Machine and method for cleaning lenses, like eyeglass lenses

Abstract

To provide a machine and a method which allow for efficient and secure as well as easy cleaning of lenses, irrespective of their shape.SOLUTION: A machine 1 includes a handling unit 2 that carries and transfers a lens L to be cleaned along a processing path P, and at least one processing unit 3, 4, 5 having processing chambers 30, 40, 50 for processing the lens L carried by the handling unit 2 at a processing position W along the processing path P, the processing unit being constituted by a cleaning unit having cleaning chambers for cleaning the lens L carried by the handling unit 2. The at least one processing unit is arranged such that it can be moved along a movement path M between a retracted position in which the lens L carried by the handling unit is able to be transferred by the handling unit along the processing path from end to end outside and relative to the processing unit and a receiving position in which the lens is received in the processing chamber at the processing position W.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for cleaning lenses, such as eyeglass lenses and other types of optical lenses, and to a method for cleaning such lenses. [Background technology]

[0002] The production of optical lenses, such as, but not limited to, eyeglass lenses, is typically carried out in several steps in an optical manufacturing facility. During the manufacturing process, these lenses may accumulate dust, particles, and residue that may affect their optical properties. Cleaning helps to remove these contaminants and ensures that the lenses are clean before proceeding to the next manufacturing step. Different cleaning methods are known, such as ultrasonic cleaning, solvent cleaning, brushing, and rinsing with specialized solvents.

[0003] Each lens also needs to be inspected to assess the quality of the optical surface, the clarity and transmission of the material, and the accuracy of its optical parameters. Various methods exist to inspect each lens for imperfections, irregularities, or defects that may affect the functionality of the lens, including visual inspection, automated optical inspection, and specialized equipment such as interferometers. Ideally, such inspections are carried out at different stages during production in order to identify any impacting issues as early as possible and maintain the required quality standards.

[0004] To remove dust and residue from lenses resulting from any of the various manufacturing processes, existing technology provides machines designed like long tunnels, with multiple cleaning stations aligned along a main conveyor belt. Soiled lenses are typically transported by conveying means to a washer and then placed onto the main conveyor belt either by automated arms or manually. Each cleaning station typically performs a different cleaning process, using chemical, mechanical, thermal, ultrasonic, etc. When the lenses emerge from the downstream end of the machine, the cleaning process is complete and they are returned to the conveying means.

[0005] The slow movement of the main conveyor through the different cleaning stations determines the overall power capability of the system. Typically, each lens has two opposing surfaces that must be cleaned simultaneously. This allows the main conveyor to contact only the minimum support area of the lens, leaving both surfaces exposed as much as possible.

[0006] After the lenses leave the cleaning equipment, they are transported, for example, on a conveyor, to another processing stage. For example, the lenses may be transported to another inspection station where they may be inspected to assess the quality of the optical surface, the clarity and transmittance of the material, and the accuracy of the optical parameters. This inspection may be performed by automated machines or by a human operator, utilizing specially designed lighting devices that highlight imperfections and help distinguish dust and other moving objects from genuine scratches or material contamination.

[0007] Typical trunk conveyors, with very basic and minimal holding devices, can only stably handle raw lenses with large optical surface diameters and curvature-to-thickness ratios. This limits the application of such devices to the early machining stages before machining, or at least before the lens edging process. Specifically, once the lens surface machining is complete, the final machining stage is edging, which fits the lens into the eyeglass frame in which it will be installed. In particular, with eyeglass lenses, the shape of the edged lens varies greatly based on customer preferences and fashion trends. Attempting to use raw lens conveying technology for edged lenses has proven problematic due to the high rate of lens spoilage during lens transport through the various cleaning stages.

[0008] Additionally, known trunk conveyor transport systems move slowly through different cleaning stations, resulting in the transfer of cleaning fluids from one processing station to the next, creating contamination that requires dedicated purification facilities to maintain the consistency of the chemical composition of each fluid used at different stages. Furthermore, openings in the compartments through which the conveyor system passes are rarely adequately sealed, requiring lateral passage of the lenses and their containing equipment. This further increases the spread of contamination from one compartment to another. While this problem can be solved with existing systems by increasing the spacing between adjacent processing stations, this results in relatively long machines that are expensive, space-consuming, and energy-intensive. Other trunk conveyor systems exist that transfer lenses horizontally and subsequently move them vertically into adjacent compartments. However, this requires a fairly complex, expensive, and inflexible trunk conveyor system.

[0009] Final quality inspection is typically performed on a separate machine or location, often requiring the tedious process of transferring lenses from one conveyor to another using the aforementioned transport means. This requires additional lens handling, which requires more handling equipment, increasing costs and the risk of damaging the lenses during handling. Additionally, handling lenses multiple times, whether manually or automatically, can contaminate the lenses, making it difficult to identify true defects during the inspection process and ignoring dust accumulation on the lenses. Especially in the case of manual inspection, operators attempting to remove dust from lenses, for example with an air gun, cloth, or other mechanical means, can even scratch the lenses during quality inspection, potentially increasing the number of defective units. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a machine and method that allows for efficient, reliable and easy cleaning of lenses, such as spectacle lenses and other types of optical lenses, preferably regardless of the shape of the lens. Preferably, inspection of machine-processed (e.g., edged) and cleaned lenses should be simplified and improved.

[0011] These objects are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims expand upon the main goal of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a machine for cleaning lenses, such as eyeglass lenses or other types of optical lenses. The machine includes a handling unit that holds and transports lenses to be cleaned along a processing path. The machine includes at least one processing unit having a processing chamber for processing the lenses held in the handling unit at processing locations along the processing path. At least one of the processing units includes (at least one) cleaning unit having as its processing chamber a cleaning chamber for cleaning the lenses held in the handling unit. At least one of the processing units is mounted to be movable along a movement path between a waiting position where the lens held in the handling unit can be transported by the handling unit from end to end along the processing path, externally relative to at least one of the processing units, and a receiving position where the lens held in the handling unit can be received in the processing chamber at the processing location so that the lens can be processed (e.g., cleaned).

[0013] The machine according to the present invention is designed such that the processing section performs (at least part of) the aforementioned movement of the lens relative to the processing chamber. Therefore, the handling section can be simplified. This arrangement also allows the processing section and the processing chamber to be separated relatively easily, reducing the risk of potential cross-contamination. The integration of the handling section with the movable processing section(s) ensures that the cleaning process is directly linked to the transport mechanism and, preferably, to the potential placement mechanism. This linkage ensures precise movement and positioning of the lens during processing (including cleaning), thereby reducing the margin of error and ensuring thorough and consistent cleaning results. This results in efficient, easy, and reliable cleaning.

[0014] The handling section may comprise a conveyor adapted to move in a conveying direction along the processing path, so that a general type of handling section can be used and set in a defined conveying direction for precise transfer and handling of lenses.

[0015] The conveyor may be a circulating conveyor with a closed-loop processing path, which allows for a compact arrangement of the machine, preferably realised using conventional means.

