JP2008512266A - Apparatus and method for drilling lens - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for drilling into a lens for drilling into a lens held by a lens holding system, comprising a base and a swivel drill support arm, the swivel drill support arm having a drill It is characterized by turning from a retracted position away from the working area to an extended position for working on the lens at an angle appropriate to the normal of the lens surface. A drill motor is attached to the swivel drill support arm and drives away from the drill motor to drive a drill attached to the swivel drill support arm. The drill remains the same while drilling in the extended position. In a preferred embodiment, the drilling machine is a modular unit bolted to the lens cutting machine and is a streamlined streamlined technology of a patternless cutting machine with drilling capability.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to systems and methods for processing raw eyeglass lenses for use in borderless frames. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for drilling a defined hole for passing an edgeless frame through a bent lens. The drilling system and procedure are summarized in a lens cutting machine.

A bent spectacle lens is prescribed to focus the light on the retina of the patient's eye and improve vision. Such lenses are formed from untreated glass or plastic lenses with the desired properties to provide the correct prescription to the patient. The raw lens is usually circular and has larger dimensions compared to the finished lens that is assembled into the spectacle frame is relatively small, for example, 4 inches in diameter and up to 0.5 inches thick. Therefore, the edges of the untreated lens must be cut to match the patient's chosen spectacle frame.

An ophthalmologist engineer prepares a lens according to a prescription prescribed by an optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist. The prescription includes all of the patient's prescriptions as follows: 1) Total magnification that the completed lens must have; 2) Intensity of all segments if required (eg multifocal lens) And size; 3) magnification and direction of all cylinder curves; 4) optical center and position of all necessary prisms. For rimless frames, the technician must drill a mounting hole in the rimless lens.

The process of processing a spectacle lens from an unprocessed lens requires great care and accuracy. In particular, precise and accurate when placing the unprocessed lens in the correct position prior to the above-described shaving operation results in achieving proper bending, optical center and shape. If the raw lens is not properly adjusted, it will not be in the prescribed specification. It is also particularly important that the drilling operation be accurate and adaptable to different sized holes for mounting the frame. If the raw lens is improperly adjusted, the material is wasted along with the time required by the technician.

There is a need for a drilling system or method for accurately and efficiently drilling closed holes, small holes or indentations in the lens edge.

The present invention is a device for drilling a lens for drilling a lens held by a lens holding system, comprising a base and a swivel drill support arm, said swivel drill support arm Is characterized in that the drill pivots from a retracted position away from the working area to an extended position for working on the lens. A drill motor is attached to the pivoting drill support arm and drives the drill away from the drill motor. The drill remains the same while drilling in the extended position.

In a preferred embodiment, the device for drilling into the lens is a modular unit and may be selectively attached to a lens processing device (eg, a cutting machine) suitable for shaving the peripheral edges of the lens. . The modular drill unit may be a bolting unit that bolts the lens cutting machine.

The present invention also provides a lens processing apparatus including a cutting machine and a drilling machine. The apparatus comprises a main device and at least one lens rotation axis provided for rotation and translation in the main device. The driving device drives at least one lens rotation axis in a straight line and a rotation direction. The lens is held in a system that holds the lens provided on the lens rotation axis. A device for drilling the lens is provided for drilling and other processing of the lens held by the lens holding system. An apparatus for drilling a lens with a drill includes a base and a pivoting drill support arm that pivots from a retracted position where the drill is away from the work area to an extended position for working with the lens. A drill motor is attached to the pivoting drill support arm and drives a drill remote from the drill motor.
The features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description using the drawings.

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a patternless cutting machine with drilling capability, comprising a cutting machine and a drilling machine housed in a housing 12, and an associated conveying device for carrying raw lenses to and from the machine 14 is a schematic view of a cutting machine provided with a vacuum device 16 for sucking up dust and debris generated by a cutting operation and a drilling operation. In addition, the cutting machine of FIG. 1 includes a display 18 (eg, a 15 "color flat panel LCD) on a hinge that can be visually adjusted from many directions. The open position is displayed for viewing and / or adjustment, and the modular design separates the electronics and cutter motor from the cutting chamber within the housing 12.

In a preferred embodiment, the automated machining system is designed with automatic loading, dedicated picks and assembly unit space for each cutting machine. In this regard, the unique back-loading features of the cutting machine make it very accessible to the front of the unit for maintenance and troubleshooting. The pick and space mechanism incorporates advanced technology and includes an air cup and an arm that picks up the lens from the tray and places it in the cutter / drill machine combination. Once the lens is complete, its mechanism is reversed, removing the lens and placing it on the tray of the transporter 14 before repeating the cycle. The cutter / drill machine system is versatile and can accommodate research choices for loading / unloading through either the tray stacker or the conveyor 14.

