EP2011603B1 - Machine for machining optical work pieces, in particular plastic spectacle lenses - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine (10) i.e. CNC controlled, has a work piece spindle (12) rotationally driving the work piece about a work piece rotation axis, and a processing unit that comprises a tool to retain the work piece on the work piece spindle for machining. An adjusting mechanism (26) is provided for causing a relative movement between the work piece spindle and the tool, for enabling loading, unloading or processing of the work piece. A swivel drive unit (28) can rotate the work piece spindle about a swivel axis and a linear drive unit (30) that moves the work piece spindle along a linear axis.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a machine for processing optical workpieces according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the invention relates to the industrial processing of prescription surfaces on lenses of plastics such as polycarbonate, CR39 and so-called "high index" materials.

STATE OF THE ART

Conventionally, in the processing of plastic spectacle lenses, there is a plastic injection-molded spectacle lens blank, also called a blank, which has a standardized finished convex outer surface with e.g. spherical or progressive shape. The generally concave interior or prescription surfaces are machined to have a spherical, aspherical, toric, atorical, progressive, or free-form geometry (e.g., progressive power), depending on the desired optical effect. The typical conventional process in inner surface working, after blocking the lens blank with its outer surface on a block piece, provides a milling or turning process for producing the optically active form, usually followed by a finish grinding or polishing process to achieve the necessary surface finish.

1. (A) Reine Fräsmaschinen [ EP-A-0 758 571 ], insbesondere zur Vorbearbeitung der Brillengläser,
2. (B) reine Fast-Tool-Drehmaschinen, bei denen für die Feinbearbeitung der Brillengläser ein Drehmeißel entweder
3. (B.1) linear reziprozierend [ WO-A-02/06005 , EP-A-1 719 573 ] oder
4. (B.2) rotativ [ WO-A-99/33611 ] hochdynamisch bewegt werden kann, so daß nicht-rotationssymmetrische Linsenflächen im Drehverfahren erzeugt werden können, sowie
5. (C) kombinierte Fräs-Dreh-Maschinen mit
6. (C.1) kombiniertem Fräs-Dreh-Werkzeug [ EP-A-1 291 106 ] oder
7. (C.2) separaten Fräs- und (linear oder rotativ arbeitenden) Dreh-Bearbeitungseinheiten, die die Brillengläser entweder
8. (C.2.1) seriell [ EP-A-1 719 585 ] - ein und dasselbe Brillenglas wird im Arbeitsraum der Maschine zuerst gefräst und anschließend gedreht - oder
9. (C.2.2) parallel [ EP-A-1 719 582 ] - verschiedene Brillengläser werden im Arbeitsraum der Maschine zugleich bearbeitet, wobei eines gefräst wird, während das andere gedreht wird - bearbeiten.

For the preparation of the optically active form of plastic spectacle lenses have been proposed:

1. (A) Pure milling machines [ EP-A-0 758 571 ], in particular for the pre-processing of the lenses,
2. (B) pure fast tool lathes, where for the fine processing of the lenses a turning tool either
3. (B.1) linear reciprocating [ WO-A-02/06005 . EP-A-1 719 573 ] or
4. (B.2) rotative [ WO-A-99/33611 ] can be moved highly dynamically, so that non-rotationally symmetric lens surfaces can be produced in the rotation process, as well
5. (C) combined milling-turning machines with
6. (C.1) Combined Milling Turning Tool [ EP-A-1 291 106 ] or
7. (C.2) separate milling and (linear or rotary) rotary processing units, the lenses either
8. (C.2.1) serial [ EP-A-1 719 585 ] - one and the same lens is first milled in the working space of the machine and then turned - or
9. (C.2.2) parallel [ EP-A-1 719 582 ] - different lenses are processed in the working space of the machine at the same time, one is milled while the other is rotated - edit.

Although in the following a machine according to item (C.2.1) is assumed, this is not limiting with regard to a machine type, but the machine concept presented here can be used for different machine types, namely the machine types according to the points (A), (B.1), (B.2), (C.1) and (C.2.1) up to any combinations thereof, for example (C.1) and (C.2.1), ie a machine whose specially trained Milling processing unit (with milling spindle controlled in the angle of rotation) carries a combined milling-turning tool for pre-processing the spectacle lens, while at the same time a turning-processing unit with one (or more) Fast-tool arrangement (s) is provided, which serves the finishing of the spectacle lens (serve).

From the prior art according to the EP-A-1 719 585 Accordingly, a series-working combined milling-turning machine is known, which generally has the following components: A workpiece spindle, by means of which the workpiece is rotatably driven about a workpiece axis of rotation, at least one machining unit having a tool by means of which on the Workpiece spindle held workpiece machinable, and an adjusting mechanism for generating a relative movement between the workpiece spindle and the tool to allow either a loading / unloading or machining of the workpiece.

