WO2025069929A1 - Centering device and centering program - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a centering device used in a step of processing a peripheral edge of a spectacle lens, the centering device comprising: a measurement optical system for measuring optical characteristics of the spectacle lens; a first alignment part having a holding part for holding an edge surface of the spectacle lens and executing rough alignment for positioning the spectacle lens with respect to the measurement optical system; a second alignment part having a detection part for detecting a deviation amount between the spectacle lens and an optical axis of the measurement optical system, and executing fine alignment for adjusting a relative positional relationship between an optical center position of the spectacle lens and the optical axis on the basis of the deviation amount; and a control part. The control part controls the first alignment part to execute rough alignment, and then controls the second alignment part to execute fine alignment.

Description

Centering device and centering program

This disclosure relates to an alignment device used in the process of processing the periphery of an eyeglass lens, and an alignment program used in the alignment device.

One example of an alignment device used in the process of machining the periphery of an eyeglass lens is a cup attachment device that attaches a machining jig (cup) to the eyeglass lens.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-38268

In Patent Document 1, an operator moves the eyeglass lens to align a predetermined position of the eyeglass lens with the reference axis for attaching the cup to the eyeglass lens. However, it is time-consuming and troublesome for an operator to manually perform the alignment in this way.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional techniques, the technical objective of this disclosure is to provide an alignment device and an alignment program that can easily and accurately align eyeglass lenses.

In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure has the following configuration.
(1) A centering device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an centering device used in a process of processing the periphery of a spectacle lens, comprising: a measurement optical system that measures optical characteristics of the spectacle lens; a first alignment unit that has a clamping unit that clamps the edge surface of the spectacle lens and performs coarse alignment to align the spectacle lens with respect to the measurement optical system; a second alignment unit that has a detection unit that detects the amount of deviation between the spectacle lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system and performs fine alignment to adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the spectacle lens and the optical axis based on the amount of deviation; and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the first alignment unit to perform the coarse alignment, and then controls the second alignment unit to perform the fine alignment.
(2) A centering program according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is an centering program for use in an centering device used in a process of processing the periphery of a eyeglass lens, the centering program having a measurement optical system that measures optical characteristics of an eyeglass lens, a clamping unit that clamps the edge surface of the eyeglass lens, and a detection unit that detects the amount of misalignment between the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system, the centering program being executed by a processor of the centering device to execute a first alignment step of performing coarse alignment to align the eyeglass lens with the measurement optical system using the clamping unit, a second alignment step of performing fine alignment to adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis based on the amount of misalignment detected by the detection unit, and a control step, in which the control step performs the fine alignment by the second alignment step after performing the coarse alignment by the first alignment step.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a cup attachment device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the cup attachment mechanism. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an eyeglass lens measuring mechanism. FIG. 4 shows an example of the indicator plate. FIG. 5 is a view showing the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism from above the cup attachment device. FIG. 6 is a view of the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism as viewed from the front of the cup attachment device. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the control system. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the control operation. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the lens is placed on the cylindrical base in coarse alignment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the lens is in contact with some of the clamp pins in the clamping portion during coarse alignment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the lens is clamped by the clamp pins in the clamping portion in the coarse alignment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state before the lens is moved for fine alignment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state after the lens has been moved for fine alignment.

＜Overview＞
The outline of the centering device of this embodiment will be described. The items classified in <> below can be used independently or in conjunction with each other. In this embodiment, "match" is not limited to perfect match, but includes approximate match.

The centering device of this embodiment may be an centering device used in a process of processing the periphery of a spectacle lens. For example, the centering device may be a cup attachment device that attaches a processing jig to the spectacle lens. In this case, the centering device may include a cup attachment section (e.g., cup attachment mechanism 30) that attaches a cup, which is a processing jig, to the optical surface of the spectacle lens. For example, the cup attachment section may attach the cup to the optical center position adjusted by fine alignment described below. For example, the centering device may be an centering position setting device that sets the attachment position of a holding section (e.g., a chuck shaft of a spectacle lens peripheral processing device, etc.) that clamps and holds the spectacle lens. In this case, the centering device may include a setting section (e.g., control section 60) that sets the attachment position of the holding section that clamps and holds the spectacle lens when processing the spectacle lens, which is the attachment position relative to the optical surface of the spectacle lens. For example, the setting section may set the optical center position adjusted by fine alignment described below as the attachment position.

<Measurement optical system>
The centering device of this embodiment may include a measurement optical system (e.g., an illumination optical system 41, a light receiving optical system 45, and an imaging optical system 48). For example, the measurement optical system may be an optical system that measures the optical characteristics of a spectacle lens. For example, the optical characteristics of the spectacle lens may be at least one of a spherical degree, a cylindrical degree, an astigmatism axis angle, a prism amount, and the like. For example, the measurement optical system may also serve as an optical system that acquires lens information different from the optical characteristics of the spectacle lens. For example, the lens information of the spectacle lens may be at least one of information related to the outer shape of the spectacle lens, the small lens shape of the spectacle lens, markings, print marks, hidden marks, and the like, which are affixed to the spectacle lens.

For example, the measurement optical system may include a light projection optical system (e.g., illumination optical system 41) that projects a measurement light beam toward the lens surface of the eyeglass lens. For example, the light projection optical system may include at least a light source (e.g., light source 42). For example, the light projection optical system may include an index plate that forms an index pattern image by a light projection section that projects a measurement light beam from the light source and a light blocking section that blocks the measurement light beam from the light source. For example, the measurement optical system may include a light receiving optical system (e.g., light receiving optical system 45) that detects the measurement light beam from the light projection optical system. For example, the light receiving optical system may include at least a detector (e.g., image sensor 47). For example, the detector may detect the measurement light beam that has passed through the lens surface of the eyeglass lens as an index pattern image.

<First alignment unit>
The centering device of this embodiment may include a first alignment unit (e.g., a first alignment mechanism 10). For example, the first alignment unit may have a clamping unit that clamps the edge surface of the eyeglass lens and perform coarse alignment to align the eyeglass lens with the measurement optical system.

For example, in the first alignment unit, the clamping portion that clamps the edge surface of the eyeglass lens may be configured to clamp the eyeglass lens from the side. For example, the clamping portion may have a clamping mechanism that clamps the eyeglass lens by moving in a direction approaching the eyeglass lens and abutting against the edge surface of the eyeglass lens.

For example, the clamping mechanism may be a plurality of clamp pins arranged radially from a reference position for aligning the eyeglass lens with the measurement optical system. For example, the plurality of clamp pins may be arranged equidistant from the reference position. For example, the plurality of clamp pins may be arranged at equal intervals from the reference position. For example, when the clamping mechanism has such a plurality of clamp pins, the eyeglass lens may be clamped by each clamp pin being moved toward the reference position. As an example, the plurality of clamp pins may be moved in a radial direction centered on the reference position, or in at least one of the left-right direction or the front-back direction centered on the reference position.