In a preferred embodiment, a Windows®-like format can be easily used, and personal computer software stores reliable and accurate data for the customer. In addition, the system of the present invention is designed to store a cutter-specific database that can add and change frame information. Preferably, the system of the present invention comprises a “help” screen for providing maintenance functions and operation guidance to an inexperienced operator.

Regarding the features of the database of the present invention, the cutter / drill machine combination provides the ability to store data about drilling operations (hole, groove or notch type, position, size, etc.) in a built-in database. This information can be used to quickly retrieve drilling information about the target lens for cutting.

Information can be retrieved from the database in various ways.
First, after downloading the work information from a third party software package, the cutting machine uses the name of the frame manufacturer, the name of the frame model, the size of the eye of the frame, gives its own key, and drill information from the database Search for. This information is retrieved and automatically added to the work. The operator does not need to input further drilling information to drill into the lens with the correct characteristics.

Alternately, the operator can manually search the built-in drill work database and obtain work information for the drill work. The database is searched using the name of the frame manufacturer, the name of the frame model, and the eye size of the frame.

The operator can also use the option of adding a new drill record to the database by means of input means (eg, keyboard 19). These records are stored in the entered cutter / drill machine system. The database can be easily moved from one cutting machine to another by backing up the database to a flexible disk, and then the database can be imported into another cutting machine.

A modular drilling machine is contained within the housing 12 of the cutting machine and drilling machine combination. On the other hand, the cutting machine of the present invention has a unique design for mounting a separate modular drill machine, and the following is the description of the center of the drill machine.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the modular, bolted drilling machine 20 retracted position (FIG. 2) and extended position (FIG. 3), some of the cover and housing have been removed and the wiring represented. It is shown in a state without. The drill machine 20 adds versatility to the system by selectively entering the cutting machine work area when drilling is desired. Similarly, the drill machine 20 can swivel out of the work area so that it does not contact during the cutting process.

The drill machine 20 is attached to a cutting unit (not shown) via a drill base 22 formed by three walls 22a-22c extending upward from a flat plate 22d. The drill 30 is attached to the base 22 via a pivoting drill support arm 40 attached to the rear wall 22b by a suitable bearing system (see FIG. 7). With this arrangement, the drill 30 is removably disposed at the distal end of the pivoting drill support arm 40 and away from the drill motor 32 so that the drill 30 can be used properly when needed.

By means of a drill base 22, the drilling machine 20 is bolted or otherwise attached to a cutting machine known to those skilled in the art (for example, a cutting machine without the National Optronics model 7E pattern). The drill machine 20 is mounted so that the drill 30 pivots from a retracted position (FIG. 2) away from the work area to an extended position (FIG. 3) for the drill 30 to work on the lens. A drill motor 32 is also attached to the pivoting drill support arm 40 and drives the drill 30 via a toothed belt or other suitable drive system 34 (eg, a gearing or chain drive system). Normally, the drill is driven at a speed of 18000-20000 rpm. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the remote location of the drill motor 32 increases the versatility and usefulness of the drill machine 20 because it does not affect the drill motor and other drill components. It is because it becomes possible to use and replace with a drill.

The rotary drive mechanism shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b is used to pivot the swivel drill support arm 40 from a retracted position to an extended position. The rotary drive mechanism preferably includes a gear motor 50 fixed to the rear wall 22 b of the base 22 and a worm gear 52 fixed to the swivel drill support arm 40. The gear motor 50 drives the pinion gear 51 and sequentially drives the worm gear 52. As a result, the torque supplied from the gear motor 50 extends from the position where the swivel drill support arm 40 is retracted (FIG. 2) (FIG. 3). Rotate until The movement of the swivel drill support arm 40 is controlled by means of a suitable mobile limit switch, in particular the movement of the swivel drill support arm 40 is controlled by the mobile limit switch (FIGS. 5 and 6 in both the retracted position and the extended position). , 7), thus energizing the gear motor 50.

A further structure of the drilling machine 20 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a view in which the drilling machine 20 is retracted, and FIG. 6 is a view in which the drilling machine 20 is in an extended position. The cover of the rotary drive mechanism is removed and shown. As already mentioned, the rotary drive mechanism includes a gear motor 50 that drives the swivel drill support arm 40 via a pinion gear 51 and a worm gear 52.

