EP2247408B1 - Visual device including an ophthalmic lens having a partially cropped insertion rib, and method for preparing such lens - Google Patents

Abstract

Visual equipment includes an ophthalmic lens having an edge face provided with an engagement ridge. Also described is a method of preparing such equipment. The engagement ridge includes at least fifteen bearing sections alternating with as many free singular sections, the free singular sections being smaller in width and/or in height by at least 0.05 millimeters relative to the bearing sections (Sa).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION REFERS

The present invention relates generally to the field of eyewear and more specifically to the preparation of ophthalmic lenses for interlocking in circled spectacle frame surrounds.

It relates more specifically to a visual equipment comprising at least one ophthalmic lens and a method for preparing such an ophthalmic lens.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

• l'acquisition de la forme des contours intérieurs des entourages de la monture,
• le centrage de chaque lentille qui consiste à positionner et à orienter convenablement chaque lentille en regard de chaque oeil du porteur, puis
• l'usinage de chaque lentille qui consiste à découper ou à détourer son contour à la forme souhaitée, compte tenu de la forme des entourages et des paramètres de centrage définis.

The technical part of the optician's profession is to mount a pair of corrective ophthalmic lenses on a frame of rimmed spectacles selected by a wearer. This assembly is broken down into three main operations:

• the acquisition of the shape of the inner contours of the frames of the frame,
• the centering of each lens which consists of positioning and orienting each lens correctly facing each eye of the wearer, then
• the machining of each lens which consists of cutting or contouring its contour to the desired shape, taking into account the shape of the surrounds and the defined centering parameters.

In the context of the present invention, it is more particularly interested in the first and third operations known as acquisition and machining. The practical objective of the optician is to cut the ophthalmic lens so that it can mechanically and aesthetically adapt to the shape of the corresponding entourage of the selected frame, while ensuring that the lens exercises at best the optical function for which it was designed.

The machining operation comprises in particular, in the case of rimmed frames, a beveling step for forming on the edge of the lens an interlocking rib, commonly called bevel, adapted to fit into a groove, commonly called a sucker, which runs along the inner face of the corresponding entourage of the mount. Such an operation is for example detailed in the document US 2001/036794 regarded as the closest state of the art.

In particular, the two acquisition and machining operations must be carried out carefully so that the lens can perfectly fit into its surroundings, effortlessly and "first time", that is to say without requiring resumption of machining.

To acquire the shape of the bezel, it is generally used a contour reading device having a feeler which comes to raise the shape of the bezel. However, at the end of this probing, there are errors in raising the shape of the contour. These errors are inherent to the reading device which may have insufficient resolution, assembly defects or be damaged or unregulated. In addition, the deformations of the frame during the probing of the bezel (due to the support of the probe on the bezel) also generate errors.

At the end of the machining operation, clipping errors are also observed, so that the effective shape of the edge of the lens does not correspond exactly to the desired shape. These errors are also inherent in the trimming apparatus which may have insufficient resolution, assembly defects or a worn-out wheel. In addition, the bending deformations of the lens (due to the support of the grinding wheel against the edge of the lens during its machining) also generate errors, as well as the phenomena of expansion of the lenses during their machining.

Ultimately, in view of these errors and inaccuracies, a lens thus machined has a contour that rarely corresponds exactly to the outline of the bezel of his entourage. It may then be too large, which forces the optician to perform a tedious recovery of the machining of the nesting rib, too small.

In order to increase the rate of correctly cut lenses "at first glance", it is known to correct the defects of acquisition and trimming devices, so as to increase their resolutions and that they take into consideration a larger number of parameters. It is also known to calibrate these devices at short intervals. However, these methods are long, complex and expensive to implement. The parameters currently taken into consideration are also not exhaustive. As a result, the rate of lenses correctly machined the first time is not so far satisfactory.

In addition, the lenses considered as mountable in their surroundings are, to a large extent, slightly too large compared to their surroundings, so that once nested in their surroundings, they are mechanically constrained. As a result, these lenses are weakened and their treatment layers are likely to degrade more rapidly. In addition, these mechanical stresses slightly modify the optical characteristics of the lens, which can cause discomfort for the wearer.

It is also known to acquire the shapes of eyeglass frame surrounds by means of a database register having a plurality of records each associated with a spectacle frame pattern. However, due to manufacturing dispersions, it is observed that two spectacle frames of the same model never have exactly the same shape. Therefore, the shapes acquired in the database are generally slightly different from the actual shapes of the bezel crates selected by the wearer. As a result, the lenses machined according to these acquired shapes are not always mountable in the surroundings of the selected frame, so that it is often necessary to resume the machining of their interlocking ribs.

It is also known to acquire the shape of the bezel of an entourage of an eyeglass frame according to the previously acquired shape of the bezel of the other entourage of this spectacle frame, assuming that the two surrounds are symmetrical. However, due to manufacturing dispersions, it is observed that the two surrounds of the same spectacle frame are never really symmetrical. Consequently, the shape deduced by symmetry is generally slightly different from the actual shape of the bezel of the second circle. As a result, the lens machined according to this form deduced is not always mountable in the second surround of the frame, so that it is often necessary to resume machining its nesting rib.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art, the present invention provides a visual equipment comprising an ophthalmic lens cut away so that the probability that it fits the first shot in his environment without being subjected to too much high mechanical stress is increased.

More particularly, it is proposed according to the invention a visual equipment as defined in claim 1 .

Thanks to the invention, the ophthalmic lens is cut away so that its engagement rib is not in contact with the bezel on its entire periphery but rather so that there appear spaces between the nesting rib of the lens and the bezel of the entourage of the mount, at the level of said singular sections of freedom.

Consequently, if the interlocking rib has erroneously been machined to an outline that is slightly too large compared to the outline of the bezel, these spaces allow the surround to locally deform to compensate for this machining error. In this way, the lens can be nested in its surroundings, without the latter inducing excessive mechanical stress on the lens.

In summary, the errors inherent in the operation of the reading and trimming apparatus are compensated for, not by increasing the accuracy of these apparatuses, but rather by providing that these apparatuses will induce errors in the trimming of the lens.

The number of fifteen singular sections of freedom makes it possible to ensure that at least one of these sections is always located near an area in which the surroundings can be deformed (in particular near the highly curved areas of the entourage). The random choice of the positions of these singular sections of freedom along the nesting rib also gives the implementation algorithm of the method of preparation of this visual equipment a high speed of execution.

Two other embodiments of the invention are defined in claims 8 and 9,

Advantageously, the difference between the maximum value and the value minimum is less than 0.3 millimeter.

It is understood that in the embodiment of claim 9, the ophthalmic lens is beveled in an outline that does not correspond uniformly to the outline of the bezel. The gap between the first and second longitudinal profiles physically results in a slight gap between the engagement rib of the lens and the bezel of the entourage of the frame. Consequently, if the interlocking rib has erroneously been machined to an outline that is slightly too large compared to the outline of the bezel, this slight space allows the surround to locally deform to compensate for this machining error. In this way, the lens can be nested in its surroundings, without the latter inducing excessive mechanical stress on the lens.

The invention also relates to method s for the preparation of an ophthalmic lens as defined in claims 11 and 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

The description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be achieved.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un appareil de lecture de contours de drageoirs de montures de lunettes ;
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique d'une lentille ophtalmique maintenue dans un appareil de détourage pourvu d'une meule de biseautage ;
• les figures 3 à 5 sont des vues de côté de trois meules de biseautage ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de face d'une lentille ophtalmique non détourée, sur lequel est représenté un profil longitudinal d'un drageoir d'un entourage d'une monture de lunettes, un profil longitudinal d'une nervure d'emboîtement que la lentille ophtalmique présentera après détourage, et un cadre boxing circonscrit au profil longitudinal de la nervure d'emboîtement ;
• les figures 7A et 7B sont des vues en coupe des tranches de deux lentilles ophtalmiques détourées selon deux modes de réalisation différents ;
• les figures 8A et 8B sont des vues en coupe d'une nervure d'emboîtement d'une lentille ophtalmique emboîtée dans un drageoir d'une monture de lunettes au niveau d'une section d'appui et au niveau d'une section singulière de liberté ;
• les figures 9 à 15 sont des vues en plan du profil longitudinal de la lentille ophtalmique de la figure 6 et de son cadre boxing.

