Machine for machining optical work pieces, in particular plastic spectacle lenses

(54) Title: MACHINE FOR THE PROCESSING OF OPTICAL WORK PARTS, SPECIFICALLY FOR PLASTIC LENSES FOR SUNGLASSES (30) Unionist Priority: 06/07/2007 of 10 2007 031 703.6 (73) Holder (s): Satisioh ag.

(72) Inventor (s): HolgerSchãfer, Steffen Wallendorf (57) Summary: machine for processing OPTICAL WORK pieces, SPECIFICALLY FOR PLASTIC LENSES FOR SUNGLASSES. A machine (10) for the processing of optical workpieces (L) is described, comprising a workpiece spindle (12) by means of which the workpiece can be rotatably driven about an axis of rotation the workpiece (B), at least one processing unit (14, 16, 22) comprising a tool (19, 21, 25) with which the workpiece can be machined, and an adjustment mechanism (26) to cause relative movement between the workpiece spindle and the tool to selectively enable loading / unloading and processing the workpiece. A special feature is that the adjustment mechanism has a linear drive unit (28) and an oscillating drive unit (30) which are stacked on top of each other, in which the workpiece spindle can be rotated by means of the oscillating drive unit about an oscillating axis (A) which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the workpiece, while the workpiece spindle can be moved by means of the linear drive unit along a linear axis (Y) which, in particular, is perpendicular to the oscillating axis and parallel to the axis of rotation of the workpiece. As a result, a very compact piece of machinery is provided in which especially the work space can be easily involved.

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DESCRIPTION REPORT OF THE MACHINE FOR THE PROCESSING OF OPTICAL WORK PARTS, SPECIFICALLY OF PLASTIC LENSES FOR GLASSES.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a machine for processing optical workpieces according to the preamble portion of claim 1 of the patent. The invention particularly relates to the industrial manufacture of prescription lens surfaces for glasses, made of plastic materials such as polycarbonate, CR39 and the so-called High Index materials.

TECHNICAL STATUS

Typically, in the manufacture of plastic spectacle lenses, a spectacle lens blank produced by injection molding, also known as a blank, is used, which comprises a standardized convex outer surface finished with, for example, a spherical or progressive conformation. The internal or prescription surfaces, usually concave, reach a spherical, aspherical, toric, atomic, progressive or free-form geometry (for example, varifocal lenses) by turning, each according to the desired optical effect.

The typical conventional procedure for the inner surface process includes, after blocking the spectacle lens blank with its outer surface on a block piece, a crimping or lathe process for producing the optically active conformation, generally followed by grinding or polishing in order to obtain the required surface quality.

Suggestions for making the optically active conformation of plastic spectacle lenses include:

(A) Pure grinding machines [EP-A-0 758 571], specifically for rough processing of spectacle lenses, (B) Pure quick tool lathes with a lathe tool which, for fine processing of spectacle lenses, can be moved in a highly dynamic manner, either (Β.1) linear reciprocal [WO-A-02/06005, EP-A-1 719 573] or (B.2) rotating [WO-A-99/33611], so that non-symmetrical lens surfaces with respect to rotation can be generated in the lathe process, and also (C) grinding and turning machines combined with (C.1) a grinding and turning tool [EP-A-1

291 106] or (C.2) grinding and turning units (linear or rotary operation), in which the spectacle lenses are processed or (C.2.1) in series [EP-A-1 719 585] - one and a the same eyeglass lens is milled and subsequently machined around in the machine's working space - or (C.2.2) parallel eyeglass lenses [EP-A-1 719 582] - different are worked at the same time in the machine's working space , where one is ground and the other is machined around.

Even if the following describes a machine according to item (C.2.1) as the general state of the art, it is not limited with respect to one type of machine, the machine concept proposed here can preferably be used by several types of machines, in particular the types of machines according to items (A), (Β.1), (B.2), (C.1) and (C.2.1) and also their combinations are possible, for example , (C.1) and (C.2.1), that is, a machine, whose specially designed grinding unit (with a grinding spindle controlled at its angle of rotation) carries a combined grinding and lathe tool for the raw process of the spectacle lens, which at the same time comprises a lathe unit with a (or several) quick tool arrangement (s), which ensures the finish.