In the preferred embodiment, mobile limit switches 56, 58 are mounted on adjacent windows 22b 'on the rear wall 22 to limit the drive torque provided by the rotary drive mechanism. When the gear motor 50 drives the swivel drill support arm 40 from the extended position (FIG. 6) to the retracted position (FIG. 5), the actuating finger 66 causes the movable limit switch 68 (see FIG. 7) to transmit energy to the gear motor 50. Operates to give. Alternately, when the gear motor 50 drives the swivel drill support arm 40 from the retracted position to the extended position, the actuating fingers 68 actuate the movable limit switch 58 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) to transfer energy to the gear motor 50. give.

Although the electrical connections of the drill machine 20 are not represented, those skilled in the art will recognize various power supply and control signals for the modular pinout represented as elements 70 in FIGS. 2, 3, 4a and 6. It will be understood that the drilling machine 20 is provided.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the main parts of the drilling machine 20, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the drilling machine 20 attached to the cutting machine. The cutting machine moves to the retracted position (in the direction of arrow 'R' in FIG. 8) before the drill machine 20 pivots from the retracted position shown in FIG. 5 to the extended position shown in FIG. I understand that. Then, the cutting machine returns to the working position shown in FIG. 8 so that the cutting machine and / or drilling machine can work on the lens 100. After the drilling operation is completed, the cutting machine moves back to the retracted position and can turn to the position where the drill is retracted (see FIGS. 2 and 5). In this arrangement, the drill is outside the work area when not in use. Obviously, the small arrangement that can be seen with reference to FIG. 1 is retained even though the drilling machine has the versatility to enter and exit the working area of the cutting machine.

In the preferred embodiment, the drill 30 remains substantially the same during the drilling operation in the extended position shown in FIG. Since the drill remains the same, the control process and algorithm for the drilling operation is controlled primarily by the movement of the system holding the lens defined by the cutting machine (see FIG. 8). Specific drill algorithms for holes, grooves or notches are detailed below.

The drilling machine of the present invention is capable of producing holes, grooves or indentations of various sizes using a single drill mill with the function of combining side cutting and circular cutting. A single drill mill can be used to cut these holes, grooves or nicks of various sizes in one algorithm.

Generally, when a drill mill is attached to a cutting machine, it is placed at an angle of 10 ° with respect to the rotation axis of the lens. Thus, it is necessary to coordinate the size and movement between the ramp carriages when contacting and retracting the drill mill and lens. This coordinated movement prevents the hole from expanding due to the drill being at a 10 ° position. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the drill mill may be located at a different angle if the lens or system is designed to have an adjustable processing angle relative to the drill mill.

Holes, grooves or nicks larger than the drill mill are cut using two paths. Prior to cutting on each path, the cutting machine reliably reduces shaft slack from the system. With reference to FIGS. 9a-9f, the following details how holes larger than the drill mill can be cut into the lens 100. FIG. In particular, the drill remains the same while the lens 100 is moved and rotated by the cutting machine. FIGS. 9a-9f only show the lens holding part of the cutting machine and a part of the lens that can be drilled. 9a-9f represent the position of the drill mill 200 relative to the lens 100 in conjunction with the movement of the lens 100 when drilling holes.

Initially, the top of the hole (represented by drill mill 200) rotates under a 4 grad distance drill mill sufficient to reduce gearbox slack. Of course, those skilled in the art know the details and durability of each machine in detail, and can determine an appropriate advance drill rotation to reduce gearbox slack.

Next, the cutting machine rotates the lens 100 upward so that the top of the hole to be cut is in a position suitable for cutting. All drilling operations are performed using upward shaft movement to prevent any negative effects from shaft gearbox slack.

The drill mill provides a first path for enlarging the hole drilled and then contacts the lens (FIG. 9a).

As represented in FIG. 9 b, the drill mill follows a path for cutting the inner edge of the lens 100 hole. Again, during this stage of cutting, the shaft moves only upwards. The approximate path of the drill mill 200 (represented by the lens 100) is indicated by the arrow 'A' represented in FIG. 9b.

After the stage represented by FIG. 9c, the cutting machine retracts the drill mill 200 from the lens 100, so that the top of the hole (represented by the drill mill 200) rotates under the 4 grad distance drill mill 200 (reverse). Rotate the shaft and lens 100 so that it can rotate clockwise. This operation is repeated once more to reduce any shaft gearbox slack.

The shaft is then rotated upwards (clockwise), so that the top of the hole is exactly the same as before (ie the 12 o'clock position of the watch represented in FIGS. 9a and 9b) and is suitable for starting the cut. It becomes a position.