For example, the clamping mechanism may be a sliding mechanism that slides in a direction approaching the eyeglass lens. For example, the sliding mechanism may have a pair of sliders that open and close in any one direction relative to a reference position for aligning the eyeglass lens with the measurement optical system. For example, only one of the pair of sliders may be configured to open and close, or both may be configured to open and close in conjunction with each other. For example, when the clamping mechanism has such a pair of sliders, the eyeglass lens may be clamped by each slider being moved toward the reference position. As an example, each slider may be moved in at least one of the left-right direction or the front-back direction centered on the reference position.

For example, the clamping mechanism may be configured with a clamp pin, may be configured with a slide mechanism, or may be configured with other different mechanisms. The clamping mechanism may also be a combination of these. For example, the reference position for aligning the eyeglass lens and the measurement optical system may be the position of the optical axis of the measurement optical system.

For example, the clamping portion of the first alignment unit may be connected to the upper part of the mounting portion (described later) of the second alignment unit. For example, the clamping portion may be connected to the upper part of the mounting portion in the optical axis direction of the measurement optical system. In this case, the sliding mechanism of the clamping portion may abut on the left and right sides of the edge surface of the eyeglass lens. For example, the sliding mechanism may slide so as to abut on the left and right sides of the eyeglass lens when the eyeglass lens is placed on the mounting portion.

<Second alignment section>
The centering device of this embodiment may include a second alignment unit (e.g., a second alignment mechanism 20). For example, the second alignment unit may have a detection unit that detects the amount of misalignment between the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system, and may perform fine alignment to adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis based on the amount of misalignment.

For example, in the second alignment unit, the detection unit that detects the amount of misalignment between the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system may be configured to detect an arbitrary position on the eyeglass lens and to detect the amount of misalignment between the arbitrary position and the optical axis.

For example, the detection unit may detect the geometric center position of the eyeglass lens as an arbitrary position by capturing an image of the outer shape of the eyeglass lens and analyzing the captured image (for example, circular approximation, etc.). In this case, the detection unit may detect the amount of deviation based on the position coordinates of the geometric center position and the optical axis. In this case, the detection unit may detect the amount of deviation by converting the number of pixels from the geometric center position to the optical axis into an actual distance.

For example, the detection unit may detect the optical center position calculated based on the optical characteristics of the eyeglass lens as an arbitrary position. As one example, the detection unit may detect the optical center position calculated based on the change in the spacing of the index pattern images projected onto the eyeglass lens as an arbitrary position. In this case, the detection unit may detect the amount of deviation based on the position coordinates of the optical center position and the optical axis. In this case, the detection unit may detect the amount of deviation by converting the number of pixels from the optical center position to the optical axis into an actual distance. When the detection unit of the second alignment unit detects the optical center position of the eyeglass lens, the second alignment unit may also serve as at least a part of the measurement optical system.

For example, a tolerance range may be set for the amount of misalignment between the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system. For example, a uniform tolerance range may be set regardless of the type of eyeglass lens, or a different tolerance range may be set depending on the type of eyeglass lens. For example, the tolerance range may be a predetermined fixed value. For example, the tolerance range may be an arbitrary value that can be changed as appropriate. In this case, an operation signal that changes the tolerance range may be output by an operator operating an operation unit (e.g., monitor 2). In this case, an external storage unit (e.g., a USB memory, a server, etc.) may be used, and an operation signal that changes the tolerance range may be output by reading data stored in the external storage unit.

For example, the second alignment unit may have a placement unit (e.g., placement unit 21) on which the eyeglass lens is placed. For example, the placement unit may have an identification mechanism for identifying the area in which the eyeglass lens can be placed. For example, the identification mechanism may be configured to have an identification function by using members of different materials in the area in which the eyeglass lens can be placed and the area in which the eyeglass lens cannot be placed. An example of the members of different materials may be plastic resin and glass plate. For example, the identification mechanism may be configured to have an identification function by attaching a mark or the like to the boundary between the area in which the eyeglass lens can be placed and the area in which the eyeglass lens cannot be placed, or by providing a recess or protrusion. For example, the area in which the eyeglass lens can be placed may be an area larger than the maximum diameter of a general eyeglass lens. For example, the area in which the eyeglass lens can be placed may be determined in advance based on the results of experiments or simulations in terms of its positional relationship with the clamping unit (for example, a slide mechanism).

<Control Unit>
The centering device of this embodiment may include a control unit (for example, the control unit 60). For example, the control unit controls the first alignment unit to perform coarse alignment, and then controls the second alignment unit to perform fine alignment (one example of a control step). For example, the control unit may control the second alignment unit to perform fine alignment when the amount of optical axis misalignment between the eyeglass lens and the measurement optical system exceeds the allowable range after controlling the first alignment unit to perform coarse alignment. For example, even if the amount of misalignment between the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system does not satisfy the conditions in the coarse alignment, a certain level of accuracy can be maintained by further finely adjusting the positional relationship through fine alignment. As a result, centering of the eyeglass lens (as an example, mounting of a cup) can be performed with high accuracy.

For example, the control unit may be configured with one control unit, and the one control unit may control both the first alignment unit and the second alignment unit. For example, the control unit may be configured with multiple control units, and the multiple control units may control the first alignment unit and the second alignment unit, respectively. As an example, the control unit may include a first control unit that controls the first alignment unit, and a second control unit that controls the second alignment unit.

For example, the control unit may align the eyeglass lens with respect to the measurement optical system by moving the eyeglass lens using a clamping unit (e.g., a sliding mechanism) to perform coarse alignment. For example, the control unit may control the first alignment unit to move the eyeglass lens in a predetermined direction using the clamping unit and move the eyeglass lens closer to the optical axis of the measurement optical system, thereby aligning the eyeglass lens with the optical axis. As one example, the control unit may align the geometric center position of the eyeglass lens with the optical axis, or may align the optical center position of the eyeglass lens with the optical axis.

For example, the control unit may adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis by moving the measurement optical system relative to the eyeglass lens, thereby performing fine alignment. For example, the control unit may control the drive of a measurement unit including the measurement optical system to move the optical axis of the measurement optical system closer to the eyeglass lens, thereby adjusting the relative positional relationship between the optical center position and the optical axis. For example, the control unit may adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis by moving the eyeglass lens relative to the measurement optical system, thereby performing fine alignment. For example, the control unit may control at least the second alignment unit to move the eyeglass lens closer to the optical axis of the measurement optical system, thereby adjusting the relative positional relationship between the optical center position and the optical axis. In this case, since no large-scale drive is required compared to the case where the measurement optical system is configured to move relative to the eyeglass lens, the positional relationship can be easily adjusted.

For example, the control unit may perform fine alignment by moving a mounting unit on which the eyeglass lens is placed in order to move the eyeglass lens relative to the measurement optical system. This makes it easier to adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system.

For example, the control unit may adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis by moving the eyeglass lens or the measurement optical system and moving any position of the eyeglass lens, thereby performing fine alignment. For example, the control unit may indirectly adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position and the optical axis by moving the eyeglass lens or the measurement optical system and changing the positional relationship between the geometric center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis. For example, the control unit may directly adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position and the optical axis by moving the eyeglass lens or the measurement optical system and changing the positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis.

