Method for coating an optical glass, device, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for coating an optical glass (10), in particular a spectacle lens, wherein the optical glass (10) has a first glass surface (11) and a second glass surface (12) opposite the first glass surface (11), said method comprising: - applying a coating agent (40) to at least part of the second glass surface (12), then - orienting the optical glass (10) in a coating orientation such that the second glass surface (12) points substantially vertically downwards in the Earth's reference system, and then - producing a layer (41) of the coating agent (41) on the second glass surface (12) by rotating the optical glass (10) in the coating orientation about an axis of rotation (R) which is substantially parallel to the vertical direction in the Earth's reference system, such that the coating layer (40) is distributed over the second glass surface (12) and forms the layer (41).

Description

[0001] Method for coating optical glass, apparatus and computer-readable storage medium

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a method and a device for coating optical glass, in particular a spectacle lens.

[0004] The invention lies in the field of coating optical lenses. Eyeglass lenses are an example of optical lenses. During the manufacturing process of an eyeglass lens, it exists as a lens blank before undergoing further manufacturing and / or processing steps, such as coloring, coating, grinding, and / or mounting. An eyeglass lens blank can be a "finished" (also "fully finished") lens blank, in which both the front and back surfaces are fully formed. In a user position, particularly in a pair of eyeglasses, the eyeglasses are positioned on the wearer's head. In this position, the back of the lens faces one eye of the wearer, and the front of the lens faces away from the eye.A pre-made lens blank, for example, can have a consistent power and is not manufactured according to a prescription specific to a particular wearer. The advantage of these lenses is that they can be kept in large quantities and delivered to an optician within a short time.

[0005] In contrast, a lens blank can also be a "half-finished" (also called "half-finished") lens blank, where only one side, particularly the front, is fully formed. Half-finished lens blanks can be kept in larger quantities, so that to achieve the desired lens effect, only the unformed side, especially the back, undergoes further shaping. Such half-finished lens blanks can be used, in particular, for the production of prescription lenses, which are individually manufactured based on an optician's prescription. Alternatively, a prescription lens blank can be manufactured from scratch, for example, using 3D printing or adaptive molds, thus eliminating the need to rely on a pre-existing lens blank. This can save on storage costs.Secondly, semi-finished lens blanks are not suitable for all individually manufactured prescription lenses, especially if a wearer has very specific and / or unusual requirements. Prescription lenses can be manufactured as individually crafted single-vision, multifocal, and, in particular, progressive lenses.

[0006] Coating is an extremely demanding processing step in the production of finished spectacle lenses. Coatings can be applied for a variety of purposes, such as anti-reflective coating, hardening, dirt repellency, or filtering. Various coating processes are known, such as immersion baths, spin coating, or vapor deposition. These processes differ in the type of coating material used, such as a lacquer, and in their suitability for producing a specific layer of the coating material to achieve a particular purpose, such as creating a hard coating.

[0007] To produce a layer, in particular a "thick" layer, characterized by its thickness, especially in the range of 30 pm to 300 pm, and / or the viscosity, especially in the range of 150 mPas to 250 mPas, of the coating material used to coat the spectacle lens or lens blank, the challenge lies in achieving a particularly uniform layer on one glass surface of the spectacle lens and preventing uncontrolled distribution of the coating material to other areas or contamination of the other glass surface of the spectacle lens by the coating material. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for coating optical glass, in particular a spectacle lens, which makes it possible to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] One aspect concerns a method for coating an optical glass, in particular a spectacle lens, wherein the optical glass has a first glass surface and a second glass surface opposite the first glass surface, comprising:

[0009] Applying a coating agent to at least part of the second glass surface, then

[0010] Aligning the optical glass in a coating orientation such that the second glass surface points substantially vertically downwards in the Earth's reference system, and then

[0011] Creating a layer of the coating material on the second glass surface by rotating the optical glass in the coating orientation around an axis of rotation which is essentially parallel to the vertical direction in the Earth's reference system, such that the coating material is distributed over the second glass surface and forms the layer.

[0012] Within the scope of this invention, the terms "essentially" and / or "approximately" may be used to include a deviation of 0 to 10%, preferably 0 to 8%, particularly preferably 0 to 5%, from a numerical value following the term, and / or a deviation of 0 to 10°, preferably 0 to 8°, particularly preferably 0 to 5°, from a direction following the term, and / or from an angle following the term. In particular, the term "essentially parallel" may include a deviation of 10°, preferably 8°, particularly preferably 5°.

[0013] The steps of the procedure can be carried out in particular in the following order 1), 2) and 3): 1) Applying a coating material to at least part of the second glass surface, then

[0014] 2) Aligning the optical glass in a coating orientation such that the second glass surface points substantially vertically downwards in the Earth's reference system, and then

[0015] 3) Creating a layer of the coating material on the second glass surface by rotating the optical glass in the coating orientation around an axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to the vertical direction in the Earth's reference system, such that the coating material is distributed over the second glass surface and forms the layer.

[0016] The term "glass" and / or "spectacle lens" can include or be equivalent to a corresponding glass and / or spectacle lens made of SiO2 and / or plastic.

[0017] The term "spectacle lens" can refer to a spectacle lens or a spectacle lens blank, or be synonymous.

[0018] The process involves applying a coating material to at least a portion of the second glass surface. In other words, the coating material can be applied to a section of the second glass surface, allowing another section to initially be free of the coating material. In particular, the coating material can be applied to a central portion or section of the second glass surface, which can simplify its distribution across the surface.

[0019] The coating agent may be a liquid. In particular, the coating agent may contain other components, especially solid ones. The composition of the coating agent may depend on the purpose of the coating to be produced.

[0020] The application of the coating material can be automatic, in particular by a device, or manual, in particular by hand, or semi-automatic.

