DE102011011418A1 - Block piece magazine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a block piece magazine 1 for receiving a plurality of block pieces 2, each having an axis of rotation 2.1, for spectacle lens blanks with a magazine unit 1.1 and with a separating unit 3 connected downstream of the magazine unit 1.1 for the block pieces 2 that can be removed from the magazine unit 1.1, one of the separating unit 3 with reference Adjustment unit 4 and / or a detection unit 5 downstream of a transport direction T of the block pieces 2 is provided for evaluating the angular position W of the block piece 2 with respect to the axis of rotation 2.1, the adjustment unit 4 having a drive means 4.1 by means of which the block piece 2 about the axis of rotation 2.1 is rotatable.

Description

The invention relates to a block magazine for receiving a plurality each having a rotational axis exhibiting block pieces for spectacle lens blanks with a magazine unit and with a magazine unit downstream singling unit for removable from the magazine unit block pieces.

The invention also relates to a blocking device comprising an aforementioned block magazine and to a method for providing block pieces which are stacked in a block magazine with respect to a rotation axis in which the respective block is removed one by one from the magazine unit.

It is already a block magazine from the DE 10 2008 023 093 A1 for receiving a plurality of possibly also different block pieces known. From the Blockstückmagazin a predetermined block piece is automatically singled and transferred to a loading unit, whereupon the block piece can be used by means of the loading unit in a block station. The block magazine has eight magazine bars, which may each have a differently arranged coding strip for receiving different block pieces with different block surface radii. The magazine bars are rotatable and indexable in the block magazine about a magazine axis. The magazine bars can be stocked in advance and then hung in an associated T-slot in a magazine holder carrier. Each block piece is taken from below. The angular position of the block piece inside the magazine bar is determined by the coding bar. The delivery to the loading unit takes place in the predetermined by the coding strip angular position.

The object of the invention is to design and arrange a block magazine in such a way that the transfer to the transport device is specified.

The object is achieved according to the invention in that one of the separating unit with respect to a transport direction T of the block pieces downstream adjustment unit and / or a detection unit for the evaluation of the position of the block piece is provided with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the adjusting unit comprises a drive means by which the Block piece about the rotation axis, relative to the adjusting unit, is rotatable. This ensures that the angular position W of each individual block piece is adjustable relative to the adjusting or relative to a downstream transport unit for the purpose of aligned transfer to the transport unit adjustable and / or at least evaluable. The block pieces can be sorted within the magazine regardless of their angular position W. The evaluation of the angular position W and the precise alignment takes place via the detection unit or the adjusting unit. The detection unit can be connected upstream of the adjustment unit, so that first of all a detection of the angular position W takes place and then, possibly immediately before storage in the block station, the alignment of the angular position W takes place. In this case, the adjusting unit is preferably an integral part of the transport unit. A mechanical examination of the angular position W proves to be advantageous against the background of the automated procedure.

Pivoting movement of the block piece about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation does not constitute a rotation about the axis of rotation of the block piece, even though the pivotal movement is accompanied by a proportional rotation about the axis of rotation of the block piece.

The object is also achieved by a Aufblockvorrichtung with an aforementioned Blockstückmagazin, with a subsequent to the Blockstückmagazin in the transport direction T transport unit and with a block station, wherein by means of the transport unit, the block piece can be positioned starting from the adjusting unit within the block station.

In addition, the object is achieved in that the block piece is rotated after separation with respect to the axis of rotation by means of an adjusting unit about the axis of rotation and thus brought into the desired angular position W.

It may also be advantageous for this purpose if the drive means is designed as a drive wheel, which can be applied against the block piece in the radial direction to the axis of rotation. Thus, a simple drive means is provided, which can be easily integrated into the control process.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the adjusting unit has a first stator and a second stator, which can be applied in the radial direction to the axis of rotation against the block piece. The block piece is thus stretched radially at three points over the circumference, so that a stable position of the block piece with respect to the change and evaluation of the angular position W is guaranteed.

It may also be advantageous if the adjusting unit of the detection unit is connected downstream and / or is an integral part of a transport unit. The detection of the angular position W and the alignment of the same can take place in the transport sequence at different positions. Because the Transport unit already has different axes of motion, the integration of the orientation of the angular position W may be beneficial.

In this case, it may be advantageously provided that the detection unit has a light barrier with which a light beam can be generated, wherein the light beam at the desired angular position W of the block piece can be placed within at least one groove present in the block piece. With the evaluation of the position of the already existing Blockstückausprägung as the driving grooves, the formation of a separate expression, as described in the prior art for indexing within the magazine bars, avoided. With the application of a light beam for the purpose of evaluating the angular position W both driving grooves can be included. In addition to an optical measuring principle such as the light barrier, an acoustic, capacitive or inductive measuring principle is also an option for the proximity switch. Ultimately, it depends on the detection of the position of the groove as a function of the angular position W of the block piece.

