Eyeglass lens processing apparatus and processing control program

The eyeglass lens processing apparatus and control program address rotational misalignment by detecting and adjusting torque based on lens slipperiness, optimizing processing for accurate and efficient peripheral machining.

JP2026062322APending Publication Date: 2026-04-09NIDEK CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-30
Publication Date
2026-04-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional countermeasures against rotational misalignment in spectacle lens processing are insufficient, particularly for lenses with varying degrees of water repellency, leading to either excessive processing times or incomplete processing due to torque settings based on a single slippery standard.

Method used

An eyeglass lens processing apparatus and control program that detects rotational misalignment, sets an allowable torque based on individual lens slipperiness, and adjusts processing parameters to minimize misalignment by fixing the lens, increasing torque gradually, and correcting processing data to ensure complete peripheral machining.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively reduces rotational deviation and optimizes processing time by adapting to the specific slipperiness of each lens, ensuring accurate and efficient peripheral machining regardless of coating type.

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Abstract

It suppresses rotational slippage more effectively, taking into account the individual differences in the slipperiness of eyeglass lenses. [Solution] The system comprises a rotating means for rotating a lens holding shaft, a moving means for changing the positional relationship between the spectacle lens and the processing tool, a torque detection means for detecting the rotational torque of the rotating means when rotating the lens holding shaft, a rotational misalignment detection means for detecting rotational misalignment of the spectacle lens, and a control means. The control means performs the following steps: firstly, after fixing the spectacle lens held on the lens holding shaft in a non-rotatable state, gradually increases the rotational torque of the rotating means, and when the rotational misalignment detection means detects that rotational misalignment has occurred, it obtains the limit torque of the rotating means for rotational misalignment based on the detection; secondly, it sets an allowable torque based on the limit torque, controls the rotating means and the moving means so that it is within the allowable torque, and processes the entire circumference of the spectacle lens with the processing tool based on processing data based on the lens shape.
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Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a spectacle lens processing apparatus for processing the periphery of a spectacle lens, and a processing control program applied to the spectacle lens processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A spectacle lens processing apparatus is known that processes the periphery of a spectacle lens held on a lens holding shaft while rotating the lens holding shaft using a cutting tool based on a spherical die.

[0003] By the way, a spectacle lens having a water-repellent coating of a water-repellent substance such as water or oil that is difficult to adhere to the lens surface has a slippery surface. Therefore, when a spectacle lens with a water-repellent coating is held by a lens holding shaft and the periphery of the spectacle lens is processed by a cutting tool, "rotation deviation" (so-called "axial deviation"), in which the actual rotation angle of the spectacle lens deviates from the rotation angle of the lens holding shaft, may occur. As countermeasures against this "rotation deviation", various techniques have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional countermeasures against "rotational misalignment" are sometimes insufficient, and further improvements are desired. For example, in conventional technology, the allowable torque for rotation of the lens holding axis was set to a constant value based on the most slippery spectacle lens in order to suppress "rotational misalignment." However, if a highly water-repellent coating is applied to the spectacle lens, making it even more slippery than the spectacle lens used as the basis for the allowable torque, the set allowable torque may not be sufficient, and "rotational misalignment" may occur. Conversely, if a coating with low water repellency is applied to the spectacle lens, the spectacle lens will not slip, resulting in an excessive set allowable torque, which can lead to inconveniences such as longer processing times.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, the technical objective of this disclosure is to provide an eyeglass lens processing apparatus and a processing control program that can perform processing that more appropriately suppresses "rotational misalignment (axial misalignment)" according to the differences in the slipperiness of individual eyeglass lenses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A typical embodiment of the present disclosure provides an eyeglass lens processing apparatus for processing the periphery of an eyeglass lens held on a lens holding shaft using a processing tool based on a lens shape, comprising: a rotating means for rotating the lens holding shaft; a moving means for changing the positional relationship between the eyeglass lens held on the lens holding shaft and the processing tool; a torque detection means for detecting the rotational torque of the rotating means when rotating the lens holding shaft; a rotational misalignment detection means for detecting rotational misalignment of the eyeglass lens relative to the holding position of the lens holding shaft; and a control means, wherein the control means performs the following steps: a first step of fixing the eyeglass lens held on the lens holding shaft in a non-rotatable state, gradually increasing the rotational torque of the rotating means, and when the rotational misalignment detection means detects that the rotational misalignment has occurred, obtaining a limit torque of the rotating means for the rotational misalignment based on the detection; and a second step of setting an allowable torque based on the limit torque, controlling the rotating means and the moving means so that it is within the allowable torque, and processing the entire periphery of the eyeglass lens with the processing tool based on processing data based on the lens shape. (2) A typical embodiment of the present disclosure provides a processing control program for an eyeglass lens processing apparatus that processes the periphery of an eyeglass lens held on a lens holding shaft using a processing tool based on the lens shape, the processing control program for an eyeglass lens processing apparatus comprising: a rotating means for rotating the lens holding shaft; a moving means for changing the positional relationship between the eyeglass lens held on the lens holding shaft and the processing tool; a torque detection means for detecting the rotational torque of the rotating means when the lens holding shaft is rotated; a rotational misalignment detection means for detecting the rotational misalignment of the eyeglass lens with respect to the holding position of the lens holding shaft; and a control means, wherein the processing control program is executed by the control means, the lens holding The method is characterized by causing the spectacle lens processing apparatus to perform the following steps: first, after fixing the spectacle lens held on the shaft in a non-rotatable state, gradually increasing the rotational torque of the rotating means, and when the rotational misalignment detection means detects that a rotational misalignment has occurred in the lens holding shaft, obtaining the limit torque of the rotating means for the rotational misalignment based on the detection; and second, setting an allowable torque based on the limit torque, and after the completion of the first step, controlling the rotating means and the moving means so that the torque is within the allowable torque, and processing the entire circumference of the spectacle lens with the processing tool based on processing data based on the lens shape. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the configuration of the processing mechanism in an eyeglass lens processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the lens edge position measurement unit. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the configuration of the control system for an eyeglass lens processing machine. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates how eyeglass lenses are held in place by a lens holding axis. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an eyeglass lens processing machine. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates an example of processing a portion of the periphery of an eyeglass lens using a processing tool. [Figure 7]This diagram illustrates the correction of machining data based on the detected angle of rotational deviation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [overview] A typical embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The items classified in <> below can be used independently or in relation to each other.

[0010] An eyeglass lens processing apparatus (for example, eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1) is configured to process the periphery of an eyeglass lens held on a lens holding shaft (for example, lens holding shaft 102) based on the lens shape using a processing tool (for example, processing tool 214). For example, the eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes a rotating means (for example, lens rotating unit 250A), a moving means (for example, XY moving unit 250B), a torque detection means (for example, control unit 50), a rotational deviation detection means (for example, detector 254, control unit 50), and a control means (for example, control unit 50).

