A coating system for eyeglass lenses comprising a clamping ring and a cartridge for coating eyeglass lenses.

Abstract

A coating installation for coating spectacle lenses is proposed. Preferably, the coating installation comprises a handling system for automated handling of clamping rings for temporarily holding the spectacle lenses during the application of a coating. In particular, the handling system is designed for automated transfer of the spectacle lenses between different devices of the coating installation. Furthermore, clamping rings for clamping the spectacle lenses at their edges, a magazine for storing the clamping rings, a processing installation for processing the spectacle lenses, and several methods for processing and / or coating the spectacle lenses are proposed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates to a coating installation for coating spectacle lenses according to the preamble of claim 1, to a clamping ring for clamping spectacle lenses at their edges according to the preamble of claim 15, to a magazine for storing clamping rings according to the preamble of claim 25, and to a method for coating spectacle lenses. [Background technology]

[0002] An apparatus for processing optical lenses is known from WO 2013 / 131656 A2. The system has several separate processing devices for independently processing the lenses, as well as a transport system with parallel transport tracks for transporting the lenses. The coating of the lenses is not discussed in detail.

[0003] WO 2018 / 153787 A1 also discloses a system for processing optical lenses. The equipment includes a blocking device for blocking the lenses to be processed, a plurality of processing devices for processing the lenses, a deblocking device for deblocking the processed lenses, and a conveying system for the lenses. The equipment also includes a processing line for coating the lenses, but the steps in the processing line are not shown in detail.

[0004] An installation for coating spectacle lenses is known from DE 10 2016 125 273 A1 or WO 2018 / 108426 A1. The system comprises a transfer chamber and a plurality of coating devices with separate coating chambers connected in parallel to the transfer chamber for coating spectacle lenses in a vacuum. The coating chambers and the transfer chambers form an interconnected vacuum system. The interaction between the coating installation and potentially upstream devices for machining the spectacle lenses is not discussed.

[0005] DE 694 15 324 T2 or EP 0 714 454 B1 disclose a disk for holding spectacle lenses during a coating process. The disk can receive a lens holder in each of its outer recesses. The lenses held in the lens holders are moved past a sputtering device by rotating the disk so that the lenses are coated.

[0006] DE 101 46 542 A1 discloses a holder with a flexible spring element as holding means for a lens or spectacle lens, the holder having indexing means formed by holes in radially outwardly pointing arms of the holder.

[0007] DE 692 00 590 T2 or EP 0 497 651 B1 disclose a holder for spectacle lenses in which the spectacle lenses are held by elastically deformable tabs, the holder having protrusions forming stops for determining the position of the individual holders on a common mount.

[0008] DE 10 2014 119 365 A1 relates to a substrate holder for various types of substrates, which has a spring-loaded holding structure by means of which a substrate resting on the substrate holder support surface can be held.

[0009] From the prior art, no installation is known in which spectacle lenses are first machined in a processing installation, in particular in several separate processing devices in parallel, and then automatically transferred to a coating installation, where they are automatically handled and / or provided with a coating, in particular in small groups.

[0010] Furthermore, coating of spectacle lenses in methods known from the prior art is carried out in such a way that a large number of spectacle lenses are fed simultaneously to a coating device and coated there in a so-called batch operation. A batch, i.e., a group, of spectacle lenses to be coated simultaneously typically comprises approximately 80 to 120 spectacle lenses. A disadvantage of this method is the need to wait until a sufficient number of lenses have accumulated before coating. As a result, the time required to produce a single lens or a pair of lenses for a pair of spectacles is relatively long, which ultimately leads to long waiting times for customers who order a new pair of spectacles or new lenses. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] WO 2013 / 131656 A2 [Patent Document 2] WO 2018 / 153787 A1 [Patent Document 3] DE 10 2016 125 273 A1 [Patent Document 4] WO 2018 / 108426 A1 [Patent Document 5] DE 694 15 324 T2 [Patent Document 6] EP 0 714 454 B1 [Patent Document 7] DE 101 46 542 A1 [Patent Document 8] DE 692 00 590 T2 [Patent Document 9] EP 0 497 651 B1 [Patent Document 10] DE 10 2014 119 365 A1 [Patent Document 11] WO 2017 / 080639 A1 [Patent Document 12] WO 2017 / 202502 A1 [Patent Document 13] WO 2018 / 108432 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution for optimally connecting a coating installation for coating spectacle lenses to a processing installation for machining spectacle lenses, in particular allowing fully automated handling of spectacle lenses for and / or during the application of a permanent coating and / or allowing the shortest possible processing times for spectacle lenses in the processing installation and / or coating installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The above-mentioned object is solved by a coating installation according to claim 1, a clamping ring according to claim 15, a magazine according to claim 25 or a method according to claim 28. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a coating installation having a coating device for applying a permanent coating to an eyeglass lens.

[0015] The coating facility preferably has a handling system for automated handling of the holders, in particular the clamping rings. The holders / clamping rings are designed to temporarily hold the spectacle lenses during the application of the coating. The handling system allows for fully automated handling of the holders / clamping rings and rapid passage of the spectacle lenses through the coating facility.

[0016] Preferably, the coating installation comprises a first coating device and a second coating device, which are preferably configured to apply different permanent coating layers to the spectacle lens, in particular the first coating device configured to apply a first or hard layer and / or the second coating device configured to apply one or more second or functional layers.

[0017] Furthermore, the coating installation preferably comprises an intermediate storage device for intermediate storage of the spectacle lenses after application of the first or hard layer and / or before application of the second or functional layer, which intermediate storage device is preferably arranged downstream of the first coating device and / or upstream of the second coating device.

[0018] Preferably, the coating facility comprises a handling system for automated transfer of the spectacle lenses between the first and / or second coating device and the intermediate storage device, which allows a fully automated process and high speed passage of the spectacle lenses through the coating facility.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the handling system is designed for both automated handling of the holder / clamping ring and automated transfer of the spectacle lenses, which allows for a fully automated process.

[0020] Preferably, the handling system comprises a handling device having one or more suction cups or grippers for holding and / or handling the holder / clamping ring. Preferably, the handling device comprises or is formed by a robot, in particular having one or more robotic arms.

[0021] Preferably, the handling device is designed to handle the spectacle lenses in addition to handling the holder / clamping ring, which contributes to a compact design.

[0022] The coating facility and / or the intermediate storage device preferably comprises a magazine for storing clamping rings for the spectacle lenses, which contributes to an efficient process.

[0023] The magazine preferably has a magazine unit that can be removed from the magazine together with the clamping rings arranged therein, in this way multiple clamping rings can be fed to the cleaning device at the same time and cleaned therein, and the process for cleaning the clamping rings can be designed to be particularly efficient and / or time-saving.

[0024] The coating facility and / or the intermediate storage device preferably comprises a device for automated opening and / or closing of the clamping ring. Alternatively or additionally, the device is designed for automated insertion of the spectacle lens into the clamping ring. This contributes to a fully automated and efficient process.

[0025] The coating facility and / or the intermediate storage device further preferably comprises a heating device for heating the spectacle lens. In particular, heating in the heating device dries and / or hardens a hard coating previously applied to the spectacle lens, in particular in the first coating device. Preferably, the spectacle lens is held in a clamping ring during heating in the heating device.

[0026] The coating facility and / or the intermediate storage device or the heating device preferably comprises a conveying device for conveying the spectacle lenses through the intermediate storage device and / or the heating device. During conveying, the spectacle lenses are preferably held in a clamping ring. The heating device is designed to heat the spectacle lenses during their conveying using the conveying device. In other words, the lenses are heated while they are conveyed through the heating device.

[0027] Preferably, the heating device is designed for continuous transport of spectacle lenses, i.e. spectacle lenses are or can be transported without interruption in the heating device and / or with the transport device. In particular, while one or more spectacle lenses are already being transported with the transport device, further spectacle lenses can be transferred to the transport device so that they are transported with the transport device.

[0028] In particular, the transport device comprises for this purpose a continuously moving conveyor belt or conveyor element etc. In this way, the processing time for a single ophthalmic lens through the coating installation can be reduced or optimized.

[0029] The coating installation and / or handling system preferably comprises a (further) handling device for transporting the spectacle lenses and / or the clamping rings holding the spectacle lenses thereon from the intermediate storage device and / or the heating device, in particular the transport device of the heating device, to the second coating device. In particular, this allows for automated transport of the spectacle lenses from the intermediate storage device to the second coating device. This contributes to an optimized process.

[0030] The coating installation, in particular the second coating device, preferably has at least one carrier for receiving a plurality of spectacle lenses held in a holder / clamping ring, which allows several spectacle lenses to be coated simultaneously in the second coating device.

[0031] Preferably, the carrier is designed as a cover for the coating chamber of the second coating device. Optionally, the carrier is designed to close the coating chamber of the second coating device in a particularly airtight or vacuum-tight manner during the coating process. This contributes to a simple construction of the coating device and / or the coating chamber and to an optimized process and / or rapid passage of the spectacle lenses through the coating device.

[0032] The coating facility and / or the second coating device are preferably configured for automated return transport of the carriers after passing through the second coating device, which contributes to an automated and efficient process.

[0033] According to yet another aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the invention relates to a clamping ring having a plurality of flexible, in particular resilient, arms for clamping an eyeglass lens at its edge.

[0034] According to a first aspect, the clamping ring is provided with orientation means for oriented gripping or handling of the clamping ring and / or for oriented insertion of the clamping ring into a magazine and / or carrier, which allows automated handling of the clamping ring.

[0035] According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the clamping ring is provided with a suction surface for handling the clamping ring by means of a suction cup, which allows for easy handling of the clamping ring.

[0036] According to yet another aspect, which may also be implemented independently, the clamping rings are designed such that multiple identical clamping rings can be stacked vertically such that the arms of adjacent clamping rings are spaced apart and / or do not touch each other, in particular allowing for space-saving storage of the clamping rings and / or storage optimized for automated handling and / or preventing the arms of adjacent clamping rings from getting caught during stacking.

[0037] The directing means is preferably located on an outer surface of the clamping ring. Alternatively or additionally, the directing means comprises or is formed by one or more recesses.

[0038] The suction surface is preferably formed by a flange and / or is ring-shaped, which gives the clamping ring a simple structure.

[0039] Preferably, the suction surface is at least substantially parallel to the plane in which the spectacle lens is or can be clamped, which contributes to a simple and compact design of the clamping ring.

[0040] The clamping ring preferably has a frame to which the arms are fixed, the frame protruding radially inwardly and perpendicular to the plane in which the spectacle lens is or can be clamped over the arms, in particular this can prevent the arms of adjacent clamping rings from contacting or interlocking with each other when the clamping rings are stacked.

[0041] The clamping ring or frame preferably has at least one recess, which is preferably arranged on the bottom surface of the clamping ring and / or frame. The recess allows the cleaning liquid to drain when several clamping rings, especially those stacked one above the other and / or arranged in a magazine or magazine unit, are cleaned simultaneously. This allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple clamping rings, especially those arranged in a magazine, and avoids cleaning liquid residues on the clamping rings.

[0042] According to another aspect, which may also be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a magazine for storing a plurality of clamping rings for eyeglass lenses.

[0043] Preferably, the clamping rings have orientation means and the magazine also has orientation means corresponding to the orientation means on the clamping rings so that the clamping rings can only be placed or stored in the magazine in predetermined orientations or rotational positions, which allows for automated handling of the clamping rings.

[0044] The magazine preferably has at least one magazine unit that can be removed from the magazine together with the clamping rings arranged in the magazine unit, which allows several clamping rings to be removed from the magazine simultaneously, for example for cleaning, which contributes to an efficient and fast process.

[0045] Preferably, several clamping rings can be stored in the magazine and / or magazine unit stacked one above the other in the same orientation or rotational position, which contributes to a compact design and allows automated handling of the clamping rings.

[0046] The magazine and / or magazine unit are preferably columnar in design, which contributes to a simple design.

[0047] According to another aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a processing installation for processing spectacle lenses.

[0048] The processing facility has several separate and independently operating processing devices.

[0049] Preferably, at least one of the processing devices is designed for a machining / forming process and / or at least one of the processing devices is designed for polishing spectacle lenses. Preferably, the devices are designed for simultaneously processing spectacle lenses in different processing devices. In particular, spectacle lenses can be formed / machined, i.e., rolled or turned, in one or more machining devices for forming / machining, while one or more spectacle lenses are also formed / machined and / or polished in one or more other processing devices.

[0050] Preferably, the processing facility has a plurality of conveying tracks so that the spectacle lenses can be conveyed and / or circulated past the processing devices.

[0051] The processing facility preferably comprises a coating facility directly adjacent to the processing device and connected to one of the conveying tracks.

[0052] Furthermore, the processing facility preferably comprises a transport device designed for the automated transport of spectacle lenses from the conveying track or from one of the processing devices to the coating facility.

[0053] The coating installation preferably comprises a plurality of coating chambers for applying different layers to the spectacle lens. These or some of the coating chambers preferably form a continuous vacuum system and are arranged in series and / or directly connected to one another, in particular so that the spectacle lens passes through each of the coating chambers. However, in addition to the coating chambers forming the continuous vacuum system, the coating installation may also comprise at least one further individual coating chamber. The coating chamber forming the continuous vacuum system is in particular the aforementioned coating chamber of a second coating device and / or is designed for applying a second layer or a functional layer. The other individual coating chamber is preferably the aforementioned coating chamber of a first coating device and / or is designed for applying a first layer or a hard layer.

[0054] In particular, the processing facility combines parallel processing of eyeglass lenses in processing devices with serial throughput of eyeglass lenses in coating facilities. In particular, short processing times and / or fast throughput of a single eyeglass lens through the entire processing facility can be achieved in this way.

[0055] According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a method for applying a permanent coating to a spectacle lens in a coating installation, wherein during the application of the permanent coating, the spectacle lens is temporarily held in a holder, in particular a clamping ring. In this context, temporary means in particular that the spectacle lens is preferably held in the holder / clamping ring only during one or more stages of the application of the coating, and that preferably at least one stage of the application of the permanent coating is performed without the spectacle lens being held in the holder / clamping ring.

[0056] In this method, it is preferably provided that the coating facility automatically opens and / or closes the clamping ring and / or automatically inserts the spectacle lenses into and / or removes them from the clamping ring, which contributes to a rapid passage of the spectacle lenses through the coating facility.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the method preferably provides that the spectacle lens or clamping ring is automatically inserted into and / or automatically removed from a carrier, indirectly or directly, which rotatably holds the spectacle lens or clamping ring, in particular during coating, and / or which covers the individual coating chambers during coating.

[0058] For opening and / or closing and / or for inserting and / or removing the spectacle lens, the clamping ring is preferably held in a defined orientation or rotational position, which allows for an automated process.

[0059] According to yet another aspect, which may be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a method for applying a permanent coating to first and second planar surfaces of an eyeglass lens, in which a removable cover layer is applied to the first planar surface of the eyeglass lens in a cover layer device, and thereafter a permanent coating is applied to the second planar surface.

[0060] After the permanent coating is applied to the second planar surface, the removable cover layer is automatically removed from the eyeglass lens, and the eyeglass lens is automatically transported back to the cover layer device.

[0061] Thereafter, a removable cover layer is applied to the second planar surface within the cover layer device, and then a permanent coating is applied to the first planar surface.

[0062] The addition of a removable cover layer to surfaces that are not intended to be coated prevents some of the coating material from reaching surfaces that are not intended to be coated, which contributes to optimal coating quality.

[0063] According to yet another aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a method for processing spectacle lenses, wherein the spectacle lenses are subjected to a molding / machining process, preferably polishing, in one or more processing devices. Furthermore, a first flat surface of the spectacle lenses is provided with a removable protective layer before the molding / machining process. Preferably, the spectacle lenses are blocked on the first flat surface during or before the molding / machining process.

[0064] After the molding process / machining, the protective layer is removed and the first planar surface of the spectacle lens is provided with a removable cover layer after the protective layer has been removed.

[0065] A permanent coating is then applied to the second flat surface of the lens.

[0066] Removing the protective layer after the molding process / machining and adding the cover layer before coating ensures that the lens or first flat surface of the lens is completely covered during coating and that the coating material cannot reach above the first flat surface.

[0067] According to another aspect, which may also be practiced independently, the present invention relates to a method of applying a permanent coating to eyeglass lenses in a coating facility, where the eyeglass lenses are coated in batch sizes of up to eight eyeglass lenses at a time.

[0068] Furthermore, the spectacle lenses are transported in a transport container to a coating facility and are removed from the transport container and transported to the coating facility for coating.

[0069] During application of the coating to the eyeglass lenses, the transport container is transported past the coating facility. After the coating has been applied, each of the eyeglass lenses is placed back into the same transport container from which they were previously removed.

[0070] Individual aspects and features of the present invention described above and below can be combined with one another in various combinations, but can also be implemented independently of one another.

[0071] Further aspects, features, advantages, and characteristics of the present invention will be apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments which refers to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0072] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a proposed processing installation for processing spectacle lenses; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a blocked eyeglass lens. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an eyeglass lens with a permanent coating. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a cleaning device and a first coating device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the cleaning device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the first coating apparatus of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an intermediate storage device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a clamping ring. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom view of the clamping ring of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a magazine or magazine unit with a clamping ring disposed therein; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a view of a strip of intermediate storage transport devices. [Figure 12] 1 is a top view of a clamping device for clamping an eyeglass lens to a clamping ring. [Figure 13] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged section of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second coating apparatus. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a handling device of the second coating apparatus. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of yet another handling device of the second coating apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0073] In the above-mentioned figures, some of which are not to scale but are merely schematic, the same reference symbols are used for the same or similar parts, and corresponding or equivalent features and advantages can be obtained even if repeated description is omitted.

[0074] Processing devices "of the same kind" in the sense of the present invention are preferably processing devices designed to be suitable for the same type of processing and / or for carrying out the same processing steps in the production of spectacle lenses. Possible processing steps or "types" of processing comprise, for example, turning (also abbreviated as "turning"), rolling machining (abbreviated as "rolling"), marking, polishing, blocking, and deblocking, each of these processing operations representing a different processing step or processing type. For example, two processing devices each adapted to polish spectacle lenses are processing devices of the same kind. Particularly preferably, processing devices of the same kind are of the same or identical design. Two processing devices designed for different processes or processing steps are not of the same kind. For example, a processing device for polishing and a processing device for marking are not processing devices of the same kind.

[0075] A "prescription surface" in the sense of the present invention is a surface or flat surface of a spectacle lens having a shape that is modified by the molding process / machining so that the molding process / machining results in a spectacle lens that corrects the visual deficiency of the user for whom the spectacle lens is made.

