Eyeglass lens processing treatment system and grinding water treatment device for eyeglass lens processing

Abstract

This processing system is provided with a circulating grinding water treatment device that circulates and uses grinding water by supplying the grinding water in a tank to a processing device and returning the grinding water, including grinding debris discharged from the processing device, back to the tank. The processing system comprises: a water drainage valve located in a water drainage path from the bottom of the tank in order to discharge processing debris accumulated in the bottom of the tank together with grinding water; a water supply valve for supplying fresh grinding water into the tank; a filtration filter located in the water drainage path from the water drainage valve to allow grinding water to pass through without allowing processing debris to pass through; a reception means for receiving a command signal for opening and closing the water drainage valve and the water supply valve; and a control unit. The control unit, on the basis of the command signal, controls the opening and closing of the water drainage valve so as to cause processing debris accumulated in the tank to be discharged to the filtration filter together with grinding water, and also controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve so as to cause fresh grinding water to be supplied into the tank.

Description

Glasses lens processing system and grinding water treatment device for glasses lens processing

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a glasses lens processing system including a circulating grinding water treatment device for treating grinding water discharged from a glasses lens processing device that processes the periphery of a glasses lens, and a grinding water treatment device for glasses lens processing.

[0002] In a glasses lens processing device that processes the periphery of a glasses lens, grinding water is supplied during lens processing in order to cool the processing portion of the glasses lens and remove processing chips (processing waste). As a method of supplying grinding water to the glasses lens processing device, in addition to a direct water supply type that attaches a solenoid valve to a pipe extended from a water supply pipe and directly supplies water by the water pressure from the water supply pipe, grinding water stored in a tank is pumped up and supplied by a pump, and a circulating pump tank type is known in which the grinding water (waste water) containing processing chips discharged from the glasses lens processing device is returned to the tank again to circulate and utilize the grinding water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-224957

[0004] The direct water supply type has disadvantages in terms of the environment because a large amount of water is used and the waste water containing processing chips flows directly into the sewage. On the other hand, in the conventional circulating pump tank type, although water can be saved compared to the direct water supply type and the processing chips accumulated in the tank can be taken out, there is a disadvantage that it takes time to replace the grinding water in the tank and take out the processing chips from the tank.

[0005] Also, in the circulating pump tank type, when the peripheries of a large number of glasses lenses are continuously processed by the glasses lens processing device, the water temperature of the grinding water returned to the tank rises. When the grinding water with an increased water temperature is supplied again during the processing of the glasses lens, the size of the glasses lens being processed may expand. If the size of the processed glasses lens shrinks due to cooling, the resulting finished size may become small, and the feeling of fitting into the glasses frame may deteriorate.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide a spectacle lens processing system and a grinding water treatment system that facilitates water replacement in the tank and removal of processing waste, in view of the prior art. Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a spectacle lens processing system and a grinding water treatment system for spectacle lens processing that can suppress the rise in water temperature of the grinding water in the tank.

[0007] (1) The eyeglass lens processing system of the present disclosure is a circulating grinding water processing system that supplies grinding water stored in a tank to an eyeglass lens processing device and circulates and utilizes the grinding water by returning the grinding water containing processing debris discharged from the eyeglass lens processing device back to the tank, comprising: a drain valve located in a drainage path from the bottom of the tank to discharge processing debris accumulated at the bottom of the tank together with the grinding water; a water supply valve located in a water supply path to supply new grinding water into the tank; a filter located in the drainage path from the drain valve that allows grinding water to pass through without allowing processing debris to pass through; a receiving means for receiving command signals for opening and closing the drain valve and the water supply valve; and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the opening and closing of the drain valve based on the command signals received by the receiving means, thereby causing the processing debris accumulated in the tank to be discharged to the filter together with the grinding water, and controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve, thereby supplying new grinding water into the tank. (2) The grinding water treatment apparatus of the present disclosure is a circulating type grinding water treatment apparatus that supplies grinding water stored in a tank to an eyeglass lens processing apparatus and circulates and utilizes the grinding water by returning the grinding water containing processing debris discharged from the eyeglass lens processing apparatus back to the tank, comprising: a drain valve located in a drainage path from the bottom of the tank to discharge processing debris accumulated at the bottom of the tank together with the grinding water; a water supply valve located in a water supply path to supply new grinding water into the tank; and a filtration filter located in the drainage path from the drain valve that allows grinding water to pass through without allowing processing debris to pass through, wherein the opening and closing of the drain valve is controlled so that processing debris accumulated in the tank is discharged to the filtration filter together with the grinding water, and the opening and closing of the water supply valve is controlled so that new grinding water is supplied into the tank.

[0008] This diagram illustrates the configuration of the grinding water processing apparatus for eyeglass lens processing and the eyeglass lens processing system equipped therewith. This is a block diagram of the control system of the eyeglass lens processing system. This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic grinding water replacement process. This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the grinding water temperature adjustment process.

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

[0010] For example, an eyeglass lens processing system (for example, eyeglass lens processing system 1) includes a grinding water processing device (for example, a grinding water processing device 200), a drain valve (for example, a drain valve 220), a water supply valve filtration filter (for example, a water supply valve 230), (for example, a filtration filter 225), a receiving means (for example, a control unit 50), and a control unit (for example, a control unit 50).

[0011] For example, the grinding water treatment system is configured in a circulating manner, where grinding water stored in a tank (e.g., tank 210) is supplied to an eyeglass lens processing device (e.g., eyeglass lens processing device 100), and the grinding water containing processing debris discharged from the eyeglass lens processing device is returned to the tank, thereby circulating and utilizing the grinding water. For example, the eyeglass lens processing device is configured to process the periphery of the eyeglass lens using a processing tool (e.g., processing tool 130).

[0012] For example, a drain valve is located in the drainage path from the bottom of the tank of the grinding water treatment device to discharge the processing debris accumulated at the bottom of the tank along with the grinding water. For example, a water supply valve is located in the water supply path to supply new grinding water into the tank. For example, the water supply path is connected to a water pipe so that tap water is supplied as grinding water. For example, a filtration filter is located in the drainage path from the drain valve and is configured to allow grinding water to pass through while preventing processing debris of a predetermined size from passing through. Note that the drain valve and water supply valve may also be solenoid valves or shutters, as long as they have an opening and closing function that can switch between allowing water to pass through and shutting it off.