In this way, a series of grinding and lathe machines operating in combination is known in the prior art according to EPA-1 719 585 forming the preamble portion of patent claim 1, which generally includes the following sub-assemblies: a workpiece spindle by which the workpiece can be rotated about an axis of rotation of the workpiece, at least one processing unit comprising a tool with which the workpiece is held in The workpiece spindle can be machined, and an adjustment mechanism that generates a relative movement between the workpiece spindle and the tool, in order to allow both loading / unloading and workpiece processing.

More precisely, the known machine has a grinding unit with a grinding spindle and a lathe unit with two quick tool arrangements in parallel arrangement on one side of a workspace, in which the adjustment mechanism is provided in the opposite side of the workspace is formed by a sliding arrangement that supports the workpiece spindle, and by means of which the workpiece that is held in the workpiece spindle can be moved parallel to the processing units (X-axis) and towards or away from those (Y axis). Admittedly, this machine concept has already proven itself in practice, this machine is on the market under the name VFT Ultra, produced by Satisloh AG - it seems, however, to require improvements as described hereinafter.

In the manufacture of plastic spectacle lenses, according to the prescription, considerable parts of the workpiece are machined while applying large amounts of refrigerant, which become essential to sufficiently isolate or envelop the work space and ensure unobstructed chip reduction. In addition, unpleasant vapors are formed when machining, for example, High Index materials that must be removed by suction and filtered.

For the encapsulation of the workspace, a spray shield, made of stainless steel blade material, is provided on the machine described above, whose shield is relatively large and expensive because the X-axis is relatively long. Because the shield lining must make possible the movement of the workpiece spindle along the long X-axis, an elongated opening is provided in the shield lining for the workpiece spindle. This opening is closed by a combined sliding and cylindrical cover that cooperates with contacts on the side of the lining. In addition to the fact that the encapsulation obtained with such covers is not always satisfactory, these covers are also subject to considerable wear and cause friction, which in actual practice can be detrimental both to the speed of movement and to the positioning accuracy of the machine when along the X-axis.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to provide a compact machine version for machining optical workpieces, in particular plastic spectacle lenses, in which the particular workspace can be easily wrapped and isolated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This objective is solved through the characteristics specified in claim 1. Additional advantageous and functional developments of the invention form the subject matter of claims 2 to 14.

According to the invention, in a generic machine for processing optical workpieces, in particular plastic spectacle lenses, the adjustment mechanism comprises a linear oscillating unit and a rotary drive unit which are stacked on top of each other , in which the workpiece spindle can be rotated by means of the oscillating drive unit about an oscillating axis A which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the workpiece B, while the workpiece spindle can be moved via the linear drive unit along a linear axis Y which is substantially perpendicular to the oscillating axis A and substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the workpiece B, or substantially parallel to the axis oscillating A and substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the workpiece B.

Even though the first mentioned alternative, where the linear axis Y is substantially perpendicular to the oscillating axis A and substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the workpiece B, is - in comparison to the second mentioned alternative, where the linear axis Y is substantially parallel to the oscillating axis A and substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the workpiece B - preferred with the intention of the number of degrees of freedom of movement of the workpiece as it makes the design possible modular of a machine with several processing units at minimal costs, the second alternative is entirely suitable for the construction of, for example, a quick tool lathe, in which the tool has a controlled position (grinding) axis in any case, which can compensate in most processing cases due to the lack of a corresponding movement possibility on the workpiece side. For the construction of a grinding machine, however, the second alternative would be less appropriate, as it would require an additional linear axis of controlled position on the tool side, which is not necessary in the grinding tool of the first alternative.

Several advantages result from the fact that, according to the invention - compared to the general state of the art - one of the linear axes on the workpiece side (X-axis) is virtually replaced by an oscillating axis (A-axis). First, the oscillating drive unit can be more easily closed or insulated compared to the known linear drive unit, meaning that parts of the oscillating drive unit that do not protrude into the machine's working space can be separated and / or isolated further easily from the workspace, possibly through suitable rotary drives, sealing arrangements with commercially available edge seals, provisions for applying compressed air, etc., which also have in common that they can be produced in patterns that ensure minimal wear and friction.

In addition, the machine according to the invention has a very compact construction, due to the stacked arrangement of the linear drive unit and the oscillating drive unit; the long movement paths, which are required for the X-axis in the generic state of the art, if only to be able to find the individual processing units, are not present. This also leads to an acceleration in processing, particularly a reduction in auxiliary processing times, because of the machine's moving parts on the travel side of the workpiece over shortened distances compared to the general state of the art.

