Lens support without using support blocks when processing the lens surface

Abstract

To provide a lens support member for supporting a lens in surface machining of machining one side face in two opposite surfaces of a lens.SOLUTION: A lens support member (100) includes a plurality of support elements (110) that are relatively movable to each other, support a lens (L) on an opposite side face (L2) with respect to a plurality of forces generated in surface machining, and form a lens pedestal (120) with a curvature. The lens support member (100) includes an adjustment mechanism (130) which relatively displaces at least some of the respective support elements (110) during machining relative to each other, and adjusts the curvature of the lens pedestal (120) to a regulated curvature regardless of the lens (L) seated on the respective support elements (110).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens support member that supports a lens against forces generated during a machining process that processes one of two opposing surfaces of the lens, and also to a system and method for a lens surface machining process that uses the lens support member. [Background technology]

[0002] Machining modern custom prescription eyeglass lenses requires individual machining processes to tailor the lenses not only to a single set of instructions, but also to fit the shape of the customer's skull and the specific geometric features of the customer's chosen frames.

[0003] In the lens machining process, lens blanks with different wavefront curvatures are typically used. Some lens blanks are designed for diverging lenses, while others are designed for converging lenses. Typically, the front surface of the lens blank is finished so that no curvature adjustment or polishing is required. The machining process begins by selecting a lens blank with a front surface that best suits the customer's requirements. The back surface of the lens blank is then processed to customize the lens. The shape of the front surface determines how the back surface is processed to create a lens with the desired shape.

[0004] While this approach has the advantage that only one side needs to be processed, it is also recognized that in order to achieve the desired shape, it is important that the front surface maintains its shape throughout the machining process.

[0005] During the machining process, the lens shape is adapted by creating a curvature difference (in thickness) between the front and back surfaces of the lens to change how the finished lens redirects light. The curvature difference between the front and back surfaces of the lens provides the corrective power. Therefore, the placement of the different thickness regions will vary from customer to customer. Unfortunately, each different thickness region exhibits a different mechanical response when subjected to machining and clamping forces. For example, thinner regions are more susceptible to machining and clamping forces, while thicker regions are more resilient and less able to bend or deform. Therefore, ignoring these differences in the lens's ability to dissipate mechanical stress can result in irregularities in the distribution of the corrective power of the lens, ultimately resulting in an unacceptable lens.

[0006] Therefore, to limit the impact of the machining process on lens quality, the anterior lens surface needs to be adequately mechanically supported while the posterior lens surface is being machined.

[0007] In the prior art, this problem has been addressed by attaching the front surface of the lens blank to a surface treatment block with an adhesive or other bonding agent, e.g., resin, glue, or low-melting-point alloy. The surface treatment block typically remains attached throughout the lens production process, and the various machines involved in this process are equipped with universal clamping devices that facilitate securing the surface treatment block to the respective machine. The surface treatment block is thereby used for lens processing purposes and as a reference point for all machining steps. Applying an adhesive to the surface treatment block helps maintain the convex surface stable under machining forces and against deformation caused by internal stresses within the lens material. This known solution is commonly found in lens machining applications.

[0008] However, such a solution is disadvantageous because it requires bonding and debonding the surface treatment block to and from the lens, which is a complex and lossy process that becomes even more complex when lenses with various shapes and curvatures are to be produced. Furthermore, this solution requires the use of special blocking and deblocking tools, as well as special substances such as adhesives, solvents, and water. Furthermore, the number of processes is limited. Therefore, this solution is not suitable for continuously producing different lenses with different curvatures and different distributions of corrective power from a lens blank.

[0009] The prior art has attempted to overcome some of these disadvantages by using dedicated surface treatment blocks with predetermined curvatures to accommodate lens blanks with identical curvatures, which can be attached to the surface treatment blocks through the application of suction.

[0010] While this solution addresses the problem of how to simplify the coupling and uncoupling of lenses to and from the surface treatment block, a large number of such surface treatment blocks are required to provide an appropriate surface treatment block for each conceivable lens curvature. As a result, the shape of the surface treatment block frequently does not match the lens blank. The lens blank is insufficiently supported throughout the machining process, leading to machining errors and reduced precision and quality of the finished lens. Furthermore, it has been found that this solution often provides insufficient vacuum to process lenses at high machining speeds.

[0011] Another solution in the prior art attempts to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a surface treatment block with a support for the front surface of the lens, against which the lens blank is pressed by suction. This support serves to imprint the front surface curve of the lens blank once. After completing the steps of deforming the lens haptics, the haptics are fixed and their shape is maintained throughout the subsequent mechanical processing steps. This known solution does not allow further deformation of the lens haptics throughout the processing.

[0012] However, this solution has proven insufficient to provide lenses that achieve the necessary high quality standards. Specifically, throughout the above-mentioned surface treatment, the lens is often supported by the above-mentioned surface treatment block in an insufficient and not precise enough manner. As a result, the lens is deformed by the forces present throughout the machining process. However, as mentioned above, the precision of the finished lens depends on the stability of the anterior surface. Any deformation of the existing anterior surface due to the machining of the lens can add an error to the corrective power of the final lens.

[0013] Forces that can affect the lens include, for example, forces generated by suction or clamping devices that hold the lens firmly at the front surface, or machining / cutting forces, both of which are direct effects of the machining process. However, internal tensions within the lens material can also cause deformation. These forces can have a strong influence on the shape of the lens surface, especially since the lens is a relatively thin and easily deformed material.

[0014] For example, even if internal tensions exist in an unprocessed lens blank from the beginning, they are evenly distributed throughout the thickness of the unprocessed lens blank, resulting in little or no effect on the lens blank's shape. However, during the machining process, material is removed from some parts of the lens blank while other parts remain unprocessed. Therefore, the internal tensions in the processed lens blank are unevenly distributed, potentially resulting in deformation of the lens shape. As a result, at the end of the machining process, the final shape of the anterior lens surface will differ from the original shape used to initially determine the posterior surface processing steps, as described above. Because the desired correction power distribution is based on the (initial) shape of the anterior lens blank surface, rather than the (deformed) shape of the finished lens, an error in the correction power distribution will occur. Figure 2 illustrates this situation, showing the shape of a lens (L) before the surface processing step begins (Figure 2A) and the shape of the lens (L) at the end of the surface processing step (Figure 2B). Ideally, only the shape of the posterior surface (L1) changes from the original shape (L1) to a new shape (L11) while the anterior surface (L2) remains the same throughout the process.