[0021] The method involves aligning the optical glass in a coating orientation such that the second glass surface points substantially vertically downwards in the Earth's reference frame. In other words, the second surface of the optical glass can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the Earth's reference frame. Put another way, the optical glass can be oriented such that the second glass surface points substantially vertically downwards in space. The optical glass can also be oriented such that the second glass surface points substantially towards the nadir. This orientation preferably prevents the coating material from spreading further across the second glass surface solely due to gravity. Thus, spreading and / or flowing of the coating material across the second glass surface, a circumferential surface, and / or onto the first glass surface can be prevented.In other words, by aligning the coating, especially during the rotation of the glass, it can be prevented from spreading unintentionally and, in particular, from flowing or dripping onto the circumferential surface and / or the first glass surface. Advantageously, any dripping coating would be carried away from the glass by gravity.

[0022] The process involves producing a layer of the coating material on the second glass surface. This layer can be produced substantially over the entire second glass surface or over a section of it. In particular, the layer can be formed over a section of the second glass surface that comprises at least 80%, preferably 85%, more preferably 90%, and most preferably 95% of the surface. Preferably, the section of the second glass surface where the layer is produced can be substantially circular. This can reduce the consumption of the coating material and prevent it from spreading and / or flowing over the second glass surface, the circumferential surface, and / or onto the first glass surface.In particular for optical lenses which are further processed after coating in such a way that material from the edge of the optical lens is removed and thus the second glass surface is reduced, as for example when grinding a spectacle lens blank, an essentially homogeneous layer can be created which is essentially formed over the second glass surface of an optical lens in a finished state.

[0023] The coating layer is created by rotating the optical glass in the coating orientation around an axis of rotation that is essentially parallel to the vertical direction (i.e., essentially parallel to the plumb line or the direction of the nadir) in the Earth's reference frame, such that the coating material spreads across the second glass surface and forms the layer. In other words, the axis of rotation can be essentially parallel to a vertical direction in space. The rotation of the optical glass in the coating orientation allows the coating material to be eroded or "ejected" radially away from the second glass surface and vertically downwards (in the plumb line) away from the circumferential surface and the first glass surface under the influence of gravity and rotational forces.

[0024] Within the scope of the invention, it was found that when the coating is produced by rotating the optical glass, depending on the rotational speed, the coating material, in particular its viscosity, and the desired thickness of the coating material layer (also called "target thickness"), a transfer or distribution of the coating material onto the circumferential surface and the first glass surface of the optical glass can occur during rotation of the optical glass, which is oriented opposite to the coating direction. For optical glasses whose first glass surface is not further processed after coating, for example, finished spectacle lens blanks or prescription spectacle lens blanks, this can necessitate complex cleaning of the first glass surface or even render the optical glass unusable.

[0025] By creating the coating layer through rotation of the optical glass in the coating orientation, it is advantageously possible to prevent the coating material from being spread onto the circumferential surface and the first glass surface when the layer is created on the second glass surface. This allows, in particular, finished spectacle lens blanks and prescription lens blanks to be coated without the coating material being spread onto their circumferential surface or the first glass surface.

[0026] The rotation can be carried out in such a way that the coating material is distributed substantially uniformly over the second glass surface and forms the layer. Preferably, the resulting layer is substantially homogeneous. In particular, the layer can have a homogeneous thickness.

[0027] In other words, the layer can have a substantially uniform thickness. The thickness of the layer can be particularly uniform over at least 80%, preferably 85%, more preferably 90%, and most preferably 95% of the second glass surface. Particularly with thick layers and / or coating materials of high viscosity, the layer can have a higher or lower thickness in a surrounding edge region of the layer, depending on the rotational speed. Particularly for optical lenses that are further processed after coating by removing material from the edge of the optical lens and thus reducing the size of the second glass surface, such as when grinding a lens blank, a layer can therefore be produced that has a substantially uniform thickness over the second glass surface of an optical lens in its finished state.

[0028] Preferably, prior to the application of the coating material, the optical glass can be aligned in an application orientation such that the first glass surface points substantially vertically downwards (in the direction of plumb) in the Earth's reference frame. In other words, the optical glass can be aligned so that the first glass surface points vertically downwards in space.

[0029] Aligning the optical glass in the application orientation such that the first glass surface points substantially vertically downwards (in the direction of gravity) in the Earth's reference frame can, in particular, be performed as step 0) before step 1). If the optical glass is aligned in the application orientation before the coating material is applied, the coating material can be applied in the application orientation. The optical glass can thus be essentially "flat" in the application orientation, i.e., horizontally aligned in the Earth's reference frame, apart from any intrinsic curvature of the glass. This can ensure that the coating material is applied substantially uniformly before a further process step and does not spread unevenly in one direction on the second glass surface solely due to gravity.

[0030] Furthermore, it was found within the scope of the invention that applying the coating material to an optical glass aligned in the coating orientation is more difficult and / or less controlled, since it has to be applied to the second glass surface "from below".

[0031] Applying the coating material in the application orientation and subsequently creating the layer in the coating orientation can enable the coating material to be applied easily and in a controlled manner to the second glass surface, whereby a layer of the coating material can then be created on the second glass surface without the coating material being spread onto the periphery or first glass surface.

[0032] Preferably, aligning the optical glass into the coating orientation can involve or be accomplished by repositioning the optical glass from the application orientation to the coating orientation. In particular, this repositioning can involve or be accomplished by turning, rotating, pivoting, tilting, or folding the optical glass by substantially 180° about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0033] The repositioning of the optical glass can be performed automatically, particularly by a device. The repositioning of the optical glass can be performed semi-automatically. The repositioning of the optical glass can be performed manually, i.e., entirely manually.

[0034] Preferably, the layer can be created by rotation using spin coating. Advantageously, a conventional spin coating process can be easily adapted and used, thus coating the spectacle lens cost-effectively. Here, already known parameters for spin coating processes of optical lenses in the application orientation can be used as a basis for determining adapted parameters for a spin coating process in the coating orientation.