[0011] The rotating mechanism is configured to rotate the lens holding shaft. The moving mechanism is configured to change the positional relationship between the spectacle lens held on the lens holding shaft and the workpiece. The rotating mechanism is configured to detect the rotational torque of the rotating mechanism when it rotates the lens holding shaft. The rotational misalignment detection mechanism is configured to detect the rotational misalignment of the spectacle lens with respect to the holding position (rotation angle) of the lens holding shaft.

[0012] For example, the control means performs the following first and second steps. For example, in the first step, the control means fixes the spectacle lens held on the lens holding shaft in a non-rotatable state, then gradually increases the rotational torque (rotational force) of the rotating means, and when the rotational deviation detection means detects that a rotational deviation has occurred, it obtains the limit torque of the rotating means for the rotational deviation based on that detection. For example, in the second step, the control means sets the allowable torque of the rotating means based on the limit torque obtained in the first step, controls the rotating means and moving means so that it is within the allowable torque, and processes the entire periphery of the spectacle lens with the processing tool based on processing data based on the lens shape while rotating the spectacle lens. This allows for more appropriate periphery processing with reduced rotational deviation for each spectacle lens, depending on the difference in slipperiness of the spectacle lens. For example, in the case of spectacle lenses with a highly water-repellent coating, setting a weaker allowable torque will increase the processing time, but will reduce rotational deviation. Conversely, in the case of eyeglass lenses with a water-repellent coating that has low water repellency, setting a higher allowable torque suppresses rotational misalignment and also shortens processing time.

[0013] For example, regarding the non-rotatable fixed state of an eyeglass lens, the control means may, in the first step, control the moving means without rotating the eyeglass lens, process a portion of the periphery (area outside the lens shape) of the eyeglass lens with a processing tool, then stop the rotation of the processing tool and stop the fluctuation of the distance between the lens holding axis and the rotation axis of the processing tool, thereby placing the eyeglass lens in a non-rotatable fixed state. In this case, the non-rotatable fixed state of the eyeglass lens can be created using the configuration of the eyeglass lens processing apparatus without adding any special configurations. Note that the control in the first step is not limited to the above, as long as it is possible to create a non-rotatable fixed state of the eyeglass lens.

[0014] For example, in the second step, the control means may acquire corrected processing data by correcting the processing data based on the lens shape based on the rotational deviation detected by the rotational deviation detection means in the first step, and then process the entire circumference of the spectacle lens with a processing tool based on the corrected processing data. This allows the entire circumference of the spectacle lens where rotational deviation occurred in the first step to be processed appropriately. For example, the corrected processing data is obtained by rotating the processing data based on the lens shape by the angle of rotational deviation detected by the rotational deviation detection means, with respect to the center of the lens holding axis. For example, the rotation direction of the processing data to obtain the corrected processing data should be in the opposite direction to the rotational deviation (the direction that reverses the direction of rotational deviation).

[0015] Furthermore, for example, because the execution of the first step causes a rotational misalignment between the spectacle lens and the cup of the processing jig (in other words, between the spectacle lens and the lens holding shaft), the spectacle lens may be removed from the lens holding shaft and the cup of the processing jig may be reattached. In this case, for example, the spectacle lens processing apparatus may be equipped with signal receiving means that receive a first signal to interrupt the transition to the second step and a second signal to resume the transition to the second step (processing) after the first step, and the control means may control the moving means to move the lens holding shaft to a predetermined initial position when the first signal is received. This allows the operator to remove the spectacle lens held on the lens holding shaft, reattach the cup to hold the spectacle lens on the lens holding shaft, thereby eliminating the rotational misalignment between the spectacle lens and the lens holding shaft. Then, when the second signal to resume the transition to the second step (processing) is received, the control means may perform the second step. In other words, when a second signal is received, the control means may be configured to control the rotating means and moving means so that the rotational torque detected by the torque detection means is within the allowable torque, and to perform peripheral machining of the entire circumference of the spectacle lens with a machining tool while rotating the mirror lens. This allows for more accurate peripheral machining of the spectacle lens without causing rotational misalignment.

[0016] Furthermore, the spectacle lens processing apparatus may be equipped with a transition mode setting means that can set a first transition mode in which the second step is performed continuously after the first step, and a second transition mode in which the transition to the second step is interrupted after the first step, and a signal receiving means that receives a restart signal to resume the transition to the second step when the transition to the second step is interrupted. In this configuration, if the first transition mode is set, the control means may execute the second step after the first step, and in the second step, correct the processing data based on the lens shape (i.e., correct by the angle of the rotational deviation) based on the rotational deviation detection result by the rotational deviation detection means in the first step, and process the entire periphery of the spectacle lens with a processing tool based on the corrected processing data. Alternatively, if the second transition mode is set, the control means may interrupt the execution to the second step after the first step and execute the second step based on the reception of a restart signal by the signal receiving means. As a result, in the first transition mode, the second step is performed continuously after the first step, so that lens processing can be done efficiently. In the second transition mode, the lens can be processed more accurately and efficiently by reattaching the cup. In other words, the lens shape measurement step is omitted when the processing start signal is issued, allowing for more efficient processing.

[0017] Further, for example, a processing mode setting means capable of setting a first processing mode applied to spectacle lenses with a slippery lens surface and a second processing mode applied to spectacle lenses with a non-slippery lens surface may be provided in the spectacle lens processing apparatus. In this configuration, when the first processing mode is set, the control means may execute the first step and the second step. Further, when the second processing mode is set, the control means does not execute the first step and the second step, and controls the rotating means and the moving means so as to be within a predetermined allowable torque set in advance separately from the allowable torque set in the second step, and while rotating the spectacle lens, It may also execute a step of processing the periphery of the entire circumference of the spectacle lens with a processing tool based on the processing data based on the spherical die. Thereby, in the case of a non-slippery spectacle lens (a spectacle lens without a water repellent coating, a spectacle lens with a normal coating), by setting the second processing mode, processing can be performed efficiently without lengthening the overall processing time. That is, regardless of the difference in the slipperiness of the lens surface, if the first step is always executed, the time for that part may become longer, but in the case of a non-slippery, normal spectacle lens, the execution time of the first step is saved, so that the overall processing time is shortened by that amount. Note that the first processing mode may be automatically set by the control means when it is set that the spectacle lens has a water repellent coating.

[0018] Also, for example, when performing peripheral processing on a new spectacle lens, a water-repellent coat setting means for setting the type of water-repellent coat applied to the surface of the spectacle lens may be provided in the spectacle lens processing apparatus. In this configuration, the control means obtains, by calling and acquiring from a storage means (e.g., database 62, memory 40) in which the allowable torque acquired by executing the first step is stored corresponding to the type of water-repellent coat, the allowable torque corresponding to the type of water-repellent coat set by the water-repellent coat setting means, thereby omitting the execution of the first step, and also by setting the allowable torque applied in the second step, the peripheral processing of the spectacle lens in the second step may be executed. Thereby, the time for executing the first step (the operation time for acquiring the limit torque) can be omitted, and processing with more appropriate suppression of rotational displacement can be performed. Note that the torque information corresponding to the type of water-repellent coat may be the limit torque instead of the allowable torque.