More specifically, the prior art machine has on a side of a working space in parallel arrangement a milling processing unit with a milling spindle and a turning processing unit with two fast tool arrangements, wherein the provided on the opposite side of the working space adjustment mechanism by a workpiece spindle supporting the cross table assembly is formed, by means of which the workpiece held on the workpiece workpiece can be moved on the one hand parallel to the processing units (X-axis) and on the other hand to these from or away from them (Y-axis). Although this machine concept has been well proven in practice - this machine is under the name VFT Ultra, marketed by Satisloh AG, on the market - it appears, however, in need of improvement in the following regard.

In the processing of plastic spectacle lenses by prescription considerable workpiece parts are machined with the supply of large coolant flows, which is why a sufficient encapsulation of the working space and unimpeded chip removal are indispensable. In addition, arise in the machining of about "high Index "Materials unpleasant vapors that should be aspirated and filtered.

For the encapsulation of the working space, a relatively large and expensive wet protection of stainless steel sheet is provided in the above-described machine due to the relatively long X-axis. Since the Naßschutzgehäuse must allow the movement of the workpiece spindle along the long X-axis, a slot-like opening in the Naßschutzgehäuse is available for the workpiece spindle. This opening is closed by a combined slide and roller cover, which cooperates with housing-side scrapers. Apart from the fact that the sealing achieved with such covers is not always satisfactory, such covers are also subject to considerable wear and friction, which can be detrimental in the actual application both the traversing speed and the positioning accuracy of the machine in the X-axis.

A machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE-A-197 51 750 known.

TASK

The invention has for its object to provide a compact machine for machining of optical workpieces, in particular of plastic spectacle lenses, in which in particular the working space as easy as possible encapsulate or seal.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous or expedient developments of the invention are subject matter of the claims 2 to 13.

According to the invention, in a generic machine for processing optical workpieces, in particular of plastic spectacle lenses, the adjusting mechanism comprises a linear drive unit and a pivot drive unit on which the linear drive unit is arranged, wherein the linear axis Y substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis A and substantially parallel to Workpiece rotation axis B or substantially parallel to the pivot axis A and substantially perpendicular to the workpiece axis of rotation B extends.

Although the former alternative, wherein the linear axis Y is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis A and substantially parallel to the workpiece axis of rotation B, compared to the second alternative, according to which the linear axis Y is substantially parallel to the pivot axis A and substantially perpendicular to the workpiece axis Rotary axis B runs, in view of the number of degrees of freedom of movement on the workpiece is preferred because it allows the modular construction of a machine with a variety of machining units with minimal effort, the second alternative is quite suitable for building about a fast-tool lathe, in the the tool is assigned a position-controlled (infeed) axis anyway, which can compensate for most machining cases the lack of a corresponding movement possibility on the workpiece side. To build a milling machine, however, the second-mentioned alternative would be less suitable because this would require an additional position-controlled linear axis on the tool side, which would not be needed in the former alternative to a milling tool.

From the fact that according to the invention - compared to the above-described prior art - one of the linear axes on the workpiece side (X-axis) is effectively "replaced" by a pivot axis (A-axis), there are several advantages. First, the pivot drive unit in comparison to the previously known linear drive unit can be much easier "seal", i. the not in the working space of the machine above components of the swivel drive unit can be easily separated from the working space or encapsulate, such as by means of suitable rotary joints seals with commercial lip seal profiles measures for Sperrluftbeaufschlagung etc., which is also common that they are very wear and low friction can be.

Furthermore, the machine according to the invention builds very compact due to the stacked arrangement of the linear drive unit on the swivel drive unit; long travels, as required in the above prior art in the X-axis, to be able to approach the individual processing units, are not present. This also leads to an acceleration of the processing, namely a shortening of the processing overhead times, because the moving machine components on the workpiece side compared to the above prior art have to travel shorter distances.

Furthermore, the superimposition of the linear drive unit on the pivot drive unit makes it possible to arrange the respective guides very close to each other, resulting in a high rigidity of the adjustment mechanism. This is also beneficial for a high quality of processing.

Furthermore, the machine concept according to the invention allows a very flexible modular structure of the machine, in which the respective processing requirements according to processing units, handling units, measuring stations, etc. in the Art a modular and can be grouped around the adjustment mechanism around. Last but not least, the machine concept according to the invention is advantageous from an ergonomic point of view; The individual machine components can be easily arranged so that they are easily accessible for assembly, maintenance and set-up operations.

The fact that the linear drive unit is arranged on the swivel drive unit on the one hand makes the machine concept more flexible with regard to the possible machine configuration stages; On the other hand, a smaller installation space is required for the adjusting mechanism and the linear drive unit can be sealed more easily.

In this context, it is also preferred if the workpiece spindle is controlled by means of the pivot drive unit in the rotation angle, that is, angular position-controlled about the pivot axis A is pivotable. However, if the pivot drive unit mainly serves the workpiece change, as described above, it may be sufficient to provide instead of a CNC controlled pivot axis A only a not controlled in the rotation angle pivoting possibility of the workpiece spindle on end stops.

In a very compact and rigid design of the machine, the pivot drive unit may have a pivot table, are mounted on the parallel guide rails for a Y-carriage of the linear drive unit, wherein between the guide rails, a linear motor is arranged, by means of which the Y-carriage is movable relative to the pivot table , Also, such guide systems and linear motors are available on the market inexpensively.