[0016] The handling station can be comprised of at least one holding device that grips (e.g., clamps) the lens, preferably by its periphery, so that the lens is held and transported along the processing path for processing in the processing chamber. Such holding devices for gripping a lens are structurally simple yet highly efficient for handling lenses. Thus, the handling station can be simplified while still being able to accurately handle the lens throughout processing.

[0017] The holding tool may be connected to the conveyor and moved along the processing path, thus allowing the machine to have a low complexity functional arrangement yet be easily provided to follow the path and transport the lenses efficiently.

[0018] The holding device protrudes toward the associated processing unit at the processing position, preferably protruding vertically downward toward the associated processing unit. Therefore, the handling unit can easily transport the lens to the processing position, and at that position, the processing unit can be easily and simply moved along a movement path to receive the lens therein. This simplifies processing and simplifies the layout and function of the machine. When the holding device protrudes vertically downward, the lens faces downward toward the processing unit or processing chamber, effectively catching any drips of cleaning fluid and improving the cleanliness of the entire process. Since the lens is effectively positioned at the top of the processing unit or processing chamber at the processing position, cross-contamination with other processing units can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, the processing unit or processing chamber can easily move up and down to receive the lens, allowing for simple movement.

[0019] The holding device may be movably mounted at least at the processing position to approach the associated processing unit and place the lens held by the holding device into the associated processing chamber of the processing unit at the receiving position. Thus, the holding device may be movable toward the processing chamber and moved along the movement path, minimizing each movement while the combined movement as a whole remains effective to easily receive the lens into the processing chamber. Thus, the handling unit may assist the processing unit in function of the required movement capabilities.

[0020] The receiving position is preferably closer to the handling unit than the waiting position, and more preferably closer to the associated processing position. Therefore, the lens can be easily handled and transported from the waiting position to the receiving position, while the proximity of the processing unit when moving the lens to the receiving position allows the lens to be easily received in the processing chamber for processing, i.e., at least for cleaning, the lens. Furthermore, the handling unit can be made compact.

[0021] The path of movement is preferably a translational path of movement, so that the machine can be designed in a simple manner, requiring only a single linear translational movement, and therefore the respective actuators can also be provided in a simple manner.

[0022] The movement path may extend substantially vertically, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination and allows for a compact machine layout, since the processing unit is always positioned vertically above, or alternatively, more preferably below, the lens in the standby position.

[0023] The (at least one) cleaning unit may be configured with (at least one) cleaning unit for cleaning the lens (preferably at a cleaning position as the associated processing position), thus enabling effective cleaning of the lens. The cleaning unit may be configured with a cleaning chamber as the cleaning chamber.

[0024] The cleaning unit may be configured with a cleaning member for chemically and / or mechanically cleaning the lens in the cleaning chamber or the cleaning chamber, and therefore the machine may use a cleaning means for easily and effectively cleaning the lens.

[0025] The cleaning member may consist of a brushing implement for mechanically cleaning the lenses in the cleaning chamber (i.e., washing chamber), thus providing a highly effective brushing implement.

[0026] The brushing implement may be a brush rotatably mounted around a rotation axis for cleaning the lens surface (i.e., of the lens) placed in the cleaning chamber or cleaning area of the washing chamber, and the brush can very effectively clean the lens.

[0027] The rotation axis is preferably tiltable about a tilt axis to change the orientation of the brush relative to the cleaning area. Therefore, cleaning with the brush can be even more effective. The tilt axis is preferably oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis, which simplifies the relative movement of the brush and allows for effective cleaning even while the brush is moving (i.e., tilting) relative to the cleaning area. Therefore, even hard-to-reach areas (e.g., areas close to the contact areas of a holder or holding device that holds / holds / grabs / clamps the lens during cleaning) can be effectively cleaned.

[0028] The machine may be configured with a plurality of the processing sections, each movable between an associated waiting position and an associated processing position, so that the machine can provide as many processing sections as needed to process the lenses in the same efficient and effective manner.

[0029] A plurality of the processing sections may be arranged preferably in a row, more preferably next to each other in a row, so that the machine can be arranged compactly while still allowing efficient processing of the lenses.

[0030] The plurality of treatment stations can be made up of a plurality of cleaning stations, thereby improving cleaning quality as needed.

[0031] The plurality of cleaning stations may preferably consist of the cleaning station or a plurality of cleaning stations as described herein above, so that said cleaning can be improved as needed.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of cleaning stations may (further) comprise at least one rinse station for rinsing the (preferably cleaned) lenses (preferably at a rinse station as the associated processing station), so that the lenses can be effectively freed from any residues, even cleaning fluids, of the cleaning process, thereby increasing the cleanliness of the cleaned lenses.

[0033] The washing unit may preferably be configured with a washing member, such as a liquid nozzle, that applies liquid (for example, a liquid jet) to the lens, thereby enabling easy and effective washing.

[0034] Preferably, said plurality of cleaning stations alternatively or additionally (further) comprises at least one drying or blowing station (preferably in a drying or blowing station as the associated processing station) for drying or blowing said (e.g. cleaned, preferably also rinsed) lenses, thus removing any liquid residues and / or hard particles (such as dust), thereby eliminating potential cross-contamination and increasing the purity and cleanliness of said cleaned lenses.

[0035] The drying or blowing section may preferably comprise a drying or blowing member, such as a (drying or blowing) nozzle, which applies a fluid (e.g. a fluid jet, preferably a gaseous fluid or air (jet)) to the lens, thus providing a simple and effective means of drying and / or blowing the lens, thereby improving the cleanliness of the cleaned lens.

[0036] The plurality of processing sections may further comprise at least one inspection section for inspecting the cleaned lens L at an inspection position as an associated processing location. Thus, even the inspection process can be integrated into a compact and efficient arrangement of each movable processing section. Alternatively or additionally, the machine may further comprise at least one or more additional processing sections, each comprising at least one inspection section for inspecting the cleaned lens L at an inspection position along the processing path, preferably downstream of the cleaning section(s). Thus, since inspection can be performed remotely from each movable processing section, inspection functions can be positioned as desired within the machine, preferably allowing the machine to be positioned more compactly, and preferably also allowing highly accurate inspection to be performed at the desired location.

[0037] Integrating the transfer, cleaning, and inspection functions into a single machine simplifies and minimizes the effort required to handle and transition between the different processing stages. This reduces maintenance time and accelerates lens cleaning success. Combining cleaning and inspection within the same machine minimizes the risk of lens contamination, possibly due to the close proximity of cleaning and inspection, and allows for real-time assessment of the lens condition. This immediate feedback loop ensures that any residue or defects are quickly identified and addressed, maintaining high quality standards. Furthermore, requiring a single machine for these functions saves space, simplifies maintenance logistics, and potentially makes the system more cost-effective by reducing the need for additional equipment and resources. Furthermore, integration into a single machine simplifies the operational interface, making it more intuitive and accessible for technicians and operators. A unified workflow reduces the need for extensive training and facilitates adoption of the technology.

[0038] The at least one inspection unit may comprise at least one optical inspection unit for optically inspecting the lens and / or at least one visual inspection unit for visually inspecting the lens, so that each inspection function can be provided as desired, preferably to achieve any desired quality standard.