In addition, the stacked arrangement of the linear drive unit and the oscillating drive unit allows guideways / sliders to be arranged strictly together, which leads to high rigidity of the adjustment mechanism. This is also beneficial for high processing quality.

Furthermore, the inventive machine concept provides a very flexible modular design of the machine, in which, depending on the respective processing requirements, processing units, handling units, measuring stations etc., can be chosen in the manner of an assembly parts of the prefabricated machine and can be arranged around the adjustment mechanism. Last but not least, the concept of the machine according to the invention is advantageous from an ergonomic point of view; the individual parts of the machine can be easily arranged to ensure optimum accessibility for assembly, maintenance and adjustment operations.

Basically, it is possible to develop the stacked arrangement of the linear drive unit and the oscillating drive unit in such a way that the oscillating drive unit is located in the linear drive unit or is supported by the latter, for example, if in the case of the second alternative discussed above, where the linear axis Y is substantially parallel to the oscillating axis A and substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the workpiece B, the linear drive unit is aligned with respect to a lathe unit in such a way that it can generate a relative feed movement between the workpiece and the lathe tool in the direction of the workpiece rotation axis (radial feed) . In that case, the oscillating drive unit could in particular serve to exchange workpieces. However, a design in which the linear drive unit is arranged in the oscillating drive unit is preferred. This on the one hand makes the concept of the machine more flexible with respect to the possible construction stages of the machine; on the other hand, the adjustment mechanism requires less construction space and the linear drive unit can be isolated more easily.

In this context, it is also preferred that, by means of the oscillating drive unit, the workpiece spindle can be rotated around the oscillating axis A with control of the rotation angle, that is, in a controlled angular position. If the oscillating drive unit, however, is used primarily for changing workpieces, as described above, it may be sufficient to merely provide a oscillating possibility of the workpiece spindle against end stops without controlling the angle of rotation. rotation, instead of a CNC A controlled oscillating axis.

In a very compact and rigid version of the machine, the oscillating drive unit can comprise an oscillating platform on which parallel guide rails for a Y cursor of the linear drive unit are mounted, on which a linear motor is arranged between the rails of guide by which the Y cursor can be moved with respect to the oscillating platform. In addition, such guide systems and linear motors are economically available at the place of trade.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the oscillating drive unit has a torque motor in order to generate the oscillating movement around the oscillating axis A. This produces a gear system to generate the dispensable rotation, so a gear kickback is avoided , thereby obtaining a high and reproducible precision of the oscillating movements of the workpiece spindle around the oscillating axis A and, thus, also the angle adjustment.

It is mentioned from the beginning that the concept of the inventive machine is so flexible that at least one processing unit can comprise a lathe unit with a quick tool arrangement and / or a grinding unit with a tool spindle, in that the most modest type of machine only contains one of those processing units.

In particular, it is preferred that the adjustment mechanism that carries the workpiece spindle is arranged in a central part of the machine body, while at least one processing unit, a loading / unloading station for loading / unloading workpieces and at least one additional unit or station are arranged in a star shape - for example, cross, shaped in X- or Y- or also at different angles with respect to the oscillating axis A - around the adjustment mechanism, in which the latter, that is to say at least one additional unit or station is chosen from a group containing the following units and / or stations: a lathe unit with a quick tool arrangement, a grinding unit with a tool spindle, a recording station for marking the workpiece and a measuring station for measuring the workpiece.

