System for processing ophthalmic lenses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for processing ophthalmic lenses, the system comprising: a plurality of processing devices for independently processing the ophthalmic lenses; a conveying device which interconnects the processing devices and is intended for transporting the ophthalmic lenses or the lens carriers to and from the processing device (3), the conveying device (4) comprising at least two transport tracks (T1, T2), a first transport track (T1) being used to convey the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one processing device to the next, and a second transport track (T2) being used to convey, in parallel, the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers; and transfer devices for transporting the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one transport track (T1, T2) to the other transversely to the conveying direction (F1, F2) as required, for temporary reception / intermediate storage as required, and for onward transportation of the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers as required. According to the invention: the conveying device comprises at least one continuous conveyor belt; at least one drive system is provided for the at least one conveyor belt; each processing device is immediately adjacent to the first transport track (T1); and each transfer device is in the form of a pushing device which pushes the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers transversely to the conveying direction (F1, F2) from one transport track (T1, T2) to the other.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for processing ophthalmic lenses according to the preamble of claim 1.

[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 belt and belt conveyors are used to link the processing units, transporting the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers loaded with ophthalmic lenses from one processing unit to another.

[0004] EP 2 822 883 B1 discloses a system for the independent processing of optical lenses, particularly for spectacles, in several separate processing units. Each processing unit has its own conveying system for transporting the lenses or lens carriers to and from the processing units. A transfer system with a first transport track T1 for conveying the lenses or lens carriers from one processing unit to the next, and a second parallel transport track T2 for the parallel conveying of lenses or lens carriers, serves to transport the lenses or lens carriers. Furthermore, the transfer system has transfer devices arranged between the processing units for receiving and temporarily storing the lenses or lens carriers, as well as for conveying them as needed to the conveying system of a processing unit or to the second transport track T2.The first transport track T1 consists of the transfer equipment and the conveying equipment assigned to the processing equipment, each of which can be controlled and driven independently.

[0005] DE 10 2018 007494 A1 discloses a further plant for the independent processing of optical lenses, in particular for spectacles, in several separate processing units.

[0006] In the plant known from EP 2 822 883 B1, the first transport track T1 is composed of the transfer devices and the conveying devices assigned to the processing devices, each of which has its own drive system and two conveyor belts. Furthermore, the second transport track of the generic plant is assigned to a separate conveying device with two conveyor belts. The transfer devices of the plant known from EP 2 822 883 B1 are also composed of several separately driven sections.

[0007] The conveyor system of the plant therefore has a very complex structure with several partial conveyor belts, several sections of the transfer equipment and consequently numerous drives or drive systems.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of further simplifying a system for processing ophthalmic lenses.

[0009] The above problem is solved by a system according to claim 1.

[0010] The system according to the invention comprises several separate processing units for the independent processing of ophthalmic lenses, in particular lenses for spectacles. The processing units are positioned on a continuous conveyor system. The conveyor system serves to feed the ophthalmic lenses, particularly those mounted on lens carriers, to and from the individual processing units.

[0011] According to the invention, the continuous conveying device has two transport tracks, in particular to enable independent parallel processing of the ophthalmic lenses in the separate processing units. The first transport track serves in particular to transport the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one processing unit to the next, and the second transport track serves for parallel conveying, in particular as an overtaking track, on which the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers that are not to be or cannot be fed into a processing unit are transported further.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the conveying device comprises at least one continuous conveyor belt and at least one drive system.

[0013] The proposed system is significantly simpler in design compared to the prior art, since the conveying device is now continuous with respect to the conveying direction and is not composed of separate subunits. According to a first aspect of the present invention, only one continuous conveying device is provided for both transport tracks, preferably with only one continuous conveyor belt. Consequently, significantly fewer drive systems, preferably only one drive system, are required to operate the conveying device. This allows for a considerably lower control and assembly effort.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention is that each processing unit is immediately adjacent to the first transport track T1, i.e. the first transport track T1 preferably runs directly past the processing units and not, as described in EP 2 822 883 B1, through the processing units.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the term "immediately adjacent" is therefore primarily to be understood as meaning that the first transport track T1 runs directly past the processing equipment and not through the processing equipment.

[0016] Preferably, the processing units are positioned directly or immediately, and in particular essentially without gaps or spaces, on the first transport track T1. 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 T1 and connected.

[0017] Preferably, the term "immediately adjacent" should therefore continue to be understood to mean that the processing equipment and the transport track T1 or the conveying equipment are directly adjacent to each other, in particular at least essentially without gaps or spaces.