[0035] Preferably, the coating material can be further pre-distributed over at least a portion of the second glass surface after application and before rotation. In other words, the coating material can be distributed before rotation such that a larger section of the second glass surface is covered by the coating material than the section covered by the coating material after application.

[0036] The pre-distribution of the coating material can be carried out automatically, in particular by a device. Pre-distribution of the coating material can be carried out semi-automatically. Pre-distribution can be carried out manually. In this case, the coating material can be pre-distributed, in particular using a suitable tool, for example a spatula.

[0037] The pre-distribution of the coating material over at least a portion of the second glass surface can be carried out, in particular, as a step after step 1) and before step 3), specifically as step 1.1) in the sequence 1), 1.1), 2), and 3), and / or as step 2.1 in the sequence 1), 2), 2.1), and 3). Thus, pre-distribution can also take place in the coating orientation. Pre-distribution in the application orientation can advantageously enable the already applied, and in particular substantially uniform, coating material to be further pre-distributed uniformly without, after pre-distribution, spreading unevenly in one direction across the second glass surface solely due to gravity.Pre-distribution in the coating orientation can also prevent uneven distribution due to gravity alone, while furthermore shortening the time between pre-distribution and rotation and thus reducing the distribution of the coating material due to gravity alone during this period.

[0038] This can enable the coating material to be distributed more quickly and / or evenly over the second glass surface during rotation, especially when producing thick layers and / or when using coating materials with high viscosity.

[0039] Preferably, the layer can have a predetermined target thickness after rotation. In particular, the layer can have substantially the predetermined target thickness over at least 80%, preferably 85%, particularly preferably 90%, most preferably 95%, of the second glass surface. Especially for optical lenses that are further processed after coating by removing material from the edge of the optical lens and thus reducing the size of the second glass surface, such as when grinding a spectacle lens blank, a layer can thus be produced that has substantially the predetermined target thickness over the second glass surface of an optical lens in its finished state.In this context, it may be sufficient to disregard an area where the layer thickness, depending on the rotational speed and the coating material, particularly its viscosity, is greater or less than the target thickness, in order to achieve the predetermined target thickness. This can prevent or reduce the removal of the coating material over the edge of the second glass surface during rotation, thereby preventing the coating material from being spread onto the circumferential surface or the first glass surface.

[0040] Rotation preferably takes place at a rotational speed between 15 rpm and 2,000 rpm (rpm = revolutions per minute). 1), further preferably at a rotational speed between 50 rpm and 1,900 rpm, particularly preferably at a rotational speed between 500 rpm and 1,850 rpm. Such a wide selection range for the rotational speed allows layers, especially thick layers, to be formed from a variety of different coating materials with varying viscosities, with these formed layers having a substantially uniform thickness. For example, it may be advantageous to select a rotational speed of approximately 1,800 rpm to form the most uniform layer possible of an adhesion-promoting primer, which is generally formed from a coating material, particularly one having a high viscosity.Coating agents for forming a photochromic layer can generally have a lower viscosity, especially compared to a primer layer, which is why rotational speeds of about 800 rpm to about 900 rpm, especially 850 rpm, can be advantageous in order to achieve a uniform distribution of the applied coating agent for the purpose of forming a layer with the most uniform thickness possible.

[0041] Preferably, the target thickness of the layer can be at least 30 pm. In particular, a "thick" layer can be characterized by a thickness range that includes a thickness of 30 pm or whose lower value corresponds to a thickness of 30 pm. Preferably, the target thickness of the layer can be from 30 pm to 300 pm, more preferably from 35 pm to 250 pm, even more preferably from 40 pm to 200 pm, particularly preferably from 40 pm to 100 pm, and more preferably from 40 pm to 60 pm. In particular, the target thickness of a photoresist layer (i.e., a layer comprising at least one photochromic dye) can be from 40 pm to 60 pm, and / or the target thickness of a protective layer and / or homogenizing layer can be from 40 pm to 200 pm, preferably from 40 pm to 100 pm.This allows for independence from the optical glass, since a sufficiently large thickness of the protective layer and / or homogenizing layer prevents interference phenomena due to decoherence, thus reducing or compensating for any potential difference in refractive index between the photoresist layer and the optical glass.

[0042] Preferably, the coating material has a viscosity in the range of 150 mPas to 250 mPas inclusive. In particular, a "thick" layer can be characterized by a viscosity range that includes or is defined by a viscosity in the range of 150 mPas to 250 mPas inclusive, preferably 180 mPas to 220 mPas inclusive. Most preferably, the viscosity can be approximately 200 mPas.

[0043] Preferably, the process further comprises curing of the layer, preferably by irradiation, in particular UV irradiation, and / or heating. Curing of the layer can be achieved in particular by polymerization of the coating material. In particular, curing of the layer can be carried out as step 4) after step 3).

[0044] This allows the layer to reach a solid state more quickly and prevents the thickness of the layer from changing due to gravity.

[0045] Preferably, the orientation of the optical glass can be changed to the application orientation before curing, and curing can take place in the application orientation. In particular, the method can include aligning the optical glass to the application orientation as step 3.1) between steps 3) and 4).

[0046] Preferably, the optical glass can be rotated during curing, which advantageously improves the curing process and ensures the formation of a layer with a uniform thickness. Such rotation can preferably take place at a rotational speed between approximately 15 rpm and approximately 2,000 rpm, more preferably at a rotational speed between approximately 50 rpm and approximately 200 rpm, and particularly at a rotational speed of approximately 150 rpm. Especially for optical glasses that, for example, have a convex second glass surface, it can be advantageous to perform curing in the application orientation. Due to the effects of gravity and surface tension, the thickness of the layer at the center of a convex (glass) surface can change more rapidly or significantly when it points vertically downwards (in the direction of normal), and more slowly or to a lesser extent when it points vertically upwards (against the direction of normal).