If two lathe units are provided as processing units in one of the possible machine constructions, each comprising a quick tool arrangement, it is an advantage if the quick tool arrangements are arranged in positions opposite to each other with respect to the adjust so that the working directions F1, F2 of the quick tool arrangements and the oscillating axis A are substantially in the same plane. In this way the quick tool arrangements can be actuated in such a way, for example, that one of the quick lathe tool sets the rotating workpiece with reciprocal movements (F1-axis), while the other quick tool arrangement in relation to to oscillating axis A oscillates in the opposite direction with respect to the first quick tool arrangement, to prevent excessive oscillatory excitation of the machine body by oscillatory compensation.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the working direction F1 (F2) of the quick tool arrangement of the at least one lathe unit is inclined with respect to a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the oscillating axis A, so that the tool arrangement seen from the adjustment mechanism, tilts in the radial direction outward. The mentioned inclination of the quick tool arrangement, in conjunction with, if present on the machine, movement of the workpiece spindle in the plane containing the rotation axis of the workpiece B (Y axis in the first alternative according to the invention), more precisely in the direction of the workpiece spindle, first it provides a very precise height adjustment of the cutting edge of the lathe tool which is attached to the quick tool arrangement in relation to the axis of rotation of the workpiece B, without the need to adjust the height of the cutting edge of the tool lathe in relation to the quick tool arrangement, which produces mechanical adjustment systems or the like for the height adjustment of the expendable lathe tool. The amount of feed movement of the workpiece spindle in the direction of its axis (Y axis in the first alternative according to the invention) and, therefore, the height compensation between the axis of rotation of the workpiece B and the working point of the lathe cutting edge obtained in addition, is attached according to the sine function of the predetermined angle between the plane which is perpendicular to the oscillating axis A and the working direction F1 (F2) of the quick tool arrangement. So that at the top of this the inclination of the quick tool arrangement is such that the latter, seen from the adjustment mechanism, tilts in the radial direction outwards, has the advantage that the lathe tool can retract in a retracted position with respect to the working space on the machine when electricity is disconnected from the quick tool arrangement, and remains there in the de-energized state of the quick tool arrangement, thereby reducing the risk that the machine operator will cut himself on the cutting edge of the lathe very sharp during adjustment operations or the like in the machine's working space.

In additional concepts of the invention, a cover dome can be mounted to an oscillating platform of the oscillating drive unit, which covers the workpiece spindle and the linear drive unit at the same time, which has the advantage that none separate seal or protective measures are required.

In this case, the cover dome may have an opening through which the spindle of the workpiece extends in a mobile manner, in which a fan is arranged between an inner circumference of the opening and an outer circumference of the spindle of the workpiece, that insulates the interior of the machine's working dome cover. Such a fan is economical, insulates sufficiently, is not susceptible to wear and offers very little resistance to linear movements of the workpiece spindle.

In this context, it is also an advantage if the workpiece spindle has an aerostatic bearing. The exhaust air from such a bearing acts at the same time, that is, as a blocking air that prevents the cooling lubricant or the like from entering the cover dome or the spindle of the workpiece of the machine's working space through possible cracks or cracks.

In another preferred development of the machine an upper part of the machine that can be pivoted in relation to the machine body can be provided, which limits the working space of the machine together with the machine body, in which the upper part of the machine has a substantially annular lower cylindrical edge, which positively engages in a designated substantially annular recess in the machine body when the upper part of the machine is closed. In this way it is possible, on the one hand, to open the entire working space of the machine for maintenance, repair and / or adjustment operations by swinging the upper part of the machine upwards, which makes the respective parts of the machine highly accessible, while on the other hand the upper part of the machine, when lowered, precisely isolates and closes the working space of the surroundings by engaging with the machine body as described above.

And finally, the machine body is preferably formed from a solid polymer concrete block also known as a mineral smelter. This material, which is a composite material, comprising a mineral filler mixture and an agglutination material in a resin reaction base, has, among others, a high mass and also a low thermal expansion coefficient, it is very rigid and has good characteristics of a11 dying, which is especially advantageous when the lathe unit with a quick tool arrangement is used, because it avoids the vibration transfer disorder generated by the fast tool arrangement via the machine body in the adjustment mechanism and, therefore, in the workpiece spindle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following the invention will be further explained, using an example of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the partially enclosed schematic drawings, in which the same numerals represent the same or similar parts. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine according to the invention for processing optical workpieces, in particular plastic spectacle lenses, from an angle in front and above the machine, without the upper part of the machine (which is removed to allow a better view inside the machine), the tool equipment of which includes a grinding unit with a tool spindle and two lathe units with each quick tool arrangement;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the machine according to Figure 1 as seen from above the machine in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial section of the machine according to Figure 1 along the line ll-lll in Figure 2, in which to simplify the representation compared to Figures 1 and 2 a control cabinet and a machine transport device have been left out;

Figure 4 is a partial section of the machine according to Figure 1 along line IV-IV in Figure 2, in which to simplify the representation compared to Figures 1 and 2 a machine control cabinet has been omitted;

Figure 5 is a part of a longitudinal section, proportionally enlarged of the cuts as in Figures 3 and 4, of a central adjustment mechanism supporting a machine workpiece spindle according to Figure 1, which comprises a drive unit oscillating and a linear drive unit arranged therein;