In the accompanying drawings:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for reading bezel contours of spectacle frames;
• the figure 2 is a schematic view of an ophthalmic lens held in a trimming apparatus provided with a beveling wheel;
• the Figures 3 to 5 are side views of three beveling wheels;
• the figure 6 is a front view of a non-cut-away ophthalmic lens, on which is represented a longitudinal profile of a bezel of an entourage of an eyeglass frame, a longitudinal profile of a nesting rib that the ophthalmic lens will present. after trimming, and a boxing frame circumscribing the longitudinal profile of the interlocking rib;
• the Figures 7A and 7B are sectional views of the slices of two ophthalmic lenses cut in two different embodiments;
• the Figures 8A and 8B are sectional views of an interlocking rib of an ophthalmic lens fitted into a bezel of an eyeglass frame at a bearing section and at a singular section of freedom;
• the Figures 9 to 15 are plan views of the longitudinal profile of the ophthalmic lens of the figure 6 and its boxing framework.

The present invention aims to facilitate and improve the quality of the interlocking of an ophthalmic lens in a surrounding of a spectacle frame.

We will therefore be more particularly interested in rimmed glasses frames 10 ( figure 1 ) having two surrounds 11 which are connected to each other by a bridge and which are each equipped with a branch. Conventionally, each surround 11 is internally traversed by a generally profiled groove, generally in the form of dihedron, commonly known as a bezel. This bezel extends along a curvilinear longitudinal profile 12. Such a bezel 13 is shown in section on the figure 8A .

This longitudinal profile 12 corresponds to one of the strands of the bezel, which extends on one and / or the other of the sides of this bezel and which is substantially parallel or confused with the bottom edge of this bezel.

It is possible to define with respect to this longitudinal profile 12 a skyline A3 ( figure 6 ) which is substantially horizontal when the spectacle frame 10 is carried by the wearer in the orthostatic position, that is to say when the wearer is standing and that he holds his head straight. The horizon line A3 here corresponds more particularly to the straight line which passes opposite the two pupils of the wearer. It is characteristic of the orientation of the spectacle frame 10 and the ophthalmic lens 20.

As shown in figure 2 , the ophthalmic lens 20 has a front optical face 21 convex and a concave rear optical face 22, and a peripheral edge 23 whose initial contour 27 ( figure 6 ) is generally circular.

As shown by Figures 7A, 7B and 8A and 8B , this ophthalmic lens is intended to include, after machining its edge 23, an engagement rib 24 extending along a longitudinal profile 25 ( figure 2 curvilinear whose shape allows the interlocking of the ophthalmic lens 20 in the surrounding 11 corresponding to the spectacle frame 10.

This longitudinal profile 25 corresponds to a line running along the edge 23 of the lens and which joins a defined point of each cross section of the engagement rib 24. Each of these points is here defined by a rule which is uniform for the set of cross sections of the engagement rib 24. By way of example, the longitudinal profile 25 may correspond to one of the strands of the engagement rib 24, which extends over the one and / or either of the flanks of this interlocking rib and which is substantially parallel or coincident with the top of the interlocking rib.

As shown on the figure 6 it is possible to define a boxing frame 26 with respect to the longitudinal profile.

This boxing frame 26 is more precisely defined as the rectangle which, on the one hand, is circumscribed to the orthogonal projection of the longitudinal profile deduced in the plane of the initial contour 27, and which, on the other hand, has two parallel sides intended to extend horizontally when the lens is worn by the wearer.

This boxing frame 26 has, at the intersection of its two diagonals, a geometric center C1 through which passes a central optical and geometric axis A1 of the lens ( figure 2 ). The central axis A1 considered is substantially normal to the plane which is tangential to the front optical face 21 of the lens and which passes through the point of the front optical face 21 whose orthogonal projection in the plane of the initial contour 27 is the geometric center C1.

Device

To prepare such a lens, it is known to use a contour reading device 1 such as, for example, the one shown in FIG. figure 1 .

This apparatus comprises an upper cover 2 covering the entire apparatus with the exception of a central upper portion accessible to the user, in which the spectacle frame 10 is arranged.

The contour reading apparatus 1 is intended to record the shape of the contours of the bezels 13 of the surrounds 11 of this eyeglass frame 10.

It comprises for this purpose a set of two jaws 3, one of which is movable, which are provided with movable studs 4 for clamping between them the spectacle frame 10 in order to immobilize it.

In the space left visible by the upper central opening of the cover 2, a frame 5 is visible. A plate (not visible) can move in translation on the frame 5 along a transfer axis D1. On this plate is rotatably mounted a turntable 6. This turntable 6 is adapted to take two positions on the transfer axis D1, opposite each of the two surrounds 11 of the spectacle frame 10.

The turntable 6 has an axis of rotation B1 defined as the normal axis to the front face of the turntable 6 and passing through its center. It is adapted to pivot about this axis relative to the plate. The turntable 6 further comprises an oblong slot 7 in the form of an arc of a circle through which a probe 8 protrudes. This probe 8 comprises a support rod 8A with an axis perpendicular to the plane of the front face of the turntable 6 and, at its free end, a feeler pin 8B with an axis perpendicular to the axis of the support rod 8A. This finger 8B is intended to follow by sliding or possibly rolling the bottom of the bezel 13 of each of the two surrounds 11 of the eyeglass frame 10, moving along the light 7.

The contour reading apparatus 1 comprises actuating means (not shown) adapted, firstly, to slide the support rod 8A along the lumen 7 in order to modify its radial position R with respect to the rotating axis B1 of the turntable 6, a second part, to vary the TETA angular position of the turntable 6 about its axis of rotation B1, and, thirdly, to position the probe finger 8B of the probe 8 at a greater or lesser altitude Z relative to the plane of the front face of the turntable 6. Each point palpated by the end of the feeler finger 8B of the probe 8 is then identified in a corresponding cylindrical coordinate system. The coordinates of each probed point of the bezel 13 are then noted ra _i , tetaa _i , za _i .

The contour reading apparatus 1 furthermore comprises an electronic and / or computer device 9 making it possible, on the one hand, to drive the actuating means of the contour reading apparatus 1, and, on the other hand, to acquire and record the coordinates ra _i , tetaa _i , za _i of each probed point of the bezel 13.

In order to prepare the ophthalmic lens 20, it is also known to use a trimming apparatus 30 which is not the subject of the present invention. Such a clipping apparatus, well known to those skilled in the art, is for example described in the document US 6,327,790 or marketed by the Applicant under the trademark Kappa CTD.

As shown in figure 2 such a trimming apparatus 30 generally comprises support means here formed by shafts 31 for holding and rotating the ophthalmic lens 20 around a locking pin A1 coincides with the central axis of the lens. Such a trimming apparatus further comprises trimming means here formed by a machining tool 32 rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation A2 which is here substantially parallel to the locking axis A1, but which could also be inclined relative to this axis.

The machining tool 32 and / or the shafts 31 are provided with two relative mobilities, including a radial mobility that makes it possible to modify the spacing between the axis of rotation A2 and the blocking axis A1, and translational mobility. axial along an axis parallel to the blocking axis A1.

