Lens inspection device

Abstract

Provided is a lens inspection device in which a plurality of inspection units that perform different inspections are arranged, and a lens to be inspected is conveyed to each inspection unit and inspected automatically. The lens inspection device comprises: a holding unit that causes one holder to hold an inputted lens; and a holder conveyance unit that receives the holder holding the lens from the holding unit and conveys the holder to the plurality of inspection units. The holder comprises: a holder body that surrounds a disposition space where the lens is disposed; and a plurality of holding arms that support an outer peripheral edge of the lens in the disposition space from the holder body.

Description

Lens inspection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens inspection device for inspecting lenses such as spectacle lenses.

[0002] Before lenses such as spectacle lenses are shipped as products after molding and polishing, it is necessary to inspect whether they meet various standards. In this inspection process, multiple types of inspections are performed on a single lens, such as the outer diameter, thickness, refractive power, or various optical characteristics of the lens. In each inspection, a dedicated inspection device is used.

[0003] In the past, in order to perform multiple types of inspections on lenses, multiple personnel were arranged at each inspection device. However, in consideration of labor costs and productivity, etc., a lens inspection device that automatically performs multiple types of inspections has been developed. Such a lens inspection device includes a plurality of inspection devices arranged in parallel and a transport device for sequentially supplying a single lens to be inspected to each inspection device (see Patent Document 1 below).

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-183318

[0005] Conventional lens inspection devices have a strip-shaped mounting plate arranged in parallel with a plurality of inspection devices arranged in parallel, and various inspections are performed with a single lens placed on the mounting plate. The transport device adopts a mechanism that supports and moves the lens on the mounting plate with two support arms in order to transport a single lens placed on the mounting plate from one inspection position to the next inspection position.

[0006] According to such a conventional lens inspection device, since various inspections are performed with a single lens placed on the mounting plate, it is difficult to perform inspections that transmit light from one side of the lens to the other side or inspections that irradiate light onto the back surface of the lens facing the mounting plate over the entire surface of the lens. For this reason, there has been a problem that the types of inspections are limited.

[0007] Furthermore, conventional lens inspection devices place the lens to be inspected directly on a mounting plate, and since the lens is directly supported by a support arm each time it is moved, there was a problem that the lens was prone to scratches and dirt during the transport process.

[0008] Furthermore, with conventional lens inspection equipment, the shape of the lens that can be supported by the support arm is uniform. Therefore, for lenses with various outer circumference shapes, such as modern eyeglass lenses, the shape of the support arm must be changed each time, which leads to the problem of complicated equipment modifications.

[0009] The present invention aims to address these circumstances. Specifically, the present invention aims to provide a lens inspection device that performs multiple types of inspections, capable of performing various inspections on the entire front and back surfaces of the lens being inspected; preventing scratches and dirt from being placed on the lens during the inspection process by limiting the opportunity to directly support the lens only once during transport; and enabling smooth transport of lenses with various external shapes and the performance of multiple types of inspections without changing the equipment.

[0010] To solve these problems, the lens inspection device of the present invention has the following configuration: A lens inspection device that has multiple inspection units for performing different types of inspections and transports lenses to be inspected to each inspection unit for automatic inspection, comprising: a lens holding unit that holds the inserted lenses to be inspected in a single lens holder; and a lens holder transport unit that receives the lens holder holding the lenses to be inspected from the lens holding unit and transports the lens holder to the multiple inspection units, wherein the lens holder comprises a holder body that surrounds the arrangement space in which the lenses to be inspected are placed, and a plurality of holding arms that support the outer edge of the lenses to be inspected in the arrangement space from the holder body, the lens inspection device.

[0011] A plan view showing the overall configuration of the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing a lens holder being transported in the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing the lens holding part of the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing the A-A cross-section of the mounting table in Figure 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing the holder chuck of the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart showing a series of inspection steps for the lens holder in the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing the state in the inspection step of the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing the state after Figure 7 in the inspection step of the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing the state after Figure 8 in the inspection step of the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing the state after Figure 9 in the inspection step of the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different figures indicate parts with the same function, and redundant explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate. In each figure, the X-axis and Y-axis directions indicate the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the vertical direction.

[0013] The configuration of the lens inspection device 1 will be explained using Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the lens inspection device 1 consists of a lens holding unit 10, a lens holder transport unit 20, a plurality of inspection units 30, and a control unit (not shown) that controls these. The lens inspection device 1 is a device that automatically inspects the lens 2 by having the lens holding unit 10 hold the lens to be inspected in a lens holder 40 (described later), and then transporting the lens holder 40 to the inspection units 30, which are arranged in a plurality of locations, using the lens holder transport unit 20. In this embodiment, the lens 2 is, for example, an eyeglass lens or a camera lens.

[0014] The lens holding unit 10 includes, as an example, a mounting table 11, a standby table 12, a cleaning unit 13, and a holder mover 14. In the lens inspection device 1, the lens 2 to be inspected can be loaded and unloaded using the mounting table 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the loading unit or unloading unit). As shown in Figure 1, the holder mover 14 has three gripping units 15, and each gripping unit 15 grips the lens holder 40 and moves it from the mounting table 11 to the standby table 12, from the standby table 12 to the cleaning unit 13, and from the transport tray 26 (described later) to the mounting table 11, respectively. A more detailed explanation of the lens holding unit 10 will be given later with reference to Figure 3.