Figure 6 is a part of a section of the central adjustment mechanism supporting the spindle of the machine workpiece according to Figure 1 along line VI-VI in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the machine according to Figure 1 from an angle in front of and above the machine, with the upper part of the machine in a closed, lowered position, in which to simplify the representation compared to Figure 1 a machine transport device was left out;

Figure 8 is a section in part, proportionally enlarged of the machine according to Figure 1 along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7 in an area where the machine body and the upper part of the machine are adjacent to each other;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an angle in front of and above the machine according to Figure 1, similar to that in Figure 7, in which the sliding door in front of the machine that can be deposited on the body of the machine is open to allow access to the machine's working space by an operator; and

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an angle in front and above the machine according to Figure 1, with the upper part of the machine being in an open, raised position, in which to simplify the representation compared to Figure 1 a transport device and a machine loading / unloading station have been left out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODE

In Figures 1 to 4, 7, 9 and 10 a CNC controlled machine in particular for processing the surface of plastic glasses for L glasses is indicated with 10. The machine 10 generally has (a) a workpiece spindle 12 through which the spectacle lens L can be pivoted about an axis of rotation of the workpiece B, (b) at least one , in the example of the modality shown even three processing units for machining the spectacle lens L which is retained in the spindle of the workpiece 12, that is, two tor13 units 14, 16 each comprising a quick tool arrangement 18 , 20 to cause a linear movement in the F1 or F2 direction of a lathe tool 19, 21 respectively designated as the tool, as well as a grinding unit with a tool spindle 24 to cause a grinding tool 25 to rotate around an axis of rotation of the tool C, and (c) an adjustment mechanism generally indicated with 26 to cause a relative movement between the spindle of the workpiece 12 and the respective tool 19, 21, 25 in order to (at least) be able to selectively load / unload or process the lens for L glasses.

It is essential, as will be made clear from now on, that the adjustment mechanism 26 has a linear drive unit 28 as well as an oscillating drive unit 30 (see Figures 3 to 6), which are stacked on top of each other, in that the spindle of the workpiece 12 can be pivoted by means of the oscillating drive unit 30 about an oscillating axis A which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the workpiece B, while the spindle of the workpiece 12 can be moved by means of the linear drive unit 28 along a linear axis Y which, in the example of the embodiment shown, is substantially perpendicular to the oscillating axis A and substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the workpiece B.

The machine 10 contains a solid machine body 32 made of polymer concrete, which starting from the upper side 34 is provided with a ring shaped channel as a gap 36, which limits a working space 38 of the machine 10 from the bottom and the side . A bearing hole 40 is provided at the center of the gap 36 for the adjustment mechanism 26. In Figure 2, two drains 42 for the removal of refrigerant and chips can be seen at the bottom of the gap 36 which are diametrically opposed with respect to the bearing hole 40. Starting from the upper side 34, several flange faces 44 are embedded in the machine body 32 in a star-shaped arrangement around the gap 36, which serve to assemble the processing units 14, 16, 22 and additionally units or stations, which will be described in the following. Furthermore, Figures 1 and 2 show a transport device 46 for transporting service trays 48, which is mounted along the body of the solid machine 32, in whose service trays the glasses for L glasses that need to be processed or have been processed can be transported. Finally, a control cabinet 50 is also mounted on the machine body 32, which contains the necessary control and supply sub-assemblies.

In Figures 3 to 6, details of the adjustment mechanism 26 can be seen. First of all, it can be seen that the linear drive unit 28 is arranged on top of the swing drive unit 30. The last one is mounted in the bearing hole 40 of the body of the machine 32 by means of a bearing flange 52 which is divided into two and comprises a lower part 54 and an upper part 56.

The oscillating drive unit 30 has a torque motor 58, which is - just like all the other main drives of the machine 10 - water cooled (not shown further) and serves to pivot the spindle of the workpiece 12 around the axis oscillating A with CNC control of the rotation angle. According to Figures 5 and 6, the stator 60 of the torque motor 58 is fixed at the bottom 54 of the bearing flange 52, while the rotor 62 of the torque motor 58 is pivoted at the bottom 54 of the bearing flange 52 by means of of a combined axial / radial needle bearing arrangement 64. As an alternative an aero- or hydrostatic bearing could also be used for rotor 62.

