able to lift and place the block 3 accordingly.

[0210] The removal of a block 3 from the magazine 90 is carried out by the feeding device 140 or (first) block conveying device 150 or the block manipulator 151. Removal preferably takes place from above, in particular by means of the suction device 152 or another holding element of the block manipulator 151.

[0211] Furthermore, the block manipulator 151 or its suction device 152 or other holding element for the block 3 is rotatable, in particular about a vertical axis or the block axis, in order to be able to align the block 3 in its rotational position.

[0212] To align the block piece 3 in a desired rotational position, the device 1 or feeding device 140 or block conveying device 150 or the first block manipulator 151 is preferably provided with a sensor device 155 which can detect a rotational position of the block piece 3, for example optically, by means of an orientation groove or the like.

[0213] After removal from magazine 90, the block piece 3 can be positioned in front of the sensor device 155 in order to rotate the block piece 3 into the desired rotational position.

[0214] The sensor device 155 is preferably arranged on the slide 154. This allows the block piece 3 to be very easily positioned directly in front of or adjacent to the sensor device 155 by lifting it and rotating it into the desired position.

[0215] Furthermore, during the rotary alignment, the linear movement towards the (second) block conveyor 160 can take place simultaneously in order to enable the quickest possible transfer of the block 3.

[0216] In the illustration example, the (second) block conveyor device 160 is preferably designed as a linear conveyor or conveyor belt 161 and / or for segmenting or singulating the block pieces 3.

[0217] The block piece 3, preferably aligned in its rotational position, is placed by the first block piece conveying device 150 preferably onto the block piece conveying device 160 or onto the conveyor / conveyor belt 161.

[0218] The conveyor belt 161 with orientation aids, such as cams or longitudinal or transverse ribs 162, as shown in [reference], is particularly preferred. Fig. 11 The design is intended to ensure the desired rotational orientation of the block pieces 3 on the conveyor belt 161. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0219] The (second) block conveyor 160 or the conveyor belt 161 then conveys the block pieces 3 one after the other - in particular under the third guide or rail 133 - to a receiving position for the (third) block conveyor 170.

[0220] If the magazine 90 is on the other side of the third guide or rail 133, i.e., especially in the conveying direction F upstream or in Fig. 8 Since the conveyor belt 161 is located on the left side, it is not guided under the third guide or rail 133, but, if necessary, especially under the first guide or rail 113.

[0221] Regardless of this, the feeding device 140 or the conveyor belt 161 for the block pieces 3 is preferably arranged between the block station 10 and the conveyor device 60 and / or the conveyor belt 161 preferably runs parallel to the conveying direction F or conveyor device 60.

[0222] The (second) block conveyor 160 or conveyor belt 161 conveys block pieces 3 one after the other into a receiving position for transfer to the (third) block conveyor 170. The receiving position is preferably located between the first guide or rail 113 on the one hand and the third guide or rail 133 on the other hand and / or between the block station 10 and the conveyor 60. However, other arrangements are also possible.

[0223] If the rotational position of a block 3 cannot be clearly determined or the block 3 cannot be used for other reasons, the block 3 can be transferred from the first block conveying device 150 or the block manipulator 151 to a Fig. 11 The indicated (first) collection device 163 is discharged, for example, by dropping. This collection device 163 or collection position is preferably arranged directly in front of the conveyor belt 161 and / or between the magazine 90 and the conveyor belt 161. However, other design solutions are also possible. For example, alternatively or additionally, a (second) collection device 164 can be arranged directly downstream of the conveyor belt 161 in order to collect unusable, for example, non-receivable block pieces 3 – in particular by tipping them at the end of the conveyor / conveyor belt 61.

[0224] According to an embodiment not shown, the block pieces 3 properly picked up by the (first) block conveyor 150 are placed on the conveyor belt 161 at such a distance from each other, and / or the orientation aids or transverse ribs 162 are spaced such that block pieces 3 that can no longer be used, for example, block pieces 3 that cannot be oriented correctly or block pieces 3 with other defects, can be placed between them on the conveyor belt 161. This prevents them from being positioned in the aforementioned receiving position for transfer to the block conveyor 170, and instead allows them to be conveyed to the collection device 164 at the end of the conveyor belt 160 and either discharged or tipped off. This allows for a very simple implementation, and in particular, the (first) collection device 163 can be omitted.

[0225] Instead of the in Fig. 11 In addition to the variant shown with three deflections, a version with only two deflections for conveyor belt 161 is also possible.