[0015] The lens holder transport unit 20 includes, as an example, a plurality of holder chucks 21, a chuck rail 22 provided for each holder chuck 21, a moving plate 23, a conveyor 24, a temporary gripping unit 25, a transport tray 26, and a tray rail 27. The holder chucks 21 are attached to the chuck rails 22, and the chuck rails 22 are fixed to the moving plate 23. The lens holder transport unit 20 grips the lens holder 40 with the holder chucks 21 and transports the lens holder 40 to the inspection units 30 described later by moving the holder chucks 21 on the chuck rails 22 and the moving plate 23. As shown in Figure 1, the lens inspection device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with four holder chucks 21, from the first holder chuck 21A to the fourth holder chuck 21D. A more detailed explanation of the holder chucks 21 will be given later with reference to Figure 5.

[0016] The chuck rail 22 is provided to allow the holder chuck 21 to move in the Y-axis direction as shown in the figure. The holder chuck 21 can move along the chuck rail 22 in the Y-axis direction as shown by arrow A in the figure. The movable plate 23 is provided to allow multiple holder chucks 21 to move in the X-axis direction as shown in the figure. A conveyor 24 is provided below the movable plate 23 along the X-axis direction as shown in the figure, and the movable plate 23 moves in the X-axis direction as shown by arrow B as the conveyor 24 rotates. As the movable plate 23 moves in the X-axis direction as shown in the figure, the chuck rail 22 fixed to the movable plate 23 and the holder chucks 21 attached to the chuck rail 22 can move in the X-axis direction as shown in the figure. By moving the holder chuck 21 using the movement of the moving plate 23 to which the chuck rail 22 is fixed, the movements of the first holder chuck 21A to the fourth holder chuck 21D in the X-axis direction can be synchronized, improving the cycle time in a series of inspection processes of the lens inspection device 1. In other words, the moving plate 23 and the conveyor 24 function as a synchronization mechanism for the movements of the first holder chuck 21A to the fourth holder chuck 21D in the X-axis direction. In this way, by moving the holder chuck 21 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the lens holder 40 can be transported to multiple inspection units 30.

[0017] The temporary gripping unit 25 temporarily grips the lens holder 40, which holds the lens 2 after all inspection units 30 have been completed, to the removal unit (mounting table 11) during the process of transporting the lens holder 40 to the removal unit (mounting table 11). The transport tray 26 moves on the tray rail 27, and as shown in Figure 1, the tray rail 27 is provided connecting the temporary gripping unit 25 and the gripping unit 15 of the holder mover 14. In addition, the transport tray 26 and the tray rail 27 are located lower vertically (in the Z-axis direction shown) than the holder chuck 21, etc. in the lens inspection device 1. That is, the transport tray 26 moving on the tray rail 27 moves vertically below (in the negative Z-axis direction shown) the holder chuck 21 and chuck rail 22 in Figure 1.

[0018] The temporary gripping unit 25 is equipped with a gripping rail 25A and can move up and down in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction in the illustration). When the temporary gripping unit 25 receives the lens holder 40 from the fourth holder chuck 21D, it waits for the arrival of the transport tray 26. When the transport tray 26 arrives, it descends along the gripping rail 25A and places the gripped lens holder 40 onto the transport tray 26. The transport tray 26 with the lens holder 40 on it moves along the tray rail 27 from the temporary gripping unit 25 towards the gripping unit 15 of the holder mover 14. When the transport tray 26 arrives at the gripping unit 15 of the holder mover 14, the gripping unit 15 grips the lens holder 40 placed on the transport tray 26 and moves it to the mounting table 11. Each operation of the lens holder transport unit 20 in the lens inspection device 1 is controlled by the control unit. A more detailed explanation of the series of transports of the lens holder 40 by the lens holder transport unit 20 will be provided later with reference to Figure 6 and other figures.

[0019] The inspection unit 30 inspects the lens 2 held in the lens holder 40. As shown in Figure 1, multiple inspection units 30 are arranged in the lens inspection device 1. The inspection unit 30 has an inlet / outlet 31 for the lens holder 40 on the side facing the negative Y-axis in the figure, and the lens holder transport unit 20 loads and unloads the lens holder 40 into and out of the inspection unit 30 from the inlet / outlet 31. Inside the inspection unit 30, there is an inspection gripping unit 32 that grips the lens holder 40, and the inspection gripping unit 32 receives the loaded lens holder 40 and delivers the lens holder 40.

[0020] Each inspection unit 30 performs different inspections, such as checking the outer diameter, thickness, power, and various optical characteristics of the lens 2. The inspection of the lens in the inspection unit 30 is performed with the inspection gripping unit 32 gripping the lens holder 40. The inspection gripping unit 32 can rotate around the Y-axis direction shown in the figure. The lens 2 rotates around the Y-axis direction shown in the figure while being held by the lens holder 40, and the inspection unit 30 inspects the lens 2 not only on the front and back but also at various angles. In this embodiment, the lens inspection device 1 is provided with three inspection units 30 as an example, but the number of inspection units 30 may be other depending on the content of the inspection in the lens inspection device 1. Also, the number of holder chucks 21 etc. of the lens holder transport unit 20 will differ depending on the number of inspection units 30. In addition, in this embodiment, the lens inspection device 1 is shown with multiple inspection units 30 each in different housings, but it is not limited to this, and multiple inspection units 30 may be provided in a single housing.