Between the lower part 54 and the upper part 56 of the bearing flange 52, an annular path measurement system 66 is provided, which involves the rotor 62 of the torque motor 58, and through which the angular position of the rotor 62 with respect to the stator 60 can be detected to control the angular position of the torque motor 58. As an alternative to this, a rotary hollow shaft encoder could also be considered.

Above the upper part 56 of the bearing flange an oscillating platform 68 is mounted to the rotor 62 of the torque motor 58, in which gaskets 70 are provided between the oscillating platform 68 and the fixed upper part of the bearing flange 52, which insulate the oscillating drive unit 30 against the working space 38 of the machine. In addition, someone can provide the compressed air supply (not shown), which also prevents refrigerant leakage to the oscillating drive unit

30.

It needs to be realized on the oscillating drive unit 30 that all electrical and signal cables as well as air and refrigerant tubes are running through the hollow shaft of the rotor 62 to reach the sub-assemblies that are mounted on the oscillation platform 68 ( not shown additionally).

In particular, Figures 5 and 6 additionally show that two guide rails 72 for a Y 74 slider of the linear drive unit 28 are mounted in a parallel arrangement on the swing platform 68. Here the Y 74 slider is slidably guided on the guide rails 72 by means of four cars 76 in total, and in particular in the vicinity of the combined axial / radial needle bearing arrangement 64 of the oscillating drive unit 30.

Between the guide rails 72 there is a linear motor 78, by means of which the cursor Y 74 can be moved and adjusted with respect to the oscillation shape plate 68, and in particular the CNC controlled position in both directions of the Y axis ( the designated path measurement system is not shown for simplification). While the stator 80 of the linear motor 78 is attached to the oscillating platform 68, the cursor / slider 82 of the linear motor 78 is mounted to the cursor Y 74, to which the spindle of the workpiece 25 Iho 12 is fixed.

The spindle of workpiece 12 is known per se and therefore does not need any further description here. It has to be mentioned, however, that the spindle of workpiece 12 has an aerostatic bearing (not shown additionally), whose exhaust air advantageously contributes to the relative insulation for the workspace 38, and is equipped with an arrangement double piston-cylinder 84 for the operation of a staple bushing 86 (see Figure 5), whereby the lens for glasses L which is in block in a block piece (not shown) can be clipped to the spindle of the piece working 12. With the help of electric motor 88 from the workpiece spindle 12, the spectacle lens L can finally be rotated around the axis of rotation of the workpiece B with the angular position being controlled by CNC (the designated path measurement is again omitted to simplify design).

It can be seen in particular in Figures 3 to 6, that a cover dome 90 is attached to the oscillating platform 68 of the oscillating drive unit 30, which covers both the spindle of the workpiece 12 and the linear drive unit 28, in that the interior 92 of the cover dome 90 in relation to the working space 38 of the machine 10 is insulated by means of sealing profiles 94 which are arranged between the cover dome 90 and the swing platform 68. On the right side in Figure 5, the cover dome 90 has an opening 96, through which the spindle of the workpiece 12 extends in a movable way, so that the staple bushing 86 with the lens for glasses L clipped to it is located in working space 38 of machine 10. Between the internal circumference of the opening 96 and an external circumference of the spindle of the workpiece 12 there is a fan 98, which is properly attached to the spindle of the workpiece 12 and to the cover dome 90 and (also) has the function of insulating the interior 92 of the cover dome 90 in relation to the working space 38 of the machine 10.

From the above description, it is therefore apparent that the spindle of workpiece 12 can be moved with CNC position control (A axis, Y axis) in a plane that is perpendicular to the oscillating axis A, by means of the setting 26 which includes the linear drive unit 28 and the oscillating drive unit 30, while the lens for glasses L can be rotated around the axis of rotation of the workpiece B with the angle of rotation being controlled by the CNC position (axis B). Therefore, the lens for glasses L can be transferred from one processing unit to the next processing unit or the like (axis A), it can be moved transversely with respect to a itchy process unit or the like (axis A, possibly combined with the Y axis, in particular for feeding movements), and / or can be moved relative to a processing unit or the like in or away from it (Y axis, particularly for grinding movements). This concept not only results in a very compact design of the machine 10, but also in increased processing precision - when compared to a system with a transverse cursor arrangement to move the workpiece spindle, which requires relatively longer linear guides .