For example, the control unit may perform coarse alignment by moving the slide mechanism of the clamping unit in the first alignment unit at least in the left-right direction to align at least the left-right direction of the eyeglass lens with respect to the measurement optical system. For example, the control unit moves the clamping unit in the first alignment unit and the mounting unit in the second alignment unit integrally at least in the front-back direction. Furthermore, the control unit may perform fine alignment by adjusting the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system at least in the front-back direction. For example, by positioning the slide mechanisms on the left and right of the eyeglass lens, it becomes easier to place the eyeglass lens on the mounting unit, and by moving the clamping unit and mounting unit integrally with respect to the eyeglass lens, it becomes easier to adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system. Therefore, with such a configuration, coarse alignment and fine alignment can be performed more easily.

<Mode switching section>
The centering device of this embodiment may include a mode switching unit (e.g., the control unit 60). For example, the mode switching unit outputs a switching signal for switching between a first mode in which only coarse alignment is performed and a second mode in which coarse alignment and fine alignment are performed. For example, the mode switching unit may output a mode switching signal based on an input of an operation signal from an operation unit (e.g., the monitor 2) by an operator. In other words, the operator may be able to manually switch between the first mode and the second mode. For example, the mode switching unit may automatically output a mode switching signal based on any signal generated in a process before the alignment of the eyeglass lens is started.

For example, the centering device may include an acquisition unit that acquires the type of eyeglass lens, and the mode switching unit may output a switching signal that switches between the first mode and the second mode depending on the type of eyeglass lens. For example, the type of eyeglass lens may be a single focus lens, a bifocal lens, a progressive lens, etc. For example, the type of eyeglass lens may include whether or not it has a prism, whether or not it is decentered, etc.

For example, when acquiring the type of eyeglass lens, the acquisition unit may acquire the type of eyeglass lens based on an operation signal input from the operation unit by an operator. For example, the acquisition unit may acquire the type of eyeglass lens by receiving data from a device other than the centering device. For example, the acquisition unit may acquire the type of eyeglass lens by using a detection unit that detects the type of eyeglass lens. For example, the detection unit may irradiate the eyeglass lens with a pattern-shaped measurement beam and detect the type based on the interval between the pattern images. The detection unit may also serve as at least a part of the measurement optical system.

<Switching control section>
The centering device of this embodiment may include a switching control unit (e.g., the control unit 60). For example, the switching control unit executes a predetermined control in response to a switching signal from the mode switching unit. For example, by appropriately switching between execution of coarse alignment in the first mode and execution of coarse alignment and fine alignment in the second mode, centering of the eyeglass lens can be easily and accurately performed.

For example, the switching control unit may automatically start either mode as a predetermined control in response to a switching signal for the first mode or the second mode. For example, the switching control unit may execute output of guide information that guides the operator's next action as a predetermined control in response to a switching signal for the first mode or the second mode. For example, the switching control unit may execute output of guide information by at least one of displaying a message by the display unit, generating a voice announcement by the audio generation unit (e.g., a speaker, etc.), notifying by the notification unit (e.g., a lamp, etc.), etc.

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the device described in this embodiment. For example, terminal control software (program) that performs the functions of the above embodiment can be supplied to a device or system via a network or various storage media, and a control device (e.g., a CPU) of the device or system can read and execute the program.

<Example>
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a cup attachment device is used as an example of the centering device.

FIG. 1 is an external view of the cup attachment device 1. For example, the cup attachment device 1 includes a monitor 2, a first alignment mechanism 10, a second alignment mechanism 20, a cup attachment mechanism 30, and a spectacle lens measurement mechanism 40 (see FIG. 3), etc.

In this embodiment, a touch panel function is added to the monitor 2, and the monitor 2 functions as an operation unit (controller). The monitor 2 and the operation unit may be configured to be provided separately, in which case at least one of a mouse, joystick, keyboard, mobile terminal, etc. may be used as the operation unit. In this embodiment, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is used for the monitor 2. An organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, a plasma display, etc. may also be used for the monitor 2.

For example, the monitor 2 displays various information including at least one of the following: cup information to be attached to the eyeglass lens, optical property information of the eyeglass lens (first information), information different from the optical property information of the eyeglass lens (second information), etc. As an example, the cup information to be attached to the eyeglass lens may be the outer shape of the cup, etc. As an example, the first information of the eyeglass lens may be at least one of the spherical power, cylindrical power, astigmatism axis angle, prism amount, eccentricity amount, etc. As an example, the second information of the eyeglass lens may be at least one of the outer shape of the eyeglass lens, small lens shape, print marks, hidden marks, markings, hole shapes, hole positions, etc.

For example, monitor 2 displays various operation screens including at least one of an axis setting screen for attaching a cup to the eyeglass lens, a layout screen for inputting the processing layout of the eyeglass lens, a processing condition setting screen for inputting the processing conditions of the eyeglass lens, etc.

<Cup attachment mechanism>
2 is a schematic diagram of the cup attachment mechanism 30. The cup attachment mechanism 30 attaches a cup to a spectacle lens. For example, the cup attachment mechanism 30 includes a mounting portion 31, an arm 32, an arm holding base 33, a motor 34, an X-direction movement mechanism 35, a Y-direction movement mechanism 36, a Z-direction movement mechanism 37, and the like.

For example, a cup Cu is attached to the attachment part 31. For example, the attachment part 31 has an uneven part 31a that fits into an uneven part Cua formed on the cup Cu. For example, the attachment part 31 is fixed to an arm 32. For example, the arm 32 has a rotation transmission mechanism (not shown) that variably holds the horizontal rotation angle of the attachment part 31. For example, the arm 32 is fixed to an arm holding base 33. For example, the arm holding base 33 houses a motor 34. For example, the rotation of the motor 34 is transmitted to the attachment part 31 via a rotation transmission mechanism (not shown) of the arm 32. This causes the attachment part 31 to rotate around the central attachment axis C1 of the cup Cu.

For example, the X-direction movement mechanism 35, the Y-direction movement mechanism 36, and the Z-direction movement mechanism 37 each include a motor (not shown) or the like. For example, the X-direction movement mechanism 35 moves in the left-right direction (X direction) of the cup attachment device 1. For example, the Y-direction movement mechanism 36 is installed above the X-direction movement mechanism 35. For example, the Y-direction movement mechanism 36 moves in the up-down direction (Y direction) of the cup attachment device 1. For example, the Z-direction movement mechanism 37 is installed above the Y-direction movement mechanism 36. For example, the Z-direction movement mechanism 37 moves in the front-rear direction (Z direction) of the cup attachment device 1. For example, the Z-direction movement mechanism 37 holds the arm 32, the arm holding base 33, and the motor 34 housed in the arm holding base 33.

For example, in this embodiment, when the X-direction movement mechanism 35 is moved, the Y-direction movement mechanism 36, the Z-direction movement mechanism 37, the arm 32, etc. move left and right relative to the cup attachment device 1. For example, in this embodiment, when the Z-direction movement mechanism 37 is moved, the arm 32, etc. move forward and backward relative to the cup attachment device 1. This causes the attachment section 31 to move to above the first alignment mechanism 10 and the second alignment mechanism 20.