[0021] Next, the lens holder 40 will be described using Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the lens holder 40 comprises a holder body 41, a plurality of retaining arms 42, an arm lever 43, and a handle portion 44. The holder body 41 is annular, and a placement space S1 for arranging the lens 2 to be inspected is formed inside the annular shape. The lens holder 40 shown in Figure 2 has five retaining arms 42, and the five retaining arms 42 extend toward the placement space S1 from their respective arm holes 411 formed on the inner circumference of the holder body 41. The five retaining arms 42 are evenly distributed within the placement space S1.

[0022] The holding arm 42 includes, for example, an arm portion 421, a holding portion 422, and a flange portion 423. As shown in Figure 2, a cylindrical holding portion 422 extending vertically is provided at the tip of the arm portion 421 extending from the arm hole 411, and the lens 2 held by the lens holder 40 is held by its outer edge contacting the sides of the holding portions 422 of the multiple holding arms 42. The outer circumference of the cylindrical holding portion 422 is covered with a material that has high cushioning properties and is not slippery, so the lens 2 that comes into contact with the holding portion 422 is less likely to be scratched and is less likely to slip. In addition, flange portions 423 are provided at both ends of the holding portion 422 in the vertical direction to prevent the lens 2 held by the holding portion 422 from falling.

[0023] The holding arms 42 open and close relative to the placement space S1 by operating an arm lever 43 provided on the outer circumference of the holder body 41. Specifically, when the arm lever 43 is operated, the arm portion 421 of each holding arm 42 is housed within the holder body 41, and the holding portion 422 moves in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, opening relative to the placement space S1. The arm lever 43 has a mechanism that automatically returns to its pre-operation state when the operation is released, and the holding portion 422 moves in the opposite direction to the arrow shown in the figure, closing relative to the placement space S1. When holding a lens 2 with the lens holder 40, the arm lever 43 is operated to open the holding arms 42 relative to the placement space S1, and after placing the lens 2 in the placement space S1, the operation of the arm lever 43 is released. In the process of releasing the operation of the arm lever 43 and closing the holding arms 42 relative to the placement space S1, the holding portions 422 of the multiple holding arms 42 come into contact with the outer edge of the lens, thereby holding the lens 2.

[0024] Thus, the lens holder 40, which holds the lens 2 with multiple holding arms 42, can hold the lens 2 as long as the multiple holding arms 42 can contact the outer edge of the lens 2 in the arrangement space S1 surrounded by the annular holder body 41. Therefore, even when holding a lens 2 that is not perfectly circular (for example, elliptical), it can be held without any design changes. In this embodiment, the lens 2 is stably held by three or more holding arms 42 contacting the lens 2. Furthermore, in order to stably hold a lens 2 of any outer edge shape by having three or more holding arms 42 contact it, it is preferable that the number of holding arms 42 be an odd number, for example, five or more.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that the radius of the flange portion 423 is 3 mm longer than the radius of the cylindrical holding portion 422. In this embodiment, the inspection of the lens 2 in the inspection unit 30 is performed on the area 3 mm inward from the outer edge of the lens to be inspected. That is, if the radius of the flange portion 423 is 3 mm or more longer than the radius of the holding portion 422 that holds the lens 2, the flange portion 423 will intrude into the area being inspected during the inspection of the lens 2, reducing the accuracy of the inspection. On the other hand, for example, if the radius of the flange portion 423 is 3 mm or less (for example, 2 mm) longer than the holding portion 422 that holds the lens 2, the flange portion 423 will not intrude into the area being inspected, but when the lens 2 held by the holding portion 422 slips, the surface area on which the flange portion 423 catches the lens 2 becomes smaller, impairing the performance of preventing the lens 2 from falling. In addition to the example of this embodiment, if the inspection of the lens 2 by the inspection unit 30 is performed on the area more than X mm inside the outer edge of the lens 2 to be inspected, it is preferable that the radius of the flange 423 is X mm longer than the radius of the holding unit 422.

[0026] Furthermore, the retaining arm 42 may not have a flange portion 423. A retaining arm 42 without a flange portion 423 can hold a lens 2 that is thicker than the vertical height of the retaining portion 422 by bringing it into contact with the retaining portion 422.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the lens holder 40 has handle portions 44 that protrude 180 degrees opposite each other from the holder body 41 in the outer peripheral direction with respect to the arrangement space S1. The handle portions 44 are used when the inspection gripping portion 32 of the inspection unit 30 grips the lens holder 40. The specific gripping operation and inspection contents within the inspection unit 30 will not be explained in this embodiment.

[0028] The holder body 41 has an anti-slip member insertion hole 45. When the lens holder 40 is placed on the mounting base 11, the anti-slip member 111B, which will be described later, is inserted into the anti-slip member insertion hole 45 and placed on the base, thereby suppressing the sliding of the lens holder 40 on the mounting base 11.

[0029] Although the lens holder 40 in this embodiment shown in Figure 2 is annular, the shape of the inner and outer diameters of the lens holder 40 is not limited to this, and may be rectangular or other polygonal shapes, for example.

[0030] Next, the lens holding unit 10 will be described using Figure 3. In this embodiment, as described above, the lens holding unit 10 includes, as an example, a mounting table 11, a waiting table 12, a cleaning unit 13, and a holder moving machine 14. In the lens inspection device 1, the lens holding unit 10 is used for loading and cleaning the lenses 2 to be inspected, and for removing the lenses 2 after inspection is complete.