[0015] This can lead to the phenomenon illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, in which at the start of the machining process of the lens posterior surface (L1), the lens blank (L) perfectly conforms to the shape of the deformable support block (B100) (see Figure 2A), but at the end of the process (see Figure 2B), not only the shape of the posterior surface (L11) but also the shape of the anterior surface (L2) may be deformed, resulting in a gap (G) between the anterior surface (L2) of the lens (L) and the deformable support block (B100). This reduces the ability of the deformable support block (B100) to support the lens (L) throughout subsequent surface processing. As a result, the anterior surface (L2) of the lens (L) may be deformed by multiple forces acting throughout the machining of the lens blank posterior surface (L1, L11). The lens holding force generated by the suction pump may also be a cause of deformation.

[0016] Furthermore, it should be considered that deformable lens haptics are generally covered with a rubber coating to avoid scratching the already finished front surface of the lens blank, however, this rubber coating is prone to localized and variable deformations under the influence of actuation and / or clamping forces, which can lead to variable and unstable support of the lens blank throughout the machining process. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] The present invention therefore aims to provide an element, a system and a method for lens surface processing that overcome the known disadvantages of the prior art. In this regard, a specific object of the present application is to provide a fixed support for the front surface of the lens that can be effectively adapted throughout the entire lens processing and that allows the support to be connected and disconnected from the lens with minimal effort. It is also a specific object of the present application to provide a solution that is suitable for automatically and quickly adjusting the lens support.

[0018] These objects, as well as others that will become apparent as the specification progresses, are solved by the features of the independent claims. The respective dependent claims refer to respective preferred embodiments of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a lens support member for supporting a lens during a surface machining process for processing one of two opposing surfaces of the lens. The lens support member comprises a plurality of support elements movable relative to one another. The support elements collectively form a curved lens seat that supports the lens on the opposite side to the forces generated during the surface machining process. The lens support member further comprises an adjustment mechanism for displacing at least some of the support elements relative to one another throughout the process, allowing the curvature of the lens seat to be adjusted to a predetermined curvature independent of the lens seated on the support elements.

[0020] In other words, the present application provides a lens support member suitable for use in a lens surface machining process. This process may include one or more surface or mechanical processes for producing optical devices, such as roughing (i.e., polishing the lens surface to an approximate curvature and thickness), smoothing (i.e., polishing the lens surface to an exact curvature and thickness), polishing (i.e., smoothing the lens, enabling regular transmission and specular reflection), and / or chamfering (i.e., cutting the lens to fit the shape of an eyeglass frame). Generally, a "lens" may be understood as any transmissive optical device adapted to change the path of light, for example, by refraction. For example, the lens may be an ophthalmic lens, such as a corrective lens or a prescription lens. The lens may have two opposing surfaces and a peripheral edge. Preferably, one of the two opposing surfaces is processed (referred to herein as "one side"), and the other of the two opposing surfaces of the lens (referred to herein as "the other side") is supported by the lens support member.

[0021] The lens support member comprises a plurality of movable support elements that collectively form a lens base. The lens base can be a structure that, for example, serves as the base or core of a lens surface throughout the surface processing. For example, the support elements can be positioned or provided to contribute portions or regions of a common surface or framework structure having curvature. The term "curvature" may be understood, for example, as the lens characteristic of having a (non-planar and / or) spherical contour in a vertical cross section along the optical axis of the lens. In this context, curvature may be a measure determining the degree to which a lens surface deviates from a flat surface. For example, in lens manufacturing, curvature may be understood as the reciprocal of the radius of a circle that best fits the contour of the lens in a vertical cross section along the optical axis of the lens (e.g., a cross section showing the optical profile of the lens) and / or as the average curvature of one of the lens surfaces.

[0022] The lens support member further includes an adjustment mechanism that can change the position of at least one of the support elements relative to one another so that the curvature of the lens base can be adapted to a desired new predetermined curvature. In this context, "prescribed curvature" may be understood, for example, as defining the profile and / or contour of the lens base (e.g., when viewed in a vertical cross section along the optical axis of the lens) to result in a surface having a predetermined radius of curvature (or mean curvature value). The predetermined curvature may also be different from the initial (starting) curvature of the other surface. The "adjustment mechanism" may be understood, for example, as a device, functional unit, and / or group of functionally connected components that effectively manipulates or allows the respective support elements to be manipulated relative to one another throughout processing to adjust the curvature of the lens base to the predetermined curvature, independent of the lens seated on the support elements.

[0023] The capabilities of this adjustment mechanism are not constrained by, nor dependent on, a lens being attached to, or supported / seated in, the lens base.

[0024] This allows the curvature of the lens seat to be adjusted even while the lens is seated on the lens seat, effectively adapting the curvature of the lens seat, which supports the lens against mechanical stresses throughout the surface machining process, even while the machining process is ongoing. This allows the lens curvature to not only match the initial curvature of the front lens surface, but also to adapt to the curvature of the lens seat throughout the surface processing, anticipating future and current mechanical stresses as well as changes in the lens thickness profile. The curvature adjustment can be achieved within the required accuracy. For example, in lens machining applications, there may be a requirement that the new relative positions of the support elements be set with an accuracy of one micrometer or less. This provides excellent support for the lens throughout the machining process, improving the quality and accuracy of the finished lens while minimizing or avoiding errors in correction ability.

[0025] Thus, known problems and disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the lens support member of the present invention.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to allow at least some (or all) of the support elements to be moved independently of one another to obtain a specified curvature. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to allow at least one (or preferably all) of the support elements to be movable relative to a lens seated thereon. The support element(s) may be freely movable between a position in which none of the support elements (or none of the support elements) directly contacts the other surface of the lens, and a position in which the support element (or elements) directly contacts the other surface of the lens.