[0076] A "permanent" coating in the sense of the present invention is preferably a coating that cannot be removed from the spectacle lens again. In particular, a permanent coating of a spectacle lens serves to modify, in particular improve or optimize, the properties of the spectacle lens, for example with regard to its reflective properties or with regard to the adhesion of dirt to the spectacle lens. Preferably, the coating comprises or consists of several different layers, in particular a hard layer and one or more functional layers. The hard layer serves in particular to protect the spectacle lens from the start. The functional layer serves in particular to improve the spectacle lens or to improve comfort for the user. In particular, the properties of the spectacle lens or its surface can be modified by one or more functional layers. For example, the functional layer can reduce or prevent the adhesion of dirt, water, grease, and / or dust particles to the spectacle lens, facilitate cleaning of the spectacle lens, reduce or prevent the occurrence of reflections (anti-reflective coating), and / or reduce the transmittance of the spectacle lens for light of certain wavelengths or colors, for example blue light, violet light, and / or UV light.

[0077] A "protective layer" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a removable layer. In particular, the protective layer is a layer that serves to protect the spectacle lens during processing operations and / or that is cut off or removed after the processing operations. In particular, the protective layer is applied to the block face of the spectacle lens and / or serves to prevent damage to the block face.

[0078] A "cover layer" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a removable layer. In particular, the cover layer is a layer that serves to cover the flat surface of the spectacle lens during the coating operation and / or that is cut off or removed again after the coating operation. In particular, the cover layer serves to prevent the deposition of coating material on surfaces of the spectacle lens that are not intended to be coated.

[0079] The cover layer is preferably the same as the protective layer. The different terms cover layer and protective layer are primarily used to distinguish a layer added to protect one surface of the lens from damage during processing from a layer added to cover a surface not intended to be coated during application of a permanent coating.

[0080] A "block face" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a flat face of the spectacle lens on which the spectacle lens is held during processing of the other flat face of the spectacle lens, in particular by means of a block piece and / or blocking material.

[0081] "Circulation" of spectacle lenses in the sense of the present invention is in particular the transport or conveyance of the spectacle lenses in a circuit, in which the spectacle lenses pass at least one point of the circuit at least twice. In the circulation, the spectacle lenses are preferably conveyed past one or more processing devices without being fed to such processing device(s) for processing.

[0082] "Parallel" processing of spectacle lenses in the sense of the present invention is, in particular, a process in which simultaneous processing of spectacle lenses is carried out in similar, in particular separate, processing devices. Accordingly, a processing installation designed for parallel processing of spectacle lenses preferably has a plurality of processing devices, preferably of the same type, for carrying out processing operations or for carrying out specific processing steps, such as rolling or polishing. In particular, in the case of parallel processing, a certain type of processing or a certain processing step can be carried out arbitrarily in one of a plurality of processing devices, preferably of the same type, so that it is not predetermined in which of these processing devices a certain type of processing or a certain processing step is carried out.

[0083] "Serial" processing of spectacle lenses in the sense of the present invention is, in particular, processing in which a certain type of processing or a certain processing step is carried out in only one (single) processing device. In particular, in contrast to parallel processing, simultaneous processing of spectacle lenses does not take place in several similar processing devices. Processing equipment designed for serial processing of spectacle lenses therefore preferably has exactly one processing device for each type of processing or each processing step. Nevertheless, even in the case of serial processing or processing equipment designed for this purpose, each individual processing device can be designed to process several spectacle lenses simultaneously. However, in contrast to parallel processing, it is intended that each spectacle lens passes through each processing device at least once and / or is processed in each of these processing devices.

[0084] A "holder" or "clamping ring" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a holder for holding a spectacle lens, in particular by its edge. In particular, the clamping ring is designed so that at least one flat surface of the spectacle lens remains free and / or can be coated with a coating. The clamping ring is preferably at least substantially ring-shaped in design and / or has devices, preferably intended to hold the spectacle lens, in particular by frictional engagement and / or clamping, for example in the form of (flexible) arms, fingers, pins, etc.

[0085] A "magazine" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a device for storing and / or preserving clamping rings. Preferably, several clamping rings can be stored in the magazine at the same time.

[0086] A "stack" of clamping rings in the sense of the present invention is preferably an arrangement of two or more clamping rings such that the clamping rings are in contact with each other or abut one on top of the other or one above the other. Preferably, stacking comprises arranging a plurality of clamping rings in the same orientation, in particular vertically, one on top of the other.

[0087] A "gripping device" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a holder for holding a spectacle lens, which makes it possible to hold the spectacle lens by its edge in such a way that damage to its surface or its flat surface is avoided. In particular, the gripping device has a number of fingers that are or can be added to the edge of the spectacle lens in order to hold it.

[0088] Overarching Concept FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic top view of a processing installation 1 according to the invention for processing spectacle lenses 2 .

[0089] Preferably, the processing installation 1 comprises several processing devices 3, which in particular operate separately and / or independently of one another. In particular, the processing devices 3 are designed to process and / or generate the optically active or prescription surface, i.e. the flat surfaces 2A, 2B, of the spectacle lens 2.

[0090] Preferably, the spectacle lens 2 has a block face or first flat surface 2A, a prescription surface or second flat surface 2B, and an edge 2C. This is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. In particular, the second flat surface 2A of the spectacle lens 2 is machined or an optically active surface or prescription surface is generated from the second flat surface 2A in the machining facility 1. During machining, the spectacle lens is preferably held on the block face or first flat surface 2B by means of a block piece 13.

[0091] The first and second flat surfaces 2A, 2B preferably have an extended area. However, this does not mean that the first and second flat surfaces 2A, 2B are flat. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first and second flat surfaces 2A, 2B are preferably curved.

[0092] Preferably, the edge 2C forms the boundary between the first and second flat surfaces 2A, 2B and constitutes the (lateral) boundary of the spectacle lens 2.

[0093] Preferably, the processing installation 1 is designed especially for the simultaneous processing or parallel processing of several spectacle lenses 2 in different processing devices 3 .

[0094] Preferably, the processing facility 1 is designed for the complete processing of spectacle lenses 2 and / or the production of finished spectacle lenses 2 from lens blanks.

[0095] Preferably, the processing facility 1 is designed to completely process the spectacle lenses 2 in particularly small batch sizes in a short time. Preferably, the time it takes for the spectacle lenses 2 to pass through and / or be completely processed in the processing facility 1 is less than 3 hours.

[0096] The throughput of the processing facility 1 is preferably more than 60 and / or less than 140 spectacle lenses 2 per hour, in particular about 80 to 120 spectacle lenses 2 per hour.

[0097] Preferably, at least one of the processing devices 3 is designed for processing / machining the shape of the spectacle lens 2, in particular for turning (preferably facing), rolling and / or polishing. In the following, this processing device 3 will be referred to as machining device 3A.

[0098] Furthermore, preferably at least one of the processing devices 3 is designed to polish the spectacle lens 2. In the following, this processing device 3 will be referred to as polishing device 3B.

[0099] Furthermore, the processing facility 1 preferably comprises a protective layer device 3C for applying a protective layer 12 to the spectacle lens 2, a blocking device 3D for fixing blocking pieces 13 to the spectacle lens 2, a storage device 3E for stacking or storing the spectacle lenses 2, a marking device 3F for marking the spectacle lens 2, a deblocking device 3G for removing blocking pieces 13 from the spectacle lens 2, and / or a cover layer device 3H for applying a cover layer 12B to the spectacle lens 2. Preferably, each of the devices 3C to 3H comprises a processing device 3. The devices 3C to 3H will be discussed in more detail below.

[0100] Preferably, the processing facility 1 comprises a coating facility 4 according to the present proposal, or the coating facility 4 comprises the processing facility 1, in particular the coating facility 4 according to the present proposal is coupled to the processing facility 1.

[0101] In particular, parallel processing, single processing or pair processing is carried out in the processing facility 1, while coating is carried out in series in the coating facility 4, preferably in small groups.

[0102] Preferably, the transport of the spectacle lenses 2 from the processing device 3 to the coating facility 4, the delivery of the spectacle lenses 2 to the coating facility 4, and / or the application of the coating 5 at the coating facility 4 are fully automated.

[0103] The coating equipment 4 is preferably designed to apply a permanent coating 5 to the spectacle lens 2. The coating 5 is particularly transparent to optically visible light.

[0104] The coating 5 may comprise or consist of several, in particular different, layers 5A, 5B.

[0105] Preferably, the coating 5 comprises a hard layer 5 A. Preferably, the hard layer 5 A prevents or reduces scratches on the spectacle lens 2.

[0106] Furthermore, the coating 5 preferably comprises one or more functional layers 5B. Examples of functional layers 5B are an anti-reflection layer, an anti-fogging layer, or an anti-fouling layer.

[0107] In the following, the hard layer 5A and / or the functional layer 5B will be referred to in part by further abbreviating them as one or more layers 5A, layer 5B, respectively.

[0108] The coating 5, the hard layer 5A, and / or the functional layer 5B are particularly shown in FIG.

[0109] In the following, the expressions "application of a permanent coating" and "coating" or "coating with a permanent coating" are used synonymously and in particular interchangeably.

[0110] The application of the permanent coating 5 is preferably carried out in several stages in which layers 5A, 5B of the permanent coating 5 are each applied to the spectacle lens 2. The different layers 5A, 5B of the coating 5 can be applied separately from one another, in particular in time and / or space, and even in different devices of the coating installation 4.

[0111] Preferably, the coating installation 4 comprises several devices suitable for different work stages. Preferably, the coating installation 4 comprises a cleaning device 6 for cleaning the spectacle lenses 2, one or more coating devices 7, 9 for applying a permanent coating to the spectacle lenses 2, and an intermediate storage device 8 for intermediate storage of the spectacle lenses 2, in particular after application of the layers 5A, 5B in one of the coating devices 7, 9.

[0112] Preferably, the coating device 7 is configured to apply the hard layer 5 A. Preferably, the second coating device 9 is configured to apply one or more functional layers 5 B.

[0113] The devices 6 to 9 of the coating installation 4, in particular the cleaning device 6, the first coating device 7, the intermediate storage device 8 and the second coating device 9, are preferably arranged in series and / or linearly one after the other, in particular in the mentioned order shown in Fig. 1. In particular, the devices 6 to 9 are arranged such that each spectacle lens 2 passing through one of them also passes through the other devices 6 to 9. Preferably, the spectacle lenses 2 cannot be selectively fed to only one device 6 to 9 of the coating installation 4. This allows for a simple construction of the coating installation 4 as well as high-speed coating of the spectacle lenses 2 in the coating installation 4.

[0114] Optionally, the processing facility 1 comprises an edge treatment device 10 for edge treatment of the spectacle lens 2 or its edge 2C. Preferably, the edge treatment device 10 is arranged downstream of the coating facility 4. Preferably, the edge treatment device 10 is designed to adapt the edge 2C of the spectacle lens 2 to the shape of an associated spectacle frame into which the spectacle lens 2 is intended to be inserted.

[0115] Preferably, one or both of the processing facilities 1 and / or the coating facility 4 have a transport system 11 for transporting the spectacle lenses 2 through the processing facility 1 and / or the coating facility 4 and / or to the respective processing device 3. Preferably, the transport system 11 comprises or is formed by one or more conveyor devices 11A, in particular belt conveyors. Preferably, the conveying device 11A forms one or more conveying tracks T1, T2, T3, in particular a first conveying track T1, a second conveying track T2 and / or a third conveying track T3.

[0116] Preferably, the processing facility 1 and / or the transport system 11 are designed to be suitable for the automated transport of the spectacle lenses 2 from the processing device 3 to the coating facility 4 and / or for a particularly automated delivery of the spectacle lenses 2 to the coating facility 4.

[0117] Preferably, the spectacle lenses 2 are arranged or placed, in particular in each case in pairs, in transport containers 11D, which are transported by the transport system 11. Preferably, the transport containers 11D are designed in particular as transport boxes which open at the top.

[0118] Preferably, the transport system 11 has several transport tracks T1, T2, T3, in particular at least two or three transport tracks T1, T2, T3, in particular in the area of ​​the processing device 3A, the polishing device 3B and / or the marking device 3F.

[0119] Preferably, the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 extend parallel to one another and / or are designed to convey a plurality of spectacle lenses 2 in parallel. "Parallel" in this context does not necessarily mean that the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 are straight and parallel to one another in a geometrical sense, i.e. at a constant distance from one another, but only that different spectacle lenses 2 or conveying containers 11D can be conveyed or transported simultaneously on the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3. Nevertheless, the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 are preferably straight, at least in sections, and preferably also parallel to one another (in a geometrical sense).

[0120] Preferably, the first conveying track T1 extends directly between or close to and / or through the processing devices 3.

[0121] In particular, the first conveying track T1 is arranged so that direct or immediate transport or transfer of the eyeglass lens 2 from the processing device 3 to a nearby and / or downstream processing device 3 is preferably possible without the need to first feed the eyeglass lens 2 onto another conveying track T1, T2, T3.

[0122] Preferably, the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 are connected to one another by a switching device 11B. The switching device 11B enables the transfer of the spectacle lenses 2 or the transport containers 11D between the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3, and thus in particular between the first conveying track T1 and the second conveying track T2 and / or between the second conveying track T2 and the third conveying track T3. Preferably, the switching device 11B operates transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3. The switching device 11B can be designed, for example, as a slider or a belt conveyor.

[0123] Preferably, the transport system 11 and / or the transport tracks T1, T2, T3 allow a circulatory and / or circular transport of the spectacle lenses 2, in particular in the area of ​​the machining device 3A, the polishing device 3B and / or the marking device 3F, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0124] Preferably, the method for producing and / or processing a spectacle lens 2 in a processing facility 1 comprises the steps described below. Only a brief overview of the method is provided here; further details or method steps are described in more detail later. Likewise, individual method steps described below can optionally be omitted.

[0125] The method is described below for a single spectacle lens 2. Preferably, in the processing facility 1 several spectacle lenses 2 are processed simultaneously in the manner described below.

[0126] Preferably, the processing in the processing device 3 is performed on a blocked spectacle lens 2, i.e., a spectacle lens 2 fitted with a block piece 13. However, in principle, the use of the block piece 13 can be omitted, i.e., processing can be performed without the use of a block piece if necessary.

[0127] Preferably, a protective layer 12A is applied to the block face or first flat face 2A of the spectacle lens 2 in the protective layer device 3C. In particular, the protective layer 12A serves to protect the block face or first flat face 2A of the spectacle lens 2, which usually already has a completed shape, from damage during blocking and / or subsequent processing. The protective layer 12A is preferably removable. For example, the protective layer 12A can be configured as a film that is applied and / or attached to the spectacle lens 2. Preferably, however, the protective layer 12A is applied to the spectacle lens 2, in particular sprayed, and then produced from a curable material, such as a protective lacquer, which is cured by irradiation of the spectacle lens 2 and / or the protective layer 12A, in particular with UV radiation, for example.

[0128] The attachment of the blocking pieces 13 to the spectacle lens 2 is preferably performed in a blocking device 3D and / or after the application of the protective layer 12A in a protective layer device 3C. Preferably, the blocking pieces 13 are fixed or attached to the spectacle lens 2 using a blocking material 14. In the following, the attachment of the blocking pieces 13 to the spectacle lens 2 will also be referred to as blocking the spectacle lens 2, or even blocking for short. An example of the blocking pieces 13 is shown in Figure 2.

[0129] After blocking, the spectacle lenses 2 are preferably further transported to an (optional) storage device 3E, in which several, in particular blocked, spectacle lenses 2 are preferably stored, in particular stacked. This storage and / or stacking of blocked spectacle lenses 2 allows, in particular, the blocking material 14 to harden and / or dry.

[0130] After blocking in the blocking device 3D and / or storage in the storage device 3E, a molding process / machining of the spectacle lens 2 is preferably carried out in the molding process device 3A. In this case, preferably, the optically effective or prescription surface 2B of the spectacle lens 2, i.e., the second flat surface 2B, is machined.

[0131] After being processed in the processing device 3A, the eyeglass lenses 2 are preferably polished in a polishing device 3D. Preferably, the processing facility 1 comprises two or more polishing devices 3B. This makes it possible to polish several eyeglass lenses 2 simultaneously in different polishing devices 3B. In this way, the throughput of the processing facility 1 can be improved and the sequence for processing eyeglass lenses 2 can be optimized. Generally, processing in the machining device 3A requires significantly less time than polishing in the polishing device 3B, so providing several polishing devices 3B can prevent eyeglass lenses 2 from jamming in front of the polishing devices 3B and optimize the processing facility 1.

[0132] After polishing in the polishing device 3B, the spectacle lens 2 is preferably marked in a marking device 3F, preferably using a laser, although the marking step is only optional and can be omitted.

[0133] After the spectacle lens 2 has been processed in the machining device 3A, the polishing device 3B and / or the marking device 3F, the spectacle lens 2 is preferably conveyed to the deblocking device 3G. In the deblocking device 3G, the blocking pieces 13 and / or the protective layer 12A, if present, are separated from the spectacle lens 2. Removal of the blocking pieces 13 is also referred to as deblocking or unblocking the spectacle lens 2.

[0134] Preferably, after deblocking and / or removal of the protective layer 12A and / or before transporting the spectacle lens 2 to the coating facility 4, the application of the protective layer 12A and / or the cover layer 12B to the spectacle lens 2 is carried out.

[0135] Preferably, the cover layer 12B is applied to the flat surfaces 2A, 2B of the spectacle lens 2 to which the protective layer 12A was previously applied. The cover layer 12B serves to cover the flat surfaces 2A, 2B of the spectacle lens 2, in particular the same or first flat surface 2A or the previous block surface, so that during coating in the coating facility 4, no coating is applied to the flat surfaces 2A, 2B of the spectacle lens 2 covered by the cover layer 12B.

[0136] It is known that after processing of the spectacle lens 2 in the processing device 3, the protective layer 12A often already exhibits some damage and therefore cannot guarantee optimal protection against undesired coating of the spectacle lens 2 on the side to which it has been applied. Furthermore, damage or destruction of the protective layer 12A, in particular detachment of parts and / or large areas, occurs, especially when the spectacle lens 2 is unblocked, i.e. when block pieces are removed or separated from the spectacle lens 2. It is therefore advantageous to remove the protective layer 12A and apply a new protective or cover layer 12B before coating the spectacle lens 2.

[0137] Preferably, the different terms "protective layer 12A" and "cover layer 12B" merely serve to distinguish between a layer applied for processing in processing equipment 3 (protective layer 12A) and a layer applied for coating in coating equipment 4 (cover layer 12B).

[0138] Preferably, the protective layer device 12A and the cover layer device 12B are the same or of the same type. Similarly, the protective layer device 3C and the cover layer device 3H are preferably the same or of a similar design. Therefore, the application of the cover layer 12B can optionally be performed within the protective layer device 3C, or the protective layer device 3C can comprise or form the cover layer device 3H instead of providing a separate cover layer device 3H in addition to the protective layer device 3C.

[0139] After processing of the spectacle lens 2 in the processing device 3, in particular after the application of the cover layer 12B, the spectacle lens 2 is preferably transferred, in particular automatically, to the coating facility 4 and / or to the cleaning device 6. This transfer can take place indirectly, in particular via the conveying system 11 or one of the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3, or directly from one of the processing devices 3, in particular the deblocking device 3G or the cover layer device 3H, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG.