[0031] First, the holder mover 14 will be described. In this embodiment, the holder mover 14 includes, as an example, a lifting section 141, a lifting rail 142, and three gripping sections 15: a first gripping section 15A, a second gripping section 15B, and a third gripping section 15C, which are provided in three directions relative to the lifting section 141. As shown in Figure 3, of the three gripping sections 15, the first gripping section 15A is provided in the direction in which the mounting table 11 is positioned relative to the lifting section 141. The second gripping section 15B is provided in the direction in which the waiting table 12 is positioned, 90 degrees to the right of the direction in which the mounting table 11 is positioned relative to the lifting section 141. The third gripping section 15C is provided in the direction of the tray rail 27 (not shown in Figure 3), 90 degrees to the left of the direction in which the mounting table 11 is positioned relative to the lifting section 141. In other words, the three gripping parts 15 are provided at 90-degree intervals in three horizontal directions relative to the lifting part 141. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the mounting table 11, the standby table 12, and the cleaning unit 13 are arranged at 90-degree intervals in three horizontal directions relative to the holder moving machine 14, and the cleaning unit 13 is provided 90 degrees to the right of the direction in which the standby table 12 is positioned relative to the holder moving machine 14.

[0032] Each gripping unit 15 is equipped with gripping arms 151 on the left and right sides, and the gripping arms 151 open and close horizontally. The gripping arms 151 are equipped with gripping claws 152 at their tips, and the lens holder 40 is gripped by contacting the gripping claws 152. When gripping the lens holder 40 with the gripping unit 15, the left and right gripping arms 151 are separated to an open state, and the lens holder 40 is placed between the left and right gripping arms 151. Then, the gripping arms 151 are closed to narrow the distance between the left and right gripping arms 151 until the gripping claws 152 of the left and right gripping arms 151 contact the lens holder 40. Once the gripping claws 152 contact the lens holder 40, the closing movement of the gripping arms 151 is stopped. In this way, the lens holder 40 is gripped by the gripping unit 15.

[0033] The lifting unit 141 is attached to the lifting rail 142 and moves up and down vertically (in the Z-axis direction in the figure) along the lifting rail 142 under the control of the control unit. The lifting rail 142 can also be rotated 90 degrees horizontally under the control of the control unit. When the lifting rail 142 rotates 90 degrees, the lifting unit 141 also rotates 90 degrees, and each gripping unit 15 rotates 90 degrees, allowing the lens holder 40 to be moved to the mounting table 11, standby table 12, and cleaning unit 13, which are arranged at 90-degree intervals horizontally relative to the holder moving machine 14.

[0034] In the lens holding unit 10, when moving the lens holder 40, the left and right gripping arms 151 of the gripping unit 15 are opened, the lifting unit 141 is lowered along the lifting rail 142, and the gripping unit 15 is lowered. When the height of the gripping claws 152 is adjusted to match the lens holder 40, the left and right gripping arms 151 are closed. When the gripping claws 152 contact the side surface of the holder body 41 of the lens holder 40, the closing movement of the gripping arms 151 is stopped, and the lens holder 40 is gripped. After that, with the lens holder 40 gripped, the gripping unit 15 is raised, and after it has risen, the holder moving machine 14 is rotated 90 degrees to the right. After the holder mover 14 rotates, the gripping section 15 is lowered, and the lens holder 40 is placed on the mounting table 11, the standby table 12, and the cleaning section 13, respectively, and the left and right gripping arms 151 are opened to release the grip on the lens holder 40. Then, the gripping section 15 is raised, and after it has risen, the holder mover 14 is rotated 90 degrees to the left, returning to the state shown in Figure 3. Note that in the operation of the holder mover 14, the raising and lowering movements of the three gripping sections 15 and the opening and closing movements of the gripping arms 151 are synchronized. In this way, the lens holder 40 is moved in the lens holding section 10.

[0035] The mounting table 11 includes a holder support section 111 that horizontally supports the lens holder 40 and a lens support section 112 that horizontally supports the lens 2 to be inspected. An operating section 113 for operating the arm lever 43 of the lens holder 40 is also provided on the side of the mounting table 11. The operating section 113 operates the arm lever 43 of the lens holder 40 by driving an operating lever 113A using an internal actuator. The operating section 113 operates the arm lever 43 of the lens holder 40 to open and close the holding arm 42, functioning as a holding mechanism to hold the lens 2 to be inspected in the lens holder 40.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the lens holder 10 has an operating section 113 on the left side (positive Y-axis direction in the figure) facing the mounting base 11. Therefore, when placing the lens holder 40 on the holder support section 111, the lens holder 40 is placed so that the arm lever 43 of the lens holder 40, as shown in Figure 2, is on the left side facing the mounting base 11. On the upper surface 111A of the holder support section 111, anti-slip members 111B are provided in two locations, protruding vertically upward to suppress the slippage of the lens holder 40 being placed. The lens holder 40 is placed on the mounting base 11 by inserting the anti-slip members 111B into the anti-slip member insertion holes 45, and the slippage of the lens holder 40 on the mounting base 11 is suppressed when the arm lever 43 is operated by the operating section 113. In addition, a height adjustment member 111C is provided on the upper surface 111A to adjust the height of the lens holder 40 being placed. The lens holder 40 is placed on the mounting base 11 with the holder body 41 in contact with the height adjustment member 111C.

