DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING OPHTHALMIC LENSES AND THE USE OF A SLIDING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for processing ophthalmic lenses according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for processing ophthalmic lenses according to the preamble of claim 7, and the use of a sliding device according to the preamble of claim 14.

[0002] The processing of ophthalmic lenses, especially spectacle lenses, takes place in several separate processing units. This processing can include, in particular, shaping (preferably machining), polishing, testing or measuring, marking, cleaning, and / or coating.

[0003] For serial processing, conveyor systems with conveyor belts, such as belt and belt conveyors, are typically used to link the processing equipment, transporting the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers loaded with ophthalmic lenses from one processing unit to another.

[0004] The starting point, WO 2013 / 131656 A2, discloses a system for processing optical lenses for spectacles in several separate processing units. Each processing unit has its own conveyor belt for conveying lens carriers to and from the processing unit. A transfer system serves to further convey the lens carriers, comprising a first transport track for conveying the lens carriers from one processing unit to the next and a second parallel transport track for conveying lens carriers in parallel. Furthermore, the transfer system includes transfer devices arranged between the processing units for switching between the transport tracks.The first transport track runs through the processing equipment and consists of the transfer devices and the conveyor belts of the processing equipment, with the transfer devices and these conveyor belts each being independently controllable and driven. The transfer devices include lifting devices in the first and second transport tracks, a transverse conveyor belt, and a longitudinal conveyor belt. This results in a complex setup for the system, the transfer system, and the transverse conveying.

[0005] DE 10 2018 007 494 A1 discloses an integrated, very compact processing system for processing spectacle lenses with multiple processing stations and a common transport system with shared handling devices for feeding the various workstations with spectacle lenses to be processed. It is therefore a very compact processing system, but it is not designed for the flexible linking of separate processing units.

[0006] US patent 2017 / 0144842 A1 discloses a system for circulating and sorting contact lenses, wherein the contact lenses are each held in a block-shaped holder and the holders are moved by sliding cylinders.

[0007] DE 10 2007 059 303 A1 discloses a processing plant for transporting workpieces to processing stations. The processing plant has a conveyor belt with a transport track and an overtaking track. The overtaking track is separated from the transport track by guide rails. In designated sections, the guide rails have openings. A pusher is provided in each of the openings to move a workpiece from the transport track to the overtaking track or vice versa.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a system and a method for processing ophthalmic lenses, wherein a flexible linking of separate processing devices is enabled in a simple, cost-effective design.

[0009] The above problem is solved by a system according to claim 1, a method according to claim 7, or a use according to claim 14. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The proposed system features several separate processing units for the independent processing of ophthalmic lenses, in particular lenses for spectacles.

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention is that the conveying device preferably forms a continuous first transport track in front of the separate processing devices, each having its own housing, wherein the processing devices each have their own manipulation device to receive lenses from the first transport track for processing.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the first transport track runs in a straight line, with the processing devices preferably arranged along the first transport track, especially only on one side.

[0013] Preferably, the conveying along the first transport track for the on-demand provision of the lenses or lens carriers to be processed is carried out exclusively by the (common) conveying device, in particular centrally controlled, while the receiving of the lenses to be processed by the respective manipulation device of the respective processing device is carried out individually by the respective processing device, i.e. "locally" or decentrally controlled.

[0014] Preferably, the conveying process is carried out by one or more conveyor belts, wherein the conveyor belt(s) preferably operate continuously and the lens carriers are individually stopped by appropriate stopping devices. These stopping devices are preferably assigned to the conveying system and / or are controlled by it or centrally.

[0015] Accordingly, linking several independent processing units – especially for additions and adaptations – becomes particularly easy to implement, since the required processing unit only needs to be arranged along the first transport track, without requiring any further mechanical integration into the (shared) conveyor system. This results in a very cost-effective and universally adaptable system for processing ophthalmic lenses.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, is that at least one transfer device, in particular several transfer devices or each transfer device, is / are designed as a sliding device, wherein the sliding device is designed to push and / or pull the respective lens carrier from one transport track to another transversely to the conveyor device in order to change the transport track, and preferably optionally to position it in an intermediate position.

[0017] When moving or changing track, the lens carrier is preferably guided both in the conveyor device and transversely or laterally to it.

[0018] The lens carriers are particularly preferably moved, pushed or pulled to change the transport track and / or to an intermediate position - preferably exclusively - by primarily lateral force without active lifting.

[0019] In particular, the conveyor belt forming the first and / or second transport lane can run continuously, while a safe lane change is enabled or ensured in a structurally simple way.

[0020] Accordingly, a simple and cost-effective implementation of the plant and the process is made possible.

[0021] A third aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, provides that the conveying device preferably has a common conveyor belt with two transport tracks and an intermediate area for the lens carriers arranged between them, so that at least one lens carrier can be positioned between the transport tracks on the conveyor belt as required.

[0022] Preferably, the lens carrier is held in the intermediate area, in particular by a stop device or the like projecting from above, so that the conveyor belt can continue to run continuously, even if the lens carrier temporarily remains or is held in an intermediate position in the intermediate area.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the sliding device for changing the transport tracks can also hold the lens carrier in the intermediate area or in the intermediate position as needed.

[0024] The shared conveyor belt with intermediate section enables a particularly simple and therefore cost-effective implementation, which can also be easily adapted to different conditions and requirements.

[0025] The processing units are preferably positioned on a continuous conveyor system or conveyor belt. The conveyor system serves to move the ophthalmic lenses, particularly those mounted on lens carriers, to and from the individual processing units.

[0026] Preferably, the continuous conveying system has two transport lanes, particularly to enable independent parallel processing of the ophthalmic lenses in the separate processing units. The first transport lane serves in particular to transport the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one processing unit to the next, and the second transport lane for parallel conveying, in particular as an overtaking lane, on which the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers that are not to be or cannot be fed into a processing unit are transported further.

[0027] Preferably the conveying device comprises at least one continuous conveyor belt and at least one drive system, wherein the conveying device is continuous with respect to the conveying direction and is not composed of separate sub-units.

[0028] Preferably, only one continuous conveyor system is provided for both transport lanes, most preferably with only one continuous conveyor belt. This results in significantly fewer drive systems being required to operate the conveyor system, most preferably only one. This allows for considerably less control and assembly effort.

[0029] Preferably, each processing unit is immediately adjacent to the first transport track, i.e., the first transport track preferably runs directly past the processing units and not through the processing units.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the term "immediately adjacent" is therefore primarily to be understood as meaning that the first transport track runs directly past the processing equipment and not through the processing equipment.

[0031] Preferably, the processing units are positioned directly or immediately, and in particular essentially without gaps or spaces, on the first transport track. This allows for simpler maintenance work and less complex assembly or expansion of the system with additional processing units, since these now only need to be pushed directly up to the conveyor or transport track and connected.

[0032] Preferably, the term "immediately adjacent" should therefore continue to be understood to mean that the processing equipment and the transport track or the conveying equipment are directly adjacent to each other, in particular at least essentially without gaps or spaces.

[0033] Optionally, the processing equipment can also be spaced apart from the conveyor system, particularly the first transport lane. The distance is preferably limited by the reach of the respective handling device for loading and unloading the processing equipment.

[0034] All known lens carriers are fundamentally suitable for the proposed system and process. The most common lens carriers, as is standard practice in lens and spectacle lens manufacturing, have two holding positions for up to two ophthalmic lenses, as is customary in lens and spectacle lens production. These holding positions serve to pre-position the ophthalmic lenses in such a way that loading the processing equipment can be carried out with particular reliability. The ophthalmic lenses can also be removed individually from the lens carriers.

[0035] The distance between the holding positions for the ophthalmic lenses within a lens carrier is preferably the same as the distance between a holding position in one lens carrier and the adjacent holding position in a directly adjacent lens carrier. This simplifies the handling and positioning of the ophthalmic lenses, particularly in the holding area of ​​the processing equipment for loading and unloading the processing equipment with ophthalmic lenses.

[0036] Transfer devices are necessary for transporting or changing ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one transport lane to another.