[0140] Preferably, the coating installation 4 comprises a common housing or casing 4A for its devices, in particular for the cleaning device 6, the first coating device 7, the intermediate storage device 8 and / or the second coating device 9.

[0141] Preferably, the spectacle lenses 2 are cleaned in a cleaning device 6. Preferably, the cleaning device 6 is designed to clean several spectacle lenses 2 simultaneously.

[0142] After cleaning, the spectacle lens 2 is preferably transferred or conveyed to the first coating device 7 .

[0143] In the first coating device 7, a first layer or hard coating 5A is preferably applied or deposited onto the spectacle lens 2.

[0144] Preferably, the spectacle lenses 2 are transported after the application of the hard layer 5A to an intermediate storage device 8. Preferably, a plurality of spectacle lenses 2 are temporarily stored in the intermediate storage device 8, which serves in particular to harden and / or dry the applied hard coating 5A.

[0145] Thereafter, the spectacle lens 2 is preferably transported and / or transferred to a second coating device 9. In the second coating device 9, one or more further layers or functional layers 5B of the coating 5 are preferably applied to the spectacle lens 2, for example one or more anti-reflection and / or anti-fog layers.

[0146] Preferably, the processing facility 1 and / or the coating facility 4 comprises a cutting device 15 for cutting off the cover layer 12B. Preferably, the cutting device 15 is arranged downstream of the second coating device 9.

[0147] In principle, however, the detachment device 15 can be omitted and / or the detachment of the cover layer can be carried out in another device, for example in the deblocking device 3G or the cover layer device 3H.

[0148] After the coating 5 has been applied to the spectacle lens 2, the spectacle lens 2 is preferably transferred and / or conveyed to a cutting-off apparatus 15 (or other device suitable for cutting off the cover layer 12B). In the cutting-off apparatus 15 or other device, the cover layer 12B is preferably removed or cut off from the spectacle lens 2.

[0149] From the cutting-off device 15, the spectacle lens 2 can be transported to further devices of the processing installation 1 and / or coating installation 4, for example to an edge treatment device 10 arranged downstream of the cutting-off device 15. This is done in particular when only one flat surface 2A, 2B of the spectacle lens 2, in particular the prescription surface, is coated with the coating 5.

[0150] However, if the other flat surface 2A, 2B of the spectacle lens 2 is also to be coated with the coating 5, the spectacle lens 2 is preferably conveyed back to the cover coating device 3H. For this purpose, the processing facility 1 and / or the coating facility 4 preferably comprises a return conveying device 16.

[0151] That is, if the spectacle lens 2 is coated on both sides, preferably, after the first pass through the coating facility 4 and / or after the application of the coating 5 in the coating facility 4, the spectacle lens 2 is conveyed back to the cover layer device 3H arranged upstream of the coating facility 4, in particular by means of the return conveying device 16, and is coated again in the cover layer device 3H with a cover layer 12B, which is applied to the side of the spectacle lens 2 to which the coating 5 was previously applied in the coating facility 4. Thereafter, preferably after the coating of the cover layer 12B has been separated in the separating device 15, a further permanent coating 5 is applied in the coating facility 4 to the flat sides 2A, 2B, in particular the first flat side 2A or the block side, which are not yet provided with the desired coating 5.

[0152] Basically, therefore, the spectacle lenses 2 are preferably processed first, especially in a molding step and / or in a processing device 3. In this respect, several spectacle lenses 2 are preferably processed simultaneously in different processing devices 3. Thus, preferably, parallel processing of the spectacle lenses 2 takes place. Preferably, a circulation of the spectacle lenses 2 takes place.

[0153] Afterwards, a permanent coating 5 is preferably applied to the spectacle lenses 2. In this case, the spectacle lenses 2 are preferably coated in series or one by one. The application of the coating 5 is carried out in particular in a coating facility 4.

[0154] Preferably, the application of the coating 5 comprises several stages.

[0155] In particular, the spectacle lens 2 is first cleaned in an optional first step.

[0156] Preferably, a hard layer 5A of a permanent coating 5 is applied to the spectacle lens 2, especially after cleaning.

[0157] Preferably, the hardening layer 5A is hardened after application, in particular in several or separate stages which can be carried out in particular in different devices. Preferably, the hardening stages comprise irradiation of the spectacle lens 2 with electromagnetic radiation, in particular UV radiation, and (further) drying and / or further hardening by heating the spectacle lens 2. Preferably, the hardening layer 5A is already at least substantially dried during irradiation of the spectacle lens 2 with electromagnetic radiation, to the extent that at least further transport of the spectacle lens 2 is possible without damaging the (still not fully hardened) hardening layer 5A.

[0158] Preferably, in particular after the application of the hard layer 5A, one or more further functional layers 5B of the coating 5 are applied to the spectacle lens 2, preferably in vacuum and / or by means of sputtering.

[0159] Parallel Processing Preferably, the processing installation 1 is designed to simultaneously process several spectacle lenses 2. In particular, the processing installation 1 is therefore designed for parallel processing of spectacle lenses 2.

[0160] Preferably, the processing equipment 1 is configured as described in WO 2013 / 131656 A2, WO 2017 / 080639 A1, WO 2017 / 202502 A1, and / or WO 2018 / 153787 A1, the combination of the processing equipment described in these documents with the coating equipment 4 forming an independently realizable aspect of the present invention.

[0161] The processing of the spectacle lenses 2 in the processing facility 1 is preferably carried out individually or in pairs. In particular, the processing sequence in the processing facility 1 is therefore determined individually for each single spectacle lens 2 or for one pair of spectacle lenses 2. It is therefore possible for different spectacle lenses 2 or pairs thereof to pass through the processing device 3 in different sequences and / or for these spectacle lenses 2 or pairs thereof to be processed in different processing devices 3.

[0162] Preferably, the processing facility 1 comprises a plurality of separate and / or independently operating processing devices 3 .

[0163] Preferably, the processing facility comprises several processing devices 3 of the same type or construction. In particular, for each type of processing or each processing stage, for example for blocking, turning, rolling, polishing, marking and / or deblocking, several processing devices of the same type or construction can be provided.

[0164] Preferably, the processing facility 1 comprises at least one machining device 3A, but the processing facility 1 may comprise two or more machining devices 3A.

[0165] Preferably, the processing equipment 1 includes at least one polishing apparatus 3B. Particularly preferably, the processing equipment 1 includes two, three, four, five or more polishing apparatuses 3B.

[0166] Preferably, the processing facility 1 or the transport system 11 comprises one or more transport tracks T1, T2, T3. Preferably, the transport tracks T1, T2, T3 are part of or form the transport system 11.

[0167] The transport system 11 is designed to allow parallel processing of spectacle lenses 2 within the processing facility 1. In particular, the spectacle lenses 2 can be selectively transported to one of a plurality of similar processing devices 3 using the transport system 11 and / or can be transported past one or more processing devices 3.

[0168] Preferably, the spectacle lenses 2 are transported by the transport system 11 in transport containers 11D and / or in pairs and / or fed by the transport system 11 to the individual processing devices 3 .

[0169] For a clearer distinction, the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 are designated as the first conveying track T1, the second conveying track T2, and the third conveying track T3. However, the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 preferably have the same structure. Therefore, any statements regarding the first conveying track T1 preferably also apply to the second conveying track T2 and / or the third conveying track T3, even if not explicitly stated.

[0170] Preferably, the first conveying track T1 is straight at least in sections. Preferably, the first conveying track T1 comprises several separate conveying devices 11A, in particular arranged one behind the other and / or forming a continuous conveying track.

[0171] Preferably, the first conveying track T1 connects the machining devices 3A and the polishing devices 3B to one another. Preferably, the first conveying track T1 is arranged between the processing devices 3 in such a way that it allows direct transport of the spectacle lenses 2 from one processing device 3 to the processing device 3 immediately downstream thereof without the spectacle lenses 2 leaving the first conveying track T1. Preferably, the conveying track T1 therefore establishes a direct connection between several processing devices 3.

[0172] Preferably, the first conveying track T1 connects the protective layer device 3C, the blocking device 3D, the storage device 3E, the machining device 3A, the polishing device 3B and / or the marking device 3F with each other.

[0173] The first conveying track T1 optionally passes through a number of processing devices 3, in particular a protective layer device 3C, a blocking device 3D, a storage device 3E, a machining device 3A, a polishing device 3B and / or a marking device 3F.

[0174] Preferably, each of the processing apparatuses 3 or 3A to 3F has its own conveying device 11C. Preferably, the conveying device 11C is integrated into the respective processing apparatus 3 or is an integral component of the respective processing apparatus 3. Particularly preferably, each conveying device 11C is designed as a belt conveyor.

[0175] Preferably, the first conveying track T1 is formed by a conveying device 11C of the processing device 3 and a further conveying device 11A, in particular in this case the conveying device 11A being arranged between the processing devices 3D and / or forming together with the conveying device 11C of the processing device 3 an uninterrupted and / or continuous, in particular linear, conveying track.

[0176] Preferably, the first conveying track T1 has a conveying direction R1 and / or is configured to convey the spectacle lenses 2 in the conveying direction R1.

[0177] Preferably, the second conveying track T2 runs adjacent to and / or parallel to the first conveying track T1. Preferably, the second conveying track T2 runs past one or more processing devices 3. In particular, the second conveying track T2 passes past one or more machining devices 3A, one or more polishing devices 3B, and / or one or more marking devices 3F.

[0178] Preferably, the second conveying track T2 is designed to convey the spectacle lenses 2 past one or more processing devices 3. In particular, the spectacle lenses 2 can be conveyed by means of the second conveying track T2 past the spectacle lenses 2 being conveyed on the first conveying track T1. In other words, the second conveying track T2 is configured to convey past the spectacle lenses 2 on the first conveying track T1.

[0179] Preferably, the second conveying track T2 has a conveying direction R2 and / or is designed to convey the spectacle lenses 2 in the conveying direction R2. Preferably, the conveying direction R2 of the second conveying track T2 is parallel to and / or identical to the conveying direction R1 of the first conveying track T1. However, it is also possible in principle for the first conveying track T1 and the second conveying track T2 to have different and / or opposite conveying directions R1, R2 and / or for the first and second conveying tracks T1, T2 to form a circuit for the spectacle lenses 2.

[0180] Preferably, the second conveying track T2 is connected to the first conveying track T1 through one or more switching devices 11B, in particular, the switching devices 11B allow a change from the first conveying track T1 to the second conveying track T2 and / or vice versa.

[0181] Preferably, the switching device 11B is arranged transversely to the first and / or second conveying tracks T1, T2 and / or is configured to convey the spectacle lenses 2 transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the conveying directions R1 and / or R2.

[0182] Particularly preferably, the switching device 11B is arranged between two processing devices 3 in such a way that a switch from the first conveying path T1 to the second conveying path T2 and / or vice versa is possible in each case before and / or after the processing device 3. In this way, the spectacle lenses 2 can be flexibly fed in a targeted manner to the individual processing devices 3, by changing from the second conveying path T2 to the first conveying path T1 immediately upstream of the corresponding processing device 3 and then conveying them to this processing device 3. Alternatively or additionally, after processing in a processing device 3, the spectacle lenses 2 can be released from the conveying path T1 and / or conveyed past one or more subsequent processing devices 3 by using the switching device 11B to transfer the spectacle lenses 2 to the second conveying path T2 and on the second conveying path T2 past one or more processing devices 3, thereby allowing the spectacle lenses 2 to be conveyed past one or more subsequent processing devices 3.

[0183] Preferably, the third conveying track T3 runs adjacent to and / or parallel to the first and / or second conveying tracks T1, T2. Preferably, the third conveying track T3 forms a circuit with the first and / or second conveying tracks T1, T2. In particular, the third conveying track T3 is connected to the second conveying track T2 via two or more switching devices 11B.

[0184] Preferably, the third conveying track T3 is configured to convey the spectacle lenses 2 past one or more processing devices 3.

[0185] Preferably, the conveying track T3 has a conveying direction R3, which is preferably opposite to the first and / or second conveying directions R1, R2.

[0186] Preferably, one switching device 11B is arranged between the first conveying track T1 and the second conveying track T2, and the switching device 11B arranged between the second conveying track T2 and the third conveying track T3 is arranged in particular at the same height so that direct transport of the spectacle lenses 2 from the first conveying track T1 to the third conveying track T3 and / or vice versa is possible without transporting the spectacle lenses 2 in the conveying direction R2 on the second conveying track T2.

[0187] Preferably, the third conveying track T3 is arranged at least in the area of ​​the machining device 3A, the polishing device 3B and / or the marking device 3F so as to allow circulation of the spectacle lenses 2 in the area of ​​these devices 3. In other words, preferably, the conveying system 11 allows circulation of the spectacle lenses 2 in the area of ​​the machining device 3A, the polishing device 3B and / or the marking device 3F, in particular by means of the second and / or third conveying tracks T2, T3.

[0188] In particular, the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 preferably form one or more rings so that a ring conveyance and / or circulation is possible, which is particularly indicated by the arrow P in FIG.

[0189] 1, the third conveying track T3 is arranged exclusively in the area of ​​the machining device 3A, the polishing device 3B, and / or the marking device 3F in order to allow a circulatory and / or circular conveyance of the spectacle lenses 2 in this area and thus a flexible processing of the spectacle lenses 2 and a flexible feeding of the spectacle lenses 2 to the individual processing devices 3. Preferably, the processing installation 1 and / or the conveying system 11 only has one conveying track T1, T2, T3 in the area of ​​the protective layer device 3C, the blocking device 3D, the storage device 3E, the deblocking device 3G, and / or the cover layer device 3H in order to keep its complexity as low as possible. In this way, an overall simple construction and a high degree of flexibility in the area of ​​the machining device 3A, the polishing device 3B, and / or the marking device 3F are obtained.

[0190] Preferably, the deblocking device 3G, the cover layer device 3H, the coating facility 4, the cutting device 15 and / or the edge treatment device 10 are connected to one another by at least exactly one conveying track T1, T2, T3, in particular the first conveying track T1. Optionally, the (first) conveying track T1, T2, T3 extends through the deblocking device 3G, the cover layer device 3H, the coating facility 4, the cutting device 15 and / or the edge treatment device 10.

[0191] Preferably, one of the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3, preferably the second conveying track T2, is connected to one another and / or passes through one or more of the deblocking device 3G, the cover layer device 3H, the coating facility 4, the cut-off device 15 and / or the edge treatment device 10. Particularly preferably, the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 run linearly and / or straight in the area of ​​the deblocking device 3G, the cover layer device 3H, the coating facility 4, the cut-off device 15 and / or the edge treatment device 10.

[0192] In particular, one, in this case the second, conveying track T2 is curved and / or extends in a U-shape, as shown in particular in Figure 1. This allows for a compact or space-saving design of the processing installation 1.

[0193] Preferably, the processing facility 1 comprises a continuous and / or uninterrupted conveying track. This continuous conveying track is formed in particular by the conveying track T1, one of the conveying tracks T2, T3 and one or more switching devices 11B. In the example shown by Fig. 1, the continuous conveying track and / or the conveying track passing through or connecting all the devices of the processing facility 1 and / or the coating facility 4 is formed by a section of the conveying track T1, the switching device 11B and the second conveying track T2.

[0194] The processing installation 1 can optionally comprise two or more groups or rows of processing devices 3, which groups or rows are in particular arranged opposite one another and / or arranged so that the associated conveying tracks T1 and / or T2 of two groups preferably run parallel to one another. In particular, the processing installation 1 can be designed as described or exemplified in Figure 8 and / or on page 35, line 21 to page 38, line 2 of WO 2013 / 131656 A2.

[0195] Coating Equipment Preferably, the coating installation 4 is designed to process and / or coat spectacle lenses 2 in small batch sizes, in particular in batch sizes of 4, 6 or 8 spectacle lenses 2 .

[0196] Preferably, the coating installation 4 is designed in particular for the serial coating of spectacle lenses 2 in groups or batches of the above-mentioned batch sizes. In this case, the above-mentioned definition of "serial processing" applies accordingly in particular to "serial coating" on the coating installation 4. Each of the devices 6 to 9 of the coating installation 4, which will be explained in more detail below, represents a processing device.

[0197] Preferably, the coating facility 4 represents an independently realizable aspect of the present invention that can be realized independently of the features of the processing facility 1 specifically described above.

[0198] Preferably, the coating installation 4 comprises an (automated) handling system 4B for the (automated) handling of the spectacle lenses 2. Alternatively or additionally, the coating installation comprises at least one, preferably several, coating devices 7, 9, in particular this is also possible or realizable independently of the handling system 4B. The features, properties and aspects of the coating installation 4 described in more detail below can preferably be implemented independently of one another and in particular can be advantageous independently of one another and in various combinations or form independent inventions.

[0199] Preferably, the coating installation 4 is designed so that the spectacle lenses 2 pass through the devices 6 to 9 of the coating installation 4 in series. In this case, in particular, the coating installation 4 shall comprise exactly one device for each stage of the coating process. Nevertheless, preferably, each of the devices 6 to 9 of the coating installation 4 is designed to process several spectacle lenses 2 simultaneously. However, in contrast to the parallel processing that takes place in the processing installation 1 and / or before coating in the coating installation 4, preferably the coating installation 4 comprises only (exactly) one device 6 to 9 for each work stage. Preferably, the spectacle lenses 2 therefore pass through all devices 6 to 9 of the coating installation 4.

[0200] Preferably, the coating installation 4 comprises one / exactly one cleaning device 6, one / exactly one first coating device 7, one / exactly one intermediate storage device 8, and / or one / exactly one second coating device 9.

[0201] Preferably, the devices 6 to 9 are arranged in series and / or along a (straight) line.

[0202] Preferably, the coating facility 4 is adapted to apply a permanent coating 5 to the spectacle lens 2. The permanent coating 5 may comprise or consist of several layers 5A, 5B.

[0203] Preferably, the coating installation 4 comprises a common housing or common casing 4A for the cleaning device 6, the first coating device 7, the intermediate storage device 8 and / or the second coating device 9.

[0204] Preferably, the coating facility 4 is directly connected to the transport system 11. Preferably, the coating facility 4 is arranged parallel to and / or adjacent to one of the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3. Optionally, the coating facility 4 comprises or forms the conveying system 11 or at least a part or section thereof. In particular, one of the conveying tracks can pass through the coating facility 4.

[0205] Preferably, the coating installation 4 and / or its devices 6 to 9 are designed to remove spectacle lenses 2 from the transport system 11 for and / or before coating and / or to transfer these spectacle lenses 2 to the transport system 11 after coating, in particular in an automated manner.

[0206] Preferably, the transport system 11 is configured to further transport a transport container 11D containing the eyeglass lenses 2 transported by the transport system 11 during coating of the eyeglass lenses 2 in the coating facility 4 so that the eyeglass lenses 2 can be placed back into the transport container 11D after coating in the coating facility 4.