[0037] The lens support portion 112 is formed on the upper surface 111A of the holder support portion 111. When the lens holder 40 is placed on the holder support portion 111, the lens support portion 112 is placed so as to be positioned within the arrangement space S1 of the annular holder body 41. The lens support portion 112 also has a plurality of support protrusions 112A that project outward in the outer direction. An arm operating space S2 is formed between each support protrusion 112A and an adjacent support protrusion 112A, so that when the holding arm 42 of the lens holder 40 moves to hold the lens 2 supported by the lens support portion 112, the lens support portion 112 does not interfere with the movement of the holding arm 42. In this embodiment, the lens holder 40 has five holding arms 42, so the lens support portion 112 also has five support protrusions 112A, and five arm operating spaces S2 are formed. When the lens 2 is placed on the lens support portion 112, the lens 2 is supported and placed on the support surface 112B formed on the support projection 112A. As shown in Figure 3, the support surface 112B is formed to protrude vertically upward on four of the five support projections 112A, and to be narrower than the width of the support projections 112A, extending from the outer circumference toward the center of the lens support portion 112. Specifically, the width of the support surface 112B is about 1 to 3 mm. The lens 2 is supported by at least two or more support surfaces 112B and placed horizontally on the lens support portion 112. By being supported by the support surface 112B, the lens 2 can be placed with the same center of gravity and in a balanced manner, regardless of the size of the lens 2.

[0038] If the lens support portion 112 does not have a support surface 112B, the lens 2 will be placed directly on the support projection 112A. When the lens 2 is placed directly on the support projection 112A, for example, if the lens 2 is elliptical in shape, and it is placed so that the tip of the major axis of the ellipse is located in the arm operating space S2, the tip on the major axis side may get stuck between the support projections 112A and the support projections 112A, causing the lens 2 to be placed at a significant tilt. If the lens 2 is held by the lens holder 40 in this state, the holding may become unstable, or it may affect the inspection by the inspection unit 30.

[0039] In this embodiment, the lens support portion 112 abuts against the support surface 112B upon which the lens 2 is placed. Compared to a lens support portion 112 without a support surface 112B, the lens 2 can be placed nearly horizontally, allowing the lens holder 40 to stably hold the lens 2. Furthermore, because the support surface 112B has an elongated shape, the contact area between the lens 2 and the lens support portion 112 is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of scratches or dirt adhering to the lens 2.

[0040] Furthermore, the lens support portion 112 may not have a support projection 112A, and may be formed only by a thin support surface 112B.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the lens support portion 112 is formed on the upper surface 111A of the holder support portion 111. Figure 4 shows one of the multiple holding arms 42 when the lens holder 40 is placed on the holder support portion 111, and indicates the height h1 of the support surface 112B of the lens support portion 112, the height h2 of the upper end of the holding portion 422 of the holding arm 42, and the height h3 of the lower end of the holding portion 422 of the holding arm 42, with respect to the upper surface 111A of the holder support portion 111. Figure 4 omits the illustration of anti-slip members 111B, etc.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the height h1 of the support surface 112B of the lens support portion 112 is between the height h2 of the upper end of the holding portion 422 and the height h3 of the lower end of the holding portion 422, and the relationship between heights h1 to h3 is h3 < h1 < h2. Due to this positional relationship between the support surface 112B and the holding portion 422, the lens placed on the support surface 112B of the lens support portion 112 is held in contact with the holding portion 422 of the holding arm 42.

[0043] The lens holder 40, which is placed on the mounting table 11 and holds the lens 2, is moved from the mounting table 11 to the standby table 12 by the first gripping part 15A.

[0044] The standby table 12 is provided between the mounting table 11 and the cleaning unit 13 in the process of moving the lens holder 40 of the lens holding unit 10, and is a table on which the lens holder 40 is temporarily placed. As described above using FIG. 3, the lens holder 40 placed on the standby table 12 is gripped by the second gripping portion 15B of the holder mover 14 and moved to the cleaning unit 13. Then, simultaneously with the movement from the standby table 12 to the cleaning unit 13, the lens holder 40 holding the lens 2 to be inspected next is placed by the first gripping portion 15A. As shown in FIG. 3, the standby table 12 is provided with a holder support portion 121 for placing the lens holder 40 and a height adjustment member 121A for adjusting the height of the lens holder 40 placed in the same manner as the mounting table 11.

[0045] The cleaning unit 13 is provided for the purpose of performing a cleaning process on the lens 2 before transporting it to the inspection unit 30 and removing dust and the like adhering to the lens 2. The cleaning process includes, for example, air blowing, ionizer, spraying, cleaning with pure water, etc. The cleaning unit 13 includes a lid elevator 131 and a cleaning unit 132. The lid elevator 131 includes a cleaning unit lid 131A and a lid lifting rail 131B, and the cleaning unit lid 131A moves up and down along the lid lifting rail 131B under the control of the control unit. The cleaning unit 132 includes a holder placement portion 132A for placing the lens holder 40 inside during the cleaning process of the lens 2.

[0046] When the cleaning unit lid 131A receives the lens holder 40 that has moved from the standby base 12 by the second gripping unit 15B into the cleaning unit 132, it rises along the lid lifting rail 131B. Then, the lens holder 40 is placed on the holder placement part 132A of the cleaning unit 132, and when performing the cleaning process of the lens 2, it descends along the lid lifting rail 131B to close the upper part of the cleaning unit 132. When the cleaning process of the lens 2 ends, the cleaning unit lid 131A rises again along the lid lifting rail 131B. Also, the cleaning unit lid 131A has a mechanism for gripping the lens holder 40 inside, and when the cleaning unit lid 131A rises after the cleaning process of the lens 2 ends, it rises while gripping the lens holder 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning unit lid 131A is provided with a handover port 133 for handing over the lens holder 40 to the first holder chuck 21A, and the first holder chuck 21A receives the lens holder 40 from the cleaning unit lid 131A through the handover port 133. In this way, the cleaning process of the lens 2 is performed in the cleaning unit 13, and the lens holder 40 is handed over to the first holder chuck 21A after the cleaning process ends.