[0037] According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, each transfer device is designed as a sliding device that pulls or pushes the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers, in particular transversely to the conveying direction, from one transport track to the other, as already mentioned.

[0038] The conveyance of the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers by means of the sliding device from one transport track to another preferably occurs transversely to the conveying direction, particularly preferably along the shortest path, i.e., at an approximately right angle relative to the conveying direction. However, transverse conveyance can also occur at other angles with respect to the conveying direction. In particular, diagonal conveyance with respect to the conveying direction is possible, preferably both along and against the conveying direction. The transverse conveyance of the lens carriers by the sliding devices is designed in such a way that the lens carriers are conveyed from one transport track to the other as reliably and quickly as possible.

[0039] In particular, the sliding mechanism enables lateral conveying while the conveyor belt is running, or lateral conveying without lifting. In other words, a simpler and faster transfer is possible.

[0040] Preferably, conveyor belts with a particularly smooth surface, especially without steps or irregularities, and especially link belts with a smooth surface, are used. An advantage of conveyor belts in the form of continuous link belts is that the lens carriers do not need to fit precisely on a transport track, but rather that lens carriers of different dimensions can be conveyed. For example, it is possible to convey lens carriers of different widths on one conveyor belt, provided that the lens carrier is not wider than the respective transport track.

[0041] After ophthalmic lenses have been processed at a processing unit, they can be placed on their respective lens carriers on the first transport track and conveyed to a sliding unit downstream of that processing unit. If further processing of the ophthalmic lenses is desired at a more distant processing unit rather than the nearest one, the lens carrier with the processed ophthalmic lenses is moved by the sliding unit from the first to the second transport track, perpendicular to the conveying direction, to allow the processing unit on the second track to overtake the processing unit closest in the conveying direction. The ophthalmic lenses now on the second transport track to be processed are then moved to the next processing unit.The lens carriers can, as soon as they reach a sliding device located in front of the processing device where the next processing is to take place, be pushed from the second transport track to the first transversely to the conveying direction by means of the sliding device.

[0042] In the event that stopping the lens carriers, e.g., in the case of a high volume of lens carriers, is necessary or desirable in the holding area in front of the processing equipment or in front of a sliding device, especially to avoid a collision of lens carriers, stopping devices are provided on the transport tracks, in particular in such a way that the conveyor device or its conveyor belt(s) can continue to be operated continuously.

[0043] According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, each sliding device has a fork that is movable, in particular transversely to the conveyor. This fork serves, in particular, to transport the lens carriers from one transport track to another as needed. Preferably, the fork is designed, or the opening of the fork is preferably oriented opposite to the conveying direction, such that the lens carriers can pass through or under the fork while the conveyor belt is running, especially since the lens carriers are not clamped between the retaining arms of the fork (su). The fork of the sliding device ensures that only one continuous conveyor is required, and not separate subunits of a transfer device for transverse conveying.

[0044] Another aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, is that the sliding device has a height-adjustable fork. An advantage of this further embodiment is that the lens carriers can leave the sliding device more quickly by rapidly raising the fork while the conveyor belt is running. This is particularly useful for preventing a build-up of lens carriers and / or for achieving a higher throughput.

[0045] In the event of a build-up of lens carriers, particularly in front of a pushing device—i.e., either in front of a fork occupied by a lens carrier or on the opposite transport track onto which the lens carrier is to be pushed by the fork—stopping devices are provided to stop the lens carriers. These are preferably positioned on the conveyor such that, while the conveyor belt is running, the following lens carriers do not build up behind or collide with another lens carrier, and that the waiting position onto which a lens carrier is to be pushed by the fork of the pushing device is not occupied before the lateral conveying by the pushing device has taken place.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the sliding device has a linear drive for the transverse conveyance of the fork, which in particular pushes the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one transport track to the other.

[0047] Preferably, the fork of the sliding device is movable in both directions transversely to the conveying direction. This allows for significantly reduced material and assembly costs, since only a single driven sliding device is needed to move the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one transport track to another, instead of transfer devices consisting of several separately driven subunits.

[0048] The sliding devices are particularly preferred on the conveyor system, preferably arranged between two processing units or before and / or after each processing unit. This has the advantage that the arrangement of the sliding devices is independent of the location or position of the processing units.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the sliding devices can also be mounted directly on the processing units, particularly on the side of each processing unit that is most easily accessible with respect to the conveying direction of the lens carrier. This allows the system to be modified, for example by adding further processing units, without the need to attach additional sliding devices to the conveyor; instead, these can be moved directly alongside the processing units and onto the conveyor.

[0050] It is also conceivable to arrange several, preferably two, sliding devices directly one behind the other on the conveyor or on the processing equipment. This primarily serves the purpose of achieving a higher throughput and the smoothest possible, undamaged process. For example, if...On moving conveyor belts, a first lens carrier is pushed from the second transport track to the first so that the corresponding ophthalmic lenses of the first lens carrier can be processed at a subsequent processing unit with respect to the conveying direction. While a second lens carrier is located on the first transport track in the area in front of the pushing devices with respect to the conveying direction, and this second lens carrier must first be pushed to the second transport track so that the area on the first transport track in front of the processing unit is clear for the first lens carrier to be processed, then a first pushing device can push the second lens carrier from the first transport track to the second transport track, while a pushing device following with respect to the conveying direction can push the first lens carrier to be processed from the first transport track to the second.It is also conceivable that two lens carriers transported one after the other on a transport track each enter the fork of the two sliding devices arranged one after the other and are pushed in parallel onto the other transport track.

[0051] If there are fewer lens carriers, the lens carriers can also be moved separately from one transport track to the other, either via the first or second sliding device in relation to the conveying direction, depending on the desired position of the lens carriers on the conveying device.

[0052] One possible configuration of the proposed system envisions a conveyor belt with two transport tracks and a shared drive system. This results in minimal assembly effort and particularly simple lateral conveying, since both transport tracks run on a common conveyor belt and the pusher device, or its fork, therefore only needs to be moved across the conveyor belt perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0053] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the conveyor system comprises two separate conveyor belts, each in the form of a transport track, and preferably a common drive system. Preferably, a gap is provided between the two separate conveyor belts, forming an intermediate space. This intermediate space can house stop devices and / or various measuring devices, such as sensors. By positioning these devices inwards between the two conveyor belts, the system requires less space. This provides more room for the processing equipment and for an operator. Furthermore, it allows for a more convenient connection of the processing equipment to the conveyor system.

[0054] However, it is also conceivable that the conveyor system has two conveyor belts, each in the form of a transport track, with either one drive system per conveyor belt or, more preferably, a common drive system, particularly with a known planetary gear system. This configuration allows the conveyor belts or transport tracks to operate independently, especially at different speeds. This can be advantageous, for example, if several lens carriers are to be guided past several processing units on the overtaking track, in order to avoid a build-up of lens carriers or to convey lens carriers loaded with ophthalmic lenses more quickly to a more distant processing unit and / or to achieve a higher throughput.

[0055] The particularly preferred embodiment of the proposed system with two spaced-apart conveyor belts provides that each sliding device is assigned an intermediate position or intermediate plate arranged between the conveyor belts. This serves to bridge the gap between the conveyor belts, such that lateral conveyance of the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one conveyor belt to the other can be carried out with particular reliability.

[0056] The intermediate position or intermediate plate can also serve as a temporary storage location for a lens carrier, i.e., as a waiting position, to achieve, for example, a higher throughput. If, for instance, a first lens carrier on a transport track needs to be overtaken so that a subsequent second lens carrier can reach the next processing unit first—for example, if this unit is free at that time for processing the corresponding ophthalmic lenses of the second lens carrier—the first lens carrier can be pushed onto the intermediate plate using the fork of the sliding device and temporarily stored there so that the second lens carrier can overtake the first.

[0057] Advantageously, the width of the intermediate position or intermediate plate preferably corresponds at least to the width of a lens carrier.

[0058] Another aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, is that the width of the conveying device or the conveyor belts is determined by the width of the lens carrier.

[0059] Preferably, the width of a transport track is at least equal to the width of a lens carrier. It follows that the width of the conveying device is preferably at least equal to the number of transport tracks multiplied by the width of the lens carrier.