The trimming apparatus 30 further comprises an electronic and / or computer device (not shown) which is provided, on the one hand, with communication means with the electronic and / or computer device 9 of the contour reading device. 1, and, secondly, means for controlling the mobilities of the shafts 31 and of the machining tool 32. This electronic and / or computer device makes it possible in particular to control, for each angular position of the lens 20 around of the locking pin A1, the radial spacing between the machining tool 32 and the locking pin A1, as well as the axial position of the edge 23 of the lens relative to the working surface of the machining tool 32.

As shown more particularly in figure 3 , the machining tool 32 is in this case constituted by a main wheel 33 of shape, that is to say having hollow, in the manner of a negative, a machining profile complementary to that to obtain relief on the flank 23 of the lens to be machined. This main wheel 33 is here of revolution about the axis of rotation A2 and is provided with a beveling groove 34 capable of forming on the side 23 of the lens 20 a interlocking rib 24 ( figure 8A ) of complementary shape. The diameter of the main grinding wheel will preferably be less than 25 millimeters.

This interlocking rib 24 is most often made to present, in cross section, a profile in the form of a dihedral, that is to say in the shape of an inverted V, which is why the interlocking rib 24 is commonly called bevel. Of course, this interlocking rib may have different shapes in cross section, such as for example semi-circular or rectangular shapes.

Alternatively and with reference to figure 4 it may be provided that the machining tool comprises a set of grinding wheels comprising, in addition to the above-mentioned main grinding wheel 33, an auxiliary bevel grinding wheel 35 provided with a bevelling groove 36 of depth and / or width less than the depth and / or width of the beveling groove 34 of the main grinding wheel 33. This small beveling groove 36 may for example have a depth and width less than 0.3 millimeter to the depth and width of the beveling groove 34 of the main wheel 33.

In another variant, as shown by figure 5 it can be provided that the machining tool 32 comprises a grinder 37 having a cylindrical central portion 40 of revolution about the axis of rotation A2, and, on either side of this central portion 40, two portions of end 38, 39 conical of revolution about the axis of rotation A2 and arranged back-to-back. These two end portions 38, 39 will then be able to successively machine the two sides of the engagement rib 24 of the ophthalmic lens 20. Of course, it will also be possible for these two end portions to be arranged facing each other. at a distance from each other.

The machining tool may be of another type. It may in particular be formed by a cutter or a knife rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation A2. By knife is meant a tool having, in the manner of a flat wick, a central shaft on each side of which radially extend, in the same plane, two blades whose free edges are able to machine the wafer. of the ophthalmic lens.

Preparation process

The process for preparing the ophthalmic lens is carried out in four main steps. It comprises, in particular, a step of acquiring the shape of an acquired longitudinal profile 12 of the bezel 13, a step of deducing the shape of a longitudinal profile derived from the interlocking rib 24, a step of determining the singular portions of freedom of the longitudinal profile deduced 25, and a step of trimming the ophthalmic lens 20.

During a first step of acquiring the shape of an acquired longitudinal profile 12 of the bezel 13, the eyeglass frame 10 chosen by the future carrier is engaged in the reading apparatus 1 (FIG. figure 1 ). For this, the frame 10 is inserted between the pads 4 of the jaws 3, so that one of its entourages 11 is ready to be probed in a path starting by the insertion of the probe 8 between the two studs 4 enclosing the lower part of this entourage, then following the outline of the bezel 13 of this entourage 11.

More precisely, the electronic and / or computer device 9 defines as zero the angular position and the altitude of the probe 8 when the feeler finger 8B is disposed between the two aforementioned studs 4.

Once the spectacle frame 10 is fixed and the probe 8 in contact with the bezel 13, the electronic and / or computer device 9 controls the rotation of the turntable 6 so that the feeler finger 8B of the probe 8 moves continuously along the bottom of the bezel 13.

The preservation of the contact of the probing finger 8B with the bottom of the bezel 13 is provided by the actuating means which exert on the probe 8 a radial return force directed towards the bezel 13. This radial return force thus makes it possible to avoid that the feeler finger 8B does not go up along one or the other of the sides of the bezel 13 and it does not come out of it.

Consequently, the feeler 8 is controlled in angular position around the axis of rotation B and is guided according to its radial coordinate and according to its altitude thanks to the shape here V of the bezel 13.

During the rotation of the turntable 6, the electronic and / or computer device 9 detects the spatial coordinates ra _i , teta ₁ , za _i of a plurality of points of the acquired longitudinal profile 12 of the bezel 13, for example 360 points, for storing a precise digital image of this profile. This image, in orthogonal projection in the plane of the initial contour 27 of the ophthalmic lens 20, is represented in dotted line on the figure 6 .

To acquire these spatial coordinates, one can alternatively use a database register. In this variant, the database register comprises a plurality of records each associated with a referenced type of spectacle frames (that is to say a spectacle frame shape). More specifically, each record includes an identifier that corresponds to the referenced type of spectacle frames, and an array of values referencing the spatial coordinates of 360 characteristic points of the shape of a longitudinal profile of the bezel frames of glasses of the referenced type. So, for acquiring the spatial coordinates ra _i , tetaa _i , za _i , of the acquired longitudinal profile 12, the operator can search the database for the record whose identifier corresponds to the spectacle frame selected by the wearer (for example at the means of the barcode of the mount). Then, the values referenced in this recording will then be read and transmitted to the electronic and / or computer device of the trimming apparatus 30.

A disadvantage generally found when using this acquisition method is that, since two frames of the same type rarely have exactly the same shape, the spatial coordinates acquired in the database may be slightly different from the actual coordinates of the data. corresponding points of the bezel. However, thanks to the invention and as will be explained below, these slight differences will not induce problems of nesting of the ophthalmic lens 20 in the entourage 11 of the frame 10 selected by the wearer.

In another variant, the acquisition of point coordinates of the acquired longitudinal profile can be performed in a plane, for example on a photo of the wearer. According to this variant, at first a digital photograph of the wearer equipped with his spectacle frame is acquired. Then, in a second step, we note on the acquired photo the shape of the inner contour of each surround of the eyeglass frame, for example by means of an image processing software. We thus deduce the coordinates ra _i , tetaa _i of a plurality of points of the acquired longitudinal profile.

During a second step of deducing the shape of an inferred longitudinal profile 25, the shape of the vertex ridge of the interlocking rib 24 is calculated so that this rib can to encase in the bezel 13 previously palpated. This shape will thus make it possible to determine an instruction to trim the ophthalmic lens 20.

This deduction step may be performed by calculation means of the electronic and / or computer device hosted by the contour reading device 1 or by those of the trimming apparatus 30, or by those of any other device capable of communicate with one and / or both of these devices 1.30.

During this second step, the calculation means determine, as a function of the spatial coordinates ra _i , teta _i , z _i of the points of the acquired longitudinal profile 12, the shape of the longitudinal profile deduced ( figure 6 ), that is to say the shape that will present the top edge of the interlocking rib 24 after trimming. This form will allow the computing means of the electronic device and / or computer hosted by the trimming apparatus 30 to derive a set of clipping radius and an axial setpoint of clipping of the ophthalmic lens 20.

The deduced longitudinal profile 25 is here defined by 360 points whose spatial coordinates are denoted rs _j , tetas _j , zs _j .

• Pour i = j et j allant de 1 à 360,
• rs_j = ra_i + k ; tetas_j = tetaa_i ; zs_j = za_i + f(tetas_j).