Of particular importance may be for the present invention, when the light beam in the desired angular position W within the groove extends at a distance from a plane of symmetry of the groove. A positioning of the light beam in the region of the groove base is disadvantageous because, in addition to shading in the circumferential direction, shading due to the vertical orientation of the block piece comes into question. With increasing distance from the groove bottom, however, the groove becomes wider, so that in order to maintain a sufficiently small distance a between the light beam and the groove wall, said distance to a plane of symmetry can be advantageous. Thus, a sufficiently precise evaluation of the relative position between the light or laser beam and the groove is ensured.

In connection with the design and arrangement according to the invention, it may be advantageous if the light beam with respect to the rotational or circumferential direction with a distance a to a maximum of 0.5 mm to 5 mm or 0.5 mm to 3 mm or 1 mm to 2 mm or 1 mm to a groove wall of the groove. Thus, an adjustment of the angular position W to about ± 1.5 ° to ± 15 ° exactly possible. Even in the case of ± 15 °, automated placement within the block station should still be possible. The light beam can be placed within the groove at different heights h, which, due to the conical shape of the block piece in the region of the groove, has an influence on the applicable circumference of the block piece and ultimately on the accuracy of adjustment of the angular position W. Taking into account a minimum distance a to the bearing surface of the block piece on the one hand and the groove bottom on the other hand, a placement of the light beam in the region of half the height h of the groove is advantageous.

It can also be advantageous if an evaluation unit is provided which serves to evaluate the position of an indexing groove of the block piece. The block piece can be placed rotated by 180 ° with respect to the cam groove, so that the evaluation of the indexing groove, which in any case forms a characteristic feature of the block piece, ensures the completeness of the angular position determination.

Moreover, it can be advantageous if the evaluation unit has a measuring head which has an optical, an acoustic, a capacitive or an inductive measuring principle. For blocks of electrically conductive material such as metal, the inductive variant can be used as an alternative to the optical, the acoustic and the capacitive variant.

In terms of the method, it may be advantageous if the block piece is rotated about the axis of rotation after separation with respect to the axis of rotation by means of an adjusting unit and is thus brought into the desired angular position W. In this way, a precise positioning of the block piece is possible.

Finally, it may be advantageous if, for the purpose of testing the angular position W, the position or orientation of the diametrically arranged groove is checked. A training of other evaluable forms of the block piece is therefore not necessary.

It may also be advantageous for this purpose if the position or orientation of the indexing groove ( 2.4 ), so that there is complete clarity about the position of the block piece.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if a capacitive or inductive measuring principle is used to test the orientation of the indexing groove.

Ultimately, it may be advantageous if the block piece is then fed in the specified angular position W of a transport unit and placed by the transport unit in a block station of a blocking device. The precise angular position is thus transferable to the position within the block station.

Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in the patent claims and in the description and illustrated in the figures. Show it:

1a a schematic diagram of a blocking device with Blockstückmagazin;

1b a schematic diagram of a blocking device with Blockstückmagazin;

2 a detailed view 1a ;

3 a detailed view 1a ;

4a a sectional view 2 ;

4b a detailed view of the groove wall;

5 an alternative embodiment;

An in 1a . 1b illustrated block magazine 1 is part of a blocking device 10 for blocking lens blanks or spectacle glass semi-finished products on block pieces 2 . 2 ' . 2 '' . 2 ''' , The block magazine 1 has a magazine unit 1.1 on, consisting of eight magazine tubes 1.2 which is in turn on a magazine plate 1.3 are arranged. Below the magazine plate 1.3 there is a separating device 3 by means of these block pieces 2 . 2 ' . 2 '' . 2 ''' from the respective magazine tube 1.2 . 1.2 ' . 1.2 '' . 1.2 ''' be removed.

Below this separation unit 3 or the singulation unit 3 downstream in the transport direction T is an adjustment 4 , The adjustment unit 4 essentially has a table 4.6 with a drive wheel 4.1 and a sled 4.4 with two on the sledge 4.4 arranged guide wheels 4.2 . 4.3 on. That from the magazine tube 1.2 removed block piece 2 is via the drive wheel 4.1 as well as the two guide wheels 4.2 . 4.3 clamped over three points on the circumference and can be adjusted by rotation of the drive wheel 4.1 around its axis of rotation 4.7 be changed accordingly in its angular position W.