[0060] In the previously explained proposed configuration with two transport tracks on a conveyor belt at a conveying device, the width of the conveyor belt and the conveying device is at least twice the width of the lens carrier.

[0061] In a particularly preferred embodiment of two conveyor belts or transport tracks spaced apart on a conveyor device, the width of the conveyor device is at least twice the width of the lens carrier plus the width of the distance between the conveyor belts, and the width of each conveyor belt is at least equal to the width of the lens carrier.

[0062] In general, in the case of several, i.e. at least two, conveyor belts, the width of the conveyor system corresponds at least to the product of the number of conveyor belts and the width of the lens carrier, in particular including the respective distance between the conveyor belts.

[0063] Preferably, the proposed system has guide rails, particularly along the edges of the conveyor belts, to guide the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers parallel to the conveying direction. This enables the lens carriers to be guided at least substantially in a straight line along the transport tracks on the conveyor belts and prevents them from running at an angle or falling off the system.

[0064] In the area of ​​the sliding devices, recesses in the guide rails are preferably provided in the case of at least two spaced-apart conveyor belts, particularly those corresponding to the dimensions of the lens carriers. This design allows for simple, rapid lateral conveying from one conveyor belt to another without lifting or moving the lens carrier. The guidance of the lens carriers parallel to the conveying direction through or into the fork is primarily achieved by the side elements of the fork.

[0065] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the proposed system is designed such that ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers can circulate in a closed loop. This allows the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers to be repeatedly or in any sequence accessed by the processing equipment, and enables the sequence of processing operations, the utilization of the processing equipment, and the processing sequences to be varied or optimized. This prevents a build-up of lens carriers, particularly in front of or at the processing equipment.

[0066] One possible configuration of the circulation system involves expanding or integrating the conveying device of the proposed system into a larger system. This allows, in particular, the circulation or recirculation of ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers. Such a system can consist of one or more conveyor belts, especially those with a ring or elliptical shape, and one or two transport lanes. If there are multiple conveyor belts, they can be spaced apart and / or directly adjacent to one another.

[0067] Preferably, the conveying device of such a plant system is driven by a common drive system, but it can also have several drive systems. Preferably, the processing equipment is arranged along the long, at least substantially straight sections of the, preferably elliptical, plant system, but it can also be arranged at any other desired location, such as inside or on the shorter sides of the plant system.

[0068] According to another aspect of the present invention, several conveying devices can also form a plant system.

[0069] A preferred embodiment of such a plant system of the proposed plant is a U-shaped or ring-shaped arrangement with two opposing conveying devices, wherein preferably one conveyor belt with one or two transport tracks or two spaced-apart conveyor belts in the form of one transport track each are provided.

[0070] Along the opposing conveyor systems, several processing devices are preferably arranged in a row in a manner known per se, and these are preferably directly adjacent to the first transport track.

[0071] Preferably, connecting elements are provided for the circulation of the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers, e.g., curved pieces or cross-connecting pieces, which connect the two opposing conveying devices, particularly around corners or curves. The curved conveying ensures that the orientation of the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers with respect to the respective conveying direction remains constant.

[0072] According to a particularly preferred aspect of the aforementioned embodiment of the proposed system, each of the two opposing conveying units has two conveyor belts in the form of a transport track, each connected to the other by sliding devices. Particularly preferred are the second transport tracks of the conveying units connected to each other by connecting elements, such as curved sections or cross-connecting pieces, to ensure circular conveying. The sliding devices serve to transport the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one transport track to the other, or to push all ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers that are to be conveyed from one conveying unit to the opposite one onto the second transport track.

[0073] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the proposed system has more than two transport tracks, particularly preferably a third transport track for the parallel conveying, in particular return conveying, of ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers.

[0074] Preferably, the first and second transport lanes have opposite conveying directions compared to the third transport lane.

[0075] A preferred embodiment of the proposed system provides that the first and second transport tracks run in one direction, and a third transport track runs parallel to them with the opposite conveying direction. The third transport track serves to return the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers. Preferably, several processing devices are arranged along the first transport track, while the third transport track serves solely for return conveying.

[0076] According to a particularly preferred aspect of the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention, only one common drive system is provided for all three transport tracks on a single conveyor belt on a common conveying device. The reversal of the conveying directions or the drive of the third transport track is effected, for example, in a manner known per se by means of a planetary gear system.

[0077] Furthermore, for changing transport tracks, sliding devices are preferably arranged transversely to the conveying direction, particularly between the processing units, which can move the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers across two or three transport tracks. The sliding devices running across three transport tracks allow for circulation or circular conveying of the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers on the three-track conveyor system. In particular, the conveyed ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers can be repeatedly conveyed to and from the processing units.

[0078] According to a particularly preferred aspect of the proposed embodiment, a return conveyance can be initiated after each processing unit, particularly via the third transport track, by means of the sliding devices preferably arranged between the processing units, and not only at the end of the conveying unit. This prevents build-up of lens carriers and, in particular, allows for a higher throughput, since the lens carriers can be circulated over shorter distances and do not have to be conveyed back over the entire length of the third transport track before being pushed again onto the first transport track adjacent to the processing units via a sliding device.

[0079] According to a particularly preferred aspect of such a proposed system, the three-lane conveyor can be connected to at least one further, preferably opposing, conveyor. The connection can be made, for example, via the aforementioned connecting elements. Connections on both sides of the conveyors to form a ring or U-shaped arrangements are conceivable, in which one side of the conveyor belts is left open by omitting the connecting elements, thus allowing access to the space between the two preferably parallel conveyors for an operator.

[0080] The two conveying units or rows of processing units in this system are preferably spaced apart such that the gap provides access for an operator. This is particularly easy for an operator to reach in a U-shaped arrangement. In the case of a ring-shaped arrangement, the connecting elements are designed so that they can be released, opened, or folded away as needed to access the gap. Alternatively or additionally, these elements can also be raised or lowered and / or connected, for example, via vertical conveyors or inclined sections, thus ensuring preferably unobstructed access to the gap.

[0081] The space between the conveyor belts can alternatively or additionally be used in a known manner for containers of operating materials for the processing equipment, such as containers for chips, polishing compounds, or coolant. However, the containers can also be located below the conveyor belts. This allows the space between the conveyor belts to be used for other purposes or reduced in size as needed, thus making the entire system narrower and saving space.

[0082] In a further embodiment of the proposed system, the processing units are not located outside the ring-shaped or U-shaped system, but rather in the space between the two conveyors, and preferably arranged in such a way that the space between them is kept as narrow as possible, while still allowing an operator to easily and quickly reach each processing unit. Besides the considerable space savings achieved by eliminating the outwardly projecting processing units, a further advantage of this alternative embodiment is that the operator has a shorter distance to travel between different processing units.

[0083] A three-lane conveyor is particularly preferably combined with a two-lane conveyor having two transport lanes running in the same direction, in particular a first and a second transport lane. In this configuration, several processing units are arranged along the conveyors, especially along the first transport lanes, preferably in a row. The three-lane conveyor with the return-conveying third transport lane preferably serves as an express line with the task of ensuring high throughput.

[0084] According to another aspect of the proposed design, the third transport track and the aforementioned connecting elements can also be combined as needed. For example, it is conceivable that the second transport track could be connected to the third transport track, which runs parallel to the second transport track but in the opposite direction around the curve or corner, by means of connecting elements that are known per se.

[0085] In the system known from WO 2013 / 131656 A1, the conveyor belts belonging to the first transport track and assigned to the processing equipment are each controlled separately by the machine control and do not form part of the transfer control, i.e. the conveyor system is not controlled centrally by one control system, but by several control systems, namely a central control system and a machine control system.

[0086] In contrast, the proposed system and method include a central control unit that manages the entire conveying system, i.e., the conveying equipment including conveyor belts or transport tracks, push devices, and stop devices, within the holding area in front of the respective processing units. To allow for independent processing, the processing units are controlled separately from the central control unit, i.e., by their own machine control system. Alternatively, the stop devices can also be controlled by the machine control system.