[0019] Note that the water-repellent coat setting means may include cases where the type of the spectacle lens itself, such as the product number of the spectacle lens related to the type of water-repellent coat, is set (including the case of selection), rather than directly setting (including the case of selection) the type of water-repellent coat.

[0020] Note that in the present disclosure, it is not limited to the apparatus described in the present embodiment. For example, a processing control program (software) of a spectacle lens processing apparatus that performs the functions of the following embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media. Then, a control device (e.g., CPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus can read and execute the program.

[0021] For example, the processing control program is executed by the control means to fix the spectacle lens held on the lens holding shaft in a non-rotatable state, then gradually increase the rotational torque (rotational force) of the rotating means, and when the rotational deviation detection means detects that a rotational deviation has occurred in the lens holding shaft, it obtains the limit torque of the rotating means for the rotational deviation based on that detection, and sets an allowable torque based on the limit torque, and after the completion of the first step, controls the rotating means and moving means so that the torque is within the allowable torque, and while rotating the spectacle lens, processes the entire circumference of the spectacle lens with a processing tool based on processing data based on the lens shape, causing the spectacle lens processing device to perform these steps.

[0022] [Examples] One typical embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the processing mechanism in an eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

[0023] The eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 comprises a lens holding unit 100, which is an example of a lens holding means, and a lens processing unit 200, which is an example of a lens processing means for processing the periphery of the eyeglass lens (hereinafter referred to as lens LE), which is the lens to be processed, with a processing tool 214. The eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 also comprises a lens shape measuring unit 300 configured for measuring the shape of lens LE.

[0024] <Lens holding unit> The lens holding unit 100 comprises a pair of lens holding shafts (lens chuck shafts) 102 for holding (clamping) the lens LE, and a carriage 101. The lens holding shafts 102 include a lens holding shaft 102L, which is an example of a first lens holding shaft that holds the front (forward-refracting surface) side of the lens LE, and a lens holding shaft 102R, which is an example of a second lens holding shaft that holds the rear (backward-refracting surface) side of the lens LE. The lens holding shaft 102L is rotatably held on the left arm 101L of the carriage 101. The lens holding shaft 102R is rotatably held on the right arm 101R of the carriage 101.

[0025] The lens holding unit 100 includes a chuck portion 120, which is an example of a lens clamping means. The chuck portion 120 is configured to move the lens holding shaft 102R relative to the lens holding shaft 102L in order to clamp the spectacle lens with a pair of lens holding shafts 102. In Figure 1, the axial direction of the lens holding shaft 102 is defined as the X direction.

[0026] For example, the chuck unit 120 is provided on the right arm 101R of the carriage 101. The chuck unit 120 includes a motor 121 and a conversion mechanism 122 that converts the rotation of the motor 121 into linear movement in the X direction. Driven by the motor 121, the lens holding shaft 102R is moved toward the lens holding shaft 102L side via the conversion mechanism 122. As a result, the lens LE placed between the lens holding shaft 102L and the lens holding shaft 102R is held (clamped) by the pair of lens holding shafts 102.

[0027] <Lens Processing Unit> The lens processing unit 200 comprises a processing tool unit 210 and a change unit 230.

[0028] (Tool unit) The tool unit 210 includes a first tool unit 210A. The first tool unit 210A includes a motor 213 for rotating the tool rotation axis 211. The tool rotation axis 211 is rotatably held by a rotation axis holding unit 212 in a position parallel to the lens holding axis 102. The rotation axis holding unit 212 is mounted on the base 2. A tool 214 for machining the periphery of the lens LE is attached to the tool rotation axis 211. For example, the tool 214 is composed of multiple tools. For example, the tool 214 includes at least one of the following: a finishing tool 214a for high-curve lenses, a mirror-finish tool 214b, a finishing tool 214c for low-curve lenses, and a roughing tool 214d. The mirror-finish tool 214b and the finishing tool 214c each include at least one of a V-groove for bevel machining and a flat-finishing section for flat machining. In this embodiment, the processing tool 214 is made of a grinding wheel, but it may also be made of a cutter.

[0029] The machining tool unit 210 may optionally include a second machining tool unit 210B. The second machining tool unit 210B is positioned on the side of the first machining tool unit 210A relative to the carriage 101. A chamfering tool 224 is attached to the machining tool rotation shaft 221. The chamfering tool 224 has a machining surface for the front of the lens and a machining surface for the rear of the lens. The machining tool rotation shaft 221 is rotated by a motor. The machining tool rotation shaft 221 is also moved from a retracted position to a predetermined machining position by a drive unit (not shown). The configuration of the second machining tool unit 210B can use the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-73134, so please refer to that for details.

[0030] Furthermore, the tool unit 210 may additionally include a third tool unit 210C. The third tool unit 210C is positioned on the opposite side of the carriage 101 from the first tool unit 210A. The third tool unit 210C includes a drilling tool 235 and a grooving tool 236 attached to the tool rotation shaft 231. The tool rotation shaft 231 is rotated by a motor 232 (see Figure 3). The tool rotation shaft 231 is also moved from a retracted position to a position where machining is possible by a motor 237 (see Figure 3). The configuration of the third tool unit 210C can be based on the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-73134; please refer to that publication for details.

[0031] (Changed unit) The modification unit 230 is configured to change the relative positional relationship (three-dimensional positional relationship) between the processing position of the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 102 and the processing tool (such as the processing tool 214 provided by the processing tool unit 210). The modification unit 230 comprises a lens rotation unit 250A and an XY movement unit 250B. In Figure 1, the axial direction of the lens holding shaft 102 is defined as the X direction, the direction in which the distance between the lens holding shaft 102 and the processing tool rotation shaft 211 is changed is defined as the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction.

[0032] The lens rotation unit 250A is configured to rotate the lens holding shaft 102 (i.e., lens LE). As described above, the lens holding shaft 102L is rotatably held by the left arm 101L of the carriage 101, and the lens holding shaft 102R is rotatably held by the right arm 101R of the carriage 101. The two lens holding shafts 102R and 102L are rotated synchronously by a motor 253 attached to the left arm 101L via a rotation transmission mechanism such as gears. For example, a stepping motor is used for the motor 253. A detector 254 (e.g., an encoder) that detects the rotation angle of the rotation shaft is attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 253. That is, the rotation angle of the lens holding shaft 102 is detected by the detector 254. Note that a servo motor with an encoder may be used as the motor 253.

