Abstract: A machine (10) for machining workpieces with optical quality has at least one workpiece spindle (12), which rotatably drives a workpiece (L) to be machines about a workpiece axis of rotation (C). A swivel head (14) located opposite the workpiece spindle, is pivotable about a pivot axis (B), and bears at least two tool spindles (16, 18), each of which rotatably driving at least one machining tool (T1, T2, T3) about a tool axis of rotation (D, D?). The workpiece spindle and the swivel head (14) are adjustable relative to one another along three mutually perpendicular linear axes (X, Y, Z). One axis (Y) extends parallel to the pivot axis (B). Another axis (Z) extends parallel to the axis (C) of workpiece rotation. At least one tool spindle is attached to the swivel head with its tool axis of rotation (D?) extending parallel to the pivot axis (B).

Abstract: A cooling lubricant supply device for supply of a cooling lubricant to a grinding wheel is rotatably mounted as a tool on a grinding spindle of a processing unit in a grinding machine. The device has a feed shoe, which is mounted at least indirectly on a grinding spindle housing and seated on a circumferential surface of the grinding wheel and which has a seating surface facing the grinding wheel. The seating surface has a shape substantially complementary with the circumferential surface of the grinding wheel and is provided centrally with a pocket-like recess into which the cooling lubricant can be fed under pressure. A spring mechanism is provided, by which the feed shoe is biased with the seating surface thereof against the circumferential surface of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A machine (10) for machining workpieces with optical quality has at least one workpiece spindle (12), which rotatably drives a workpiece (L) to be machines about a workpiece axis of rotation (C). A swivel head (14) located opposite the workpiece spindle, is pivotable about a pivot axis (B), and bears at least two tool spindles (16, 18), each of which rotatably driving at least one machining tool (T1, T2, T3) about a tool axis of rotation (D, D?). The workpiece spindle and the swivel head (14) are adjustable relative to one another along three mutually perpendicular linear axes (X, Y, Z). One axis (Y) extends parallel to the pivot axis (B). Another axis (Z) extends parallel to the axis (C) of workpiece rotation. At least one tool spindle is attached to the swivel head with its tool axis of rotation (D?) extending parallel to the pivot axis (B).

Abstract: A device for grinding and/or polishing of, in particular, precision-optical spherical lens surfaces has a machine frame, a tool spindle for rotational drive of a tool about a tool axis of rotation and a workpiece spindle for rotational drive of a workpiece about a workpiece axis of rotation. The tool spindle and workpiece spindle are capable of axial relative adjustment in first and second directions extending perpendicularly to one another and in addition pivotable about a pivot axis in a pivot plane relative to one another. Equipment for cross-grinding adjustment is provided, which has an adjusting mechanism to position the workpiece spindle in a third direction extending perpendicularly to the first and second directions. A clamping mechanism activatable independently of the adjusting mechanism serves the purpose of fixing the workpiece spindle, once positioned, with respect to the machine frame.

Abstract: A centering machine for, in particular, optical lenses has two centering spindles. The rotationally drivable centering spindle shafts are axially aligned with respect to a centering axis and constructed at the ends for the mounting of clamping bells. A stroke device axially adjusts one centering spindle shaft relative to the other centering spindle shaft along the centering axis for alignment of the lens between the clamping bells. A clamping device applies to a centering spindle shaft a clamping force clamping the aligned lens. At least one processing unit is movable relative to the centering axis, with a tool for edge processing of the clamped lens. In order to enable an optimized bell clamping process, the stroke device and the clamping device and/or a rotary drive for the axially adjustable centering spindle shaft are arranged coaxially with respect to the centering axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for centering grinding of workpieces, for example optical lenses by a grinding tool using an actuator for generating an advancing movement between the grinding tool and the workpiece, wherein the actuator and a current regulator for an actuator current which determines an advancing force of the actuator are integrated in a position control loop using a predetermined control cycle. For each control cycle: (i) a desired direction of movement (Rsoll(n)) of the advancing movement and an actual direction of movement (Rist(n)) of the advancing movement are ascertained; then (ii) the ascertained actual and desired directions of movement are compared to one another; and (iii) when the comparison results in a deviation between the actual and desired directions of movement, a predetermined current limit (Isollmax) for the actuator current emitted via the current regulator is decreased in a defined manner.