[0226] The (third) block conveying device 170 preferably has a block manipulator 171, in particular with a suction device 172 or other holding element for picking up and holding block pieces 3, in order to remove a block piece 3 from the (second) block conveying device 160 or the conveyor belt 161 - in particular from the receiving position on the left in the illustration example. Fig. 8 - to be able to pick up and feed to the corresponding block station 10 or pickup 30 and thus to supply or load the block station 10 with the block piece 3 for the next blocking.

[0227] The device 1 or feeding device 140 and / or (second) block conveyor 160 preferably has a sensor device (not shown) to determine whether a block 3, and which block 3, is in the receiving position and / or on or at the respective orientation means for receiving by the block conveyor 170. Accordingly, it can be decided whether the block 3 is received by the (third) block conveyor 170 and transferred to the block station 10, or instead is delivered to the receiving device 164 by further conveying or tipped off.

[0228] Preferably, the block manipulator 171 is also movable or positionable along a linear axis or guide or rail 173 or by means of a slide 174, in particular along the third linear axis L3 or guide or rail 133.

[0229] The block stations 10 are preferably arranged in a row or one behind the other in such a way that the (third) block manipulator 171 can be positioned linearly either over one of the block stations 10 or over the respective receptacle 30.

[0230] Particularly preferably, the (second) block manipulator 171 is movable or displaceable together with the (third) lens manipulator 131, in particular mechanically rigidly coupled, for example via a connecting part 175, or arranged on the same or common slide 134, as in Fig. 10 depicted.

[0231] The block manipulator 171 or its suction device 172 or its other holding element is preferably movable transversely or perpendicularly to the third linear axis L3 and / or vertically, in particular to be able to lift and place the block 3.

[0232] The feeding device 140 is specifically designed for individually feeding the block station(s) 10 with block pieces 3. However, feeding in pairs is also possible in principle.

[0233] The block pieces 3 are preferably segmented or separated before or for provision in the receiving position for loading the block station 10, in particular by means of the second block piece conveying device 160 or the conveyor belt 161.

[0234] Storing the block pieces 3 in the magazine 90, removing and orienting the block pieces 3, in particular into a desired rotational position, and singulating the block pieces 3 is preferably carried out by means of separate devices, in particular the magazine 90, the first block conveying device 150 and the second block conveying device 160.

[0235] In general, it should be noted that the lenses 2 to be blocked are conveyed to the blocking stations 10, in particular alternately, by means of the preferably common loading device 100.

[0236] The blocked lenses 2 are preferably conveyed away from the block stations 10 by the separate and / or common unloading device 130.

[0237] After unloading a block station 10 (transporting away the blocked lens 2), the block station 10, or its receiving unit 30, is first restocked with a block 3. This is preferably done by means of the (third) block conveying device 170, which is particularly combined with the unloading device 130. The receiving position for loading the block station 10 with a new block 3, or for the (third) block conveying device 170, is particularly preferably located between the conveying device 60 or the transport carrier 70 in the loading position on the one hand, and the at least one block station 10 on the other. This allows the next block 3 to be transported directly to the block station 10 to be restocked during the return journey (after placing a blocked lens 2 into the transport carrier 70).

[0238] The unloading device 130 or its lens manipulator 131 can then be moved directly to the next block station 10 in order to unload it.

[0239] This results in an optimized process with high throughput, especially since the loading of block station 10 with lenses 2 to be blocked and / or the change from one block size to another can be carried out independently.

[0240] The device 1 preferably has a frame (not shown) for the aforementioned equipment and stations and / or a housing (not shown) for at least partial and / or at least substantially complete enclosure of the aforementioned equipment and stations.