[0033] The XY movement unit 250B is configured to change the relative positional relationship (two-dimensional positional relationship in the XY direction) between the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 102 and the workpiece (workpiece 214, etc.). The XY movement unit 250B comprises an X movement unit 260 and a Y movement unit 270.

[0034] The X-movement unit 260 is configured to change the relative positional relationship in the X-direction between the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 102 and the workpiece (workpiece 214, etc.). In this embodiment, the X-movement unit 260 is configured to move the lens holding shaft 102 (i.e., the lens LE) in the X-direction. The X-movement unit 260 has an X-movement support base 262 mounted on two shafts 261 extending parallel to the lens holding shaft 102 and the workpiece rotation shaft 211, so as to be movable in the X-direction. The X-movement unit 260 includes a motor 263. The rotation of the motor 263 moves the X-movement support base 262 in the X-direction. As a result, the carriage 101 mounted on the movement support base 262 and the lens holding shaft 102 (lens LE) move in the X-direction. A detector 264 (e.g., an encoder) is provided on the rotation axis of the motor 263. The detector 264 detects the position of the lens holding shaft 102 (i.e., the lens LE) in the X-direction. The X-movement unit 260 may also be configured to move the workpiece (workpiece 214, etc.) held by the workpiece unit 210 in the X direction.

[0035] The Y-movement unit 270 is configured to change the relative positional relationship in the Y direction between the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 102 and the workpiece (workpiece 214, etc.). In this embodiment, the Y-movement unit 270 is configured to move the lens holding shaft 102 (i.e., the lens LE) in the Y direction. Two shafts 271 extending in the Y direction are fixed to the X-axis movement base 262. A motor 273 is fixed to the X-axis movement base 262. The rotation of the motor 273 is transmitted to a ball screw 272 extending in the Y direction, and the rotation of the ball screw 272 moves the carriage 101 (lens holding shaft 102 and lens LE) in the Y direction. A detector 274 (e.g., an encoder) is provided on the rotation axis of the motor 273. The detector 274 detects the position of the lens holding shaft 102 (i.e., the lens LE) in the Y direction. The Y-movement unit 270 may also be configured to move the workpiece (workpiece 214, etc.) held by the workpiece unit 210 in the Y direction.

[0036] <Lens shape measurement unit> The lens shape measuring unit 300 comprises a lens refractive surface shape measuring unit (lens edge position measuring unit) 310 and a lens outer shape measuring unit 350, which is an example of an outer shape acquisition means.

[0037] <Lens refractive surface shape measurement unit> The lens refractive surface shape measuring unit 310 is positioned above the carriage 101. The lens refractive surface shape measuring unit 310 is configured to obtain the shape of the front refractive surface (front of the lens) and the rear refractive surface (rear of the lens) of the lens LE. For example, the lens refractive surface shape measuring unit 310 includes a lens edge position measuring unit 310F for measuring the edge position of the front refractive surface of the lens LE, and a lens edge position measuring unit 310R for measuring the edge position of the rear refractive surface of the lens LE. The lens refractive surface shape measuring unit 310 also functions as a lens thickness measuring unit for measuring the thickness of the spectacle lens.

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the lens edge position measuring unit 310F. The lens edge position measuring unit 310F includes a measuring probe 315F that contacts the front refractive surface of the lens LE. The lens edge position measuring unit 310F includes a detector 314F (e.g., an encoder), which is an example of a detection means for detecting the position of the measuring probe 315F in the axial direction (X direction) of the lens holding shaft 102. The measuring probe 315F is attached to the tip of an arm 311F. The arm 311F is held on a mounting base 316F so as to be movable in the X direction. The arm 311F is connected to a motor 313F via a rotation transmission mechanism such as a rack 317F. The arm 311F is moved in the X direction by the drive of the motor 313F, and the measuring probe 315F is pressed against the front refractive surface of the lens LE. A pinion 318F is attached to the rotation axis of the detector 314F. The position of the measuring probe 315F, which is moved in the X direction, is detected by the detector 314F.

[0039] The configuration of the lens edge position measuring unit 310R is symmetrical to that of the lens edge position measuring unit 310F, so its explanation will be omitted. The lens edge position measuring unit 310R comprises a measuring probe 315R that contacts the back-refracting surface, a motor 313R that moves the measuring probe 315R in the X direction, and a detector 314R that detects the position of the measuring probe 315R in the X direction.

[0040] When measuring the refractive surface shape (front and rear surfaces) of the lens LE, the measuring probes 315F and 315R are brought into contact with the front and rear refractive surfaces of the lens LE, respectively. Subsequently, as the lens LE is rotated by the rotation of the lens holding shaft 102, the movement of the lens holding shaft 102 in the Y direction is controlled based on the lens shape, and the positions in the X direction of the front and rear refractive surfaces of the lens LE (positions in the X direction relative to a predetermined reference position) are detected by the detectors 314F and 314R, respectively.

[0041] <Lens Outer Shape Measurement Unit> The lens outer shape measuring unit 350 is positioned at the upper rear of the lens holding shaft 102R. The lens outer shape measuring unit 350 is configured to acquire the radial outer shape of the lens LE. The lens outer shape measuring unit 350 includes a measuring probe 360 ​​that contacts the periphery (edge) of the lens LE, and an encoder 364 (see Figure 3) that detects the movement position of the measuring probe 360 ​​in a direction perpendicular to the lens holding shaft 102. When measuring the lens outer shape, the measuring probe 360 ​​contacts the periphery of the lens LE, and then the lens LE is rotated by the rotation of the lens holding shaft 102, so that the outer shape of the lens LE with respect to the rotation center of the lens holding shaft 102 is detected (measured) by the encoder 364. For detailed configuration of the lens outer shape measuring unit 350, for example, the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-073134 can be used.

[0042] <Control System> Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1. The eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 50, which is an example of a control means. The control unit 50 is responsible for the overall control of the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 and controls various operations and processes of processing and measurement operations. The control unit 50 also serves as a calculation means for performing various calculations. For example, the control unit 50 is composed of a CPU (processor), RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, etc. The CPU controls the driving of each part of the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1. Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM. Various programs executed by the CPU (for example, processing control programs related to lens LE processing, processing programs for various processes, etc.) are stored in the ROM. Note that the control unit 50 may be composed of multiple control units (i.e., multiple processors). The electrical system components of each unit (motors, detectors, encoders, etc.) are connected to the control unit 50. Various devices such as motors, detectors, etc. shown in Figures 1 and 2 are connected to the control unit 50 via a bus.

[0043] For example, the control unit 50 functions as a rotational misalignment detection means that detects the rotational misalignment of the lens LE relative to the holding position (rotation angle) of the lens holding shaft 102 based on the detection signal from the detector 254. The control unit 50 also includes drivers that drive each motor. For example, the control unit 50 can change the rotational torque (rotational force) of the motor 253 that rotates the lens holding shaft 102 by changing the current that drives the motor 253, and can also detect the rotational torque of the motor 253 when it rotates the lens holding shaft 102.