[0027] This allows the position of each of the support elements relative to the lens seated in the lens seat to be freely set. Therefore, many different configurations of the support elements relative to each other and the lens can be set. Therefore, many curvatures of the lens seat can be formed so that the lens is mechanically supported by the support elements in different configurations throughout the surface machining process. This configuration allows the lens to maintain the initial shape of its other surface because it is less susceptible to mechanical stress and distortion throughout the machining process. This allows for improved quality and precision of the finished lens.

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust the curvature of the lens base by moving (e.g., sliding) each of the support elements in a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the lens base. Alternatively or additionally, the curvature of the lens base may be adjusted by moving each of the support elements in a direction parallel to the holding force pressing the lens against the lens support member. Preferably, the support elements and / or the adjustment mechanism may be coupled to a component that actuates at least one support element and / or each of the support elements to be moved. Preferably, such actuation may be configured to effectively adjust the curvature of the lens base. More preferably, the adjustment mechanism may be coupled to at least one actuator, preferably capable of actuating (e.g., moving or displacing) each of the support elements to be moved.

[0029] This allows for more precise adjustment of curvature, while at the same time providing more effective support for the lens as the support elements are movable throughout the surface treatment in a direction consistent with the direction of the holding and machining forces that significantly affect the other surfaces of the lens, thereby improving the quality of the finished lens.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the support elements may have a distal end. Preferably, all (or at least some) of the distal ends may collectively form the lens seat. Each of the distal ends may comprise or be made of a resilient material that supports the lens. Alternatively or additionally, each of the support elements may extend along a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the support elements may extend across the distal end and the proximal end. Preferably, the proximal end may be suitable for coupling to the adjustment mechanism.

[0031] This protects the other surface of the lens from being scratched or damaged during the surface machining process.Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism can be easily coupled with the plurality of support elements.

[0032] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the support elements forms a peripheral sealing edge for the lens seat, sealing the periphery of a lens seated in the lens seat. The peripheral sealing edge is preferably provided at a distal end. Preferably, at least one support element forming the peripheral sealing edge is fixed and / or can be fixed relative to the other support elements and / or relative to the lens seated in the support elements.

[0033] By sealing the outer surface of the structure formed by the support elements, the space between the support elements and the other side of the lens can be sealed from the outside, thus preventing the other side of the lens from being accidentally damaged by coolant or removed material throughout processing. Also, by immobilizing the peripheral sealing edge, each support element (forming the peripheral sealing edge) can be used as a reference edge to position and locate the lens on the lens support member.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lens support member may further include a vacuum device. The vacuum device may also be part of the system described below and therefore function in a similar manner. The vacuum device may be fluidly connected to the lens base. Alternatively or additionally, the lens base may be configured to be fluidly connected to a predetermined or said vacuum device to evacuate a suction space between the lens base and the lens seated on the lens base. Preferably, the vacuum device and / or the fluid connection may generate a holding force that presses the lens against the lens base when a vacuum is generated. To connect the vacuum device to the suction space (and / or the lens base), multiple vacuum paths may be formed between at least some of the support elements.

[0035] This allows for the creation of a subatmospheric pressure space between the lens and the lens support member. This allows the lens to be immobilized and / or fixed relative to the lens support member by applying a (useful) force, allowing the lens to be reversibly coupled to and detached from the lens support member. In particular, it is no longer necessary to couple and detach the lens to and from a block at the beginning and end of a lens machining process. This arrangement therefore facilitates automated lens processing with a high throughput. By applying suction or vacuum, preferably through evenly distributed paths, distortion of the other surface of the lens can be avoided throughout the process. Furthermore, the strength of the holding force can be locally varied, minimizing distortions caused by the holding force.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism may include at least one actuator, such as an electric motor or a pneumatic cylinder. The actuator may be suitable or configured to displace the support elements relative to one another. The actuator may also be part of a system described below and thus function in a similar manner. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to be connectable to at least one actuator (e.g., as described above). Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism may include a blocking member movable between a first position in which the support elements are fixed in position relative to one another (and preferably also relative to the lens seated on the lens base) and a second position in which the support elements are movable relative to one another (and preferably also relative to the lens seated on the lens base). For example, the blocking member may be a movable clamp.

[0037] This allows the support elements to be effectively moved between different positions and fixed in different positions, so that the curvature of the lens base can be varied while still providing sufficient rigidity in each of the different arrangements of the support elements.

[0038] The actuators are preferably controllable and / or may be equipped with sensors, for example encoders, to determine position information, for example the relative position of the actuators.

[0039] This allows the lens support member to have closed-loop control, as the position information can be used to verify and validate the position of a given support element: if a deviation occurs between the desired position and the actual position, the position of each support element can be (effectively) adjusted.

[0040] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support elements may be formed and / or arranged in an annular shape, may be a plurality of annular bodies with a plurality of (different) annular diameters, and / or may be arranged coaxially to form the lens seat.

[0041] This allows the multiple support elements to be provided as a simple structure that can accommodate the spherical shape of the lens. Furthermore, since the multiple support elements can be arranged concentrically, the curvature of the sphere can be reflected with high precision. In this case, the lens can be arranged so that its optical axis coincides with the common center of the spherical structure. Therefore, the precision and accuracy of adapting the curvature of the lens base to the lens seated on the lens base can be improved. Furthermore, since each annular body forms the peripheral region of the lens base, the number of components can be reduced, and the complexity of the structure and control can be reduced.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism may further comprise a coupling mechanism for transmitting (directly or indirectly) the actuation force of an actuator to each support element (for each of the support elements to be moved). Preferably, the actuation force can be transmitted so that the support element is moved linearly. The actuator may be the actuator already described or another actuator.

[0043] This allows the individual support elements to be displaced relative to one another using simple and at the same time very effective technical means, and provides additional rigidity to the system, thereby improving the rigidity of the lens seat and thereby improving support for the lens against mechanical stresses throughout the machining process, and also allows the individual support elements to be moved with great precision and accuracy.

[0044] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one (or preferably all) of the plurality of support elements may be made of a rigid material, such as a metal or plastic material, preferably having a tensile stiffness between 150 MPa and 250 MPa.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, at least one (or preferably all) of the plurality of support elements may consist of, or be made of, a material having a surface hardness that falls between the surface hardness of rigid plastic and that of hardened steel.