[0013] For example, the reception means is configured to receive command signals for opening and closing the drain valve and the water supply valve. For example, the reception means may be configured to receive a signal output from the spectacle lens processing device as a command signal when the amount of spectacle lenses processed by the spectacle lens processing device reaches a predetermined standard. Note that the amount of spectacle lenses processed can be calculated from the number of lenses processed, so it may be the number of spectacle lenses processed. Alternatively, the amount of processing may be calculated (estimated) for each lens to be processed based on the overall shape and lens shape of the unprocessed spectacle lens. As a result, the drain valve is opened automatically by the device, making it easy to change the water in the tank. That is, the timing for processing the processing waste (discharging the processing waste) is determined based on the signal judged by the spectacle lens processing device, so the operator does not have to manage the discharge of the processing waste. Note that, for example, the reception means may be configured to receive switch signals from the operating unit operated by the operator as command signals.

[0014] For example, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the drain valve based on the command signal received by the reception means, thereby discharging the processing debris accumulated in the tank along with the grinding water into the filter. It also controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve to supply new grinding water to the tank. This makes it relatively inexpensive and easy to change the water in the tank and remove the processing debris. Furthermore, since the grinding water containing processing debris discharged from the spectacle lens processing machine is not directly discharged, environmental problems can be reduced. In addition, the rise in the temperature of the grinding water in the tank can be suppressed.

[0015] For example, the control unit, based on a command signal received by the reception means, opens the drain valve to discharge the processing debris accumulated in the tank along with the grinding water into the filter, closes the drain valve after the predetermined amount of grinding water has been discharged, and opens the water supply valve to supply new grinding water into the tank, thereby storing a predetermined amount of grinding water in the tank. As a result, after the grinding water has been discharged from the drain valve, new grinding water is automatically supplied without any operation by the operator. This makes the water replacement work in the tank easier. For example, the predetermined amount of grinding water may be the amount that reaches a predetermined water level.

[0016] For example, an eyeglass lens processing system may be equipped with a water level detector (e.g., a water level sensor 240). For example, the water level detector is used to detect the water level of grinding water in a tank. For example, the water level detector is installed at a predetermined height in the tank and is used to detect when a predetermined amount of grinding water has been stored in the tank. And, for example, if the eyeglass lens processing system is equipped with a water level detector, the control unit may close the water supply valve and stop the water supply based on the detection signal from the water level detector that a predetermined amount of grinding water has been stored in the tank. This makes the water replacement work in the tank easier. That is, since the grinding water supplied from the water supply valve is automatically stopped, the operator does not have to worry about opening and closing the water supply valve.

[0017] For example, an eyeglass lens processing system may include a mode setting means (e.g., a control unit 50, an operation unit 52) ​​that can set a first processing mode in which a fixed amount of grinding water in the tank is replaced, and a second processing mode in which more than the fixed amount of grinding water is replaced. For example, when the first processing mode is set, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve based on a command signal received by the receiving means, so as to discharge a fixed amount of grinding water from the tank and store a predetermined amount of grinding water in the tank. When the second processing mode is set, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve based on a command signal received by the receiving means, so as to discharge more grinding water from the tank than in the first processing mode and store a predetermined amount of grinding water in the tank. As a result, in the first processing mode, the use of new grinding water is saved, and the accumulated processing debris in the tank can be discharged along with the grinding water, making it easier to remove the processing debris from the tank. In the second processing mode, by replacing more grinding water than in the first processing mode, the grinding water in the tank can be replaced with cleaner grinding water. The second processing mode may be set to drain and replace all the water in the tank.

[0018] For example, the mode setting means may be configured to automatically set a first processing mode and a second processing mode based on the amount of eyeglass lenses processed by the eyeglass lens processing device. For example, the mode setting means may be configured to set a first processing mode when the amount of eyeglass lenses processed (cumulative processing amount) reaches a first standard, and to set a second processing mode when the amount of eyeglass lenses processed reaches a second standard which is greater than the first standard. This allows the operator to change the grinding water and remove the processing debris at the appropriate time without having to worry about the timing of the grinding water change and processing debris removal.

[0019] Furthermore, the mode setting means may consist of an operating means (for example, an operating unit 52) ​​for the operator to set the first processing mode and the second processing mode, respectively. In this case, the first processing mode and the second processing mode can be selectively set at any time as needed. For example, if the eyeglass lens processing system 1 is installed in an eyeglass store, the operator can clean the inside of the tank by replacing a large amount of grinding water in the tank by setting the second processing mode after the end of business for the day. Alternatively, the operator can replace a certain amount of grinding water by setting the first processing mode, while saving on the amount of new grinding water used and discharging the processing debris accumulated in the tank.

[0020] For example, the spectacle lens processing system may be equipped with a water temperature detector (e.g., a water temperature sensor 250). For example, the water temperature detector is used to detect the temperature of the grinding water stored in the tank. For example, the water temperature detector only needs to be positioned below the water level of the grinding water stored in the tank. In this case, the control unit may perform a water temperature adjustment process to adjust the temperature of the grinding water in the tank by controlling the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve based on the water temperature detected by the water temperature detector. This suppresses the rise in the temperature of the grinding water in the tank and ensures more appropriate processing accuracy of spectacle lenses by the spectacle lens processing device. In other words, by suppressing the rise in the temperature of the grinding water in the tank, the grinding water supplied during the processing of spectacle lenses acts as a cooling water, and the expansion fluctuations of the spectacle lenses can be suppressed.

[0021] Furthermore, with respect to the water temperature adjustment process, the receiving means may be configured to receive the command signal based on the detection of the water temperature sensor. For example, when the detected water temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control unit itself issues a command signal to open the drain valve, and this command signal is received by the receiving means.

[0022] Furthermore, regarding the water temperature adjustment process, if the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined allowable value, the control unit may determine the amount of grinding water to be replaced in the tank based on the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor before draining the grinding water from the tank, the water temperature of the newly supplied grinding water to the tank, and the target water temperature after the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank has been lowered, and control the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve based on that replacement amount. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress the rise in the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank.

[0023] Furthermore, regarding the water temperature adjustment process, the control unit may control the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve to replace a certain amount of grinding water in the tank, estimate the temperature of the newly supplied grinding water based on the water temperature detection results in the tank before and after the replacement of that fixed amount of grinding water, and perform the water temperature adjustment process based on the estimated water temperature. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress the rise in the temperature of the grinding water in the tank even when the temperature of the newly supplied grinding water is unknown.

[0024] Furthermore, regarding the water temperature adjustment process, the control unit may, when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined allowable value, control the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve to drain the grinding water in the tank and supply new grinding water to the tank, and when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor reaches a predetermined set value, stop draining the grinding water from the tank and stop supplying new grinding water. In this case, the control of the water temperature adjustment process may include a case in which the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve are controlled so that draining and supply are repeated at fixed intervals, and when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor reaches a predetermined set value, the repeated draining and supply at fixed intervals is stopped. These controls can also suppress the rise in the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank.