It is further preferred if the pivot drive unit for generating the pivoting movement about the pivot axis A has a torque motor. This makes a gear in the generation of the pivoting dispensable, so that no gear (reversal) play can occur, whereby a high and reproducible accuracy of the pivoting movements of the workpiece spindle about the pivot axis A and thus the angle adjustment is achieved.

It has already been indicated at the outset that the machine concept according to the invention is so flexible that the at least one machining unit can be a turning-machining unit with a fast-tool arrangement and / or a milling-machining unit with a tool spindle, wherein the The simplest variant of the machine would have only such a processing unit.

It is particularly preferred if the adjusting spindle carrying the workpiece spindle is arranged at a central location in the machine frame, while the at least one processing unit, a loading / unloading station for loading / unloading of workpieces and at least one further unit or station is star-like - eg cross-, X- or Y-shaped or with respect to the pivot axis A unevenly angularly spaced - are arranged around the adjusting mechanism, the latter, ie the at least one further unit or station is selected from a group comprising the following units or stations: a turning processing unit with a fast tool arrangement, a milling processing unit with a tool spindle, an engraving station for applying a marking to the workpiece and a measuring station for measuring the workpiece.

If, in a possible expansion variant of the machine, two rotary machining units each with a fast tool arrangement are provided as machining units, it is advantageous if the latter are arranged in positions which are opposite one another with respect to the adjusting mechanism, so that the directions of action F1, F2 of the fast- Tool arrangements and the pivot axis A lie substantially in one plane. For then, the fast tool arrangements may be e.g. be driven so that the one fast tool assembly rotates the rotating workpiece with reciprocating movements (F1 axis), while the other fast tool arrangement oscillates in relation to the pivot axis A in opposite directions to the first Fast tool arrangement to prevent excessive vibration excitation of the machine frame by vibration compensation.

It is further preferred if the direction of action F1 (F2) of the fast tool arrangement of the at least one rotary machining unit with respect to a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis A, is inclined such that the fast tool arrangement of the Adjusting seen from radially outward falls. Firstly, by means of said oblique position of the fast tool arrangement in conjunction with the feed movement of the workpiece spindle possibly present on the machine in the plane containing the workpiece rotation axis B (Y axis in the first alternative according to the invention), more precisely in the direction of the workpiece spindle achieve a high-precision height adjustment of the cutting edge of the fixed to the fast tool assembly turning tool on the workpiece axis of rotation B, without that Vertical displacements of the cutting bit with respect to the fast tool arrangement are required, which mechanical adjustment systems or the like. makes the height adjustment of the turning tool dispensable. The measure of the feed movement of the workpiece spindle in the direction of its axis (Y-axis in the first alternative according to the invention) and thus the achieved height compensation between the workpiece rotation axis B and the operating point of the cutting tool cutting edge takes place here in accordance with the sine function of the predetermined angle between the pivot axis A perpendicular plane and the direction of action F1 (F2) of the fast tool arrangement. That in addition the inclination of the fast tool assembly is such that the latter falls radially outward as seen from the adjustment mechanism, has the advantage that the turning tool when switching off the energization of the fast tool assembly in a respect to the working space of the machine withdrawn position can run back and there remains in the de-energized state of the fast tool assembly, so that the risk is reduced that the operator of the machine in any set-up work or the like. injured in the working space of the machine at the very sharp turning cutting edge.

In the further pursuit of the inventive concept, a cover hood can be attached to a swivel table of the swivel drive unit, which at the same time covers the workpiece spindle and the linear drive unit, so that advantageously no separate sealing and / or protective measures are required here.

Here, the cover may have an opening through which the workpiece spindle extends through movable, wherein between an inner periphery of the opening and an outer periphery of the workpiece spindle a rolling bellows is arranged, which seals the interior of the cover against the working space of the machine. Such a bellows is inexpensive, seals reliably, is not susceptible to wear and sets the linear movements of the workpiece spindle against only a very low resistance.

In this context, it is also advantageous if the workpiece spindle has an aerostatic bearing. The exhaust air of such storage serves as a barrier air at the same time, which prevents cooling lubricant or the like. from the working space of the machine can penetrate through any existing gaps or cracks in the cover or the workpiece spindle.

In a preferred embodiment of the machine can also be provided with respect to a machine frame pivotable machine head, which limits the working space of the machine together with the machine frame, wherein the machine upper part has a lower, substantially annular cylindrical edge, the form-fitting in the closed state of the machine shell in an associated , engages substantially annular recess in the machine frame. Thus, it is on the one hand possible to expose the entire working space of the machine for any maintenance, repair and / or set-up by pivoting the machine head, the respective machine parts are very accessible, while on the other hand, the machine head in the swung-down state by said engagement with the machine frame ensures a reliable sealing of the working space from the environment.