[0039] The processing units may be arranged to be independently movable between associated holding and receiving positions, thereby allowing for independent control of each corresponding step, resulting in efficient processing.

[0040] At least some or all of the processing units may be arranged to move in unison between the waiting position and the receiving position, thus simplifying this movement and the corresponding actuation devices, making the processing more efficient and less costly, and the machine more compact and simpler.

[0041] At least one or more processing sections are all located below the handling section, below the processing path, or below at least one or more of the associated processing locations, so that the handling section and processing section are located one above the other, making the overall machine compact, providing easy access for maintenance, and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

[0042] The machine may further comprise a loading section for loading the lenses to be cleaned into the handling section, preferably onto the conveyor or, if present, onto the holding device. The loading section is preferably located along the processing path upstream of at least one of the processing sections. Loading lenses into the machine is therefore simple and preferably easily automated.

[0043] Similarly, the machine may comprise an unloading section for removing the cleaned lenses from the handling section, preferably from the conveyor or the holding device, if present. The unloading section may be located along the processing path downstream of at least one of the processing sections, preferably also downstream of one or more additional processing sections, if present. Thus, unloading the lenses is simple and preferably easily automated.

[0044] The placing section and the unloading section may preferably be provided in the same loading section, and therefore the machine can be made compact while preferably reducing the number of parts, thereby reducing the cost of the machine.

[0045] Preferably, the depositing and / or unloading stations each comprise a handling device for transferring the lenses between respective loading positions (e.g. positions where the lenses are transferred and fed to the machine) and the handling station, preferably the conveyor or the holding device, if present, so that it is easy to deposit and unload the lenses from the handling station.

[0046] The machine may further comprise a positioning unit for orienting the lens to be cleaned (e.g. in a defined / optimized processing direction) before it is received by the handling unit, so that the lens is optimally oriented relative to the handling unit, improving secure and tight holding and reducing the risk of lens damage during handling.

[0047] The positioning unit may preferably comprise a handling device (as described above) adjusted to orient the lens, a scanning unit for determining the actual orientation of the lens, and a control unit for comparing the actual orientation of the lens with the determined processing direction of the lens and controlling the handling device to transport the lens to the handling unit so that the lens is received in the processing direction. Thus, the lens is very efficiently and accurately transported to the handling unit and received there in a desired, preferably optimized, orientation, ensuring that the lens can be transported from one end of the machine to the other.

[0048] The machine may further include a cleaning fluid (e.g., liquid) circulation device having a reservoir for holding a cleaning fluid (e.g., liquid), a circulation path for transporting the cleaning fluid (e.g., liquid) into each cleaning chamber for cleaning the lenses, and preferably also a recirculation path for recirculating the used cleaning fluid (e.g., liquid) from each cleaning chamber. Therefore, cleaning liquids, such as detergents or water, or other cleaning fluids or fluids can be easily supplied to each of the processing sections or chambers. Separate storage means, such as tanks, for storing each of the cleaning fluids (e.g., liquids) may also be provided. The cleaning fluids (e.g., liquids) can be circulated using a conventional pump, such as a peristaltic pump or a centrifugal pump. As previously mentioned, the cleaning fluid or liquid candidate may be detergents, water, or other fluids or liquids. The circulation path and / or the recirculation path may be configured with a filtration means for removing unwanted contaminants, such as debris. The filtration means may be configured with a coarse filtration means and / or a fine filtration means, as desired. The machine may further comprise heating means for applying heat to the cleaning fluid or liquid as desired.

[0049] The machine further comprises a main frame that holds the handling unit and at least one of the processing units, and therefore the arrangement of the machine can be simplified and each unit can be easily supported and positioned relative to each other, allowing for easy and stable assembly and use.

[0050] The machine may be a stand-alone machine, which allows it to be easily shipped and installed, for example, in a given factory, as desired.

[0051] According to another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for cleaning lenses, such as eyeglass lenses or other types of optical lenses, comprising the following steps, preferably in the order listed: In a first step, a machine of the present invention is provided as described hereinabove; In a second step, a lens is received by the handling unit that holds the lens; In a third step, the lens is transported by the handling unit along the processing path to the processing position; In a fourth step, the cleaning unit is moved from the waiting position to the receiving position to receive the lens at the processing position of the cleaning chamber; In a fifth step, the lens is cleaned in the cleaning chamber; In a sixth step, the cleaning unit is moved from the receiving position to the waiting position to release the lens from the cleaning chamber at the processing position; In an optional seventh step, additional processing steps can be performed; In a first optional step, the lens is transported by the handling unit along the processing path to another processing position or to the inspection position. In an optional second optional step, the associated processing unit, preferably another one of the cleaning units or the inspection unit, can be moved from the associated waiting position to the associated receiving position to receive the lens at the other processing position of the associated processing chamber. In an optional third step, the lens is processed, preferably cleaned and / or inspected, in the associated processing unit, preferably the associated processing chamber. In an optional fourth optional step, the associated processing unit is moved from the associated receiving position to the associated waiting position to release the lens at the other processing position from the associated processing chamber. In an optional fifth optional step, at least the first optional step and the third optional step, preferably all steps from the first optional step to the fourth optional step, can be repeated as desired, preferably according to the number of processing units arranged consecutively along the processing path. In an eighth step, the lens is released from the handling unit, e.g., for further processing as desired.

[0052] Therefore, the advantages of the machine described above allow for an efficient and effective process as described, thereby increasing the purity and cleaning of the lenses in a simple manner.

[0053] According to another aspect, the present invention is directed to a single-operation machine for cleaning lenses, such as eyeglass lenses or other types of optical lenses. The single-operation machine comprises a handling unit, preferably such as the handling unit described herein above, for holding and transporting lenses to be cleaned along a processing path. The single-operation machine further comprises (at least one) cleaning unit, preferably such as the cleaning unit(s) described herein above, having a cleaning chamber for cleaning the lens(es) held in the handling unit at a cleaning position along the processing path. The single-operation machine further comprises (at least one) inspection unit, preferably such as any one of the inspection units described herein above, for inspecting the cleaned lenses held in the handling unit at an inspection position along the processing path downstream from the cleaning position. The single-operation machine may be any of the machines described herein above.

[0054] Consolidating the transfer, cleaning, and inspection functions into a single machine simplifies and minimizes the effort required to handle and transition between the different processing stages. This reduces maintenance time and accelerates lens cleaning success. Combining cleaning and inspection within the same machine minimizes the risk of lens contamination, possibly due to the close proximity of cleaning and inspection, and allows for real-time assessment of the lens condition. This immediate feedback loop ensures that any residue or defects are quickly identified and addressed, maintaining high quality standards. Furthermore, requiring a single standalone machine for these functions saves space, simplifies maintenance logistics, and potentially makes the system more cost-effective by reducing the need for additional equipment and resources. Furthermore, consolidation into a single standalone machine simplifies the operational interface, making it clearer and more accessible to technicians and operators. A unified workflow reduces the need for extensive training and facilitates adoption of the technology. Furthermore, a standalone machine can be easily shipped to a given factory and (re)located and installed at a desired location, as desired.