[0025] The spectacle lens processing system may or may not include a spectacle lens processing device. If the spectacle lens processing system includes a spectacle lens processing device, the control unit and receiving means may be the same as those included in the spectacle lens processing device. If the spectacle lens processing system does not include a spectacle lens processing device, the control unit and receiving means may be provided separately from those included in the spectacle lens processing device.

[0026] [Example] An embodiment of this embodiment will be described based on the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a grinding water processing apparatus for eyeglass lens processing and an eyeglass lens processing system equipped therewith according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a control system block diagram of the eyeglass lens processing system. In Figure 1, the eyeglass lens processing system 1 of this embodiment comprises an eyeglass lens processing apparatus 100 and a grinding water processing apparatus 200 for eyeglass lens processing. Note that the eyeglass lens processing system 1 may be configured separately from the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 100.

[0027] <Eyeglass Lens Processing Apparatus> The eyeglass lens processing apparatus 100 comprises a processing chamber 110, a lens holding shaft 120 for holding the eyeglass lens to be processed (hereinafter referred to as lens LE), a processing tool 130, a moving part 140, a lens shape measuring part 150, a nozzle 160, an operating part 52, a control unit 50, etc. Inside the processing chamber 110, the lens LE held by the lens holding shaft 120 and the processing tool 130 are positioned.

[0028] The machining tool 130 is used to machine the periphery of the lens LE. The machining tool 130 is mounted on a rotating shaft 131. The machining tool 130 is rotated by the rotation of the rotating shaft 131 by a motor 132. For example, the machining tool 130 is composed of multiple machining wheels. For example, the machining tool 130 includes a rough machining wheel, a finishing machining wheel, etc. For example, the finishing machining wheel has a machining surface for forming a bevel on the periphery of the lens LE after rough machining, and a flat finishing machining surface.

[0029] The moving unit 140 is configured to tertiarily change the positional relationship between the processing position of the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 120 and the processing tool 130. For example, the moving unit 140 includes a carriage 141, a rotating unit 142, and an XY moving unit 145. The carriage 141 rotatably holds the lens holding shaft 120. The rotating unit 142 is configured to rotate the lens LE by rotating the lens holding shaft 120 around its axis. The XY moving unit 145 includes an X moving unit 145a and a Y moving unit 145b. The X moving unit 145a moves the carriage 141 in the axial direction (X direction) of the lens holding shaft 120, thereby relatively changing the positional relationship of the lens LE in the X direction with respect to the processing tool 130. The Y-movement unit 145b moves the carriage 141 in the direction (Y-direction) in which the distance between the lens holding shaft 120 and the rotation shaft 131 of the workpiece 130 changes, thereby relatively changing the positional relationship of the lens LE with respect to the workpiece 130 in the Y-direction.

[0030] The lens shape measuring unit 150 is configured to measure the shape of the front surface (front refractive surface) and rear surface (back refractive surface) of the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 120. For example, the lens shape measuring unit 150 has a first measuring probe that contacts the front surface of the lens, a second measuring probe that contacts the rear surface of the lens, and a detector 151a that detects the positions of the first measuring probe and the second measuring probe in the axial direction (X direction) of the lens holding shaft 120, and the refractive surface shape of the lens LE in the X direction is measured based on the detection result of the detector 151a.

[0031] Furthermore, the lens shape measuring unit 150 may also be configured to measure the outer shape of the lens LE. In this case, the lens shape measuring unit 150 includes an outer shape measuring probe that contacts the periphery of the unprocessed lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 120, and a detector 151b that detects the position of the outer shape measuring probe in the radial direction (for example, the Y direction) of the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 120. Based on the detection result of the detector 151b, the radial outer shape of the lens LE is measured.

[0032] Furthermore, the configuration of the movable unit 140 and the lens shape measuring unit 150 can be adopted from the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-149966, so please refer to that for details.

[0033] The nozzle 160 is installed in the processing chamber 110 and is used to spray (supply) cooling grinding water to the processed area of ​​the lens LE being processed by the processing tool 130. Grinding water from the grinding water treatment device 200 is supplied to the nozzle 160. Processing debris (processing waste) generated during lens processing is washed away to the bottom of the processing chamber 110 by the grinding water supplied from the nozzle 160. A drain hose 162 is connected to the bottom of the processing chamber 110, through which wastewater containing processing debris is discharged.

[0034] <Grinding Water Treatment Device> The grinding water treatment device 200 includes a tank 210, a pump (submersible pump) 215, a drain valve 220, a filtration filter 225, a water supply valve 230, etc. The tank 210 is configured to store grinding water. For example, the tank 210 has a bottomed cylindrical structure. For example, the tank 210 is installed inside the mounting base 202. The spectacle lens processing device 100 is mounted on the mounting base 202. A drain hose 162 connected to the bottom of the processing chamber 110 of the spectacle lens processing device 100 extends into the interior of the tank 210 through the opening of the lid member 211 of the tank 210.

[0035] A pump 215 is attached to the lid member 211 via a mounting member 212. For example, a submersible pump 215 is used. The pump 215 is positioned so as to be in the grinding water stored in the tank 210. The grinding water pumped up by the pump 215 is guided to the nozzle 160 via the pipe 216, and sprayed (supplied) from the nozzle 160 to the processed area of ​​the lens LE. The grinding water supplied to the processing chamber 110 is returned to the tank 210 along with the processing debris via the drain hose 162. This constitutes a circulating pump-tank unit that circulates and utilizes the grinding water.

[0036] A drain port 218 is formed at the bottom of the tank 210, and a drain valve 220 is connected to the drainage path from the drain port 218. For example, the bottom of the tank 210 is formed with a structure that slopes downward toward the drain port 218. As a result, when the drain valve 220 is opened, the processing debris accumulated at the bottom of the tank 210 is drained by gravity along with the grinding water through the drainage path from the drain port 218 and out of the drain valve 220. The drain valve 220 only needs to be able to discharge the grinding water containing the processing debris from the bottom of the tank 210 by gravity, and the drain port 218 may be formed in the side wall on the bottom side of the tank 210. In this case as well, it is preferable that the bottom of the tank 210 is formed with a structure that slopes downward toward the drain port 218 so that the grinding water flows out toward the drain port 218.