Finally, the machine frame may preferably be made of monolithic polymer concrete - also known as mineral casting. This material, which is a composite material consisting of a mineral filler mixture and a binder based on reactive resin, has, inter alia, a high mass and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, is very stiff and has very good damping properties, especially in the case of use a rotary machining unit with a fast tool arrangement is advantageous in order to prevent vibrations generated by the fast tool arrangement from being transmitted to the adjusting mechanism and thus the workpiece spindle in a disturbing manner via the machine frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Maschine zur Bearbeitung von optischen Werkstücken, namentlich Kunststoff-Brillengläsern, von schräg vorne/oben, ohne Maschinenoberteil (welches für eine bessere Einsicht in das Maschineninnere abgenommen wurde), deren werkzeugmäßige Ausstattung eine Fräs-Bearbeitungseinheit mit einer Werkzeugspindel und zwei Dreh-Bearbeitungseinheiten mit jeweils einer Fast-Tool-Anordnung umfaßt;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf die Maschine gemäß Fig. 1 mit Blickrichtung von oben in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Teilschnittansicht der Maschine gemäß Fig. 1 entsprechend der Schnittverlaufslinie III-III in Fig. 2, wobei zur Vereinfachung der Darstellung gegenüber den Fig. 1 und 2 ein Schaltschrank und eine Transporteinrichtung der Maschine weggelassen wurden;

Fig. 4

eine Teilschnittansicht der Maschine gemäß Fig. 1 entsprechend der Schnittverlaufslinie IV-IV in Fig. 2, wobei zur Vereinfachung der Darstellung gegenüber den Fig. 1 und 2 ein Schaltschrank der Maschine weggelassen wurde;

Fig. 5

eine gegenüber den Teilschnittansichten gemäß den Fig. 3 und 4 im Maßstab vergrößerte, abgebrochene Längsschnittansicht eines eine Werkstückspindel tragenden zentralen Verstellmechanismus der Maschine gemäß Fig. 1, der eine Schwenkantriebseinheit und eine darauf angeordnete Linearantriebseinheit umfaßt;

Fig. 6

eine abgebrochene Schnittansicht des die Werkstückspindel tragenden zentralen Verstellmechanismus der Maschine gemäß Fig. 1 entsprechend der Schnittverlaufslinie VI-VI in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Maschine gemäß Fig. 1 von schräg vorne/oben, mit dem Maschinenoberteil, welches sich in einer unteren, geschlossenen Position befindet, wobei zur Vereinfachung der Darstellung gegenüber der Fig. 1 eine Transporteinrichtung der Maschine weggelassen wurde;

Fig. 8

eine im Maßstab vergrößerte, abgebrochene Schnittansicht der Maschine gemäß Fig. 1 entsprechend der Schnittverlaufslinie VIII-VIII in Fig. 7 in einem Bereich, in dem das Maschinengestell und das Maschinenoberteil aneinandergrenzen;

Fig. 9

eine der Fig. 7 ähnliche, perspektivische Ansicht der Maschine gemäß Fig. 1 von schräg vorne/oben, bei der eine in das Maschinengestell versenkbare Schiebetür an der Frontseite der Maschine geöffnet ist, um für einen Bediener einen Eingriff in den Arbeitsraum der Maschine zu gestatten; und

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Maschine gemäß Fig. 1 von schräg vorne/oben, mit dem Maschinenoberteil, welches sich in einer oberen, geöffneten Position befindet, wobei zur Vereinfachung der Darstellung gegenüber der Fig. 1 eine Transporteinrichtung und eine Lade/Entlade-Station der Maschine weggelassen wurden.

In the following the invention with reference to a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying, partially schematic drawings is explained in more detail, in which like reference characters designate the same or corresponding parts. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a machine according to the invention for processing optical workpieces, especially plastic spectacle lenses, obliquely from the front / top, without machine head (which was removed for a better insight into the interior of the machine), the tooling equipment a milling machining unit with a tool spindle and two Turning processing units each having a fast tool arrangement comprises;

Fig. 2

a plan view of the machine according to Fig. 1 with view from the top in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a partial sectional view of the machine according to Fig. 1 according to the section line III-III in Fig. 2 , wherein for the sake of simplicity of illustration with respect to Fig. 1 and 2 a control cabinet and a transport device of the machine have been omitted;

Fig. 4

a partial sectional view of the machine according to Fig. 1 according to the section line IV-IV in Fig. 2 , wherein for the sake of simplicity of illustration with respect to Fig. 1 and 2 a cabinet of the machine has been omitted;

Fig. 5

one opposite the partial sectional views according to the 3 and 4 in scale enlarged, broken longitudinal sectional view of a workpiece spindle bearing central adjustment mechanism of the machine according to Fig. 1 comprising a pivot drive unit and a linear drive unit disposed thereon;

Fig. 6

a broken sectional view of the workpiece spindle bearing central adjustment mechanism of the machine according to Fig. 1 according to the section line VI-VI in Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 7

a perspective view of the machine according to Fig. 1 obliquely from the front / top, with the machine head, which is in a lower, closed position, wherein for ease of illustration relative to the Fig. 1 a transport device of the machine has been omitted;

Fig. 8

an enlarged scale, broken sectional view of the machine according to Fig. 1 according to the section line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7 in an area where the machine frame and the machine head adjoin one another;