[0046] For example, a hard plastic material may have a surface hardness ranging from 40 to 100 ShD, preferably 60 to 70 ShD. Surface hardness for rubber and plastic is quantified on the Shore scale (commonly abbreviated as ShA and ShD) as defined by industry standards such as ASTM D2240. Meanwhile, hardened steel may have a surface hardness ranging from 50 to 70 HRC, preferably 62 HRC. Surface hardness is quantified on the Rockwell scale (HRC) as defined by industry standards such as ISO 6508.

[0047] Preferably, the distal end of each of the support elements may consist of or be made of a resilient material that supports the lens. For example, rubber may be used. The resilient material may be provided as a covering or separate element that can be secured to each of the distal ends. Alternatively or additionally, it is contemplated that a single layer covering element may be provided to cover each of the distal ends. Preferably, the material used to cover or cover the distal ends of the support elements may have a surface hardness that ranges between that of soft rubber and that of soft plastic. The surface hardness of soft rubber may be 40-100 ShA, preferably 50-60 ShA. The surface hardness of soft plastic may be 40-100 ShD, preferably 60-70 ShD.

[0048] This provides the support elements with high rigidity, allowing them to act as a rigid wall for the lens throughout the surface machining process, and also improves resistance to vibration.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism may be configured such that at least some of the support elements are displaceable relative to one another throughout processing, so that the curvature of the lens base can be adjusted to a (new) specified curvature independently of the lenses seated on the support elements.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lens support member may be configured such that at least some of the support elements and / or the adjustment mechanism are (effectively) controllable by a predetermined control device (e.g., via the adjustment mechanism).

[0051] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to displace at least some of the support elements relative to one another to a predetermined curvature and / or a curvature defined by a predetermined control device throughout the process, preferably so that the curvature of the lens base varies throughout the process. The control device may preferably be (functionally) connected to the adjustment mechanism, which preferably converts control signals from the control device into relative displacements of the support elements. The adjustment mechanism may preferably consist of the control device. Alternatively or additionally, the control device may preferably be configured to send control commands to (each of) a predetermined (or aforementioned) actuator (preferably of the adjustment device), which may convert the command into its (corresponding) actuation. The control device may preferably comprise any of the features of the system control device described below.

[0052] This provides an effectively controlled lens support, allowing the curvature of the base supporting the lens to be adjusted throughout processing, thus allowing for continuous adjustment of the curvature, unlike prior art solutions where the base can only be adjusted once at the start of processing.

[0053] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system for surface treating at least one of two opposing surfaces of a lens. The system includes a lens support member that supports the lens throughout the above-described surface machining process. The system further includes a surface treating device that treats the one side of the lens. The surface treating device may be, for example, a lens cutting device or a lens polishing device. The system also includes a surface information providing device that provides a shape of the other side of the lens. The surface information providing device may be, for example, a camera, a pressure sensor, or a laser sensor that identifies the shape of the other side of the lens. Alternatively or additionally, the surface information providing device may be, for example, an interface to a database. The system further includes a control device that determines and sets a prescribed curvature of the lens base based on the provided shape of the other side of the lens, while simultaneously controlling the adjustment mechanism that displaces the multiple support elements relative to each other to obtain the prescribed curvature of the lens base.

[0054] The surface information provider may be, for example, a (digital) database that can be stored in the control device. For example, the shape of the other side surface described above may be stored in the control device as a look-up table. The lens curvature of the other side surface described above may be stored as predetermined information in a predetermined database. The information stored in the database may be measured values ​​(e.g., determined by a sensor) or values ​​derived from a machine manufacturer's database. The provided shape may consist of actual / measured values ​​and / or correction values, e.g., (pre-)corrected values ​​where the correction amount is based on the measured values. Information (shape, data) from the surface information provider may be provided (provided, transferred) to the control device via a data connection, e.g., electrical wire or soldering. For example, an operator may scan a barcode on the lens blank at the start of processing and, based on the barcode information, retrieve corresponding information regarding the shape of the other side surface of the lens blank from the surface information provider.

[0055] Preferably, the control device may be configured to determine a (target) position for each of the support elements before and / or during processing based on the information (i.e., shape) provided by the surface information providing device. For example, a predetermined algorithm may be executed by the control device to determine such positions. In this regard, for example, although not excluded, the algorithm may be configured to return positions for the support elements that differ from positions that would reproduce the curvature of the other side of the lens. Preferably, the control device may control the adjustment device to adjust the position of each of the support elements (relative to each other and / or relative to the lens seated on the lens seat).

[0056] The system includes all the advantages and benefits detailed above. Specifically, by providing the shape of the other side of the lens, for example, by measurement or via a database, the support of the lens can be adapted based on the actual (true / measurable) shape of the other side of the lens when the lens is not subjected to external forces, such as holding or machining forces. Furthermore, the shape (e.g., dimensions, contours, parameters, and / or functions describing the shape / geometric characteristics of the other side) can be used to calculate and / or establish how the adjustment mechanism should be controlled to obtain a desired shape by displacing (at least some of) the support elements. Thus, since the geometric particularities of the lens can be taken into account, the support structure of the lens can be adapted to the actual shape of the lens, thereby achieving the desired shape of the lens with high accuracy and quality. Therefore, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to accept the inevitable existence of errors in the corrective ability due to imperfections on the other side of the lens. Instead, these inherent defects of the lens blank can be detected and corrected by adapting the processing of one side.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device may be configured to (continuously) determine and set a prescribed curvature of the lens base, which may preferably be based on detected process parameters, such as mechanical stresses occurring throughout the process, and / or the desired shape of the finished lens.

[0058] This effectively adapts the curvature of the lens base depending on the instantaneous (actual) state of the lens, thereby providing continuous support.

[0059] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system may further comprise a spindle for rotating the lens support member throughout the surface machining process. Preferably, the lens support member and the spindle may be arranged coaxially. Additionally or alternatively, the lens support member and the spindle may be detachably coupled to each other.