[0037] For example, the drain valve 220 is an electric valve (which may be a solenoid valve), and its opening and closing is driven by the control unit 50. A filtration filter 225 is placed in the drainage path 221 from the drain valve 220. The filtration filter 225 is used to allow grinding water to pass through without allowing processing debris of a predetermined size (for example, processing debris of 1 μm or larger) to pass through. For example, a bag-shaped filter is used for the filtration filter 225, and processing debris is stored inside. The structure of the filtration filter 225 is not limited as long as it has the function of preventing processing debris of a predetermined size from passing through. Furthermore, the filtration performance of the filtration filter 225 (the size of processing debris separated from the grinding water) can be determined in relation to the processing of the processing debris contained in the filtered grinding water.

[0038] The grinding water filtered by the filtration filter 225 is discharged to the outside of the filtration filter 225. For example, a drain receiver 226 is placed below the filtration filter 225 to receive the grinding water filtered by the filtration filter 225. The drain receiver 226 is held on a mounting base 202. For example, the drain receiver 226 has a bottomed shape with side walls, and is large enough to accommodate the filtration filter 225 inside, and so as not to overflow the grinding water filtered by the filtration filter 225. An outlet 227 is provided at the bottom of the drain receiver 226. Furthermore, a drain hose 228 is connected to the outlet 227. For example, the outlet 228a at the end of the drain hose 228 is connected to a sewer. If it is difficult or inconvenient to directly discharge the grinding water filtered by the filtration filter 225 into the sewer, the system can be configured so that the grinding water flows from the drain receiver 226 to a separately provided water storage tank, and the grinding water in the water storage tank can be further filtered or otherwise treated as appropriate.

[0039] For example, the filtration filter 225 is detachably connected to the discharge path 221 from the drain valve 220. To dispose of the processing waste accumulated in the filtration filter 225, the door (not shown) of the mounting base 202 is opened, and the filtration filter 225 is removed from above the drain receiver 226. The processing waste inside the filtration filter 225 can be disposed of together with the filtration filter 225. After the filtration filter 225 containing the processing waste has been removed, a new filtration filter 225 is connected to the drain path 221.

[0040] The tip 232a of a water supply pipe 232 for supplying new grinding water into the tank 210 is located above the tank 210. For example, the tip 232a of the water supply pipe 232 extends into the interior of the tank 210 through the opening of the lid member 211. A water supply valve 230 is located in the water supply path of the water supply pipe 232. For example, an electric valve (which may be a solenoid valve) is used for the water supply valve 230, and its opening and closing is driven by the control unit 50. Tap water is supplied as new grinding water when a water pipe is connected to the rear end 232b of the water supply pipe 232.

[0041] The tip 232a of the water supply pipe 232 is positioned above the water level WS of the upper limit (a predetermined amount of grinding water) of the grinding water stored in the tank 210. Grinding water is sprayed from the tip 232a. In this case, it is preferable that the orientation of the tip 232a is set so that the grinding water sprayed from the tip 232a is directed horizontally (or nearly horizontally) and flows along the inside of the side walls that make up the tank 210. This is convenient because when new grinding water is supplied after the grinding water in the tank 210 has been discharged, the processing debris adhering to the inside of the side walls of the tank 210 is washed downwards by the grinding water, so that the supply of grinding water also serves to clean the inside of the side walls of the tank 210. In order to efficiently wash away the processing debris, multiple tip 232a branched from the water supply pipe 232 via the water supply valve 230 may be provided. In this case, it is preferable that the multiple nozzles 232a are arranged in equal divisions with respect to the inner diameter of the tank 210.

[0042] Furthermore, the shape of the inner side wall of the tank 210 should be formed in a way that promotes cleaning by the flow of grinding water from the tip opening 232a. For example, the inner side wall of the tank 210 should be formed in a circular shape (including an ellipse) without any obstructing protrusions, so that the grinding water from the tip opening 232a can flow along the inner surface of the side wall.

[0043] The grinding water treatment device 200 includes a water level sensor 240, which is an example of a water level detector. The water level sensor 240 is configured to detect the water level of the grinding water in the tank 210. For example, the water level sensor 240 is mounted at a predetermined height on the inside of the side wall of the tank 210. The detection signal from the water level sensor 240 is used to detect that a predetermined amount of grinding water has been stored in the tank 210.

[0044] Furthermore, the grinding water treatment device 200 may also be equipped with a water temperature sensor 250, which is an example of a water temperature detector. The water temperature sensor 250 is positioned below the water level of the grinding water stored in the tank 210 so as to detect the water temperature of the grinding water stored in the tank 210. The detection signal from the water temperature sensor 250 is used to maintain the water temperature of the grinding water stored in the tank 210 at a constant temperature or below a predetermined temperature.

[0045] <Control System> In FIG. 2, the control unit 50 controls the overall operation of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 100. The control unit 50 may be implemented by a general CPU (processor), ROM, RAM, etc. Electrical components of the motor 132 that rotates the cutting tool, the moving unit 140, and the lens shape measuring unit 150 are connected to the control unit 50. Further, an operation unit 52 and a memory 54 are connected to the control unit 50. The operation unit 52 may be composed of a display having a touch panel function. The memory 54 functions as a storage means. Also, the display of the operation unit 52 may also serve as a notification means.

[0046] Also, in this embodiment, the control unit 50 is also used as a component of the grinding water treatment apparatus 200. Also, the operation unit 52 and the memory 54 may also be used as components of the grinding water treatment apparatus 200. Pumps 215, drain valves 220, water supply valves 230, water level sensors 240, and water temperature sensors 250 are electrically connected to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the driving of the pumps 215, drain valves 220, and water supply valves 230. Also, the control unit 50 functions as a reception means for receiving command signals for opening and closing the drain valve 220 and the water supply valve 230. Detection signals from the water level sensor 240 and the water temperature sensor 250 are input to the control unit 50.

[0047] Note that in FIG. 2, the grinding water treatment apparatus 200 may be provided with dedicated components without using the control unit 50, the operation unit 52, and the memory 54 of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 100. Also, the grinding water treatment apparatus 200 may be configured without the control unit 50, the operation unit 52, and the memory 54, and electrical components (pumps 215, drain valves 220, water supply valves 230, water level sensors 240, water temperature sensors 250) of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 100 may be connected to the control unit 50 of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 100.

[0048] <Operation> The operation of the spectacle lens processing system 1 having the above configuration will be described. First, the processing operation of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 100 will be briefly described.

[0049] After the unprocessed lens LE is held on the lens holding shaft 120, when an operation start signal is input by the operation unit 52, the lens shape measuring unit 150 measures the shape of the refractive surfaces (front and rear surfaces of the lens) of the lens LE based on the lens shape (the outer shape of the target spectacle lens), and the measurement result is acquired by the control unit 50. The lens shape data is acquired by the control unit 50 by pre-measuring the spectacle frame using a spectacle frame shape measuring device (not shown). Alternatively, the lens shape measuring unit 150 may measure the radial outer shape of the lens LE, and the measurement result may be acquired by the control unit 50.