[0055] The cleaning unit may comprise (at least one) cleaning unit, preferably a cleaning unit such as the cleaning unit described herein above, for cleaning the lenses at a cleaning position associated with the processing position, thus allowing for effective cleaning of the lenses. The cleaning unit may comprise a cleaning chamber, such as the cleaning chamber.

[0056] The cleaning unit may consist of a cleaning member, preferably a cleaning member like the cleaning unit described herein above, for chemically and / or mechanically cleaning the lens in the cleaning chamber or in the cleaning chamber. Hence, the machine may use an effective cleaning means for easily and effectively cleaning the lens.

[0057] The cleaning member may consist of a brushing device, preferably a brushing device such as the brushing devices described herein above, for mechanically cleaning the lenses in the cleaning chamber (i.e. washing chamber), thus providing a highly effective brushing device.

[0058] The brushing device may consist of a brush, preferably a brush such as those described herein above, which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation and which cleans the lens surfaces (i.e. of the lenses) placed in a cleaning area, for example in the cleaning or washing chamber, such that the cleaning of the lenses can be performed very effectively.

[0059] The rotation axis may preferably be tiltable about a tilt axis to change the orientation of the brush relative to the cleaning area. Therefore, cleaning using the brush may be even more effective. The tilt axis is preferably oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis, which simplifies the relative movement of the brush and allows for effective cleaning even while the brush is moving (i.e., tilting) relative to the cleaning area. Therefore, the brush may effectively clean even hard-to-reach areas (e.g., areas close to the contact areas of a holder or holding device that holds / holds / grabs / clamps the lens during cleaning).

[0060] The single-acting machine can be configured with a number of the cleaning units, so that cleaning can be improved as efficiently as needed.

[0061] The cleaning stations may consist of the cleaning station or a plurality of cleaning stations as described herein above, so that the cleaning can be improved as needed.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of cleaning units may (further) comprise at least one rinse unit for rinsing the (preferably cleaned) lenses held in the handling unit (preferably at a rinse station, preferably downstream of the cleaning station and preferably upstream of the inspection station along the processing path as the associated cleaning station), so that the lenses can be effectively freed from any residue, even cleaning fluid, of the cleaning process, thereby increasing the purity of the cleaned lenses.

[0063] The washing unit may preferably be configured with a washing member such as a liquid nozzle that applies liquid (e.g., a liquid jet) to the lens, thereby enabling easy and effective washing.

[0064] Preferably, the plurality of cleaning stations (further) alternatively or additionally comprise at least one drying or blowing station for drying or blowing the (e.g. washed, preferably also rinsed) lenses held in the handling station at a drying or blowing station associated with the cleaning station, preferably downstream of the cleaning station and preferably downstream of the rinsing station, if present, and preferably upstream of the inspection station along the processing path, thus removing any liquid residues and / or hard particles (such as dust) and thereby eliminating potential cross-contamination and improving the purity and cleanliness of the cleaned lenses.

[0065] The drying or blowing section may preferably comprise a drying or blowing member, such as a (drying or blowing) nozzle, that applies a fluid (e.g. a fluid jet, preferably a gaseous fluid or air (jet)) to the lens, thus providing a simple and effective means for drying and / or blowing the lens, thereby improving the cleanliness of the cleaned lens.

[0066] The single operating machine can preferably be configured with a number of the inspection stations, so that the cleaned lenses can be inspected most precisely as desired, for example to meet any desired quality standards.

[0067] The at least one or more inspection units may comprise at least one optical inspection unit for optically inspecting the lens and / or at least one visual inspection unit for visually inspecting the lens, so that each inspection function can be provided as needed, preferably to achieve any desired quality standard.

[0068] According to another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for cleaning lenses, such as eyeglass lenses or other types of optical lenses, preferably comprising the following steps, preferably in the order listed: In a first step, a single-operation machine as described herein above is provided; In a second step, a lens is received in the handling unit, preferably in a loading position, for holding the lens; In a third step, the lens is transported by the handling unit along the processing path to the cleaning position; In a fourth step, the lens is cleaned, preferably washed, in the cleaning position, preferably the washing position, of the cleaning chamber; According to an optional fifth step, the lens is first transported by the handling unit along the processing path to the rinsing position, after which the lens is rinsed by the rinsing unit at the rinsing position; According to an optional sixth step, the lens is first transported by the handling unit along the processing path to the drying or blowing position, after which the lens is dried or blown by the drying or blowing unit at the drying or blowing position. According to an optional seventh step, the (cleaned, preferably washed, more preferably also rinsed and / or dried or blown) lens is transported by the handling unit along the processing path to the inspection position. In an eighth step, the lens is inspected by the inspection unit at the inspection position. In a ninth step, the cleaned and inspected lens is released from the handling unit, preferably at an unloading position downstream of the inspection position.

[0069] With the method described, a combination of cleaning and inspection functions can be easily, effectively and efficiently achieved in the same single-operation machine, and all the advantages of the single-operation machine as described herein above also apply to the method.

[0070] According to another aspect, the present invention is directed to a brushing device for mechanically cleaning lenses, such as eyeglass lenses or other types of optical lenses, preferably such as the brushing device described herein above, comprising a brush rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation for cleaning a lens surface (i.e., of said lens) placed in a cleaning area, said axis of rotation being tiltable about a tilt axis in order to change the orientation of said brush relative to said cleaning area.

[0071] The brushing implement of the present invention makes cleaning the lens easy and effective, and even easier and more effective, since the tilting function increases the direction of the brushing action relative to the cleaning area, and thus the lens to be cleaned. Therefore, even areas that are difficult for the brush to reach (e.g., areas close to the contact areas of the holding part or holding implement that holds / holds / grabs / clamps the lens during cleaning) can be effectively cleaned.

[0072] The tilt axis may be oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis, thereby simplifying the relative movement of the brushes and allowing for effective cleaning even when the brushes are moving (i.e. tilting) relative to one another during cleaning.

[0073] According to another aspect, the present invention is also directed to a brushing device comprising the just-described brushing implement, further comprising a cleaning chamber, in which the brush is mounted rotatably about the rotation axis and tiltably about the tilt axis for cleaning lenses received in the cleaning chamber in the cleaning area.

[0074] It is therefore possible to provide a compact and highly effective brushing device for very precise cleaning.

[0075] According to another aspect, the present invention is also directed to a machine for cleaning lenses, such as eyeglass lenses or other types of optical lenses, said machine comprising the brushing device just described, and further comprising a handling section for holding the lenses to be cleaned and transporting them along a processing path to a cleaning or washing position where they are cleaned by the brushing implement in said cleaning chamber.

[0076] The machine just described allows for compact, effective and efficient cleaning of lenses, and may be, for example, any of the machines described herein above.

[0077] According to another aspect, the present invention is also directed to a method for cleaning lenses, such as eyeglass lenses or other types of optical lenses. The method comprises the following steps, preferably in the order listed: In an optional first step, the just-described machine is provided; In an optional second step, the lens is received in the handling unit that holds the lens; In an optional third step, the lens is transported by the handling unit along the processing path to the cleaning or washing position; In a fourth step, the lens (the lens surface) is cleaned, preferably at the cleaning or washing position, by the brushing device of the present invention (e.g., in the cleaning chamber), the brush being rotated about the rotation axis and optionally tilted about the tilt axis (i.e., during cleaning); In an optional fifth step, the cleaned lens is released from the handling unit.