Fig. 9

one of the Fig. 7 similar, perspective view of the machine according to Fig. 1 from obliquely front / top, in which a sliding into the machine frame sliding door is open at the front of the machine to to allow an operator to engage in the working space of the machine; and

Fig. 10

a perspective view of the machine according to Fig. 1 obliquely from the front / top, with the machine head, which is in an upper, open position, wherein for ease of illustration relative to the Fig. 1 a transport device and a loading / unloading station of the machine have been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

1. (a) eine Werkstückspindel 12, mittels der das Brillenglas L um eine Werkstück-Drehachse B drehend antreibbar ist,
2. (b) wenigstens eine, im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel sogar drei Bearbeitungseinheiten für die spanende Bearbeitung des an der Werkstückspindel 12 gehaltenen Brillenglases L, nämlich zwei Dreh-Bearbeitungseinheiten 14, 16 mit jeweils einer Fast-Tool-Anordnung 18, 20 zur Erzeugung einer Linearbewegung in Richtung F1 bzw. F2 für einen jeweils zugeordneten Drehmeißel 19, 21 als Werkzeug, sowie eine Fräs-Bearbeitungseinheit 22 mit einer Werkzeugspindel 24 zur Erzeugung einer Drehbewegung um eine Werkzeug-Drehachse C für ein Fräswerkzeug 25, und
3. (c) einen allgemein mit 26 bezifferten Verstellmechanismus zur Erzeugung einer Relativbewegung zwischen der Werkstückspindel 12 und dem jeweiligen Werkzeug 19, 21, 25, um (wenigstens) wahlweise ein Laden/Entladen oder ein Bearbeiten des Brillenglases L zu ermöglichen.

In the Fig. 1 to 4 . 7, 9 and 10 is a CNC-controlled machine, in particular for surface treatment of spectacle lenses L made of plastic numbered 10. The machine 10 is general

1. (a) a workpiece spindle 12, by means of which the spectacle lens L is rotatably drivable about a workpiece axis of rotation B,
2. (B) at least one, in the illustrated embodiment, even three processing units for the machining of the held on the workpiece spindle 12 spectacle lens L, namely two rotary processing units 14, 16, each with a fast tool assembly 18, 20 for generating a linear movement in the direction F1 or F2 for a respective associated turning tool 19, 21 as a tool, and a milling machining unit 22 with a tool spindle 24 for generating a rotational movement about a tool axis of rotation C for a milling tool 25, and
3. (c) an adjusting mechanism, generally designated 26, for producing a relative movement between the workpiece spindle 12 and the respective tool 19, 21, 25 to allow (at least) optionally loading / unloading or processing of the lens L;

It is essential, as will be explained in more detail below, that the adjusting mechanism 26 has a linear drive unit 28 and a pivot drive unit 30 (see Fig. 3 to 6 ), which are arranged on each other, wherein the workpiece spindle 12 is pivotable about a pivot axis A by means of the pivot drive unit 30, which is substantially perpendicular to the workpiece axis of rotation B, while the workpiece spindle 12 by means of the linear drive unit 28 along a linear axis Y is movable in the illustrated embodiment is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis A and substantially parallel to the workpiece axis of rotation B.

The machine 10 has a monolithic molded polymer concrete machine frame 32, which is provided starting from its upper side 34 in the middle with a ring trough-like recess 36 which defines a working space 38 of the machine 10 down and laterally. In the center of the recess 36, a bearing eye 40 is provided for the adjusting mechanism 26. In Fig. 2 are also two with respect to the bearing eye 40 diametrically opposite drains 42 for the coolant and chip disposal in the bottom of the recess 36 can be seen. Around the recess 36 around a plurality of flange surfaces 44 are embedded in the machine frame 32 in a star-like arrangement starting from the top 34, which serve to mount the processing units 14, 16, 22 and other units or stations, which will be described below. The Fig. 1 and 2 still show a laterally mounted on the machine frame 32 transport device 46 for the transport of work boxes 48 in which to be processed / processed lenses L are transported. Finally, a control cabinet 50 is mounted on the machine frame 32, which contains the required control and supply modules.

The Fig. 3 to 6 Details of the adjustment mechanism 26 can be seen. First, it can be seen that the linear drive unit 28 is arranged on the pivot drive unit 30. The latter is mounted in the bearing eye 40 of the machine frame 32 by means of a two-part bearing flange 52, which has a lower part 54 and an upper part 56.

The pivot drive unit 30 has a torque motor 58, which - like all other main drives of the machine 10 also - is water cooled (not shown in detail) and serves to pivot the workpiece spindle 12 in the rotation angle CNC-controlled about the pivot axis A. According to the Fig. 5 and 6 the stator 60 of the torque motor 58 is fixed in the lower part 54 of the bearing flange 52, while the rotor 62 of the torque motor 58 by means of a combined axial-radial needle bearing assembly 64 is rotatably mounted in the lower part 54 of the bearing flange 52. Alternatively, however, an aerodynamic or hydrostatic bearing of the rotor 62 could also be provided.