[0087] This shift of automation to a central control system significantly simplifies assembly, conversion, and maintenance work on the proposed system, particularly since the processing units with their own machine controls only need to be connected to the centrally controlled conveyor system and no longer to additional separate conveyor belts assigned to the processing units. This makes expanding the proposed system to include further processing units or to create a complete system considerably easier.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Further aspects, features, advantages, and properties of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments or exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. These show, in schematic form and not to scale: Fig. 1 shows a schematic section of a proposed system with a conveyor, two processing units, and a sliding device arranged between them in a top view; Fig. 2 shows a schematic partial view of the conveyor of the proposed system according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a first embodiment of the sliding device of the proposed system according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 a side view of the sliding device according to Fig. 3 Fig. 5 a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sliding device; Fig. 6 the sliding device according to Fig. 5 in a different perspective; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a lens carrier in a top view; and Fig. 8 a schematic detail of a further embodiment of the proposed system in a top view.

[0090] 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.

[0091] Fig. 1 shows a schematic section of a preferred embodiment of a proposed system 1 for processing, in particular ophthalmic, lenses 2.

[0092] The ophthalmic lens 2 is preferably a spectacle lens, i.e. a lens for spectacles.

[0093] The ophthalmic lens 2 is preferably made of plastic, but may also be made of glass or another material if necessary.

[0094] The proposed system 1 preferably includes several separate processing devices 3 for the independent processing of the ophthalmic lenses 2.

[0095] The system 1 preferably includes different processing devices 3, e.g. for blocking, for shaping, in particular machining, for polishing, for testing or measuring, for marking, for cleaning and / or for coating, of ophthalmic lenses 2.

[0096] Furthermore, not only different types of processing equipment, but also several identical processing devices 3 for the same processing can be integrated into the system 1.

[0097] How Fig. 1 As can be seen, the proposed Annex 1 includes a conveying device 4 for transporting the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5, in particular from one processing unit 3 to another. The conveying device 4 is responsible for feeding the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 to the respective processing unit 3, conveying them from one processing unit 3 to another after processing, and / or removing them from one processing unit 3.

[0098] The transfer of ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 onto the conveying device 4 can be carried out, for example, by a receiving station (not shown). The removal of the lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 from the conveying device 4 can be carried out by means of a dispensing station (not shown).

[0099] The conveying device 4 preferably has at least one, in particular continuous, conveyor belt 6, preferably two continuous conveyor belts 6, 6', as shown in Fig. 1 and 2 hinted at.

[0100] Furthermore, the conveyor device 4 preferably has two transport tracks T1, T2, in particular wherein the conveyor belts 6, 6' are each formed by at least one transport track T1, T2.

[0101] In the illustration example, conveyor belts 6, 6' correspond to the respective transport lanes T1, T2 ( Fig. 1 and 2 In particular, conveyor belts 6 and 6' form the respective transport lanes T1 and T2.

[0102] In an alternative embodiment or further design, which is described in Fig. 8 As shown, at least the conveyor belt 6 has several, in particular two, transport lanes T1, T2 or forms them.

[0103] Preferably, several or all of the processing devices 3 of Annex 1 have their own housing 3a and / or their own manipulation device 3b, as schematically shown in Fig. 8 hinted at.

[0104] The manipulation device 3b serves in particular to receive a lens 2 to be processed, especially from the respective lens carrier 5, and to transfer it to the associated processing device 3 and / or to hold the lens 2 during processing. Alternatively or additionally, the manipulation device 3b preferably serves to dispense a processed lens 2, especially to a corresponding or the same lens carrier 5.

[0105] The conveying direction of conveyor belts 6, 6' is in Fig. 1 and 2 Each is indicated by an arrow F1 or F2. The conveying direction F1, F2 of the transport tracks T1, T2 is therefore preferably aligned with the conveying direction of the conveyor belts 6, 6'.

[0106] Preferably, in the first illustrated embodiment of the proposed system 1, the second conveyor belt 6' conveys material, and thus the transport track T2, in the same direction as the first conveyor belt 6 or the first transport track T1. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0107] The first transport track T1 is preferably directly adjacent to the processing units 3. In particular, the first transport track T1 serves to convey the lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 from one processing unit 3 to the next or connects the processing units 3 to each other.

[0108] According to the preceding definition of the term "immediately adjacent", the processing equipment 3 and the transport track T1 or the conveying equipment 4 preferably border directly on each other, in particular at least substantially without gaps or gaps.

[0109] The processing equipment 3 can therefore be positioned directly on the conveyor system 4 or on the transport track T1.

[0110] Therefore, a particular advantage of the proposed system 1 is that, depending on requirements, extensions of system 1 by additional processing facilities 3 can be carried out very easily, since these only need to be pushed up to the conveyor 4 or the first transport track T1.

[0111] The second, at least essentially parallel, transport track T2 serves for the parallel conveyance or further transport of the respective ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5. In particular, the second transport track T2 serves as an overtaking track on which the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5, which are not to be fed to a processing device 3, are transported further.

[0112] Preferably, a gap is provided between the conveyor belts 6, 6', which are particularly separate, such that a space is created between them. This has the advantage that various components, in particular stop devices 31 and / or measuring devices, such as sensors 32, can be accommodated.

[0113] Fig. 1 Figure 31 shows several stopping devices 31 in the form of singulation devices. These serve in particular to stop a lens carrier 5 as needed on moving conveyor belts 6, 6'. Stopping the lens carriers 5 is particularly necessary to position them individually at the corresponding locations on the conveyor 4 – for example, on the first transport track T1 in the area of ​​the processing devices 3 or in front of them, especially for loading and unloading the processing devices 3 with ophthalmic lenses 2, and / or on both transport tracks T1 and T2, especially in front of or at a sliding device 10.

[0114] Preferably the stop devices 31 are located in front of the respective sliding devices 10 with respect to the conveying direction F1, F2, preferably at a distance to the sliding device 10 or to each other, in particular of at least one length of the lens carrier 5.

[0115] Furthermore, stop devices 31 are provided in the holding area of ​​the processing devices 3, which are spaced apart from each other in such a way that the loading and unloading of the lens carriers 5, especially with ophthalmic lenses 2, can be carried out particularly reliably.

[0116] The proposed system 1 preferably includes sensors 32, e.g. light sensors, in particular for detecting the presence and / or position of lenses 2 or lens carriers 5, and / or barcode readers, in particular for identifying ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5.

[0117] In the illustrated example, the conveyor belts 6, 6', which in particular each form a transport track T1, T2, are driven in particular by a common drive system 7 ( Fig. 2 ), preferably such that the two conveyor belts 6, 6' or the transport tracks T1, T2 convey or circulate F1, F2, particularly at the same speed and in the same direction. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this is achieved by a drive shaft connecting the two conveyor belts 6, 6' to each other.

[0118] Another variant of the conveyor system 4 of the proposed Annex 1 provides that the two conveyor belts 6, 6' of the conveyor system 4 are driven by two separate drive systems 7 or preferably by a common drive system 7 with a planetary gearbox. This allows, in particular, variations in the conveying or cyclic speed of the conveyor belts 6, 6' or the transport tracks T1, T2.

[0119] For example, it is conceivable to choose a higher speed for conveyor belt 6' and thus for transport track T2 than for conveyor belt 6 or transport track T1, in order to avoid an accumulation of lens carriers 5 or to enable a higher throughput when there is a high volume of lens carriers 5.

[0120] In such an embodiment with separate drives 7 or a corresponding gear coupling, opposite conveying directions F1 and F2 are also conceivable.

[0121] According to another embodiment, as in Fig. 8 As shown, the conveying device 4 of the proposed Annex 1 can also (only) have a conveyor belt 6, which is divided into two separate areas, i.e. two transport lanes T1 and T2, as well as a drive system 7.

[0122] Preferably, the conveying device 4 of the proposed Annex 1 has guide rails 8 arranged, in particular at the edges of the conveyor belts 6, 6', as shown in Fig. 1 indicated. In particular, each conveyor belt 6, 6' is preferably limited by two guide rails 8.