[0044] The eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 includes a data acquisition unit 10, a display unit (example) 20, an operation unit 30, a memory (example) 40, and the like, all of which are connected to the control unit 50. The data acquisition unit 10 may also function as an input unit. The display 20 and the operation unit 30 may be configured as part of the data acquisition unit 10. The display 20 may have touch panel functionality and be configured to include the operation unit 30. The data acquisition unit 10 may be connected to an external device 60 and a database 62 to enable data transmission and reception. For example, the external device 60 typically includes an eyeglass frame shape measuring device (so-called tracer) that acquires lens shape data for the target shape of the lens LE, a cup mounting device (so-called blocker, pin setting machine), and the like. The eyeglass frame shape measuring device is configured to measure the contour shape of the rim of the eyeglass frame and may be provided in the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1. The database 62, an example of a memory means, stores various information related to the manufacture of eyeglass lenses, and data may be transferred as needed.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may also function as an output means for outputting various types of information. The information output by the control unit 50 may be transmitted to the database 62 or an external device 60. In addition, the eyeglass lens processing apparatus may function as a receiving means for receiving various operation signals from the operation unit 30, etc.

[0046] In this disclosure, the term "processor" refers to one or more hardware processors configured to execute program code contained in a program (i.e., one or more instructions of a program). In other words, a "processor" is a hardware device capable of performing one or more programmed operations. For example, a "processor" may be a general-purpose or application-specific processor and may be at least one of a CPU, microprocessor, GPU, and DFP (Data Flow Processor).

[0047] In this disclosure, the term “memory” refers to one or more hardware memories that are non-transitional tangible recording media configured to record at least one of computer program code and data in a manner accessible from a processor. “Memory” can be implemented by memory technologies such as SRAM, SDRAM, non-volatile / flash type memory, or other types of memory. The computer program code constituting the program is recorded in memory and executed by the processor to enable various functions in the eyeglass lens processing apparatus.

[0048] In this disclosure, at least one of a circuit and a processor having memory storing computer program code enables the eyeglass lens processing apparatus to function. The expression "at least one of a circuit and a processor" should be interpreted as disjunctive (logical OR) and not as at least one circuit and at least one processor.

[0049] In this disclosure, the term “circuit” refers to one or more logic circuits as hardware, configured to perform functions in an eyeglass lens processing apparatus. In other words, “circuit” refers to one or more non-programmable devices. For example, “circuit” could be a custom IC designed to be non-programmable for a specific application.

[0050] <Operation> The operation of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1, which has the above configuration, will be explained below. The following explanation will focus on the operation when processing a lens LE that has a water-repellent coating of a water-repellent substance applied to its surface, making the lens surface slippery.

[0051] For example, the contour shape of the rim of an eyeglass frame is measured by an external device 60 (for example, a known eyeglass frame shape measuring device), and the lens shape data TD (data of the radial length and radial angle) is acquired by the data acquisition unit 10. Alternatively, the lens shape data TD may be acquired by the data acquisition unit TD 10 by retrieving data stored in the storage unit 20.

[0052] Once the lens shape data TD is acquired, the operator sets (inputs) the processing conditions for processing the periphery of the lens LE using the display 20. First, layout data is input to position the optical center of the lens LE relative to the lens shape for processing the periphery of the lens LE. For example, the layout data includes the distance between the centers of the left and right lens shapes (FPD), the interpupillary distance (PD) of the glasses wearer, and the height distance of the optical center relative to the geometric centers of the left and right lens shapes. In addition, the processing conditions, such as the material of the lens LE, the frame type (metal, acetate, rimless, etc.), the lens periphery processing mode (auto-bent processing, forced bend processing, flat processing, etc.), whether or not mirror processing is performed, whether or not chamfering is performed, and the lens chucking mode (frame center mode, optical center mode), are set by the display 20.

[0053] Once the processing conditions have been set, the operator uses a known cup mounting device (blocker, spindle press) to attach a cup CU (a processing jig for holding the lens LE on the lens holding shaft 102) to the front refractive surface of the unprocessed lens LE. There are generally two types of cup CU mounting: a frame chuck and an optical center chuck. The following explanation will use the case of an optical center chuck, in which the optical center of the lens LE is held by the lens holding shaft 102, as an example.

[0054] Once the lens LE is ready, the operator holds the lens LE on the lens holding shaft 102 via the cup CU. Figure 4 illustrates the holding of the spectacle lens by a pair of lens holding shafts 102. As shown in Figure 4, a cup holder 103 with an insertion hole 103a is attached to the tip of the lens holding shaft 102L. A lens retainer 104 is attached to the tip of the lens holding shaft 102R. After the base CUa of the cup CU fixed to the lens LE is inserted into the insertion hole 103a of the cup holder 103, the lens holding shaft 102R is moved toward the lens holding shaft 102L by the drive of the chuck part 120, so that the lens LE is held by the pair of lens holding shafts 102.

[0055] After the lens LE is held by the lens holding shaft 102, when the operator presses the start switch provided on the operating unit 30, the control unit 50 receives a signal to start operation. Upon receiving the signal to start operation, the control unit 50 controls the lens refractive surface shape measuring unit 310 to measure the positions in the X direction of the front and back refractive surfaces of the lens LE relative to the lens shape data TD, before the peripheral edge processing of the lens LE. The measurement results are stored in the memory 40. If necessary, the outer shape of the unprocessed lens LE may be measured by the lens outer shape measuring unit 350. The measurement results are used, for example, to check whether the outer shape of the lens LE is sufficient for the lens shape (so-called lens clipping).

[0056] Once the shape measurement of the lens LE is complete, the process moves on to machining the periphery of the lens LE using the machining tool 214. In this embodiment, the control of the periphery machining differs depending on whether the lens LE has a slippery surface or not. A first machining mode is available for lens LE with a slippery surface, and a second machining mode is available for lens LE with a less slippery surface. The first machining mode is set when the surface of the lens LE is coated with a water-repellent substance. This mode is provided to suppress "rotational misalignment" (so-called "axial misalignment"), which occurs when the periphery of the lens LE is machined by the machining tool 214, causing the actual rotation angle of the lens LE to deviate from the rotation angle of the lens holding shaft 102. The second machining mode is set when the surface of the lens LE is not coated with a water-repellent substance, and the lens LE has a normal coating. The operator may also set the first and second machining modes by checking whether the lens LE has a water-repellent coating when setting the machining conditions, and by using a switch located on the operation unit 30. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may automatically set the settings depending on whether or not it is input that the lens has a water-repellent coating when setting the processing conditions.

