EP1644160B1 - Optical surface-finishing tool - Google Patents

Optical surface-finishing tool Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1644160B1
EP1644160B1 EP04767659A EP04767659A EP1644160B1 EP 1644160 B1 EP1644160 B1 EP 1644160B1 EP 04767659 A EP04767659 A EP 04767659A EP 04767659 A EP04767659 A EP 04767659A EP 1644160 B1 EP1644160 B1 EP 1644160B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tool according
tool
peripheral portion
end surface
interface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP04767659A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1644160A2 (en
EP1644160B8 (en
Inventor
Joël BERNARD
Mathieu Meynen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EssilorLuxottica SA
Original Assignee
Essilor International Compagnie Generale dOptique SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Essilor International Compagnie Generale dOptique SA filed Critical Essilor International Compagnie Generale dOptique SA
Priority to PL04767659T priority Critical patent/PL1644160T3/en
Publication of EP1644160A2 publication Critical patent/EP1644160A2/en
Publication of EP1644160B1 publication Critical patent/EP1644160B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1644160B8 publication Critical patent/EP1644160B8/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24B—MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
    • B24B13/00—Machines or devices designed for grinding or polishing optical surfaces on lenses or surfaces of similar shape on other work; Accessories therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24B—MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
    • B24B13/00—Machines or devices designed for grinding or polishing optical surfaces on lenses or surfaces of similar shape on other work; Accessories therefor
    • B24B13/02—Machines or devices designed for grinding or polishing optical surfaces on lenses or surfaces of similar shape on other work; Accessories therefor by means of tools with abrading surfaces corresponding in shape with the lenses to be made
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24D—TOOLS FOR GRINDING, BUFFING OR SHARPENING
    • B24D9/00—Wheels or drums supporting in exchangeable arrangement a layer of flexible abrasive material, e.g. sandpaper
    • B24D9/08—Circular back-plates for carrying flexible material
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S451/00—Abrading
    • Y10S451/921—Pad for lens shaping tool