[0018] Optionally, the processing units can also be spaced apart from the conveyor system, in particular from the first transport track T1. The distance is preferably limited by the reach of the respective handling device for loading and unloading the processing units.

[0019] All known lens carriers are suitable for the proposed system. The most common lens carriers have, in a known manner, two holding positions for up to two ophthalmic lenses, as is standard practice in lens and spectacle lens manufacturing. These holding positions allow the ophthalmic lenses to be pre-positioned 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Transfer devices are necessary to transport the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one transport lane to another.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, each transfer device is designed as a sliding device that pushes the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers, in particular transversely to the conveying direction, from one transport track to the other.

[0023] 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 as quickly as possible.

[0024] This design of the transfer device as a sliding mechanism, by eliminating the transfer devices known from EP 2 822 883 B1, which were composed of several sub-units and drive systems, results in a significantly simplified and more cost-effective construction. In particular, it enables lateral conveying while the conveyor belt is running or lateral conveying without a lift. In other words, a simpler and faster transfer is possible.

[0025] Preferably, conveyor belts with a particularly smooth surface, especially without steps or irregularities, and especially link belts with a smooth surface, are provided. An advantage of conveyor belts in the form of continuous link belts is that, unlike in EP 2 822 883 B1, the lens carriers do not have to travel precisely on a transport track, but rather that the proposed system can convey lens carriers of different dimensions. 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.

[0026] After ophthalmic lenses have been processed at a processing unit, they can be transported on their respective lens carriers along the first conveyor track to the 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 conveyor 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 conveyor track, or...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.

[0027] In the event that stopping the lens carriers, e.g., in the case of a high volume of lens carriers, in the holding area in front of the processing equipment or in front of a sliding device is necessary or desirable, 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 system can continue to be operated continuously.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, 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.

[0029] Advantageous further training is the subject of the sub-claims.

[0030] Preferably, 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 lens carrier build-up and / or achieving a higher throughput.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Particularly preferably, the sliding device has a linear drive for the lateral conveyance of the fork, which in particular moves the ophthalmic lenses or lens carriers from one transport track to another. Compared to the system known from EP 2 822 883 B1, whose transfer devices are composed of several subunits, each with its own drive or motor, this results in a significantly lower control and assembly effort.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 fork of the sliding device therefore only needs to be moved transversely to the conveying direction on a moving conveyor belt.

[0040] 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. Various measuring devices, such as stop devices and sensors, can be housed in this intermediate space. 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, this arrangement ensures more convenient integration of the processing equipment with the conveyor system.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The particularly preferred embodiment of the proposed system with two spaced-apart conveyor belts provides that each sliding device is assigned an 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.

[0043] The intermediate plate can also serve as a temporary holding position for a lens carrier, i.e., to achieve a higher throughput. For example, if 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 instance, 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.

[0044] Advantageously, the width of the intermediate plate preferably corresponds at least to the width of a lens carrier.

[0045] Another feasible aspect of the present invention is that the width of the conveying device or the conveyor belts is determined by the width of the lens carrier.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] According to another aspect of the present invention, several conveying devices can also form a plant system.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Preferably, the first and second transport lanes have opposite conveying directions compared to the third transport lane.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The previously described three-lane embodiment of the conveyor belt or conveying device can also be integrated into more complex processing systems, such as those known from EP 2 822 883 B1.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 significant 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.

[0071] 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 a high throughput.

[0072] According to another aspect of the proposed system, the third transport track and the aforementioned connecting elements can also be combined as needed.

[0073] One conceivable design is, for example, in which the second transport track is connected to the third transport track, which runs parallel to the second transport track and in the opposite direction around the curve or corner, by means of connecting elements that are known per se.

[0074] Another feasible aspect of the present invention consists in a simplification or optimization of the automation of the entire conveying system of the proposed plant compared to the plant known from EP 2 822 883 B1.

[0075] In the system known from EP 2 822 883 B1, the conveying devices 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 conveying system is not controlled centrally by one control, but by several control systems, namely a central control and a machine control.

[0076] In the proposed system with all the aforementioned embodiments, a control system, particularly a central one, is provided, which controls the entire conveying system, i.e., the conveying equipment including conveyor belts or transport tracks, push devices, and stop devices, in the holding area in front of the respective processing units. To continue allowing independent processing, the processing units are controlled separately from the central control system, i.e., by their own machine control system. It is, of course, also possible for the stop devices to be controlled by the machine control system.

[0077] This shift of automation to a central control system significantly simplifies assembly, modification, and maintenance work on the proposed system, particularly since the machining units with their own machine controls only need to be connected to the centrally controlled conveyor system and no longer require separate conveyor systems assigned to the individual machining units. This greatly facilitates the expansion of the proposed system to include additional machining units or to create a complete system.