[0060] This allows the lens to be rotated relative to the surface treatment device, so that production of the lens can be accomplished using conventional lens machining equipment. Furthermore, because the lens support member can be coupled and uncoupled from the spindle, the lens support member and system of the present invention can be used in existing lens machining environments.

[0061] As already mentioned above, one or more of the actuators and / or vacuum devices may be part of the system having each of the functions and advantages described above.

[0062] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for surface treating at least one of two opposing surfaces of a lens. The method includes the steps of providing the aforementioned system and surface treating at least one of two opposing surfaces of a lens. The shape of the other side of the lens is provided (e.g., the surface information providing device is provided). A prescribed curvature of the lens base is determined and set (e.g., using the control device) based on the provided shape of the other side of the lens. The curvature of the lens base can be adjusted (e.g., using the adjustment mechanism and / or throughout processing) independently of the lens seated on the lens base to obtain the prescribed curvature of the lens base. The lens is supported on the lens base with the other side using (according to) the prescribed curvature. At least one side of the lens is treated to a desired shape (e.g., using the surface treating device).

[0063] Preferably, the lens can be attached to the lens base by applying suction or vacuum (e.g., using a predetermined or previously described vacuum device) as a holding force. More preferably, the lens can be centered on the lens base. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the prescribed curvature of the lens base can be continuously determined, set, and / or adjusted throughout the processing process. For example, the prescribed curvature of the lens base can be continuously determined and set based on detected processing parameters. The processing parameters can be mechanical stresses occurring throughout the processing process, position information determined by sensors of the actuators, and / or the desired shape of the finished lens. Preferably, the prescribed curvature can be determined and set (e.g., based on one or all of these processing parameters) so that the curvature of the other side of the lens at the start of the processing is maintained. The curvature of the lens base can be adjusted independently of the lens seated on the lens base to obtain the prescribed curvature of the lens base.

[0064] Configuring the method in this way provides all the advantages and benefits of the invention detailed above, and also improves the quality and precision of the lenses produced by the surface machining process.

[0065] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processing step may include a lens surface roughening step. In the lens surface roughening step, the lens may be fixed on both sides between the lens support member and an additional holding device. The additional holding device may be preferably arranged on the opposite side of the lens support member from the lens (seated on the lens base). Preferably, there may be a finishing step in which the lens is fixed only to the lens support member.

[0066] This provides additional support to the lens throughout the processing steps where cutting forces are intense, thus ensuring that the lens is well supported on the lens support member while machining forces are counteracted by the lens support.

[0067] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an (ophthalmic) lens produced using the method of the present invention and using the system for producing an (ophthalmic) lens. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0068] Further features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Where reference numerals are omitted from a figure, for clarity or other reasons, the corresponding features may still be present in the figure.

[0070] [Figure 1] 1A-1C are schematic front and side views of a lens at the start and end of a surface machining process. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic side view of the combination of a lens and a prior art surface processing block at the start of the surface machining process. FIG. [Figure 2B] 1 is a schematic side view of the combination of a lens and a prior art surface processing block at the end of a surface machining process. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a lens support member according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system according to the present invention, along with a simplified diagram of another embodiment of a lens support member according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] Figure 1 shows a typical profile of a lens L at the start and end of a surface machining process. Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a known problem that exists when coupling a lens L to a support block B100 known in the prior art, which has been described in more detail above. Figures 3 and 4 show different aspects of different embodiments according to the present invention.

[0072] By way of example, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a lens support member 100 according to the present invention. Embodiments of the lens support member 100 are shown in Figures 3 and 4. The lens support member 100 is suitable for supporting a lens L in a surface machining process. The lens support member 100 can be, for example, a jig, a chuck, a workpiece holder, and / or an adapter suitable for a lens surface machining process.

[0073] The lens L has two opposing surfaces L1 and L2, as typically illustrated in the figures. In the surface machining process, one side L1 of the lens L is processed. At the end of the process, the lens L may have a newly formed side L11, as typically illustrated in FIG. 1 . The lens L may preferably have a peripheral edge L3 extending between the two sides L1 and L2. The lens L may preferably be made of a transparent and / or translucent material, for example, a plastic material such as polycarbonate or glass. More preferably, the lens L may be a lens blank. One side of the lens blank (e.g., its back surface) is used for customization in the surface machining process, while the other side of the lens blank (e.g., its front surface) is preferably already finished, i.e., already has the intended curvature and may already be polished. The lens L may be provided with a polarizing or light-blocking coating. However, this is only one example, and the lens L may be a lens blank, both sides of which require surface machining. The lens L may have side surfaces L1, L2 that are convex or concave. The lens L may have an optical axis OA perpendicular to its plane of symmetry. The lens L may have spherical side surfaces L1, L11, L2. The lens L may also have more than one optical axis or L1, L11, L2 of different shapes.

[0074] The lens support member 100 includes a plurality of support elements 110. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the lens support member 100 is shown with six support elements 110 as an example. However, this is merely an example, and the lens support member 100 may include any number of support elements 110, two or more. The support elements 110 preferably each extend along a longitudinal axis. Also, each or some of the support elements 110 preferably extend between a distal end 111 and a proximal end 112, as is typically illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The support elements 110 may have an annular shape. For example, the support elements 110 may be long hollow shafts. The annular support elements 110 may each have a different diameter and be coaxially arranged, as typically illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. However, this is merely an example, and the support elements 110 may have various shapes and be arranged separately. For example, the support members 110 may be thin or flat plates arranged in a circle, preferably all facing toward a common center. At least one (or all) of the support elements 110 may preferably be made of a rigid material, such as metal (e.g., stainless steel) or hard plastic. The support elements 110 may have a tensile stiffness between 150 MPa and 250 MPa. The material used for the support elements 110 preferably has a surface hardness between that of hard steel (e.g., 62 HRC) and hard plastic (e.g., 60-70 ShD).

[0075] Furthermore, the support elements 110 may have distal ends 111 made of an elastic material to support or contact the lens L. For example, a material having a surface hardness between that of soft rubber (e.g., 60 ShA) and that of soft plastic material (e.g., 60 to 70 ShD) may be used for the distal ends 111. For example, as typically illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support elements 110 may have a rubber coating or gasket provided on each distal end 111 to prevent scratches on the opposite side L2 when the support elements 110 contact the lens L.