[0047] Next, the holder chuck 21 will be described using FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, only the holder chuck 21 and the chuck rail 22 are shown, and the illustration of the moving plate 23 and the like is omitted. As described above, the holder chuck 21 is attached to the chuck rail 22 and can grip the lens holder 40 and move in the direction of the arrow A shown in FIG. along the chuck rail 22 in the Y-axis direction shown in the figure.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the holder chuck 21 includes, as an example, a chuck drive mechanism 211, two upper and lower chuck parts 212, and a plurality of contact parts 213. The chuck drive mechanism 211 is driven by the control of the control unit to grip the lens holder 40 by narrowing the distance between the two upper and lower chuck parts 212, and to move the holder chuck 21 in the direction shown by the arrow A in the figure along the chuck rail 22, etc.

[0049] The chuck portions 212 are positioned vertically (in the Y-axis direction in the illustration) at the top and bottom. When gripping the lens holder 40 with the holder chuck 21, the lens holder 40 is positioned between the two chuck portions 212, narrowing the distance between them. As the distance between the upper and lower chuck portions 212 narrows, the contact portion 213 provided on the lower surface side (negative Y-axis direction in the illustration) of the upper chuck portion 212 and the contact portion 213 provided on the upper surface side (positive Y-axis direction in the illustration) of the lower chuck portion 212 come into contact with the lens holder 40, and the lens holder 40 is gripped by the holder chuck 21 by being held between the upper and lower chuck portions 212.

[0050] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, three contact portions 213 are provided on each of the two upper and lower chuck portions 212. The contact portions 213 are made of a non-slip material, and when the holder chuck 21 grips the lens holder 40, the six contact portions 213 on the upper and lower sides come into contact with the holder body 41 of the lens holder 40, thereby gripping the lens holder 40. Also, in Figure 1 and other figures, the first holder chucks 21A to the third holder chucks 21C are provided on the left side of the chuck rail 22 (negative X-axis side in the illustration), and the fourth holder chuck 21D is provided on the right side of the chuck rail 22 (positive X-axis side in the illustration), but the configuration of each holder chuck 21 is the same.

[0051] Next, a series of operations in the lens inspection device 1 will be explained using Figures 6 to 10. Figure 6 shows a series of inspection steps in the lens inspection device, and Figures 7 to 10 show the state of the lens inspection device 1 during operation.

[0052] In the lens inspection device 1, a series of inspections of the lens 2 are performed by transporting the lens holder 40, which holds the lens 2 to be inspected, to multiple inspection units 30 by the lens holder transport unit 20. In the lens inspection device 1, first the lens 2 to be inspected is placed in the lens holder 40 at the input unit (mounting table 11) of the lens holding unit 10 (step S01). The lens holder 40 holding the lens 2 is moved to the waiting table 12 by the holder mover 14, and then to the cleaning unit 13, where the lens 2 is cleaned (step S02).

[0053] When the cleaning process of the lens 2 is completed in the cleaning unit 13, the lens holder 40 is grasped by the first holder chuck 21A of the lens holder transport unit 20 and transported from the cleaning unit 13 to the first inspection unit 30A (step S03). Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the first holder chuck 21A moves along the chuck rail 22 in the positive direction of the Y axis and receives the lens holder 40 in the cleaning unit 13. Then, the first holder chuck 21A moves along the chuck rail 22 in the negative direction of the Y axis and, due to the movement of the transport plate 23, moves in the positive direction of the X axis and moves in front of the first inspection unit 30A. Then, the first holder chuck 21A moves along the chuck rail 22 in the positive direction of the Y axis and, as shown in Figure 8, hands over the lens holder 40 to the first inspection unit 30A. Once the transfer of the lens holder 40 is complete, the first holder chuck 21A moves in the negative Y-axis direction and the negative X-axis direction as shown in the figure, returning to the position shown in Figure 1.

[0054] When the first inspection unit 30A receives the lens holder 40, it performs a first inspection of the lens 2 (step S04). The specific details of the inspection are omitted from this explanation. Once the first inspection is complete, the lens holder 40 is grasped by the second holder chuck 21B of the lens holder transport unit 20 and transported from the first inspection unit 30A to the second inspection unit 30B (step S05). Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the second holder chuck 21B moves along the chuck rail 22 in the positive Y-axis direction and receives the lens holder 40 at the first inspection unit 30A. Then, the second holder chuck 21B moves along the chuck rail 22 in the negative Y-axis direction, and then, due to the movement of the transport plate 23, moves in the positive X-axis direction and moves in front of the second inspection unit 30B. Then, the second holder chuck 21B moves along the chuck rail 22 in the positive Y-axis direction and, as shown in Figure 10, hands over the lens holder 40 to the second inspection unit 30B. Once the transfer of the lens holder 40 is complete, the second holder chuck 21B moves in the negative Y-axis direction and the negative X-axis direction as shown in the figure, returning to the position shown in Figure 1.