Abstract: A device for grinding and/or polishing of, in particular, precision-optical spherical lens surfaces has a machine frame, a tool spindle for rotational drive of a tool about a tool axis of rotation and a workpiece spindle for rotational drive of a workpiece about a workpiece axis of rotation. The tool spindle and workpiece spindle are capable of axial relative adjustment in first and second directions extending perpendicularly to one another and in addition pivotable about a pivot axis in a pivot plane relative to one another. Equipment for cross-grinding adjustment is provided, which has an adjusting mechanism to position the workpiece spindle in a third direction extending perpendicularly to the first and second directions. A clamping mechanism activatable independently of the adjusting mechanism serves the purpose of fixing the workpiece spindle, once positioned, with respect to the machine frame.

Abstract: A centering machine for, in particular, optical lenses has two centering spindles. The rotationally drivable centering spindle shafts are axially aligned with respect to a centering axis and constructed at the ends for the mounting of clamping bells. A stroke device axially adjusts one centering spindle shaft relative to the other centering spindle shaft along the centering axis for alignment of the lens between the clamping bells. A clamping device applies to a centering spindle shaft a clamping force clamping the aligned lens. At least one processing unit is movable relative to the centering axis, with a tool for edge processing of the clamped lens. In order to enable an optimized bell clamping process, the stroke device and the clamping device and/or a rotary drive for the axially adjustable centering spindle shaft are arranged coaxially with respect to the centering axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for centering grinding of workpieces, for example optical lenses by a grinding tool using an actuator for generating an advancing movement between the grinding tool and the workpiece, wherein the actuator and a current regulator for an actuator current which determines an advancing force of the actuator are integrated in a position control loop using a predetermined control cycle. For each control cycle: (i) a desired direction of movement (Rsoll(n)) of the advancing movement and an actual direction of movement (Rist(n)) of the advancing movement are ascertained; then (ii) the ascertained actual and desired directions of movement are compared to one another; and (iii) when the comparison results in a deviation between the actual and desired directions of movement, a predetermined current limit (Isollmax) for the actuator current emitted via the current regulator is decreased in a defined manner.

Abstract: A centering machine for, in particular, optical lenses has two centering spindles. The rotationally drivable centering spindle shafts are axially aligned with respect to a centering axis and constructed at the ends for the mounting of clamping bells. A stroke device axially adjusts one centering spindle shaft relative to the other centering spindle shaft along the centering axis for alignment of the lens between the clamping bells. A clamping device applies to a centering spindle shaft a clamping force clamping the aligned lens. At least one processing unit is movable relative to the centering axis, with a tool for edge processing of the clamped lens. In order to enable an optimized bell clamping process, the stroke device and the clamping device and/or a rotary drive for the axially adjustable centering spindle shaft are arranged coaxially with respect to the centering axis.

Abstract: A grinding and polishing machine, in particular for lenses, has at least one tool spindle and at least one workpiece. The tool spindle is constructed to hold a respective tool on the same axis at both ends and is mounted in a spindle housing which can be pivoted about a pivot axis arranged at right angles to the tool spindle in order to provide in each case one tool for machining engagement and also at various defined angle positions with respect to the workpiece spindle. A drive arranged on the pivot axis pivotably moves the tool spindle about the pivot axis for the desired machining engagement and rotates the tool about the pivot axis into the various angle positions with respect to the workpiece.