The derived longitudinal profile 25 is deduced from the acquired longitudinal profile 12 in the sense that it is defined to be either merged with or deviated from it by a constant distance. More precisely, the coordinates rs _j , tetas _j , zs _j of the 360 points of the derived longitudinal profile 25 are calculated from the coordinates ra _i , tetaa _i , za _i of the 360 points of the acquired longitudinal profile 12 according to the following formulas:

• For i = j and j ranging from 1 to 360,
• rs _j = ra _i + k; tetas _j = tetaa _i ; zs _j = za _i + f (tetas _j ).

The constant k is calculated conventionally according to the architectures of the contour reading apparatus 1 and the contouring apparatus 30, as well as to the shapes of the cross sections of the bezel of the surround of the frame and the bevelling groove of the main grinding wheel 33. This constant k makes it possible in particular to take into account the fact that, once the lens is nested in the surrounding area, the top of the interlocking rib (corresponding to the longitudinal profile deduced 25) is never in contact the bottom of the bezel (corresponding to the acquired longitudinal profile 12) but is slightly offset from the latter ( Figures 8A and 8B ).

The function f (tetas _j ) can be chosen to be zero or constant or variable, to take into account a possible difference between the general camber of the lens and the bezel of the frame. The choice of this function makes it possible in particular to modify the axial position of the engagement rib 24 on the edge 23 of the ophthalmic lens 20, so for example that the engagement rib 24 extends along the optical face. before the lens or rather in the middle of its slice.

During a third step, the calculation means proceed to the detection of at least fifteen singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16 ( figure 9 ) of the longitudinal profile deduced 25.

More particularly, the position of at least fifteen singular points of freedom PI is determined on the longitudinal profile deduced ( Figure 8B ) alternated with as many Pa points of support ( figure 8A ), so that the lens can then be machined in such a way that its engagement rib 24 is in contact with the bezel 13 at said bearing points Pa and out of contact with this interlocking rib 24 around said singular points of freedom PI (that is to say in the singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16). In this way, it will be possible to define on the engagement rib 24 at least fifteen support sections Sa, located at said support points Pa, alternated with as many singular freedom sections SI located at said singular points of freedom PI.

It is understood that the points of support are points where the interlocking rib 24 will be machined in a conventional and uniform manner, so that the nesting rib fits into the bezel 13, and that the singular points of freedom are points where the interlocking rib 24 will be machined in a particular and non-uniform manner, such that the interlocking rib does not fit completely into the bezel 13.

Preferably, the detection of the points of support Pa and the singular points of freedom PI is carried out independently, on the one hand, of the shape of the first and second longitudinal profiles 12, 25, and, on the other hand, of the orientation of the horizon line of the reference frame of the eyeglass frame 10 and therefore of the orientation of the horizon line of the optical reference frame of the ophthalmic lens 20.

Advantageously, said singular points or sections of freedom are chosen to be spaced not more than twenty millimeters along the curvilinear abscissa along the interlocking rib 24 or at most thirty degrees around a geometric or optical axis of the lens. ophthalmic 20, namely here the central axis A1. Preferably, the number of points or singular sections of freedom will then be chosen between twenty and fifty.

The determination of the positions of the singular points of freedom PI can be carried out in various ways.

For example, with reference to figure 9 , the calculation means can select on the longitudinal profile deduced 25 sixteen singular points of freedom P1-P16 regularly spaced around the central axis A1, that is to say having angular coordinates separated two by two from an angle E1 separation equal to 22.5 degrees.

The singular starting point of freedom P1 of this distribution (which determines the position of the other fifteen singular points of freedom P2-P16) may be chosen randomly by the calculation means or may be predetermined. Its angular position can for example be set at 135 degrees.

The calculation means then define as singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16 of the longitudinal profile deduced 25, the sixteen parts of this profile which are centered on the sixteen singular points of freedom P1-P16 and which have lengths F2 less than 12 millimeters. These singular portions of freedom have lengths F2 which may be identical, for example equal to 1 millimeter, or different from each other.

The positions of the points of support Pa are then deduced from the positions of the sixteen singular points of freedom P1-P16. Specifically, each point of support Pa is defined as a point of the longitudinal profile deduced 25 located in the center, curvilinear abscissa, two singular points of freedom.

Alternatively and with reference to figure 10 , the calculation means can select a larger number N of singular points of freedom P17-P20 regularly distributed along the longitudinal profile deduced 25, that is to say spaced from each other of the same length d in abscissa curvilinear.

Here this number N is chosen equal to twenty-seven. Of course, it could be chosen equal to a different number N, greater than or equal to fifteen, preferably between 20 and 50. For the sake of clarity, only four of these singular points of freedom are referenced on the figure 10 .

The starting singular point of freedom P7 of this distribution can be chosen randomly by the calculation means or can be predetermined. Its angular position can for example be set at 240 degrees. Once positioned on the longitudinal profile deduced 25, this singular point of freedom P17 allows the computing means to position the twenty-six other singular points of freedom P18-P20 on the longitudinal profile.

The calculation means then define as singular portions of freedom Z17-Z20 of the longitudinal profile deduced 25, the twenty-seven parts of this profile which are centered on the twenty-seven singular points of freedom P17-P20 and which have predetermined lengths, for example equal to 2 millimeters.

Thanks to this large number N of singular points of freedom P17-P20, said singular points of freedom are chosen to be spaced at most twenty millimeters in curvilinear abscissa along the interlocking rib 24 or at most thirty degrees around the central axis A1.

According to a variant represented on the figure 12 , the calculation means can select a very large number of singular points of freedom P37-P40. For the sake of clarity, only three of these singular points of freedom are referenced in this figure.

The calculation means can in particular select a number of singular points of freedom P37-P40 such that, given their lengths, the corresponding singular portions of freedom Z37-Z40 are all contiguous, so that each end of a singular portion of freedom is confused with the corresponding end of another singular portion of liberty.

For this purpose, the calculation means can distribute these singular freedom portions Z37-Z40 on the longitudinal profile deduced 25 so that they are regularly spaced curvilinear abscissa along this profile or they are regularly angularly spaced around of the central axis A1.

For this, the calculation means can determine the total length of the longitudinal profile deduced 25, then divide this length by thirty in order to regularly spacing the thirty singular points of freedom along this longitudinal profile. Each singular portion of freedom is then defined as being centered on a singular point of freedom and having a length equal to one thirtieth of the total length of the longitudinal profile deduced. As a variant, the calculation means may regularly space the thirty singular points of freedom around the central axis A1 with an angular spacing of 12 degrees. Each singular portion of freedom will then be defined as being the portion of the longitudinal profile deduced 25 centered on a singular point of freedom, the ends of which are angularly spaced from each other by 12 degrees.

According to another variant represented on the figure 13 , the calculation means can randomly select at least fifteen singular points of freedom P41-P55 on the first longitudinal profile 25. More particularly, the number N of singular points of freedom being fixed, for example equal to 15, the calculation means can randomly choose fifteen points from the 360 points of the longitudinal profile deduced 25. However, this choice can be made provided that these points are separated from each other by a separation angle greater than 5 degrees.

The calculation means then define as singular portions of freedom Z41-Z55 of the longitudinal profile deduced 25, the parts of this profile which are centered around these singular points of freedom P41-P55 and which have predetermined lengths, for example equal to 12 millimeters.

Alternatively and with reference to figure 11 , the calculation means can distribute the singular points of freedom on the longitudinal profile deduced according to the geometry of a third longitudinal profile 26 whose shape is a function of that of the longitudinal profile deduced 25. More specifically, the calculation means can distribute at least fifteen singular portions of freedom Z21-Z31 on the longitudinal profile deduced 25 so that the corresponding portions of the third longitudinal profile 26 are regularly spaced around the central axis A1 or are evenly spaced along the third profile longitudinal 26.