[0207] Optionally, the transport system 11 can be designed to be suitable for this storage, for example using one or more storage devices designed for (intermediate) storage purposes of the transport containers 11D, which can be arranged or provided, for example, next to, above and / or below the transport tracks T1, T2, T3.

[0208] Preferably, the entire coating installation 4 and / or the individual devices 6 to 9, and thus in particular the cleaning device 6, the first coating device 7, the intermediate storage device 8 and / or the second coating device 9, comprise and / or are designed as or arranged in (in each case) one clean room or in several mutually separate clean rooms. Preferably, the clean rooms are (in each case) clean rooms according to ISO class 7 or 8 according to DIN EN ISO 14644-1:2015.

[0209] The clean room prevents contaminant particles such as dust from being deposited on the lens 2 during coating in the coating facility 4 .

[0210] The coating installation 4 may further comprise a cover layer device 3H and / or a peeling device 15. However, the cover layer device 3H and / or the stripping device 15 are preferably arranged on the outer surface of the casing 4A.

[0211] Preferably, the cleaning device 6, the first coating device 7, the intermediate storage device 8, and / or the second coating device 9 are arranged in close proximity to one another and / or immediately preceding or succeeding one another, in particular in a row or line. In particular, the coating installation 4 is designed for the direct transfer of the spectacle lenses 2 between adjacent devices 6 to 9. For this purpose, the coating installation 4 preferably comprises a handling system 4B, in particular an automated handling system 4B. In particular, the coating installation 4 and / or the handling system 4B are designed for the direct transfer of the spectacle lenses 2 from the cleaning device 6 to the first coating device 7, from the first coating device 7 to the intermediate storage device 8 and / or from the intermediate storage device 8 to the second coating device 9. This allows the spectacle lenses 2 to pass through the coating installation 4 quickly.

[0212] Preferably, the handling system 4B is designed both for handling the spectacle lenses 2 and for handling the holders, in particular the clamping rings 17, so as to temporarily hold the spectacle lenses 2. In particular, the handling system 4B allows a fully automated passage through the coating installation 4.

[0213] In the example shown, the holder for the spectacle lens 2 is designed in particular as a clamping ring 17. However, this is not necessary. In particular, the holder can be designed differently, for example as a gripper or a suction cup, etc. Therefore, in particular, the term "clamping ring" can be replaced by the term "holder".

[0214] Preferably, the holder / clamping ring 17 is designed to hold the spectacle lens 2 in such a way that the flat surfaces 2A, 2B, in particular the flat surfaces 2A, 2B to be coated, remain free or can be (completely) coated. In particular, the holder / clamping ring 17 is designed to be suitable for holding the spectacle lens 2 on its surface or on its edge, i.e. on its edge 2C and / or for holding the spectacle lens 2 on one side on its flat surfaces 2A, 2B.

[0215] In particular, a handling system in the sense of the present invention is understood as the totality of all devices and / or apparatuses used to at least temporarily hold, handle and / or transport spectacle lenses and / or holder / clamping rings 17 between the different apparatuses 6 to 9 within the coating installation 4.

[0216] Preferably, the handling system 4B comprises a plurality of devices operating independently of one another. Preferably, each of the apparatuses 6 to 9 comprises one or more handling devices for handling the spectacle lenses 2 and / or the holder / clamping rings 17. Preferably, these handling devices together form the handling system 4B and / or are coordinated with one another to enable and / or effect a fully automated transfer between the apparatuses 6 to 9 and / or a fully automated passage of the spectacle lenses 2 through the coating facility 4.

[0217] Accordingly, the coating installation 4, the handling system 4B, and / or the devices 6 to 9 are designed for fully automated handling, cleaning, coating, and / or transport of the spectacle lenses 2 in the coating installation 4 and / or the devices 6 to 9. In particular, all work steps within the coating installation 4 and / or within and / or between the individual devices 6 to 9 are fully automated.

[0218] Cleaning equipment The cleaning device 6 is shown in particular in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the cleaning device 6 and the first coating device 7, whereas Figure 5 illustrates a schematic side view of the cleaning device 6.

[0219] Preferably, the cleaning device 6 is configured to clean the spectacle lenses 2 by mechanical cleaning, e.g. by brushing, and / or chemical cleaning, e.g. by rinsing the spectacle lenses 2 with a cleaning fluid. Preferably, the cleaning device 6 is configured to clean multiple spectacle lenses 2 simultaneously.

[0220] Preferably, the cleaning device 6 comprises at least one cleaning chamber 6 A, 6 B. In the illustrated example, the cleaning device 6 comprises a first cleaning chamber 6 A and a second cleaning chamber 6 B.

[0221] Preferably, the first washing chamber 6A is equipped with brushes 6C. Preferably, the cleaning device 6 is adapted to clean the spectacle lenses 2 mechanically and / or with the brushes 6C in the first washing chamber 6A. In particular, cleaning in the first washing chamber 6A represents a preliminary cleaning.

[0222] Optionally, the first cleaning chamber 6A may comprise, in particular in addition to the brush 6C, an applicator 6D for applying a cleaning fluid to the spectacle lens 2. Preferably, the applicator 6D is configured as a nozzle and / or configured to spray the cleaning fluid onto the spectacle lens 2. The cleaning fluid may in particular comprise or consist of deionized water and / or cleaning chemicals.

[0223] Preferably, the second washing chamber 6B has the same characteristics as the first washing chamber 6A, so the above description of the first washing chamber 6A also preferably applies to the second washing chamber 6B.

[0224] The first and / or second cleaning chamber 6A, 6B may further comprise two or more brushes 6C (respectively) so that both flat surfaces 2A, 2B of the spectacle lens 2 can be cleaned simultaneously.

[0225] Preferably, in the first washing chamber 6A, a pre-wash is carried out, in particular mechanically and / or with brushes 6C. Preferably, in the second washing chamber 6B, a post-wash is carried out, in particular chemically and / or with applicators 6D and / or with a washing fluid.

[0226] Preferably, the cleaning apparatus 6 comprises a drying device 6E. Preferably, the drying device 6E comprises or is formed by a drying chamber. Preferably, the drying device 6E and / or the drying chamber comprises a blower / fan 6F. In particular, the blower / fan 6F is configured to generate an air current, preferably a warm air current, for drying the spectacle lenses 2.

[0227] Preferably, the first washing chamber 6A, the second washing chamber 6B and / or the drying device 6E are spatially separated from one another and / or each comprise chambers separated from one another, in particular by a wall.

[0228] Preferably, the first washing chamber 6A, the second washing chamber 6B and / or the drying device 6E (respectively) are provided with an opening 6L through which the spectacle lens 2 can be fed or passed into the washing chamber 6A, 6B and / or the drying chamber.

[0229] Preferably, the cleaning apparatus 6 and / or the handling system 4B comprises a handling device 6G, hereinafter referred to in particular as a first handling device 6G.

[0230] Preferably, the first handling device 6G forms part of the handling system 4B. Further handling devices of the handling system 4B are described below.

[0231] For ease of distinction, these handling devices will be referred to as a "first handling device," a "second handling device," etc. However, these designations merely serve to distinguish the individual handling devices of the handling system 4B and do not imply any order or ranking of the handling devices. In particular, the handling system 4B may, for example, include a third handling device without including the first and / or second handling devices. Thus, for example, the third handling device may be claimed or recited in a claim that does not include features related to the first and / or second handling devices.

[0232] In particular, each of the devices 6 to 9 may be equipped with one or more of the handling devices of the handling system 4B, and / or the handling devices of the handling system 4B may each be associated with a respective device 6 to 9.

[0233] Preferably, the first handling device 6G is configured to handle and / or hold one or more spectacle lenses 2 in the cleaning apparatus 6. In particular, the first handling device 6G is configured to hold one or more spectacle lenses 2 during the cleaning process.

[0234] Preferably, the first handling device 6G is configured to transfer the spectacle lenses 2 between the first washing chamber 6A, the second washing chamber 6B and / or the drying device 6E.

[0235] Preferably, the first handling device 6G comprises a plurality of separate and / or structurally distinct components which together form the first handling device 6G and / or are coordinated with one another and / or cooperate with one another to handle the spectacle lenses 2 in the cleaning apparatus 6.

[0236] Preferably, the first handling device 6G is configured to be suitable for holding the spectacle lens 2 in the first and / or second cleaning chamber 6A, 6B and / or drying device 6E and / or to hold the spectacle lens 2 during cleaning and / or drying.

[0237] Preferably, the first handling device 6G comprises at least one holder 6H suitable for the above-mentioned holding purposes. Preferably, the holder 6H is configured to hold the spectacle lens 2 on a flat surface 2A, 2B and / or comprises a suction cup.

[0238] Preferably, the holder 6H is vertically movable. Preferably, the holder 6H is designed to introduce the spectacle lens 2 vertically, in particular from above, into the washing chambers 6A, 6B and / or the drying device 6E, to hold the spectacle lens 2 there during washing or drying, and to transport the spectacle lens 2 out of the washing chambers 6A, 6B or the drying device 6E again after washing or drying.

[0239] Preferably, the holder 6H has a cover 6J for inserting the eyeglass lens 2 into the cleaning chamber 6A, 6B or drying device 6E through it and for covering and / or closing the opening 6L of the cleaning chamber 6A, 6B and / or drying device 6E.

[0240] Preferably, the washing chamber 6A, the second washing chamber 6B and / or the drying device 6E are each assigned their own holder 6H, which are preferably identical in construction.

[0241] Preferably, the cleaning apparatus 6 and / or the first handling device 6G comprises at least one transfer device 6K.

[0242] Preferably, the transfer device 6K is configured to transfer the spectacle lens 2 between two holders 6H, in particular between the holder 6H associated with the first washing chamber 6A and the holder 6H associated with the second washing chamber 6B.

[0243] Preferably, the transfer device 6K is arranged between the first cleaning chamber 6A and the second cleaning chamber 6B and / or is configured to pick up the spectacle lens 2 from the holder 6H associated with the first cleaning chamber 6A and / or transfer it to the holder 6H associated with the second cleaning chamber 6B.

[0244] Preferably, the transfer device 6K is designed to center the spectacle lens 2. In particular, this makes it possible to avoid or reduce mishandling, which occurs, for example, when the spectacle lens 2 held on the holder 6H is slightly displaced during cleaning in one of the cleaning chambers 6A, 6B.

[0245] Preferably, the transfer device 6K is pivotable, in particular between a first position in which the transfer device 6K is preferably arranged above the opening 6L of the first washing chamber 6A and / or below the holder 6H associated with the first washing chamber 6A, and a second position in which the transfer device 6K is preferably arranged above the opening 6L of the second washing chamber 6B and / or below the holder 6H associated with the second washing chamber 6B. Preferably, the transfer device 6K is pivotable between these positions, in particular by 180° around a vertical axis.

[0246] Preferably, the transfer of the spectacle lens 2 from the first cleaning chamber 6A to the second cleaning chamber 6B is carried out by the holder 6H assigned to the first cleaning chamber 6A handing over the spectacle lens 2 to the transfer device 6K, in particular by placing the spectacle lens 2 in the transfer device 6K, pivoting the transfer device 6K from the first position to the second position, if necessary centering the spectacle lens 2 in this process, and finally by the holder 6H assigned to the second cleaning chamber 6B picking up the spectacle lens 2 from the transfer device 6K at the second position.

[0247] In addition to the transfer device 6K described above, the cleaning apparatus 6 and / or the first handling device 6G preferably comprises a second transfer device 6K for transferring the eyeglass lens 2 between a holder 6H associated with the second cleaning chamber 6B and a holder 6H associated with the drying device 6E.

[0248] Preferably, the second transfer device 6K is arranged between the second washing chamber 6B and the drying device 6E and / or is configured to pick up the spectacle lens 2 from the holder 6H associated with the second washing chamber 6B and / or transfer it to the holder 6H associated with the drying device 6E. Preferably, the second transfer device 6K is pivotable between a first position, in particular, in which the second transfer device 6K is preferably arranged above the opening 6L of the second washing chamber 6B and / or below the holder 6H associated with the second washing chamber 6B, and a second position, in which the second transfer device 6K is preferably arranged above the opening 6L of the drying chamber 6B and / or below the holder 6H associated with the drying device 6E.

[0249] Preferably, the coating installation 4 and / or the handling system 4B comprises a transport device 6M for transporting the spectacle lenses 2 between the cleaning apparatus 6 and the first coating apparatus 7.

[0250] Preferably, the transport device 6M comprises a holder 6N for the spectacle lens 2. Preferably, the holder 6N comprises or is formed by a suction cup.

[0251] Preferably, the cleaning device 6 and / or the handling system 4B are configured to handle the spectacle lenses 2 in the cleaning device 6, in particular directly and / or fully automatically, and / or to transfer the spectacle lenses 2 to the first coating device 7, in particular using a transport device 6M.

[0252] Preferably, the cleaning apparatus 6 and / or the first handling device 6G comprises a further or third transfer device 6K for transferring the spectacle lenses 2 from the holders 6H associated with the drying device 6E to the transfer device 6M.

[0253] Preferably, the third transfer device 6K is arranged downstream of the drying device 6E and / or between the drying device 6E and the first coating apparatus 7.

[0254] Preferably, the third delivery device 6K is pivotable between a first position, in particular, in which the third delivery device 6K is preferably positioned above the opening 6L of the drying chamber and / or below the holder 6H associated with the drying chamber, and a second position, in which the third delivery device 6K is preferably positioned below the transport device 6M and / or the holder 6N.

[0255] These described delivery devices 6K are preferably identical in construction.

[0256] Preferably, the transport device 6M and / or the holder 6N are arranged and / or movable horizontally and / or between the cleaning device 6 / third transfer device 6K and the first coating device 7 / handling device 7A of the first coating device 7, which will be described in more detail below.

[0257] Preferably, the spectacle lenses 2 are transferred directly from the first handling device 6A to the first coating apparatus 7 or its handling device 7A.

[0258] In particular, this direct transfer is achieved by first positioning the third transfer device 6K above the opening 6L and / or below the holder 6H associated with the drying device 6E when the spectacle lens 2 has been carried out of the drying chamber, transferring the spectacle lens 2 to the third transfer device 6K, and then pivoting the third transfer device 6K to a position where the spectacle lens 2 is taken up by the holder 6N. The holder 6N then removes the spectacle lens 2 from the third transfer device 6K and moves to a position where it can be transferred to the second coating apparatus 7 or handling device 7A, transferring it to the first coating apparatus 7 or handling device 7A.

[0259] Preferably, the cleaning device 6 is connected directly to the transport system 11 and / or to one of the transport tracks T1, T2, T3. In particular, the cleaning device 6 is configured to remove the spectacle lenses 2 from the transport system 11, one of the transport tracks T1, T2, T3 and / or the transport container 11D and / or directly from the covering layer device 3H.

[0260] Preferably, the coating facility 4, the cleaning facility 6, the handling system 4B and / or the first handling device 6G are provided with a (further) transport device 6P for transporting the spectacle lens 2 from the conveying system 11 to the coating facility 4 and / or the cleaning facility 6.

[0261] Preferably, the transport device 6P comprises a holder 6Q for the spectacle lens 2. Preferably, the holder 6Q comprises or is formed by a suction cup.

[0262] Preferably, the holder 6Q is movable or traversable horizontally and / or along the transport device 6P. Preferably, the transport device 6P extends at least substantially transversely to the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3, in particular vertically and / or horizontally.

[0263] Preferably, the cleaning apparatus 6, the handling system 4B and / or the first handling device 6G comprises a fourth transfer device 6K for transferring the eyeglass lens 2 between the transport device 6P and the holder 6N associated with the first cleaning chamber 6A.

[0264] Preferably, the fourth delivery device 6K is identical in construction to the first, second and / or third delivery device 6K.

[0265] Preferably, the fourth delivery device 6K is pivotable between a first position, in particular, in which the fourth delivery device 6K is preferably positioned below the holder 6Q, and a second position, in which the fourth delivery device 6K is preferably positioned above the opening 6L of the first washing chamber 6A and / or below the holder 6H associated with the first washing chamber 6A.

[0266] Preferably, the transfer device 6P is configured to remove the spectacle lens 2 from the transport system 11 and / or the transport container 11D and then transfer it to and place it in the fourth delivery device 6K. Preferably, the delivery device 6K is configured to center the spectacle lens 2 and pivot to a position where the holder 6H associated with the first washing chamber 6A can remove the spectacle lens 2 from the delivery device 6K.

[0267] First Coating Apparatus The first coating device 7 is particularly shown in FIG.

[0268] Preferably, the first coating device 7 is arranged immediately downstream of the cleaning device 6. In particular, the first coating device 7 is designed to take over the spectacle lenses 2 directly and / or automatically from the cleaning device 6 and / or the transport device 6M.

[0269] Preferably, the first coating device 7 is configured to apply a hard layer 5A to the spectacle lens 2 or its flat surfaces 2A, 2B.

[0270] Preferably, the first coating device 7 comprises at least one coating chamber 7F. Preferably, the coating chamber 7F is configured to apply a hard layer 5A to the spectacle lens 2 or its flat surface 2A, 2B.

[0271] Preferably, the liquid coating material is applied, in particular sprayed, onto the flat surfaces 2A, 2B of the spectacle lens 2 to be coated in the coating chamber 7F while rotating the spectacle lens 2 about an axis of rotation that is preferably at least substantially perpendicular to these surfaces. As a result, due to centrifugal force, the coating material is distributed over the flat surfaces 2A, 2B and excess coating material is spun outwards, thus forming a hard layer 5A with as uniform a thickness as possible. This process is also known as "spin coating".

[0272] Preferably, the first coating device 7 comprises at least one curing chamber 7G for curing the hard layer 5A.

[0273] Preferably, the curing chamber 7G comprises a curing device 7J, which is shown only diagrammatically in Figure 6. Preferably, curing is performed by irradiating the spectacle lens 2 with electromagnetic radiation, in particular UV radiation, and / or the curing device 7J is a source of electromagnetic radiation, in particular a source of UV radiation.

[0274] Preferably, the first coating device 7 is configured to coat, apply and / or cure the hard layer 5A in pairs. Particularly preferably, the first coating device 7 has for this purpose at least two, preferably structurally identical, coating chambers 7F and / or at least two, preferably structurally identical, curing chambers 7G.

[0275] Preferably, the coating installation 4, the handling system 4B and / or the first coating apparatus 7 comprises a handling device 7A, which will be called in particular the second handling device 7A in the following.

[0276] Preferably, the second handling device 7A comprises one or more holders for holding each spectacle lens 2. Preferably, the second handling device 7A comprises holders of different types.

[0277] Preferably, at least one holder is formed as a gripper 7B, which makes it possible to hold the spectacle lens 2 by its edge in a way that avoids contact with or damage to the spectacle lens surface or flat surface 2A, 2B. In particular, the gripper 7B has a number of fingers 7C that are or can be placed against the edge 2C of the spectacle lens 2 in order to hold it. This is particularly illustrated in Figure 6.