[0241] Other independently implementable, proposed aspects and methods for blocking a lens 2 are characterized in particular by the following: a) that the loading and unloading of the block station(s) 10, i.e., the loading with lenses 2 to be blocked and the removal of blocked lenses 2, takes place independently of each other or by means of separate devices 100, 130 and / or b) that the loading of the block station(s) 10 with block pieces 3 takes place independently of the loading with lenses 2 to be blocked and / or c) that the block piece preparation, namely picking up from a magazine, rotating into a desired rotational position and positioning in a receiving position for direct feeding to a block station 10, takes place independently of the unloading of the block station(s) 10 after blocking and / or d) that a block shape 20 and / or the block opening 21 of the block shape 20 is only carried out by lateral displacement and / or automatically with a dedicated - i.e., only intended for this purpose - changing device 12 and / or e) that the block stations 10 or block shapes 20 orwhose block openings 21 are arranged in a line, wherein the loading with lenses 2 to be blocked is carried out with a guide or rail 113 or 123 from one side and the unloading of the blocked lenses 2 or the loading with block pieces 3 is carried out with a guide or rail 133 from the other side and / or transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction F of the conveying device 160. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0242] 1 Device 2 Lens 3 Block piece 4 Block material 10 Block station 11 Carrier 12 Changeover device 13 Changeover drive 14 Guide 15 Hold-down device 16 Holder drive 17 Swivel bearing 18 Swivel drive 19 Connection part 20 Block shape 21 Block opening 22 Edge 23 Block insert 24 Feed opening 25 Overflow 26 Recess 27 Coolant connection 28 Coolant channel 29 Cover 30 Mounting 31 Bracket 32 ​​Bearing housing 33 Rotary drive 34 Gearbox 35 Punch 36 Axial spring 37 Actuator 38 Return spring 39 Holding area 40 Block material feed 41 Feed head 42 Feed tip 43 Shut-off valve 44 Block material line 45 Level sensor 46 Reservoir 50 Cooling unit 51 Coolant line 60 Funding institution 70 transport carriers 80 Measuring station 81 Measuring carrier 82 Lighting device 83 Camera 90 Magazine 91 Block holder 92 Rotary table 93 Holding device 94 Support plate 100 charging device 110 First lens conveying device 111 First lens manipulator 112 Suction device 113 Rail 114 Slide 120 Second lens conveyor 121 Second lens manipulator 122 Gripper 123 Rail 124 Carriage 125 Swivel arm 130 Unloading device 131 Third lens manipulator 132 Suction device 133 Rail 134 Slide 140 Feeding device 150 First block conveyor 151 First block manipulator 152 Suction device 153 Rail 154 Slide 155 Sensor device 160 Second block conveyor 161 Conveyor belt 162 Cross rib 163 First collection device 164 Second collection device 170 Third block conveyor 171 Block manipulator 172 Suction device 173 Rail 174 Slide 175 Connecting part B Direction of movement C Axis of rotation D Diameter E Level F Conveyor direction H Axial height L1 First linear axis L2 Second linear axis L3 Third linear axis L4 Fourth linear axis S Swivel axis WW Reversing axis

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for blocking a lens (2) on a block piece (3) by means of a block material (4), in particular an alloy, having a block mould (20) for laterally delimiting an intermediate space between the lens (2) and the block piece (3) for the block material (4), characterised in that the block mould (20) has a plurality of differently formed block openings (21) for forming different block sizes.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the block mould (20) is at least substantially plate-shaped and / or has at least one coolant channel (24).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the apparatus (1) has a changing device (12), a dedicated changing drive (13) and / or a guide (14) for moving or displacing the block mould (20) or for changing between different block openings (21) for forming different block sizes.

4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the block openings (21) each have an axially projecting collar or edge (22).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that the axially projecting collar or rim (22) is formed on an underside of the block mould (20).

6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the block openings (21) or block inserts (23) receivable or received therein differ in their diameter (D) and / or their axial height (H).

7. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the block mould (20) has a respective feed opening (24) and / or an overflow (25) for the block material (4) for each of the block openings (21).

8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus (1) has a receptacle (30) in order to hold the block piece (3) during blocking, and the block mould (20) is movable relative to the receptacle (30) for changing the block opening (21).

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that the block mould (20) is movable only transversely to the receptacle (30) for changing the block opening (21).

10. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the block mould (20) is movable in a plane (E) or movement direction (B), in particular only parallel to the block opening plane and / or only in its plate plane, or linearly for changing the block opening (21).

11. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus (1) has a preferably plate-shaped carrier (11) which carries the block mould (20) and the changing device (12), the changing drive (13), the guide (14) and / or a receptacle (30) for the block piece (3).

12. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus (1) has a cooling device (50) for cooling the block mould (20), in particular for feeding a preferably liquid coolant to the block mould (20).

13. Use of a block mould (20) for blocking a lens (2) on a block piece (3) by means of a block material (4), in particular an alloy, wherein the block mould (20) laterally delimits an intermediate space between the lens (2) and the block piece (3) for the block material (4), characterised in that the block mould (20) has a plurality of block openings (21) which are formed differently for forming different block sizes or are provided with different block inserts (23), and a block opening (21) of the block mould (20) is selected and used for blocking the lens (2).

14. Use according to claim 13, characterised in that the block mould (20) is cooled by means of a coolant during blocking.

15. Use according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the block mould (20) is formed according to one of the characterising parts of claims 2 to 7.