For this, the calculation means can select first sixteen singular points of freedom P121-P137 regularly spaced along the boxing frame 26 (which forms the third longitudinal profile), of the same length of. Then, the calculation means establish a rule of correspondence between the points of this boxing frame 26 and the points of the longitudinal profile deduced 25. For this purpose, a point of the longitudinal profile deduced 25 is defined as being associated with a point of the boxing frame 26 if these two points have the same angular position around the blocking axis A1, that is to say if these two points are located on the same line passing through the geometric center C1 boxing frame 26. The means of calculation then deduce the positions of sixteen second singular points of freedom P21-P37 associated with the first sixteen singular points of freedom P121-P137, then they define as singular portions of freedom Z21-Z37 of the longitudinal profile deduced 25, the sixteen parts of this profile which are centered around these second singular points of freedom P21-P37 and which have predetermined lengths, for example equal to 3 millimeters.

According to another variant and with reference to figure 14 , the calculation means can determine the position of at least one remarkable point (having a radius of curvature less than a threshold) or at least one angular point J1-J4 of a third longitudinal profile 26 (derived from the longitudinal profile acquired 12 or inferred 25), then distributing the singular portions of freedom Z56-Z71 on the longitudinal profile deduced 25 so that at least a corresponding portion of the third longitudinal profile 26 is located less than 5 millimeters from a sharp point J1-J4 or a remarkable point of the third longitudinal profile 26.

A singular portion of freedom Z56-Z71 is here considered to be located within 5 millimeters of a sharp point or point of the third longitudinal profile 26 if at least one of its ends is less than 5 millimeters away. one of these points.

More particularly, the calculation means can select sixteen singular points of freedom P56-P71 distributed, for at least half of them, less than 5 millimeters from the intersections of the diagonals of the boxing frame 26 with the longitudinal profile deduced 25.

They can for this purpose select the sixteen points of the longitudinal profile deduced 25 situated on straight lines of the boxing frame plane passing through the geometric center C1 and which are inclined by 4 or 12 degrees with respect to the diagonals of the boxing frame 26. These singular points of freedom are generally located in or near very curved portions of the longitudinal profile deduced 25.

The calculation means then define as singular portions of freedom Z56-Z71 of the longitudinal profile deduced 25, the sixteen parts of this profile which are centered on these singular points of freedom P56-P71 and which have predetermined lengths, for example equal to 0.5 millimeters.

Alternatively and with reference to figure 15 , the calculation means can distribute the singular points of freedom P72-P87 on the longitudinal profile deduced so that at least one of these singular points of freedom is located less than 5 millimeters from a very curved portion of this longitudinal profile deduced 25.

For this purpose, the calculation means determine the radii of curvature Rc _j of the longitudinal profile deduced at its 360 defined points. Here, the calculation of the radii of curvature is made in two dimensions, in the boxing frame plane 26. Of course, alternatively, this calculation could also be made in space, in three dimensions.

avec

• a₀ = (b₀ - b₁) / (b₂ - b₃) ;
• a₁ = b₁ - b₂.a₀ ;

où

• b₀ = (c₀ ² - c₁ ² + c₂ ² - c₃ ²) / (2.c₂ - 2.c₃) ;
• b₁ = (c₁ ² - c₄ ² + c₃ ² - c₅ ²) / (2.c₃ - 2.c₅) ;
• b₂ = (c₁ - c₄) / (c₃ - c₅) ;
• b₃ = (c₀ - c₁) / (c₂ - c₃) ;

et où

• c₀ = rs_j+1 . cos (tetas_j+1) ;
• c₁ = rs_j . cos (tetas_j) ;
• c₂ = rs_j+1 . sin(tetas_j+1) ;
• c₃ = rs_j . sin (tetas_j) ;
• c₄ = rs_j-1 . cos (tetas_j-1) ;
• c₅ = rs_j-1 . sin (tetas_j-1).

This calculation of the radius of curvature Rc _j of the longitudinal profile deduced at the point P _j is as follows: $${\mathrm{rc}}_{\mathrm{j}}\mathrm{=}{\left[{\left({\mathrm{rs}}_{\mathrm{j}}\mathrm{.}\cos \left({\mathrm{tetas}}_{\mathrm{j}}\right)\mathrm{-}{\mathrm{at}}_{\mathrm{0}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{+}{\left({\mathrm{rs}}_{\mathrm{j}}\mathrm{.}\sin \left({\mathrm{tetas}}_{\mathrm{j}}\right)\mathrm{-}{\mathrm{at}}_{\mathrm{1}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\right]}^{\mathrm{1}\mathrm{/}\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{,}$$

with

• a ₀ = (b ₀ - b ₁ ) / (b ₂ - b ₃ );
• a ₁ = b ₁ - b ₂ .a ₀ ;

or

• b ₀ = (c ₀ ² - c ₁ ² + c ₂ ² - c ₃ ² ) / (2.c ₂ - 2.c ₃ );
• b ₁ = (c ₁ ² - c ₄ ² + c ₃ ² - c ₅ ² ) / (2.c ₃ - 2.c ₅ );
• b ₂ = (c ₁ -C ₄ ) / (c ₃ -C ₅ );
• b ₃ = (c ₀ - c ₁ ) / (c ₂ - c ₃ );

and or

• c ₀ = rs _{j + 1} . cos (tetas _{j + 1} );
• c ₁ = rs _j . cos (tetas _j );
• c ₂ = rs _{j + 1} . sin (tetas _{j + 1} );
• c ₃ = rs _j . sin (tetas _j );
• c ₄ = rs _j-1 . cos (tetas _j-1 );
• c ₅ = rs _j-1 . sin (tetas _j-1 ).

avec f = df(tetas_j)/d(tetas_j) et f" = d²f(tetas_j)/d(tetas_j ²).As a variant, in order to determine each radius of curvature, the calculation means can deduce from the coordinates of the 360 points of the deduced longitudinal profile 25, a function f (tetas _j ) representative of the longitudinal profile deduced 25, in polar coordinates and twice differentiable. The calculation of each radius of curvature will then be performed using the formula: $${\mathrm{rc}}_{\mathrm{j}}\mathrm{=}{\left({\mathrm{f\text{'}}}^{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="f"\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">f</figure-callout>}}^{\mathrm{2}}\right)}^{\mathrm{3}\mathrm{/}\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{/}\left(\mathrm{2.}{\mathrm{f\text{'}}}^{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{f}}^{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{f}\mathrm{.}\mathrm{f"}\right)\mathrm{,}$$

with f = df (tetas _j ) / d (tetas _j ) and f "= d ² f (tetas _j ) / d (tetas _j ² ).

Then, the calculation means compare the values of 360 calculated radii of curvature Rc _j with a threshold value.

Preferably, this threshold value is predetermined and stored in the calculation means. It is then preferentially chosen less than 20 millimeters, here equal to 10 millimeters. As a variant, this threshold value may be determined as a function of the calculated values of the radii of curvature Rc _j . For this, the threshold value may be chosen as a function of the overall shape of the longitudinal profile deduced 25. As non-limiting examples, the threshold value may be chosen according to the mean and / or the standard deviation and / or or the median of the 360 calculated radii of curvature Rc _j , or depending on the values of the smaller radii of curvature (typically as a function of the 10 to 60 smaller radii of curvature). In another variant, this threshold value may be chosen so that a single radius of curvature is less than this value.

Be that as it may, the comparison of the radii of curvature Rc _j calculated with the threshold value of 10 millimeters makes it possible here to identify four remarkable points H1-H4 on the longitudinal profile deduced at which the curvature radii of the profile are lower. at this threshold value.

The calculation means can then select the sixteen singular points of freedom P72-P87 of the longitudinal profile deduced 25 located on half-lines of the boxing frame plane which are born at the geometric center C1 and which are inclined by 4 or 12 degrees by relation to the four half-lines which are born at the level of the geometric center C1 and which pass through the remarkable points H1-H4. At least half of these sixteen singular points of freedom are then located within 5 millimeters of the remarkable points.