[0078] 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 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 from another perspective; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a lens carrier in a top view.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Fig. 1 shows a schematic section of a preferred embodiment of a proposed system 1 for processing, in particular ophthalmic, lenses 2.

[0081] The ophthalmic lens 2 is preferably a spectacle lens, i.e., a lens for eyeglasses. However, it can optionally also be another type of lens, such as a contact lens.

[0082] The ophthalmic lens 2 is preferably made of plastic, but may also be made of glass or another material if necessary.

[0083] The proposed system 1 preferably includes several separate processing devices 3 for the independent processing of the ophthalmic lenses 2.

[0084] As known from EP 2 822 883 B1, the system 1 can have several separate processing devices 3, such as for blocking, for shaping, in particular machining, for polishing, for testing or measuring, for marking, as well as for cleaning and coating ophthalmic lenses 2.

[0085] As further known from EP 2 822 883 B1, 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.

[0086] How Fig. 1As 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.

[0087] The conveyance of ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 onto the conveying device 4 can be carried out, as known from EP 2 822 883 B1, 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 discharge station (not shown).

[0088] The conveying device 4 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) at least one conveyor belt 6, 6' has several, in particular two, transport lanes T1, T2.

[0092] The conveying direction of conveyor belts 6, 6' is in Fig. 1 and 2Each is indicated by an arrow F1 or F2. The conveying direction of the transport tracks T1, T2 is therefore preferably determined by the conveying direction of the conveyor belts 6, 6'.

[0093] Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment of the proposed system 1, the second conveyor belt 6' conveys the material, and thus the transport track T2, in the same direction as the first conveyor belt 6 or the first transport track T1.

[0094] However, other constructive solutions are also possible here.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The processing equipment 3 can therefore be positioned directly on the conveyor system 4 or on the transport track T1.

[0098] 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 transport track T1.

[0099] 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 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.

[0100] 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 measuring devices such as stop devices 31 and / or sensors 32, can be accommodated.

[0101] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows several stopping devices 31 in the form of singulation units. 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 transport track T1 in the area of ​​the processing units 3, especially for loading and unloading the processing units 3 with ophthalmic lenses 2, as well as on both transport tracks T1 and T2 in front of a sliding device 10. Preferably, the stopping devices 31 are located in front of the respective sliding devices 10 with respect to the conveying direction F1, F2, preferably at a distance from the sliding device 10 or from each other, in particular at least one length of the lens carrier 5.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.

[0102] The proposed system 1 preferably includes sensors 32, such as light sensors, in particular for detecting the presence and position of lenses 2 or lens carriers 5, and / or barcode readers, in particular for identifying ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5.

[0103] In the illustration example, the conveyor belts 6, 6', which in particular each form a transport track T1, T2, are driven by a common drive system 7 ( Fig. 2), preferably such that the two conveyor belts 6, 6' or the transport tracks T1, T2 rotate in the same direction, particularly at the same speed. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this is achieved by a drive shaft connecting the two conveyor belts 6, 6' to each other in a manner known per se.

[0104] Another variant of the conveying device 4 of the proposed Annex 1 provides that the two conveyor belts 6, 6' of the conveying device 4 are driven by two separate drive systems 7, 7' or preferably by a common drive system 7 with a planetary gearbox. This allows, in particular, variations in the rotational speed of the conveyor belts 6, 6' or the transport tracks T1, T2. For example, it is conceivable to select 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 when there is a high volume of lens carriers 5 or to enable a higher throughput. Opposing conveying directions F1 and F2 are also conceivable in such an embodiment.

[0105] In a further embodiment, the conveying device 4 of the proposed Annex 1 can also (only) comprise a conveyor belt 6, which is divided into two separate areas, i.e. two transport lanes T1 and T2, and a drive system 7.

[0106] 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'. Particularly preferably, each conveyor belt 6, 6' is bounded by two guide rails 8.

[0107] 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.

[0108] Furthermore, how from Fig. 1As can be seen, the proposed system 1 features sliding devices 10, which are preferably arranged between the machining units 3. Sliding devices 10 are particularly preferably arranged between all adjacent machining units 3. However, embodiments are also possible in which sliding devices 10 are arranged not between all, but only between some of the machining units 3. Optionally, the sliding devices 10 can also be assigned to a machining unit 3, in particular, directly or indirectly adjacent to a machining unit.

[0109] In the illustration 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'.