[0055] Furthermore, when the second holder chuck 21B receives the lens holder 40 from the first inspection unit 30A, the first holder chuck 21A receives the lens holder 40 holding the next lens 2 to be inspected from the cleaning unit 13 (see Figure 9). Then, when the second holder chuck 21B hands over the lens holder 40 to the second inspection unit 30B, the first holder chuck 21A hands over the lens holder 40 holding the lens 2 to the first inspection unit 30A (see Figure 10). In this way, the lens inspection device 1 can sequentially transport a large number of lenses 2 and efficiently inspect the lenses 2.

[0056] When the second inspection unit 30B receives the lens holder 40, it performs a second inspection of the lens 2 (step S06). The specific details of the inspection are omitted. Once the second inspection is complete, the lens holder 40 is grasped by the third holder chuck 21C of the lens holder transport unit 20 and transported from the second inspection unit 30B to the third inspection unit 30C (step S07). The specific transport is the same as the transport from the first inspection unit 30A to the second inspection unit 30B. When the third inspection unit 30C receives the lens holder 40, it performs a third inspection of the lens 2 (step S08).

[0057] After the third inspection is completed, the lens holder 40 is transported to the removal unit (mounting table 11) (step S09). Specifically, when the third inspection is completed, the lens holder 40 is gripped by the fourth holder chuck 21D of the lens holder transport unit 20 and transported from the third inspection unit 30C to the temporary gripping unit 25. When the temporary gripping unit 25 receives the lens holder 40 from the fourth holder chuck 21D, it waits for the transport tray 26 to arrive, and after the transport tray 26 arrives, it places the lens holder 40 on the transport tray 26. The transport tray 26 with the lens holder 40 on it moves along the tray rail 27 toward the third gripping unit 15C of the holder mover 14, and stops in front of the third gripping unit 15C of the holder mover 14 (the position of the transport tray 26 in Figure 1). Then, the third gripping section 15C of the holder transfer device 14 grips the lens holder 40 which is placed on the transport tray 26 and moves it to the removal section (mounting table 11).

[0058] The lens holder 40, which has been transported to the removal unit (mounting table 11), is released from holding the lens 2 by operating the arm lever 43 via the operation unit 113. After the lens holder 40 releases the lens 2, the lens 2 is removed (step S10). After the lens 2 is removed, the next lens 2 to be inspected is placed in the input unit (mounting table 11) and held by the lens holder 40 (step S01), and the process of steps S02 to S10 is repeated.

[0059] In this manner, the lens 2 to be inspected, which is placed in the input section (mounting table 11) of the lens holding section 10, is cleaned in the cleaning section 13, then transported by the lens holder transport section 20 to multiple inspection sections 30, where different inspections are completed. After each inspection is completed, the lens is removed from the removal section (mounting table 11), thus completing the series of inspections in the lens inspection device 1.

[0060] As described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the lens inspection device 1 is a lens inspection device 1 that has multiple inspection units 30 that perform different types of inspections, and transports lenses 2 to be inspected to each inspection unit 30 to perform inspections automatically. The device comprises a lens holding unit 10 that holds the loaded lenses 2 to be inspected in a single lens holder 40, and a lens holder transport unit 20 that receives the lens holder 40 holding the lenses from the lens holding unit 10 and transports the lens holder 40 to the multiple inspection units 30. The lens holder 40 is characterized by comprising a holder body 41 that surrounds the arrangement space S1 in which the lenses 2 to be inspected are placed, and a plurality of holding arms 42 that support the outer edge of the lenses 2 to be inspected within the arrangement space S1 from the holder body 41. Such a lens inspection device 1 can perform various inspections on the entire front and back surfaces of the lenses 2 to be inspected. Furthermore, by limiting the opportunity to directly support the lenses 2 during transport to just one instance, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of scratches and the adhesion of dirt to the lenses 2 during the inspection process. Furthermore, for lenses 2 with various external shapes, the lenses 2 can be smoothly transported and multiple types of inspections can be performed without changing the equipment.

[0061] Furthermore, the lens inspection device 1 is characterized in that the lens holding section 10 includes a mounting table 11 on which the inserted lens holder 40 and the lens to be inspected 2 are placed, and a holding mechanism (operating section 113) that causes the lens to be inspected 2 to be held in the lens holder 40 placed on the mounting table 11. In such a lens inspection device 1, the mounting table 11 is equipped with a holding mechanism for the lens 2, and in a lens inspection device 1 that has only one opportunity to directly support the lens 2, there is no need to provide a holding mechanism (dedicated actuator, etc.) for each lens holder 40, and therefore there is no need to consider the routing of cables connected to such a dedicated mechanism.

[0062] Furthermore, the lens inspection device 1 is characterized in that the aforementioned stand 11 is equipped with a lens support portion 112 that horizontally supports the lens 2 to be inspected, the lens support portion 112 is equipped with a plurality of support protrusions 112A, and a space (arm operating space S2) is formed between the plurality of support protrusions 112A that does not interfere with the movement of the holding arm 42 in the lens holder 40. In this lens inspection device 1, the formation of the arm operating space S2 between the plurality of support protrusions 112A does not hinder the holding of the lens 2 by the holding arm 42, and the holding arm 42 of the lens holder 40 can grip the lens 2 at a position higher than the bottom surface of the lens holder 40 by the height of the support protrusions 112A in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction in the figure).

[0063] Furthermore, the lens inspection device 1 is characterized in that the lens holding unit 10 has a cleaning unit 13 that performs cleaning of the lens to be inspected 2 before handing over the lens holder 40 holding the lens to be inspected 2 to the lens holder transport unit 20. With this lens inspection device 1, dust and other debris adhering to the lens 2 can be removed before inspection is performed in the inspection unit 30, thereby improving the accuracy of the lens inspection 2.