[0123] The guide rails 8 enable the lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 to be guided, in particular at least essentially in a straight line, along the transport tracks T1, T2, especially parallel to the conveying directions F1 and F2.

[0124] Furthermore, how from Fig. 1 As can be seen, the proposed Annex 1 features in particular one or more sliding devices 10 as transfer devices for changing the transport tracks T1, T2.

[0125] The sliding devices 10 are preferably arranged between the machining units 3. Particularly preferably, sliding devices 10 are arranged between all adjacent machining units 3. However, embodiments are also possible in which sliding devices 10 are arranged not between all, but only before or after some machining units 3. Optionally, the sliding devices 10 can also be associated with a machining unit 3, in particular, directly or indirectly adjacent to a machining unit 3.

[0126] In the illustrated example, the processing devices 3 are arranged, with respect to the conveying direction F1, F2, preferably one behind the other, in particular in a row, especially preferably on a common side of the conveying device 4 or of a conveyor belt 6, 6'.

[0127] The sliding devices 10 are preferably used for the, in particular as required, transport or exchange of the lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 from one transport track T1, T2 to another and / or from one conveyor belt 6, 6' to another, in particular transverse to the conveying direction F1, F2.

[0128] Transverse conveying can occur in both directions R1, R2 perpendicular to the conveying direction F1, F2. In the illustrated example, transverse conveying can occur in direction R1 from the first transport track T1 or the first conveyor belt 6 to the second transport track T2 or the second conveyor belt 6' and vice versa in direction R2 from the second transport track T2 or the second conveyor belt 6' to the first transport track T1 or the first conveyor belt 6.

[0129] For simplicity, the directions R1, R2 are in Fig. 1 The lateral conveying is shown perpendicular or at a right angle to the conveying direction F1, F2. However, as mentioned above, the lateral conveying can also occur at any other angle, especially diagonally, with respect to the conveying direction F1, F2.

[0130] Furthermore, the sliding devices 10 are preferably designed for the on-demand receipt and temporary intermediate storage of the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5.

[0131] Preferably, the proposed system 1 or sliding device 10 has an intermediate position ZP ( Fig. 8 ) or intermediate plate 9 ( Fig. 1 ), particularly in the area of ​​the sliding devices 10 between the transport tracks T1, T2 and / or conveyor belts 6, 6'. The intermediate position ZP represents, in particular, a parking or waiting area for a lens carrier 5 and can optionally be formed by the intermediate plate 9. The intermediate plate 9 serves, in particular, to bridge the gap between the conveyor belts 6, 6', especially during the transverse conveyance of the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 by means of the sliding device 10 from one conveyor belt 6, 6' to the other.

[0132] Furthermore, in the area of ​​the sliding devices 10, in particular in the area of ​​the intermediate plate 9, recesses or openings in the guide webs 8 are preferably provided (see Fig. 1 , 3 , 5 and 6 ), in particular to enable lateral conveyance of the lenses 2 or lens carrier 5 without a stroke.

[0133] The intermediate plate 9 is particularly favorably positioned, as shown in the perspective representation according to Fig. 3 The intermediate plate 9 is recognizable as being (somewhat) higher than the conveyor belts 6, 6' and / or has chamfers 9a, 9b on its edges facing the conveyor belts 6, 6'. These chamfers serve, in particular, to convey the lens carrier 5 onto the intermediate plate 9, preferably without the lens carrier 5 having to be lifted. The higher level of the intermediate plate 9 with respect to the conveyor belts 6, 6' serves, in particular, to prevent the lens carrier 5 from getting caught on the edge of the respective conveyor belt 6, 6' when being conveyed from the intermediate plate 9 onto a conveyor belt 6, 6' or a transport track T1, T2.

[0134] The transport / exchange or lateral conveyance of the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 by the sliding devices 10 can take place from one conveyor belt 6, 6' to another, in particular regardless of the number of transport lanes on a conveyor belt. The lateral displacement can take place both between two spaced-apart conveyor belts 6, 6', which are in particular connected to each other by an intermediate plate 9, and between two conveyor belts 6, 6' which are directly adjacent to each other or are not spaced apart from each other.

[0135] Alternatively, the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 can also be conveyed laterally by the sliding devices 10 between several transport lanes T1, T2 on a common conveyor belt 6, 6'.

[0136] As in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the sliding device 10 preferably has a guide device, in particular in the form of a fork 11 and / or with two side elements 11a, 11b. In the illustrated example, the side elements 11a, 11b are preferably integrally connected to a holder or holding surface 12.

[0137] The side elements 11a and 11b preferably have leading-in chamfers at their free ends, so that a lens carrier 5 is securely received between the side elements 11a, 11b.

[0138] In the illustrated example, the sliding device 10 preferably has a stopper 13, in particular a vertical one, which is embedded or integrated into or attached to the holder or holding surface 12. The stopper 13 is particularly preferably designed as a pneumatic cylinder.

[0139] The stopper 13 is preferably designed to stop or halt the lens carrier 5, particularly when the conveyor belt 6, 6' is running. As shown in particular in the side view according to Fig. 4 As can be seen, the stopper 13 in the illustration example has an extendable piston 13a. When the piston 13a is extended downwards towards the conveyor belts 6, 6', the lens carrier 5 is stopped by the piston 13a or comes into contact with it when the conveyor belts 6, 6' are running.

[0140] When the piston 13a is in the retracted position, the lens carrier 5 can continue running on the conveyor device 4 or the conveyor belts 6, 6'.

[0141] The guide device or fork 11 is preferably movable or displaceable laterally via a lens guide or a rail 19 and a slide, here horizontally in the direction of R1, R2.

[0142] Furthermore, Fig. 3 It can be seen that the holder or holding surface 12 or the fork 11 is connected, in particular via a mounting bracket 14, to a linear drive, e.g. via a driver 15, preferably in the form of a slide.

[0143] The driver 15 or slide or linear operation serves in particular to carry or linearly move the guide device or fork 11 and thus to convey the lens carrier 5 laterally from one transport track T1, T2 to the other.

[0144] Preferably the driver 15 is arranged to be linearly movable, in particular on a transfer cylinder 17.

[0145] The transfer cylinder 17 is preferably designed as a linear drive, in particular as a pneumatic cylinder.

[0146] In the illustrated example, the transfer cylinder 17 is mounted on a support 18. Preferably, a guide or rail 19, preferably designed as a linear guide, is attached or mounted on a longitudinal side, in particular on the underside 18a, of the support 18.

[0147] The guide device or fork 11 is preferably movable or positionable along the guide or rail 19, in particular linearly, especially via a slide 16 which is slidably guided thereon.

[0148] In the illustrated example, the lateral movement of the guide device or fork 11 is achieved in particular via the linear drive of the transfer cylinder 17.

[0149] The, in particular linear, displacement or movement of the guide device or the slide 16 along the guide or rail 19 enables a particularly reliable or targeted lateral conveyance of the lens carrier 5. Due to the two linear guide components, i.e. the transfer cylinder 17 on the one hand and the guide or rail 19 on the other hand, the lateral conveyance is particularly stable.

[0150] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the following method can be carried out with the sliding device 10 in combination with the conveying device 4 of the proposed Annex 1: As soon as a lens carrier 5 moves into the guide device, the lens carrier 5 is stopped by the stopper 13 or the lowered piston 13a. For the lateral conveying of the lens carrier 5 from one transport track T1, T2 to the other or from one conveyor belt 6, 6' to the other, the guide device or fork 11 is transported by means of the transfer cylinder 17 and, in particular, the supporting linear guide along the guide or rail 19 via the intermediate plate 9 from one transport track T1, T2 to the other or from one conveyor belt 6, 6' to the other, whereby the lens carrier 5 is carried between the side elements 11a, 11b of the guide device or fork 11.If the lens carrier 5 is to be conveyed further on a transport track T1, T2 in the conveying direction F1, F2, the stopper 13 or piston 13a rises, such that the lens carrier 5 can pass through the guide device or fork 11 on the moving conveyor belt 6, 6'. This is made possible in particular by the fact that no lateral clamping forces from the side elements 11a, 11b act on the lens carrier 5.