[0047] Preferably, the optical glass can be a semi-finished, more preferably a finished spectacle lens, and most preferably a custom-made spectacle lens, with the second glass surface already fully formed. In other words, the method according to the invention makes it possible to provide such fully formed spectacle lenses with a coating, particularly by rotational molding, without any unwanted transfer of the coating material to the first glass surface (preferably not to be coated) or to the circumferential surface connecting the second glass surface to be coated with the first glass surface (preferably not to be coated). This prevents the transfer or distribution of the coating material to the circumferential surface and the first glass surface of the optical glass, especially in the case of a finished spectacle lens or a custom-made spectacle lens.Advantageously, especially with technically complex custom lenses, particularly those with a custom-made back surface, a large number of lenses can be kept in stock. This is especially advantageous when coating simpler lenses, preferably those with a simple geometry, such as single-vision lenses, as the complex manufacturing process from blanks can be avoided. Instead, these lenses can be coated directly. This makes production more economical and also more environmentally friendly due to less waste from surface processing.

[0048] Preferably, the optical glass can be a spectacle lens, with the first glass surface being the back surface and the second glass surface being the front surface. Alternatively, the first glass surface can be the front surface and the second glass surface the back surface.

[0049] Preferably, in the coating orientation, a normal vector of the second glass surface can point essentially vertically downwards (in the direction of the plumb line) and preferably originate from a geometric center point and / or an optical center point and / or a reference point of the second glass surface.

[0050] If the normal vector originates from the geometric center and / or the optical center and / or the reference point of the second glass surface, the production of the coating through rotation can be improved, since these points can correspond to symmetry points of the spectacle lens or lens blank. Furthermore, the positioning of the spectacle lens or lens blank on a suitable coating device can be facilitated, as these points can serve as orientation points.

[0051] Preferably, the coating layer can be an anti-reflective coating and / or a hard lacquer coating and / or a clean-coat coating and / or an anti-static coating and / or an anti-fog coating and / or a UV protection coating and / or a homogenizing coating and / or a coloring coating and / or a buffer lacquer coating and / or an adhesion-promoting primer (lacquer) coating and / or a matching coating and / or a protective coating and / or a photoresist coating containing at least one photochromic dye, i.e., a photochromic layer. The matching coating can create a defined surface with a predetermined shape on the second lens surface. In particular, the coating, especially its thickness, allows not only the properties of the lens surface to be defined and adapted, but also the thickness properties of the spectacle lens.The coating can thus at least partially take over a function of the lens body. In other words, independence from the optical glass can be achieved, since a sufficiently large thickness of one or more of the layers prevents interference phenomena due to decoherence, thereby reducing or compensating for any potential difference in refractive index between individual layers and the optical glass.

[0052] Preferably, the method comprises a step of applying a further coating material to at least a portion of the second glass surface, wherein, preferably, the optical glass is aligned to the application orientation prior to the application of the further coating material. The application of the further coating material can be performed as step 5) after step 3) or 4) if the method includes step 4), and the alignment to the application orientation can be performed as step 5) immediately before step 5). After step 5), the aforementioned steps of the method can be repeated. The further coating material can be the same as the coating material used in the first method. Alternatively, the further coating material can be a different coating material. Thus, the method can produce a plurality of layers made of different coating materials.Alternatively, or in addition, a thick layer can be produced by repeating the steps multiple times with the same coating material. In particular, each layer can be cured between the application of individual steps.

[0053] Preferably, the steps of the process can be carried out in a closed, and in particular sealed, environment. The closed, and in particular sealed, process can be essentially fluid-tight, preferably liquid- and / or airtight, from the environment. This prevents contamination, especially particle contamination, of the coating material.

[0054] Another aspect concerns a device for coating an optical glass, in particular a spectacle lens, wherein the optical glass has a first glass surface and a second glass surface opposite the first glass surface, comprising: a glass receptacle on which the optical glass can be arranged in a coating orientation such that the second glass surface points substantially vertically downwards, i.e. in the direction of plumb in the Earth's reference system, a drive unit configured to rotate the glass receptacle about an axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to the vertical direction in the Earth's reference system, i.e. parallel to the direction of plumb, so that a coating agent applied to the second glass surface is distributed over the second glass surface and forms a layer of the coating agent.

[0055] The device may be specifically designed to carry out the procedure or individual steps of the procedure of the aspect mentioned above.

[0056] The device has a glass receptacle on which the optical glass can be arranged in a coating orientation. In other words, the optical glass can be arranged on the glass receptacle such that the second glass surface points vertically downwards in space. In other words, the glass receptacle can be configured such that the optical glass can be arranged on it in the coating orientation, and in particular, is already arranged in this orientation. Furthermore, the glass receptacle can be configured in such a way that the optical glass can be arranged on it in the coating orientation, and in particular, is already arranged in this orientation. This arrangement in the coating orientation can prevent a coating material applied to the optical glass from spreading further across the second glass surface solely due to gravity.This prevents the coating material from spreading and / or flowing over the second glass surface, a circumferential surface and / or onto the first glass surface.

[0057] The device preferably includes a drive unit configured to rotate the glass holder about an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction (i.e., plumb line), so that a coating material applied to the second glass surface is spread over the second glass surface and forms a layer of the coating material. The drive unit may include or be formed from a motor. The drive unit may be configured to rotate the glass holder in order to form the layer substantially over the entire second glass surface or over a section of the second glass surface. The layer may, in particular, be formed over a section of the second glass surface that comprises at least 80%, preferably 85%, more preferably 90%, and most preferably 95% of the second glass surface.Preferably, the section of the second glass surface where the layer is created can be essentially circular. This can reduce the consumption of the coating material and prevent the coating material from spreading and / or flowing across the second glass surface, the circumferential surface, and / or onto the first glass surface. Particularly for optical lenses that undergo further processing after coating, such as when material is removed from the edge of the optical lens and thus the second glass surface is reduced (e.g., when grinding a lens blank), a layer can be created that is essentially formed over the second glass surface of the optical lens in its finished state.