For example, in this embodiment, when the Y-direction movement mechanism 36 is moved, the Z-direction movement mechanism 37 and the arm 32, etc., move in the vertical direction relative to the cup attachment device 1. As a result, the cup Cu attached to the attachment portion 31 is centered on the eyeglass lens.

<Eyeglass lens measuring mechanism>
3 is a schematic diagram of the eyeglass lens measuring mechanism 40. For example, the eyeglass lens measuring mechanism 40 in this embodiment serves both as a measurement optical system that acquires the optical characteristics of the lens and a measurement optical system that acquires information about the lens other than the optical characteristics of the lens. The measurement optical system that acquires the optical characteristics of the lens and the measurement optical system that acquires information about the lens other than the optical characteristics of the lens may each be provided separately.

For example, the eyeglass lens measuring mechanism 40 includes an illumination optical system 41, a light receiving optical system 45, an imaging optical system 48, etc. For example, the illumination optical system 41 includes a light source 42, a half mirror 43, a concave mirror 44, etc. For example, the light source 42 irradiates the lens with a measurement light beam. For example, the light source 42 may be an LED (Light Emitting Diode). For example, the measurement light beam emitted from the light source 42 is reflected by the half mirror 43 arranged on the optical axis N2 and coincides with the optical axis N2. For example, the concave mirror 44 reflects the measurement light beam from the optical axis N2 to the direction of the optical axis N1, and shapes the measurement light beam into a parallel light beam (approximately parallel light beam) with a diameter larger than that of the lens LE arranged on the optical axis N1. It is possible to use a lens instead of the concave mirror, but it is advantageous to use a concave mirror in order to prevent the device from becoming large.

For example, the light receiving optical system 45 includes an index plate 46, an image sensor 47, etc. For example, the index plate 46 detects the optical center of the lens LE, etc. Details of the index plate 46 will be described later. For example, the image sensor 47 captures the measurement light beam that is irradiated from the light source 42 and passes through the lens LE, the cylindrical base 24 described later, and the index plate 46. For example, the image sensor 47 may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), etc. Note that the light receiving optical system 45 in this embodiment may be configured such that a lens is disposed between the index plate 46 and the image sensor 47.

For example, the imaging optical system 48 includes a concave mirror 44, an aperture 49, an imaging lens 50, an imaging element 51, etc. For example, the imaging magnification of the imaging optical system 48 is a magnification at which the entire lens LE is imaged by the imaging element 51. For example, the concave mirror 44 in the imaging optical system 48 is shared with the concave mirror 44 in the illumination optical system 41. For example, the aperture 49 is disposed at the focal position (approximate focal position) of the concave mirror 44. For example, the aperture 49 is in a conjugate (approximately conjugate) positional relationship with the light source 42. For example, the imaging element 51 images a reflected light beam irradiated from the light source 42 and reflected by a retroreflective member 52 described later. For example, the imaging element 51 may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), etc. For example, the focal position of the imaging element 51 is adjusted to near the surface of the lens LE by the imaging lens 50 and the concave mirror 44. This allows the imaging element 51 to capture images of markings on the surface of the lens, hidden marks formed on the lens, etc., in a nearly in-focus state.

<Indicator board>
4 is an example of the index plate 46. For example, the index plate 46 has a number of openings (light beam passage openings) 55 formed in a predetermined pattern. For example, in this embodiment, the openings 55 are formed by attaching a retroreflective member 52 described later to an area other than the openings 55. For example, in this embodiment, the circular openings 55 are arranged at equal intervals. Note that the index plate 46 only needs to have a pattern formed thereon that allows the optical center position and optical characteristics of the lens LE to be detected, and the shape and intervals of the openings 55 are not limited to those in this embodiment.

For example, the opening 55 is made up of a central hole 56 formed in the center of the indicator plate 46 and peripheral holes 57 formed around the central hole 56. For example, the central hole 56 coincides with the optical axis N1. For example, the central hole 56 in this embodiment is a different size from the peripheral holes 57, making it possible to distinguish the central hole 56 from the peripheral holes 57. Note that the size, number, shape, position, etc. of the central holes 56 may be different from those in this embodiment as long as they can be distinguished from the peripheral holes 57. This makes it possible to identify the corresponding relationship of each peripheral hole 57 when the image of the opening 55 captured by the imaging element 47 (hereinafter, the opening image) is displaced due to the optical characteristics of the lens LE.

For example, the retroreflective member 52 is used to reflect the measurement light beam in the same direction (approximately the same direction) as the incident direction. For example, the retroreflective member 52 is attached to the upper surface of the index plate 46 and to the upper surface of a disk member 54 having an opening 53 in the center. For example, the disk member 54 may be rotated around an axis centered on the optical axis N1 by a rotation mechanism (not shown). For details about the retroreflective member 52 and its rotation mechanism, see JP 2008-299140 A.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams explaining the first alignment mechanism 10 and the second alignment mechanism 20. FIG. 5 is a diagram of the first alignment mechanism 10 and the second alignment mechanism 20 viewed from above (Y direction) of the cup attachment device 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram of the first alignment mechanism 10 and the second alignment mechanism 20 viewed from the front (Z direction) of the cup attachment device 1. Note that FIGS. 5 and 6 show a state in which the lens LE is placed on the mounting section 21 described below so that the geometric center position L1 of the lens LE coincides with the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system.

<First alignment mechanism>
The first alignment mechanism 10 performs coarse alignment to align the lens LE with the measurement optical system. For example, the first alignment mechanism 10 includes a clamping unit 11, a motor 12, and the like.

For example, the clamping unit 11 is configured with a sliding mechanism that contacts the edge surface of the lens LE. For example, the sliding mechanism of the clamping unit 11 has each member provided so as to contact areas of a predetermined radial angle on the lens LE (areas α1 and α2, and areas β1 and β2, described below). In this embodiment, the left and right sliders and the clamp pins that the left and right sliders each have allow the sliding mechanism to contact the areas of a predetermined radial angle.

For example, the clamping unit 11 includes a pair of left and right sliders 11a and 11b that are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line M1 in the left-right direction of the cup attachment device 1, which is the center line M1 that passes through the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. For example, the left and right sliders 11a and 11b open and close in conjunction with each other in the direction toward the optical axis N1 and the direction away from the optical axis N1. For example, the left and right sliders 11a and 11b slide so that the distance by which the left slider 11a approaches the optical axis N1 and the distance by which the right slider 11b approaches the optical axis N1 are always the same. For example, the left and right sliders 11a and 11b slide so that the distance by which the left slider 11a moves away from the optical axis N1 and the distance by which the right slider 11b moves away from the optical axis N1 are always the same.

For example, the left slider 11a has two clamp pins (clamp pins 13a and 13b) and a recess 14. For example, the right slider 11b has two clamp pins (clamp pins 13c and 13d) and a recess 15.