[0278] Preferably, the second handling device 7A has at least one holder, in particular in addition to the gripper 7B, preferably in the form of a suction cup 7E, which makes it possible to hold the spectacle lens 2 on one of its flat surfaces 2A, 2B. This in particular makes it possible to apply (all over) the coating 5 or a layer 5A, 5B thereof, in particular a hard layer 5A, to the other free flat surface 2A, 2B of the spectacle lens 2.

[0279] Preferably, the first coating apparatus 7, the second handling device 7A and / or the suction cup 7E are configured to hold, in particular rotate and hold, the spectacle lens 2 during application of the hard layer 5A in the coating chamber 7F and / or during curing of the hard layer 5A in the curing chamber 7G.

[0280] Preferably, the suction cup 7E is vertically and / or linearly movable.

[0281] Preferably, the spectacle lens 2 held on the suction cup 7E is conveyed vertically and / or from above into the coating chamber 7F or the curing chamber 7G, and / or the hardening layer 5A is applied or cured in these chambers, in particular from below. After the hardening layer 5A has been applied or cured, the spectacle lens 2 or the suction cup 7E is preferably conveyed out again from the coating chamber 7F or the curing chamber 7G.

[0282] Preferably, each coating chamber 7F and / or each curing chamber 7G has a suction cup 7E associated therewith for the purpose of holding the spectacle lens 2 in the coating chamber 7F and / or curing chamber 7G during application and / or curing of the hardening layer 5A. Particularly preferably, the first coating apparatus 7 and / or the second handling device 7A comprises four suction cups 7E or two pairs of suction cups 7E.

[0283] Preferably, these suction cups 7E and / or pairs of suction cups 7E are movable independently of each other.

[0284] Preferably, the suction cups 7E and / or pairs thereof are pivotable, in particular individually and / or in pairs, from the coating chamber 7F to the curing chamber 7G and vice versa.

[0285] Preferably, the suction cup 7E is arranged on a swivel unit 7H, which is preferably designed to swivel the suction cup 7E from the coating chamber 7F to the curing chamber 7G and vice versa.

[0286] Preferably, the coating chamber 7F is located on one side of the swivel unit 7H. Preferably, the curing chamber 7G is located on the opposite side of the swivel unit 7H to the coating chamber 7F. By using the swivel unit 7H, the suction cup 7E is preferably pivotable through 180°, and thus the suction cup 7E and / or pair of suction cups 7E can be pivoted from a position above the coating chamber 7F to a position above the curing chamber 7G and vice versa.

[0287] Preferably, the first coating apparatus 7 and / or the second handling device 7A comprises a plurality of grippers 7B, particularly preferably at least four grippers 7B or at least two pairs P1, P2 of grippers 7B.

[0288] Preferably, the grippers 7B of the first pair P1 or the first pair P1 of grippers 7B are designed to pick up the spectacle lens 2 from the cleaning device 6 and / or the transport device 6M and / or to transfer the spectacle lens 2 to the suction cups 7E. Preferably, the grippers 7B of the second pair P2 or the second pair P2 of grippers 7B are designed to pick up the spectacle lens 2 from the suction cups 7E and / or to transfer the spectacle lens 2 to the intermediate storage device 8 and / or to a handling device 8A which will be described later.

[0289] Preferably, the gripper 7B and / or the pair P1, P2 are movable, in particular linearly and / or along a linear guide or rail. Preferably, the gripper 7B and / or the pair P1, P2 are arranged on a common rail.

[0290] Preferably, the first pair P1 and / or its gripper 7B are movable and / or traversable (along a rail) between a first position in which the spectacle lens 2 can be or has been picked up from the cleaning apparatus 6 and / or the first handling device 6G, and a second position in which the pair P1 and / or gripper 7B are positioned below the suction cups 7E and / or the suction cups 7E can each pick up the spectacle lens 2 from the gripper 7B.

[0291] Preferably, the second pair P2 and / or its gripper 7B are movable between a first position in which the pair P1 and / or gripper 7B are positioned below the suction cup 7E and / or can pick up or pick up the spectacle lens 2 from the cleaning device 6 and / or the first handling device 6G, and a second position in which the spectacle lens 2 can be handed over or is handed over to the intermediate storage device 8 and / or handling device 8A.

[0292] Preferably, the curing chamber 7G is vertically movable. Preferably, the curing chamber 7G is arranged or can be arranged below the gripper 7B. On the one hand, this arrangement has the advantage of a space-saving construction. On the other hand, this arrangement simplifies the handling and / or construction of the second handling device 7A. In this way, it is sufficient that the gripper 7B is only horizontally movable and that the suction cup 7E is pivotable by means of the swivel unit 7H and vertically and / or linearly movable.

[0293] To transfer the eyeglass lens 2 between the gripper 7B and the suction cup 7E, the curing chamber 7G is preferably moved to a position vertically below the gripper 7B and / or to the plane on which the gripper 7B is located. The gripper 7B can then be moved below the suction cup 7E and / or between the suction cup 7E and the curing chamber 7G, and the eyeglass lens can be transferred / handed over between the gripper 7B and the suction cup 7E. The gripper 7B is then moved away again, and the curing chamber 7G can be moved vertically upwards and / or towards the suction cup 7E, so that the suction cup 7E can carry the eyeglass lens 2 into the curing chamber 7G.

[0294] Preferably, the sequence in the first coating apparatus 7 is as follows:

[0295] First, the first pair P1 of grippers 7B pick up the spectacle lens 2 from the cleaning device 6 and / or the transport device 6M, respectively. Then, the spectacle lens 2 is positioned with the grippers 7B so that the suction cups 7E can pick up the spectacle lens 2 from the grippers 7B.

[0296] Each of the suction cups 7E picks up a spectacle lens 2 from one of the grippers 7B and then transfers the spectacle lens 2 into the coating chamber 7F, in particular simultaneously or at the same time.

[0297] After the hard layer 5A has been applied in the coating chamber 7F, the spectacle lens 2 is again conveyed out of the coating chamber 7F using the suction cups 7E. The pivoting unit 7H is then pivoted 180° so that the suction cups 7E with the spectacle lens 2 are positioned above the curing chamber 7G. The spectacle lens 2 is then conveyed together with the suction cups 7E into the curing chamber 7G, where the hard layer 5A is cured.

[0298] Thereafter, the spectacle lens 2 is conveyed out of the curing chamber 7G by the suction cup 7E, which is again pivoted by 180° by the pivoting unit 7H.

[0299] The spectacle lens 2 is then transferred from the suction cup 7E to the second pair P2 of grippers 7B, which then move it to the intermediate storage device 8 and / or handling device 8A and transfer it thereto.

[0300] While one pair of spectacle lenses 2 is being coated with the hard layer 5A in the coating chamber 7F, another pair of spectacle lenses 2 is preferably simultaneously cured in the curing chamber 7G, which contributes to an efficient and / or time-saving sequence.

[0301] Preferably, the loading of the coating chambers 7F and / or curing chambers 7G in pairs and / or the processing of the spectacle lenses 2 in pairs takes place in the coating chambers 7F and / or curing chambers 7G, ​​which are preferably independent of one another. In particular, the coating chambers 7F and / or curing chambers 7G are movable and / or controllable such that a (single) spectacle lens 2 can be loaded into each coating chamber 7F and / or curing chamber 7G and / or a (single) spectacle lens 2 can be processed in each chamber 7F, 7G independently of the other chamber 7F, 7G.

[0302] Intermediate storage unit The intermediate storage device 8 is particularly shown in FIG.

[0303] In particular, the intermediate storage device 8 is configured for the intermediate storage of the spectacle lens 2 and / or for drying and / or curing of the hard layer 5A.

[0304] After the hardening of the hard layer 5A in the hardening chamber 7G of the first coating device 7, preferably the hard layer 5A is still not fully hardened, but only hardened to the extent that it no longer changes shape and the spectacle lens 2 can be carried forward sufficiently for further processing and / or handling. Preferably, the full drying and / or hardening of the hard layer 5A takes place in an intermediate storage device 8.

[0305] Preferably, the intermediate storage device 8 is arranged immediately downstream of the first coating device 7. In particular, the intermediate storage device 8 is designed for direct and / or automated removal of the spectacle lenses 2 from the first coating device 7.

[0306] Preferably, the intermediate storage device 8 is configured for clamping the spectacle lens 2 in the clamping ring 17 and for intermediate storage of the clamped spectacle lens 2 in the clamping ring 17 .

[0307] Preferably, the intermediate storage device 8 and / or the handling system 4 B comprises a magazine 18 for the clamping rings 17 .

[0308] Clamping ring The clamping ring 17 according to the present proposal is shown in particular in FIGS.

[0309] Preferably, each of the eyeglass lenses 2 is inserted into a clamping ring 17 in the coating installation 4 and / or the second coating device 9 and / or is held in the clamping ring 17 during coating in the second coating device 9.

[0310] Preferably, the spectacle lens 2 is only temporarily held in the clamping ring 17 during coating in the coating facility 4. In other words, preferably, some operations are performed in the coating facility 4 without the spectacle lens 2 being held in the clamping ring 17.

[0311] Preferably, the spectacle lens 2 is handled in the cleaning device 6 and / or the first coating device 7 without using a clamping ring 17 and / or is inserted into a clamping ring 17 in the intermediate storage device 8 and / or is held in a clamping ring 17 in the intermediate storage device 8 and / or the second coating device 9.

[0312] Preferably, the clamping ring 17 is adapted to (subsequently) hold the spectacle lens 2 on its edge surface and / or is configured to hold the spectacle lens 2 on its edge 2C. Figure 9 shows how the spectacle lens 2 is held in the clamping ring 17 by arms 17A.

[0313] Preferably, the clamping ring 17 comprises a plurality of flexible arms 17A for clamping the spectacle lens 2 at its edge. The arms 17A and / or the edge clamps in particular ensure that the hard layer 5A or other layers applied to the first and / or second flat surfaces 2A, 2B in the first coating device 7 are not damaged and / or that a complete and / or uniform coating of the first and / or second flat surfaces 2A, 2B can be achieved in the second coating device 9.

[0314] In particular, the arm 17A is designed to be tensionable and / or resilient and / or elastic relative to the spectacle lens 2. Preferably, the arm 17A is formed as a leaf spring and / or made of metal, in particular spring steel, but other implementations are also possible, for example with spring-loaded pivot arms or contact elements.

[0315] Arm 17A is preferably curved in shape, in particular at least substantially semicircular.

[0316] Preferably, the clamping ring 17 comprises a frame 17B.

[0317] Preferably, the frame 17B is ring-shaped in sections and / or is at least substantially circular and / or annular.

[0318] Preferably, the clamping ring 17 and / or the frame 17B have or form an annular portion or flange 17D, which is preferably annular and / or preferably extends radially and / or perpendicularly to the cylindrical portion 17C.

[0319] Preferably, the frame 17D is formed by a cylindrical portion 17C and a flange 17D.

[0320] Preferably, the arms 17A are attached, particularly at one end, to the frame 17B, particularly the cylindrical portion 17C. Preferably, the arms 17A project inwards from the annulus, particularly the frame 17B and / or the cylindrical portion 17C.

[0321] Preferably, clamping ring 17, frame 17B, and / or flange 17D include directing means 17E. Preferably, clamping ring 17 and / or directing means 17E are configured for directed gripping or handling of clamping ring 17 and / or directed insertion of clamping ring 17 into magazine 18 and / or carrier 20. Magazine 18 and carrier 20 are described in more detail below.

[0322] Preferably, directing means 17E is disposed on the outer surface of clamping ring 17.

[0323] In particular, the directing means 17E comprises or is formed by one or more recesses.

[0324] In the example shown, the directing means 17E are formed by recesses on the edge or outer surface of the frame 17B and / or flange 17D, but in principle other possibilities are also possible, for example through-holes and / or holes in the frame 17B and / or flange 17D.

[0325] Preferably, the directing means 17E is configured so that the clamping ring 17 can only be inserted into the magazine 18 in a single defined or predetermined orientation or rotational position, specifically determined by the directing means 17E.

[0326] In particular, directing means 17E and / or recesses are asymmetrically arranged on and / or distributed across clamping ring 17 and / or frame 17B. Alternatively or additionally, directing means 17E can have an odd number of recesses. Preferably, clamping ring 17 and / or frame 17B have a rotationally asymmetric shape, in particular caused by directing means 17E.

[0327] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 8 and 9, the directing means 17E have an odd number of recesses, in particular three, distributed asymmetrically over the circumference of the clamping ring 17.

[0328] The various recesses can have different shapes, as shown in particular in FIGS.

[0329] Preferably, the clamping ring 17 has a suction surface 17F for handling and / or holding the clamping ring 17 by a suction cup.

[0330] Preferably, the suction surface 17F is formed by a flange 17D and / or is ring-shaped.

[0331] Preferably, the suction surface 17F extends at least substantially parallel to the plane in which the lens 2 is clamped, clampable and / or held by the arm 17A.

[0332] Preferably, the clamping ring 17 is configured so that multiple identical clamping rings 17 can be stacked vertically, in particular so that the arms 17A of adjacent clamping rings are spaced apart (in the stacking direction) and / or do not come into contact with each other. In particular, the frame 17B and / or the flange 17D projects radially inwardly above the arms 17A and / or perpendicular to the plane in which the spectacle lens 2 is clamped, clampable and / or held by the arms 17A. In other words, the frame 17B and / or the flange 17D at least partially cover the arms 17A in the radial direction.

[0333] Alternatively or additionally, frame 17B and / or cylindrical portion 17C are wider than arm 17A in the direction of the cylindrical axis defined by cylindrical portion 17C, so that frame 17B protrudes above arm 17A in this direction.

[0334] The described design of the frame 17B specifically prevents contact and / or interlocking between the arms 17A of adjacent clamping rings 17 during stacking of the clamping rings 17.

[0335] Preferably, the clamping ring 17 and / or the frame 17B, in particular the cylindrical portion 17C, comprises at least one recess 17G. Preferably, the clamping ring 17 and / or the frame 17B comprises a plurality of recesses 17G.

[0336] Preferably, recess 17G is located on bottom surface 17H ​​of clamping ring 17 and / or frame 17B. Bottom surface 17H ​​of clamping ring 17 and / or frame 17B is particularly the surface facing away from flange 17D.

[0337] However, alternatively or additionally, recess 17G may represent or form a through hole or aperture in frame 17B and / or cylindrical portion 17C.

[0338] In particular, recess 17G functions to allow the cleaning fluid to drain out. Preferably, multiple clamping rings 17 arranged or stacked one above the other in magazine 18 are to be cleaned one after the other. In this case, in particular, a (cylindrical) wall or column is formed by frame 17B and / or each portion 17C of the stacked clamping rings 17, and recess 17G forms an opening or hole in this wall or column, thereby allowing or improving the drainage of the cleaning fluid. This drainage can prevent residues of the cleaning fluid from forming on the clamping rings 17, thus providing improved, in particular residue-free, cleaning and / or more rapid drying of the clamping rings 17.

[0339] magazine FIG. 7 further shows the magazine 18 .

[0340] In particular, the magazine 18 is configured to store (simultaneously) a plurality of clamping rings 17, preferably in a defined and / or same orientation or rotational position, in particular in the form of one or more stacks of clamping rings 17.

[0341] Preferably, the magazine 18 comprises or is formed by at least one magazine unit 18A, which is shown in more detail in FIG.

[0342] Preferably, the magazine unit 18A can be removed from the magazine 18 together with the clamping rings 17 disposed therein. In particular, this allows multiple clamping rings 17 to be fed to a cleaning device and / or cleaned simultaneously, which contributes to an automated and / or efficient process.

[0343] Preferably, the magazine 18 and / or magazine unit 18A are cylindrical in shape.

[0344] Preferably, the magazine 18 comprises or is formed by several magazine units 18A of identical construction. This allows the release or removal of the magazine units 18A and / or clamping rings 17 from the coating installation 4 and / or the intermediate storage device 8 to take place without delaying the operating sequence of the coating installation 4 and / or without stopping the coating installation 4. In particular, this allows the coating installation 4 to be operated continuously and / or "downtimes", i.e., times when the coating installation 4 is stopped or at rest and / or times when no spectacle lenses 2 are coated in the coating installation 4, to be reduced, minimized or even completely avoided.

[0345] Preferably, magazine 18 includes directing means 18B. Preferably, directing means 18B corresponds to and / or is complementary to directing means 17E of clamping ring 17.

[0346] By using the orientation means 18B, the magazine 18 and / or magazine unit 18A is preferably configured so that the clamping ring 17 can only be stored in the magazine 18 and / or magazine unit 18A in a predetermined orientation or rotational position.

[0347] Preferably, directing means 18B comprises or is formed by one or more posts, protrusions or the like.

[0348] Preferably, directing means 18B is configured to engage directing means 17E and / or recesses in clamping ring 17 and / or has a shape complementary to directing means 17E and / or recesses.

[0349] Preferably, several clamping rings 17 can be stacked or stored in the same orientation or rotational position in magazine 18 and / or magazine unit 18A. In particular, clamping rings 17 can be arranged in magazine 18 and / or magazine unit 18A such that bottom surface 17H ​​of frame 17B rests or abuts on or against flange 17D of the clamping ring 17 arranged below it.

[0350] Preferably, a plurality of clamping rings 17 can be stored or arranged in the magazine 18, in particular more than 20, preferably more than 50, more preferably more than 100 clamping rings 17.

[0351] Preferably, the magazine 18 and / or the magazine unit 18A extend at least substantially vertically, and / or the magazine 18 is configured to store the clamping rings 17 in a vertically stacked manner, particularly aligned in the same orientation or rotational position.

[0352] The stackability of the clamping rings 17 in the magazine 18 and / or magazine unit 18A and / or the columnar design of the magazine 18 and / or magazine unit 18A allows in particular a space-saving storage of the clamping rings 17.

[0353] Additionally, stacking the clamping rings 17 in the same orientation facilitates or enables automated handling of the clamping rings 17.

[0354] heating device Preferably, the coating installation 4 and / or the intermediate storage unit 8 are equipped with a heating device 19 .

[0355] Preferably, the heating device 19 is designed in particular to heat the spectacle lens 2 so that the heat dries and / or hardens the previously applied hard coating 5A.

[0356] Preferably, the heating device 19 is designed as a kiln / furnace. In particular, the heating device 19 or kiln / furnace is designed to generate and / or heat the spectacle lens 2 to temperatures higher than 40°C, in particular higher than 50°C, and / or lower than 100°C, in particular lower than 80°C.

[0357] Preferably, the heating device 19 is configured to heat the spectacle lens in a continuous process.

[0358] A continuous process in the sense of the present invention is in particular a process which proceeds continuously and / or without interruption. When referring to the heating device 19, it is meant in particular that the spectacle lens 2 is heated continuously and / or without interruption in the heating device 19 during operation of the heating device 19. In particular, further spectacle lenses 2 can be fed into the heating device 19 and / or removed from the heating device 19 while other spectacle lenses 2 remain unchanged in and / or are being heated in the heating device 19.