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the surfacing of optical surfaces.
  • Surfacing means any operation to modify the surface condition of a previously shaped optical surface. These include polishing, grinding or etching operations to modify (decrease or increase) the roughness of the optical surface and / or to reduce the undulation.
  • the invention relates to a tool for surfacing an optical surface, which comprises a rigid support having a transverse end surface, an elastically compressible interface which is applied against and covers said end surface, and a flexible pad suitable for to be applied against the optical surface and which is applied against and at least partially covers the interface opposite and to the right of said end surface.
  • a tool for surfacing an optical surface which comprises a rigid support having a transverse end surface, an elastically compressible interface which is applied against and covers said end surface, and a flexible pad suitable for to be applied against the optical surface and which is applied against and at least partially covers the interface opposite and to the right of said end surface.
  • the tool In order to reduce the roughness of the optical surface, the tool is brought into contact with the latter while maintaining sufficient tool pressure on it so that, by deformation of the interface, the pad conforms to the shape of the optical surface. .
  • the optical surface is rotated, its friction against the tool being sufficient to jointly drive it in rotation.
  • the surfacing operation requires an abrasive that can be contained in the buffer or in the fluid.
  • the elastically compressible interface makes it possible to compensate for the difference in curvature between the end surface of the tool support and the optical surface, so that the same tool is suitable for a range of surfaces. optical curvatures and different shapes.
  • the range of optical surfaces that the same tool is able to plan is relatively limited .
  • this type of tool is particularly poorly suited to surfacing optical surfaces of complex shapes, called "freeform" in English, particularly aspherical, which by definition have a non-uniform curvature.
  • this type of tool is also poorly suited to optical surfaces having a convexity or concavity gap that is too pronounced relative to the tool: in the first case, the edges of the tool lose contact with the optical surface. ; in the second case, it is the central part of the tool that loses contact with the optical surface, resulting in incomplete surfacing.
  • a first is to reduce the diameter of the tool, that is to say, its overall transverse dimension, so as to restrict and locate the portion of the optical surface in contact with the tool. On such a portion located in fact, the contact of the tool with the surface remains more homogeneous than considering this optical surface taken as a whole.
  • a second option is, maintaining the diameter of the tool, to soften the interface, either by increasing its thickness, or by decreasing its elasticity.
  • optical surface manufacturers and in particular ophthalmic lens manufacturers, are resigned to using a large number of different tools, sizes and bends to cover the range of their surfaces. optics.
  • the invention aims in particular to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a surfacing tool which, while being adapted to a range of optical surfaces sufficiently large, in terms of curvatures (convexity, concavity) and shapes (spherical, toric, aspherical, progressive or any combination thereof, or more generally "freeform"), has good stability during surfacing, and allows surfacing at once safe, fast and of good quality while being of reduced cost.
  • the invention proposes a tool for surfacing an optical surface according to the features of claim 1.
  • the same tool is suitable for surfacing surfaces whose convexity - or concavity - has a relatively pronounced deviation from that of the tool, and is particularly suitable for surfacing surfaces of complex shape, especially toro-progressive or toro-degressive.
  • this continuous character allows the direct cooperation, or via the only interface, between the peripheral part of the collar and the peripheral part of the buffer, without the need for an intermediate element, so that the manufacture of the tool according to the invention is particularly simple and economical.
  • said flange is flexible and protrudes transversely of the support.
  • said flange is formed by a solid wall.
  • said flange is formed by a perforated wall.
  • the interface comprises a central portion which is at the right of the end surface of the support, and a peripheral portion, which is transversely beyond this end surface, and which is interposed between the peripheral portion of the buffer and the return means.
  • the peripheral portion of the interface is, for example, in the absence of stress, in the form of a ring surrounding its central portion.
  • the interface is monobloc, its central and peripheral parts forming a single piece, to the benefit of simplicity of implementation.
  • the interface is for example, in the absence of constraint, in the form of a disk.
  • the buffer can be monobloc, its central and peripheral parts forming a single piece, for the benefit of simplicity of implementation.
  • the pad has a plurality of petals projecting transversely from its central portion, which corresponds to the usual form in which the surfacing pads are made.
  • the peripheral portion is in the form of a ring surrounding the central portion, so that when the buffer is monoblock, it is, in the absence of stress, in the form of a disc.
  • the end surface it can be flat, concave or convex, which allows, with a small number of tools, to surface a large number of optical surfaces.
  • Figure 1 a tool 1 for surfacing an optical surface 2, in this case one of the faces of an ophthalmic lens 3, which is here concave.
  • the tool 1 is formed of a stack of at least three parts, namely a rigid portion 4, an elastically compressible portion 5, and a flexible portion 6, which, in what follows, will be called respectively support, interface and buffer.
  • the support 4 is generally cylindrical with symmetry of revolution and has an axis of symmetry denoted X, which defines a so-called longitudinal direction.
  • the support 4 is designed to cooperate in the manner of a hub with the fuse 7 located at the end of the spindle 8 that comprises a base 9 for receiving the tool 1.
  • the rocket 7 has a conical general outline whose end is rounded. Between the rocket 7 and the rest of the spindle 8 there is provided a groove 10 (shown in FIG. 1 only) for receiving an elastic ring (not shown) fastened to the support 4 to hold the tool 1 at the base 9 .
  • the support 4 has a blind hole 11 formed in the face 12 of the support 4 which is seen at the top in the drawings.
  • the bottom of the hole 11 is rounded like the end of the rocket 7, to which it serves as a range.
  • the remainder of the hole 11 is more flared than the side wall of the rocket 7, as seen in Figures 2 and 3.
  • the support 4, and more generally the tool 1, when it is received on the base 9, can rotate freely with respect thereto around the axis X, coinciding with that of the spindle 8 or inclined up to about 30 degrees to it.
  • the support 4 has an end surface 13 extended substantially transversely, against which is applied, covering the interface 5.
  • the buffer 6 is applied against the interface 5 on the other side of the latter with respect to the support 4.
  • the pad 6 covers at least part of the interface 5 opposite and to the right of the end surface 13.
  • the friction of the pad 6 against the optical surface 2 will, by means of an abrasive contained in the watering fluid or incorporated in the pad 6 itself, to ensure a superficial removal of material on the optical surface 2 in order to to modify the surface state, as we will see later.
  • the pad 6 has a central portion 6a which is at the right of the end surface 13, and a peripheral portion 14 which is transversely beyond the end surface 13.
  • This peripheral portion 14 is connected to the support 4 by means 15 of elastic return.
  • the peripheral portion 14 extends in the extension of the central portion 6a while being, at rest, substantially coplanar with it.
  • the buffer 6 is in one piece, the peripheral portion 14 being connected to the central portion 6a, so that they form in fact one and the same piece.
  • the tampon 6 is in the form of a flower, and thus comprises a plurality of petals 14b which protrude transversely from the central portion. 6a, form the peripheral portion 14 of the pad 6 and each extend transversely beyond the end surface 13.
  • the peripheral portion 14 is in the form of a ring which surrounds the central portion 6a.
  • the buffer 6 in the absence of stress, is, when it is monobloc, in the form of a disc of material whose thickness is small in front of its diameter, as represented in FIG. the peripheral portion 14 thus forming a flange with respect to the end surface 13.
  • the return means 15, which will be described later, can be interposed directly between the support 4 and the peripheral portion 14 of the buffer 6, that is to say, in practice, the collar whose periphery is shown in dashed line on Figure 1 or petals 14b.
  • the interface 5 comprises not only a central portion 5a which is at the right of the end surface 13, but also a peripheral portion 16 which is transversely beyond of the end surface 13.
  • This peripheral portion 16 is in the extension of the central portion 5a, and is for example, in the absence of stress, in the form of a ring which surrounds the central portion 5a, and which is in fact interposed between the peripheral portion 14 of the buffer 6 and the return means 15.
  • the interface 5 is in one piece, its central parts 5a and peripheral 16 being in fact connected together to form one and the same piece, the peripheral part 16 forming a collar with respect to the end surface 13.
  • the monoblock interface 5 is for example in the form of a disc of material whose thickness is small in front of its transverse dimension (that is to say, its diameter).
  • the interface 5 and the buffer 6 are both monobloc, they have comparable transverse dimensions.
  • they when they are each in the form of a disc of material, they will preferably be chosen, for constructive convenience, of the same diameter. But we can also provide to use a different diameter pad of the interface, especially greater diameter to mitigate the edge effects of the tool on the worked surface.
  • the return means 15 are now described.
  • the return means 15 are in fact in the form of a wafer rigidly fixed to the support 4.
  • This slab has a solid part 19 extending between a central hole 20 and the collar 18, which is perforated by windows 21 situated between the solid part 19 and a continuous solid rim 22 which forms the peripheral part of the collar 18.
  • its solid part 19 has holes 23 for the passage of the stem of a screw, corresponding tapped holes 24 being provided on the support 4, in the face 12.
  • the flange 18 has, at rest, a frustoconical conformation while the solid part 19 is flat, as the face 12 of the support 4, the slab 15 being concave on the side of the support 4, the interface 5 and buffer 6.
  • the windows 21 formed in the collar 18 are distributed regularly and seven in number, they each have the same contour, which is generally trapezoidal.
  • each window 21 and the border 22 is in an arc, and likewise for the boundary between each window 21 and the solid portion 19.
  • the other sides of the windows 21 are oriented in one direction substantially radial, each strip of material located between two consecutive windows 21 having parallel edges.
  • the wafer 15 is made of molded plastic material of constant thickness, small in front of its diameter.
  • the buffer 6 and the interface 5 are both monoblock pieces, the interface 5 being in the form of a disk of material, the buffer 6 being in the form of a flower, while the return means 15 are in the form of a wafer as previously described, the continuous peripheral edge 22 bears against the peripheral portion 16 of the interface 5 opposite the pad 6.
  • the diameters of the interface 5, the buffer 6 and the wafer 15 have a value at least twice that of the diameter of the support 4.
  • the diameters of the interface 5 and the buffer 6 are chosen substantially equal to the diameter of the lens 3, so that the diameter of the support 4 is much smaller than the diameter. of the lens 3.
  • the lens 3 is mounted on a rotary support (not shown) by means of which it is rotated about a fixed axis Y (FIG. 4).
  • the tool 1 is applied against this face 2 with sufficient force so that the stamp 6 matches its shape, as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the tool 1 is here, for its part, free to rotate while being however decentered by relative to the optical surface 2.
  • a drive forced rotation of the tool, by own means, however, can be provided.
  • the relative friction of the optical surface 2 and the buffer 6 is sufficient to rotate the tool 1 in the same direction as that of the lens 3, around the rocket 7.
  • the optical surface 2 is sprayed with a non-abrasive or abrasive watering fluid, depending on whether or not the pad performs this function.
  • the base 9 In order to scan the entire optical surface 2, the base 9 is moved during the surfacing along a radial path, the point of intersection of the axis of symmetry of the pin 8 with the optical surface 2 making a movement of back and forth between two cusp points, namely an internal cusp A and an external cusp B both located at a distance from the axis of rotation Y of the lens 3.
  • the central portion 6a of the tampon 6 is deformed by conforming to the shape of the optical surface 2 thanks to the compressibility of the central portion 5a of the interface 5.
  • peripheral portion 14 of the tampon 6 deforms by marrying the shape of the optical surface 2 thanks to the deformation of the collar 18.
  • the continuity of the peripheral edge 22 provides a certain circumferential regularity of the biasing force exerted, and therefore a certain regularity of the surfacing performed. Note in this regard, for example, that if the collar 18 was replaced by a starry part whose branches were shaped like the windows 21, it would be preferable to provide between the end of the branches and the interface 5 or the buffer 6, a continuous annular intermediate piece, while with the peripheral edge continues, we obtain good results without any intermediate part.
  • peripheral portions 14 of the buffer 6 and 16 of the interface 5 they essentially have a stabilizing role, on the one hand thanks to the increase in the lift or seating of the tool 1 compared to a conventional tool whose buffer and the interface would be limited to the central portions 5a, 6a and, secondly, thanks to the return wafer 15 which maintains a permanent contact between the peripheral portion 14 of the buffer 6 and the optical surface 2.
  • the end surface 13 of the support 4 is flat.
  • the tool 1 is thus adapted to surface a certain range of optical surfaces 2 of different curvatures.
  • the flange 18 of the slab 15 is shaped differently. It is in particular curved in the same direction, but more (the interface 5 and the buffer 8 are then curved at rest with their convexity which is turned towards the support 4 and the wafer 15); flat at rest, that is to say coplanar with the central portion 19 (the interface 5 and the buffer 6 are then curved at rest as shown in Figure 3, that is to say with their concavity turned towards the support 4 and the wafer 15); or else with an inverted curvature, that is to say it is the convex side of the slab 15 which looks at the support 4, the interface 5 and the buffer 6 (the latter two are then curved at rest more than in Figure 3).
  • This first variant is more particularly intended for convex optical surfaces while the illustrated embodiment and the other two variants are more particularly intended for concave optical surfaces.
  • the end surface 13 of the support 4 is convex, the tool then being intended for optical surfaces having a more pronounced concavity, or else the end surface 13 of the support 4 is instead concave, the tool then being intended for optical surfaces with pronounced convexity.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Grinding And Polishing Of Tertiary Curved Surfaces And Surfaces With Complex Shapes (AREA)
  • Polishing Bodies And Polishing Tools (AREA)
  • Turning (AREA)
  • Hooks, Suction Cups, And Attachment By Adhesive Means (AREA)
  • Milling, Broaching, Filing, Reaming, And Others (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

Tool (1) for planing an optical surface (2) has a rigid support (4) with an end transverse surface (13), an elastically compressible interface (5) that is applied against and covers the end surface and a flexible tampon (6) able to be applied against the optical surface and that is applied against and covers at least partially the interface that it opposes and to the right of the end surface. The tampon includes a central part (6a) found to the right of the end surface and a peripheral part (14) found transversely on the other side of the end surface where are provided an elastic spring (15) comprising, in order to link this peripheral part to the support, a flange (18) presenting a peripheral part (22) continuously co-operating in thrust with the peripheral part of the tampon.

Description

L'invention a trait au surfaçage des surfaces optiques.The invention relates to the surfacing of optical surfaces.

Par surfaçage, on entend toute opération visant à modifier l'état de surface d'une surface optique préalablement façonnée. Il s'agit notamment d'opérations de polissage, doucissage ou dépolissage visant à modifier (diminuer ou augmenter) la rugosité de la surface optique et/ou à en diminuer l'ondulation.Surfacing means any operation to modify the surface condition of a previously shaped optical surface. These include polishing, grinding or etching operations to modify (decrease or increase) the roughness of the optical surface and / or to reduce the undulation.