[0076] The support elements 110 are movable relative to one another. Together, the support elements 110 form a curved lens seat 120 that supports the lens L on the opposite side L2 against multiple forces generated during the surface machining process. Preferably, each of the distal ends 111 collectively forms the lens seat 120. FIGS. 3 and 4 exemplarily illustrate that increasing the number of support elements 110 can increase the precision of the curvature of the lens seat 120. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the lens seat 120 is exemplarily illustrated with a concave surface formed by the distal ends 111 of the support elements 110. Each of the support elements 110 can be arranged to be movable relative to the lens L when the lens L is seated on the support elements 110.

[0077] At least one of the support elements 110 preferably forms, at its distal end 111, a peripheral sealing edge 113 for the lens seat 120. For example, the peripheral sealing edge 113 may be a (rubber) gasket such as an O-ring. The peripheral sealing edge 113 may seal the periphery of the lens L seated in the lens seat 120, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 3. The support elements 110 forming the peripheral sealing edge 113 are preferably fixed relative to the other support elements 110, and preferably also relative to the lens L, when the lens L is seated on each support element 110. This is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0078] The support elements 110 forming the peripheral sealing edge 113 preferably form the main body of the lens support member 100. However, the main body may instead be formed of a separate component. For example, the main body may be a cartridge or container. The main body may be configured to couple to a surface treatment machine or system. The support elements 110 are preferably arranged around a common axis within the main body. In this case, the support elements 110 are preferably arranged so that treatment occurs while parallel to the rotation axis RA of the machine spindle (e.g., spindle 540, described below). Figures 3 and 4 illustrate this as a typical example. The lens L is preferably positioned in the lens seat 120 so that its optical axis coincides with the rotation axis RA.

[0079] Preferably, the lens support member 100 may further include a vacuum device 200. The vacuum device 200 may be, for example, a vacuum ejector, a positive displacement vacuum pump, or a momentum transport vacuum pump. In FIG. 4, the vacuum device 200 is illustrated as part of a system 500, which will be described in detail below, as an exemplary example. The vacuum device 200 is fluidly connected or fluidly connectable to the lens base 200 and evacuates a suction space 210 between the lens base 200 and the lens L seated on the lens base 200. The vacuum device 200 may be used to generate a holding force that holds (and / or fixes) the lens L to the lens base 200. In this regard, the lens support member 100 may include at least one vacuum path 115 connecting the vacuum device 200 to the lens base 120 and the suction space 210. In Fig. 3, vacuum paths 115 are typically illustrated as being formed between at least some of the support elements 110 to connect the vacuum device 200 to the lens base 120. In this case, the support elements 110 may be arranged with a slight gap between them. In Fig. 4, vacuum path 115 is typically illustrated as a single duct that leads to the center of the lens base 120 and may be provided as a through-hole in each support element 110.

[0080] The lens support member 100 further includes an adjustment mechanism 130 that adjusts the curvature of the lens base 120 to a predetermined curvature by displacing at least some of the support elements 110 relative to one another throughout processing, independent of the lens L seated on each support element 110. The adjustment mechanism 130 is exemplarily illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. Preferably, the adjustment mechanism 130 may be configured to move at least some of the support elements 110 independently of one another to achieve the predetermined curvature.

[0081] Each support element 110 may be coupled to the adjustment mechanism 130 via its proximal end 112. In this regard, the adjustment mechanism 130 may include, for example, a connection mechanism 140. The connection mechanism 140 may, for example, mechanically and / or electrically couple the support element 110 to the adjustment mechanism 130. For example, the connection mechanism 140 may convert or transmit the actuation of the adjustment mechanism 130 (e.g., a control action of a predetermined force) to the (individual) support element 110. The connection mechanism 140 may define the kinematics between the adjustment mechanism 130 and the support element 110. The connection mechanism 140 is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 as a connection between each support element 110 and a corresponding actuator 300, which displaces at least some of the support elements 110, for example, during processing. Preferably, each of the support elements may be displaced by the connection mechanism 140 directly or indirectly transmitting the actuation force of each actuator 300 to the corresponding support element 110 so that the respective support element is moved linearly. The connection mechanism 140 may, for example, in one of its simplest configurations, be a mechanical connection, such as a threaded connection, between the adjustment mechanism 130 and the respective support element 110 .

[0082] As described above, the adjustment mechanism 130 or the system 500 may include at least one actuator 300. Typically, the actuator 300 may be a component configured to effectively generate a force (mechanical or electrical) that actuates (e.g., displaces in a controlled / defined manner) each support element 110 (to be moved). The actuator 300 may be a different component, depending on, for example, the design of the adjustment mechanism 130 and / or the connection mechanism 140. Preferably, at least one actuator 300 is provided for each support element 110 that is displaced throughout the surface machining process. The actuator 300 may be an electric motor, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A, or a pneumatic cylinder or a piezoelectric motor. However, the actuator 300 may also be a mechanical circuit breaker or an eddy current circuit breaker. These are merely examples and are not exhaustive. Preferably, the actuator 300 may be controllable, for example, by a computing device or a machine controller (e.g., the controller 530 described below). The actuator 300 may include a sensor device 310 that determines position information, such as its position relative to the lens L or relative to the peripheral sealing edge 113. The actuator 300 may be, for example, battery-powered and / or controllable via a wireless receiver that receives control commands from a machine controller. The actuator 300 may be mounted so as to be movable and / or stationary (i.e., fixed / immovable) relative to each support element 110, preferably during operation.

[0083] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism 130 may be configured to move each of the support elements 110 in a direction transverse to (i.e., perpendicular to) the lens base 120 in order to adjust the curvature of the lens base 120. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the adjustment mechanism 130 is configured to move each of the support elements 110 in a direction parallel to the holding force generated by the vacuum device 200 that holds the lens L to the lens support member 100. The adjustment mechanism 130 and / or each of the support elements 110 may be configured to slide.