[0110] The sliding devices 10 preferably serve for the, in particular as required, transport of the lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 from one transport track T1, T2 to the other and / or from one conveyor belt 6, 6' to the other, in particular transverse to the conveying direction F1, F2.

[0111] 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.

[0112] For simplicity, the directions R1, R2 are in Fig. 1The 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.

[0113] Furthermore, the sliding devices 10 are designed for the required receipt and temporary intermediate storage of the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5.

[0114] Preferably, the proposed system 1 includes an intermediate plate 9, particularly in the area of ​​the sliding devices 10 between the conveyor belts 6, 6'. 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.

[0115] Furthermore, in the area of ​​sliding devices 10, in particular in the area of ​​the intermediate plate 9, recesses or openings of 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.

[0116] The intermediate plate 9 is particularly favorably positioned, as shown in Fig. 3The intermediate plate 9 is recognizable as being higher than the conveyor belts 6, 6' themselves 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', in turn, 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.

[0117] The transport 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 occur both between two spaced-apart conveyor belts 6, 6', which are connected to each other in particular 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.

[0118] 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'.

[0119] As in Fig. 3As can be seen, the sliding device 10 preferably has a fork 11, in particular with two side elements 11a, 11b. In the illustrated example, the side elements 11a, 11b are preferably integrally connected to a holding surface 12.

[0120] In the illustrated example, the sliding device 10 preferably has a vertical stopper cylinder 13, which is in particular recessed into the holding surface 12. The stopper cylinder 13 is particularly preferably designed as a pneumatic cylinder.

[0121] The stopper cylinder 13 is preferably designed to stop the lens carrier 5, particularly when the conveyor belt 6, 6' is running. As in particular Fig. 4As can be seen, the stopper cylinder 13 in the illustration has an extendable piston 13a. When the piston 13a is extended vertically 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. When the piston 13a is in its retracted position, the lens carrier 5 can continue to move on the conveyor 4 or the conveyor belts 6, 6'.

[0122] Furthermore, Fig. 3 It can be seen that the holding surface 12 of the fork 11 or the fork 11 is connected, in particular via a mounting bracket 14, to a driver 15, preferably in the form of a slide.

[0123] The carrier 15 serves in particular to carry the fork 11 and thus to transport the lens carrier 5 laterally from one transport track T1, T2 to the other.

[0124] Preferably the driver 15 is arranged to be linearly movable, in particular on a transfer cylinder 17.

[0125] The transfer cylinder 17 is preferably designed as a linear drive, in particular as a pneumatic cylinder.

[0126] 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.

[0127] The 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.

[0128] In the illustrated example, the lateral conveyance of the fork 11 is achieved in particular via the linear drive of the transfer cylinder 17. The, in particular linear, displacement or movement of the fork 11 or the slide 16 along the guide or rail 19 enables a particularly reliable and targeted lateral conveyance of the fork 11 or the lens carrier 5. The two linear guide components, i.e., the transfer cylinder 17 on the one hand and the guide or rail 19 on the other, ensure particularly stable lateral conveyance.

[0129] According to a further feasible aspect of the present invention, 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 enters the fork 11, the lens carrier 5 is stopped by the lowered piston 13a of the stopper cylinder 13. 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 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 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 piston 13a of the stopper cylinder 13 rises, such that the lens carrier 5 can pass through the 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.

[0130] Optionally, the fork 11 can pass directly through the lens carrier 5 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.

[0131] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6show a further embodiment of a sliding device 20 of the proposed Annex 1.

[0132] The sliding device 20 preferably has a fork 21, in particular with two side elements 21a, 21b. In the illustrated example, the side elements 21a, 21b are preferably integrally connected to an (upper) holding surface 24. In the illustrated example, the sliding device 20 has a vertical lifting cylinder 23, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, which is preferably embedded in the (upper) holding surface 24 and whose lower end is preferably attached to the lower holding surface 22.

[0133] According to a particularly preferred feasible aspect of the present invention, the fork 21 of the sliding device 20 is adjustable in height, in particular along the arrow H.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] If the lifting cylinder 23 is in the lower holding surface 22 in the not raised state, the lens carrier 5 is stopped by the holding arm 25 when the conveyor belts 6, 6' are running, while the lens carrier 5 can continue to run with the conveying device 4 or the conveyor belts 6, 6' when the lifting cylinder 23, which is connected to the fork 21 via the upper holding surface 24, is raised along the piston 23a.

[0138] The lateral movement of the ophthalmic lenses 2 or lens carriers 5 is carried out in the same way in the case of the sliding device 20 as in the case of the sliding device 10 (so).