For example, the left slider 11a is provided with two clamp pins 13a and 13b arranged symmetrically in the front-rear direction with respect to the center line M2 of the cup attachment device 1 in the front-rear direction and the center line M2 passing through the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. For example, the clamp pins 13a and 13b may be arranged at a predetermined interval based on the maximum and minimum diameters of a typical lens. For example, the clamp pin 13a may be arranged so as to contact the lens LE in a region α1 of a radial angle of 30 degrees to 60 degrees, with the position of the center line M2 relative to the lens LE being the position of a radial angle of 0 degrees. More preferably, for example, the clamp pin 13a may be arranged so as to contact the lens LE in a region of a radial angle of 40 degrees to 50 degrees relative to the lens LE. For example, the clamp pin 13b may be arranged so as to contact the lens LE in a region α2 of a radial angle of 300 degrees to 330 degrees (more preferably, a radial angle of 310 degrees to 320 degrees) relative to the lens LE.

For example, the right slider 11b is provided with two clamp pins 13c and 13d that are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line M2 that passes through the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. For example, the clamp pins 13c and 13d may be arranged at a predetermined interval based on the maximum and minimum diameters of a typical lens. For example, the clamp pin 13c may be arranged so as to contact the lens LE in a region β1 with a radius angle of 120 degrees to 150 degrees (more preferably, a radius angle of 130 degrees to 140 degrees) relative to the lens LE. For example, the clamp pin 13d may be arranged so as to contact the lens LE in a region β2 with a radius angle of 210 degrees to 240 degrees (more preferably, a radius angle of 220 degrees to 230 degrees) relative to the lens LE.

For example, clamp pins 13a and 13b of the left slider 11a and clamp pins 13c and 13d of the right slider 11b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line M1 relative to the lens LE, and correspond to areas α1 and α2, and areas β1 and β2, respectively. For example, by appropriately limiting the area in which each clamp pin can come into contact with the lens LE, the lens LE can be brought closer to the optical axis N1 (details will be described later).

For example, the tips of the clamp pins 13a to 13d are formed in a semicircular shape. For example, the tips of the clamp pins may be triangular, rectangular, etc. For example, the insides of the clamp pins 13a to 13d are provided with springs (not shown). For example, when each clamp pin abuts against the lens LE, it is pressed against the lens LE, compressing the spring, and the spring's biasing force acts on the lens LE. This allows the lens LE to be clamped evenly.

For example, in the left slider 11a, a recess 14 is provided between the two clamp pins 13a and 13b. Similarly, in the right slider 11b, a recess 15 is provided between the two clamp pins 13c and 13d. For example, recesses 14 and 15 are provided to reduce the possibility that the edge surface of the lens LE abuts against the side surface of the slider, causing the lens LE to abut against only one of the two clamp pins, or against neither.

For example, if the lens diameter of the lens LE is small, the lens LE will come into contact with each clamp pin at a position closer to the radius angles of 90 degrees and 270 degrees, and a greater portion of the lens LE will get between each clamp pin. For example, if the left slider 11a does not have the recess 14, the clamp pins 13a and 13b will not come into contact with the lens LE depending on the lens LE, and the lens LE cannot be properly clamped. The same is true for the right slider 11b. However, if the recess 14 and recess 15 are provided as in this embodiment, a portion of the lens LE will fit into each recess, and all of the clamp pins 13a to 13d will come into contact with the lens LE, allowing the lens LE to be properly clamped.

For example, the motor 12 moves the clamping unit 11. For example, the motor 12 opens and closes the left slider 11a and the right slider 11b of the clamping unit 11 in the left-right direction, and slides the left slider 11a and the right slider 11b.

<Second alignment mechanism>
The second alignment mechanism 20 is used to perform fine alignment to adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. For example, the second alignment mechanism 20 includes a mounting unit 21, a motor 22, a detection unit 23, and the like.

For example, the lens LE is placed on the mounting section 21 with its surface (front surface) facing up. For example, the mounting section 21 is disposed between the concave mirror 44 and the index plate 46 in the measurement optical system. For example, the clamping section 11 is connected and disposed on top of the mounting section 21.

For example, the mounting portion 21 has a cylindrical base 24. For example, the cylindrical base 24 is positioned so that the center position B1 of the cylindrical base 24 coincides with the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. For example, the cylindrical base 24 is formed from a light-transmitting material (acrylic resin, for example). Therefore, the cylindrical base 24 can transmit the measurement light beam refracted by the lens LE and can transmit the measurement light beam reflected by the retroreflective member 52.

For example, the cylindrical base 24 is configured with a predetermined diameter based on the maximum and minimum diameters of a typical lens. For example, when the lens LE is placed on the cylindrical base 24 so that part of the diameter of the lens LE follows the diameter of the cylindrical base 24, the clamp pins 13a to 13d are configured with a diameter such that the clamp pins 13a to 13d abut against the regions α1 and α2, and the regions β1 and β2 of the lens LE. As an example, the diameter of the cylindrical base 24 may be φ100.

In this embodiment, the cylindrical base 24 of the mounting portion 21 also serves the role of identifying the area on the mounting portion 21 where the lens LE can be placed. For example, the portion of the mounting portion 21 that is different from the cylindrical base 24 is formed from a light-blocking material. Therefore, the boundary between the portion that is different from the cylindrical base 24 and the cylindrical base 24 can be easily grasped.

For example, the motor 22 moves the placement unit 21. For example, the motor 22 moves the clamping unit 11 connected to the placement unit 21 together with the placement unit 21. For example, the motor 22 moves the placement unit 21 (and the clamping unit 11) in both the left-right direction and the front-back direction.

For example, the detection unit 23 detects the amount of misalignment between the lens LE and the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. For example, the detection unit 23 detects the amount of misalignment between the optical center position L2 calculated based on the optical characteristics of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. For example, the detection unit 23 may serve as part of the measurement optical system, capture an image of the lens LE with the image sensor 47, and detect the optical center position L2 using the interval of the pattern image of the index plate 46 projected onto the lens LE. For example, the detection unit 23 may detect the amount of misalignment by converting the number of pixels from the optical center position L2 of the lens LE to the optical axis N1 into an actual distance.

<Control Unit>
7 is a schematic diagram of a control system in the cup attachment device 1. For example, the control unit 60 is electrically connected to the monitor 2, the non-volatile memory 65 (hereinafter, memory 65), and the like. For example, the control unit 60 is electrically connected to the motor 12 of the first alignment mechanism 10, the motor 22 of the second alignment mechanism 20, the motor 34 of the cup attachment mechanism 30, a motor (not shown) of the X-direction movement mechanism 35, a motor (not shown) of the Y-direction movement mechanism 36, a motor (not shown) of the Z-direction movement mechanism 37, and the like. For example, the control unit 60 is electrically connected to the light source 42 of the eyeglass lens measurement mechanism 40, the image sensor 47, a motor (not shown) that rotates the retroreflective member 52, and the like.

For example, the control unit 60 includes a CPU (processor), a RAM, a ROM, etc. For example, the CPU may control the operation of each part in the cup attachment device 1. For example, the RAM may temporarily store various information. For example, the ROM may store various programs executed by the CPU.