Between the lower part 54 and the upper part 56 of the bearing flange 52, an annular measuring system 66 is further provided which surrounds the rotor 62 of the torque motor 58 and by means of which the angular position of the rotor 62 with respect to the stator 60 for the angular position control of the torque motor 58 can be detected. As an alternative, a hollow shaft encoder could be considered.

Above the bearing flange upper part 56, a pivot table 68 is attached to the rotor 62 of the torque motor 58, 52 annular seals 70 are provided between the pivot table 68 and the stationary upper part 56 of the bearing flange, which seal the pivot drive unit 30 relative to the working space 38 of the machine. In addition, a Sperrluftbeaufschlagung done here (not shown in detail), which also prevents coolant enters the rotary drive unit 30.

Finally, mention should be made of the swivel drive unit 30 that all electrical energy and signal lines and air and coolant hoses are guided through the mounted on the pivot table 68 assemblies through the executed as a hollow shaft rotor 62 (not shown).

especially the Fig. 5 and 6 further show that two guide rails 72 for a Y-carriage 74 of the linear drive unit 28 are mounted on the turntable 68 in a parallel arrangement. Here, the Y-carriage 74 is slidably guided by means of a total of four carriages 76 on the guide rails 72, in a large spatial proximity to the axial-radial needle bearing arrangement 64 of the pivot drive unit 30th

Between the guide rails 72, a linear motor 78 is arranged, by means of which the Y-carriage 74 relative to the turntable 68 is movable or adjustable, namely CNC-position-controlled in both directions of the Y-axis (the associated measuring system is not to simplify the illustration shown). While the stator 80 of the linear motor 78 is fixed to the turntable 68, the rotor 82 of the linear motor 78 is mounted on the Y-carriage 74, on which in turn the workpiece spindle 12 is mounted.

The workpiece spindle 12 is known per se and therefore need not be further described at this point. It should be mentioned only that the workpiece spindle 12 has an aerostatic bearing (not shown in detail), the exhaust air advantageously contributes to the sealing against the working space 38, and with a double-acting piston-cylinder assembly 84 is provided for the operation of a collet 86 (see Fig. 5 ), by means of which on a block piece (not shown) blocked spectacle lens L can be clamped to the workpiece spindle 12. Finally, with the aid of the electric motor 88 of the workpiece spindle 12, the spectacle lens L is in the angular position of rotation CNC-controlled about the workpiece rotation axis B rotationally driven (the associated measuring system is again not shown for simplicity of illustration).

Especially in the Fig. 3 to 6 Furthermore, it can be seen that on the turntable 68 of the pivot drive unit 30, a cover hood 90 is attached, which covers both the workpiece spindle 12 and the linear drive unit 28, wherein the interior 92 of the cover 90 by means of sealing profiles 94 which between the cover 90 and the pivot table 68th are arranged opposite the working space 38 of the machine 10 is sealed. On the in Fig. 5 On the right side, the cover 90 has an opening 96, through which the workpiece spindle 12 extends movably, so that the collet 86 with the spectacle lens L stretched in it is located in the working space 38 of the machine 10. Between an inner periphery of the opening 96 and an outer periphery of the workpiece spindle 12, a rolling bellows 98 is finally arranged, which is suitably attached to the workpiece spindle 12 and cover 90 and (also) serves to seal the interior 92 of the cover 90 relative to the working space 38 of the machine 10 ,

From the above description it can be seen so far that the workpiece spindle 12 by means of the linear drive unit 28 and pivot drive unit 30 adjustment mechanism 26 CNC position controlled (A-axis, Y-axis) in a relative to the pivot axis A perpendicular plane is movable while the lens L in the rotation angle CNC position-controlled (B-axis) about the workpiece axis of rotation B is rotatable. Thus, the lens L of a processing unit or the like. to the next processing unit or the like. be moved (A-axis), with respect to a processing unit or the like. transverse to this (A-axis, possibly combined with Y-axis, in particular for feed movements) and / or with respect to a processing unit or the like. towards or away from them (Y-axis, in particular for delivery movements). This concept not only leads to a very compact construction of the machine 10, but also to a - compared to a provided for the movement of the workpiece spindle stage, which has a ratio of long linear guides - increased accuracy in machining.

especially the Fig. 1 and 2 Now show various units or stations that are arranged in a star-like manner around the provided at a central location in the machine frame 32, the workpiece spindle 12 supporting adjusting mechanism 26 around. In the Fig. 1 to 3 is the workpiece spindle 12 of the rotary processing unit 14 opposite. On the relative to the adjusting mechanism 26 diametrically opposite side of the machine frame 32 is the rotary processing unit 16, so that the effective directions F1, F2 arranged in opposite positions Fast tool assemblies 18, 20 and the pivot axis A substantially in one plane lie, which can be used by suitable control of the fast tool assemblies 18, 20 for vibration compensation. The internal structure and function of the fast tool assemblies 18, 20 shown here are in the EP-A-1 779 967 described in detail, which is hereby incorporated by reference to avoid repetition.