The adjustment unit 4 is with regard to a transport direction T of the block pieces 2 . 2 ' . 2 '' . 2 ''' starting from the block magazine 1 or the magazine unit 1.1 the singling unit 3 downstream, so that each isolated block piece 2 If desired, the angular position W can be aligned to.

For the removal of a block piece 2 from the singulation unit 3 becomes the sled 4.4 according to 1b over a cylinder 4.5 move so that the slide 4.4 with the two guide wheels 4.2 . 4.3 below the singling unit 3 located. After delivery of the block piece 2 . 2 ' at the sled 4.4 or a slide rail 4.8 this moves over the cylinder 4.5 according to 1a back, so that on the sled 4.4 overlying and over the two guide wheels 4.2 . 4.3 guided block piece 2 against the drive wheel 4.1 is brought to the plant. The slide rail 4.8 to 1b provides an alternative or supplement to the carriage 4.4 on which is the block piece 2 is moved while the two idlers 4.2 . 4.3 on the translationally movable carriage 4.4 are arranged.

After appropriate rotation of the block piece 2 and orientation of the angular position W is this by means of a transport unit 7 to a block station 8th issued. The transport unit 7 has for this purpose a pivot axis 7.1 , a lifting axis 7.2 and a holding head 7.3 for the block piece 2 on. On the in the block station 8th located block piece 2 In a further method step, a spectacle lens blank or a semi-finished product is blocked. The removal of the block pieces 2 . 2 ' . 2 '' . 2 ''' takes place in order from the respective magazine tube 1.2 and after emptying a magazine tube 1.2 . 1.2 ' . 1.2 '' . 1.2 ''' in turn, the respective magazine tube 1.2 ' . 1.2 '' . 1.2 ''' to. During the use of a magazine tube 1.2 can one of the other magazine tubes 1.2 ' . 1.2 '' . 1.2 ''' be replaced or refilled.

To 2 has the adjustment unit 4 also a detection unit 5 with a light barrier 5.1 for generating a light beam 5.2 on. The photocell 5.1 is positioned so that the light beam 5.1 with correct orientation of the angular position W of the block piece 2 through one in the block piece 2 included driver groove 2.2 passes unhindered. The light beam 5.2 is off-center to the groove 2.2 or at a distance from the plane of symmetry 2.2a positioned. Thus, the deviations in the angular position W, in which the light beam 5.2 through the groove 2.2 passes through, kept to a minimum.

To 3 also finds an evaluation of the location of an indexing groove 2.4 of the block piece 2 instead of. This is an evaluation unit 6 with a measuring head 6.1 provided the presence of the indexing groove 2.4 in the area of the measuring head 6.1 detected. By knowing the location of the indexing groove 2.4 or the orientation of the block piece 2 according to the position of the measuring head 6.1 and with regard to the orientation of the angular position W with respect to the through the groove 2.2 through an urgent ray of light 5.2 is a complete alignment of the block piece 2 with regard to its angular position W completely reached. Thereafter, the aligned block piece 2 about the transport unit 7 according to 1b in the block station 8th issued.

According to 4a points the light beam 5.2 to a corresponding groove wall 2.3 a distance a of about 1 mm. This is accompanied by an applicable diameter D of 38.2 mm, a deviation of the angular position W of about +/- 3 °, so that a sufficiently precise positioning of the block piece 2 with respect to its angular position W can be guaranteed.

To 4b can the light beam 5.2 regardless of the distance a to the groove wall 2.3 at different heights h within the groove 2.2 to be placed. Because the block piece 2 in the area of the groove 2.2 has a conical basic shape, go with the change in the height h of the light beam 5.2 accompanied by different diameters D, whereby the accuracy of the adjustable angular position W varies at a constant distance a. With the change in the height h is also at a constant distance a change in the distance to a plane of symmetry 2.2a the groove 2 associated. At a relatively large distance a can also with increasing height h, a central arrangement of the light beam 5.2 come into question.

In the embodiment according to 5 is the singling unit 3 (not shown) only the detection unit 5 immediately downstream. The detection unit 5 has two evaluation heads 5.3 . 5.4 on, in circular orbits around the block piece 2 are arranged around movable and the location of the Mitnehmer- and Indexierungsnut 2.4 evaluate.