In particular, Figures 1 and 2 show just several units and stations that are arranged in a star shape around the adjustment mechanism 26 which is provided at a central location in the body of the machine 32 and carries the spindle of the workpiece 12. In Figures 1 to 3 the workpiece spindle 12 faces the lathe unit 14. On the side of the machine body 32 which is diametrically opposite with respect to the adjustment mechanism 26, the lathe unit 16 is located, so that the working directions F1, F2 of the opposing fast tool arrangements 18, 20 and the oscillating axis A are substantially on the same plane, which can be used for proper control of quick tool arrangements 18, 20 for oscillatory compensation. The internal design and function of the quick tool arrangements 18, 20 presented herein are described in more detail in document EP-A-1 779 967 by the same applicant, which is expressly referred to in this context, to avoid repetition.

In Figure 3 it can be seen in particular that the flange faceings 44 provided in the machine body 32 for the quick tool arrangements 18, 20 are inclined, so that they, starting from the working space 38 of the machine 10, decline in the radial outward direction. This leads to the fact that the working directions F1, F2 of the quick tool arrangements 18, 20 which are mounted on the flange faceings 44, are correspondingly inclined with respect to a plane that extends substantially perpendicular to the oscillating axis A. The ratio and the function of this inclination are described in EP-A-1 719 585 by the same applicant, who is expressly referred to in this context to avoid repetition. Due to the fall of the flange faceings 44 for the quick tool arrangements 18, 20 in relation to the working space 38, it is additionally possible that the turning tools 19, 21 in the de-energized state of the quick tool arrangements 18, 20 withdraw to positions that are retracted in relation to the workspace 38 and remain in them.

In particular, according to Figures 1 and 2, and seen counterclockwise around the oscillating axis A a loading / unloading station 100 follows after the turning unit 14 to load / unload lenses for glasses L in or of the machine 10. The loading / unloading station 100 has a loading mechanism 102, which is then adapted with respect to its degrees of freedom in movement and its gripping capabilities, which can take a lens for glasses L out of a service tray 48 and place it in the working space 38 of the machine 10 after opening a door 104 provided in the body of the machine 32, to staple the lens for glasses in block L in the spindle of the workpiece 12, and vice versa.

After the loading / unloading station 100, the oscillating axis A, the grinding unit 22 follows in a counterclockwise direction (see in particular Figure 4, in which the spindle of the workpiece 12 has been moved like this through of the adjustment mechanism 26, that the spectacle lens L clipped to the workpiece spindle 12 faces the grinding unit 22 which is supplied stationary in the machine body 32). The design and function of the grinding unit 22 are described in more detail in EP-A-0 758 571 by the same applicant, which is expressly referred to in this context to avoid repetition.

After that, the second lathe unit 16. This corresponds in principle to the first lathe unit 14, but can be equipped with another lathe tool 21 according to the respective processing requirements, possibly also with an engraving tool, as described in the previous German patent application 10 2006 026 524.6 by the same applicant, which is expressly referred to with respect to the recording and marking function.

To engrave or mark the lenses for L glasses, another device could be used if this is so desired and / or required, for example, a laser or an engraving tool, which is supported by an aerostatic bearing just like a probe pin and it is driven by means of a moving coil driver, in which the lathe could be dimensioned considerably smaller than the quick tool arrangements 18, 20 described here. Such a device could, for example, be mounted to the flange face 44 still free from the machine body 32 (see Figure 1, front left and Figure 2, left below).

Finally, seen counterclockwise around the oscillating axis A, then the second lathe unit 16 follows a measuring station 106 to measure the lenses for glasses L. In this case it is possible to use a conformation detector known per se, with which the lens for glasses L can be measured in situ. It can also be idealized to use devices for non-contact gauging, for example, optical measurement of lenses for L glasses. If such a measuring station 106 is present, it is possible to calibrate the machine 10 - in particular its lathe units 14, second tome unit 16 - automatically, as described in more detail in EP-A-1 719 584 by the same applicant.

An additional shoring spindle could also be provided on the machine body 32 with a grinding tool projecting into the work space 38 to (pre) set the lens rim L (not shown), whose rotation axis would preferably be in the same plane as the axis of rotation of the workpiece B, as is known from the document

EP-A-1 719 573 by the same applicant.