[0050] Once the shape measurement of the lens LE is complete, control data for rough machining and finishing the periphery of the lens LE is obtained. For example, the control data for rough machining is determined by the lens shape data, with the rough machining trajectory being a predetermined amount outside the finishing trajectory. In addition, if bevel machining is set, the bevel trajectory as finishing data is calculated based on the lens shape data, pre-entered layout data (data on the positional relationship of the optical center of the lens LE relative to the lens shape), the results of lens shape measurements of the front and rear surfaces of the lens, etc.

[0051] When control data for processing is requested, the periphery of the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 120 is processed (cut or ground) by the processing tool 130. Rough processing is performed first. For example, the control unit 50 controls the moving unit 140 based on the rough processing control data, and the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 120 is rotated and moved to the rough grinding wheel of the processing tool 130, thereby rough processing the periphery of the lens LE. During this rough processing, the control unit 50 drives the pump 215, and cooling grinding water from the nozzle 160 is sprayed (supplied) to the processed part of the lens LE. The processing debris of the lens LE processed by the rough grinding wheel of the processing tool 130 falls to the bottom of the processing chamber 110 and is put into the tank 210 via the drain hose 162 along with the grinding water. In other words, the grinding water supplied to the processing chamber 110 is returned to the tank 210.

[0052] Next, the roughly machined lens LE is finished. The control unit 50 controls the moving unit 140 based on the finishing control data, and the lens LE held on the lens holding shaft 120 is rotated and moved to the finishing grinding wheel of the processing tool 130, thereby finishing the periphery of the lens LE. During this finishing process, the pump 215 is also driven, and cooling grinding water from the nozzle 160 is sprayed (supplied) to the machined part of the lens LE. The grinding water, which contains the processing debris generated during processing, is then returned to the tank 210.

[0053] As described above, when the periphery of the lens LE is processed by the spectacle lens processing apparatus 100, the processing waste generated during the process is discharged into the tank 210. As a large number of lenses LE are processed, processing waste accumulates at the bottom of the tank 210, and the grinding water becomes cloudy. Therefore, in the spectacle lens processing system 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 50 controls the opening and closing of the drain valve 220 and the water supply valve 230, thereby performing an automatic replacement process of the grinding water stored in the tank 210. In the automatic replacement process of the grinding water of this embodiment, a first processing mode is set to replace (exchange) a fixed amount of grinding water in the tank 210, and a second processing mode is set to replace (exchange) a larger amount of grinding water than in the first processing mode. Below, an example in which the first and second processing modes are automatically set by the control unit 50 and the grinding water in the tank 210 is automatically replaced will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0054] First, the automatic setting of the first and second processing modes is based on the processing amount of lens LEs (the amount discharged as processing waste). The processing amount is simply defined as the number of lens LEs processed. For example, when the number of lens LEs processed (processing amount) reaches 200, which is an example of the first standard, the system is automatically set to the first processing mode. When the number of lens LEs processed (processing amount) reaches 1,000, which is an example of the second standard and is greater than the first standard, the system is set to the second processing mode.

[0055] The amount of processing performed on each lens LE is counted, and the cumulative amount of processing is stored in memory 54. It is determined whether the stored amount of processing performed on the lens LE has reached the second criterion (1,000 pieces) (S1). If the amount of processing has not reached the second criterion, it is then determined whether the amount of processing has reached the first criterion (200 pieces) (S2). If the amount of processing has reached the first criterion, the first processing mode is set (S3).

[0056] Furthermore, when it is determined that the processing amount has reached the first standard, the control unit 50 controls the drain valve 220 based on that determination signal, and the drain valve 220 is opened (S4). That is, when the processing amount reaches the first standard, the signal output from the spectacle lens processing device 100 is received as a command signal to open the drain valve 220. When the drain valve 220 is opened, the processing debris accumulated at the bottom of the tank 210 is discharged together with the grinding water and guided to the filtration filter 225. The grinding water filtered by the filtration filter 225 is received by the drain receiver 226 and then flows into the sewer via the drain hose 228.

[0057] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether a first predetermined time has elapsed since the drain valve 220 was opened in order to replace a certain amount of grinding water in the tank 210 (S5). If the first predetermined time has elapsed, the drain valve 220 is closed (S6). The first predetermined time is determined by the relationship between the amount of grinding water to be replaced in the tank 210 and the outflow rate of the grinding water flowing out of the drain valve 220 (outflow rate per unit time). For example, the amount of grinding water to be replaced in the tank 210 is set to 1 / 4 of the total amount of grinding water stored in the tank 210. Note that, since the outflow rate of the grinding water flowing out of the drain valve 220 is known, the timing of closing the drain valve 220 after it has been opened may be determined directly as the amount of grinding water to be drained from the tank 210, instead of the elapsed time. In other words, the elapsed time here can be treated as the amount of water to be drained.

[0058] After the drain valve 220 is closed, the water supply valve 230 is opened (S7). This allows new grinding water to be supplied into the tank 210. Next, it is determined whether a predetermined amount of grinding water has been stored in the tank 210 (S8). In this embodiment, the detection signal from the water level sensor 240 is used for this determination. That is, when the water level sensor 240 detects that the water level of the grinding water supplied into the tank 210 has reached a preset amount, it is determined based on the detection signal that a predetermined amount of grinding water has been stored in the tank 210. If a predetermined amount of grinding water has been stored in the tank 210, the water supply valve 230 is closed under the control of the control unit 50 (S9). This automatically replaces and replenishes a certain amount of grinding water in the tank 210. Once the replacement of grinding water in the first processing mode is complete, the first reference processing amount in the first processing mode stored in the memory 54 is reset (S10).

[0059] The automatic grinding fluid replacement process in the first processing mode described above is repeated until the total amount of material processed stored in memory 54 reaches the second standard. For example, if the processing amount for the first standard is 200 pieces and the processing amount for the second standard is 1,000 pieces, the grinding fluid replacement process in the first processing mode is repeated four times.

[0060] In step S1, if it is determined that the amount of processing on the lens LE has reached a second standard, the second processing mode is set (S11). Also, if it is determined that the amount of processing on the lens LE has reached a second standard, the drain valve 220 controlled by the control unit 50 is opened based on that determination signal (S12), and the processing debris accumulated at the bottom of the tank 210 is discharged together with the grinding water and led to the filtration filter 225. In other words, when the amount of processing reaches a second standard, the signal output from the spectacle lens processing device 100 is received as a command signal to open the drain valve 220. After that, it is determined whether a second predetermined time, which is set to be longer than the first predetermined time, has elapsed since the drain valve 220 was open (S13). The second predetermined time is set to a time during which a larger amount of grinding water can be replaced than the fixed amount replaced in the first processing mode.