L'invention concerne un outil de surfaçage d'une surface optique, qui comporte un support rigide présentant une surface transversale d'extrémité, une interface élastiquement compressible qui est appliquée contre et recouvre ladite surface d'extrémité, ainsi qu'un tampon souple apte à être appliqué contre la surface optique et qui est appliqué contre et recouvre au moins en partie l'interface à l'opposé et au droit de ladite surface d'extrémité. Un tel outil est connu notamment du document JP-A-2000-317797 .The invention relates to a tool for surfacing an optical surface, which comprises a rigid support having a transverse end surface, an elastically compressible interface which is applied against and covers said end surface, and a flexible pad suitable for to be applied against the optical surface and which is applied against and at least partially covers the interface opposite and to the right of said end surface. Such a tool is known in particular from the document JP-A-2000-317797 .

Pour diminuer la rugosité de la surface optique, on amène l'outil au contact de celle-ci en maintenant sur elle une pression suffisante de l'outil pour que, par déformation de l'interface, le tampon épouse la forme de la surface optique.In order to reduce the roughness of the optical surface, the tool is brought into contact with the latter while maintaining sufficient tool pressure on it so that, by deformation of the interface, the pad conforms to the shape of the optical surface. .

Tout en arrosant la surface optique au moyen d'un fluide, on l'entraîne en rotation par rapport à l'outil (ou réciproquement) et on la balaye au moyen de ce dernier.While watering the optical surface with a fluid, it is rotated relative to the tool (or reciprocally) and is scanned by means of the latter.

Généralement, on entraîne en rotation la surface optique, son frottement contre l'outil étant suffisant pour entraîner conjointement celui-ci en rotation.Generally, the optical surface is rotated, its friction against the tool being sufficient to jointly drive it in rotation.

L'opération de surfaçage nécessite un abrasif qui peut être contenu dans le tampon ou dans le fluide.The surfacing operation requires an abrasive that can be contained in the buffer or in the fluid.

Au cours du surfaçage, l'interface, élastiquement compressible, permet de compenser la différence de courbure entre la surface d'extrémité du support de l'outil et la surface optique, de sorte qu'un même outil est adapté à une gamme de surfaces optiques de courbures et de formes différentes.During surfacing, the elastically compressible interface makes it possible to compensate for the difference in curvature between the end surface of the tool support and the optical surface, so that the same tool is suitable for a range of surfaces. optical curvatures and different shapes.

Lorsque l'étendue transversale de l'outil est comparable à l'étendue de la surface optique, ce qui est généralement le cas pour le surfaçage des lentilles ophtalmiques, la gamme de surfaces optiques qu'un même outil est capable de surfacer est relativement restreinte.When the transverse extent of the tool is comparable to the extent of the optical surface, which is generally the case for surfacing ophthalmic lenses, the range of optical surfaces that the same tool is able to plan is relatively limited .

Ainsi, ce type d'outil est particulièrement mal adapté au surfaçage de surfaces optiques de formes complexes, dites "freeform" en anglais, notamment asphériques, qui présentent par définition une courbure non uniforme.Thus, this type of tool is particularly poorly suited to surfacing optical surfaces of complex shapes, called "freeform" in English, particularly aspherical, which by definition have a non-uniform curvature.

En outre, ce type d'outil est également mal adapté aux surfaces optiques présentant par rapport à l'outil un écart de convexité ou de concavité trop prononcé : dans le premier cas, les bords de l'outil perdent le contact avec la surface optique ; dans le deuxième cas, c'est la partie centrale de l'outil qui perd le contact avec la surface optique, d'où un surfaçage incomplet.In addition, this type of tool is also poorly suited to optical surfaces having a convexity or concavity gap that is too pronounced relative to the tool: in the first case, the edges of the tool lose contact with the optical surface. ; in the second case, it is the central part of the tool that loses contact with the optical surface, resulting in incomplete surfacing.

Pour augmenter l'étendue de la gamme de surfaces optiques qu'un même outil est capable de surfacer, deux options sont possibles.To increase the range of optical surfaces that one tool is able to surface, two options are possible.

Une première consiste à diminuer le diamètre de l'outil, c'est-à-dire sa dimension transversale globale, de sorte à restreindre et localiser la partie de la surface optique au contact de l'outil. Sur une telle partie localisée en effet, le contact de l'outil avec la surface reste plus homogène qu'en considérant cette surface optique prise dans son ensemble.A first is to reduce the diameter of the tool, that is to say, its overall transverse dimension, so as to restrict and locate the portion of the optical surface in contact with the tool. On such a portion located in fact, the contact of the tool with the surface remains more homogeneous than considering this optical surface taken as a whole.

Toutefois, cette restriction du diamètre de l'outil s'accompagne d'une diminution de sa "portance" ou "assise" et, par conséquent, de sa stabilité sur la surface optique au cours du surfaçage.However, this restriction of the diameter of the tool is accompanied by a decrease in its "lift" or "sitting" and, consequently, its stability on the optical surface during surfacing.

Il est alors nécessaire de contrôler, et donc d'asservir, l'orientation de l'outil pour qu'elle soit optimale à chaque instant, c'est-à-dire pour que l'axe de rotation de l'outil soit colinéaire ou sensiblement colinéaire à la normale à la surface optique au point d'intersection dudit axe avec la surface optique.It is then necessary to control, and thus to enslave, the orientation of the tool so that it is optimal at each moment, that is to say so that the axis of rotation of the tool is collinear or substantially collinear with the normal to the optical surface at the point of intersection of said axis with the optical surface.

Or un tel asservissement requiert l'emploi de moyens complexes tels qu'une machine à commande numérique, dont le coût est généralement élevé et peut même s'avérer prohibitif pour une opération de surfaçage.But such servo requires the use of complex means such as a numerically controlled machine, the cost is generally high and may even be prohibitive for a surfacing operation.

Une deuxième option consiste, en conservant le diamètre de l'outil, à assouplir l'interface, soit en augmentant son épaisseur, soit en diminuant son élasticité.A second option is, maintaining the diameter of the tool, to soften the interface, either by increasing its thickness, or by decreasing its elasticity.

Mais cette dernière a alors tendance, sous l'effet des efforts de cisaillement, à se vriller ou à se décaler latéralement, au détriment de l'efficacité et de la précision de l'outil. En outre, le cisaillement provoque une usure rapide; voire une destruction, de l'interface. Enfin, la souplesse de l'interface favorise et accentue les effets de raclement du tampon contre la tranche de la lentille, pour finalement risquer d'aboutir à une destruction prématurée et/ou intempestive de l'outil.But the latter then tends, under the effect of shear forces, to twist or shift laterally, to the detriment of the efficiency and accuracy of the tool. In addition, shear causes rapid wear; even a destruction, of the interface. Finally, the flexibility of the interface favors and accentuates the effects of scraping the pad against the edge of the lens, for ultimately risk leading to premature and / or untimely destruction of the tool.

Compte tenu de ce qui précède, les fabricants de surfaces optiques, et notamment les fabricants de lentilles ophtalmiques, se résignent à employer un grand nombre d'outils, de tailles et de courbures différentes, afin de couvrir l'étendue de leur gamme de surfaces optiques.In view of the foregoing, optical surface manufacturers, and in particular ophthalmic lens manufacturers, are resigned to using a large number of different tools, sizes and bends to cover the range of their surfaces. optics.

L'invention vise notamment à pallier les inconvénients précités en proposant un outil de surfaçage qui, tout en étant adapté à une gamme de surfaces optiques suffisamment vaste, en termes de courbures (convexité, concavité) et de formes (sphériques, toriques, asphériques, progressives ou toute combinaison de celles-ci, ou plus généralement "freeform"), présente une bonne stabilité lors du surfaçage, et permette un surfaçage à la fois sûr, rapide et de bonne qualité tout en étant de coût réduit.The invention aims in particular to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a surfacing tool which, while being adapted to a range of optical surfaces sufficiently large, in terms of curvatures (convexity, concavity) and shapes (spherical, toric, aspherical, progressive or any combination thereof, or more generally "freeform"), has good stability during surfacing, and allows surfacing at once safe, fast and of good quality while being of reduced cost.

A cet effet, l'invention propose un outil de surfaçage d'une surface optique selon les caractéristiques de la revendication 1.For this purpose, the invention proposes a tool for surfacing an optical surface according to the features of claim 1.

Il est ainsi possible de polir une surface optique dont l'étendue est bien supérieure à la dimension transversale du support sans pour autant que se pose le problème de la stabilité de l'outil.It is thus possible to polish an optical surface whose extent is much greater than the transverse dimension of the support without the problem of the stability of the tool.