As in particular in the Fig. 3 can be clearly seen, provided on the machine frame 32 flange 44 extend for the Fast tool assemblies 18, 20 obliquely, so that they fall off starting from the working space 38 of the machine 10 radially outward. As a result, the directions of action F1, F2 of the fast tool assemblies 18, 20 mounted on the flange surfaces 44 are correspondingly inclined with respect to a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis A. Sense and purpose of the inclination are in the EP-A-1 719 585 described in detail, which is also incorporated herein by reference to avoid repetition becomes. Due to the dropping of the flange surfaces 44 for the fast tool assemblies 18, 20 with respect to the working space 38 is also causes the turning tools 19, 21 in the de-energized state of the fast-tool assemblies 18, 20 moved in relation to the working space 38 retracted positions or stay in this.

In the direction of rotation counterclockwise seen about the pivot axis A follows according to the particular Fig. 1 and 2 on the turning processing unit 14, a loading / unloading station 100 for loading / unloading spectacle lenses L in / from the machine 10. The loading / unloading station 100 has a loading mechanism 102 adapted in terms of its degrees of freedom of movement and grasping capabilities Remove lens L from a work box 48 and, after opening a door 104 provided on the machine frame 32, move it into the working space 38 of the machine 10 to tension the blocked lens L on the workpiece spindle 12, and vice versa.

On the loading / unloading station 100 follows again in the direction of rotation counterclockwise about the pivot axis A seen the milling processing unit 22 (see in particular the Fig. 4 in which the workpiece spindle 12 has been displaced by means of the adjusting mechanism 26 in such a way that the spectacle lens L stretched on the workpiece spindle 12 faces the milling processing unit 22 fixedly provided on the machine frame 32). Structure and function of the milling processing unit 22 are in the EP-A-0 758 571 described in detail, which is also hereby incorporated by reference to avoid repetition.

This is followed by the second rotary processing unit 16. This corresponds in principle to the first rotary processing unit 14, but may be provided according to the respective processing requirements with another turning tool 21, possibly also with an engraving stylus, as in the DE-A-10 2006 026 524 to which reference is hereby expressly made with respect to the engraving or marking function.

For engraving or marking the lenses L could, if desired or required, but also other means are used, for example, a laser or engraving stylus, which is similar to a stylus mounted aerostatically and driven by a voice coil drive The latter could also be dimensioned significantly smaller than the fast tool arrangements 18, 20 shown here. Such a device could be mounted approximately on the still free flange surface 44 of the machine frame 32 (see FIG Fig. 1 , front left or Fig. 2 , bottom left).

Counterclockwise about the pivot axis A seen after the second turning processing unit 16 is finally followed by a measuring station 106 for measuring the lenses L. This may be a known form sensor, by means of which the lens L can be measured in situ. Also conceivable are devices for non-contact, eg optical measurement of the lenses L. If such a measuring station 106 is present, the machine 10 - namely their rotary processing units 14, 16 - be automatically calibrated, as in EP-A-1 719 584 described in detail.

An additional cribbing spindle with a milling tool projecting into the working space 38 could also be provided on the machine frame 32 for the edge (s) of the spectacle lenses L (not shown), whose axis of rotation would preferably lie in the same plane as the workpiece axis of rotation B. , like from the EP-A-1 719 573 known.

Further details of the encapsulation of the working space 38 of the machine 10 are the Fig. 7 to 10 refer to. In Fig. 7 At the front, 108 denotes a sliding door, which is suitably guided on the machine frame 32 and can be lowered into it (see the US Pat Fig. 9 and 10 ) to allow an operator to access the workspace 38 of the machine 10. On the machine frame 32 patch and attached covers 110 cover in particular the rotary processing unit 14 and the measuring station 106 from; between the latter and the working space 38 can also be an optional door to sit open to protect the measuring station 106 (not shown). A control panel 112 with integrated screen is on in the Fig. 7 . 8th and 10 left cover 110 is arranged.

Furthermore, the machine 10 has a machine upper part 114, which is hinged by means of hinges 116 in the area of the control cabinet 50 with respect to the machine frame 32, between a lower, closed position (FIG. Fig. 7 and 9 ), in which the working space 38 of the machine 10 is hermetically sealed, and an upper, open position (FIG. Fig. 10 ). The machine head 114 has an elliptical viewing window 118, which allows the operator in the closed position of the machine head 114 a clear view into the working space 38 of the machine 10. The oblique installation of the viewing window 118 ensures a targeted drainage of the during the processing of the inside against the viewing window 118 splashing cooling lubricant. The machine head 114 finally has a lower, substantially annular cylindrical edge 120, which in accordance with Fig. 8 in the closed state of the machine head 114 positively engages in an associated, substantially annular recess 122 in the machine frame 32. For further sealing, a circumferential seal 124 can be arranged between the edge 120 of the machine upper part 114 and the associated recess 122 in the machine frame 32 (see FIG Fig. 8 ).