[0078] Before and / or after cleaning the lens, additional processing steps may be performed as desired.

[0079] Therefore, a very precise, effective and efficient cleaning method can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0080] Further advantages and embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic, partially cross-sectional side view of a machine according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the processing sections in standby position; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic, partially cross-sectional side view of a machine according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the processing sections in the receiving position; FIG. [Figure 3] A detailed view of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holding implement of the machine of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the holding device of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is another side view of the holding device of FIG. 4. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view of the brushing implement of the machine of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the brush having two different working positions and tilt directions, respectively indicated by solid and dotted lines; [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the brushing implement of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 12 is another side view of the brushing implement of FIG. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0081] The figures show a machine 1 according to the invention for cleaning lenses L, such as spectacle lenses or other types of optical lenses, preferably edged lenses L, and the components of this machine 1. The machine 1 may preferably be a stand-alone machine 1.

[0082] The machine 1 comprises a handling section 2 for holding and transporting the lenses L to be cleaned along a processing path P (see Figures 1 to 3).

[0083] The handling section 2 may consist of a conveyor 20 adapted to move in a conveying direction C along a processing path P (see Figures 1 to 3). The conveyor 20 may be a circulating conveyor having a closed-loop processing path P as shown.

[0084] The machine 1 preferably comprises at least one processing section 3, 4, 5 having processing chambers 30, 40, 50 for processing lenses L held in the handling section 2 at processing positions W along the processing path P (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0085] At least one processing section is preferably configured as a cleaning section 3 having a cleaning chamber 30 as a processing chamber for cleaning the lens L held in the handling section 2 at a cleaning position Wc as a processing position W, for example.

[0086] 2 and 11-13, the (at least one) cleaning unit 3, 4, 5 may preferably be configured with (at least one) cleaning unit 3 for cleaning the lens L at a cleaning position Ww or cleaning position Wc as an associated processing position W. The cleaning unit 3 preferably comprises a cleaning member 7 for chemically and / or mechanically cleaning the lens L in a cleaning chamber 30.

[0087] The cleaning member 7, best seen in Figures 11-13, preferably comprises a brushing device 70 for mechanically cleaning the lenses L, preferably in the cleaning chamber 30. The brushing device 70 is formed as a separate component of the present invention. The brushing device 70 may comprise a brush 71 rotatably mounted about a rotation axis X for cleaning the lens surface S of the lenses L placed in the cleaning area A, preferably in the cleaning chamber 30. The rotation axis X may preferably be tiltable about a tilt axis Y to change the orientation of the brush 71 relative to the cleaning area A. The orientation of the tilt axis Y, best seen in Figure 11, may preferably be perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0088] The handling section 2 may comprise at least one holding device 21 for gripping (e.g. clamping) the lens L, preferably by its (outer) peripheral edge E, so that the lens L may be held and transported along the processing path P for processing in the processing chambers 30, 40, 50. The holding device 21, best seen in Figures 1 to 3, is preferably connected to a conveyor 20 for movement along the processing path P.

[0089] Preferably, at least one processing unit 3, 4, 5 is arranged so as to be movable along a movement path M between a waiting position (see Figure 1) in which the lens L held in the handling unit 2 can be transported by the handling unit 2 from end to end along a processing path P relative to the outside of the at least one processing unit 3, 4, 5, and a receiving position (see Figure 2) in which the lens L held in the handling unit 2 is received in a processing chamber 30, 40, 50 at a processing position W so that the lens L can be processed.

[0090] The holding device 21 can project, as can be clearly derived from Figures 1 and 2, at the processing position W towards the associated processing section 3, 4, 5, preferably vertically downwards as shown.

[0091] The holding device 21 may be movably arranged (not shown) at least at the processing position W to approach the associated processing device 3, 4, 5 and place the lens L held in the holding device 21 into the associated processing chamber 30, 40, 50 of the associated processing device 3, 4, 5, which is in the receiving position.

[0092] The receiving position (see FIG. 2) is preferably closer to the handling station 2 than the waiting position (see FIG. 1), and more preferably closer to the associated processing position W.

[0093] The path of movement M is preferably a translational path of movement, preferably extending substantially vertically, as can be derived from FIGS.

[0094] The machine 1 may comprise a plurality of processing stations 3, 4, 5 (four processing stations are shown in Figures 1 and 2), each movable between an associated holding position (see Figure 1) and an associated receiving position (see Figure 2). The plurality of processing stations 3, 4, 5 are preferably arranged in a row, more preferably side-by-side in a row, as typically shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0095] The plurality of treatment sections 3, 4, 5 preferably comprises a plurality of cleaning sections 3, 4, 5. The plurality of cleaning sections 3, 4, 5 preferably comprises a washing section 3 or a plurality of washing sections 3 (for example, two washing sections 3 are shown in Figures 1 and 2).

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of cleaning units 3, 4, 5 may (further) comprise at least one washing unit 4 for washing the (preferably washed) lens L held in the handling unit 2 at an associated processing position W, such as a washing position Wr or a cleaning position Wc, preferably downstream of the cleaning position Ww (and preferably upstream of an inspection position I as further defined later in this specification) along the processing path P. The washing unit 4 may preferably comprise a washing member such as a (fluid or liquid) nozzle for applying a fluid or liquid (e.g. a fluid or liquid jet) to the lens L in the respective cleaning chamber 40.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of cleaning stations 3, 4, 5 may (further) comprise at least one drying or blowing station 5 for drying or blowing the (preferably cleaned, and more preferably also rinsed) lens L held in the handling station 2 at an associated processing station W, preferably a drying or blowing station Wd or cleaning station Wc, which is preferably downstream of the cleaning station Ww and preferably downstream of the rinsing station Wr (and preferably upstream of the inspection station I as further defined later herein) along the processing path P. The drying or blowing station 5 may preferably comprise a drying or blowing member, such as a (drying or blowing) nozzle, which applies a fluid (jet), preferably a gaseous fluid jet or an air jet, to the lens L.

[0098] The plurality of processing units 3, 4, 5 may further comprise at least one inspection unit for inspecting the cleaned lens L at an inspection position as an associated processing position W. Alternatively or additionally, the machine 1 may also comprise at least one or more further processing units 6 comprising at least one inspection unit 60 for inspecting the cleaned lens L held in the handling unit 2 along the processing path P, preferably at a cleaning position Wc and / or inspection position I downstream of the cleaning unit(s) 3, 4, 5 as can be derived from and shown in Figures 1 and 2. Seven further processing units are shown here, five of which comprise inspection units 6 each.

[0099] The (single operation) machine 1 may comprise multiple inspection units 60.

[0100] At least one or more inspection units 60 may be configured with at least one (here, three) optical inspection units 61 for optically inspecting the lens L, and / or at least one (here, one) visual inspection unit 62 for visually inspecting the lens L.

[0101] 1 and 2, three additional processing sections 6 are shown past the inspection section 60, which may be used as desired or simply left without additional function depending on the given needs.