Il est alors possible d'employer un même outil pour une gamme relativement large de surfaces optiques à surfacer.It is then possible to use the same tool for a relatively wide range of optical surfaces to be surfaced.

En particulier, un même outil est adapté à surfacer des surfaces dont la convexité - ou la concavité - présente par rapport à celle de l'outil un écart relativement prononcé, de même qu'il est particulièrement adapté à surfacer des surfaces de forme complexe, notamment toro-progressives ou toro-dégressives.In particular, the same tool is suitable for surfacing surfaces whose convexity - or concavity - has a relatively pronounced deviation from that of the tool, and is particularly suitable for surfacing surfaces of complex shape, especially toro-progressive or toro-degressive.

Il est ainsi possible de couvrir l'ensemble d'une gamme donnée de lentilles avec une variété d'outils (en courbure, concavité, convexité) et, partant, un parc outils restreints au bénéfice des coûts, notamment logistiques.It is thus possible to cover the whole of a given range of lenses with a variety of tools (curvature, concavity, convexity) and, therefore, a fleet of tools restricted to the benefit of costs, including logistics.

On notera que le caractère continu de la partie périphérique de la collerette des moyens de rappel permet d'accroître la régularité du surfaçage.It will be noted that the continuous nature of the peripheral portion of the collar of the biasing means makes it possible to increase the regularity of the surfacing.

Au surplus, ce caractère continu permet la coopération directe, ou par l'intermédiaire de la seule interface, entre la partie périphérique de la collerette et la partie périphérique du tampon, sans qu'il soit besoin d'élément intermédiaire, de sorte que la fabrication de l'outil selon l'invention est particulièrement simple et économique.Moreover, this continuous character allows the direct cooperation, or via the only interface, between the peripheral part of the collar and the peripheral part of the buffer, without the need for an intermediate element, so that the manufacture of the tool according to the invention is particularly simple and economical.

Selon des caractéristiques préférées de mise en oeuvre de la collerette, pour des raisons de simplicité et de commodité de fabrication ainsi que pour la qualité des résultats obtenus, ladite collerette est flexible et saille transversalement du support.According to preferred features of implementation of the collar, for reasons of simplicity and convenience of manufacture as well as for the quality of the results obtained, said flange is flexible and protrudes transversely of the support.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation, ladite collerette est formée par une paroi pleine.In a first embodiment, said flange is formed by a solid wall.

Alternativement, dans un autre mode de réalisation préféré, ladite collerette est formée par une paroi ajourée.Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment, said flange is formed by a perforated wall.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, de préférence :

  • ladite collerette est ajourée par des fenêtres de forme générale trapézoïdale ; et éventuellement
  • deux dites fenêtre consécutives sont séparées par une bande de matière à bords parallèles; et/ou
  • la limite entre chaque dite fenêtre et ladite partie périphérique continue est en arc de cercle.
In this embodiment, preferably:
  • said collar is perforated by windows of generally trapezoidal shape; and eventually
  • two said consecutive windows are separated by a strip of material with parallel edges; and or
  • the boundary between each said window and said continuous peripheral portion is in an arc.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques relatives à la collerette, préférées pour les mêmes raisons :

  • ladite collerette fait partie d'une galette comportant en outre une partie pleine qu'entoure ladite collerette ; et éventuellement
  • ladite partie pleine est circulaire ; et/ou
  • ladite partie pleine présente des trous de passage de la tige d'une vis de fixation.
According to other features relating to the collar, preferred for the same reasons:
  • said flange is part of a slab further comprising a solid portion surrounded by said flange; and eventually
  • said solid portion is circular; and or
  • said solid portion has holes for passage of the rod of a fixing screw.

Suivant un mode préféré, l'interface comporte une partie centrale qui se trouve au droit de la surface d'extrémité du support, et une partie périphérique, qui se trouve transversalement au-delà de cette surface d'extrémité, et qui est interposée entre la partie périphérique du tampon et les moyens de rappel.According to a preferred embodiment, the interface comprises a central portion which is at the right of the end surface of the support, and a peripheral portion, which is transversely beyond this end surface, and which is interposed between the peripheral portion of the buffer and the return means.

Il en résulte une plus grande souplesse de l'ensemble.This results in greater flexibility of the whole.

La partie périphérique de l'interface se présente par exemple, en l'absence de contrainte, sous la forme d'une couronne entourant sa partie centrale.The peripheral portion of the interface is, for example, in the absence of stress, in the form of a ring surrounding its central portion.

Par ailleurs, selon un mode de réalisation particulier, l'interface est monobloc, ses parties centrale et périphérique formant une seule et même pièce, au bénéfice de la simplicité de réalisation.Furthermore, according to a particular embodiment, the interface is monobloc, its central and peripheral parts forming a single piece, to the benefit of simplicity of implementation.

Ainsi, l'interface se présente par exemple, en l'absence de contrainte, sous la forme d'un disque.Thus, the interface is for example, in the absence of constraint, in the form of a disk.

Par ailleurs, le tampon peut être monobloc, ses parties centrale et périphérique formant une seule et même pièce, au bénéfice de la simplicité de réalisation.Furthermore, the buffer can be monobloc, its central and peripheral parts forming a single piece, for the benefit of simplicity of implementation.

Par exemple, le tampon comporte une pluralité de pétales saillant transversalement de sa partie centrale, ce qui correspond à la forme habituelle sous laquelle sont réalisés les tampons de surfaçage.For example, the pad has a plurality of petals projecting transversely from its central portion, which corresponds to the usual form in which the surfacing pads are made.

En variante, la partie périphérique se présente sous la forme d'une couronne entourant la partie centrale, de sorte que lorsque le tampon est monobloc, il se présente, en l'absence de contrainte, sous la forme d'un disque.Alternatively, the peripheral portion is in the form of a ring surrounding the central portion, so that when the buffer is monoblock, it is, in the absence of stress, in the form of a disc.

Quant à la surface d'extrémité, elle peut être plane, concave ou convexe, ce qui permet, avec un nombre restreint d'outils, de surfacer un grand nombre de surfaces optiques.As for the end surface, it can be flat, concave or convex, which allows, with a small number of tools, to surface a large number of optical surfaces.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lumière de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple non limitatif, description faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un outil conforme à l'invention, d'une embase de réception de cet outil et d'une lentille ophtalmique présentant une surface optique à surfacer ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue d'élévation en coupe de l'embase de la lentille ophtalmique et de l'outil de la figure 1, lequel est représenté assemblé, au repos, en place sur la broche ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 2, mais au cours du surfaçage plutôt qu'au repos ; et
  • la figure 4 est une vue schématique de dessus représentant une lentille ophtalmique en cours de surfaçage au moyen d'un outil conforme à l'invention, l'outil étant représenté au cours du balayage de la surface optique dans deux positions dont l'une est illustrée en trait interrompu.
Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge in the light of the following description of an embodiment given by way of nonlimiting example, description made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a tool according to the invention, a receiving base of this tool and an ophthalmic lens having an optical surface to be surface;
  • Figure 2 is an elevational sectional view of the base of the ophthalmic lens and the tool of Figure 1, which is shown assembled, at rest, in place on the spindle;
  • Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, but during surfacing rather than at rest; and
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view from above showing an ophthalmic lens being surfaced by means of a tool according to the invention, the tool being represented during scanning of the optical surface in two positions, one of which is illustrated in broken lines.

Sur la figure 1 est représenté un outil 1 pour le surfaçage d'une surface optique 2, en l'occurrence l'une des faces d'une lentille ophtalmique 3, qui est ici concave.In Figure 1 is shown a tool 1 for surfacing an optical surface 2, in this case one of the faces of an ophthalmic lens 3, which is here concave.

L'outil 1 est formé d'un empilement d'au moins trois parties, à savoir une partie rigide 4, une partie élastiquement compressible 5, et une partie souple 6, qui, dans ce qui va suivre, seront appelées respectivement support, interface et tampon.The tool 1 is formed of a stack of at least three parts, namely a rigid portion 4, an elastically compressible portion 5, and a flexible portion 6, which, in what follows, will be called respectively support, interface and buffer.

Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 1, le support 4 est globalement cylindrique à symétrie de révolution et présente un axe de symétrie noté X, qui définit une direction dite longitudinale.As can be seen in FIG. 1, the support 4 is generally cylindrical with symmetry of revolution and has an axis of symmetry denoted X, which defines a so-called longitudinal direction.