After detection of the angular position W of the block piece 2 this becomes the transport unit 7 fed. The holding head 7.3 additionally has a rotation axis 7.4 on, by means of which the block piece 2 for storage in the block station 8th around its axis of rotation 2.1 rotated and adjusted as desired.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Block piece magazine

1.1

magazine unit

1.2

magazine tube

1.2 '

magazine tube

1.2 ''

magazine tube

1.2 '' '

magazine tube

1.3

magazine plate

2

block piece

2 '

block piece

2 ''

block piece

2 '' '

block piece

2.1

axis of rotation

2.2

groove

2.2a

plane of symmetry

2.3

groove wall

2.4

Indexierungsnut

3

separation unit

4

adjusting

4.1

Drive means, drive wheel

4.2

first stator

4.3

second stator

4.4

carriage

4.5

drive cylinder

4.6

table

4.7

axis of rotation

4.8

slide

5

detection unit

5.1

Proximity switch, photocell

5.2

beam of light

5.3

Auswertekopf

5.4

Auswertekopf

6

evaluation

6.1

probe

7

transport unit

7.1

swivel axis

7.2

lifting axis

7.3

holding head

7.4

axis of rotation

8th

block station

10

blocker's

a

distance

D

diameter

H

height

W

angular position

T

transport direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008023093 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Block magazine ( 1 ) for receiving a plurality of respective axes of rotation ( 2.1 ) containing block pieces ( 2 ) for spectacle lens blanks with a magazine unit ( 1.1 ) and with one of the magazine unit ( 1.1 ) downstream singulation unit ( 3 ) for the magazine unit ( 1.1 ) removable block pieces ( 2 ), characterized in that one of the singling unit ( 3 ) with respect to a transport direction T of the block pieces ( 2 ) downstream adjustment unit ( 4 ) and / or a detection unit ( 5 ) for the evaluation of the angular position W of the block piece ( 2 ) with respect to the axis of rotation ( 2.1 ) is provided, wherein the adjusting unit ( 4 ) a drive means ( 4.1 ), by means of which the block piece ( 2 ) around the axis of rotation ( 2.1 ) is rotatable. Block magazine ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive means ( 4.1 ) as a drive wheel, which in the radial direction to the axis of rotation ( 2.1 ) against the block piece ( 2 ) can be applied, is formed. Block magazine ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjusting unit ( 4 ) a first stator ( 4.2 ) and a second stator ( 4.3 ), which in the radial direction to the axis of rotation ( 2.1 ) against the block piece ( 2 ) can be applied. Block magazine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting unit ( 4 ) of the detection unit ( 5 ) and / or an integral part of a transport unit ( 7 ). Block magazine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection unit ( 5 ) a proximity switch or a light barrier ( 5.1 ), with which a light beam ( 5.2 ) is generated, wherein the light beam ( 5.2 ) at the desired angular position W of the block piece ( 2 ) within one in the block piece ( 2 ) existing groove ( 2.2 ) is placeable. Block magazine ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the light beam ( 5.2 ) in the desired angular position W within the groove ( 2.2 ) at a distance from a plane of symmetry ( 2.2a ) of the groove ( 2.2 ) runs. Block magazine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the light beam ( 5.2 ) with a distance a to a maximum of 0.5 mm to 5 mm or 0.5 mm to 3 mm or 1 mm to 2 mm or 1 mm to a groove wall ( 2.3 ) of the groove ( 2.2 ) runs. Block magazine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an evaluation unit ( 6 ), the evaluation of the position of an indexing groove ( 2.4 ) of the block piece ( 2 ) serves. Block magazine ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the evaluation unit ( 6 ) a measuring head ( 6.1 ), which has an optical, an acoustic, a capacitive or an inductive measuring principle. Blocking device ( 10 ) with a block magazine ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, with one to the block magazine ( 1 ) in the transport direction T subsequent transport unit ( 7 ) and with a block station ( 8th ), whereby by means of the transport unit ( 7 ) the block piece ( 2 ) starting from the adjusting unit ( 4 ) within the block station ( 8th ) is positionable. Method for providing block pieces ( 2 ) stored in a block magazine ( 1 ) with respect to a rotation axis ( 2.1 ) are stacked one behind the other in which the respective block piece ( 2 ) individually from the magazine unit ( 1.1 ), characterized in that the block piece ( 2 ) after singulation with respect to the axis of rotation ( 2.1 ) by means of an adjusting unit ( 4 ) around the axis of rotation ( 2.1 ) is rotated. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that in order to check the angular position W, the position or orientation of the diametrically arranged groove ( 2.2 ) is checked. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the position or orientation of the indexing groove ( 2.4 ) is checked. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that for checking the alignment of the indexing groove ( 2.4 ) a capacitive or inductive measuring principle is used. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the block piece ( 2 ) then a transport unit ( 7 ) and by the transport unit ( 7 ) into a block station ( 8th ) a blocking device ( 10 ) is placed.

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