[0064] Furthermore, the lens inspection device 1 is characterized in that the lens holder transport unit 20 has a first transfer mechanism (first holder chuck 21A) that receives the lens holder 40 holding the lens to be inspected 2 from the lens holding unit 10 and repeatedly transfers it to one of the inspection units 30, a second transfer mechanism (second holder chuck 21B) that receives the lens holder 40 transferred to the inspection unit 30 and repeatedly transfers it to another of the inspection units 30, and a synchronization mechanism (moving plate 23 and conveyor 24) that synchronizes the operation of the first transfer mechanism (first holder chuck 21A) and the operation of the second transfer mechanism (second holder chuck 21B). In this lens inspection device 1, the first and second transfer mechanisms enable the transport of lenses from the lens holding section 10 to the inspection section 30 and from the inspection section 30 to a different inspection section 30. The operation of the first and second transfer mechanisms is synchronized by a synchronization mechanism, thereby improving the cycle time in a series of inspection processes of the lens inspection device 1.

[0065] Furthermore, the lens inspection device 1 is characterized in that the mounting base 11 includes a holder support portion 111 that supports the lens holder 40, and a lens support portion 112 formed on the upper surface 111A of the holder support portion 111 that horizontally supports the lens 2 to be inspected, and the holding arm 42 includes a holding portion 422 that extends vertically and abuts against the outer edge of the lens 2 to be inspected, and the height h1 from the upper surface 111A of the holder support portion 111 to the support surface 112B of the lens support portion 112 that supports the lens 2 to be inspected is between the height h2 of the lower vertical end and the height h3 of the upper end from the upper surface 111A of the holder support portion 111 to the holding portion 422. With this lens inspection device 1, when the lens holder 40 is placed on the mounting base 11, the lens 2 to be held can be positioned at the height of the holding portion 422.

[0066] The specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any design changes or other modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention.

[0067] 1: Lens inspection device, 2: Lens, 10: Lens holding part, 11: Mounting table, 12: Standing table, 13: Cleaning part, 14: Holder moving machine, 15: Gripping part, 15A: First gripping part, 15B: Second gripping part, 15C: Third gripping part, 111: Holder support part, 111A: Top surface, 111B: Anti-slip member, 111C: Height adjustment member, 112: Lens support part, 112A: Support protrusion, 112B: Support surface, 113: Operation part, 113A: Operation lever, 121: Holder support part, 121A: Height adjustment member, 131: Lid lifting machine, 131A: Cleaning part lid, 131B: Lid lifting rail, 132: Cleaning part, 132A: Holder mounting part, 133: Transfer opening, 141: Lifting section, 142: Lifting rail, 151: Gripping arm, 152: Gripping claw, 20: Lens holder transport section, 21: Holder chuck, 22: Chuck rail, 23: Moving plate, 24: Conveyor, 25: Temporary gripping section, 25A: Gripping section rail, 26: Transport tray, 27: Tray rail, 30: Inspection section, 30A: First inspection section, 30B: Second inspection section, 30C: Third inspection section, 31: Entrance / exit, 32: Inspection gripping section, 40: Lens holder, 41: Holder body, 42: Holding arm, 43: Arm lever, 44: Handle section, 45: Anti-slip member insertion hole, 421: Arm section, 422: Holding section, 423: Flange section, A, B: Arrows, S1: Arrangement space, S2: Arm operation space, h1, h2, h3: Height

Claims

1. A lens inspection device that has multiple inspection units for performing different types of inspections, and transports lenses to be inspected to each inspection unit for automatic inspection, comprising: a lens holding unit that holds the input lenses to be inspected into a single lens holder; and a lens holder transport unit that receives the lens holder holding the lenses to be inspected from the lens holding unit and transports the lens holder to the multiple inspection units, wherein the lens holder comprises a holder body that surrounds a space in which the lenses to be inspected are placed, and a plurality of holding arms that support the outer edges of the lenses to be inspected within the space from the holder body.

2. The lens inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens holding section comprises a mounting table on which the inserted lens holder and the lens to be inspected are placed, and a holding mechanism for holding the lens to be inspected in the lens holder placed on the mounting table.

3. The lens inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the mounting table comprises a lens support portion for horizontally supporting the lens to be inspected, the lens support portion comprises a plurality of support protrusions, and a space is formed between the plurality of support protrusions that does not interfere with the movement of the holding arm in the lens holder.

4. The lens inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens holding unit has a cleaning unit that performs cleaning of the lens to be inspected before handing over the lens holder holding the lens to be inspected to the lens holder transport unit.

5. The lens inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens holder transport unit comprises: a first transfer mechanism that repeatedly receives the lens holder holding the lens to be inspected from the lens holding unit and transfers it to one of the inspection units; a second transfer mechanism that repeatedly receives the lens holder transferred to the inspection unit and transfers it to another inspection unit; and a synchronization mechanism that synchronizes the operation of the first transfer mechanism and the operation of the second transfer mechanism.

6. The lens inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the mounting table comprises a holder support portion for supporting the lens holder and a lens support portion formed on the upper surface of the holder support portion for horizontally supporting the lens to be inspected, the holding arm comprises a holding portion extending vertically and contacting the outer edge of the lens to be inspected, and the height from the upper surface of the holder support portion to the support surface of the lens support portion that supports the lens to be inspected is between the height from the upper surface of the holder support portion to the height of the lower and upper ends of the holding portion in the vertical direction.

Images