[0359] In particular, a continuous process is in contrast to a process in which a predetermined number of spectacle lenses 2 are in each case fed simultaneously or in groups into the heating device 19, heated therein, and then removed again from the heating device 19, after which the next group of spectacle lenses 2 is fed into the heating device 19. In such a discontinuous process, a dead time occurs in each case between the removal of a group of spectacle lenses 2 and the feeding of the next group of spectacle lenses 2 into the heating device 19, during which no spectacle lenses 2 are arranged or heated in the heating device 19. Preferably, the heating device 19 has an inlet 19A and an outlet 19B. Preferably, the inlet 19A is formed separately from the outlet 19B. In particular, the inlet 19A and the outlet 19B are arranged on either side of the heating device 19. This is particularly shown in FIG. 1.

[0360] Preferably, the inlet 19A is arranged near the magazine 18 and / or on the side of the heating device 19 facing the magazine 18. Preferably, the outlet 19B is arranged opposite the inlet 19A and / or on the side of the heating device 19 and / or intermediate storage device 8 facing the second coating device 9.

[0361] Preferably, the coating facility 4, the second coating device 9 and / or the heating device 19 comprises a conveying device 19C. Preferably, the conveying device 19C is configured to convey the spectacle lens 2 through the intermediate storage device 8 and / or the heating device 19. Preferably, the conveying device 19C is configured to convey the spectacle lens 2 from the entrance 19A to the exit 19B.

[0362] The time that the spectacle lens 2 spends in the heating device 19 and / or the time that the spectacle lens 2 is transported from the entrance 19A to the exit 19B is preferably longer than 10 minutes, in particular longer than 20 minutes and / or shorter than 50 minutes, in particular shorter than 40 minutes, particularly preferably about 30 minutes.

[0363] Preferably, the conveying device 19C has a conveying direction R4, in particular from the inlet 19A to the outlet 19B.

[0364] Preferably, the conveying device 19C is configured for continuous conveying of the spectacle lenses 2.

[0365] Preferably, the heating device 19 is adapted to heat the spectacle lens 2 during transport by the transport device 19C.

[0366] Preferably, the conveying device 19C is designed to receive and / or convey the spectacle lenses 2 held in the clamping ring 17. Preferably, the conveying device 19C comprises or is formed by a preferably endless conveyor belt or the like.

[0367] Preferably, the transport device 19C comprises a plurality of holders or strips 19D. Figure 11 shows, by way of example, one strip 19D of the transport device 19C in more detail.

[0368] Preferably, these strips 19D are arranged adjacent to one another and / or transversely to the conveying direction R4. Preferably, within each strip 19D, several spectacle lenses 2, for example 2, 4, 6 or 8, can be arranged adjacent to one another and / or transversely to the conveying direction R4.

[0369] Preferably, the strip 19D has a plurality of storage locations 19E, each suitable for receiving a spectacle lens 2 or a clamping ring 17 holding it therein. Preferably, the storage locations 19E are arranged in a row. However, in principle, other arrangements of the storage locations are also possible, for example, in a rectangle or on a grid. The holder can therefore be designed in other than strip form.

[0370] Preferably, storage location 19E has a receptacle 19F in which clamping ring 17 and / or frame 17B can be placed. Preferably, receptacle 19F is dimensioned so that clamping ring 17 inserted therein is inserted into receptacle 19F at cylindrical portion 17C and abuts frame 17B on strip 19D. Preferably, receptacle 19F is at least substantially circular.

[0371] Furthermore, preferably, the storage location 19E comprises one or more engagement elements 19G for engaging with the orienting means 17E of the clamping ring 17. This allows the clamping ring 17 to be placed in the storage location 19E in (only) a defined rotational position or orientation. Preferably, the engagement elements 19G are designed as protrusions on the strip 19D. Preferably, the engagement elements 19G define the position or rotation of the clamping ring 17 in the storage location 19E.

[0372] Preferably, these strips 19D together form a conveyor belt and / or a continuous or endless chain and / or are connected to one another in the conveying direction R4 so as to be arranged side by side on a conveyor belt.

[0373] Third handling device Preferably, the intermediate storage device 8 comprises a handling device 8A, which will be called in particular the third handling device 8A in the following. The third handling device 8A is shown in particular in FIG.

[0374] Preferably, the third handling device 8A is configured to take the spectacle lenses 2 (directly) from the first coating apparatus 7 and / or the second handling device 7A.

[0375] Preferably, the third handling device 8A is designed to handle the spectacle lens 2 and / or the clamping ring 17. Particularly preferably, the third handling device 8A comprises a plurality of holding devices 8B, 8C.

[0376] Preferably, the holding device 8B is designed to hold the spectacle lens 2. Preferably, the holding device 8B is designed to be suitable for holding the spectacle lens 2 on its edge surface and / or to hold the spectacle lens 2 by its edge 2C.

[0377] Preferably, the holding device 8C is designed to hold the clamping ring 17. In particular, the holding device 8C is designed as a suction cup.

[0378] Preferably, the third handling device 8A comprises or is formed by a robot.

[0379] Preferably, the robot comprises a plurality of, in particular at least two, robot arms 8D and / or a plurality of axes of movement or degrees of freedom.

[0380] Preferably, the robot comprises a plurality of joints 8E, in particular the robot has more than four and / or less than eight, particularly preferably six, joints 8E.

[0381] Preferably, each of the joints is designed as a revolute joint 8E. Preferably, each of the joints is capable of rotating through 360°.

[0382] Handling in intermediate storage Preferably, the coating facility 4, the intermediate storage device 8 and / or the handling system 4B comprise a clamping device 21 intended for clamping the spectacle lens 2 in the clamping ring 17 and / or particularly preferably for automatic and / or mechanical insertion of the spectacle lens 2 into the clamping ring 17 in a defined orientation or rotational position. Preferably, the clamping device 21 is designed to receive, open and / or close the clamping ring 17.

[0383] The clamping device 21 is particularly shown in FIG.

[0384] The opening of the clamping ring 17 is understood to enlarge the free space in the center of the clamping ring 17 and / or between the arms 17A, and to move the arms 17A outward and / or towards the frame 17B so that the spectacle lens 2 can be inserted into the clamping ring 17 and / or between the arms 17A.

[0385] It will be understood that closing the clamping ring 17 allows the arm 17A to return to its original position, in particular so that the arm 17A bears against the edge 2C of the spectacle lens 2 to hold the spectacle lens 2 within the clamping ring 17.

[0386] Preferably, the clamping device 21 comprises a receptacle 21A for receiving the clamping ring 17. Preferably, the clamping ring 17 can be inserted into and / or placed in the receptacle 21A. Preferably, the receptacle 21A has or is formed by a bearing surface, in particular of ring-shaped design, for the flange 17D or the frame 17B of the clamping ring 17.

[0387] Preferably, the clamping device 21 comprises an opening device 21B for opening the clamping ring 17. Preferably, the opening device 21B is rotatable about an axis of rotation D. Preferably, the axis of rotation D extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the plane in which the clamping ring 17 is arranged in the receptacle 21A.

[0388] Preferably, opening device 21B comprises a plurality of pins 21C. Preferably, each of pins 21C is configured to move one of arms 17A of clamping ring 17 to open clamping ring 17. Preferably, opening device 21B and / or pins 21C are arranged such that when clamping ring 17 is inserted into clamping device 21 and / or receptacle 21A, pins 21C engage arms 17A and / or receptacle 21A is rotated (relative to clamping ring 17).

[0389] Preferably, the number of pins 21C corresponds to the number of arms 17A of the clamping ring 17. In particular, the clamping device 21 or the opening device 21B comprises four pins 21C.

[0390] Preferably, pins 21C are arranged on the circular ring, specifically at 90° to each other, and preferably positioned so that when clamping ring 17 is inserted into receptacle 21A, pins 21C are located near the ends of arms 17A fixed to frame 17B.

[0391] Preferably, the clamping device 21 comprises one or more fixing means 21D for fixing the clamping ring 17 in the clamping device 21 and / or the receptacle 21A. Preferably, the fixing means 21D are formed as jaws. Preferably, the fixing means 21D are arranged above the receptacle 21A so that the clamping ring 17 and / or the frame 17B can be clamped and / or positively fixed between the receptacle 21A and the fixing means 21D.

[0392] Preferably, the clamping device 21 and / or the fixing means 21D have one or more engagement elements 21E for engaging with the clamping ring 17, its orientation means 17E and / or its recesses. Preferably, the fixing means 21D comprises in this case one engagement element 21E. Preferably, the engagement element 21E is part of the fixing means 21D.

[0393] Preferably, the clamping ring 17 can only be positioned within the clamping device 21 and / or receptacle 21A in specific or defined rotational positions, particularly defined by the engagement elements 21E.

[0394] Preferably, the fastening means 21D and / or the engaging elements 21E are arranged on both radial sides of the receptacle 21A.

[0395] Preferably, the engaging elements 21E are complementary to the directing means 17E of the clamping ring 17.

[0396] Preferably, the fixing means 21D and / or the engaging element 21E are radially movable relative to the rotation axis D and / or the receptacle 21A.

[0397] Preferably, the fixing means 21D and / or the engaging element 21E are adapted to hold the clamping ring 17 and / or the frame 17B in a fixed position, whereas the releasing means 21B and / or the pin 21C are used to release the clamping ring 17 and / or move the arm 17A.

[0398] To insert the clamping ring 17 into the clamping device 21 and / or receptacle 21A, the fixing means 21D are preferably moved radially outward and / or away from each other so that the receptacle 21A is cleared to allow the insertion of the clamping ring 17. This position of the fixing means 21D is particularly shown in Figure 12.

[0399] Preferably, the clamping ring 17 is inserted into the clamping device 21 in a determined orientation or rotational position such that the directing means 17E and / or its recesses are positioned so that the engaging elements 21E can engage with the recesses and / or directing means 17E.

[0400] After the clamping ring 17 has been inserted into the clamping device 21 and / or receptacle 21A, the fixing means 21D are preferably moved relative to each other and / or relative to the clamping ring 17, in particular radially inward, so that the engaging elements 21E engage within the recesses and / or directing means 17E of the clamping ring 17, and the fixing means 21D at least partially cover the frame 17B and / or flange 17D, thus fixing the frame 17B in a fixed position within the receptacle 21A and / or clamping device 21.

[0401] Next, preferably, the opening device 21B is rotated about the rotation axis D, whereby the pin 21C moves along the arms 17A, thus moving these arms 17A radially outward, thereby enlarging the free area between the arms 17A in the center of the clamping ring 17, whereby the eyeglass lens 2 can be placed between the arms 17A and / or inserted into the clamping ring 17.

[0402] After the spectacle lens 2 has been properly positioned, the opening device 21B is preferably rotated in the opposite direction about the rotation axis D so that the pin 21C returns to its previous position. In this case, the arm 17A returns towards the center of the clamping ring 17 due to its own elasticity and thus finally abuts against the spectacle lens 2 or its edge 2C, thereby holding or clamping the spectacle lens 2.

[0403] After the above-mentioned insertion and / or tightening of the spectacle lens 2 into the tightening ring 17, and before the insertion of the tightening ring 17 into the receptacle 21A, the fixing means 21D are pulled outward and / or back to their initial position so that the engaging elements 21E no longer engage in the directing means 17E and / or recesses and / or so that the fixing means 21D no longer covers the tightening ring 17 and / or so that the frame 17B and the tightening ring 17 are released again.

[0404] Thereafter, the clamping ring 17, with the spectacle lens 2 held or clamped thereon, can be removed again from the clamping device 21 or receptacle 21A.

[0405] Preferably, the intermediate storage device 8 and / or the clamping device 21 comprises a measuring device 22 for measuring or determining the rotational position or orientation of the spectacle lens 2 before it is inserted into the clamping ring 17. By using the measuring device 22 it is preferably possible to check or verify whether the spectacle lens 2 is already correctly oriented or whether the spectacle lens 2 still has to be moved to a different orientation or rotational position before insertion into the clamping ring 17.

[0406] Preferably, the measuring device 22 comprises or is formed by a camera. In principle, however, any method, in particular tactile and / or optical measurement, for determining the orientation of the spectacle lens 2 is possible.

[0407] Preferably, the third handling device 8A is configured to take a clamping ring 17 from the magazine 18 and / or insert it into the clamping device 21. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the third handling device 8A is configured to take a spectacle lens 2 from the first coating apparatus 7 and / or the second handling device 7A and / or to insert a spectacle lens into an open clamping ring 17 arranged in the clamping device 21.

[0408] Preferably, the second handling device 8A is arranged between the magazine 18, the clamping device 21, the measuring device 22 and / or the heating device 19 and / or the conveying device 19C. This arrangement can be seen in particular in FIG.

[0409] Preferably, the clamping device 21 and the third handling device 8A cooperate with each other so that the clamping ring 17 is first taken out of the magazine 18 and / or magazine unit 18A by the third handling device 8A and inserted into the clamping device 21, then opened by the clamping device 21, the eyeglass lens 2 is inserted into the opened clamping ring 17 by the third handling device 8A, and after the eyeglass lens 2 has been inserted into the clamping ring 17, the clamping device 21 closes the clamping ring 17.

[0410] Before inserting the spectacle lens 2, preferably the third handling device 8A holds the spectacle lens 2 in or transfers the spectacle lens 2 to the measuring device 22, which measures the spectacle lens 2 in order to check or control the orientation or rotational position of the spectacle lens 2. The measurement results from the measuring device 22 are processed and passed on to the third handling device 8A, which thereby corrects the orientation or rotational position of the spectacle lens 2, if necessary, before insertion into the clamping ring 17, in particular by rotating the holding device 8B with the spectacle lens 2 until the spectacle lens 2 is oriented in the desired orientation or rotational position.

[0411] After inserting the eyeglass lens 2 into the clamping ring 17, the third handling device 8A preferably removes the clamping ring 17 with the eyeglass lens 2 inserted therein from the clamping device 21 and transports the clamping ring 17 to the heating device 19 and / or the transport device 19C, in particular by inserting the clamping ring 17 into a storage location 19E of the transport device 19C.

[0412] Second Coating Apparatus Preferably, the second coating device 9 is arranged immediately downstream of the intermediate storage device 8. In particular, the second coating device 9 is designed to directly and / or automatically remove the spectacle lenses 2 from the intermediate storage device 8. The second coating device 9 is particularly shown in Figure 14.

[0413] Preferably, the second coating device 9 comprises one or, in particular, preferably several coating chambers 9A arranged in series. However, in principle, the second coating device 9 can alternatively or additionally comprise several coating chambers 9A arranged in parallel. Thus, a combination of parallel and serially arranged coating chambers 9A is possible.

[0414] Preferably, the coating chambers 9A are in close proximity to one another and / or are directly connected. Preferably, the coating chambers 9A form a continuous vacuum system. Preferably, the coating chambers 9A are separated or separable from one another. In particular, relatively small, mutually separated coating chambers 9A can be realized in this way, so that the pumping time required to generate a vacuum and the processing time of the spectacle lens 2 in the second coating device 9 are reduced or minimized.

[0415] Preferably, the coating chamber 9A and / or the second coating device 9 have a common casing / covering and / or a common protective housing. In particular, the second coating device 9 comprises or forms a clean room. In this way, contamination of the spectacle lens 2 by dust, for example, can be avoided and thus a high quality of the spectacle lens 2 and / or the coating 5 can be guaranteed.

[0416] Preferably, the second coating device 9 is configured to apply one or more functional layers 5B of the permanent coating 5 to the spectacle lens 2. Preferably, the application of the layer or layers 5B is performed in vacuum.

[0417] Preferably, the second coating device 9 is configured to apply different functional layers 5B in each coating chamber 9A. In particular, the second coating device 9 is configured to apply different antireflective coating layers 5B, at least one hydrophobic functional layer 5B, and / or at least one oleophobic functional layer 5B in the coating chamber 9A.

[0418] Preferably, the second coating device 9 and / or the coating chamber 9A is designed to coat the spectacle lens 2 by means of cathode sputtering or sputtering, in particular magnetron sputtering. Preferably, the coating chamber 9A is configured as described in WO 2018 / 108432 A1 and / or the coating is performed as described in WO 2018 / 108432 A1.

[0419] Preferably, each of the coating chambers 9A comprises one or more cathodes 9B with a coating material for coating the spectacle lenses 2 and / or for generating the coating 5. Preferably, the cathodes 9B are at least substantially cylindrical. Preferably, the cathodes 9B are arranged at least substantially horizontally within the coating chambers 9A.

[0420] Preferably, the second coating device 9 comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of carriers 20. The carriers 20 can be seen in particular in FIG.

[0421] Preferably, the carrier 20 is configured to receive a plurality of spectacle lenses 2 and / or clamping rings 17 holding the spectacle lenses 2 therein. In the example shown, the carrier 20 is designed to receive the spectacle lenses 2 and / or four clamping rings 17.

[0422] Preferably, the second coating device 9 and / or the carrier 20 are adapted to rotatably hold the spectacle lens 2 and / or the clamping ring 17. Thus, the spectacle lens 2 and / or the clamping ring 17 are preferably rotated while being held with and / or by the carrier 20. This allows for a more uniform coating of the spectacle lens 2, which improves the quality of the coating 5.

[0423] Preferably, the carrier 20 is at least substantially flat and / or rectangular.

[0424] Preferably, the carrier 20 and / or the lens 2 are arranged (in the coating chamber 9A and / or during coating) at least substantially horizontally and / or parallel to the plane in which the cathode 9B is arranged.

[0425] Preferably, the second coating device 9 comprises a drive and / or rotary coupling, not shown in the figures, for coupling with the carrier 20 and for rotating the spectacle lens 2 and / or the clamping ring 17 in the carrier 20. Preferably, the coupling with the carrier 20 is performed automatically.

[0426] Preferably, the carrier 20 is configured as a cover or lid for one or each coating chamber 9 A. Optionally, the carrier 20 is designed to close or cover the coating chamber 9 A during the coating or coating process, particularly at its upper side, and further optionally in an airtight and / or vacuum-tight manner.

[0427] Preferably, the carrier 20 has a plurality of receptacles 20A for receiving a plurality of clamping rings 17. Preferably, each of the clamping rings 17 is rotatable within the receptacle 20A about its own central axis.

[0428] Optionally, the carrier 20 has a common cover or multiple separate covers for the receptacle 20A and / or the lens 2. Preferably, the covers are formed as lids and / or plates. Preferably, the covers are arranged on the face of the carrier 20 facing away from the cathode 9B and / or on the top face of the carrier 20.

[0429] In particular, the cover can prevent the coating material from reaching one or more walls of the respective coating chamber 9A, in particular walls arranged on the side of the carrier 20 facing away from the cathode 9B, and / or from reaching flat surfaces 2A, 2B of the spectacle lenses 2 that are not intended to be coated.