<Control operation>
The control operation of the cup attachment device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

For example, when making eyeglasses, an operator uses the cup attachment device 1 to attach a cup to the lens LE. Conventionally, the operator would manually move the lens LE and attach the cup in a state where the optical center position L2 of the lens LE is aligned with the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. However, in this embodiment, by using the first alignment mechanism 10, the operator can automatically move the lens LE closer to the optical axis N1 (center it) simply by placing the lens LE on the mounting section 21. In addition, by using the second alignment mechanism 20, the relative positional relationship between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 can be automatically fine-tuned.

For example, in a single focal length lens, the optical center L2 is often located at the geometric center L1, but due to individual differences in the lens and the presence or absence of eccentricity, these positions do not necessarily coincide. For this reason, not only is it important to center the lens, but it is also important to make fine adjustments after that. Below, we will use the case where the lens LE is a single focal length lens as an example and explain the process of attaching a cup to the lens LE according to the flowchart shown in Figure 8.

<Acquisition of Target Lens Shape (S1)>
First, the lens LE is acquired. For example, the lens LE may be the outer peripheral shape of the demo lens, the inner peripheral shape of the frame, or the like. For example, when acquiring the outer peripheral shape of the demo lens as the lens LE, the entire image of the demo lens may be captured using the eyeglass lens measuring mechanism 40, and the outer peripheral shape may be detected. For example, when acquiring the inner peripheral shape of the frame as the lens LE, data on the inner peripheral shape of the frame may be received from an eyeglass frame shape measuring device or the like. For example, the control unit 60 stores the lens LE in the memory 65. Note that the lens LE may acquire the respective lens shapes of both the left lens and the right lens. The lens shape of either the left lens or the right lens may be acquired, and the lens shape of the other lens may be acquired by inverting the lens shape of the left lens or the right lens.

<Acquisition of refractive index (S2)>
Next, the refractive index of the lens LE is acquired. For example, the refractive index of the lens LE may be acquired by an operator operating the monitor 2 to input a value. For example, the refractive index of the lens LE may be acquired by receiving data of the refractive index measured using another device. For example, the control unit 60 stores the refractive index of the lens LE in the memory 65.

<Setting Processing Conditions and Layout (S3)>
Next, the processing conditions and layout of the lens LE are set. The operator may operate the monitor 2 to set the processing conditions of the lens LE for each of the left lens and the right lens. For example, the processing conditions of the lens LE may be at least one of the following: the type of the lens LE (e.g., a single focus lens, a bifocal lens, a progressive lens, etc.), the material of the lens LE, the material of the frame, the presence or absence of various processing (e.g., the presence or absence of mirror processing, chamfering processing, groove engraving processing, etc.), the attachment position of the cup Cu relative to the lens LE (e.g., the optical center position or the geometric center position of the lens LE), etc. The operator may also operate the monitor 2 to set the layout of the lens LE. For example, the layout of the lens LE may be at least one of the frame center distance, the interpupillary distance of the spectacle wearer, the astigmatism axis angle of the spectacle wearer, etc.

<Placement of Lens (S4)>
When the operator finishes setting the processing conditions and layout of the lens LE, the operator places the lens LE on the placement unit 21. For example, the operator places the lens LE on the cylindrical base 24 of the placement unit 21. At this time, the lens LE may be placed at any position that falls within the range of the cylindrical base 24.

<Performing Rough Alignment (S5)>
When the operator places the lens LE on the placement unit 21, he or she operates the monitor 2 to operate a start switch for executing coarse alignment. For example, the control unit 60 controls the motor 12 in the first alignment mechanism 10 based on an input signal from the start switch, and moves each slider of the clamping unit 11 in the left-right direction. The execution of the coarse alignment is an example of the first alignment step.

9 to 11 are diagrams for explaining the rough alignment of the lens LE. In FIG. 9, the lens LE is placed on the cylindrical base 24. In FIG. 10, the lens LE is in contact with some of the clamp pins in the clamping portion 11. In FIG. 11, the lens LE is clamped by each of the clamp pins in the clamping portion 11. For example, as in FIG. 9, when the lens LE is placed so that the position of the radius vector angle of 90 degrees is aligned near the upper end of the cylindrical base 24, some of the clamp pins will contact the edge surface of the lens LE when the left slider 11a and the right slider 11b close in the direction approaching the lens LE. For example, as in FIG. 10, the clamp pin 13a of the left slider 11a and the clamp pin 13c of the right slider 11b first contact the edge surface of the lens LE. For example, clamp pin 13a contacts region α1 of lens LE, and clamp pin 13c contacts region β1, which is symmetrical to region α1 of lens LE.

For example, when the sliders are further closed from the state shown in Figure 10, the lens LE is gradually pushed forward by the clamp pins 13a and 13c abutting the edge surface of the lens LE. Then, as shown in Figure 11, the lens LE comes into contact with clamp pin 13b of the left slider 11a and clamp pin 13c of the right slider 11b while remaining in contact with clamp pin 13b of the left slider 11a and clamp pin 13d of the right slider 11b. At this point, the lens LE is stably held between the four clamp pins, and a load is generated by the lens LE, causing the movement of the sliders to stop.

For example, in the state shown in FIG. 11, the lens LE moves forward and the edge surface of the lens LE is clamped at a position symmetrical left to right with respect to the center line M1, and at a position symmetrical front to back with respect to the center line M2, so that the geometric center position L1 of the lens LE coincides with the center position B1 of the cylindrical base 24 and the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. In this way, the geometric center position L1 of the lens LE is centered on the optical axis N1, and rough alignment of the lens LE is completed.

For example, no matter where the lens LE is placed within the range of the cylindrical base 24, the clamp pin will first come into contact with at least one of areas α1, α2, β1, and β2 on the edge surface of the lens LE. As a result, the lens LE is pushed toward the center position B1 of the cylindrical base 24 (i.e., the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system), completing rough alignment of the lens LE.

<Performing fine alignment (S6)>
When the coarse alignment of the lens LE is completed, the control unit 60 starts fine alignment of the lens LE as necessary. Execution of the fine alignment is an example of a second alignment step.

<Detection of optical center position (S6-1)>
First, the control unit 60 detects the optical center position L2 of the lens LE. For example, the control unit 60 captures an image of the lens LE including an aperture image (pattern image) by the imaging element 51 in the measurement optical system. For example, the control unit 60 obtains the position coordinates of the aperture image, and detects the optical center position L2 and optical characteristics of the lens LE based on the position coordinates. For details on the detection of the optical center position L2 and optical characteristics of the lens LE, please refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-241694.

<Detection of deviation between optical center position and optical axis (S6-2)>
Next, the control unit 60 detects the amount of deviation between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. For example, the control unit 60 detects the amount of deviation between the optical center position L2 and the optical axis N1, based on the pixel position of the optical center position L2 detected in step S6-1 and the pixel position of the optical axis N1, using the image of the lens LE.