[0061] Here, the grinding water replacement process in the first processing mode aims to primarily discharge the processing debris accumulated in the tank 210 while conserving the use of newly supplied (introduced) grinding water. In contrast, the grinding water replacement process in the second processing mode aims to discharge the processing debris in the tank 210 and replace as much of the dirty grinding water in the tank 210 as possible. For this reason, for example, the second predetermined time is set to the time required to completely discharge and replace a predetermined amount of grinding water in the tank 210. This second predetermined time is determined in the same way as the first predetermined time, based on the relationship between a predetermined amount of grinding water stored in the tank 210 and the outflow rate of the grinding water flowing out from the drain valve 220.

[0062] After the second predetermined time has elapsed, the drain valve 220 is closed (S14), and then the water supply valve 230 is opened (S15), allowing new grinding water to be supplied into the tank 210. The second processing mode also serves to clean the processing debris adhering to the inside of the side wall of the tank 210 by washing it away with the newly supplied grinding water. In this embodiment, when new grinding water is supplied into the tank 210, the orientation of the tip opening 232a of the water supply pipe 232 is set so that the grinding water flows along the inside of the side wall of the tank 210, thereby washing away the processing debris adhering to the inside of the side wall of the tank 210 with the grinding water sprayed from the tip opening 232a.

[0063] Once grinding water is supplied to the tank 210, similar to the first processing mode, it is determined whether a predetermined amount of grinding water has been stored in the tank 210 based on the detection signal from the water level sensor 240 (S16). If a predetermined amount of grinding water has been stored in the tank 210, the water supply valve 230 is closed under the control of the control unit 50 (S17). As a result, the predetermined amount of grinding water in the tank 210 is automatically replaced.

[0064] Once the grinding water exchange in the second processing mode is complete, a notification is issued prompting the removal of the processing debris accumulated in the filtration filter 225 (S18). For example, the notification to remove the processing debris is displayed on the display of the operation unit 52. The display of the operation unit 52 is configured as an example of a means for notifying the removal of processing debris. The notification to remove the processing debris may also be issued when the grinding water exchange in the first processing mode is complete, depending on the capacity of the filtration filter 225 in which the processing debris is stored. For example, since the filtration filter 225 in this embodiment is removable, the processing debris can be disposed of together with the filtration filter 225.

[0065] Furthermore, once the grinding fluid exchange in the second processing mode is complete, the second reference machining amount stored in memory 54 is reset.

[0066] As a result, the water replacement work in the tank 210 and the removal of processing debris are made easier. Furthermore, compared to cases where the grinding water treatment device 200 is composed of a centrifugal separator (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-12333), the device can be made with a relatively low cost and a simple mechanism.

[0067] In addition, the supply of grinding water in steps S7 and S15 described above may occur simultaneously with the drainage of the grinding water, or before the predetermined time has elapsed, rather than after the drain valve 220 has been closed.

[0068] The above describes an example in which the first and second processing modes are automatically set by the control unit 50 according to the amount of processing on the lens LE. However, it is also possible for an operator to set them manually at any time. For example, the operation unit 52 is provided with switches for setting the first and second processing modes, respectively. For example, if the eyeglass lens processing system 1 is installed in an eyeglass store, after the end of business for the day, the operator can set the second processing mode by operating the switches on the operation unit 52 in order to replace all the grinding water in the tank 210 and dispose of the processing waste in the filtration filter 225. In addition, the operator can set the first processing mode by operating the switches on the operation unit 52 as needed, thereby saving the amount of newly supplied grinding water used and discharging the processing waste accumulated in the tank 210 and replacing a certain amount of grinding water.

[0069] Furthermore, the setting signals for the first and second processing modes, which are set by the operation unit 52, are received by the control unit 50, which functions as a receiving means, as command signals that instruct the opening and closing of the drain valve 220 and the water supply valve 230. In addition, if the first and second processing modes are automatically set by the control unit 50 according to the amount of processing of the lens LE, the setting signals are issued by the control unit 50 as command signals to drive the opening and closing of the drain valve 220 and the water supply valve 230, and these command signals are received by the control unit 50, which functions as a receiving means.

[0070] Next, we will explain the water temperature adjustment process, in which, when the temperature of the grinding water in tank 210 rises, the opening and closing drives of the drain valve 220 and the water supply valve 230 are controlled based on the detection signal from the water temperature sensor 250, and the grinding water in tank 210 is replaced, thereby adjusting the water temperature of the grinding water.

[0071] When the periphery of the lens LE is processed by cutting or grinding using the processing tool 130, heat is generated in the lens LE. To cool this heat, grinding water is sprayed from the nozzle 160 towards the processed area of ​​the lens LE. After removing heat from the lens LE, the temperature of the grinding water returned from the processing chamber 110 to the tank 210 rises. Therefore, in a grinding water processing device 200, which is an example of a circulating pump-tank unit, when the periphery of many eyeglass lenses is processed continuously by the eyeglass lens processing device 100, the overall temperature of the grinding water stored in the tank 210 gradually rises. If the heated grinding water is supplied again when processing the lens LE, the lens LE may not be sufficiently cooled during processing, causing it to expand in size and potentially affecting the finished size.

[0072] In this embodiment, the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank 210 is detected by a water temperature sensor 250. The water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 250 is constantly monitored by the control unit 50, and it is determined whether or not the water temperature exceeds a predetermined allowable value TSt. For example, the allowable value TSt is set based on the initial water temperature of the grinding water. For example, the allowable value TSt may be set to a water temperature that is acceptable relative to the initial water temperature, taking into consideration the degree of influence on the finished size of the lens LE.

[0073] If it is determined that the water temperature exceeds the allowable value TSt, the grinding water in the tank 210 is replaced in order to lower the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank 210.

[0074] In general, when water m1 (L) (L: unit is liters) at water temperature T1 and water m2 (L) at water temperature T2 are mixed, the water temperature T3 after mixing can be calculated using the following equation 1.

[0075] T3 = (T1 × m1 + T2 × m2) / (m1 + m2) ... (Equation 1) In the grinding water replacement process when the water temperature of the grinding water rises, if the amount of grinding water replaced in the tank 210 (drainage amount = supply amount) is mx (L), and the predetermined amount of water in the tank 210 (amount of water detected by the water level sensor 240) is N (L), then in Equation 1, m1 = (N - mx) and m2 = mx. In addition, the water temperature T1 is given as the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 250 before the grinding water is replaced, and the water temperature T2 is the water temperature of the grinding water newly supplied by the water supply pipe 232. This water temperature T2 is given by the fact that the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 250 when grinding water is initially supplied to the empty tank 210 is stored in the memory 54. The target water temperature T3 is set to be higher than the initial water temperature and lower than the allowable value TSt. The predetermined water volume N (L) in tank 210 is assumed to be a known design value. By substituting these conditions into equation 1 above and mathematically finding the solution for the replacement volume mx, the replacement volume mx is determined.