[0102] The processing units 3, 4, 5 may be arranged to be movable independently of one another between the associated holding and receiving positions, although as shown in Figures 1 and 2, at least some or (here shown representatively) all of the processing units 3, 4, 5 may be arranged to move jointly between the holding position (see Figure 1) and the receiving position (see Figure 2).

[0103] Preferably, at least one or more processing sections 3, 4, 5 may all be located below the handling section 2, below the processing path P, or below at least one or more associated processing positions W, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0104] The machine 1 may further comprise a depositing section 80 for depositing the lenses L to be cleaned in the handling section 2, preferably on the conveyor 20 or the holder 21, if present. The depositing section 80 may be located along the processing path P upstream of at least one processing section 3, 4, 5. The machine 1 may also comprise an unloading section 81 for removing the cleaned lenses L from the handling section 2, preferably from the conveyor 20 or the holder 21, if present. The unloading section 81 is preferably located along the processing path P downstream of at least one processing section 3, 4, 5, and more preferably also downstream of one or more additional processing sections 6, if present (as present here).

[0105] The placement section 80 and the removal section 81 may be provided in the same loading section 8, as shown representatively in FIGS.

[0106] The loading section 80 and / or the unloading section 81 may preferably each be configured with a handling device 83 for transporting the lens L between the respective loading position and the handling section 2, preferably the conveyor 20 or the holding device 21 if present.

[0107] The machine 1 may further comprise a positioning unit 82 for orienting the lens L to be cleaned before it is received in the handling unit 2. The positioning unit 82 may preferably comprise a handling device 83 adjusted to orient the lens L, a scanning unit 84 for determining the actual orientation of the lens L, and a control unit 85 for comparing the actual orientation of the lens with a defined processing direction of the lens L and controlling the handling device 83 to transport the lens L to the handling unit 2 so that the lens L is received in the processing direction.

[0108] The machine 1 may further comprise a cleaning fluid (e.g., liquid) circulation device 9 having a reservoir 90 for holding a cleaning fluid or cleaning liquid, a circulation path 91 for conveying the cleaning fluid or cleaning liquid into the respective cleaning chambers 30, 40, 50 for cleaning the lenses L, and preferably also a recirculation path 92 for recirculating used cleaning fluid or cleaning liquid from the respective cleaning chambers 30, 40, 50. In particular, the cleaning fluid or cleaning liquid may be a detergent, (clean) water (e.g., for rinsing) and / or a gaseous fluid or air (e.g., for drying or blowing).

[0109] The machine 1 may further comprise a main frame 10, as shown schematically in FIG. 1, carrying a handling section 2, at least one processing section 3, 4, 5, as well as (one or more) additional processing sections 6, if present, and all other described components of the machine 1.

[0110] The following describes a method for cleaning a lens L, such as a spectacle lens or other type of optical lens, preferably in the order listed, with the following steps: In a first step, the machine 1 of the present invention is prepared; In a second step, the lens L is received by the handling unit 2, which holds the lens L. This is shown in processing station 0, where a placement unit 80 may typically be provided; In a third step, the lens L is transported by the handling unit 2 along the processing path P to a processing position W (here, typically to processing station 1); In a fourth step, the cleaning units 3, 4, 5 (here, preferably the first cleaning unit 3) are moved from a waiting position (see FIG. 1) to a receiving position (see FIG. 2) in order to receive the lens L at the processing position W (here, the cleaning position Wc and the cleaning position Ww) of the cleaning chambers 30, 40, 50 (here, the first cleaning chamber 30); In a fifth step, the lens L is cleaned in the cleaning chambers 30, 40, 50. In a sixth step, the cleaning units 3, 4, 5 are moved from their receiving positions (see FIG. 2) to their waiting positions (see FIG. 1) in order to release the lens L at the processing position W from the cleaning chamber 30, 40, 50. In an optional seventh step, the lens can pass through more of the processing units 3, 4, 5 or one or more additional processing units 6, as desired. In a first optional step, the lens L can be transported by the handling unit 2 along the processing path P to another processing position W (here at processing stations 2-4) or to an inspection position I (here at processing stations 5-9). In a second optional step, the associated processing unit 3, 4, 5, preferably another one of the cleaning units 3, 4, 5 or the inspection unit, can be moved from their associated waiting positions (see FIG. 1) to their associated receiving positions (see FIG. 2) in order to receive the lens L at another processing position W of the associated processing chamber 30, 40, 50. In a third optional step, the lens L may be processed, preferably cleaned or inspected, in an associated processing unit 3, 4, 5, preferably in an associated processing chamber 30, 40, 50. In an optional fourth optional step, the associated processing unit 3, 4, 5 is moved from the associated receiving position (see FIG. 2) to the associated waiting position (see FIG. 1) in order to release the lens L from the associated processing chamber 30, 40, 50 at another processing position W.In an optional fifth step, at least the first and third optional steps, preferably all steps from the first optional step to the fourth optional step, are repeated as desired, according to the number of processing sections 3, 4, 5, 6, including (one or more) additional processing sections 6, preferably arranged consecutively along the processing path P. Finally, in an eighth step, the lens L is released from the handling section 2, preferably at an unloading section 81 (here at processing station 0) using a handling tool 83.

[0111] According to the present invention, there is provided a single-operation machine 1 for cleaning lenses L, preferably edged lenses, such as spectacle lenses or other types of optical lenses, and individual components of the invention. The single-operation machine 1 comprises the previously described handling unit 2 for holding and transporting lenses L to be cleaned along a processing path P. The single-operation machine 1 also comprises the previously described cleaning units 3, 4, 5 having cleaning chambers 30, 40, 50 for cleaning the lenses L held in the handling unit 2 at cleaning positions Wc along the processing path P. The single-operation machine 1 also comprises the previously described inspection unit 60 for inspecting the cleaned lenses L held in the handling unit 2 at an inspection position I downstream from the cleaning position Wc along the processing path P.

[0112] The cleaning units 3, 4, 5 may be configured with the already described cleaning unit 3, which cleans the lens L at a cleaning position Ww as an associated cleaning position Wc. The cleaning unit 3 may be configured with a cleaning member 7 for chemically or mechanically cleaning the lens L in a cleaning chamber (here, cleaning chamber) 30.

[0113] The cleaning member 7 may consist of the already described brushing device 70 for mechanically cleaning the lenses L located in the cleaning chamber 30. The brushing device 70 may consist of a brush 71 mounted rotatably about a rotation axis X for cleaning the lens surfaces S of the lenses L placed in the cleaning zone A of the cleaning chamber 30, 40, 50. The rotation axis X may preferably be tiltable about a tilt axis Y in order to change the orientation of the brush 71 relative to the cleaning zone A. The orientation of the tilt axis Y may preferably be perpendicular to the rotation axis X, as already mentioned herein above.

[0114] The single-acting machine 1 may comprise several cleaning units 3, 4, 5.

[0115] The plurality of cleaning stations 3, 4, 5 may preferably consist of a washing station 3 or a plurality of washing stations 3.