In preparation for the second and final path, the drill mill 200 contacts the lens 100 again at the 12 o'clock position of the watch.

The drill mill 200 then cuts the outer edge of the lens 100 by following the path represented by arrow B. During this cutting movement, the shaft moves only upwards so that no loosening of the shaft occurs. The approximate path of the drill mill 200 (represented by the lens 100) is indicated by the arrow 'B' represented in FIG. 9e and leads to the 6 o'clock position shown in FIG. 9f.

The drill mill 200 is retracted from the hole, and the operation of drilling this hole is completed.

The drill machine 20 also cuts grooves or nicks in the manner used to cut holes larger than the drill mill 200. While cutting grooves and / or nicks, the axis of rotation of the lens is always in the same direction, helping to reduce the effects of gearbox slack.

The table of FIG. 10 details the cutting paths that serve different lens grooves or indentations and positions. A solid line indicates a path cut by the first path, and a dotted line indicates a path cut by the second path. Using these paths at specific locations ensures that the axis of rotation is only required to rotate in one direction during cutting.

With reference to FIG. 10, the general procedure used in cutting a groove or notch is outlined in the following steps. Again, the top of the groove or notch (represented by drill mill 200) rotates under a distance drill mill of 4 grad (more than enough to reduce loosening). The shaft moves upward so that the top of the groove or notch is in place for cutting. All drilling operations are performed using the upward movement of the shaft, preventing any negative effects from shaft gearbox slack.

In preparation for the first path for drilling grooves or nicks, the drill mill 200 then contacts the lens. The drill mill 200 follows a path that cuts through a first path of grooves or nicks in the lens 100 (represented by a solid line in FIG. 10). Again, the shaft moves only upward during this cutting phase. The cutting machine retracts the drill mill from the lens, rotates the shaft, and the top of the groove or notch (represented by the drill mill) rotates under a distance drill mill of 4 grad (more than enough to reduce loosening). Like that. This operation is repeated once more to reduce any shaft gearbox slack.

The shaft then rotates upwards, so that the top of the groove or notch is exactly the same as before, making it the appropriate position to start cutting, ie the solid and dotted contact in FIG. In preparation for the second and final path, the drill mill 200 contacts the lens 100 again. The drill mill 200 then follows a path that cuts a second path (represented by a dotted line in FIG. 10) that cuts a groove or notch into the lens 100. During this cutting movement, the shaft moves only upwards so that no loosening (or substantially no) of the shaft occurs. The drill mill 200 is retracted from the lens 100. The main thing that drills this groove or notch is complete.

FIG. 11 is a preferred example of a drill mill 200 used in the present invention, which is manufactured by Kyocera Corporation. For a 1 inch (25.4 mm) drill mill, the cutting diameter is about 1 mm and the groove depth is 10 mm. The drill mill shown in FIG. 11 is a right-handed helix angle cut by 30 ° from the right side. The groove and tip geometry is optimized for both thermosetting and thermoplastic polymer cutting typical of spectacle lenses.

From the foregoing, it has become apparent that the overall system of the present invention is a streamlined and streamlined technique of a patternless cutting machine with drilling capabilities. The angle of the drill is designed to cut perpendicular to the lens surface. This technology provides a frame with excellent fit and an aesthetically pleasing product. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of cutting up to six holes, grooves or indentations with a hole diameter or groove width of 1 mm to 5 mm in each lens. The cutting machine can drill all precision, scratch-free and rattling holes in all lens materials quickly and without changing the drill mill.

The foregoing invention has been described and described with reference to preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Outline of a cutting machine having a drilling capability, wherein the cutting machine and the drilling machine are housed in a housing that carries an unprocessed lens to and from the machine and optionally a housing with a vacuum device. FIG. It is a perspective view of the drill machine of this invention represented by the position which the drill retracted. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drilling machine of the present invention represented by the extended position of the drill. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the drill machine in an extended position, with some hardware omitted and exposing a rotary drive mechanism for a pivoting drill support arm. It is the elements on larger scale of the rotary drive mechanism of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the drill machine of the retracted position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the drill machine in an extended position from the same angle as FIG. 5, with some hardware omitted and exposing the rotary drive mechanism for the pivoting drill support arm. It is an exploded view showing main parts of the drill machine of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the drill machine of this invention attached to the cutting machine. The different scenes of the drilling operation by the drill machine of this invention are represented. FIG. 6 is a table listing cutting paths for different lens grooves or nicks and positions. It is a preferable example of the drill mill used for this invention.