[0430] Preferably, the cover is pivotable so that the receptacle 20A can be exposed by pivoting the cover for inserting and / or removing the spectacle lens 2 and / or the clamping ring 17 with it. Alternatively or additionally, the cover can be plate-like and / or completely separable and / or replaceable from the carrier 20.

[0431] Instead of or in addition to a cover, the coating chamber 9A may be provided with a removable or replaceable casing / covering for cleaning, in particular on the face of the carrier 20 facing away from the cathode 9B and / or on the top face of the carrier 20.

[0432] Preferably, the second coating apparatus 9 comprises a transport device 9C for transporting the carrier 20 through the second coating apparatus 9 and / or the coating chambers 9A. Preferably, the transport device 9C is configured to automatically transport the carrier 20 from one coating chamber 9A to the adjacent coating chamber 9A. Preferably, the transport device 9C is configured to continuously form and / or pass through the coating chambers 9A and / or the vacuum system.

[0433] Preferably, the second coating apparatus 9 and / or the conveying device 9C is provided with a return conveying device 9D for automated return conveying of the carriers 20 after passing through the second coating apparatus 9 and / or the coating chamber 9A. Preferably, the return conveying device 9D is arranged parallel to the conveying device 9C. Preferably, the return conveying device 9D is arranged parallel to the conveying device 9C, in particular above the coating chamber 9A and / or laterally adjacent to the coating chamber 9A. This contributes to a space-saving design.

[0434] The return transport device 9D is preferably configured to transport the carriers 20 in a vertical orientation, which contributes to a space-saving construction.

[0435] Preferably, the second coating device 9 comprises an inlet chamber 9E and / or an outlet chamber 9F. Preferably, the inlet chamber 9E and / or the outlet chamber 9F form a vacuum system continuous with the coating chamber 9A.

[0436] Preferably, the inlet chamber 9E is located upstream of the coating chamber 9A. Preferably, the outlet chamber 9F is located downstream of the coating chamber 9A.

[0437] Preferably, the inlet chamber 9E and / or the outlet chamber 9F are configured to generate a pre-vacuum, in this way the effort required to generate and / or maintain a vacuum within the coating chamber 9A can be reduced or minimized.

[0438] Preferably, the exit chamber 9F is configured to apply a functional layer 5B, in particular an oleophobic and / or hydrophobic functional layer 5B, to the spectacle lens 2. Preferably, the functional layer 5B is applied by a vapor deposition and / or evaporation process in the exit chamber 9F. For this purpose, preferably only a pre-vacuum or a vacuum lower than the vacuum for applying the functional layer 5B by sputtering in the coating chamber 9A is required. Preferably, the entrance chamber 9E and / or the exit chamber 9F do not have any cathode 9B.

[0439] Preferably, each of the inlet chamber 9E, the outlet chamber 9F and / or the coating chamber 9A comprises a closure 9G, in particular an airtight and / or vacuum-tight closure 9G. Preferably, the closure 9G is formed by a flap or door or the like and / or is pivotable for opening and closing.

[0440] Preferably, the coating chamber 9A directly adjacent to the inlet chamber 9E comprises a closure 9G arranged on the face of the coating chamber 9A facing the inlet chamber 9E and / or between the inlet chamber 9E and the coating chamber 9A. Preferably, the inlet chamber 9E is separated or separable from the coating chamber 9A by means of a closure 9G. In particular, only or exactly one closure 9G is provided to separate the inlet chamber 9E from the coating chamber 9A and / or the inlet chamber 9E does not have a (further) closure on the face facing the coating chamber 9A. This contributes to a simple and cost-effective construction.

[0441] In principle, however, the inlet chamber 9E may also be provided with a closure 9G for separating the inlet chamber 9E from the coating chamber 9A adjacent to it.

[0442] Preferably, as described above with respect to the inlet chamber 9E and the coating chamber 9A adjacent thereto, the outlet chamber 9F and the coating chamber 9A immediately adjacent thereto are also separated or separable from each other by only or exactly one closure 9G.

[0443] Preferably, the coating chamber 9A directly adjacent to the outlet chamber 9F comprises a closure 9G arranged on the face of the coating chamber 9A facing towards the outlet chamber 9F and / or between the outlet chamber 9F and the coating chamber 9A. Preferably, the outlet chamber 9F is separated or separable from the coating chamber 9A by means of a closure 9G. In particular, only or exactly one closure 9G is provided to separate the outlet chamber 9F from the coating chamber 9A and / or the outlet chamber 9F does not have a (further) closure on the face facing towards the coating chamber 9A. This contributes to a simple and cost-effective construction.

[0444] Preferably, at least some of the coating chambers 9A are also separated or separable from one another by only or exactly one closure 9G as described above.

[0445] In the example shown, each of the inlet chamber 9E, the coating chamber 9A, and the outlet chamber 9F is separated or separable by (exactly) one closure 9G, and an additional closure 9H is provided between two of the coating chambers 9A, and therefore these two coating chambers 9A are separated or separable from each other by two closures 9G, 9H, i.e., one closure 9G and an additional closure 9H.

[0446] Preferably, the additional closure 9H is identical in construction to the closure 9G.

[0447] The additional closure 9H facilitates the production, transport and / or assembly and / or installation of the coating installation 4 and / or the second coating device 9.

[0448] Preferably, the coating chambers 9A and / or their operating parameters can be operated, controlled, and / or feedback-controlled independently of one another. In particular, different pressures, vacuum levels, and / or temperatures can be set independently of one another in these coating chambers 9A. Preferably, the coating chambers 9A can be equipped with different cathodes 9B, in particular with different coating materials. Preferably, different inert and / or reactive gases can be used in the different coating chambers 9A to support the sputtering and / or deposition processes. In principle, different inert and / or reactive gases can be used for different coating processes and / or for coating different spectacle lenses in one coating chamber 9A.

[0449] In this way, the type, number, configuration and / or sequence of the coating installation 4, in particular the coating chambers 9A of the second coating device 9, can be individually and flexibly adapted to customer requirements.

[0450] In particular, the coating chambers 9A can be formed as modules and / or the coating device 9 can be modular in construction, in particular such that the modules and / or the coating chambers 9A can be flexibly combined with one another. In this way, the coating installation 4 and / or the coating device 9 can be flexibly used, assembled and / or adapted to individual requirements and / or customer wishes.

[0451] Preferably, the coating installation 4, the handling system 4B and / or the second coating apparatus 9 comprises a handling device 9J, which will be referred to in particular below as a fourth handling device 9J.

[0452] The fourth handling device 9J is particularly shown in FIG.

[0453] Preferably, the fourth handling device 9J is arranged upstream of the inlet chamber 9E and / or the coating chamber 9A.

[0454] Preferably, the fourth handling device 9J is designed for a particularly automated taking-off of the spectacle lens 2 from the heating device 19 and / or the transport device 19C and / or for removing the spectacle lens 2 from the heating device 19 and / or the transport device 19C.

[0455] Preferably, the fourth handling device 9J is adapted to insert the spectacle lens 2 and / or the clamping ring 17 holding it therein into the carrier 20, in particular in an automated manner.

[0456] Preferably, the fourth handling device 9J comprises a gripper or suction cup or the like suitable for removing the clamping rings 17 with the spectacle lenses 2 held thereon from the conveying device 19C and / or inserting them into the carrier 20.

[0457] Preferably, the coating installation 4, the handling system 4B and / or the second coating apparatus 9 comprises a handling device 9K, which will be referred to in particular below as a fifth handling device 9K.

[0458] The fifth handling device 9K is particularly shown in FIG.

[0459] Preferably, the fifth handling device 9K is arranged downstream of the coating chamber 9A and / or the exit chamber 9F.

[0460] Preferably, the fifth handling device 9K is adapted to remove the spectacle lens 2 and / or the clamping ring 17 holding it therefrom from the carrier 20, in particular in an automated manner.

[0461] Preferably, the second coating apparatus 9 comprises an ejection device 23 for removing the spectacle lens 2 from the clamping ring 17, in particular automatically. Preferably, the ejection device 23 is identical in construction to the above-mentioned clamping device 21. Preferably, the ejection device 23 is arranged downstream of the coating chamber 9A and / or the outlet chamber 9F.

[0462] Preferably, the second coating device 9 comprises a magazine 18 for clamping rings 17, which is preferably arranged downstream of the outlet chamber. Preferably, the magazine 18 of the second coating device 9 is of the same construction as the magazine 18 of the intermediate storage device 8. Preferably, the magazine unit 18A in which the clamping rings 17 are arranged is removable from the magazine 18 so that the clamping rings 17 can be cleaned.

[0463] Preferably, the fifth handling device 9K is adapted to remove the clamping rings 17 with the spectacle lenses 2 held therein from the carrier 20 and / or to insert them into the removal device 23.

[0464] Preferably, a return transport device 9D connects the fifth handling device 9K to the fourth handling device 9J so that the carriers 20 can be transported (transported back) from the fifth handling device 9K to the fourth handling device 9J, in particular in an automated manner.

[0465] Furthermore, the fifth handling device 9K is preferably configured to remove the spectacle lenses 2 from the removal device 23 and / or the clamping ring 17, in particular in an automated manner, and / or to place them in the transport container 11D.

[0466] During the processing and / or coating of the spectacle lenses 2 in the coating facility 4, the order of the spectacle lenses 2 is preferably maintained. Thus, in particular, after passing through the coating facility 4, the spectacle lenses 2 are again placed in the transport container 11D in the same order in which they were removed from and / or transferred / handed over to the coating facility 4 before being coated in the coating facility 4. This is achieved in particular by a serial and / or linear arrangement of the devices 6 to 9 of the coating facility 4. This ensures that, after passing through the coating facility 4, the spectacle lenses 2 are again placed in the same transport container 11D from which they were previously removed.

[0467] For this purpose, the transport container 11D is preferably transported past the coating facility 4 while the eyeglass lenses 2 are coated in and / or passing through the coating facility 4, and / or is transported from the transfer device 6P at the start of the coating facility 4 to the fifth handling device 9K at the end of the coating facility 4.

[0468] Furthermore, preferably, the fifth handling device 9K is adapted to remove the clamping rings 17 from the removal device 23 and / or to insert them into the magazine 18 in a particularly automated manner.

[0469] Preferably, the carriers 20 are removable from the second coating apparatus 9 and / or the conveying device 9C so that they can be washed and reinserted into the second coating apparatus 9 and / or the conveying device 9C after washing.

[0470] Preferably, the second coating device 9 is designed so that the spectacle lens 2 passing therethrough is coated, in particular, only on one flat surface 2 A, 2 B. In particular, the second coating device 9 is designed so that coating of flat surfaces 2 A, 2 B that should not be coated does not occur and / or no coating material is deposited on flat surfaces 2 A, 2 B that should not be coated.

[0471] According to a further aspect, which may also be realized independently or form an independent invention, it is proposed a coating installation 4 comprising two or more (second) coating devices 9. In various combinations, the features of the coating installation 4 and / or the second coating devices 9 described above may form further (optional) features of the coating installation 4 comprising two or more second coating devices 9.

[0472] Preferably, the coating facility 4 comprises two or more second coating apparatuses 9, each comprising a plurality of coating chambers 9 A. The two or more second coating apparatuses 9 may be identical or different in design, e.g., the number, type, sequence, and / or configuration of the coating chambers 9 A may differ.

[0473] In particular, each of the second coating devices 9 is designed as described above.

[0474] Preferably, the coating chambers 9A of the second coating apparatus 9 are arranged in series, in particular linearly behind each other, and / or form a continuous vacuum system as described above. Alternatively or additionally, each second coating apparatus 9 has a plurality of coating chambers 9A arranged in parallel. Thus, a combination of parallel and / or serially arranged coating chambers 9A within the second coating apparatus 9 is possible.

[0475] Preferably, the second coating device 9 is located in or enclosed by a common housing or casing and / or the second coating device 9 comprises a common housing or casing.

[0476] Preferably, two or more second coating apparatuses 9 are arranged and / or operable in parallel. In particular, the spectacle lens 2 can be selectively transported or transferred within the coating installation 4 to one of the second coating apparatuses 9, and / or the coating installation 4 and / or the handling system 4B are designed for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, the spectacle lens 2 can be transported to the second coating apparatuses 9 multiple times and / or can be transported successively to different ones of the second coating apparatuses 9. In particular, the second coating apparatuses 9 can form multiple and / or different circuit and / or ring systems.

[0477] Instead of or in addition to designing the coating facility 4 with two second coating devices 9, two or more coating facilities 4 can be arranged and / or operated in parallel. In particular, the processing facility 1 can have two or more coating facilities 4, in particular arranged and / or operated parallel to one another. Preferably, each of the coating facilities 4 is designed as described above. The two or more coating facilities 4 can be of the same or different design. In a processing facility 1 with two or more coating facilities 4, preferably, the spectacle lenses 2 can be selectively fed and / or transferred to one of the two or more coating facilities 4.

[0478] Procedure According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a method for applying a permanent coating 5 to a first and a second planar surface 2A, 2B of a spectacle lens 2. Preferably, for this purpose the coating installation 4 is run twice through and / or the spectacle lens 2 is coated twice in the coating installation 4.

[0479] Therefore, preferably, after a permanent coating 5 has been coated or provided on one of the flat surfaces 2A, 2B in the coating facility 4, the spectacle lens 2 is transported back and then a coating 5 is coated or provided on the flat surface 2A, 2B that has not yet been coated.

[0480] Preferably, in particular after the coating 5 has been applied to the flat surfaces 2A, 2B in the coating installation 4, and preferably before the spectacle lens 2 is transported back, the removable cover layer applied before the application of the permanent coating 5 is removed from the spectacle lens 2, in particular in an automated manner. Preferably, this removal takes place in a removal device 15, but in principle could take place in the second coating device 9, the deblocking device 3G and / or the cover layer device 3H.

[0481] Before the permanent coating 5 is applied to the as yet uncoated flat surfaces 2A, 2B and / or before the second pass through the coating installation 4, preferably during the first pass through the coating installation 4, a removable cover layer 12B is applied to the flat surfaces 2A, 2B provided with the permanent coating 5, in particular in a cover layer device 3H.

[0482] The spectacle lens 2 is then transported to a coating facility 4 where a permanent coating 5 is applied to the flat surfaces 2A, 2B that have not yet been coated.

[0483] For the return transport of the spectacle lenses 2, the processing facility 1, the conveying system 11 and / or the coating facility 4 preferably comprises a return transport device 16. Preferably, the return transport device 16 runs at least section-wise or for the most part parallel to the first, second and / or third conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 and / or parallel to and / or along the coating facility 4. Preferably, the return transport device 16 comprises or is formed by a conveying track. Preferably, the return transport device 16 is arranged outside the casing 4A of the coating facility 4.

[0484] Preferably, the return transport device 16 is designed to connect the detaching device 15 or the coating facility 4 to the unblocking device 3G and / or the covering layer device 3H and / or to transport the spectacle lenses 2 past the coating facility 4 and / or from the coating facility 4 or the detaching device 15 to the unblocking device 3G and / or the covering layer device 3H. In principle, however, the return transport device 16 can alternatively or additionally connect the detaching device 15 or the coating facility 4 to another device or processing device 3 of the processing facility 1 and / or to the transport tracks T1, T2, T3 of the transport system 11.

[0485] According to another embodiment, which can also be implemented independently, the clamping ring 17 and / or the carrier 20 are periodically cleaned. During the application of the coating 5 and / or layer 5B in the second coating device 9, some of the coating material may settle on the clamping ring 17 and / or the carrier 20. To prevent coating material that settled on the clamping ring 17 and / or the carrier 20 during a previous coating operation from entering the coating chamber 9A and / or reaching the spectacle lens 2 when the clamping ring 17 and / or the carrier 20 are used again, the clamping ring 17 and / or the carrier are preferably cleaned after one or more uses, in particular periodically and / or at predetermined intervals. This contributes to a high and consistent quality of the spectacle lens 2 and / or coating 5.

[0486] Preferably, the clamping ring 17 is cleaned after each use. Preferably, the carrier 20 is cleaned after more than 5 and / or less than 15, in particular about 10 uses. Use in this case is understood as the use of the clamping ring 17 and / or carrier 20 to hold one or more spectacle lenses 2 during the application of a coating in the second coating device 9.

[0487] For cleaning the clamping ring 17 and / or the carrier 20, the processing facility 1 and / or the coating facility 4 can be equipped with one or more cleaning devices. In particular, separate cleaning devices can be provided for the clamping ring 17 and the carrier 20. Preferably, the cleaning of the clamping ring 17 and / or the carrier 20 and / or the transport of the clamping ring 17 and / or the carrier 20 to and from the corresponding cleaning devices is fully automatic.

[0488] According to yet another aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an eyeglass lens 2, in which flat surfaces 2A, 2B of the eyeglass lens 2 are shaped to a desired prescription surface by a molding process, and then a permanent coating 5 is applied to at least the flat surfaces 2A, 2B formed to the prescription surface.

[0489] To form a prescription surface, the same type of processing is performed in at least two of the processing devices 3, thereby providing parallel processing of the spectacle lenses 2 in which different spectacle lenses 2 are processed simultaneously in separate processing devices 3.

[0490] The permanent coating 5 is applied to the eyeglass lenses 2 in a coating facility 4 having devices 6-9 arranged in series to perform the various stages of applying the coating 5, with each eyeglass lens 2 passing through each of the devices 6-9 of the coating facility 4.

[0491] In this method, the eyeglass lens 2 is transported to a processing device 3, and from the processing device 3 to a coating facility 4, and then transferred to the coating facility 4 in a fully automated manner.

[0492] As mentioned above, during processing and / or coating of the spectacle lenses 2 in the coating facility 4, the order of these spectacle lenses 2 is preferably maintained, and / or after passing through the coating facility 4, each of the spectacle lenses 2 is preferably placed back into the same transport container 11D from which it was previously removed. To guarantee or ensure this, the processing facility 1 and / or the coating facility 4 preferably comprises a control center and / or control device 4C.

[0493] Preferably, the control center and / or control device 4C is configured to track and / or record the position of the lens 2 within the coating facility 4 and / or to ensure that after passing through the coating facility 4, the lens 2 is returned to the same transport container 11D from which it was previously removed.

[0494] This can be done, for example, by recording or tracking from which transport container 11D the spectacle lens 2 has been removed. For this purpose, the transport container preferably has an identification means, such as a barcode, which is read by a reader in the control center and / or control device 4C. Furthermore, the spectacle lens 2 can also have an identification means, such as a marking. However, an identification means, such as a code or an identification number, can also be assigned in the control center and / or control device 4C to each spectacle lens 2 fed to the coating installation 4, and further information about said identification means can be stored, for example, when the spectacle lens 2 is transported between devices 6 to 9 and / or when it is processed in one of devices 6 to 9.