The calculation means then define as singular portions of freedom Z72-Z87 of the longitudinal profile deduced 25, the sixteen parts of this profile which are centered around these singular points of freedom P72-P87 and which have predetermined lengths, for example equal to 1 millimeter.

According to a not shown variant of the invention, the singular portions of freedom are determined manually by the operator.

For this purpose, a man-machine interface, including in particular a touch screen and a stylus, is made available to the operator. The interface is equipped with an electronic device able, on the one hand, to communicate with the electronic and / or computer device of the contour reading device 1 or with that of the trimming apparatus 30, and, on the other hand, to display images on the screen.

The electronic device is particularly adapted to display on the screen an image of the longitudinal profile deduced 25. To determine the position of each singular portion of freedom of the longitudinal profile deduced 25, the operator can therefore point with the stylus on the screen at least fifteen singular portions of freedom that the device stores and communicates to the computing means.

Finally, during a fourth and last step, the trimming apparatus 30 trims the ophthalmic lens 20. This step will be described here with reference to the variant shown in FIG. figure 9 .

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the support shafts 31 of the lens and / or the trimming tool 32 are driven according to a clipping radius setpoint which differs from the initially planned trimming radius setpoint (according to the longitudinal profile deduced 25) in the sixteen singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16.

For this purpose, the calculating means correct the shape of the longitudinal profile deduced in the sixteen singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16.

To obtain the coordinates of 360 characteristic points of this new longitudinal profile deduced 29, the calculation means reduce the values of the radial coordinates rs _j points of the initial deduced longitudinal profile located in the singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16. This reduction is made in such a way that the new longitudinal profile deduced 29 is continuous, that it has no angular points or cusp points, and that it deviates in each singular portion of freedom Z1-Z16 by more than 0 , 05 millimeters and less than 0.3 millimeters of the longitudinal profile deduced initial 25. The reduction is here made such that the maximum deviation between the new longitudinal profile deduced 29 and the initial derived longitudinal profile is equal to 0.1 millimeter.

By angular point is meant a point of a profile to which the two half-tangents form a non-flat angle. By curb point is also meant a point of a profile to which the two half-tangents are opposite.

Finally, the lens is cut off in a conventional manner, by means of the main grinding wheel 33 of the trimming apparatus 30, so that the apex of the interlocking rib 24 ( Figure 7A ) extends according to the new longitudinal profile deduced 29. The nesting rib 24 is then profiled, that is to say that it has a uniform section over its entire length.

Finally, if we consider the visual equipment comprising the spectacle frame 10 and the ophthalmic lens 20 fitted into the corresponding surround 11 of this frame, we observe that the new longitudinal profile deduced 29 comprises sixteen singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16 in each of which the difference between this longitudinal profile deduced and the acquired longitudinal profile 12 is non-uniform. More particularly, the difference between the new longitudinal profile deduced 29 and the acquired longitudinal profile 12 evolves to take at each singular point of freedom PI a value at least 0.05 millimeter greater than the value of this difference at the two points d Pa support that are him directly consecutive.

Therefore, the new longitudinal profile deduced 29 is such that, on any portion of this longitudinal profile 29 having a length of twenty millimeters on the abscissa curvilinear or contained in an angular sector of thirty degrees about the central axis A1, the difference between the new longitudinal profile deduced 29 and the acquired longitudinal profile 12 evolves between a maximum value of difference and a minimum difference value whose difference is greater than or equal to 0.05 millimeters and is less than or equal to 0, 3 mm (this difference is here equal to 0.1 mm).

Consequently, the new longitudinal profile deduced 29 has sixteen points of support Pa ( figure 8A ) alternated with so many singular points of freedom Figure 8B ), each point of support Pa having a distance to the acquired longitudinal profile 12 which is equal to the global value k, which is common to the sixteen points of support Pa to 0.02 millimeter (due to the clipping inaccuracies), and each singular point of freedom PI having a deviation from the first longitudinal profile whose value differs from said global value k by a clearance of 0.1 millimeters.

Thus, thanks to the invention, the engagement rib 24 of the lens has, on the one hand, sixteen support sections Sa, situated at the level of the sixteen bearing points Pa, at which it is in contact with the bevel 13, alternated with, on the other hand, sixteen singular sections of freedom SI, situated at the level of the sixteen singular points of freedom P1-P16, at which it is out of contact with the bezel.

Therefore, when the feeler of the bezel and / or the clipping of the lens are imperfectly made and that, therefore, the outline of the lens is slightly too large compared to that of the entourage 11, the space located at the level of the singular sections of freedom SI allows the entourage to deform, so that the lens remains mountable in the entourage.

Advantageously, it will be possible to record the shape of the new longitudinal profile deduced 29 in a record of the database register, as well as the positions of the singular points of freedom P1-P16 on this profile. In this way, when trimming an ophthalmic lens for mounting in a frame of the same model, the calculating means can acquire in the database the shape of this new longitudinal profile deduced 29, so as to directly machine the lens according to this profile.

More precisely, after having determined the spatial coordinates of the points of this new longitudinal profile deduced 29 and the positions of the singular portions of freedom and / or the singular points of freedom, the device The electronic and / or computer device of the trimming apparatus 30 can transmit these data to the register so that it stores them in a record whose identifier corresponds to the spectacle frame selected by the wearer.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the support shafts 31 of the lens and / or the trimming tool 32 are controlled so that the section of the interlocking rib 24 is locally narrowed in width and / or in height ( Figure 7B ) in the sixteen singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16.

More specifically, the support shafts 31 of the lens and / or the trimming tool 32 are controlled according to the first longitudinal profile 25, so as to produce on the edge 23 of the lens 20 a profiled engagement rib 24, that is to say of uniform section, except in the singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16.

This embodiment has a particular advantage. Indeed, the fact of only decreasing the size of the section of the interlocking rib 24 without modifying the instruction of clipping radius makes it possible to ensure that the distance between the foot of the nesting rib 24 (part of the edge 23 of the lens bordering the interlocking rib 24) and the inner face of the surrounding 11 of the spectacle frame 10 is uniform all around the lens. As a result, no unsightly gap appears between the edge of the lens and the inner face of the surround 11.

Preferably, the trimming of the ophthalmic lens 20 comprises a first machining phase of the engagement rib 24 with a uniform section and a second trimming phase of the engagement rib 24 in each singular portion of freedom Z1-Z16.

Here, the first machining phase is carried out by means of the main grinding wheel 33 of shape (shown in FIG. figure 3 ) according to the longitudinal profile deduced 25, while the second phase is carried out using the auxiliary grinding wheel 35 (shown in FIG. figure 4 ).

During this second phase, the bevelling groove 36 of the auxiliary beveling wheel 35 is brought into contact with the engagement rib 24, at one of the ends of the singular portion of freedom considered. Then the support shafts 31 of the lens and / or the trimming tool 32 are controlled so that the beveling groove 36 can machine and reduce the height and width of the engagement rib 24 in this singular portion of freedom. . As shown in Figure 7B this control is carried out in such a way that the height and the width of the interlocking rib 24 are reduced by at most 0.3 millimeters and that the interlocking rib 24 does not has no discontinuity, especially at the ends of each singular portion of freedom Z1-Z16.

Finally, if we consider the visual equipment formed by the ophthalmic lens 20 cut away, it is observed that its interlocking rib 24 has a narrowed section in width and / or height in sixteen singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16. It is further observed that this narrowing width and / or height of the interlocking rib 24 is between 0.05 and 0.3 millimeter. We can thus observe on the nesting rib 24 sixteen support sections Sa alternated with so many singular sections of freedom SI, said singular freedom sections SI being narrowed in width and / or height with respect to said support sections Sa The space created between the engagement rib 24 of the lens and the bezel 13 of the frame at each singular section of freedom then makes it possible to facilitate the engagement of the ophthalmic lens 20 in its surroundings 11.