Le support 4 est prévu pour coopérer à la façon d'un moyeu avec la fusée 7 située en bout de la broche 8 que comporte une embase 9 de réception de l'outil 1.The support 4 is designed to cooperate in the manner of a hub with the fuse 7 located at the end of the spindle 8 that comprises a base 9 for receiving the tool 1.

La fusée 7 a un contour général conique dont l'extrémité est arrondie. Entre la fusée 7 et le reste de la broche 8 est ménagée une gorge 10 (représentée sur la seule figure 1) de réception d'un anneau élastique (non représenté) assujetti au support 4 pour retenir l'outil 1 à l'embase 9.The rocket 7 has a conical general outline whose end is rounded. Between the rocket 7 and the rest of the spindle 8 there is provided a groove 10 (shown in FIG. 1 only) for receiving an elastic ring (not shown) fastened to the support 4 to hold the tool 1 at the base 9 .

Pour loger la fusée 7, le support 4 présente un trou borgne 11 ménagé dans la face 12 du support 4 que l'on voit en haut sur les dessins.To house the rocket 7, the support 4 has a blind hole 11 formed in the face 12 of the support 4 which is seen at the top in the drawings.

Le fond du trou 11 est arrondi comme l'extrémité de la fusée 7, à laquelle il sert de portée. Le reste du trou 11 est davantage évasé que la paroi latérale de la fusée 7, ainsi qu'on le voit sur les figures 2 et 3.The bottom of the hole 11 is rounded like the end of the rocket 7, to which it serves as a range. The remainder of the hole 11 is more flared than the side wall of the rocket 7, as seen in Figures 2 and 3.

Ainsi, le support 4, et plus généralement l'outil 1, lorsqu'il est reçu sur l'embase 9, peut tourner librement vis-à-vis de celle-ci autour de l'axe X, confondu avec celui de la broche 8 ou incliné jusqu'à environ 30 degrés par rapport à celui-ci.Thus, the support 4, and more generally the tool 1, when it is received on the base 9, can rotate freely with respect thereto around the axis X, coinciding with that of the spindle 8 or inclined up to about 30 degrees to it.

A l'opposé de sa face 12 dans laquelle est pratiqué le trou 11, le support 4 présente une surface d'extrémité 13 étendue sensiblement transversalement, contre laquelle est appliquée, en la recouvrant, l'interface 5.Opposite its face 12 in which the hole 11 is made, the support 4 has an end surface 13 extended substantially transversely, against which is applied, covering the interface 5.

Le tampon 6 est quant à lui appliqué contre l'interface 5 de l'autre côté de celle-ci par rapport au support 4.The buffer 6 is applied against the interface 5 on the other side of the latter with respect to the support 4.

Plus précisément, le tampon 6 recouvre au moins en partie l'interface 5 à l'opposé et au droit de la surface d'extrémité 13.More specifically, the pad 6 covers at least part of the interface 5 opposite and to the right of the end surface 13.

Le frottement du tampon 6 contre la surface optique 2 permettra, au moyen d'un abrasif contenu dans le fluide d'arrosage ou incorporé dans le tampon 6 lui-même, d'assurer un enlèvement superficiel de matière sur la surface optique 2 en vue de modifier l'état de surface, comme nous le verrons par la suite.The friction of the pad 6 against the optical surface 2 will, by means of an abrasive contained in the watering fluid or incorporated in the pad 6 itself, to ensure a superficial removal of material on the optical surface 2 in order to to modify the surface state, as we will see later.

Le tampon 6 comporte une partie centrale 6a qui se trouve au droit de la surface d'extrémité 13, et une partie périphérique 14 qui se trouve, transversalement, au-delà de la surface d'extrémité 13.The pad 6 has a central portion 6a which is at the right of the end surface 13, and a peripheral portion 14 which is transversely beyond the end surface 13.

Cette partie périphérique 14 est raccordée au support 4 par l'intermédiaire de moyens 15 de rappel élastique.This peripheral portion 14 is connected to the support 4 by means 15 of elastic return.

La partie périphérique 14 s'étend dans le prolongement de la partie centrale 6a en étant, au repos, sensiblement coplanaire avec elle.The peripheral portion 14 extends in the extension of the central portion 6a while being, at rest, substantially coplanar with it.

Suivant un mode de réalisation préféré, illustré sur les figures 1 à 3, le tampon 6 est monobloc, la partie périphérique 14 étant raccordée à la partie centrale 6a, de sorte qu'elles ne forment en fait qu'une seule et même pièce.According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the buffer 6 is in one piece, the peripheral portion 14 being connected to the central portion 6a, so that they form in fact one and the same piece.

Suivant un mode préféré de réalisation représenté en traits forts sur la figure 1, le tampon 6 se présente sous la forme d'une fleur, et comporte ainsi une pluralité de pétales 14b qui, saillant transversalement de la partie centrale 6a, forment la partie périphérique 14 du tampon 6 et s'étendent chacun transversalement au-delà de la surface d'extrémité 13.According to a preferred embodiment shown in bold lines in FIG. 1, the tampon 6 is in the form of a flower, and thus comprises a plurality of petals 14b which protrude transversely from the central portion. 6a, form the peripheral portion 14 of the pad 6 and each extend transversely beyond the end surface 13.

Suivant une variante représentée en trait mixte sur la figure 1, la partie périphérique 14 se présente sous la forme d'une couronne qui entoure la partie centrale 6a.According to a variant shown in phantom in Figure 1, the peripheral portion 14 is in the form of a ring which surrounds the central portion 6a.

Dans ce cas, en l'absence de contrainte, le tampon 6 se présente, lorsqu'il est monobloc, sous la forme d'un disque de matière dont l'épaisseur est faible devant son diamètre, tel que représenté sur la figure 1, la partie périphérique 14 formant ainsi une collerette par rapport à la surface d'extrémité 13.In this case, in the absence of stress, the buffer 6 is, when it is monobloc, in the form of a disc of material whose thickness is small in front of its diameter, as represented in FIG. the peripheral portion 14 thus forming a flange with respect to the end surface 13.

Les moyens de rappel 15, qui seront décrits ultérieurement, peuvent être interposés directement entre le support 4 et la partie périphérique 14 du tampon 6, c'est-à-dire, en pratique, la collerette dont la périphérie est illustrée en trait mixte sur la figure 1 ou les pétales 14b.The return means 15, which will be described later, can be interposed directly between the support 4 and the peripheral portion 14 of the buffer 6, that is to say, in practice, the collar whose periphery is shown in dashed line on Figure 1 or petals 14b.

Toutefois, selon un mode préféré de réalisation illustré sur les figures, l'interface 5 comporte non seulement une partie centrale 5a qui se trouve au droit de la surface d'extrémité 13, mais également une partie périphérique 16 qui se trouve transversalement au-delà de la surface d'extrémité 13.However, according to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the interface 5 comprises not only a central portion 5a which is at the right of the end surface 13, but also a peripheral portion 16 which is transversely beyond of the end surface 13.

Cette partie périphérique 16 se trouve dans le prolongement de la partie centrale 5a, et se présente par exemple, en l'absence de contrainte, sous la forme d'une couronne qui entoure la partie centrale 5a, et qui est en fait interposée entre la partie périphérique 14 du tampon 6 et les moyens de rappel 15.This peripheral portion 16 is in the extension of the central portion 5a, and is for example, in the absence of stress, in the form of a ring which surrounds the central portion 5a, and which is in fact interposed between the peripheral portion 14 of the buffer 6 and the return means 15.

Tel qu'il apparaît sur les figures 1 à 3, l'interface 5 est monobloc, ses parties centrale 5a et périphérique 16 étant en fait raccordées pour former ensemble une seule et même pièce, la partie périphérique 16 formant une collerette par rapport à la surface d'extrémité 13.As it appears in FIGS. 1 to 3, the interface 5 is in one piece, its central parts 5a and peripheral 16 being in fact connected together to form one and the same piece, the peripheral part 16 forming a collar with respect to the end surface 13.

Ainsi, en l'absence de contrainte, l'interface 5 monobloc se présente par exemple sous la forme d'un disque de matière dont l'épaisseur est faible devant sa dimension transversale (c'est-à-dire son diamètre).Thus, in the absence of stress, the monoblock interface 5 is for example in the form of a disc of material whose thickness is small in front of its transverse dimension (that is to say, its diameter).