[0076] Once the amount of grinding water to be replaced, mx, is determined, the opening and closing of the drain valve 220 is controlled based on this amount mx, so that the amount of grinding water replaced, mx, is drained into the filtration filter 225 along with the processing debris in the tank 210. The grinding water filtered by the filtration filter 225 is then discharged through the drain hose 228 into a sewer or a separately prepared water storage tank. Then, the opening and closing of the water supply valve 230 is controlled, and new grinding water, mx, is supplied into the tank 210. This lowers the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank 210, which has exceeded the allowable value TSt, to the target water temperature T3. The target water temperature T3 should be set based on the relationship between the initial water temperature and the degree to which the rise in water temperature affects the finished size of the lens LE.

[0077] In the water temperature adjustment process described above, the water temperature T2 of the grinding water supplied by opening and closing the water supply valve 230 is assumed to be the initial water temperature (when grinding water is first supplied to the empty tank 210). However, due to temperature fluctuations throughout the day, the water temperature supplied afterward may differ from the initial water temperature, and in such cases, the water temperature T2 of the newly supplied grinding water may be unknown. In such cases, a certain amount of grinding water in the tank 210 is replaced, and the water temperature T2 of the newly supplied grinding water is estimated based on the detection results of the water temperature in the tank 210 before and after the replacement. Then, by replacing the additional grinding water based on the estimated water temperature T2, the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank 210 that exceeds the allowable value TSt can be lowered to the target water temperature T3. Below, an example of the grinding water temperature adjustment process when the water temperature of the supplied grinding water is unknown will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0078] First, as the edges of numerous eyeglass lenses are continuously processed by the eyeglass lens processing device 100, the water temperature in the tank 210 rises. Therefore, as described above, it is first determined whether the water temperature in the tank 210 exceeds a predetermined allowable value TSt (S21). If it is determined that the water temperature exceeds the allowable value TSt, the drain valve 220 is opened, and after a certain amount of grinding water (ma1) is drained, the drain valve 220 is closed (S22). The certain amount of water (ma1) can be determined by the time the drain valve 220 is open in relation to the drainage rate.

[0079] Next, the water supply valve 230 is opened, and after grinding water at a supply rate ma2 is supplied, the water supply valve 230 is closed (S23). For example, the supply rate ma2 is the same as the drainage rate ma1. Alternatively, if a water level sensor 240 is provided, grinding water may be supplied to the tank 210 so that a predetermined amount of grinding water is stored therein, based on the detection result of the water level sensor 240. In either case, the supply rate ma2 can be determined by the time the water supply valve 230 is open in relation to the water supply rate.

[0080] In step S23, the water temperature after the supply of grinding water at a water supply rate ma2 is detected by the water temperature sensor 250, and it is determined whether the water temperature is below the set value TS (corresponding to the target water temperature T3 mentioned above) (S24). The set value TS is set using the same method as the target water temperature T3 mentioned above. If the water temperature falls below the set value TS after supplying grinding water at a water supply rate ma2, the water temperature adjustment process is terminated.

[0081] In step S24, if the water temperature is not below the set value TS, the water temperature (T2) of the grinding water supplied from the water supply valve 230 is determined, and then, based on that water temperature, the control unit 50 determines the additional drainage amount mb1 and water supply amount mb2 to bring the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank 210 to the set value TS (S25).

[0082] First, the water temperature (T2) of the grinding water supplied from the water supply valve 230 can be determined by substituting the water temperature set value TS into T3 in the aforementioned equation 1, substituting the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 250 before opening the drain valve 220 in step S22 into T1, substituting the amount of water after draining (N-ma1) into m1, and substituting the water supply amount ma2 into m2.

[0083] Once the grinding water temperature T2 is determined, the next step is to again substitute the set value TS for the water temperature into T3 in the aforementioned equation 1, substitute the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 250 after the grinding water is supplied in step S23 into T1, and substitute the water temperature of the grinding water supplied from the water supply valve 230 into T2. Then, assuming that the additional drainage amount mb1 and the supply amount mb2 are the same amount, this is called the water volume mbx, and by substituting the water volume after drainage (N-mbx) into m1 and the supply amount mbx into m2, the solution for the water volume mbx is obtained, which is then used as the additional drainage amount mb1 and the supply amount mb2.

[0084] If an additional drainage volume mb1 and water supply volume mb2 are determined, the drain valve 220 is opened, and after the additional drainage volume mb1 is drained, the drain valve 220 is closed (S26). Next, the water supply valve 230 is opened, and after the additional water supply volume mb2 is supplied, the water supply valve 230 is closed (S27). As a result, the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank 210 is lowered to the set value TS, and the grinding water temperature adjustment process is completed.

[0085] Furthermore, once the water temperature adjustment process described above is performed, the drain valve 220 is opened, allowing the processing debris accumulated in the tank 210 to be flushed out along with the grinding water. This means that the first processing mode of the automatic grinding water exchange process shown in Figure 3 can be considered complete. For this reason, once the water temperature adjustment process is complete, the first reference processing amount in the first processing mode may be reset. In this case, the use of newly supplied grinding water in the automatic grinding water exchange process can be reduced.

[0086] In the grinding water temperature adjustment process described above, an example was explained in which the amount of water to be drained and supplied is calculated by a calculation process and adjusted to a target water temperature for the grinding water in the tank 210. However, the water temperature adjustment process based on the detection result of the water temperature sensor 250 is not limited to this. For example, the opening and closing of the drain valve 220 and the water supply valve 230 may be controlled so that the grinding water in the tank 210 is drained and new grinding water is supplied to the tank 210. Then, when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 250 reaches the target water temperature (set value TS), the drainage of the grinding water in the tank 210 and the supply of new grinding water may be stopped by controlling the opening and closing of the drain valve 220 and the water supply valve 230. Alternatively, the drain valve 220 and the water supply valve 230 may be controlled so that drainage and supply are repeated at fixed intervals, and when the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 250 reaches the target water temperature (set value TS), the repeated drainage and supply at fixed intervals is stopped.