[0058] The drive unit is designed to drive the glass holder essentially parallel to the vertical direction (i.e., plumb line), so that a coating material applied to the second glass surface is spread across the second glass surface and forms a layer of the coating material. For this purpose, the glass holder can have an axis of rotation that is parallel to the vertical direction (i.e., plumb line). In other words, the axis of rotation can be essentially parallel to a vertical direction in space. The rotation of the optical glass, aligned in the coating orientation, can allow the coating material to be eroded or "spun off" radially away from the second glass surface and additionally vertically downwards (i.e., in the plumb line) away from the circumferential surface and the first glass surface, under the influence of gravity and the rotational forces of the coating material.

[0059] Preferably, the device can have a section that is enclosed, and in particular sealed, from its surroundings, in which at least the glass receptacle is arranged. Alternatively, or in addition, the device can be enclosed, and in particular sealed, from its surroundings. The enclosed, and in particular sealed, section or the enclosed, and in particular sealed, device can be essentially fluid-tight, and in particular liquid- and / or airtight, from its surroundings. This prevents contamination, in particular particle contamination, of the coating material.

[0060] Preferably, the optical glass can be arranged on the glass mount in such a mounting orientation that the first glass surface points essentially vertically downwards in the Earth's reference system. In other words, the optical glass can be arranged on the glass mount so that the first glass surface points in the "plumb line" or also "direction of the nadir".

[0061] If the optical glass is positioned in the application orientation before the coating material is applied, the coating material can be applied in this orientation. This prevents the coating material from spreading in one particular direction on the second glass surface solely due to gravity.

[0062] Applying the coating material in the application orientation and subsequently creating the layer in the coating orientation can enable the coating material to be applied easily and in a controlled manner to the second glass surface, whereby a layer of the coating material can then be created on the second glass surface without the coating material being spread onto the periphery or first glass surface.

[0063] Preferably, the drive unit can be configured to drive the glass holder for layer formation by rotating it via spin coating. Advantageously, the drive unit of a conventional spin coating device can thus be easily adapted and used, enabling cost-effective coating of the spectacle lens. Existing spin coating devices for optical lenses can serve as the basis for configuring adapted devices for the coating process.

[0064] Preferably, the device can be configured to transition the glass holder from an application state, in which the optical glass can be arranged on the glass holder in the application orientation, to a coating state, in which the optical glass can be arranged on the glass holder in the coating orientation, and preferably from the coating state back to the application state. In other words, the glass holder can be configured to assume the application state in which the first glass surface of an arranged optical glass points substantially vertically downwards (in the plumb line), and to assume the coating state in which the second glass surface of the arranged optical glass points substantially vertically downwards (in the plumb line).

[0065] Preferably, the transition of the glass holder to the coating state and / or the application state can involve or be accomplished by repositioning the glass holder from the application state to the coating state and / or from the coating state to the application state. In particular, the repositioning of the glass holder can involve or be accomplished by turning, rotating, pivoting, tilting, or folding the glass holder by substantially 180° about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0066] The repositioning of the glass holder can be done automatically, particularly by a device. The repositioning of the glass holder can be done semi-automatically. The repositioning of the glass holder can be done manually, i.e., completely manually.

[0067] The glass holder can include a transfer drive which is designed to move the glass holder from the applied state into the

[0068] Coating condition and / or the coating condition in the

[0069] to transfer application condition

[0070] The glass receptacle can preferably have a receiving element, which is provided, in particular, at one end of the glass receptacle. The optical glass can be arranged on the receiving element, in particular such that, in an arranged state of the optical glass, the first glass surface faces the glass receptacle. The drive unit can, in particular, be configured to drive the receiving element of the glass receptacle by rotation.

[0071] This configuration allows the optical glass to be quickly transferred into the coating orientation by the device after the coating material has been applied, i.e., aligned in this orientation. This prevents the coating material from spreading to the circumferential surface and the first glass surface solely due to gravity. Furthermore, this eliminates the need to manually adjust the orientation of the optical glass, which could lead to unintended distribution of the coating material, particularly on the first glass surface.

[0072] Preferably, the device further comprises a coating agent application unit configured to apply the coating agent to at least a portion of the second glass surface. Preferably, the coating agent application unit comprises an application drive configured to apply the coating agent. Additionally or alternatively, the coating agent application unit comprises a positioning drive configured to move the coating agent application unit into an application position in which the coating agent is applied to the second glass surface, and preferably to move the coating agent application unit out of the application position.

[0073] Preferably, the device may further include a control or regulating unit configured to control or regulate the operation of the drive unit and / or the transfer drive and / or the application drive and / or the positioning drive and / or the curing unit.

[0074] Preferably, the glass holder can have a suction element designed to hold the optical glass against the first glass surface. Alternatively, or in addition, the glass holder can have a holding unit designed to hold the optical glass against a circumferential surface. The holding unit can have a plurality of grippers, in particular at least three grippers, designed to grip or hold the optical glass against the circumferential surface.

[0075] In particular, the receiving element of the glass holder can include the suction element, which is designed to hold the optical glass against the first glass surface. Alternatively, or in addition, the receiving element of the glass holder can include the holding unit, which is designed to hold the optical glass against a circumferential surface.

[0076] The holding unit may have clamping elements or be formed from them. The clamping elements may be designed to be placed against the circumferential surface of the optical glass.