[0151] Optionally, the lens carrier 5 can pass directly through the guide device or fork 11 while the conveyor belt 6, 6' is running, i.e., without the lens carrier 5 being conveyed laterally from one transport track T1, T2 to the other. This is intended, for example, if a lens carrier 5 conveyed on the second transport track T2 is not to be processed at the processing unit 3 nearest to the conveying direction F1, F2, but only at a subsequent processing unit 3.

[0152] The sliding device 10 or its guide device or fork 11 is particularly preferably designed such that the lens carrier 5 is pushed or pulled to change the transport track T1, T2 and / or to move into an intermediate position ZP or an intermediate area Z between the transport tracks T1, T2 and / or from the intermediate position ZP or the intermediate area Z into a transport track T1 or T2.

[0153] The movement is therefore preferably carried out exclusively by primarily lateral force, in particular without actively lifting the lens carrier 5 by the sliding device 10 or its guide device or fork 11.

[0154] The sliding device 10, or its guide device or fork 11, is particularly preferably designed such that the lens carrier 5 is guided or its movement limited both in the conveying direction F1, F2 and transversely thereto – i.e., particularly laterally – in order to be able to move or shift the lens carrier 5 safely and quickly, or in a defined manner, in the transverse direction, in particular without the lens carrier 5 being able to twist, tilt, or even rotate in the horizontal plane. In this context, it should be noted that the sliding device 10, or its guide device or fork 11, provides a certain, preferably small, lateral clearance – here particularly preferably between the side elements 11a and 11b – relative to the lens carrier 5.

[0155] Alternatively or additionally, the side elements 11a and 11b can optionally be adjustable relative to each other, e.g. to adapt to different lens carrier widths.

[0156] Alternatively or additionally, the guide device or fork 11 can also be rotatable, in particular about a vertical axis, e.g. to be able to rotate the lens carrier 5, e.g. by 90° or 180° in the horizontal plane for a subsequent different conveying direction.

[0157] In particular, the sliding device 10 or its guide device or fork 11 can guide the lens carrier 5 on one or both sides (parallel to the conveying direction F1, F2 or transport track T1, T2) as well as on a side advancing in the conveying direction F1 or F2, or limit its movement, so that, especially when the conveyor belt 6 or 6' continues to run in the conveying direction F1 or F2, the desired lateral displacement of the lens carrier 5 can be achieved, if necessary, by corresponding lateral movement of the sliding device 10 or its guide device or fork 11.

[0158] The preferred two-sided or three-sided guidance of the lens carrier 5 (in the illustrated example, on the sides by the side elements 11a and 11b, and on the leading side by the stopper 13 via the sliding device 10 or its guide or fork 11) can alternatively also be achieved by a corresponding engagement or overlap. For example, after a lens carrier 5 has stopped, the sliding device 10 or its guide or fork 11 can overlap the leading side wall and thereby guide or secure the lens carrier 5, particularly for the subsequent lateral movement. Various other design solutions are also possible here.

[0159] It should also be noted that for moving the lens carrier 5 in a transverse direction R1 or R2, a two-sided guide is sufficient, namely on a side running in the conveying direction F1, F2 and on a side running transversely or perpendicularly to it, and the sliding device 10 or its guide element can accordingly optionally also be designed with only one side element 11a or 11b or can act on the lens carrier 5 for transverse conveying in one direction.

[0160] In the described embodiment, the guide device or fork 11 of the sliding device 10 is preferably movable only horizontally or laterally, and only a stopper 13 or piston 13a that is movable vertically or otherwise (e.g., by pivoting) is provided. However, other design solutions are also possible. For example, the guide device or fork 11 can optionally also be movable or liftable vertically as a whole, as explained below with reference to another embodiment. In this case, the movement of the stopper 13 can be omitted.

[0161] Based on the Fig. 5 and 6 An alternative embodiment of the sliding device, hereinafter referred to as sliding device 20, will be explained in more detail.

[0162] The sliding device 20 preferably has a guide device or fork 21, in particular with two side elements 21a, 21b.

[0163] According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the guide device or fork 21 of the sliding device 20 is adjustable in height or vertically, in particular along the arrow H, most preferably by means of a lifting cylinder 23.

[0164] In the illustrated example, the side elements 21a, 21b are preferably integrally connected to an (upper) bracket or holding surface 24. In the illustrated example, the sliding device 20 has a vertical lifting cylinder 23, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, which is embedded in or coupled to the (upper) bracket or holding surface 24, and whose lower end is preferably attached to the lower holding surface 22.

[0165] Preferably, the lifting cylinder 23 is height-adjustable or displaceable, particularly by means of a piston 23a, especially along arrow H. By vertically displacing the lifting cylinder 23 along arrow H, the fork 21 is displaced in height, particularly via the upper holding surface 24.

[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the fork 21 is in the raised position. In this position, the lens carrier 5 can pass under the fork 21 while the conveyor belt 6, 6' is running.

[0167] How Fig. 6 to remove, serves to stop the lens carriers 5 on the, in particular circulating, conveyor belts 6, 6' preferably a stop element, in particular a substantially vertical holding arm 25.

[0168] When the guide device is in its lower position, the lens carrier 5 is stopped by the holding arm 25 when the conveyor belts 6, 6' are running, while the lens carrier 5 is conveyed further by the conveyor device 4 or the conveyor belts 6, 6' when the guide device is raised.

[0169] The lateral movement of the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carrier 5 is carried out in the case of the sliding device 20 in the same way as in the case of the sliding device 10 (so), i.e. by linear movement or a linear guide and / or a linear drive.

[0170] A particular advantage of the sliding device 20, and especially of the preferably height-adjustable guide device or fork 21 of the sliding device 20, is that the lens carrier 5 can leave the sliding device 20 more quickly or be conveyed along with the conveyor belt 6, 6' by rapidly raising the fork 21. This prevents a build-up of lens carriers 5 and / or achieves a higher throughput. For the lateral conveying of the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 from one transport track T1, T2 to the other, the fork 21 with the lens carrier 5 always remains on the conveyor belt 6, 6' or the intermediate plate 9.

[0171] The guide device or fork 11, 21 of the sliding device 10, 20 is preferably wider than the lens carrier 5, in particular to ensure that the lens carrier 5 can be inserted into or passed through the fork 11, 21 with essentially no resistance. Advantageously, the width of the fork 11, 21 is selected such that the lens carrier 5 can be moved with particular reliability, and especially with minimal play, from one transport track T1, T2 to another or from one conveyor belt 6, 6' to another when being carried or conveyed laterally by the fork 11, 21.

[0172] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a preferred embodiment of a lens carrier 5 for receiving at least one, in particular two, ophthalmic lenses 2.

[0173] Preferably, two ophthalmic lenses 2 to be processed or a pair of lenses are held by a lens carrier 5, as is customary in lens or spectacle lens manufacturing.

[0174] The lens carrier 5 preferably has two receiving positions 41, in particular for receiving ophthalmic lenses 2. The receiving positions are designed in such a way as to prevent the ophthalmic lenses 2 from slipping, especially during the conveying and / or stopping of the lens carrier 5. This allows the ophthalmic lenses 2 to remain particularly stable in their spatial position on the lens carrier 5, and therefore loading and unloading, especially in the holding area of ​​the processing devices 3, can be carried out with particular reliability.

[0175] Preferably, the distance between the ophthalmic lenses 2 or the receiving positions 41 within a lens carrier 5 in the illustrated example is at least substantially the same as the distance between an ophthalmic lens 2 or a receiving position 41 in a lens carrier 5 and the adjacent ophthalmic lens 2 or the adjacent receiving position 41 in an immediately adjacent lens carrier 5. This simplifies the handling and positioning of the ophthalmic lenses 2, particularly on the transport track T1 at the processing devices 3 for loading and unloading the processing devices 3 with ophthalmic lenses 2.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment, the distance a between the centers of the mounting positions 41 of the lens carrier 5 is approximately 130 mm with a tolerance of 10 mm. The length l of the lens carrier 5 is preferably twice the distance a, i.e., approximately 260 mm with a tolerance of 10 mm. The width b of the lens carrier 5 is preferably approximately 220 mm with a tolerance of 10 mm.