For example, the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system and the imaging optical axis of the imaging element 51 are aligned, and the optical axis N1 is located at the center of the image of the lens LE. For example, the control unit 60 determines the number of pixels by which the pixel position corresponding to the optical center position L2 of the lens LE is separated in the left-right direction and the front-back direction from the pixel position corresponding to the center of the image of the lens LE as a reference. For example, the control unit 60 calculates the amount of deviation δx in the left-right direction and the amount of deviation δz in the front-back direction based on the actual distance corresponding to one pixel. For example, the control unit 60 stores the amount of deviation δx and the amount of deviation δz in the memory 65.

<Detection of Whether the Amount of Misalignment is Within the Tolerance Range (S6-3)>
Here, the control unit 60 detects whether or not the deviations δx and δz between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system are both within the allowable range A. For example, a range in which a certain degree of accuracy can be maintained for the measurement of the optical center position L2 and the optical characteristics by the measurement optical system may be set as such an allowable range. For example, if the deviation between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 is within the allowable range (step S6-3: YES), the control unit 60 proceeds to step S7 and attaches a cup to the lens LE. For example, if the deviation between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 is outside the allowable range (step S6-3: NO), the control unit 60 adjusts the relative positional relationship between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1.

<Adjusting the Positional Relationship between Lens and Optical Axis (S6-4)>
In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11, a case is illustrated in which the optical center position L2 is located to the left of the geometric center position L1 of the lens LE, causing a misalignment between the optical center position L2 and the optical axis N1. That is, a case is illustrated in which only a misalignment amount δx occurs between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 in the left-right direction, and no misalignment amount δz occurs in the front-rear direction (is zero).

12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the adjustment of the positional relationship between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. FIG. 12 shows the state before the lens LE is moved, and FIG. 13 shows the state after the lens LE is moved. For example, the control unit 60 moves the lens LE left and right with respect to the optical axis N1 so that the deviation amount δx between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 falls within the allowable range. More specifically, the motor 22 is driven to move the placement unit 21 and the clamping unit 11 together, thereby moving the lens LE left and right with respect to the optical axis N1 so that the optical center position L2 of the lens LE coincides with the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system. For example, in this way, the optical center position L2 of the lens LE is aligned with the optical axis N1, and fine alignment of the lens LE is completed.

In addition, the control unit 60 may detect the optical center position L2 again and perform fine alignment after the fine alignment of the lens LE is completed. For example, the optical center position L2 calculated at the time of rough alignment of the lens LE is a position detected outside the allowable range where a certain accuracy is not maintained, and the shift amount δx and the shift amount δz are calculated based on this, and the positional relationship with the optical axis N1 is adjusted. For example, since the measurement optical system has higher detection accuracy the closer it is to the optical axis N1 (in other words, the closer it is to the periphery of the optical axis N1), when the optical center position L2 is detected again after fine alignment of the lens LE, there is a possibility that it is not within the allowable range. Therefore, fine alignment of the lens LE may be performed multiple times to further improve the accuracy of the optical center position L2.

<Attaching the cup (S7)>
When the fine alignment of the lens LE is completed, the control unit 60 causes various information to be displayed on the monitor 2. For example, the control unit 60 causes the image of the lens LE to be superimposed with the optical center position L2 and the target lens shape. For example, the control unit 60 causes the monitor 2 to display a message indicating that a cup can be attached to the lens LE. For example, the operator attaches the cup Cu to the attachment portion 31 of the cup attachment mechanism 30, and operates the monitor 2 to operate a start switch for attaching the cup. For example, the control unit 60 controls the motor 34 based on an input signal from the start switch, and attaches the cup Cu to the optical center position L2 of the lens LE.

As described above, for example, the centering device of this embodiment includes a measurement optical system that measures the optical characteristics of a spectacle lens, a first alignment unit that has a clamping unit that clamps the edge surface of the spectacle lens and performs coarse alignment to align the spectacle lens with respect to the measurement optical system, a second alignment unit that has a detection unit that detects the amount of deviation between the spectacle lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system and performs fine alignment to adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the spectacle lens and the optical axis based on the amount of deviation, and a control unit. The control unit controls the first alignment unit to perform coarse alignment, and then controls the second alignment unit to perform fine alignment. For example, when the spectacle lens is placed at a predetermined position and moved so as to approach the measurement optical system (by so-called centering), the operator's work is made easier, but the accuracy of the alignment may not be maintained. In particular, such problems are more likely to occur the farther the optical center position is from the center of the spectacle lens due to individual differences in the spectacle lens, etc. Therefore, if the amount of misalignment between the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system does not meet the required conditions, a certain level of accuracy can be maintained for alignment by further fine-tuning their positional relationship. As a result, the axis of the eyeglass lens (for example, the attachment of the cup) can be accurately aligned.

For example, in the centering device of this embodiment, the control unit adjusts the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis by moving the eyeglass lens relative to the measurement optical system, thereby performing fine alignment. This makes it easier to adjust the positional relationship compared to when the measurement optical system is configured to move relative to the eyeglass lens.

For example, in the centering device of this embodiment, the second alignment unit has a mounting unit on which the eyeglass lens is placed, and the control unit performs fine alignment by moving the mounting unit to move the eyeglass lens relative to the measurement optical system. This makes it easier to adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system.

For example, in the centering device of this embodiment, the clamping portion of the first alignment portion is a slide mechanism that slides in a direction approaching the eyeglass lens and has a slide mechanism that abuts against the edge surface of the eyeglass lens. The control portion aligns the eyeglass lens with respect to the measurement optical system by moving the eyeglass lens with the slide mechanism, thereby performing coarse alignment. This makes it possible to move the eyeglass lens while pressing the edge surface of the eyeglass lens so that the optical center position of the eyeglass lens is as close as possible to the optical axis of the measurement optical system.

For example, in the centering device of this embodiment, the clamping portion of the first alignment portion is connected to the top of the mounting portion of the second alignment portion. The slide mechanism of the clamping portion abuts the left and right edges of the eyeglass lens. The control portion moves the slide mechanism at least in the left-right direction to align at least the left-right direction of the eyeglass lens with respect to the measurement optical system, thereby performing coarse alignment. Furthermore, the control portion moves the clamping portion and the mounting portion together at least in the front-rear direction to perform fine alignment by adjusting the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system at least in the front-rear direction. For example, by positioning the slide mechanisms on the left and right of the eyeglass lens, it becomes easier to mount the eyeglass lens on the mounting portion, and by moving the clamping portion and the mounting portion together with respect to the eyeglass lens, it becomes easier to adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system. Therefore, with such a configuration, coarse alignment and fine alignment can be performed more easily.

<Example of transformation>
In this embodiment, the left slider 11a and the right slider 11b of the clamping unit 11 in the first alignment mechanism 10 are described as having two clamp pins, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the left slider 11a and the right slider 11b may have three or more clamp pins.

In this embodiment, the left slider 11a and the right slider 11b slide in unison to open and close, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the left slider 11a and the right slider 11b may slide independently. In this case, the left slider 11a and the right slider 11b may be opened and closed by a motor provided on each of them. In this case, each motor may be controlled to be driven with the same drive amount.