[0077] The inclusion of a suction element can provide a simple way to position the optical glass on the glass holder. A clamping unit can allow the optical glass to be pre-centered and / or positioned in a desired orientation relative to the axis of rotation. This ensures the most uniform possible distribution of the coating material during rotation.

[0078] Preferably, the device further comprises a curing unit configured to irradiate and / or heat the optical glass. The curing of the layer can be achieved, in particular, by polymerization of the coating material. This allows the layer to reach a solid state more quickly and prevents changes in layer thickness due to gravity.

[0079] In the preceding sections, a spectacle lens was mentioned as an example of an optical glass. However, the invention is not limited to this. An optical glass can also, for example, comprise or be configured as a lens of an optical setup or device, such as a telescope or camera, or as a contact lens, in particular a hard contact lens.

[0080] The technical effect of the invention is also achieved with optical glasses, such as contact lenses, which do not have a circumferential surface and in which the first and second glass surfaces are adjacent to each other. In this case, the probability that coating material is spread onto the first glass surface during the application of the layer in the application orientation can even be increased, since there is no circumferential surface. By applying the layer in the coating orientation, the spreading of the coating material onto the first glass surface can be prevented.

[0081] One aspect concerns a method for coating an optical glass, in particular a spectacle lens, wherein the optical glass has a first glass surface and a second glass surface opposite the first glass surface, comprising:

[0082] Applying a coating agent to at least part of the second glass surface, then

[0083] Aligning the optical glass in a coating orientation such that the second glass surface points vertically downwards in the Earth's reference system, and then

[0084] Creating a layer of the coating material on the second glass surface by rotating the optical glass in the coating orientation around an axis of rotation which is parallel to the vertical direction in the Earth's reference system, such that the coating material is distributed over the second glass surface and forms the layer.

[0085] The procedure can be further developed, in particular according to the procedure of the aspect mentioned above.

[0086] Another aspect concerns a device for coating an optical glass, in particular a spectacle lens, wherein the optical glass has a first glass surface and a second glass surface opposite the first glass surface, comprising: a glass receptacle on which the optical glass can be arranged in a coating orientation such that the second glass surface points vertically downwards, i.e. in the direction of plumb in the Earth's reference system, a drive unit which is configured to rotate the glass receptacle about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the vertical direction in the Earth's reference system, i.e. parallel to the direction of plumb, so that a coating agent applied to the second glass surface is distributed over the second glass surface and forms a layer of the coating agent.

[0087] The device may be further developed in particular according to the device of the aspect mentioned above.

[0088] Another aspect relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to control the device for coating optical glass according to one of the preceding aspects (such as) in order to carry out the method for coating optical glass according to one of the preceding aspects. The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures below. Similar features of the exemplary embodiments are identified by the same reference numerals. The figures show:

[0089] Figure 1 shows a device for coating an optical glass.

[0090] Start of a process for coating the optical glass;

[0091] Figures 2-6 show the device from Figure 1 at later stages of the process;

[0092] Figure ? A flowchart showing the steps of an example.

[0093] Method for coating optical glass;

[0094] Figure 8 shows a flowchart with the steps of another exemplary process for coating optical glass.

[0095] Figure 1 shows a device 1 for coating an optical glass 10. The optical glass 10, which is designed as a spectacle lens blank, has a concave first glass surface 11, a convex second glass surface 12 opposite the first glass surface 11, and a circumferential surface 13 that surrounds the optical glass 10 between the first glass surface 11 and the second glass surface 12.

[0096] The device 1 has a glass receptacle 20 with a receiving element 21, which is designed as a suction body. The optical glass 10 is arranged with its first glass surface 11 on the receiving element 21 such that the first glass surface 11 is oriented substantially vertically downwards (in the plumb line L) in the Earth's reference frame. Thus, the optical glass 10 is arranged in the application orientation on the receiving element 21 of the glass receptacle 20. The glass receptacle 20 is in an application state in which the optical glass 10 is arranged on the glass receptacle 20 in the application orientation. One end of the glass receptacle 20, on which the receiving element 21 is formed, points away from the plumb line L in the application state.At one end of the glass receptacle 20 opposite the receiving element 21, a drive unit 30 of the device 1 is arranged, which is designed to drive the receiving element 21 rotating about an axis of rotation R, which is essentially parallel to the vertical direction L.

[0097] The optical glass 10 is arranged on the receiving element 21 such that a geometric center of the second glass surface 12 lies on the axis of rotation R and a normal vector of the second glass surface 12 points from the geometric center essentially opposite to the perpendicular L. In other words, the optical glass 10 is arranged rotationally symmetric about the axis of rotation R.

[0098] The device 1 further comprises a coating agent application unit 50 (shown in Figure 2) and a curing unit 60 (shown in Figure 6). The coating agent application unit 50 can, in particular, be designed as a dispenser.

[0099] Figure 2 shows the device 1 at a later stage of the process for coating the optical glass 10 compared to Figure 1. Here, a coating agent 40 was applied to a central part of the second glass surface 12 by the coating agent application unit 50. The coating agent application unit 50 is in an application position in which the coating agent 40 is applied to the second glass surface 12.

[0100] The coating agent application unit 50 has an application drive (not shown) which is designed to apply the coating agent 40 to the central part of the second glass surface.

[0101] Furthermore, the coating agent application unit 50 has a (not shown) positioning drive which can move the coating agent application unit 50 into the application position for applying the coating agent 40, in particular pivoting it, and can move it out of the application position again, in particular pivoting it. For the execution of preceding and subsequent steps, the coating agent application unit 50 can thus be moved out of the application position to make the optical glass 10 and the glass holder 20 more accessible.

[0102] Figure 3 shows the device 1 at a later stage of the process for coating the optical glass 10 compared to Figure 2. Here, the coating agent 40 is further pre-distributed over a part of the second glass surface 12.