[0177] Another aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, is that the width of the conveying device 4 or of the conveyor belts 6, 6' is preferably determined by the width of the lens carrier 5, in particular by the number of transport tracks.

[0178] Preferably, the width of a transport track T1, T2 corresponds at least to the width b of a lens carrier 5.

[0179] Furthermore, the width of the conveyor belts 6, 6' preferably corresponds to the number of transport lanes per conveyor belt. In other words, the width of a conveyor belt preferably corresponds at least to the number of transport lanes multiplied by the width b of the lens carrier 5.

[0180] In the exemplary embodiment, the width of the conveyor belts 6, 6' is each at least the width b of a lens carrier 5, i.e. at least approx. 220 mm taking into account the error tolerance.

[0181] The width of the conveyor device 4 preferably corresponds at least to the number of transport lanes multiplied by the width b of the lens carrier 5.

[0182] In the case of several, i.e. at least two, conveyor belts 6, 6', the width of the conveyor device 4 preferably corresponds at least to the number of conveyor belts 6, 6' multiplied by the width b of the lens carrier 5, i.e. preferably at least a multiple of approximately 220 mm taking into account the error tolerance.

[0183] In the case of conveyor belts 6, 6' spaced apart from each other, the width of the conveyor device 4 preferably corresponds at least to the number of transport lanes T1, T2 multiplied by the width b of the lens carrier 5, in particular including the distance between the conveyor belts 6, 6'.

[0184] As proposed, the width of the conveyor device 4 is preferably at least twice the width b of the lens carrier 5, in the illustrated embodiment therefore at least approx. 440 mm taking into account the error tolerance, in particular including the distance between the conveyor belts 6, 6'.

[0185] In the embodiment with two transport tracks T1, T2 on a common conveyor belt 6, the width of the conveyor belt 6 corresponds to the width of the conveying device 4 and is preferably at least twice the width of the lens carrier 5.

[0186] In addition to the aforementioned embodiment of the lens carrier 5, narrower versions of the lens carrier 5 are also conceivable, which are generally known to those skilled in the art. These can, for example, have a length l between 245 and 265 mm, in particular approximately 250 mm, a width b between 120 and 130 mm, in particular approximately 125 mm, and / or a distance a between the mounting positions 41 between 110 and 135 mm, in particular approximately 130 mm. Other dimensions are, of course, also conceivable.

[0187] Furthermore, known embodiments, particularly stackable ones, e.g., double trays, of the lens carrier 5 can also be used. In the case of lens carriers 5 stacked on top of each other, it is advantageous to take their height into account. This is possible, for example, by raising or lowering the conveyor 4 or the processing devices 3 by the respective height of the additional lens carrier 5.

[0188] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a partial, schematic top view of a further embodiment of the proposed Annex 1, as already mentioned. The following section explains, in particular, the essential differences compared to the embodiments and variants already described, whereby the previous statements and explanations apply accordingly or additionally, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0189] In the embodiment according to Fig. 8 The (common) conveyor belt 6 preferably forms both transport lanes T1, T2, i.e. the first transport lane T1 and the second transport lane T2.

[0190] The conveyor device 4 or the conveyor belt 6 preferably has an intermediate area Z between the two transport tracks T1, T2, in order to be able to park the lens carrier 5 in an intermediate position ZP between the two transport tracks T1 and T2 if necessary.

[0191] Instead of one conveyor belt 6, which forms the two transport lanes T1, T2 and the intermediate area Z, several appropriately coupled conveyor belts 6 can also be used for this purpose.

[0192] The system 1 or the conveyor 4 preferably has stop devices 31, 31a, 31b in order to be able to stop the lens carrier 5 at desired locations on the conveyor 4 or the conveyor belt 6 or on the transport tracks T1 and T2, in particular in front of the processing devices 3 and / or in front of or at the sliding devices 10 and / or in the intermediate area Z or at the intermediate positions ZP - in particular also when the conveyor belt 6 is still running.

[0193] The stop devices 31 can be arranged, for example, laterally on the conveyor belt 6 or laterally on the outside of the transport tracks T1 or T2.

[0194] The stopping devices 31 can, for example, also halt or stop a lens carrier 5 in the intermediate area Z as required and, if arranged laterally, can be designed, for example, as a bridge to be effective in the intermediate area Z. However, other design solutions are also possible. For example, the stopping devices 31 can also be arranged only in the intermediate area Z or above it, as indicated by reference numerals 31a. In this case, the stopping devices 31a can also be stationary or fixed, or alternatively, movable out of the path of travel to allow the lens carriers 5 to continue moving in the intermediate area Z, thus forming an additional transport track between the two transport tracks T1 and T2.

[0195] Alternatively or additionally, stop devices 31 can also be provided in the area of ​​the transport tracks T1, T2, particularly in the area of ​​the first transport track T1. These stop devices are arranged primarily or exclusively above the conveyor belt 6 or the respective transport track T1 or T2, in order to position the processing devices 3 as close as possible to the conveyor belt 6 or the first transport track T1, without the need to arrange the stop device 31 between the processing device 3 and the conveyor belt 6 or the first transport track T1. These stop devices 31b are then preferably movable out of the path of travel, e.g., by linear movement and / or pivoting, in order to release the conveying of the lens carriers 5 on the corresponding transport track, here the first transport track T1, in the conveying direction F1, as required, or to selectively stop the lens carrier 5, particularly in front of the respective processing device 3.

[0196] Optionally, a sliding device 10 can also interact with associated stop devices 31, 31a, 31b. In this case, the stop devices 31 can also form part of the sliding device 10 or part of the guide device of the sliding device 10. This is illustrated by the following example: Fig. 8 for the right sliding device 10 indicated.

[0197] In the illustrated example, the lens carrier 5 is located on the second transport track T2 at the sliding device 10 and is held or stopped in the conveying direction F2 by the stop device 31 assigned to the second transport track T2. Thus, the stop device 31 guides the lens carrier 5 in the conveying direction F2 when the lens carrier 5 is moved laterally by the sliding device 10.

[0198] In this case, the right sliding device 10 guides the lens carrier 5 laterally via its guide device, here the side elements 11a and 11b, so that a safe and defined guidance of the lens carrier 5 is ensured during lateral movement.

[0199] In the optional intermediate area Z, the preferably stationary stop device 31a is then connected in the illustration example in order to hold back the lens carrier 5 against further conveyance in the conveying direction F1, F2 as the conveyor belt 6 continues to run, or to guide it on its leading side during transverse conveying.

[0200] Finally, if the lens carrier 5 is moved further onto the first transport track T1, the oppositely arranged stop device 31 can then, if necessary, hold and guide it again in the conveying direction F1, so that in the illustrated example the right sliding device 10 also enables or ensures safe guidance of the lens carrier 5 during lateral movement both in the conveying direction F1 and in the lateral direction by interaction with the stop devices 31, 31a.

[0201] However, other constructive solutions are also possible.

[0202] At the in Fig. 8 The left sliding device 10 indicates that its guide device or fork 11, which is particularly U-shaped, does not require a stop device 31 or 31a. In this case, the guide device or fork 11 is preferably vertically liftable in order to release the lens carrier 5 for further transport, as already exemplified for the sliding device 20 by means of Fig. 5 and 6 described.

[0203] Individual aspects and features of the various designs and variants can be combined arbitrarily, but can also be implemented independently of each other.

[0204] The guide device or fork 11, 21 of the sliding device 10, 20 is preferably U-shaped and / or rigid.

[0205] The side elements 11a, 11b and 21a, 21b can optionally be adjusted – in particular manually or by motor – and / or their free ends can be angled to form lead-in chamfers (as in particular in Fig. 5 (indicated) for the lens carrier 5 to be received, it should be widened.

[0206] In general, it should be noted that the system 1 or conveyor 4 preferably forms or has a continuous first transport track T1 in front of the processing devices 3, wherein the processing devices 3 each have their own manipulation device 3b to receive lenses 2 from the first transport track T1 for processing and, in particular, to return them to it after processing.