Claims (20)

A device for drilling into a lens for drilling into a lens held by a lens holding system,
The foundation,
With a drill,
A swivel drill support arm,
The pivoting drill support arm is designed to pivot from a retracted position where the drill is away from the work area to an extended position for the drill to work on the lens;
And a drill motor attached to the swivel drill support arm,
The drill is attached to the pivoting drill support arm away from the drill motor;
An apparatus for drilling a lens, wherein the drill maintains the same state while performing the drilling operation at the extended position. The lens drilling device according to claim 1, wherein the lens drilling device is a modular unit and is selectively attached to a lens processing device for processing a cutting surface of the lens. apparatus. 3. The apparatus for drilling a lens according to claim 2, wherein the modular unit is a bolting unit that is bolted to a lens cutting machine. 2. The apparatus for drilling a lens according to claim 1, further comprising a rotary drive mechanism for rotating the swivel drill support arm between a retracted position and an extended position. 5. The apparatus for drilling a lens according to claim 4, wherein the rotary drive mechanism has a worm gear and a pinion gear attached between the base and the swivel drill support arm. 2. The device for drilling a lens according to claim 1, further comprising a drive system for supplying torque from the drill motor to the drill. 7. The apparatus for drilling a lens according to claim 6, wherein the drive system comprises a toothed belt for supplying torque from the drill motor to the drill. 2. The apparatus for drilling a lens according to claim 1, further comprising a built-in database, wherein information related to drill work data is stored in the built-in database. 2. The computer of claim 1, further comprising a computer for controlling the drilling process by deriving parameters for drilling the lens from one of a built-in database or a third party software package. A device that drills into any lens. A lens processing device,
A main device;
At least one lens rotation axis for rotation and translation in the main device;
A shaft rotation drive device for driving the at least one lens rotation shaft;
A lens holding system for holding a lens disposed on the at least one lens rotation axis;
A device for drilling into a lens for drilling into a lens held by a system for holding the lens,
The foundation,
With a drill,
A swivel drill support arm,
The pivoting drill support arm is designed to pivot from a retracted position where the drill is away from the work area to an extended position for the drill to work on the lens;
A drill motor attached to the swivel drill support arm;
The drill is mounted on the pivoting drill support arm away from the drill motor;
The said drill has an apparatus which drills to the lens characterized by maintaining the same state, while drilling in the extended position, The lens processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 11. The lens processing device according to claim 10, wherein the device for drilling the lens is a modular unit, and is selectively attached to a lens processing device for processing a cutting surface of the lens. . The lens processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a drill mill disposed in the drill, wherein the drill mill faces a normal direction of a surface of the lens during a drilling operation. The lens processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the lens processing apparatus is a cutting machine for cutting a cutting edge of the lens. A method of drilling holes, grooves or nicks in a lens,
Holding the lens by a mechanism designed to rotate the lens relative to an axis and translate it in at least one direction relative to the axis;
Placing a drill in a fixed position with respect to the lens;
Rotating a drill mill attached to the drill machine;
Adjusting the position of the lens relative to the drilling machine to bring the lens into contact with the drill mill in order to drill on the lens;
Cutting a first path through the lens from a first position to a second position;
Retracting the drill mill from the lens in the second position;
A method of drilling holes, grooves or indents in the lens, the method comprising: re-contacting the lens with the drill mill at the first position to cut the lens in a second path. The lens of claim 14, further comprising a step of compensating for loosening of the shaft gearbox by rotating the lens by a predetermined amount prior to the step of cutting the first path. How to make holes, grooves or nicks. The lens of claim 14, further comprising a step of compensating for the loosening of the shaft gearbox by rotating the lens by a predetermined amount before the step of cutting the second path. How to make holes, grooves or nicks. 15. The step of performing the cutting of the first path includes moving the lens upward to reduce loosening of the shaft gearbox during the cutting of the first path. A method of drilling holes, grooves or notches into the lens described. 15. The step of cutting the second path includes moving the lens upward to reduce slack in the shaft gearbox during the cutting of the second path. A method of drilling holes, grooves or notches into the lens described. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of swiveling the swivel support arm of the drill machine from a retracted position away from the lens to an extended position in a work area where drilling is performed. A method of drilling holes, grooves or nicks in a lens. The method further comprises the step of obtaining working information from one of a third party software package, a built-in database and an input operation manual, so that the drilling machine generates a desired drill hole, groove or notch in the lens. The method according to claim 14, wherein the work information is used to drill a hole, a groove, or a notch in the lens.

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