[0116] The multiple cleaning units 3, 4, 5 may (additionally) consist of at least one washing unit 4 already described, which washes the (preferably washed) lens L held in the handling unit 2 at a washing position Wr (i.e. as an associated cleaning position Wc) which is preferably downstream of the cleaning position Ww and preferably upstream of the inspection position I along the processing path P.

[0117] The washing-out unit 4 may be configured with a washing-out member 40 such as a liquid nozzle that applies a liquid (for example, a liquid jet) to the lens L.

[0118] The multiple cleaning units 3, 4, 5 may (additionally) consist of at least one drying or blowing unit 5 already described, which dries or blows the (preferably cleaned and / or preferably rinsed) lens L held in the handling unit 2 at a drying or blowing position Wd as an associated cleaning position Wc, preferably downstream of the cleaning position Ww and preferably downstream of the rinsing position Wr if present, and more preferably upstream of the inspection position I along the processing path P.

[0119] The drying or blowing section 5 may consist of a drying or blowing member as already described, such as a (drying or blowing) nozzle, which applies a fluid (e.g. a fluid jet), preferably a gaseous fluid or air (jet) to the lens L.

[0120] The single-operation machine 1 may be configured with multiple inspection units 60. At least one or more inspection units 60 may be configured with at least one optical inspection unit 61 for optically inspecting the lens L and / or at least one appearance inspection unit 62 for visually inspecting the lens L. As described above, the illustrated single-operation machine 1 typically includes four optical inspection units 61 and one appearance inspection unit 62. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0121] The following describes a method for cleaning a lens L, such as a spectacle lens or other type of optical lens, preferably in the order listed, with the following steps: In a first step, a single-operation machine 1 is provided; in a second step, the lens L is received by a handling unit 2, which holds the lens L, preferably at a deposit position (here, at processing station 0); in a third step, the lens L is transported by the handling unit 2 along a processing path P to a processing position W, i.e., a cleaning position Wc; in a fourth step, the lens L is cleaned, preferably washed, at a cleaning position Wc (here, a washing position Ww) in a cleaning room 30, 40, 50 (here, a washing room 30) (here, at processing stations 1 and 2); in an optional fifth step, the lens L is transported by the handling unit 2 along the processing path P to a washing position Wr, after which the lens L is washed by a washing unit 4 at the washing position Wr (here, at processing station 3). In an optional sixth step, the lens L is then transported by the handling unit 2 along the processing path P to a drying or blowing position Wd, where the lens L is then dried or blown by the drying or blowing unit 50 at the drying or blowing position Wd (here at processing station 4). In an optional seventh step, the lens L is transported by the handling unit 2 along the processing path P to an inspection position I (here at processing stations 5-9). In an eighth step, the lens L is then inspected by the inspection unit 60 at the inspection position I. In a ninth step, the cleaned and inspected lens L is released from the handling unit 2 at an unloading position, preferably downstream of the inspection position I (here also at processing station 0).

[0122] According to the present invention, a brushing device 70 for mechanically cleaning a lens L, such as an eyeglass lens, preferably a edged lens, is described as a separate part of the present invention.

[0123] The brushing tool 70 comprises a brush 71 rotatably mounted about a rotation axis X for cleaning the lens surface S of a lens L placed in a cleaning area A. The rotation axis X can be tilted about a tilt axis Y to change the orientation of the brush 71 relative to the cleaning area A. This can be derived from FIGS. 11 to 13. The orientation of the tilt axis Y can be perpendicular to the rotation axis X.

[0124] The brushing device 70 may be movable along the transport axis Z in order to move the brush 71 closer to or slightly further away from the cleaning area A, so that the lenses L can enter the cleaning area A and / or the brushing device 70 can be adapted according to the various thicknesses of the different lenses L to be cleaned. The orientation of the transport axis Z is preferably parallel to the tilt axis Y.

[0125] A brushing device 700 may be provided comprising the brushing implement 70 just described and a cleaning or washing chamber 30 in which the brush 71 is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis X and tiltable about a tilt axis Y to clean lenses L received in the cleaning chamber 30 in a cleaning area A.

[0126] A machine 1 for cleaning lenses L, such as spectacle lenses or other types of optical lenses, is provided, the machine 1 comprising the just-described brushing device 700 and the already-described handling section 2 for holding the lenses L to be cleaned and transporting them along the already-described processing path P to a cleaning position Ww where the lenses L are cleaned by the brushing device 70 in a cleaning chamber 30.

[0127] The following describes a method for cleaning lenses, such as eyeglass lenses or other types of optical lenses, preferably in the order described, with the following steps: In an optional first step, the just-described machine is provided; in an optional second step, the lens L is received in a handling unit 2 that holds the lens L; in an optional third step, the lens L is transported by the handling unit 2 along a processing path P to a cleaning position Wc or a washing position Ww; in a fourth step, the lens L (its lens surface S) is cleaned at the cleaning position Wc or the washing position Ww by a brushing device 70 in the cleaning or washing chamber 30, with the brush 71 rotating about a rotation axis X and optionally tilting about a tilt axis Y during cleaning; in an optional fifth step, the cleaned lens L can be released from the handling unit 2.

[0128] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments as described hereinabove, as covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for cleaning lenses, such as eyeglass lenses, comprising: a handling section (2) for holding the lenses (L) to be cleaned and transporting them along a processing path (P); at least one processing section (3, 4, 5) having a processing chamber (30, 40, 50) for processing the lens (L) held in the handling section (2) at a processing position (W) along the processing path (P); At least one of the processing units (3, 4, 5) is composed of a cleaning unit (3, 4, 5) having a cleaning chamber (30, 40, 50) for cleaning the lens (L) held in the handling unit (2) as the processing chamber (30, 40, 50), At least one of the processing units (3, 4, 5) a waiting position in which the lens (L) held by the handling unit (2) can be transported by the handling unit (2) along the processing path (P) from end to end on its outside relative to at least one of the processing units (3, 4, 5); a receiving position at which the lens (L) held in the handling unit (2) is received in the processing chamber (30, 40, 50) at the processing position (W) so that the lens (L) can be processed; It is installed so that it can move along the movement path (M) between A machine (1) characterized by:

2. the handling section (2) is composed of a conveyor (20) adapted to move in a conveying direction (C) along the processing path (P); The conveyor (20) is preferably a circulating conveyor (20) having a closed-loop processing path (P). Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. the handling section (2) comprises at least one holding device (21) for gripping the lens (L), preferably by its peripheral edge (E), so that the lens (L) is held and processed in the processing chamber (30, 40, 50) while being transported along the processing path (P); The holding device (21) is preferably connected to the conveyor (20) for movement along the processing path (P); the holding device (21) preferably projects vertically downwards towards the associated processing device (3, 4, 5) at the processing position (W); The holding device (21) is preferably movably mounted at least at the processing position (W) to approach the associated processing unit (3, 4, 5) and to place the lens (L) held in the holding device (21) into the associated processing chamber (30, 40, 50) of the associated processing unit (3, 4, 5) in the receiving position. A machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

4. said path of movement (M) being a translational path of movement; and / or The movement path (M) extends in a substantially vertical direction. A machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it