[0207] The sliding device 10, 20 is preferably designed to push or pull the respective lens carrier 5 transversely to the conveying direction F1, F2, in particular from one transport track T1, T2 to the other, and thereby guide the lens carrier 5 both in the conveying direction F1, F2 and transversely thereto.

[0208] The lens carriers 5 are preferably pushed or pulled by the sliding device 10, 20 during the lateral displacement R1, R2 exclusively by primary lateral force without active lifting.

[0209] The lenses 2 are preferably conveyed to the processing devices 3 via lens carriers 5 and / or conveyed away from them.

[0210] The processing devices 3 preferably process the lenses 2 only in the order of the feeding of the lenses 2 or lens carriers 5, in particular only via the first transport track T1.

[0211] However, it is also possible that a processing unit 3 or the conveyor unit 4 does not stop a lens carrier 5 arriving on the first transport track T1 in front of the processing unit 3, but allows it to continue moving in the conveying direction F1. This is possible, for example, to achieve an optimized process, or is necessary, for example, if the processing unit 3 has failed.

[0212] One aspect of the present invention is also that the sliding device 10, 20 is used for processing ophthalmic lenses 2 in order to easily, quickly and safely change lens carriers 5 between transport tracks T1, T2 and an optional intermediate area Z. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0213] 1 System 2 Lens 3 Processing device 3a Housing 3b Manipulation device 4 Conveyor device 5 Lens carrier 6 Conveyor belt 6' Conveyor belt 7 Drive system 7' Drive system 8 Guide rails 9 Intermediate plate 9a Chamfer 9b Chamfer 10 Sliding device 11a Side element 11b Side element 12 Holding surface 13 Stopper 13a Piston 14 Mounting bracket 15 Driver 16 Slide 17 Transfer cylinder 18 Carrier 18a Bottom 19 Rail 20 Sliding device 21 Fork 21a Side element 21b Side element 22 Holding surface 23 Lifting cylinder 24 Upper holding surface 25 Holding arm 31 Stop device 31a Stop device 31b Stop device 32 Sensor 41 Recording location 42 Profile F1 Conveyor device F2 Conveyor device HParrow R1 Transverse conveying direction R2 Transverse conveying direction T1 First transport track T2 Second transport track ZZ Intermediate area ZP Intermediate position aDistance bWidth lLength

Claims

1. Installation (1) for processing ophthalmic lenses (2), in particular for spectacles, with a plurality of separate processing devices (3) with own housing (3a) for independent processing of the lenses (2), with a conveying device (4) connecting the processing devices (3) to one another for transporting lens carriers (5) with the lenses (2) to and from the processing devices (3), wherein the conveying device (4) comprises at least two transport tracks (T1, T2), wherein a first transport track (T1) serves to convey the lens carriers (5) from one processing device (3) to the next and a second, in particular parallel, transport track (T2) serves to convey the lens carriers (5) in parallel to the first transport track (T1); with one or more transfer devices for transporting and / or changing the lens carriers (5) as required from one transport track (T1, T2) to the other transversely to their direction of conveyance (F1, F2), characterized in that the conveying device (4) comprises a common conveyor belt (6) with two transport tracks (T1, T2) and an intermediate area (Z) arranged therebetween for the lens carriers (5), so that a lens carrier (5) can be positioned on the conveyor belt (6) between the transport tracks (T1, T2) as required, and in that the conveying device (4) comprises a stopping device (31, 31a, 31b) which is configured to be able to stop a lens carrier (5) at desired locations in the intermediate area (Z) while the conveyor belt (6) continues to run.

2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveying device (4) forms a continuous first transport track (T1) in front of the processing devices (3), wherein the processing devices (3) each comprise an own manipulation device (3b) in order to pick up lenses (2) from the first transport track (T1) and / or from lens carriers (5) there for processing and / or to deliver them to those and / or to lens carriers (5) there.

3. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device is designed as a pushing device (10, 20) which pushes or pulls the respective lens carrier (5) transversely to the direction of conveyance (F1, F2) from one transport track (T1, T2) to the other and thereby guides the lens carrier (5) both in the direction of conveyance (F1, F2) and transversely thereto, preferably wherein the pushing device (10, 20) comprises a guide device and / or fork (11, 21) which is moveable vertically and / or transversely to the direction of conveyance (F1, F2) for lateral guidance of the respective lens carrier (5), and / or wherein the pushing device (10, 20) is assigned an intermediate position (ZP) arranged between the transport tracks (T1, T2).

4. Installation according to claim 3, characterized in that the pushing device (10, 20) comprises a linear drive for transverse conveyance of the guide device and / or fork (11, 21).

5. Installation according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the pushing device (10, 20) is designed for hydraulic or pneumatic displacement of the lens carriers (5) for changing the transport track (T1, T2).

6. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that guide bars (8), in particular for guiding the lens carriers (5) parallel to the direction of conveyance (F1, F2), are provided at the edges of the transport tracks (T1, T2), in particular wherein recesses of the guide bars (8) are provided in the region of the pushing device (10, 20) and / or in the region of the intermediate position (ZP).

7. Method for processing ophthalmic lenses (2), in particular for spectacles, wherein the lenses (2) are conveyed in lens carriers (5) by means of a conveying device (4) to separate processing devices (3) with own housings (3a), wherein the conveying device (4) forms at least two transport tracks (T1, T2) between which the lens carriers (5) can change by means of transfer devices, so that the order of feeding the lens carriers (5) to the processing devices (3) can be varied, in particular wherein the processing devices (3) process the lenses (2) in the order in which the lens carriers (5) are fed in, characterized in that the conveying device (4) forms a common conveyor belt (6) with two transport tracks (T1, T2) and an intermediate area (Z) arranged therebetween for the lens carriers (5), so that a lens carrier (5) can be positioned on the conveyor belt (6) between the transport tracks (T1, T2) as required, and in that the conveying device (4) comprises a stopping device (31, 31a, 31b) which stops a lens carrier (5) at desired locations in the intermediate area (Z) while the conveyor belt (6) continues to run.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the continuous and / or first transport track (T1, T2) is formed by a continuous conveyor belt (6), and / or in that the conveying device (4) and / or the continuous transport track (T1) and / or its conveyor belt (6) is / are controlled centrally and / or independently of the processing devices (3) or vice versa.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the conveying device (4) forms a continuous transport track (T1) in front of the separate processing devices (3) for feeding the lens carriers (5) to the processing devices (3), wherein the processing devices (3) receive the lenses (2) to be processed - preferably exclusively - from lens carriers (5) on this transport track (T1), and / or in that, for changing the transport track (T1, T2), the lens carriers (5) are pushed or pulled from one transport track (T1, T2) to the other transport track (T1, T2) - preferably exclusively - by the action of primarily lateral force without active lifting.

10. Method according to one of the claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the processing devices (3) each remove the lenses (2) to be processed from the respective lens carrier (5) with an own manipulation device (3b).

11. Method according to one of the claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, for changing the transport track (T1, T2), the lens carriers (5) are each displaced transversely to the direction of conveyance (F1, F2) by means of a pushing device (10, 20), the lens carriers (5) in the process being guided laterally and / or in the transverse direction (R1, R2) and in the direction of conveyance (F1, F2).

12. Method according to one of the claims 7 to 11, characterized in that a central control or the conveying device (4) controls stopping devices (31, 31b) for positioning the lens carriers (5) in front of the processing devices (3).

13. Method according to one of the claims 7 to 12, characterized in that, for changing the transport track (T1, T2), the lens carriers (5) are pushed or pulled hydraulically or pneumatically from one transport track (T1, T2) to the other transport track (T1, T2).

14. Use of a pushing device (10, 20) for transversely conveying a lens carrier (5) during the processing of ophthalmic lenses (2), characterized in that the lens carrier (5) is displaced transversely to the direction of conveyance (F1, F2) by means of a pushing device (10, 20) in order to change a transport track (T1, T2), the lens carrier (5) in the process being guided laterally and / or in the transverse direction (R1, R2) and in the direction of conveyance (F1, F2) and being displaced without being actively lifted.