[0103] After pre-distribution of the coating medium 40, the optical glass 10 is repositioned from the application orientation to a coating orientation. This repositioning of the optical glass occurs about a bearing axis U (shown in Figure 4), which is essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation R, and by repositioning the glass holder 20, on which the optical glass 10 is arranged, from the application state to the coating state. Here, the glass holder 20 is rotated by essentially 180° about the bearing axis U by a transfer drive (not shown), thereby pivoting the optical glass 10, which is arranged on the glass holder 20, by essentially 180° about the bearing axis U and thus aligning it in the coating orientation. In other words, the spectacle lens can be reversed, with the second glass surface 12 facing downwards and the first glass surface 11 facing upwards.

[0104] Figure 4 shows the device 1 at a later point in the process for coating the optical glass 10 compared to Figure 3.

[0105] The device 1 has transformed the glass receptacle 20 from the application state to a coating state. The end of the glass receptacle 20, on which the receiving element 21 is formed, points in the perpendicular direction L. The optical glass 10 is arranged with its first glass surface 11 on the receiving element 21 such that the second glass surface 12 is oriented substantially in the perpendicular direction L. Thus, the optical glass 10 is arranged in the coating orientation on the receiving element 21 of the glass receptacle 20. Figure 5 shows the device 1 at a later stage of the process for coating the optical glass 10 compared to Figure 4.

[0106] By rotating the glass holder 20, in particular the holding element 21, by the drive unit 30, a layer 41 of the coating material 40 was produced on the second glass surface 12 by rotating the optical glass 10 in the coating orientation about the axis of rotation R. In this process, the coating material 40 was distributed over the second glass surface 12 and the layer 41 was formed to a substantially predetermined target thickness.

[0107] After rotation, the glass holder 20 is repositioned from the coating state to the application state, and thus the optical glass 10 is repositioned from the coating orientation to the application orientation. During this process, the glass holder 20 is again rotated by the (not shown) transfer drive by essentially 180° around the bearing axis U, thereby pivoting the optical glass 10, which is mounted on the glass holder 20, by essentially 180° around the bearing axis U. In other words, the spectacle lens can be turned over again, with the second glass surface 12 facing upwards and the first glass surface 11 facing downwards.

[0108] Figure 6 shows the device 1 at a later point in the process for coating the optical glass 10 compared to Figure 5.

[0109] The device 1 has transformed the glass receptacle 20 from the coating state to the application state. Thus, the second glass surface 12 with the layer 41 points in the opposite direction to the perpendicular L.

[0110] Further away from the perpendicular direction L of the optical glass 10 and the layer 41, the curing unit 60 is arranged. The curing unit 60 comprises a plurality of curing elements 61, which can be configured, for example, as UV emitters and / or infrared emitters and / or heating elements, and are configured to irradiate and / or heat the optical glass 10 in order to cure the layer 41 and / or to accelerate the curing of the layer 41.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the method is carried out in such a way that, at least in some of the states shown in Figures 1 to 6, and in particular in all of the states shown in Figures 1 to 6, the states are present one after the other in this order.

[0112] Figure 7 shows a flowchart with the steps of an exemplary method for coating the optical glass 10 using a suitable device as shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 6.

[0113] Step 0) is to align the optical glass 10 in the application orientation such that the first glass surface 11 points essentially vertically downwards (in the direction of plumb L) in the reference system of the earth.

[0114] Step 1) is the application of the coating agent 40 to at least a part of the second glass surface 12. The application is carried out using a coating agent application unit 50.

[0115] Step 1.1) is a pre-distribution of the coating agent 40 over at least a part of the second glass surface 12.

[0116] Step 2) is to align the optical glass 10 in the coating orientation such that the second glass surface 12 points substantially vertically downwards (in the direction of plumb L) in the Earth's reference frame. This alignment is achieved by repositioning the optical glass 10 from the application orientation to the coating orientation. The optical glass 10 is pivoted substantially 180° about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation R by rotating the glass holder 20, on which the optical glass is mounted, by a transfer drive (not shown in the figures).Step 3) is the creation of the layer 41 of the coating agent 40 on the second glass surface 12 by rotating the optical glass 10 in the coating orientation around the rotation axis R, which is essentially parallel to the vertical direction in the reference system of the earth, such that the coating agent 40 is distributed over the second glass surface 12 and forms the layer 41.

[0117] Step 3.1 involves aligning the optical glass 10 into the application orientation. This alignment is achieved by repositioning the optical glass 10 from the coating orientation to the application orientation. The optical glass 10 is pivoted essentially 180° about an axis that is essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation R by rotating the glass holder 20, on which the optical glass is mounted, by a transfer drive (not shown in the figures).

[0118] Step 4) is the curing of layer 41 by means of irradiation and / or heating. This is done using the curing unit 60.

[0119] Figure 8 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of another exemplary method for coating the optical glass 10 using a corresponding device, as shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 6. The method is based on the method shown in Figure 7 and includes further steps for producing one or more additional layers 41 with one or more additional coating materials 40.

[0120] Optional steps of the procedure, which may also be mutually dependent and / or mutually exclusive if they are carried out (e.g. step 3.1 ) and step 5.0)), are shown with a dashed outline.

[0121] Steps 0) to 4) correspond to those of the method described for Figure 7 and are therefore not described again here. Steps 1.1'), 2'), 3'), 3.1'), and 4') each correspond to steps 1.1), 2), 3), 3.1), and 4), respectively, relating to the additional coating material 40 and the additional layer 41. Step 5.0) is to align the optical glass 10 in the application orientation such that the first glass surface 11 points substantially vertically downwards (in the direction of plumb L) in the Earth's reference frame. The optical glass 10 has the layer 41 formed according to step 4). However, step 5.0) is only part of the method if step 3.1), i.e., aligning the optical glass 10 in the application orientation before step 4), has not been performed.