[0087] Furthermore, if the water temperature supplied from the water supply pipe 232 is high, even if the water temperature adjustment process described above is performed, the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 250 may not reach the target water temperature (set value TS). In such cases, the problem can be addressed by adding ice or cold water to the tank 210. Therefore, if the water temperature of the grinding water does not reach the target water temperature even after performing the water temperature adjustment process described above (including cases where it is estimated to be the target water temperature), the operator may be notified of this fact by a notification means (such as the display on the operation unit 52) ​​and prompted to add ice or cold water to the tank 210. When adding ice or cold water to the tank 210, the operator operates a switch provided on the operation unit 52, and a command signal for opening and closing the drain valve 220 is received by the control unit 50.

[0088] <Examples of Modifications> Although typical embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown above, and various modifications are possible.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, the water supply valve 230 is closed based on the detection result of the water level sensor 240, but this is not limited to this. The water level of the grinding water in the tank 210 may be seen through a window (a transparent window) provided on the side wall of the tank 210, and the window may have a scale. The operator may visually check the water level of the grinding water in the tank 210 through the window, look at the water level relative to the scale, and operate the switch on the operation unit 52 to input a command signal to open or close the drain valve 220 and the water supply valve 230. The command signal is received by the control unit 50, and the opening and closing of the drain valve 220 and the water supply valve 230 are controlled.

[0090] Furthermore, in the automatic grinding water exchange process described above, the processing amount of lens LE used for the automatic setting of the first and second processing modes is said to be the number of lens LEs to be processed. However, it may also be calculated (estimated) for each lens to be processed based on the overall shape and lens shape of the unprocessed lens LE. For example, the overall shape of the unprocessed lens LE is estimated based on the external shape of the unprocessed lens LE measured by the lens shape measuring unit 150 and the measurement results of the refractive surface shapes of the front and rear surfaces of the lens relative to the lens shape. From the volume obtained based on this overall shape of the lens LE, the volume of the lens shape of the lens, which is determined based on the layout data (data on the positional relationship of the lens shape with respect to the optical center of the lens) and the lens shape, is subtracted, and the remaining volume is obtained (acquired) as the processing amount. For example, in step S2, it is determined whether the total processing amount accumulated each time a lens LE is processed has reached the first standard processing amount (for example, an amount equivalent to 200 lens LEs with an average processing amount). The same applies to step S1.

[0091] 1 Eyeglass lens processing system 50 Control unit 52 Operating unit 100 Eyeglass lens processing device 130 Processing tool 200 Grinding water processing device 210 Tank 220 Drain valve 225 Filtration filter 230 Water supply valve 240 Water level sensor 250 Water temperature sensor

Claims

1. An eyeglass lens processing system comprising a circulating grinding water processing device that supplies grinding water stored in a tank to an eyeglass lens processing device and circulates and utilizes the grinding water by returning the grinding water containing processing debris discharged from the eyeglass lens processing device back to the tank, the system comprising: a drain valve located in a drainage path from the bottom of the tank to discharge processing debris accumulated at the bottom of the tank together with the grinding water; a water supply valve located in a water supply path to supply new grinding water into the tank; a filtration filter located in the drainage path from the drain valve, which allows grinding water to pass through but not processing debris; a receiving means for receiving command signals to open and close the drain valve and the water supply valve; and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the opening and closing of the drain valve based on the command signals received by the receiving means, thereby causing the processing debris accumulated in the tank to be discharged into the filtration filter together with the grinding water, and controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve, thereby supplying new grinding water into the tank.

2. An eyeglass lens processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, based on the command signal, opens the drain valve to discharge the processing waste accumulated in the tank together with the grinding water into the filter, closes the drain valve after a predetermined amount of grinding water has been discharged, and also opens the water supply valve to supply new grinding water into the tank, thereby storing a predetermined amount of grinding water in the tank.

3. An eyeglass lens processing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving means is configured to receive a signal output from the eyeglass lens processing device as the command signal when the amount of eyeglass lens processing by the eyeglass lens processing device reaches a predetermined standard.

4. An eyeglass lens processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system is equipped with a water level detector for detecting the water level of grinding water in the tank, and the control unit closes the water supply valve and stops the water supply based on a detection signal obtained by the water level detector that a predetermined amount of grinding water has been stored in the tank.

5. An eyeglass lens processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a mode setting means capable of setting a first processing mode in which a certain amount of grinding water in the tank is replaced, and a second processing mode in which more than the certain amount of grinding water is replaced, wherein the control unit controls the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve based on the command signal when the first processing mode is set, to discharge a certain amount of grinding water in the tank and store a predetermined amount of grinding water in the tank, and when the second processing mode is set, to control the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve based on the command signal, to discharge more grinding water from the tank than in the first processing mode and store a predetermined amount of grinding water in the tank.

6. The spectacle lens processing system according to claim 5, characterized in that the mode setting means is configured to automatically set the first processing mode and the second processing mode based on the amount of spectacle lens processing performed by the spectacle lens processing apparatus.

7. An eyeglass lens processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the system is equipped with a water temperature detector for detecting the water temperature of grinding water stored in the tank, and the control unit performs a water temperature adjustment process to adjust the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank by controlling the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve based on the water temperature detected by the water temperature detector.

8. An eyeglass lens processing system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit, when the water temperature detected by the water temperature detector exceeds a predetermined allowable value, determines the amount by which to replace the grinding water in the tank based on the water temperature detected by the water temperature detector before the drainage of the grinding water in the tank, the water temperature of the newly supplied grinding water in the tank, and the target water temperature after the water temperature of the grinding water in the tank has been lowered, and controls the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve based on the amount of replacement.

9. An eyeglass lens processing system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the opening and closing of the drain valve and the water supply valve when the water temperature detected by the water temperature detector exceeds a predetermined allowable value, draining the grinding water in the tank and supplying new grinding water to the tank, and when the water temperature detected by the water temperature detector reaches a predetermined set value, it stops draining the grinding water in the tank and stops supplying new grinding water.

10. A circulating grinding water processing apparatus for eyeglass lens processing, which circulates and utilizes grinding water by supplying grinding water stored in a tank to an eyeglass lens processing apparatus and returning the grinding water containing processing debris discharged from the eyeglass lens processing apparatus back to the tank, comprising: a drain valve located in a drainage path from the bottom of the tank to discharge processing debris accumulated at the bottom of the tank together with the grinding water; a water supply valve located in a water supply path to supply new grinding water into the tank; and a filtration filter located in the drainage path from the drain valve, which allows grinding water to pass through without allowing processing debris to pass through, wherein the opening and closing of the drain valve is controlled so that processing debris accumulated in the tank is discharged to the filtration filter together with the grinding water, and the opening and closing of the water supply valve is controlled so that new grinding water is supplied into the tank.

Images