5. The cleaning unit is composed of a cleaning unit (3) that cleans the lens (L), The cleaning unit (3) preferably comprises a cleaning member (7) for chemically and / or mechanically cleaning the lens (L) in the cleaning chamber (30, 40, 50), The cleaning member (7) preferably comprises a brushing device (70) for mechanically cleaning the lens (L) in the cleaning chamber (30, 40, 50), The brushing device (70) preferably comprises a brush (71) rotatably mounted about a rotation axis (X) for cleaning the lens surface (S) of the lens (L) placed in the cleaning area (A) of the cleaning chamber (30, 40, 50), The rotation axis (X) is preferably tiltable about a tilt axis (Y) to change the orientation of the brush (71) relative to the cleaning area (A), the orientation of the tilt axis (Y) being preferably perpendicular to the rotation axis (X). A machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it

6. a plurality of processing sections (3, 4, 5) each movable between an associated holding position and an associated receiving position; The plurality of processing sections (3, 4, 5) are preferably arranged in a row, more preferably adjacent to each other in a row, and preferably the processing units (3, 4, 5) are arranged so that they can move independently of one another between the associated holding and receiving positions, or At least some or all of the processing units (3, 4, 5) are arranged to move in unison between the waiting position and the receiving position. A machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it

7. The plurality of processing sections (3, 4, 5) are composed of a plurality of cleaning sections, The plurality of cleaning units preferably comprises the cleaning unit (3) or a plurality of cleaning units (3), preferably: at least one flushing station (4), preferably consisting of a flushing element such as a liquid nozzle that applies a liquid jet to said lens (L), for flushing said cleaned lens (L); and / or - at least one drying station (5), preferably consisting of a drying element such as a drying nozzle that applies a fluid jet, preferably a gaseous fluid jet or an air jet, to said lens (L) to dry said lens (L) that has been cleaned, preferably also rinsed. Machine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that

8. the plurality of processing units (3, 4, 5) are comprised of at least one inspection unit for inspecting the cleaned lens (L) at an inspection position as the associated processing position (W); and / or the at least one or more additional processing units (6) comprise at least one inspection unit (60) for inspecting the cleaned lenses (L) at an inspection position (I) along the processing path (P), preferably downstream of one or more of the cleaning units (3, 4, 5); The at least one inspection unit (60) preferably comprises at least one optical inspection unit (61) for optically inspecting the lens (L) and / or at least one visual inspection unit (62) for visually inspecting the lens (L). Machine (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that

9. at least one or more of the processing sections (3, 4, 5) are all located below the handling section (2), below the processing path (P), or below at least one or more of the associated processing positions (W); and / or The receiving position is closer to the handling section (2), preferably to the associated processing position (W), than the waiting position. A machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it

10. a loading station (80) located upstream of at least one of the processing stations (3, 4, 5) along the processing path (P) for loading the lenses (L) to be cleaned into the handling station (2), preferably onto the conveyor (20) or the carrier (21) if present; and / or a removal section 81 located downstream of at least one of the processing sections (3, 4, 5) along the processing path (P), preferably also downstream of one or more additional processing sections (6), if present, for removing the cleaned lenses (L) from the handling section (2), preferably from the conveyor (20) or from the holding device (21), if present; Preferably, The placing section (80) and the removing section (81) are provided in the same loading section (8), - each of the loading section (80) and / or the unloading section (81) comprises a handling device (83) for transferring the lenses (L) between the respective loading position and the handling section (2), preferably the conveyor (20) or the holding device (21) if present; A machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it

11. The cleaning device further includes a positioning section (82) for aligning the orientation of the lens (L) to be cleaned before the lens (L) is received in the handling section (2), The positioning unit (82) preferably comprises a handling device (83) adjusted to orient the lens (L), a scanning unit (84) for determining the actual orientation of the lens (L), and a control unit (85) for comparing the actual orientation of the lens with a defined processing direction of the lens (L) and controlling the handling device (83) to transfer the lens (L) to the handling unit (2) so that the lens (L) is received in the processing direction; and / or The machine (1) further comprises a cleaning liquid circulation device (9) having a reservoir (90) for holding a cleaning liquid, a circulation path (91) for conveying the cleaning liquid into each of the cleaning chambers (30, 40, 50) for cleaning the lenses (L), and preferably also a recirculation path (92) for recirculating the used cleaning liquid from each of the cleaning chambers (30, 40, 50). A machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that

12. further comprising a main frame (10) carrying said handling section (2) and at least one of said processing sections (3, 4, 5); and / or The machine (1) is a single-acting machine Machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that

13. A method for cleaning a lens (L), such as a spectacle lens, by the following steps in the order listed: a) providing a machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; b) receiving the lens (L) by the handling unit (2) holding the lens (L); c) transferring said lens (L) by said handling unit (2) along said processing path (P) to said processing position (W); d) moving the cleaning unit from the standby position to the receiving position to receive the lens (L) at the processing position (W) of the cleaning chamber (30, 40, 50); e) cleaning the lens (L) in the cleaning chamber (30, 40, 50); f) moving the cleaning unit from the receiving position to the waiting position to release the lens (L) in the processing position (W) from the cleaning chamber (30, 40, 50); g) optionally, g1) transferring the lens (L) by the handling unit (2) along the processing path (P) to another processing position (W) or to the inspection position (I); g2) optionally moving another of the associated processing units (3, 4, 5), preferably the cleaning units (3, 4, 5) or the inspection unit, from the associated waiting position to the associated receiving position in order to receive the lens (L) at the other processing position (W) of the associated processing chamber (30, 40, 50); g3) treating, preferably cleaning or inspecting, said lens (L) in the associated treatment section (3, 4, 5), preferably in the associated treatment chamber (30, 40, 50); g4) optionally, moving the associated processing unit (3, 4, 5) from the associated receiving position to the associated waiting position in order to release the lens (L) in the other processing position (W) from the associated processing chamber (30, 40, 50); g5) optionally repeating at least step g1) and step g3), preferably all steps g1) to g4), preferably according to the number of processing units (3, 4, 5, 6) arranged consecutively along the processing path (P); h) releasing the lens (L) from the handling portion (2). A method characterized by:

14. A single-acting machine (1) for cleaning lenses (L), such as eyeglass lenses, comprising: a handling section (2) for holding the lens (L) to be cleaned and transporting it along a processing path (P); a cleaning unit having a cleaning chamber (30, 40, 50) for cleaning the lens (L) held in the handling unit (2) at a cleaning position (Wc) along the processing path (P); an inspection unit (60) for inspecting the cleaned lens (L) held in the handling unit (2) at an inspection position (I) downstream of the cleaning position (Wc) along the processing path (P). A single-acting machine (1) characterized by:

15. A brushing device (70) for mechanically cleaning a lens (L), such as a spectacle lens, comprising: The cleaning device comprises a brush 71 rotatably mounted around a rotation axis (X) for cleaning the lens surface (S) of the lens (L) placed in a cleaning area (A), The rotation axis (X) is tiltable about a tilt axis (Y) to change the orientation of the brush (71) relative to the cleaning area (A). A brushing device (70) characterized by:

Images