[0495] Before the spectacle lens 2 is placed back into the transport container 11D after passing through the coating facility 4, the control device 4C and / or the control center preferably checks or ensures that the transport container 11D is the transport container 11D from which the spectacle lens 2 was previously removed. This step is performed in particular by reading the identification means of the transport container 11D and comparing or checking based on the identification means of the spectacle lens 2 whether the spectacle lens was previously removed from this transport container 11D.

[0496] The use of a control center and / or control device 4C ensures the correct allocation of spectacle lenses 2 to the transport containers 11D, in particular in the event of malfunctions, breakdowns and / or malfunctions.

[0497] The individual features and aspects of the invention can be implemented independently but also in various combinations. Aspects of the invention that can be implemented independently of one another but also in various combinations with the above-mentioned aspects and features are in particular:

[0498] 1. A coating installation (4) comprising at least one coating device (7, 9) for applying a permanent coating (5) to a spectacle lens (2), characterized in that the coating installation (4) has a handling system (4B) for automated handling of a holder, in particular a clamping ring (17), for temporarily holding the spectacle lens (2) during the application of the coating (5); the coating installation (4) comprises a first coating device (7) for applying a first layer / hard layer (5A) to the spectacle lens (2), a second coating device (9) for applying a second layer / functional layer (5B) to the spectacle lens (2) or the first layer, and an intermediate storage device (8) for intermediate storage of the spectacle lens (2) after the application of the first layer / hard layer (5A) and / or before the application of the second layer / functional layer (5B), and is characterized in that the coating installation (4) is designed for fully automatic, continuous coating of the spectacle lens (2) in two different coating devices (7, 9).

[0499] 2. A coating installation according to aspect 1, characterized in that the handling system 4B and / or the intermediate storage device 8 preferably comprises a handling device 8A having one or more suction cups or grippers for holding and / or handling the holder / clamping ring 17 designed according to one of aspects 14 to 18, and the handling device 8A comprises or is formed by a robot.

[0500] 3. Coating installation according to embodiment 2, characterized in that the handling device 8A is configured for handling of the spectacle lenses 2 in addition to handling of the holder / clamping ring 17.

[0501] 4. A coating installation according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the coating installation 4 and / or the intermediate storage device 8 has a magazine 18, preferably designed according to one of aspects 19 to 21, intended to store holders / clamping rings 17 for spectacle lenses 2.

[0502] 5. Coating installation according to embodiment 4, characterized in that the magazine 18 comprises a magazine unit 18A removable from the magazine 18 together with the holder / clamping ring 17 arranged in the magazine unit 18A.

[0503] 6. A coating installation according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the coating installation 4 and / or the intermediate storage device 8 are provided with a clamping device 21 for automated opening and / or closing of the clamping ring 17 and / or for automated insertion of the spectacle lens 2 into the clamping ring 17.

[0504] 7. A coating installation according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the coating installation 4 and / or the intermediate storage device 8 preferably has a heating device 19 for heating the spectacle lens 2 held in the holder / clamping ring 17 so that the hard layer 5A previously applied to the spectacle lens 2 dries and / or hardens in the heating device 19.

[0505] 8. The coating installation of aspect 7, wherein the coating installation 4 and / or the heating device 19 preferably comprises a conveying device 19C for continuous conveying of the spectacle lenses 2 held in the holder / clamping ring 17 through the heating device 19, and the heating device 19 is designed to heat the spectacle lenses 2 being conveyed by the conveying device 19C.

[0506] 9. A coating installation according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the coating installation 4 and / or the handling system 4B comprises a handling device 9K for transporting the spectacle lens 2 and / or the clamping ring 17 holding it from the intermediate storage device 8 and / or the heating device 19 to the second coating installation 9.

[0507] 10. A coating installation according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the coating installation 4 and / or the second coating device 9 comprises at least one carrier 20 for receiving a plurality of spectacle lenses 2 held in a holder / clamping ring 17.

[0508] 11. Coating installation according to aspect 10, characterized in that the carrier 20 is configured as a cover for the coating chamber 9A of the second coating device 9 and / or configured to close the coating chamber 9A of the second coating device 9 during the coating process, in particular in an airtight and / or vacuum-tight manner.

[0509] 12. Coating installation according to aspect 10 or 11, characterized in that the coating installation 4 and / or the second coating device 9 is configured for automated return transport of the carrier 20 after passing therethrough.

[0510] 13. A coating installation according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the clamping ring 17 is designed according to one of aspects 14 to 18.

[0511] 14. A clamping ring 17 having a plurality of flexible, in particular elastic, arms 17A for clamping a spectacle lens 2 at its edge, characterized in that the clamping ring 17 has orientation means 17E for oriented gripping or handling of itself and / or for oriented insertion of the clamping ring 17 into a magazine 18 and / or carrier 20, that the clamping ring 17 has suction surfaces 17F for handling itself by means of a suction cup, and / or that the clamping ring 17 is designed so that a plurality of identical clamping rings 17 can be stacked vertically with a spacing between the arms 17A of adjacent clamping rings 17.

[0512] 15. A clamping ring according to aspect 14, characterized in that the directing means 17E are arranged on the outer surface of the clamping ring 17 and / or comprise or are formed by one or more recesses.

[0513] 16. A clamping ring according to aspect 14 or 15, characterized in that the suction surface 17F is formed by a flange 17D and / or is ring-shaped and / or extends or is arranged at least substantially parallel to a plane in which the spectacle lens 2 can be clamped or clamped.

[0514] 17. A clamping ring according to one of aspects 14 to 16, characterized in that the clamping ring 17 comprises a frame 17B to which arms 17A are attached, the frame 17B projecting radially inward and / or projecting above the arms 17A perpendicular to a plane in which the lens 2 is clamped or can be clamped.

[0515] 18. A clamping ring according to one of aspects 14 to 17, characterized in that the clamping ring 17 and / or the frame 17B comprises at least one recess 17G, in particular on the bottom surface.

[0516] 19. A magazine 18 for storing several clamping rings 17 for spectacle lenses 2, characterized in that the magazine 18 comprises magazine units 18A that can be removed from the magazine 18 together with clamping rings 17 arranged in at least one magazine unit 18A, the clamping rings 17 have orientation means 17E, and the magazine 18 and / or magazine units 18A have orientation means 18B that correspond to the orientation means 17E of the clamping rings 17 so that the clamping rings 17 can only be stored in the magazine 18 in predetermined orientations or rotational positions, and / or the clamping rings 17 are designed according to one of aspects 14 to 18.

[0517] 20. A magazine according to aspect 19, characterized in that a plurality of clamping rings 17 can be stored in the magazine 18 and / or magazine unit 18A, stacked one on top of the other in the same orientation or rotational position.

[0518] 21. The magazine according to aspect 19 or 20, wherein the magazine 18 and / or the magazine unit 18A are columnar.

[0519] 22. A processing installation 1 for processing spectacle lenses 2, comprising several separate, independently operating processing devices 3, at least one of which is designed for the molding process / machining of spectacle lenses 2, preferably at least one of which is designed for polishing spectacle lenses 2, the processing installation 1 being designed for simultaneous processing of spectacle lenses 2 in different processing devices 3, comprising several conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 along which the spectacle lenses 2 can be transported and / or circulated past the processing devices 3, a coating installation 4 directly adjacent to the processing devices 3 and connected to one of the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3, and a transport device 6P for automated transport of the spectacle lenses 2 from the conveying tracks T1, T2, T3 to the coating installation 4, the coating installation 4 comprising several coating chambers 9A for applying different layers 5B to the spectacle lenses 2, the coating chambers 9A being arranged in series and directly connected to one another to form a continuous vacuum system and the lenses 2 passing through each of the coating chambers 9A.

[0520] 23. Processing equipment according to aspect 22, characterized in that the coating equipment 4 is designed according to one of aspects 1 to 13 and / or comprises at least one clamping ring 17 according to one of aspects 14 to 18 and / or comprises a magazine 18 according to one of aspects 19 to 22.

[0521] 24. A method for applying a permanent coating 5 to a spectacle lens 2 in a coating installation 4, preferably designed according to one of aspects 1 to 13, characterized in that the spectacle lens 2 is temporarily held in a clamping ring 17, preferably designed according to one of aspects 14 to 18, during the application of the permanent coating 5, and the coating installation 4 opens and / or closes the clamping ring 17 in an automated manner, and / or inserts the spectacle lens 2 into and / or removes the spectacle lens 2 from the clamping ring 17 in an automated manner, and / or the spectacle lens 2 and / or the clamping ring 17 are automatically inserted into and / or removed from, indirectly or directly, a carrier 20 that holds the spectacle lens 2 and / or the clamping ring 17 in a particularly rotatable manner during the application of the coating 5 and / or that covers the respective coating chamber 9A during the application of the coating 5.

[0522] 25. Method according to aspect 24, characterized in that the clamping ring 17 is held in a defined orientation or rotational position for opening and / or closing and / or inserting and / or removing the spectacle lens 2.

[0523] 26. A method for applying a permanent coating 5 to a first and second planar surface 2A, 2B of a spectacle lens 2, characterized in that a removable cover layer 12B is applied to the first planar surface 2A of the spectacle lens 2 in a cover layer device 3H, followed by application of a permanent coating 5 to the second planar surface 2B, and after application of the permanent coating 5 to the second planar surface 2B, the removable cover layer 12B is removed from the spectacle lens 2 in an automated manner, the spectacle lens 2 is transported in an automated manner back to the cover layer device 3H, and in the cover layer device 3H, a removable cover layer 12B is applied to the second planar surface 2B, followed by application of a permanent coating 5 to the first planar surface 2A.

[0524] 27. A method for processing a spectacle lens 2, characterized in that the spectacle lens 2 is machined, preferably polished, in one or more processing devices 3, and a removable protective layer 12A is provided on a first flat surface 2A of the spectacle lens 2 before the molding process / machining, and preferably the spectacle lens 2 is blocked at the first flat surface 2A, and after the molding process / machining of the second flat surface 2B, in particular after blocking, the protective layer 12A is removed, and after removal of the protective layer 12A, a removable cover layer 12B is provided on the first flat surface 2A of the spectacle lens 2, and a permanent coating 5 is subsequently applied to the second flat surface 2B of the spectacle lens 2.

[0525] 28. A method for applying a permanent coating 5 to spectacle lenses 2 in a coating installation 4, wherein the spectacle lenses 2 are coated simultaneously in batch sizes of up to eight spectacle lenses 2 and / or at least two different layers 5A, 5B of the coating 5 are applied in a fully automated manner in the coating installation 4, the spectacle lenses 2 are transported to the coating installation 4 in a transport container 11D, removed from the transport container 11D for coating and transferred to the coating installation 4, the transport container 11D is transported past the coating installation 4 during the application of the coating 5, and after the application of the coating 5 the spectacle lenses 2 are each placed back into the same transport container 11D from which they were previously removed.

[0526] 29. A method for producing spectacle lenses 2, characterized in that flat surfaces 2A, 2B of the spectacle lenses 2 are formed into a desired prescription surface by a molding process / machining process, after which a permanent coating 5 is applied to at least the flat surfaces 2A, 2B formed into the prescription surface, different spectacle lenses 2 are processed simultaneously in separate processing devices 3 to form the prescription surface, parallel processing of spectacle lenses 2 in which the same type of processing is performed in at least two of the processing devices 3, in a coating facility 4 comprising devices 6-9 arranged in series for performing different steps of applying the permanent coating 5, the coating 5 is applied to each of the spectacle lenses 2 passing through each of the devices 6-9 of the coating facility 4, and the spectacle lenses 2 are transported to the processing device 3 and from the processing device 3 to the coating facility 4 and then transferred to the coating facility 4 in a fully automated manner.

[0527] List of Reference Numbers 1 Processing equipment 2. Eyeglass lenses 2A First flat surface 2B Second flat surface 2C Edge 3 Processing equipment 3A machining equipment 3B Polishing equipment 3C protective layer device 3D Block Generator 3E Enclosure 3F Marking device 3G Unblocker 3H Cover Layer Device 4 Coating equipment 4A Casing 4B Handling System 4C Control Device 5. Coating 5A hard layer 5B Functional layer 6 Cleaning equipment 6A First Wash Chamber 6B Second cleaning chamber 6C Brush 6D Applicator 6E Drying Device 6F Fan 6G (first) handling device 6H holder 6J cover 6K Handover Device 6L opening 6M Transfer Device 6N holder 6P (Yet Another) Transfer Device 6Q 6P holder 7 (First) Coating Device 7A (Second) Handling Device 7B 7A gripper 7C Finger 7E Suction Cup 7F Coating Chamber 7G Curing Chamber 7H Swivel Unit 7J Curing Device 8 Intermediate storage facility 8A (Third) Handling Device 8B Retaining device for 8A 8C 8A Retention Device 8D Robotic Arm 8E Joint 9 (Second) Coating Device 9A Coating Chamber 9B Cathode 9C 9 transport device 9D 9 Return conveying device 9E Inlet chamber 9F Exit Chamber 9G closure 9H (further) closure 9J (4th) Handling Device 9K (5th) Handling Device 10 Edge processing equipment 11. Transport System 11A Transport Device 11B Switching Device 11C Transport Device 11D Transport Container 12A protective layer 12B cover layer 13 Block Pieces 14 Block materials 15 Decoupling device 16 Return conveying device 17 Fastening ring 17A Arm 17B frame 17C part 17D flange 17E Directed means 17F Suction surface 17G recess 17H Bottom 18 Magazine 18A Magazine Unit 18B Directing means 19 Heating Devices 19A Entrance 19B Exit 19C Transport Device 19D Strip 19E Storage Location 19F 19E receptacle Engagement elements of 19G and 19E 20 Carrier 20 20 receptacles 21 Tightening Device 21A 21 receptacle 21B Open Device 21C pin 21D Fixation means 21E Engagement element 22 Measuring Devices 23 Ejection Device D rotation axis P arrow P1 First pair of grippers 7B P2: The second pair of grippers 7B R1 T1 transport direction R2 T2 transport direction R3 T3 transport direction R4 19C conveying direction T1 First conveyor track T2 Second conveyor track T3 Third transport track

Claims

1. A coating installation (4) having at least one coating device (7, 9) for applying a permanent coating (5) to an eyeglass lens (2), the coating installation (4) having a handling system (4B) for handling a holder for holding the spectacle lens (2) during the application of the coating (5), The handling system (4B) comprises a handling device (8A), The handling device (8A) a first holding device (8C) for holding the holder that holds the spectacle lens (2) by its edge, the first holding device (8C) having one or more suction cups or grippers for holding the holder; a second holding device (8B) for holding the spectacle lens (2); The coating equipment (4) a first coating device (7) for applying a first layer to said spectacle lens (2); a second coating device (9) for applying a second layer to the spectacle lens (2) or to the first layer; An intermediate storage device (8), after application of the first layer, and / or prior to the application of the second layer; an intermediate storage device (8) for intermediate storage of the spectacle lens (2), the handling device (8A) is provided in the intermediate storage device (8), and the handling system (4B) is configured for automated transfer of the spectacle lenses (2) between the first and / or second coating device (7, 9) and the intermediate storage device (8). A coating installation (4) characterized in that

2. 2. The coating installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the coating installation (4) and / or the handling system (4B) comprises a handling device (9K) for transporting the spectacle lenses (2) or holders holding the spectacle lenses (2) from the intermediate storage device (8) to the second coating device (9).

3. 3. Coating installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handling device (8A) comprises or is formed by a robot.

4. 4. The coating installation according to claim 1, wherein the coating installation (4) and / or the intermediate storage device (8) comprises a magazine (18) for storing holders for the spectacle lenses (2).

5. 5. Coating installation according to claim 4, characterized in that the magazine (18) comprises a magazine unit (18A) which is removable from the magazine (18) together with the holders arranged therein.

6. The coating facility (4) and / or intermediate storage device (8) for automated opening and / or closing of the holder, and / or for automated insertion of the spectacle lens (2) into the holder, 6. Coating installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a clamping device (21).

7. 7. The coating installation according to claim 1, wherein the coating installation (4) and / or the intermediate storage device (8) comprises a heating device (19) for heating the spectacle lens (2), in which a hard coating (5A) previously applied to the spectacle lens (2) dries and / or hardens.

8. 8. Coating installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the coating installation (4) and / or the heating device (19) comprises a conveying device (19C) for continuous conveying of the spectacle lenses (2) through the heating device (19), the heating device (19) being designed to heat the spectacle lenses (2) during their conveying by the conveying device (19C).

9. 9. Coating installation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second holding device (8B) is designed as a gripper which holds the spectacle lens (2) by its edge (2C).

10. 10. The coating installation according to claim 1, wherein the coating installation (4) and / or the second coating device (9) comprises at least one carrier (20) for receiving a plurality of spectacle lenses (2) held in holders.

11. 11. Coating installation according to claim 10, characterized in that the carrier (20) is designed as a cover for the coating chamber (9A) of the second coating device (9) and / or is designed to close the coating chamber (9A) of the second coating device (9) during the coating process.

12. 12. Coating installation according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the coating installation (4) and / or the second coating installation (9) are designed for automated return transport of the carriers (20) after passing through the second coating installation (9).

13. 13. Coating installation according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the holder is a clamping ring (17) having a plurality of flexible arms (17A) for clamping the spectacle lens (2) at its edge.

14. the clamping ring (17) comprises orientation means (17E) for oriented gripping or handling of the clamping ring (17) and / or for oriented insertion of the clamping ring (17) into a magazine (18) and / or a carrier (20), the orientation means (17E) comprising or formed by one or more recesses; and / or the clamping ring (17) is designed such that multiple identical clamping rings (17) can be stacked vertically such that the arms (17A) of adjacent clamping rings (17) are spaced apart; and / or The clamping ring (17) has a suction surface (17F) for holding the clamping ring (17) using a suction cup.

14. The coating installation according to claim 13.

15. the recesses are asymmetrically arranged on the clamping ring (17), and / or The directing means (17E) is disposed on the outer surface of the clamping ring (17).

15. Coating installation according to claim 14.

16. 16. Coating installation according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the clamping ring (17) comprises a frame (17B) to which the arms (17A) are attached, the frame (17B) projecting radially inwards and / or above the arms (17A) perpendicular to the plane in which the spectacle lens (2) is clamped or can be clamped.

17. A method for applying a permanent coating (5) to an eyeglass lens (2) in a coating installation (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising: the spectacle lenses (2) are temporarily held in a clamping ring (17) during the application of the permanent coating (5), the coating installation (4) opening and / or closing the clamping ring (17) in an automated manner, and / or inserting the spectacle lenses (2) into and / or removing them from the clamping ring (17) in an automated manner, and / or the spectacle lenses (2) and / or clamping rings (17) are automatically inserted into and / or removed from carriers (20) that hold the spectacle lenses (2) or clamping rings (17) during the application of the coating (5) and / or that cover the respective coating chambers (9A) during the application of the coating (5). A method characterized by:

18. The clamping ring (17) Release the clamping ring (17); Closing the clamping ring (17); Inserting the spectacle lens (2), and Remove the eyeglass lens (2).

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the sensor is held in a defined orientation or rotational position for at least one of:

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