[0057] The control operations of the first and second processing modes will be explained below using the flowchart in Figure 5. First, we will explain the case where the first processing mode, which is applied to lenses LE with a slippery surface, is set in the processing mode setting (S1).

[0058] In the first machining mode, the control unit 50 initially machines a portion of the periphery of the lens LE with the machining tool 214 (for example, the rough machining tool 214d) without rotating the lens LE (S2). For example, after placing the lens LE in a non-rotating position, the control unit 50 drives the motor 213 to rotate the machining tool 214 and also drives the motor 273 of the Y-movement unit 270 to move the lens holding shaft 102, which was initially in the position, closer to the machining tool 214 in the Y-axis direction, thereby bringing the lens LE into contact with the machining tool 214. The contact of the lens LE with the machining tool 214 is detected by the change in the current flowing to the motor 273. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 50 further moves the lens LE towards the machining tool 214 in the Y-axis direction so that a predetermined distance Ma (for example, 5 to 10 mm) of the periphery of the lens LE is removed by the machining tool 214. Furthermore, the machining portion Ka at a predetermined distance Ma from the edge of the lens LE only needs to be outside the region of the lens shape TDa (lens shape data based on the holding center CO of the lens holding axis 102) that is to be machined in the lens LE. If the machining portion Ka falls within the region of the lens shape TDa, the lens LE should be rotated so that the machining portion Ka is outside the region of the lens shape TDa, and then the motors such as the Y movement unit 270 should be controlled so that the edge of the lens LE is machined.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, once a predetermined distance Ma of the processing portion Ka has been processed, the control unit 50 stops the rotation of the processing tool 214 and places the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 102 in a fixed state where it cannot rotate (S3). That is, because the processing tool 214 is biting into the processing portion Ka, even if one tries to rotate the lens LE, the lens LE gets caught on the processing tool 214, and the lens LE is fixed in a state where it cannot rotate. In this implementation, the lens LE can be fixed in a state where it cannot rotate using the configuration provided by the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 without adding any special configurations.

[0060] Next, the control unit 50 controls the drive of the motor 253 that rotates the lens holding shaft 102, gradually increasing its rotational torque (rotational force) (S4). Since the lens LE is fixed and cannot rotate, the rotation angle of the lens holding shaft 102 detected by the detector 254 does not change with a weak rotational torque. However, as the rotational torque is gradually increased, a "rotational misalignment" will eventually occur, and the rotation of the motor 253's axis will rotate, changing the rotation angle of the lens holding shaft 102. The rotation of the motor 253's axis is detected by the detector 254. That is, based on the detection signal from the detector 254, the control unit 50 detects the occurrence of a "rotational misalignment" of the lens holding shaft 102, and also detects the angle of that "rotational misalignment".

[0061] If the occurrence of a "rotational misalignment" is detected (YES in S5), the control unit 50 obtains the limit torque T1 by obtaining the rotational torque of the motor 253 at that time (S6). For example, the limit torque T1 is obtained based on the rotational torque immediately before the occurrence of the "rotational misalignment". When the occurrence of a "rotational misalignment" is detected, the control unit 50 stops the current flowing to the motor 253 (including reducing the current) so that the angle of the obtained "rotational misalignment" does not change, that is, so that no rotational force is applied to the lens holding shaft 102.

[0062] If the limit torque T1 is obtained, the control unit 50 sets an allowable torque T2 to be applied during the actual edge machining of the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 102 based on that (S7). For example, the allowable torque T2 is set with a predetermined margin relative to the limit torque T1. Once the allowable torque T2 is set, the process proceeds to the edge machining step of the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 102.

[0063] In this embodiment, the apparatus allows setting a first transition mode in which the peripheral edge processing of the lens LE is performed continuously after the allowable torque T2 is set (or the limit torque T1 is obtained), and a second transition mode in which the transition to peripheral edge processing of the lens LE is temporarily interrupted (S8). The first and second transition modes may be set by the operator at the stage of setting the processing conditions (before the lens LE is held on the lens holding shaft 102), or they may be set by operating the operation unit 30 according to the screen of the display unit 30 when the limit torque T1 is obtained, and this fact is displayed on the screen of the display unit 20. Alternatively, the first and second transition modes may be set automatically by the control unit 50 based on the value of the limit torque T1. For example, the first transition mode may be set when the limit torque T1 is less than a predetermined value, and the second transition mode may be set when the limit torque T1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0064] The first transition mode may also be called the "correction processing mode" because, after the first step, the processing data is corrected and the peripheral processing of the lens LE is performed. The second transition mode may also be called the "re-blocking processing mode" because, in the case of the transition to peripheral processing of the lens LE, the process is interrupted, and processing is performed after the cup CU is re-blocked.

[0065] The case where the first transition mode is set will be explained. In this case, the control unit 50 corrects the processing data used for processing the periphery of the lens LE based on the detection result of rotational misalignment (S9). The processing data is obtained by the control unit 50 after the shape measurement of the lens LE is completed. When the bevel processing mode is set, the lens shape processing data TDa (see Figure 6), which is the radial processing data (dynamic radial length, dynamic radial angle) of the lens LE with respect to the holding center of the lens holding axis 102, is set based on the lens shape data TD and layout data. The processing data for the bevel apex in the periphery direction (X direction) of the lens LE is set based on the lens thickness data (obtained from the edge position data of the front and back refractive surfaces of the lens LE by the lens refractive surface shape measurement unit 310) with respect to the lens shape data TDa. For example, the bevel apex position is set so as to divide the edge thickness in a predetermined ratio (for example, a ratio of 4:3). When the flat processing mode is set, the processing data for the bevel apex is omitted compared to the bevel processing mode.

[0066] For example, the corrected processing data used for peripheral processing of the lens LE is obtained as corrected lens shape processing data TDb, as shown in Figure 7, by rotating the original lens shape processing data TDa (see Figure 6) by the detection angle α of the rotational deviation in the opposite direction to the rotational deviation.

[0067] The peripheral machining of the lens LE begins with rough machining using a rough machining tool 214d. The control unit 50 determines a rough machining trajectory outside the corrected lens shape machining data TDb by a predetermined amount of finishing allowance, and controls the lens rotation unit 250A (motor 253) and the XY movement unit 250B (motor 273 of the XY movement unit 250B) so that the lens LE is roughly machined based on this rough machining trajectory. During this rough machining, the control unit 50 controls the lens rotation unit 250A (i.e., motor 253) so that the rotation torque of the motor 253 is within the allowable torque T2, and while rotating the lens LE, it performs rough machining on the entire circumference of the lens LE based on machining data based on the lens shape (in this case, a rough machining trajectory based on the corrected lens shape machining data TDb) (S10). As a result, even if the lens LE is prone to slipping, machining is performed to suppress rotational deviation (so-called axial deviation) more appropriately for each lens LE according to the degree of slipperiness.