[0122] Step 5) is the application of the additional coating material 40 to at least a portion of the second glass surface 12 (and thus to at least a portion of the formed layer 41). The application is carried out using the coating material application unit 50. The additional coating material 40 can be the coating material 40 itself if, for example, the thick layer is formed by iterative coating. Alternatively, the additional coating material 40 can be a different coating material 40 for producing a different layer 41.

[0123] Since, as an alternative to the method shown in Figure 7, step 4) of the curing process can also be omitted (for example, if layer 41 cures quickly enough on its own), step 5) can also be carried out directly after step 3.1) or, if step 3.1) is not carried out, step 5.0) can be carried out directly after step 3).

[0124] As shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 8, the steps for creating another layer 41 can be repeated. When the steps are repeated, step 5.0) is only performed if step 3.1 ') was not performed when creating the previous additional layer 41.

[0125] Reference symbol list

[0126] 1 Device (for coating optical glass)

[0127] 10 optical glass

[0128] 11 first glass surface

[0129] 12 second glass surface

[0130] 13 Circumferential area

[0131] 20 glass images

[0132] 21 Recording element

[0133] 30 drive unit

[0134] 40 (further) coating agents

[0135] 41 (further) shift

[0136] 50 coating agent application unit

[0137] 60 curing units

[0138] 61 Curing element

[0139] R axis of rotation

[0140] L plumb line

[0141] U bearing axle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for coating an optical glass (10), in particular a spectacle lens, wherein the optical glass (10) has a first glass surface (11) and a second glass surface (12) opposite the first glass surface (11), comprising: Applying a coating material (40) to at least part of the second glass surface (12), then Aligning the optical glass (10) in a coating orientation such that the second glass surface (12) points substantially vertically downwards in the Earth's reference system, and thereafter Producing a layer (41 ) of the coating agent (41 ) on the second glass surface (12) by rotating the optical glass (10) in the coating orientation about an axis of rotation (R) which is essentially parallel to the vertical direction in the reference system of the earth, such that the coating agent (40) is distributed over the second glass surface (12) and forms the layer (41 ).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein prior to the application of the coating material (40) the optical glass (10) is aligned in an application orientation such that the first glass surface (11) points substantially vertically downwards in the reference system of the earth.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coating material (40) is further pre-distributed over at least a part of the second glass surface (12) after application and before rotation.

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the layer (41 ) has a predetermined target thickness after rotation.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the target thickness of the layer (41) corresponds to a thickness of at least 30 pm, preferably from 30 pm to 300 pm, more preferably from 35 pm to 250 pm, even more preferably from 40 pm to 200 pm, particularly preferably from 40 pm to 100 pm, and more preferably from 40 pm to 60 pm.

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coating material (40) has a viscosity in the range of 150 mPas inclusive to 250 mPas inclusive, preferably 180 mPas inclusive to 220 mPas inclusive.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hardening of the layer (41), preferably by means of irradiation and / or heating.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the orientation of the optical glass (10) is changed to the application orientation before curing and the curing takes place in the application orientation.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical glass (10) is a semi-finished spectacle lens, preferably a finished spectacle lens, particularly preferably a custom-made spectacle lens, and the second glass surface (12) is already finished.

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical glass (10) is a spectacle lens and the first glass surface (11) is a back side of the spectacle lens and the second glass surface (12) is a front side of the spectacle lens.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the coating orientation a normal vector of the second glass surface (12) points substantially vertically downwards and preferably originates from a geometric center and / or an optical center and / or a reference point of the second glass surface (12).

12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the layer (41) of the coating material (40) is an anti-reflective layer and / or a hard lacquer layer and / or a clean-coat layer and / or an anti-static layer and / or an anti-fog layer and / or a UV protection layer and / or a homogenizing layer and / or a coloring layer and / or a buffer lacquer layer and / or an adaptation layer and / or a protective layer and / or a photoresist layer, containing at least one photochromic dye.

13. Device (1) for coating an optical glass (10), in particular a spectacle lens, wherein the optical glass (10) has a first glass surface (11) and a second glass surface (12) opposite the first glass surface (11), comprising: a glass receptacle (20) on which the optical glass (10) can be arranged in a coating orientation such that the second glass surface (12) points substantially vertically downwards in the Earth's reference system, a drive unit (30) configured to rotate the glass receptacle (20) about a rotation axis (R) which is substantially parallel to the vertical direction in the Earth's reference system, such that a coating agent (40) applied to the second glass surface (12) is distributed over the second glass surface (12) and forms a layer (41) of the coating agent (40).

14. Device (1 ) according to claim 13, wherein the optical glass (10) can be arranged on the glass receptacle (20) in an application orientation such that the first glass surface (11 ) points substantially in the vertical direction (L) in the reference system of the earth.

15. Device (1 ) according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the device (1 ) is configured to convert the glass receptacle (20) from an application state in which the optical glass (10) can be arranged in the application orientation on the glass receptacle (20) to a coating state in which the optical glass (10) can be arranged in the coating orientation on the glass receptacle (20), and preferably from the coating state to the application state.

16. Device (1 ) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the device (1 ) further comprises a coating agent application unit (50) which is configured to apply the coating agent (40) to at least a part of the second glass surface (12).

17. Device (1) according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the glass receptacle (20) has a suction body which is configured to hold the optical glass (10) on the first glass surface (11) and / or the glass receptacle (20) has a holding unit which is configured to hold the optical glass (10) on a circumferential surface (13), wherein the holding unit optionally has a plurality of grippers, in particular at least three grippers, which are configured to hold the optical glass (10) on the circumferential surface (13).

18. Device (1 ) according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the device (1 ) further comprises a curing unit (60) which is configured to irradiate and / or heat the optical glass (10).

19. Computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to control the device (1 ) for coating an optical glass (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 18 in such a way as to carry out the method for coating an optical glass (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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