Lorsque l'interface 5 et le tampon 6 sont tous deux monoblocs, ils présentent des dimensions transversales comparables. En particulier, lorsqu'ils se présentent chacun sous la forme d'un disque de matière, on les choisira de préférence, par commodité constructive, de même diamètre. Mais on pourra également prévoir d'utiliser un tampon de diamètre différent de celui de l'interface, en particulier de diamètre supérieur afin d'atténuer les effets de bord de l'outil sur la surface travaillée.When the interface 5 and the buffer 6 are both monobloc, they have comparable transverse dimensions. In particular, when they are each in the form of a disc of material, they will preferably be chosen, for constructive convenience, of the same diameter. But we can also provide to use a different diameter pad of the interface, especially greater diameter to mitigate the edge effects of the tool on the worked surface.

L'on décrit à présent les moyens de rappel 15.The return means 15 are now described.

Ceux-ci comprennent une collerette élastiquement flexible 18 qui saille transversalement du support 4 et qui est raccordée rigidement à celui-ci du côté interne tandis que sa partie périphérique, qui est continue, coopère à appui avec la partie périphérique 14 du tampon 6, par l'intermédiaire de la partie périphérique 16 de l'interface 5 dans l'exemple préféré illustré, mais cette coopération pourrait tout aussi bien être directe.These comprise an elastically flexible flange 18 which protrudes transversely from the support 4 and which is rigidly connected to the latter on the inner side while its peripheral part, which is continuous, cooperates in abutment with the peripheral part 14 of the pad 6, by through the peripheral portion 16 of the interface 5 in the preferred example illustrated, but this cooperation could just as easily be direct.

De la sorte, sous l'effet d'une force exercée longitudinalement sur la partie périphérique 14, la collerette 18 se déforme en exerçant sur la partie périphérique 14 une réaction opposée à ladite force.In this way, under the effect of a force exerted longitudinally on the peripheral portion 14, the flange 18 is deformed by exerting on the peripheral portion 14 a reaction opposite to said force.

Suivant le mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 1 à 3, les moyens de rappel 15 se présentent en fait sous la forme d'une galette rigidement fixée au support 4.According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the return means 15 are in fact in the form of a wafer rigidly fixed to the support 4.

Cette galette comporte une partie pleine 19 s'étendant entre un trou central 20 et la collerette 18, laquelle est ajourée par des fenêtres 21 situées entre la partie pleine 19 et une bordure pleine continue 22 qui forme la partie périphérique de la collerette 18.This slab has a solid part 19 extending between a central hole 20 and the collar 18, which is perforated by windows 21 situated between the solid part 19 and a continuous solid rim 22 which forms the peripheral part of the collar 18.

Pour la fixation de la galette 25 au support 4, sa partie pleine 19 présente des trous 23 de passage de la tige d'une vis, des trous taraudés 24 correspondants étant prévus sur le support 4, dans la face 12.For fastening the wafer 25 to the support 4, its solid part 19 has holes 23 for the passage of the stem of a screw, corresponding tapped holes 24 being provided on the support 4, in the face 12.

Dans l'exemple illustré, la collerette 18 présente, au repos, une conformation tronconique tandis que la partie pleine 19 est plate, tout comme la face 12 du support 4, la galette 15 étant concave du côté du support 4, de l'interface 5 et du tampon 6.In the example shown, the flange 18 has, at rest, a frustoconical conformation while the solid part 19 is flat, as the face 12 of the support 4, the slab 15 being concave on the side of the support 4, the interface 5 and buffer 6.

Les fenêtres 21 ménagées dans la collerette 18 sont réparties régulièrement et au nombre de sept, elles ont chacune le même contour, qui est globalement trapézoïdal.The windows 21 formed in the collar 18 are distributed regularly and seven in number, they each have the same contour, which is generally trapezoidal.

Plus précisément, la limite entre chaque fenêtre 21 et la bordure 22 est en arc de cercle, et de même pour la limite entre chaque fenêtre 21 et la partie pleine 19. Les autres côtés des fenêtres 21 sont orientées suivant une direction sensiblement radiale, chaque bande de matière située entre deux fenêtres 21 consécutives présentant des bords parallèles.More specifically, the boundary between each window 21 and the border 22 is in an arc, and likewise for the boundary between each window 21 and the solid portion 19. The other sides of the windows 21 are oriented in one direction substantially radial, each strip of material located between two consecutive windows 21 having parallel edges.

Dans l'exemple illustré, la galette 15 est faite en matière plastique moulée d'épaisseur constante, faible devant son diamètre.In the illustrated example, the wafer 15 is made of molded plastic material of constant thickness, small in front of its diameter.

Bien que plusieurs modes de réalisation soient prévus, comme nous l'avons vu ci-dessus, l'on a constaté que l'outil 1 correspondant au mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 1 à 3 permettait un surfaçage particulièrement satisfaisant.Although several embodiments are provided, as we have seen above, it has been found that the tool 1 corresponding to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 allowed a particularly satisfactory surfacing.

Suivant ce mode de réalisation, le tampon 6 et l'interface 5 sont tous deux des pièces monoblocs, l'interface 5 se présentant sous la forme d'un disque de matière, le tampon 6 se présentant sous la forme d'une fleur, tandis que les moyens de rappel 15 se présentent sous la forme d'une galette telle que précédemment décrite dont la bordure périphérique continue 22 est en appui sur la partie périphérique 16 de l'interface 5 à l'opposé du tampon 6.According to this embodiment, the buffer 6 and the interface 5 are both monoblock pieces, the interface 5 being in the form of a disk of material, the buffer 6 being in the form of a flower, while the return means 15 are in the form of a wafer as previously described, the continuous peripheral edge 22 bears against the peripheral portion 16 of the interface 5 opposite the pad 6.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, les diamètres de l'interface 5, du tampon 6 et de la galette 15 ont une valeur au moins double de celle du diamètre du support 4.In the embodiment shown, the diameters of the interface 5, the buffer 6 and the wafer 15 have a value at least twice that of the diameter of the support 4.

Par ailleurs, lorsqu'il s'agit de surfacer une lentille ophtalmique, les diamètres de l'interface 5 et du tampon 6 sont choisis sensiblement égaux au diamètre de la lentille 3, de sorte que le diamètre du support 4 est bien inférieur au diamètre de la lentille 3.Moreover, when it comes to surfacing an ophthalmic lens, the diameters of the interface 5 and the buffer 6 are chosen substantially equal to the diameter of the lens 3, so that the diameter of the support 4 is much smaller than the diameter. of the lens 3.

L'utilisation de l'outil 1 est illustrée sur les figures 2 à 4.The use of the tool 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4.

Il s'agit en l'occurrence du surfaçage ou du doucissage d'une face concave 2 asphérique d'une lentille ophtalmique.This involves surfacing or smoothing an aspherical concave face 2 of an ophthalmic lens.

La lentille 3 est montée sur un support rotatif (non représenté) au moyen duquel elle est entraînée en rotation autour d'un axe fixe Y (figure 4).The lens 3 is mounted on a rotary support (not shown) by means of which it is rotated about a fixed axis Y (FIG. 4).

L'outil 1 est appliqué contre cette face 2 avec une force suffisante pour que le tampon 6 épouse sa forme, ainsi que montré sur la figure 3. L'outil 1 est ici, quant à lui, libre en rotation en étant toutefois décentré par rapport à la surface optique 2. Un entraînement forcé en rotation de l'outil, par des moyens propres, peut toutefois être prévu.The tool 1 is applied against this face 2 with sufficient force so that the stamp 6 matches its shape, as shown in FIG. 3. The tool 1 is here, for its part, free to rotate while being however decentered by relative to the optical surface 2. A drive forced rotation of the tool, by own means, however, can be provided.

Le frottement relatif de la surface optique 2 et du tampon 6 suffit à entraîner en rotation l'outil 1 dans le même sens que celui de la lentille 3, autour de la fusée 7.The relative friction of the optical surface 2 and the buffer 6 is sufficient to rotate the tool 1 in the same direction as that of the lens 3, around the rocket 7.

L'on arrose la surface optique 2 avec un fluide d'arrosage non abrasif ou abrasif, selon que le tampon exerce ou non par lui-même cette fonction.The optical surface 2 is sprayed with a non-abrasive or abrasive watering fluid, depending on whether or not the pad performs this function.