[0068] Once rough machining is complete, the process moves on to the finishing process (for example, finishing with the finishing tool 214c). In this finishing process as well, the control unit 50 controls the lens rotation unit 250A (motor 253) so that the rotational torque of the motor 253 is within the allowable torque T2, and while rotating the lens LE, it performs finishing on the entire circumference of the lens LE based on machining data based on the lens shape (in this case, corrected lens shape machining data TDb) (S10). In this finishing process as well, machining is performed in a way that more appropriately suppresses rotational misalignment (so-called axial misalignment) depending on the degree of slipperiness of the lens LE.

[0069] As described above, in the first transition mode, after steps S2 to S6 in Figure 5 (referred to as the first step), the processing data correction step S9 is followed by the peripheral processing step S10 (referred to as the second step), which are performed consecutively, thus efficiently processing the lens LE.

[0070] Next, we will explain the case where the second transition mode is set in S8. The second transition mode is applied when the cup CU needs to be reattached because an axial misalignment has occurred between the lens LE and the cup CU in the first step (S2 to S6). For this reason, in the case of the second transition mode, the transition to peripheral machining of the lens LE is temporarily interrupted. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 itself sends and receives the signal to interrupt the transition to peripheral machining of the lens LE based on the setting of the second transition mode. However, it is also possible that the operator can input a signal to interrupt the transition to peripheral machining of the lens LE (hereinafter referred to as the interruption signal) by operating the switch on the operation unit 30, and the interruption signal will be received by the control unit 50.

[0071] When the control unit 50 receives an interruption signal, it controls the drive of the XY movement unit 250B from the position state of the lens holding shaft 102 when the limit torque T1 was obtained (the state shown in Figure 6) and moves the lens holding shaft 102 to the initial position (the position where the operator holds the lens LE on the lens holding shaft 102) (S11).

[0072] Next, the operator operates the chuck switch, which moves the lens holding shaft 102R in the opening direction, allowing the lens LE, which has experienced rotational misalignment, to be removed from the pair of lens holding shafts 102. After removing the lens LE from the lens holding shafts 102, the operator removes the cup CU from the front refractive surface of the lens LE and reattaches the cup CU to the front refractive surface of the lens LE using a known cup mounting device. Then, the lens LE is held again by the lens holding shafts 102 via the cup CU, and the rotation angle of the lens LE with respect to the lens holding shafts 102 is returned to the state in which no rotational misalignment has occurred.

[0073] Subsequently, when the operator presses the start switch provided on the operation unit 30, the control unit 50 receives a restart signal for operation (S12). If the restart signal for operation is received after transitioning to the second transition mode (YES in S12), the control unit 50 omits the measurement of the refractive surface shape of the lens LE by the lens refractive surface shape measurement unit 310 and performs peripheral machining of the entire circumference of the interrupted lens LE. In this case, the control unit 50 controls the lens rotation unit 250A (motor 253) so that the rotation torque of the motor 253 is within the allowable torque T2, and performs peripheral machining (rough machining, finish machining) of the entire circumference of the lens LE based on the initial lens shape machining data TDa while rotating the lens LE (S13). This allows for machining that more appropriately suppresses rotational slippage, even in the case of slippery lens LE.

[0074] Note that the second transition mode requires the extra step of reattaching the cup CU compared to the first transition mode. However, since the second transition mode does not correct a rotational misalignment that has occurred once, as in the first transition mode, it is used when the lens LE needs to be processed with high precision and care. For example, the second transition mode is suitable when the lens LE is expensive.

[0075] As described above, by executing the first processing mode, peripheral processing that suppresses rotational misalignment more appropriately can be performed for each eyeglass lens, depending on the difference in the slipperiness of the eyeglass lens. For example, in the case of eyeglass lenses with a highly water-repellent coating, setting the allowable torque to be weaker will increase the processing time, but will suppress rotational misalignment. Conversely, in the case of eyeglass lenses with a less water-repellent coating, setting the allowable torque to be stronger will suppress rotational misalignment and shorten the processing time.

[0076] Next, we will explain the case where the second processing mode is set in S1. The second processing mode is applied to lenses where the surface of the lens LE does not have a water-repellent coating and the lens surface is not slippery. For this reason, in the second processing mode, the first step (S2 to S6) etc. of the first processing mode are omitted. The control unit 50 controls the lens rotation unit 250A (motor 253) so that the rotation torque of the motor 253 is within a predetermined allowable torque TS set separately from the allowable torque T2 set in the second step, and rotates the lens LE while performing peripheral processing (rough processing and finishing processing) of the entire circumference of the lens LE based on the initial lens shape processing data TDa (S21). For example, the predetermined allowable torque TS may be determined by performing S2 to S6 as described above in the first processing mode on a sample lens to find the limit torque, and the value set based on that limit torque may be stored in the memory 40. When the second processing mode is set, the control unit 50 retrieves the allowable torque TS from the memory 40 and applies it. This ensures that even in the case of LE lenses, which do not have a water-repellent coating on the lens surface, the processing is carried out in a way that properly suppresses rotational misalignment.

[0077] Even if the lens LE does not have a water-repellent coating on its surface, the first processing mode may still be performed. However, the first processing mode involves extra steps S2 to S6, which increases the overall processing time. In contrast, the second processing mode, which is applicable to lenses with a non-slip surface (lenses without a water-repellent coating, but with a normal coating), can be set, allowing for efficient processing without increasing the overall processing time.

[0078] <Example of transformation> Although typical embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown above, and various modifications are possible.

[0079] For example, in S3 of Figure 5, in the above embodiment, the processing tool 214 was made to bite into the processed portion Ka of the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 102 in order to make the lens LE fixed in a non-rotatable state. However, the invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient as long as a non-rotatable fixed state is created for the lens LE. For example, a notch may be formed on the periphery of the lens LE by the drilling tool 235 of the third processing tool unit 210C, and the tip of the processing tool rotation shaft 221 of the second processing tool unit 210B may be inserted into the notch to make the lens LE fixed in a non-rotatable state.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the allowable torque for the first processing mode is set for each lens LE by executing the first steps S2 to S6 in Figure 5, but this is not limited to this. For example, torque information (limit torque or allowable torque) obtained by executing the first step is registered in advance in a memory 40 or database 62, which is an example of a storage means, corresponding to the type of water-repellent coating applied to the surface of the lens LE. For example, the allowable torque for each type of water-repellent coating is stored as a table in the storage means (memory 40 or database 62). Then, when processing a new lens LE, if the type of water-repellent coating is set (including selection) by the display 20 or operation unit 30 when setting the lens processing conditions, if there is registered information for the type of water-repellent coating in the table stored in the storage means (memory 40 or database 62), the torque information (limit torque or allowable torque) corresponding to that type of water-repellent coating is retrieved, and the allowable torque is automatically set by the control unit 50 based on it. In this case, in the first processing mode, the execution of the first step of obtaining the limit torque (S2 to S6 in Figure 5) is omitted, and the second steps from S7 onwards are executed. Therefore, if the type of water-repellent coating is stored in the memory device, the processing time for the lens LE can be shortened.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 50 checks whether or not there is registered information for the type of water-repellent coating in the table stored in the storage means. If no registered information exists, the first step of acquiring the limit torque (S2 to S6 in Figure 5) is executed, followed by the second step, which is the peripheral edge processing step of the lens LE from S7 onwards. In this case, the newly acquired torque information for the limit torque or allowable torque may be stored (registered) in the storage means in correspondence with the type of water-repellent coating. This expands the range of water-repellent coating types for which the first step of acquiring the limit torque can be omitted.