As a result, the interlocking rib 24 is such that, on any portion of this interlocking rib with a length of twenty millimeters on the abscissa curvilinear or contained in an angular sector of thirty degrees around the central axis A1, its section evolves in width or height between a maximum value of width or height and a minimum value of width or height whose difference is greater than or equal to 0.05 millimeters.

It is furthermore noted that, if the section of the interlocking rib 24 has been narrowed in height, the longitudinal profile deduced 25 along which extends this engagement rib 24 is slightly deformed to said singular portions of freedom Z1-Z16.

This mode of contouring of the ophthalmic lens 20 is not limiting. The trimming of the interlocking rib 24 may in particular be made in a different manner.

For example, it may be realized during a second pass of the main wheel 33, moving it in a direction substantially parallel to the locking pin A1, transversely offset from the longitudinal profile deduced 25. More precisely, during this second pass, the support shafts 31 of the lens and / or the trimming tool 32 can be controlled in each singular portion of freedom Z1-Z16 so as to shift progressively axially (along the axis of blocking A1) relative to the position they had during the first pass of the main wheel 33. Thus, during this second pass, one of the flanks of the interlocking rib 24 is machined by one of flanks of the beveling groove 34 of the main grinding wheel 33, which has the effect of reducing the height and the width of the interlocking rib 24.

In another example, the trimming of the interlocking rib 24 can be achieved using a cylindrical portion of the main grinding wheel 33, by planing the top of the interlocking rib 24, so as to break its edge. top, or even locally remove the interlocking rib 24. In this embodiment, only the height of the interlocking rib 24 is modified.

In another alternative embodiment of the trimming of the ophthalmic lens 20, the roughing and trimming of the interlocking rib 24 may be simultaneously performed.

More particularly, during the beveling of the lens by the main grinding wheel 33, the support shafts 31 of the lens and / or the trimming tool 32 may be controlled so as to present axial reciprocating movements (along the locking pin A1). Thus, these reciprocating movements will plan the two flanks of the interlocking rib 24.

Alternatively, it will also be possible to use the grinder shown on the figure 5 in order to machine the interlocking rib 24 in two successive phases, including a machining phase of a first of its flanks and a machining phase of a second of its flanks.

For this purpose, in a first step, the electronic and / or computer device of the trimming apparatus 30 will control the radial mobility of the grinder and / or shafts 31 to position a first conical end portion 39 of the grinder 37 against the side 23 of the lens, the side of its front face. Then, the grinder 37 and the support shafts 31 of the lens will be controlled to form the front flank of the engagement rib 24. Here, this steering will be realized so that the leading edge of the nesting rib 24 is located at a constant distance from the optical front face of the lens 20, except in the singular portions of freedom where it will deviate from this face.

In a second step, the electronic and / or computer device of the trimming apparatus 30 will control the radial mobility of the grinder and / or the shafts 31 to position a second conical end portion 38 of the grinder 37 against the slice. the lens, on the side of its back side. Then, the grinder 37 and the support shafts 31 of the lens will be driven to form the trailing edge of the engagement rib 24. Here, this steering will be realized so that the trailing edge of the interlocking rib is located at a constant distance from the front face of the lens, except in the singular portions of freedom where it will approach the front face. The nesting rib of the Ophthalmic lens will thus present a local narrowing of height and / or width in each singular portion of freedom.

According to another variant, the electronic and / or computer device of the trimming apparatus 30 may control the radial mobility of the machining tool and / or the shafts 31 so as not only to reduce in width and / or height the section of the engagement rib 24 on each singular portion of freedom but also to machine the feet of the engagement rib 24 (by determining the shape of a new longitudinal profile from the longitudinal profile deduced, according to a method of type of that mentioned above).

Advantageously, it will be possible to record the shape of the longitudinal profile deduced in a record of the database register, as well as the positions of the singular points of freedom P1-P16 on this profile. In this way, when trimming an ophthalmic lens for mounting in a frame of the same model, the calculating means can acquire in the database the shape of this longitudinal profile deduced 25, so as to directly machine the lens according to this profile and to trim it to the singular points of freedom P1-P16.

Following the shaping of this ophthalmic lens, it will be possible to trim a second ophthalmic lens for mounting in a second surround of said spectacle frame 10, forming on its edge a generally profiled nesting rib. This rib will then be made so that it follows a symmetrical longitudinal profile of the longitudinal profile deduced 25 and so that each of its sections has a shape identical to that of the corresponding section (by symmetry) of the interlocking rib 24 of the first lens.

Thanks to the invention, if the two surrounds of the spectacle frame 10 are not perfectly symmetrical while the two lenses have been machined in a symmetrical manner, the spaces between the interlocking ribs of the lenses and the bezels of the surrounds at level of singular sections of freedom SI allow the two lenses to be mountable in their surroundings.

This invention will particularly find a particularly advantageous application when it will be implemented by customers (opticians) called "outsourcers" subcontracting the manufacture and trimming of lenses.

More specifically, consider here, on the one hand, a client terminal installed on the side of a customer for the control of lenses, and, on the other hand, a terminal-manufacturer installed on the side of a lens manufacturer for the manufacture and trimming of lenses.

The client terminal comprises computer means for recording and transmitting control data of the ophthalmic lens 20, for example via an IP communication protocol (Internet type). This control data includes visual correction prescription data (eg optical power, centering data, etc.) and mount data.

The terminal-manufacturer comprises meanwhile computer means for receiving and recording the order data transmitted by the terminal-client. It further comprises a device for manufacturing the ophthalmic lens in accordance with the prescription data, comprising, for example, means for molding the lens and / or for machining at least one of the optical faces of the lens. It also includes a device for trimming this ophthalmic lens in accordance with the data relating to the frame. This clipping device is in particular designed to implement the fourth step of the method described above.

The implementation of this method for preparing lenses is here also carried out in four steps.

During the first step, the client determines a reference of the eyeglass frame 10 and then transmits via the terminal-client control data of a lens (the data comprising said reference).

The second step is performed by means of a database register equipping the terminal-manufacturer, each record of which is associated with a type of spectacle frames 10 and contains, on the one hand, a reference of this type of frames, and, on the other hand, the shape of an acquired longitudinal profile 12 common to the surrounds 11 of this type of frames. During this second step, the manufacturer searches in this database register, using the reference acquired in the first step, the shape of the acquired longitudinal profile 12 of the eyeglass frame selected by the wearer. He then deduces from the shape of the acquired longitudinal profile 12 the shape of the longitudinal profile deduced according to the method previously stated.

Finally, during the third and fourth steps, the manufacturer determines on this longitudinal profile deduced 25 at least fifteen singular portions of freedom, then it diverts the lens specifically in these fifteen singular portions of freedom.

As before, the lens will be easily mountable "first time" in the frame selected by the wearer. As a result, the lens should not be returned to the manufacturer for resumption, which is always long and expensive.

As a variant, provision may be made for the acquisition step of the longitudinal profile acquired by the manufacturer-terminal to comprise two steps, including a first step of determining by the customer the shape of the acquired longitudinal profile 12, for example by probing the surrounding of the eyeglass frame, and a second step of transmission-reception of control data comprising the shape of the acquired longitudinal profile 12. In this variant, the determination of the positions of the singular portions on the acquired longitudinal profile 12 may indifferently be carried out by the manufacturer or by the customer.