[0139] A particular advantage of the sliding device 20, and especially of the preferably height-adjustable fork 21 of the sliding device 20, is that the lens carrier 5 can be quickly removed from the sliding device 20 or transported along 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.

[0140] The 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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 I 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.

[0146] Another feasible aspect of the present invention 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.

[0147] Preferably, the width of a transport track T1, T2 corresponds at least to the width b of a lens carrier 5.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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'.

[0153] 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'.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] Furthermore, known embodiments, particularly stackable ones such as double trays, of the lens carrier 5 can also be used. In the case of stacked lens carriers 5, it is advantageous to take their height into account. This can be achieved, for example, by raising or lowering the conveyor 4 or the processing devices 3 by the respective height of the additional lens carrier 5. Reference symbol list

[0157] 1 Attachment 21 height-adjustable fork 2 ophthalmic lens 21a, 21b Side elements of the fork 21 3 Processing equipment 22 Holding surface 4 Funding institution 23 Lifting cylinder 5 Lens wearer 24 upper holding surface of the fork 21 6, 6' conveyor belt 7, 7' drive system 25 Support arm 8 Guideposts 9 intermediate plate 31 Stop device 9a, 9b Edge chamfers of the intermediate plate 9 32 sensor 10 Sliding device 41 Recording area 11 Fork 42 profile 11a, 11b Side elements of the fork 11 12 Holding surface F1 Conveyor direction along T1 13 Stop cylinder F2 Conveyor direction along T2 13a Pistons of 13 H Arrow H 14 Mounting bracket R1, R2 Directions perpendicular to the conveying direction 15 drive 16 Sleds T1 first transport lane 17 Transfer cylinder T2 second transport lane 18 carrier a Distance between the recording positions 41 of the lens carrier 5 18a Underside of the carrier 18 19 rail b Width of the lens carrier 5 20 Sliding device with height-adjustable fork 21 l Length of the lens carrier 5

Claims

1. Installation (1) for processing ophthalmic lenses (2), in particular for spectacles, with a plurality of, in particular separate, processing devices (3) for independent processing of the ophthalmic lenses (2), with a conveying device (4) connecting the processing devices (3) to one another for transporting the ophthalmic lenses (2) and / or lens carriers (5) 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 for conveying of the ophthalmic lenses (2) and / or lens carriers (5) from one processing device (3) to the next and a second, in particular parallel, transport track (T2) serves for parallel conveying of the ophthalmic lenses (2) and / or lens carriers (5); with transfer devices for transporting the ophthalmic lenses (2) and / or lens carriers (5) as required from one transport track (T1, T2) to the other transversely to the conveying direction (F1, F2), for temporary reception / intermediate storage as required as well as for further conveying of the ophthalmic lenses (2) and / or lens carriers (5) as required, wherein the conveying device (4) comprises at least one continuous conveyor belt (6), wherein at least one drive system (7) is provided for the at least one conveyor belt (6), characterized in that each processing device (3) is directly adjacent to the first transport track (T1), in that each transfer device is designed as a pushing device (10, 20) in order to push the ophthalmic lenses (2) and / or lens carriers (5) transversely to the conveying direction (F1, F2) from one transport track (T1, T2) to the other, and in that the pushing device (10, 20) comprises a fork (11, 21) which is moveable transversely to the conveying direction (F1, F2).

2. Installation (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pushing device (10, 20) comprises a linear drive for transverse conveying of the fork (11, 21).

3. Installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fork (11, 21) of the pushing device (10, 20) is moveable in both directions (R1, R2) transversely to the conveying direction (F1, F2).

4. Installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pushing device (10, 20) is arranged on the conveying device (4) and / or on a processing device (3).

5. Installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (4) comprises a conveyor belt (6) with two transport tracks (T1, T2) and a common drive system (7).

6. Installation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the conveying device (4) comprises two separate conveyor belts (6, 6') which each form the transport tracks (T1, T2).

7. Installation (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the conveying device (4) comprises a common drive system (7) for driving the separate conveyor belts (6, 6').

8. Installation (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the conveying device (4) comprises one drive system (7, 7') per conveyor belt (6, 6').

9. Installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that each pushing device (10, 20) is assigned an intermediate plate (9) arranged between the conveyor belts (6, 6').

10. Installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that guide bars (8), in particular for guiding the ophthalmic lenses (2) and / or lens carriers (5) parallel to the conveying direction (F1, F2), are provided at the edges of the conveyor belts (6, 6').

11. Installation (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that recesses of the guide bars (8) are provided in the region of the pushing devices (10, 20) and / or in the region of the intermediate plate (9).

Images