Afin de balayer la totalité de la surface optique 2, l'embase 9 est déplacée au cours du surfaçage suivant une trajectoire radiale, le point d'intersection de l'axe de symétrie de la broche 8 avec la surface optique 2 effectuant un mouvement de va et vient entre deux points de rebroussement, à savoir un point de rebroussement intérieur A et un point de rebroussement extérieur B situés tous deux à distance de l'axe de rotation Y de la lentille 3.In order to scan the entire optical surface 2, the base 9 is moved during the surfacing along a radial path, the point of intersection of the axis of symmetry of the pin 8 with the optical surface 2 making a movement of back and forth between two cusp points, namely an internal cusp A and an external cusp B both located at a distance from the axis of rotation Y of the lens 3.

La partie centrale 6a du tampon 6 se déforme en épousant la forme de la surface optique 2 grâce à la compressibilité de la partie centrale 5a de l'interface 5.The central portion 6a of the tampon 6 is deformed by conforming to the shape of the optical surface 2 thanks to the compressibility of the central portion 5a of the interface 5.

Quant à la partie périphérique 14 du tampon 6, elle se déforme en épousant la forme de la surface optique 2 grâce à la déformation de la collerette 18.As for the peripheral portion 14 of the tampon 6, it deforms by marrying the shape of the optical surface 2 thanks to the deformation of the collar 18.

La bordure périphérique continue 22 coopérant à simple appui avec l'ensemble tampon 5 - interface 6, la position relative entre la bordure 22 et l'ensemble 5 - 6 peut varier lors de la déformation, ainsi qu'on le voit en comparant les figures 2 et 3.The continuous peripheral edge 22 cooperating with a single support with the buffer assembly 5 - interface 6, the relative position between the edge 22 and the assembly 5 - 6 may vary during the deformation, as can be seen by comparing the figures 2 and 3.

La continuité de la bordure périphérique 22 procure une certaine régularité circonférentielle de l'effort de rappel exercé, et donc une certaine régularité du surfaçage effectué. On notera à cet égard, à titre d'exemple, que si la collerette 18 était remplacée par une pièce étoilée dont lés branches étaient conformées comme les fenêtres 21, il serait préférable de prévoir entre le bout des branches et l'interface 5 ou le tampon 6, une pièce intermédiaire annulaire continue, alors qu'avec la bordure périphérique continue, on obtient de bons résultats sans aucune pièce intermédiaire.The continuity of the peripheral edge 22 provides a certain circumferential regularity of the biasing force exerted, and therefore a certain regularity of the surfacing performed. Note in this regard, for example, that if the collar 18 was replaced by a starry part whose branches were shaped like the windows 21, it would be preferable to provide between the end of the branches and the interface 5 or the buffer 6, a continuous annular intermediate piece, while with the peripheral edge continues, we obtain good results without any intermediate part.

Compte tenu de la rigidité du support 4, l'enlèvement de matière a lieu en majorité au droit de la surface d'extrémité 13, c'est-à-dire que cet enlèvement de matière est effectué essentiellement par la partie centrale 6a du tampon 6.Given the rigidity of the support 4, the removal of material takes place in majority right of the end surface 13, that is to say that this removal of material is carried out essentially by the central portion 6a of the buffer 6.

Quant aux parties périphériques 14 du tampon 6 et 16 de l'interface 5, elles ont essentiellement un rôle stabilisateur, d'une part grâce à l'accroissement de la portance ou assise de l'outil 1 par rapport à un outil classique dont le tampon et l'interface seraient limités aux parties centrales 5a, 6a et, d'autre part, grâce à la galette de rappel 15 qui maintient un contact permanent entre la partie périphérique 14 du tampon 6 et la surface optique 2.As for the peripheral portions 14 of the buffer 6 and 16 of the interface 5, they essentially have a stabilizing role, on the one hand thanks to the increase in the lift or seating of the tool 1 compared to a conventional tool whose buffer and the interface would be limited to the central portions 5a, 6a and, secondly, thanks to the return wafer 15 which maintains a permanent contact between the peripheral portion 14 of the buffer 6 and the optical surface 2.

Il en résulte que, quelle que soit la localisation de l'outil 1 sur la surface optique 2 et quelle que soit sa vitesse de rotation, son axe de rotation X est en permanence colinéaire ou sensiblement colinéaire à la normale à la surface optique 2, l'orientation de l'outil 1 étant ainsi optimale à tout instant.As a result, regardless of the location of the tool 1 on the optical surface 2 and irrespective of its rotational speed, its axis of rotation X is permanently collinear or substantially collinear with the normal to the optical surface 2, the orientation of the tool 1 is thus optimal at all times.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré, la surface d'extrémité 13 du support 4 est plane.In the illustrated embodiment, the end surface 13 of the support 4 is flat.

L'outil 1 est ainsi adapté à surfacer une certaine gamme de surfaces optiques 2 de courbures différentes.The tool 1 is thus adapted to surface a certain range of optical surfaces 2 of different curvatures.

Dans une variante non illustrée de l'outil 1, la collerette 18 de la galette 15 est conformée différemment. Elle est notamment incurvée dans le même sens, mais davantage (l'interface 5 et le tampon 8 sont alors incurvés au repos avec leur convexité qui est tournée vers le support 4 et la galette 15) ; plate au repos, c'est-à-dire coplanaire avec la partie centrale 19 (l'interface 5 et le tampon 6 sont alors incurvés au repos comme montré sur la figure 3, c'est-à-dire avec leur concavité tournée vers le support 4 et la galette 15) ; ou alors avec une incurvation inversée, c'est-à-dire que c'est le côté convexe de la galette 15 qui regarde le support 4, l'interface 5 et le tampon 6 (ces deux derniers sont alors incurvés au repos davantage que sur la figure 3).In a non-illustrated variant of the tool 1, the flange 18 of the slab 15 is shaped differently. It is in particular curved in the same direction, but more (the interface 5 and the buffer 8 are then curved at rest with their convexity which is turned towards the support 4 and the wafer 15); flat at rest, that is to say coplanar with the central portion 19 (the interface 5 and the buffer 6 are then curved at rest as shown in Figure 3, that is to say with their concavity turned towards the support 4 and the wafer 15); or else with an inverted curvature, that is to say it is the convex side of the slab 15 which looks at the support 4, the interface 5 and the buffer 6 (the latter two are then curved at rest more than in Figure 3).

Cette première variante est plus particulièrement destinée aux surfaces optiques convexes alors que le mode de réalisation illustré et les deux autres variantes sont plus particulièrement destinés aux surfaces optiques concaves.This first variant is more particularly intended for convex optical surfaces while the illustrated embodiment and the other two variants are more particularly intended for concave optical surfaces.

Dans une autre variante non illustrée, la surface d'extrémité 13 du support 4, plutôt que d'être plate, est convexe, l'outil étant alors destiné à des surfaces optiques présentant une concavité plus prononcée, ou alors la surface d'extrémité 13 du support 4 est au contraire concave, l'outil étant alors destiné à des surfaces optiques à convexité prononcée.In another variant not shown, the end surface 13 of the support 4, rather than being flat, is convex, the tool then being intended for optical surfaces having a more pronounced concavity, or else the end surface 13 of the support 4 is instead concave, the tool then being intended for optical surfaces with pronounced convexity.

Il est bien entendu possible de combiner la réalisation concave ou convexe de la surface d'extrémité 13 avec différentes formes de la galette 15 mentionnées ci-dessus.It is of course possible to combine the concave or convex embodiment of the end surface 13 with different shapes of the slab 15 mentioned above.

Au total, l'emploi de trois outils dont les surfaces d'extrémité telles que 13 sont respectivement plane, convexe et concave, suffit à couvrir une large gamme de surfaces optiques à surfacer, tant convexe que concave, et de formes variées : sphérique, torique, asphérique progressive ou toute combinaison de celles-ci, ou plus généralement du type freeform.In total, the use of three tools whose end surfaces such as 13 are flat, convex and concave respectively, is sufficient to cover a wide range of optical surfaces to be surfaced, both convex and concave, and of various shapes: spherical, toric, progressive aspherical or any combination thereof, or more generally freeform type.

Dans des variantes de réalisation non illustrées des moyens de rappel 15, il existe toujours une collerette telle que la collerette 18, présentant une périphérie continue, mais cette collerette est pleine ou ajourée différemment.In non-illustrated embodiments of the return means 15, there is always a collar such as the collar 18, having a continuous periphery, but this collar is full or openwork differently.