A machine for processing optical workpieces according to claim 1 is disclosed. As a result, a very compact machine is created in which, in particular, the working space can be very easily encapsulated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

machine

12

Workpiece spindle

14

Rotation processing unit

16

Rotation processing unit

18

Fast tool arrangement

19

lathe tool

20

Fast tool arrangement

21

lathe tool

22

Milling machining unit

24

tool spindle

25

milling tool

26

adjustment

28

Linear drive unit

30

Swivel drive unit

32

machine frame

34

top

36

recess

38

working space

40

bearing eye

42

outflow

44

flange

46

transport means

48

work box

50

switch cabinet

52

Lagerflansch

54

lower part

56

top

58

torque motor

60

stator

62

rotor

64

Axial-radial needle bearing assembly

66

measuring system

68

Rotary table

70

ring seal

72

guide rail

74

Y carriage

76

carriages

78

linear motor

80

stator

82

runner

84

Piston-cylinder arrangement

86

collet

88

electric motor

90

cover

92

Interior

94

sealing profile

96

opening

98

bellows

100

Load / unload station

102

loading mechanism

104

door

106

measuring station

108

sliding door

110

cover

112

control panel

114

Machine head

116

hinge

118

window

120

edge

122

recess

124

poetry

A

swivel axis

B

Workpiece rotation axis

C

Tool axis of rotation

F1

Linear axis 1. Fast tool arrangement

F2

Linear axis 2. Fast tool arrangement

L

lens

Y

linear axis

Claims (13)

1. A machine (10) for the processing of optical work pieces (L), in particular of plastic spectacle lenses, comprising
   a work piece spindle (12) by means of which the work piece (L) can be driven rotationally about a work piece rotation axis (B),
   at least one processing unit (14, 16, 22) that comprises a tool (19, 21, 25) with which the work piece (L) that is retained on the work piece spindle (12) can be machined, and
   an adjusting mechanism (26) for causing a relative movement between the work piece spindle (12) and the tool (19, 21, 25), to either enable loading/unloading or processing of the work piece (L), wherein the adjusting mechanism (26) comprises a linear drive unit (28) by means of which the work piece spindle (12) can be moved along a linear axis (Y), and a swivel drive unit (30) by means of which the work piece spindle (12) can be rotated about a swivel axis (A) that is substantially perpendicular to the work piece rotation axis (B),
   characterized in that the linear drive unit (28) is arranged on the swivel drive unit (30), wherein the linear axis (Y) is substantially perpendicular to the swivel axis (A) and substantially parallel to the work piece rotation axis (B), or substantially parallel to the swivel axis (A) and substantially perpendicular to the work piece rotation axis (B).
2. A machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, by means of the swivel drive unit (30), the work piece spindle (12) can be rotated about the swivel axis (A) with control of the rotation angle.
3. A machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the swivel drive unit (30) comprises a swing table (68) on which parallel guide rails (72) for a Y-slide (74) of the linear drive unit (28) are mounted, wherein a linear motor (78) is arranged between the guide rails (72) by means of which the Y-slide (74) can be moved relative to the swing table (68).
4. A machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the swivel drive unit (30) has a torque motor (58).
5. A machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one processing unit (14, 16, 22) which is a lathe unit (14, 16) with a fast-tool arrangement (18, 20) and/or a milling unit (22) with a tool spindle (24).
6. A machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting mechanism (26) that carries the work piece spindle (12) is arranged at a central part of a machine body (32), whilst the at least one processing unit (14, 16, 22), a loading/unloading station (100) for loading/unloading work pieces (L) and at least one further unit or station are arranged in star shape about the adjusting mechanism (26), wherein the latter unit or station is chosen from a group containing the following units and/or stations: a lathe unit (14, 16) with a fast-tool arrangement (18, 20), a milling unit (22) with a tool spindle (24), an engraving station for marking the work piece (L) and a measuring station (106) for measuring the work piece (L).
7. A machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two lathe units (14, 16) each comprising a fast-tool arrangement (18, 20) are provided as processing units, that are arranged at positions opposite to each other in relation to the adjusting mechanism (26), so that the work directions (F1, F2) of the fast-tool arrangements (18, 20) and the swivel axis (A) are substantially in the same plane.
8. A machine (10) according to claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the work direction (F1, F2) of the fast-tool arrangement (18, 20) of the at least one lathe unit (14, 16) is tilted relative to a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the swivel axis (A), so that the fast-tool arrangement (18, 20), seen from the adjusting mechanism (26), slopes off in the radial outward direction.
9. A machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a covering hood (90) is mounted to a swing table (68) of the swivel drive unit (30), which covers both the work piece spindle (12) and the linear drive unit (28).
10. A machine (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the covering hood (90) has an opening (96) through which the work piece spindle (12) moveably extends, wherein a bellows (98) is arranged between an inner circumference of the opening (96) and an outer circumference of the work piece spindle (12), that seals off the inside (92) of the covering hood (90) from the work space (38) of the machine (10).
11. A machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the work piece spindle (12) has an aerostatic bearing.
12. A machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a machine upper part (114) that can be pivoted in relation to the machine body (32) and limits a work space (38) of the machine (10) together with the machine body (32), wherein the machine upper part (114) has a lower substantially annular, cylindrical edge (120) that engages positively into an assigned substantially annular recess (122) in the machine body (32) when the machine upper part (114) is closed.
13. A machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a machine body (32) that is formed from a solid block of polymer concrete.

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