[0082] Furthermore, regarding the application of the above modification examples, if there are multiple eyeglass lens processing machines 1, the torque information newly obtained from one eyeglass lens processing machine 1 is stored (registered) in the database 62, allowing the other eyeglass lens processing machines 1 to obtain torque information corresponding to the type of water-repellent coating from the database 62. As a result, the first step of obtaining the limit torque can be omitted in the other eyeglass lens processing machines 1, which appropriately suppresses rotational deviation and shortens processing time. This configuration is particularly convenient for chain stores with multiple eyeglass shops. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1. Eyeglass lens processing machine 10 Data Acquisition Units 20 displays 30 Control section 50 Control Unit 62 Databases 102 Lens holding axis 214 Processing tools 250A Lens Rotation Unit 250B XY Movement Unit Motor 253 254 detectors

Claims

1. An eyeglass lens processing apparatus that processes the periphery of an eyeglass lens held on a lens holding shaft using a processing tool based on the lens shape, A rotating means for rotating the lens holding shaft, A moving means for changing the positional relationship between the spectacle lens held on the lens holding shaft and the processing tool, A torque detection means for detecting the rotational torque of the rotating means when the lens holding shaft is rotated, A rotational misalignment detection means for detecting the rotational misalignment of the spectacle lens relative to the holding position of the lens holding shaft, Equipped with control means, The control means is The first step involves fixing the spectacle lens held on the lens holding shaft in a non-rotatable state, gradually increasing the rotational torque of the rotating means, and when the rotational deviation detection means detects that a rotational deviation has occurred, obtaining the limit torque of the rotating means for the rotational deviation based on that detection. A second step involves setting an allowable torque based on the limit torque, controlling the rotating means and the moving means so that the torque is within the allowable torque, and processing the entire circumference of the spectacle lens with the processing tool based on the processing data based on the lens shape. An eyeglass lens processing apparatus characterized by performing the following actions.

2. In the eyeglass lens processing apparatus of claim 1, The spectacle lens processing apparatus is characterized in that, in the first step, the control means controls the moving means without rotating the spectacle lens, processes a part of the periphery of the spectacle lens with the processing tool, then stops the rotation of the processing tool and stops the change in the interaxial distance between the lens holding shaft and the rotation shaft of the processing tool, thereby placing the spectacle lens in a fixed state where it cannot rotate.

3. In the eyeglass lens processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The control means, in the second step, acquires corrected processing data based on the processing data based on the lens shape, based on the rotational deviation detected by the rotational deviation detection means in the first step, and processes the entire periphery of the spectacle lens with the processing tool based on the corrected processing data, characterized in that the spectacle lens processing apparatus.

4. In the eyeglass lens processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The system includes signal receiving means that receives a first signal to interrupt the transition to the second step and a second signal to resume the transition to the second step after the first step, The spectacle lens processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the control means receives the first signal, it controls the moving means to move the lens holding shaft to a predetermined initial position, and thereafter, when the second signal is received, it performs the second step.

5. In the eyeglass lens processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, A transition mode setting means that can set a first transition mode in which the second step is performed continuously after the first step, and a second transition mode in which the transition to the second step is interrupted after the first step, The system includes signal receiving means for receiving a restart signal to resume the transition to the second step if the transition to the second step is interrupted, When the first transition mode is set, the control means executes the second step after the first step, and in the second step, corrects the processing data based on the lens shape based on the rotational misalignment detection result by the rotational misalignment detection means in the first step, and processes the entire periphery of the spectacle lens with the processing tool based on the corrected processing data, and also, The spectacle lens processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the second transition mode is set, the control means interrupts execution to the second step after the first step, and executes the second step based on the reception of the restart signal by the signal receiving means.

6. In an eyeglass lens processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is equipped with a processing mode setting means that allows setting a first processing mode for eyeglass lenses with a slippery surface and a second processing mode for eyeglass lenses with a non-slippery surface. The control means is If the first processing mode is set, the first and second steps are executed. An eyeglass lens processing apparatus characterized in that, when the second processing mode is set, the first and second steps are not performed, and the rotating means and the moving means are controlled so as to be within a predetermined allowable torque set separately from the allowable torque set in the second step, and the peripheral edge of the entire circumference of the eyeglass lens is processed by the processing tool based on processing data based on the lens shape.

7. In an eyeglass lens processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The system includes a water-repellent coating setting means for setting the type of water-repellent coating applied to the surface of a new spectacle lens during peripheral processing. The spectacle lens processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means retrieves and obtains the allowable torque corresponding to the type of water-repellent coating set by the water-repellent coating setting means from a storage means in which the allowable torque obtained by the execution of the first step is stored in correspondence with the type of water-repellent coating, thereby omitting the execution of the first step, and then sets the allowable torque to be applied in the second step, thereby performing peripheral processing of the spectacle lens in the second step.

8. An eyeglass lens processing apparatus for processing the periphery of an eyeglass lens held on a lens holding shaft using a processing tool based on the lens shape, comprising: a rotating means for rotating the lens holding shaft; a moving means for changing the positional relationship between the eyeglass lens held on the lens holding shaft and the processing tool; a torque detection means for detecting the rotational torque of the rotating means when the lens holding shaft is rotated; a rotational misalignment detection means for detecting the rotational misalignment of the eyeglass lens with respect to the holding position of the lens holding shaft; and a control means, in a processing control program for the eyeglass lens processing apparatus, By being executed by the aforementioned control means, The first step involves fixing the spectacle lens held on the lens holding shaft in a non-rotatable state, gradually increasing the rotational torque of the rotating means, and when the rotational misalignment detection means detects that a rotational misalignment has occurred in the lens holding shaft, obtaining the limit torque of the rotating means for the rotational misalignment based on that detection. A second step involves setting an allowable torque based on the limit torque, controlling the rotating means and the moving means after the completion of the first step so that the torque is within the allowable torque, and processing the entire periphery of the spectacle lens with the processing tool based on the processing data based on the lens shape. A processing control program for an eyeglass lens processing apparatus, characterized by causing the eyeglass lens processing apparatus to execute the following.

Citation Information

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