Comme on l'a vu, l'emploi d'un outil 1 tel que précédemment décrit correspond à un procédé classique bien connu de l'homme du métier, de sorte qu'aucune adaptation particulière des machines utilisées habituellement n'est nécessaire.As we have seen, the use of a tool 1 as previously described corresponds to a conventional method well known to those skilled in the art, so that no particular adaptation of the machines usually used is necessary.

Claims (21)

  1. Tool (1) for surfacing an optical surface (2), which tool comprises a rigid support (4) having a transverse end surface (13), an elastically compressible interface (5) that is pressed against and covers said end surface (13), and a flexible buffer (6) adapted to be pressed against the optical surface (2) and which is pressed against and covers at least part of the interface (5) on the side opposite to and in line with said end surface (13), characterized in that the buffer has a central portion (6a) that is in line with said end surface (13) and a peripheral portion (14) that is transversely beyond said end surface (13) and return spring means are provided (15) for joining this peripheral portion (14) to the support (4) which means comprise a flat or curved leaf-spring (18) fixed rigidly, on the inside, to the support (4) and having a continuous peripheral portion (22) cooperating with said peripheral portion (14) of said buffer (6) by bearing thereon, directly or through the intermediary of the single interface (5), means for stabilizing the tool during surfacing being formed by said return means (15) and by said peripheral portion (14) of the buffer (6), said tool being adapted to perform surfacing essentially in said central portion (6a) of said buffer (6).
  2. Tool according to claim 1, characterized in that said leaf-spring (18) is flexible and projects transversely from the support (4).
  3. Tool according to claim 2, characterized in that said leaf-spring is formed by a solid wall.
  4. Tool according to claim 2, characterized in that said leaf-spring (18) is formed by an apertured wall.
  5. Tool according to claim 4, characterized in that said leaf-spring (18) is apertured by windows (21) of generally trapezoidal shape.
  6. Tool according to claim 5, characterized in that two consecutive windows (21) are separated by a strip of material with parallel edges.
  7. Tool according to either claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the boundary between each window (21) and said continuous peripheral portion (22) is of circular arc shape.
  8. Tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said leaf-spring (18) is part of a wafer further including a solid portion (19) that said leaf-spring surrounds.
  9. Tool according to claim 8, characterized in that said solid portion (19) is circular.
  10. Tool according to either claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that said solid portion has holes (23) through which the shank of a fixing screw is passed.
  11. Tool according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the interface (5) has a central portion (5a) that is in line with said end surface (13) and a peripheral portion (16) that is transversely beyond said end surface (13) and is between the peripheral portion (14) of the buffer (6) and the peripheral portion (22) of the leaf-spring (18) of the return means (15).
  12. Tool according to claim 11, characterized in that the peripheral portion (16) of the interface (5) when unstressed assumes the shape of a ring around the central portion (5a) of the interface (5).
  13. Tool according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the interface (5) is of one-piece construction and its central portion (5a) and peripheral portion (16) form a single component (5).
  14. Tool according to claim 13, characterized in that when unstressed the interface (5) assumes the shape of a disk.
  15. Tool according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the buffer (6) is of one-piece construction, the central portion (6a) and peripheral portion (14) forming a single component (6).
  16. Tool according to claim 15, characterized in that the buffer (6) comprises a plurality of petals (14b) projecting transversely from the central portion (6a).
  17. Tool according to claim 15, characterized in that said peripheral portion (14) takes the form of a ring (14a) around the central portion (6a).
  18. Tool according to claim 17, characterized in that the buffer (6) is of one-piece construction and when unstressed assumes the shape of a disk.
  19. Tool according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the end surface (13) of the support (4) is plane.
  20. Tool according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the end surface (13) of the support (4) is convex.
  21. Tool according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the end surface (13) of the support (4) is concave.
EP04767659A 2003-07-16 2004-07-12 Optical surface-finishing tool Expired - Lifetime EP1644160B8 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL04767659T PL1644160T3 (en) 2003-07-16 2004-07-12 Optical surface-finishing tool

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0308670A FR2857610B1 (en) 2003-07-16 2003-07-16 TOOL FOR SURFACING AN OPTICAL SURFACE
PCT/FR2004/001828 WO2005007340A2 (en) 2003-07-16 2004-07-12 Optical surface-finishing tool

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1644160A2 EP1644160A2 (en) 2006-04-12
EP1644160B1 true EP1644160B1 (en) 2007-09-12
EP1644160B8 EP1644160B8 (en) 2007-11-28

Family

ID=33548174

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04767659A Expired - Lifetime EP1644160B8 (en) 2003-07-16 2004-07-12 Optical surface-finishing tool

Country Status (15)

Country Link
US (1) US7223164B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1644160B8 (en)
JP (1) JP4410250B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100795456B1 (en)
CN (1) CN100537139C (en)
AT (1) ATE372854T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2004256949B2 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0412652A (en)
CA (1) CA2531960C (en)
DE (1) DE602004008920T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2293333T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2857610B1 (en)
PL (1) PL1644160T3 (en)
PT (1) PT1644160E (en)
WO (1) WO2005007340A2 (en)

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DE102007026841A1 (en) * 2007-06-06 2008-12-11 Satisloh Ag Polishing disc for a tool for fine machining of optically effective surfaces on in particular spectacle lenses and method for its production
FR2918911B1 (en) 2007-07-16 2009-10-16 Essilor Int SURFACE TOOL WITH OPTICAL QUALITY
FR2935627B1 (en) * 2008-09-10 2010-09-03 Essilor Int SURFACE TOOL WITH OPTICAL QUALITY
FR2935628B1 (en) 2008-09-10 2011-10-14 Essilor Int SURFACE TOOL WITH OPTICAL QUALITY
FR2953433B1 (en) 2009-12-08 2012-02-10 Essilor Int SURFACE TOOL WITH OPTICAL QUALITY
DE102013220973A1 (en) * 2013-10-16 2015-04-16 Carl Zeiss Vision International Gmbh Tool for polishing of optical surfaces
EP3060369B1 (en) 2013-10-25 2019-08-21 Essilor International Optical-grade surfacing tool
DE102014109654B4 (en) 2014-07-10 2022-05-12 Carl Zeiss Jena Gmbh Devices for processing optical workpieces
CN105458868A (en) * 2015-11-17 2016-04-06 江苏永信光学仪器有限公司 Optical lens convex face polishing die
FR3059921B1 (en) 2016-12-09 2019-05-24 Essilor International SURFACE TOOL WITH OPTICAL QUALITY
KR102142236B1 (en) * 2020-01-10 2020-08-06 (주)제이쓰리 Wafer processing device for controlling semiconductor wafer shape & ultra-flatness

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DE102010019491A1 (en) 2010-04-30 2011-11-03 Carl Zeiss Vision Gmbh Polishing tool for processing optical surfaces, in particular free-form surfaces
EP2384854A2 (en) 2010-04-30 2011-11-09 Carl Zeiss Vision GmbH Polishing tool for machining optical surfaces, in particular free form surfaces
US8979618B2 (en) 2010-04-30 2015-03-17 Carl Zeiss Vision Gmbh Polishing tool for processing optical surfaces
DE102010019491B4 (en) * 2010-04-30 2015-07-09 Carl Zeiss Vision International Gmbh Polishing tool for processing optical surfaces, in particular free-form surfaces

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1644160A2 (en) 2006-04-12
ATE372854T1 (en) 2007-09-15
WO2005007340A2 (en) 2005-01-27
FR2857610B1 (en) 2006-03-17
DE602004008920D1 (en) 2007-10-25
US7223164B2 (en) 2007-05-29
EP1644160B8 (en) 2007-11-28
ES2293333T3 (en) 2008-03-16
KR20060036096A (en) 2006-04-27
CA2531960C (en) 2010-10-19
CN100537139C (en) 2009-09-09
WO2005007340A3 (en) 2005-03-24
JP4410250B2 (en) 2010-02-03
FR2857610A1 (en) 2005-01-21
DE602004008920T2 (en) 2008-04-30
BRPI0412652A (en) 2006-09-26
PL1644160T3 (en) 2008-02-29
CN1822917A (en) 2006-08-23
CA2531960A1 (en) 2005-01-27
PT1644160E (en) 2007-11-29
AU2004256949B2 (en) 2008-05-29
AU2004256949A1 (en) 2005-01-27
JP2007516089A (en) 2007-06-21
KR100795456B1 (en) 2008-01-16
US20060154581A1 (en) 2006-07-13

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