Additional details of the encapsulation of the working space 38 of the machine 10 can be obtained from Figures 7 to 10. In front of Figure 7, 108 indicates a sliding door, which is properly guided in the body of the machine 32 and can be deposited in it (see Figures 9 and 10), in order to allow access to the working space 38 of the machine 10 by an operator. The covers 110 which are placed and attached to the machine body 32 cover in particular the lathe unit 14 and the measuring station 106;

between the last and the workspace 38 a door that can selectively be opened and closed may also be suitable (not shown), in order to protect the measuring station 106. An operator panel 112 with an integrated control screen is arranged on the left side cover 110, in Figures 7, 8 and 10.

Furthermore, the machine 10 has an upper part of the machine 114, which is articulated by means of articulations 116 in the area of ​​the control cabinet 50 in the body of the machine 32 and can be pivoted therein, in particular between a lower, closed position ( Figures 7 and 9) in which the working space 38 of the machine 10 is hermetically closed, and an upper position, open (Figure 10). The upper part of the machine 114 has an elliptical window 118, which allows the operator an unobstructed view of the working space 38 of the machine 10 when the upper part of the machine 114 is in its closed position. The inclined installation of window 118 ensures functional drainage of the refrigerant lubricant that sprays against the interior of window 118 during processing. According to Figure 8, the upper part of the machine 114 finally has a substantially lower annular cylindrical edge 120, which positively engages in a substantially annular recess 122 in the body of the machine 32 when the upper part of the machine 114 is closed. For an additional seal, a surrounding seal 124 can be arranged between the edge 120 of the upper part of the machine 114 and the designated recess 122 in the body of the machine 32 (see Figure 8).

A machine for processing optical workpieces is described, comprising a spindle of the workpiece by means of which the workpiece can be rotatable about an axis of rotation of the workpiece (B), by least one processing unit comprising a tool with which the workpiece can be machined, and an adjustment mechanism to cause relative movement between the workpiece spindle and the tool to selectively enable loading / unloading and processing the workpiece. A special feature is that the adjustment mechanism has a linear drive unit and an oscillating drive unit which are stacked on top of each other, in which the workpiece spindle can be rotated by means of the oscillating drive unit around an oscillating axis (A) that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the workpiece, while the workpiece spindle can be moved by means of the linear drive unit along a linear axis (Y) which, in particular, is perpendicular to the oscillating axis and parallel to the axis of rotation of the workpiece. As a result, a very compact machine is provided in which the working space can be easily enveloped in particular.

NUMERICAL REFERENCES spindle machine workpiece lathe unit

16 lathe unit quick tool arrangement lathe tool quick tool arrangement lathe tool

22 grinding unit tool spindle grinding tool adjustment mechanism linear drive unit

30 oscillating drive unit upper body clearance working space

40 bearing orifice drain flange facing

<td> 46</td><td>transport device</td>

<td> 48</td><td>service trays</td>

<td> 50</td><td>control cabinet</td>

<td> 52</td><td>bearing flange</td>

<td> 54</td><td>lower part</td>

<td> 56</td><td>top</td>

<td> 58</td><td>torque motor</td>

<td> 60</td><td>stator</td>

<td> 62</td><td>rotor</td>

<td> 64</td><td>axial / radial needle bearing arrangement</td>

<td> 66</td><td>path measurement system</td>

<td> 68</td><td>swing platform</td>

<td> 70</td><td>gasket</td>

<td> 72</td><td>guide rails</td>

<td> 74</td><td>cursor Y</td>

<td> 76</td><td>guide car</td>

<td> 78</td><td>linear motor</td>

<td> 80</td><td>stator</td>

<td> 82</td><td>cursor / slider</td>

<td> 84</td><td>piston / cylinder arrangement</td>

<td> 86</td><td>stapling bushing</td>

<td> 88</td><td>electric motor</td>

<td> 90</td><td>cover dome</td>

<td> 92</td><td>inland</td>

<td> 94</td><td>sealing profile</td>

<td> 96</td><td>opening</td>

<td>⁹⁸</td><td>fan</td>

<td> 100</td><td>charging / discharging station</td>

<td> 102</td><td>loading mechanism</td>

<td> 104</td><td>door</td>

<td> 106</td><td>measuring station</td>

<td> 108</td><td>sliding door</td>

cover operator panel top of the machine articulation window recessed edge sealing oscillating axis workpiece rotation axis tool rotation axis 1. linear tool arrangement 2. linear tool arrangement 2. quick tool arrangement lens for glasses linear axis