[0084] The adjustment mechanism 130 may be configured to temporarily block (immobilize) the movement of each support element 110. In this regard, the adjustment mechanism 130 may include a blocking member that may be movable between a first position in which the support elements 110 are fixed in a relative position relative to each other (and preferably also relative to the lens L when the lens L is seated in the lens seat 120) and a second position in which the support elements 110 are movable relative to each other (and preferably also relative to the seated lens L). The blocking member may preferably be a movable clamp. Alternatively, the actuator 300 may block each support element 110 from further movement without receiving a corresponding control signal.

[0085] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system 500 for surface treating at least one of two opposing surfaces L1, L2 of a lens L. The system 500 is exemplarily shown in Figure 4. The system 500 may be, for example, a lens surface treating machine.

[0086] The system 500 includes the lens support member 100 described above. Unlike Figure 3, the actuator 300 may be provided as part of the system 500. However, this is by way of example only.

[0087] The system 500 also includes a surface treatment device 510 for treating at least one side L1 of the lens L. The surface treatment device 510 may be, for example, a drill, a lens cutting device, or a lens polishing device. For illustrative purposes, the surface treatment device 510 is shown in Figures 3 and 4 as a tool bit. However, this is merely an example, and other roughing tools, polishing tools, or surface treatment tools may be used instead.

[0088] The system 500 further includes a surface information supplying device 520 that supplies the shape of at least the other side L2 of the lens L. The surface information supplying device 520 may be a camera, a pressure sensor, or a laser sensor. However, the surface information supplying device 520 may also be a database or an interface to a database, such as a connector or a data link. The surface information supplying device 520 is preferably a non-contact sensor, as shown in FIG. 4 as a typical example. The surface information supplying device 520 may be located outside the lens support member 100 or inside (e.g., integrated into) it.

[0089] The system 500 further includes a predetermined (preferably as described above) control device 530 for determining and setting a prescribed curvature of the lens base 120 based on the provided shape of the other side L2 of the lens L, and for controlling the adjustment mechanism 130 to displace the support elements 110 relative to one another to obtain the prescribed curvature of the lens base 120. The control device 530 may be, for example, a mechanical control device as typically illustrated in FIG. 4 . However, the control device 530 may also be part of a control device for one of the actuators 300 (e.g., a servo motor). The control device 530 may include, for example, a surface information supply device 520, which may be a memory device of the control device 530 or may be mounted on the control device 530.

[0090] The control device 530 may preferably be configured to (continuously) determine and set the prescribed curvature of the lens base 120. To this end, the control device 530 may comprise signal connections connecting the individual components of the system 500 to the control device 530. This is typically illustrated in FIG. 4. The actuator 300 may transmit to the control device 530 position information 311, determined, for example, by the sensor device 310 of the actuator 300 or another sensor provided in the system 500. The control device 530 may also be configured to set and adapt the level and / or application point of the suction force or vacuum generated by the vacuum device 200. The control device 530 may also be configured to (continuously) determine and set the prescribed curvature of the lens base 120 based not only on the respective process parameters detected (in this way) but also on the mechanical stresses occurring throughout the process and / or the desired shape of the finished lens L. The control device 530 may therefore be connected to the surface information supply device 520, for example via a signal connection.

[0091] The system 500 may further comprise a spindle 540 for rotating the lens support member 100 about the rotation axis RA throughout the surface machining process. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 4 as well as in FIG. 3. The lens support member 100 may be part of the spindle 540. Alternatively, the lens support member 100 may be arranged coaxially and removably coupled to the spindle 540, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 4. The controller 530 may be connected to the spindle 540, for example via a signal connection, to control and set the rotational speed throughout the surface machining process.

[0092] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for surface-treating at least one of the two opposing surfaces L1, L2 of a lens L.

[0093] The method includes providing the system 500 and facilitating surface treatment of at least one of the two opposing surfaces L1, L2. The shape of at least one of the two sides L1, L2 of the lens L is provided, preferably using a surface information providing device 520. Based on the respective shapes of the two sides L1, L2 thus provided, a prescribed curvature of the lens base 120 is determined and set, preferably by a control device 530. The curvature of the lens base 120 is adjusted (e.g., throughout treatment) independently of the lens L seated on the lens base 120, preferably by an adjustment mechanism 130, to obtain the prescribed curvature of the lens base 120. The lens L is supported by the lens base 120 having the prescribed curvature on the side L1, L2 that is not being treated.

[0094] The lens L may be attached to the lens seat 120 by using suction or vacuum as a holding force, preferably using a vacuum device 200. When attaching the lens L to the lens seat 120, the lens L may be preferably centered in the lens seat 120 using suction or vacuum to draw the lens L into an optimal position up to the peripheral sealing edge 113. The lens seat 120 may be equipped with a structure such as, for example, an automatic centering mechanism for the lens L.

[0095] At least one side of the lens L to be treated is treated into a desired shape, preferably using a surface treatment device 510 .

[0096] Preferably, the prescribed curvature of the lens base 120 can be continuously determined and set throughout the process based on detected process parameters, such as mechanical stresses occurring throughout the process, position information 311 determined by the sensor device 310, and / or based on the desired shape of the finished lens L. By setting this prescribed curvature, the adjustment mechanism 130 can, for example, be (effectively) controlled to displace at least some of the support elements 110 relative to one another.

[0097] Preferably, the control device 530 may be configured to maintain the curvature of the side L2 (not being processed) of the lens L at the start of processing. Alternatively or additionally, throughout the (ongoing) processing process, the curvature of the lens base 120 may be adjusted independently of the lens L seated therein to obtain a specified curvature for the lens base 120. In this case, the processing process may include a lens surface roughening step in which the lens L is fixed at both sides L1, L2 between the lens support member 100 and an additional holding device (not shown). This additional holding device may be located on the opposite side of the lens support member 100 from the seating side of the lens L. For completeness and clarity, see International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2015 / 059007 A1, in which an example of this additional holding device is given. A subsequent finishing step may be part of the processing process in which the lens L is fixed only by the lens support member 100, for example, by applying suction or vacuum.

[0098] The present invention is not limited by the embodiments described hereinabove, as defined by the appended claims. All features of each embodiment described hereinabove can be combined or substituted in any desired manner.