Claims (19)

1. Visual equipment comprising an ophthalmic lens (20) including an edge face (23) provided with an engagement ridge (24), the equipment being characterized in that said engagement ridge (24) includes at least fifteen bearing sections (Sa) alternating with as many free singular sections (Sℓ), said free singular sections (Sℓ) being smaller in width and/or in height by at least 0.05 millimeters relative to said bearing sections (Sa).
2. Visual equipment according to claim 1, wherein said free singular sections (Sℓ) are spaced apart by no more than twenty millimeters along the curvilinear abscissa of the engagement ridge (24) or by no more than thirty degrees about a geometrically central or optical axis (A1) of the ophthalmic lens (20).
3. Visual equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of free singular sections (Sℓ) lies in the range twenty to fifty.
4. Visual equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the reduction in width and/or height of the engagement ridge (24) in each free singular section (Sℓ) is less than or equal to 0.3 millimeters.
5. Visual equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein said free singular sections (Sℓ) are regularly spaced apart along the curvilinear abscissa of the engagement ridge (24) or angularly around a geometrically central or optical axis (A1) of the ophthalmic lens (20).
6. Visual equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement ridge (24) extends along a second curvilinear longitudinal profile (25) from which it is possible to derive a third longitudinal profile (26) distinct from the second longitudinal profile (25) and in which each point is associated with a respective point of said second longitudinal profile (25), and said free singular sections (Sℓ) are distributed at points of the second longitudinal profile (25) for which the associated points of the third longitudinal profile (26) are regularly spaced apart along the curvilinear abscissa of said third longitudinal profile (26).
7. Visual equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the engagement ridge (24) extends along a second curvilinear longitudinal profile (25) that presents at least one remarkable point (H1-H4) at which the radius of curvature of the second longitudinal profile (25) is at a minimum or less than a threshold, and at least one of said free singular sections (Sℓ) is situated at less than 5 millimeters from said remarkable point (H1-H4) along the curvilinear abscissa of the second longitudinal profile (25).
8. Visual equipment comprising an ophthalmic lens (20) including an edge face (23) provided with an engagement ridge (24), the equipment being characterized in that said engagement ridge (24) is such that along any segment of said engagement ridge having a length of twenty millimeters along its curvilinear abscissa or contained within an angular sector of thirty degrees about a geometrically central or optical axis (A1) of the ophthalmic lens (20), its section varies in width or in height between a maximum width or height value and a minimum width or height value with the difference between them being greater than or equal to 0.05 millimeters.
9. Visual equipment comprising:

   • a frame (10) provided with a surround (11) including a bezel (13) that is generally profiled and that extends along a first curvilinear longitudinal profile (12); and

   • an ophthalmic lens (20) including an edge face (23) provided with a profiled engagement ridge (24) extending along a second curvilinear longitudinal profile (29) and adapted to engage in said bezel (13);

   the equipment being characterized in that the second longitudinal profile (29) is such that over any segment of said second longitudinal profile (29) having a length of twenty millimeters along the curvilinear abscissa or contained within an angular sector of thirty degrees about a geometrically central or optical axis (A1) of the ophthalmic lens (20), the departure of the second longitudinal profile (29) from the first longitudinal profile (12) varies between a maximum departure value and a minimum departure value, with the departure between them being greater than or equal to 0.05 millimeters.
10. Visual equipment according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is less than 0.3 millimeters.
11. A method of preparing an ophthalmic lens (20) for mounting in a surround (11) of an eyeglass frame (10), the method comprising:

    • an acquisition step of acquiring a first longitudinal profile (12) of said surround (11); and

    • an edging step of edging the ophthalmic lens (20) with a generally profiled engagement ridge (24) being formed on its edge face (23), the ridge having a desired section and extending along a second longitudinal profile (25) derived from the first longitudinal profile (12);

    the method being characterized in that it includes a determination step of determining at least fifteen free singular points (Pℓ) along the second longitudinal profile (25) in alternation with as many bearing points (Pa); and
    in that during the edging step, the engagement ridge (24) is formed to present free singular sections (Sℓ) at said free singular points (Pℓ) and bearing sections (Sa) at said bearing points (Pa), the free singular sections (Sℓ) being smaller in width and/or in height than said bearing sections (Sa).
12. A method of preparing an ophthalmic lens (20) for mounting in a surround (11) of an eyeglass frame (10), the method comprising:

    an acquisition step of acquiring a first longitudinal profile (12) of said surround (11); and

    • an edging step of edging the ophthalmic lens (20) with a generally profiled engagement ridge (24) being formed on its edge face (23), the ridge having a desired section and extending along a second longitudinal profile (25) derived from the first longitudinal profile (12);

    the method being characterized in that it includes a determination step of determining at least fifteen free singular points (Pℓ) along the second longitudinal profile (25) in alternation with as many bearing points (Pa); and
    in that during the edging step, the engagement ridge (24) is formed so that the departure of the second longitudinal profile (29) from the first longitudinal profile (12) varies so as to take a value at each free singular point (Pℓ) that is greater by at least 0.05 millimeters than the value of said departure at the two bearing points (Pa) that are directly consecutive therewith.
13. A method according to either one of the two preceding claims, wherein the bearing points (Pa) and the free singular points (Pℓ) are determined independently of the shapes of the first and second longitudinal profiles (12, 25; 29).
14. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the bearing points (Pa) and the free singular points (Pℓ) are determined independently of the horizon line (A3) of the frame of reference of the eyeglass frame (10) and of the horizon line of the optical frame of reference of the ophthalmic lens (20).
15. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, after the determination step, a search is made in a database registry in which each record is associated with a reference type of eyeglass frame (10) and contains the shape of the second longitudinal profile (25; 29), for a record that corresponds to the frame in question, and the positions of the free singular points (Pℓ) and of the bearing points (Pa) on the second longitudinal profile (25; 29) are written into said record.
16. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, during the determination step, said free singular points (Pℓ) are distributed randomly over the second longitudinal profile (25; 29).
17. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, in order to determine said bearing points (Pa) and said free singular points (Pℓ), a database registry is read in which each record is associated with a reference type of eyeglass frame (10) and contains both the shape of a second longitudinal profile (25; 29) corresponding to said reference type of eyeglass frame, and also the positions along said second longitudinal profile (25; 29) of said bearing points (Pa) and said free singular points (Pℓ).
18. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, implemented by means of a system comprising firstly a client terminal installed beside a client and including computer means for recording and transmitting order data concerning the ophthalmic lens (20), said order data including data relating to the frame, and secondly a manufacturer terminal installed beside a manufacturer and including computer means for receiving and recording the order data transmitted by the client terminal, and a shaper device for edging said fabricated ophthalmic lens, the device being designed to implement said edging step, said acquisition step comprising:

    a determination step of the client determining the first longitudinal profile (12) of the surround of the eyeglass frame (10); and

    • an ordering step of the client terminal sending order data and of the manufacturer terminal receiving said data, said data incorporating said first longitudinal profile (12).
19. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, implemented by means of a system comprising firstly a client terminal installed beside a client and including computer means for recording and transmitting order data concerning the ophthalmic lens (20), said order data including data relating to the frame, and secondly a manufacturer terminal installed beside a manufacturer and including computer means for receiving and recording the order data transmitted by the client terminal, a shaper device for edging said fabricated ophthalmic lens, the device being designed to implement said edging step, said acquisition step comprising:

    • a determination step of the client determining a reference of the eyeglass frame (10); and

    • an ordering step of the client terminal sending order data and of the manufacturer terminal receiving said data, said data incorporating said reference; and

    • a searching step of the manufacturer terminal searching, in a database registry in which each record is associated with a type of eyeglass frame (10) and contains a reference for said frame and the first longitudinal profile (12) of the surround of said frame, for a record associated with the frame reference in question.

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