In this embodiment, the configuration in which the first alignment mechanism 10 is used to perform coarse alignment and the second alignment mechanism 20 is used to perform fine alignment has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first alignment mechanism 10 may be used to perform coarse alignment and fine alignment. In this case, the first alignment mechanism 10 may be configured so that each slider of the clamping unit 11 can be moved in the left-right direction and also in the front-back direction. As an example, a motor 12 that slides each slider in the left-right direction in conjunction with each other, and another motor that slides each slider in the front-back direction in conjunction with each other may be provided. In this way, after the lens LE is centered, the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system may be adjusted to coincide with each other.

In this embodiment, a configuration for detecting the amount of deviation between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the center position of the lens LE may be detected based on the outer shape of the lens LE, and the amount of deviation between the center position of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 may be detected. For example, a marking point on the surface of the lens LE may be detected, and the amount of deviation between the marking point and the optical axis N2 may be detected. In these cases, the relative positional relationship between the optical center position L2 of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 may be adjusted by adjusting the relative positional relationship between the center position or marking point of the lens LE and the optical axis N1 based on the amount of deviation between the center position or marking point of the lens LE and the optical axis N1.

In this embodiment, a configuration in which fine alignment is performed following coarse alignment of the lens LE has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, this embodiment may be configured to be able to switch between a first mode in which only coarse alignment of the lens LE is performed, and a second mode in which coarse alignment and fine alignment of the lens LE are performed.

For example, the operator may operate a selection switch to select the first mode or the second mode, which outputs a switching signal and switches between the modes. For example, the first mode and the second mode may be automatically switched between when the lens LE is a single focus lens and when the lens LE is a lens other than a single focus lens (for example, a bifocal lens or a progressive lens). For example, a switching signal may be output and one of the modes may be automatically set depending on the type of lens input by the operator when setting the processing conditions for the lens LE (step S3). Alternatively, for example, when detecting the optical center position of the lens LE (step S6-1), the type of lens may be determined based on a change in the aperture image (pattern image), which outputs a switching signal and automatically sets one of the modes.

For example, if the lens LE is a lens other than a fixed focal length lens, the first mode may be set and executed. For example, after the lens LE is centered on the optical axis N1 of the measurement optical system by coarse alignment, at least one of a small ball, a print mark, a hidden mark, etc. may be detected from the image of the lens LE, and the attachment of the cup Cu may be executed based on the detection result. For example, if the lens LE is a fixed focal length lens, the second mode may be set and coarse alignment and fine alignment may be executed in sequence. For example, guide information may be output to the operator informing them of whether the first mode or the second mode has been set.

For example, the cup attachment device of this embodiment includes a mode switching unit that outputs a switching signal to switch between a first mode that performs only coarse alignment and a second mode that performs coarse alignment and fine alignment, and a switching control unit that executes a predetermined control according to the switching signal from the mode switching unit. For example, by appropriately using the first mode and the second mode depending on the type of eyeglass lens, etc., it is possible to easily and accurately attach a cup to an eyeglass lens.

In this embodiment, the centering device is an example of a cup attachment device 1, and a case where coarse and fine alignment of the lens LE is performed in a device that attaches a cup to the lens LE has been described as an example, but this is not limiting. For example, the centering device may be an centering position setting device that sets the attachment position of a chuck shaft that clamps and holds the lens LE in an eyeglass lens peripheral processing device, and the centering position setting device may perform coarse and fine alignment of the lens LE. For example, the centering position setting device may set the optical center position L2 adjusted by the coarse and fine alignment of the lens LE as the attachment position of the chuck shaft.

This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2023-170666, filed on September 29, 2023, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

Claims (9)

An alignment device used in a process of processing the periphery of an eyeglass lens,
a measurement optical system for measuring optical characteristics of the eyeglass lens;
a first alignment unit having a clamping unit that clamps an edge surface of the eyeglass lens and performs rough alignment to align the eyeglass lens with respect to the measurement optical system;
a second alignment unit that has a detection unit that detects an amount of deviation between the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system, and performs fine alignment to adjust a relative positional relationship between an optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis based on the amount of deviation;
A control unit;
Equipped with
The control unit controls the first alignment unit to perform the coarse alignment, and then controls the second alignment unit to perform the fine alignment. In the centering device according to claim 1,
The control unit is an axis alignment device that performs the fine alignment by adjusting the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis by moving the eyeglass lens relative to the measurement optical system. In the centering device according to claim 2,
the second alignment section has a placement section on which the eyeglass lens is placed,
The control unit moves the placement unit so as to move the eyeglass lens relative to the measurement optical system, thereby performing the fine alignment. In the centering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The clamping portion of the first alignment portion has a slide mechanism that slides in a direction approaching the eyeglass lens and abuts against the edge surface of the eyeglass lens,
The control unit is an axis alignment device that aligns the eyeglass lens with respect to the measurement optical system by moving the eyeglass lens using the slide mechanism, thereby performing the rough alignment. In the centering device according to claim 4,
The clamping portion of the first alignment portion is connected to an upper portion of the mounting portion of the second alignment portion,
The slide mechanism of the clamping portion abuts on the left and right sides of the edge surface of the eyeglass lens,
The control unit is
performing the coarse alignment by moving the slide mechanism at least in a left-right direction and aligning at least the left-right direction of the eyeglass lens with respect to the measurement optical system;
An alignment device that performs the fine alignment by moving the clamping portion and the placement portion together at least in the forward/backward direction, and adjusting the relative positional relationship between the optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis of the measurement optical system at least in the forward/backward direction. In the centering device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
a mode switching unit that outputs a switching signal for switching between a first mode in which only the coarse alignment is performed and a second mode in which the coarse alignment and the fine alignment are performed;
a switching control unit that executes a predetermined control in response to the switching signal from the mode switching unit;
An alignment device comprising: In the centering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
a cup attachment portion for attaching a cup, which is a processing jig, to an optical surface of the eyeglass lens;
The cup attachment portion is an alignment device that attaches the cup to the optical center position adjusted by the fine alignment. In the centering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
a setting unit for setting a mounting position of a holding unit that clamps and holds the eyeglass lens when processing the eyeglass lens, the setting unit being a mounting position of the eyeglass lens relative to an optical surface of the eyeglass lens;
The setting unit is an axis setting device that sets the optical center position adjusted by the fine alignment as the mounting position. a measurement optical system for measuring optical characteristics of a spectacle lens;
A clamping portion that clamps an edge surface of the eyeglass lens;
a detection unit that detects an amount of deviation between the eyeglass lens and an optical axis of the measurement optical system;
having
A centering program for use in a centering device used in a process of processing a peripheral edge of the eyeglass lens,
The processor of the centering device executes the process,
a first alignment step of performing coarse alignment to align the eyeglass lens with the measurement optical system using the clamping unit;
a second alignment step of performing fine alignment to adjust a relative positional relationship between an optical center position of the eyeglass lens and the optical axis based on the amount of deviation detected by the detection unit;
A control step;
Run
The control step is an axis alignment program for executing the fine alignment by the second alignment step after executing the coarse alignment by the first alignment step.

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