Claims

1. A lens support member (100) for supporting a lens (L) in a surface machining process for processing one side (L1) of two opposing surfaces (L1, L2) of the lens (L), the lens support member (100) comprising: a plurality of support elements (110) movable relative to one another and collectively forming a curved lens seat (120) for supporting the lens (L) on its opposite side (L2) against a plurality of forces generated by the surface machining process; an adjustment mechanism (130) that displaces at least some of the support elements (110) relative to one another throughout processing to adjust the curvature of the lens seat (120) to a predetermined curvature, independent of the lens (L) seated on the support elements (110). A lens support member characterized by:

2. the adjustment mechanism (130) is configured to move at least some of the support elements (110) independently of one another to obtain the predetermined curvature; and / or The adjustment mechanism (130) is configured so that at least one of the plurality of support elements (110) is movable relative to a lens seated on the plurality of support elements (110).

2. The lens support member according to claim 1, wherein the lens support member is a lens support member having a first end and a second end.

3. The adjustment mechanism (130) is configured to move each of the plurality of support elements (110) in a direction transverse to the lens seat (120) and / or in a direction parallel to a holding force pressing the lens (L) against the lens support member (100) to adjust the curvature of the lens seat (120).

3. The lens support member according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The plurality of support elements (110) each have a distal end (111); Each of the plurality of support elements (110) extends from the distal end (111) to a proximal end (112) that is coupled to the adjustment mechanism (130).

4. The lens support member according to claim 1, wherein the lens support member is a lens support member having a first end and a second end.

5. At least one of the plurality of support elements (110) can form a peripheral sealing edge (113) of the lens seat (120) to seal the periphery of the lens (L) seated in the lens seat (120); At least one support element (110) forming the peripheral sealing edge (113) is fixed relative to the other support elements (110) and / or to the lens (L) seated on the support elements (110).

5. The lens support member according to claim 1, wherein the lens support member is a lens support member having a first end and a second end.

6. The lens base (120) is configured to be fluidly connectable to a vacuum device (200), or the lens support member (100) further includes a vacuum device (200) that is fluidly connected to the lens base (120) and creates a vacuum in a suction space (210) between the lens base (120) and a lens (L) seated on the lens base (120), thereby generating a holding force that presses the lens (L) against the lens base (120); A plurality of vacuum paths (115) are formed between at least some of the plurality of support elements (110) to connect the vacuum device (200) with the lens seat (120) and the suction space (210).

6. The lens support member according to claim 1, wherein the lens support member is a lens support member having a first end and a second end.

7. the adjustment mechanism (130) is configured to be connectable to at least one actuator (300) or the adjustment mechanism (130) comprises at least one actuator (300), such as an electric motor or a pneumatic cylinder, and / or The adjustment mechanism (130) includes a blocking member movable between a first position in which the plurality of support elements (110) are fixed in position relative to one another and a second position in which the plurality of support elements (110) are movable relative to one another.

7. The lens support member according to claim 1, wherein the lens support member is a lens support member having a first end and a second end.

8. The adjustment mechanism (130) further comprises a connection mechanism (140) that transmits the actuation force of the actuator (300) to the support element (110) so that the support element (110) is moved linearly.

8. The lens support member according to claim 1, wherein the lens support member is a lens support member having a first end and a second end.

9. The plurality of support elements (110) are formed and / or arranged in an annular shape having a plurality of annular diameters and arranged coaxially to form the lens seat (120).

9. The lens support member according to claim 1, wherein the lens support member is a lens support member having a first end and a second end.

10. A system for surface treating at least one of two opposing surfaces (L1, L2) of a lens (L), the system comprising: a lens support member (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, for supporting the lens (L) throughout the surface machining process; a surface treatment device (510) such as a lens cutting device or a lens polishing device for treating one side surface (L1) of the lens; a surface information supplying device (520) such as a camera, a pressure sensor, a laser sensor, or a database that supplies the shape of the other side (L2) of the lens (L); a control device (530) for determining and setting a prescribed curvature of the lens base (120) based on a supplied shape of the other side (L2) of the lens (L), and for controlling the adjustment mechanism (130) for relatively displacing the plurality of support elements (110) with respect to each other to obtain the prescribed curvature of the lens base (120). A system characterized by:

11. The control device (530) is configured to determine and set the prescribed curvature of the lens seat (120) further based on detected process parameters, such as mechanical stresses occurring throughout the process, and / or the desired shape of the finished lens (L).

11. The system of claim 10.

12. the system (500) comprising a spindle (540) for rotating the lens support member (100) throughout the surface machining process; The lens support member (100) and the spindle (540) are coaxially arranged and / or detachably coupled to each other.

12. A system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that

13. A method for surface treating at least one side surface (L1) of two opposing surfaces (L1, L2) of a lens (L), the method comprising: Providing a system (500) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, which is adapted to surface-treat at least one of the two opposing surfaces (L1, L2) of a lens (L); Providing the shape of the other side (L2) of the lens (L); determining and setting the curvature of the lens base (120) based on the shape of the other side (L2) of the supplied lens (L); obtaining a prescribed curvature of the lens seat (120) by adjusting the prescribed curvature of the lens seat (120) independently of the lens (L) seated on the lens seat (120); The other side (L2) is supported by the lens base (120) having the specified curvature to support the lens (L); Attaching the lens (L) to the lens seat (120) by using suction or vacuum as a holding force; and processing at least one side of the lens (L) into a desired shape. A method characterized by:

14. The step of processing at least one side surface of the lens (L) into a desired shape includes: continuously determining and setting the prescribed curvature of the lens seat (120) further based on detected process parameters such as mechanical stresses occurring throughout the process, position information (311) determined by sensors of the actuators, and / or the desired shape of the finished lens (L); and adjusting the curvature of the lens seat (120) independently of the lens (L) seated on the lens seat (120) to obtain a specified curvature of the lens seat (120).

14. The method according to claim 13.

15. The step of processing at least one side surface of the lens (L) into a desired shape includes: a lens surface roughening step in which the lens (L) is fixed at both sides (L1, L2) between the lens support member (100) and an additional holding device; a subsequent finishing step in which the lens (L) is fixed only by the lens support member (100).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14.

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