Abstract: A grinding and polishing machine, in particular for lenses, has at least one tool spindle and at least one workpiece. The tool spindle is constructed to hold a respective tool on the same axis at both ends and is mounted in a spindle housing which can be pivoted about a pivot axis arranged at right angles to the tool spindle in order to provide in each case one tool for machining engagement and also at various defined angle positions with respect to the workpiece spindle. A drive arranged on the pivot axis pivotably moves the tool spindle about the pivot axis for the desired machining engagement and rotates the tool about the pivot axis into the various angle positions with respect to the workpiece.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the surface machining of, among other things, plastic spectacle lenses, which has a work spindle, by means of which the spectacle lens can be driven with a controlled angle of rotation about an axis of work rotation, and a tool spindle, by means of which a tool can be driven to rotate about an axis of tool rotation, work and tool spindle being movable relative to one another with their positions controlled in two axes running at right angles. For rotational machining of the surface of the spectacle lens to be machined, the tool can also be swiveled by means of the tool spindle with a controlled angle of rotation about the axis of tool rotation, so that a rotational cutting edge provided on the tool can be brought into a defined rotational machining engagement with the surface of the spectacle lens to be machined as a function of the angle of rotation of the spectacle lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading and unloading optical workpieces, for an optical machine. The device comprises a loading arm (24) which is pivotally driven about an axis (A) and is pivoted in controlled movement sequences on the optical machine between a workpiece magazine (26, 28) and the operating position. The outer end of the loading arm is provided with a device (30) for receiving and placing workpieces. According to the invention, the swivelling axis of the loading arm is the central axis of a spindle (40) which rotates in both directions of rotation (D+, X−) and which can be driven linearly in a lifting motion in both axial directions (X+, X−) by means of drive elements, as well as guided in guide elements in a rotating and displacing manner. The loading arm (24) is fixed to the spindle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading and unloading optical workpieces, for an optical machine. Said device comprises a loading arm (24) which is pivotally driven about an axis (A) and is pivoted in controlled movement sequences on the optical machine between a workpiece magazine (26, 28) and the operating position. The outer end of the loading arm is provided with a device (30) for receiving and placing workpieces. According to the invention, the swivelling axis of the loading arm is the central axis of a spindle (40) which rotates in both directions of rotation (D+, X−) and which can be driven linearly in a lifting motion in both axial directions (X+, X−) by means of drive elements, as well as guided in guide elements in a rotating and displacing manner. The loading arm (24) is fixed to the spindle.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the surface machining of, among other things, plastic spectacle lenses, which has a work spindle, by means of which the spectacle lens can be driven with a controlled angle of rotation about an axis of work rotation, and a tool spindle, by means of which a tool can be driven to rotate about an axis of tool rotation, work and tool spindle being movable relative to one another with their positions controlled in two axes running at right angles. For rotational machining of the surface of the spectacle lens to be machined, the tool can also be swiveled by means of the tool spindle with a controlled angle of rotation about the axis of tool rotation, so that a rotational cutting edge provided on the tool can be brought into a defined rotational machining engagement with the surface of the spectacle lens to be machined as a function of the angle of rotation of the spectacle lens.

Abstract: A very versatile device is proposed for high-precision machining of optical workpieces, in particular optical lenses, which comprises a horizontally displaceable gantry with at least one vertically displaceable tool spindle and a yoke with workpiece holding means mounted so as to be rotatable about a swivel axis by means of journals fitted on both sides. For swivelling of the yoke without gearing and therefore without backlash, a torque motor is provided concentrically to the swivel axis, which motor is directly connected actively with one of the journals.

Abstract: A very versatile device is proposed for high-precision machining of optical workpieces, in particular optical lenses, which comprises a horizontally displaceable gantry with at least one vertically displaceable tool spindle and a yoke with workpiece holding means mounted so as to be rotatable about a swivel axis by means of journals fitted on both sides. For swivelling of the yoke without gearing and therefore without backlash, a torque motor is provided concentrically to the swivel axis, which motor is directly connected actively with one of the journals.

Abstract: A method for creation of a surface from a rough blank for spectacles is which is suitable for both brittle-hard materials and for plastics uses makes use of a disk-shaped, rotation-symmetrical tool of relatively large diameter, by means of which the material to be taken off the rough blank is removed with high grinding or milling efficiency in at least two work steps—a plunge-cut step and a shaping step with material removed along a spiral path. The outcome of the last work step is a machining path traveling in a spiral from the outside to the inside with low residual apex height and relatively large apex spacing. The resulting surface needs only slight fine-grinding and polishing aftertreatment. As an option, both a rim machining step adapted to the form of the eyeglass frame and a work step faceting the rim of the eyeglasses can be integrated into the method. Furthermore, tools are proposed for carrying out the grinding and milling process.

Abstract: A method for creation of a surface from a rough blank for spectacles is which is suitable for both brittle-hard materials and for plastics uses makes use of a disk-shaped, rotation-symmetrical tool of relatively large diameter, by means of which the material to be taken off the rough blank is removed with high grinding or milling efficiency in at least two work steps--a plunge-cut step and a shaping step with material removed along a spiral path. The outcome of the last work step is a machining path traveling in a spiral from the outside to the inside with low residual apex height and relatively large apex spacing. The resulting surface needs only slight fine-grinding and polishing aftertreatment. As an option, both a rim machining step adapted to the form of the eyeglass frame and a work step faceting the rim of the eyeglasses can be integrated into the method. Furthermore, tools are proposed for carrying out the grinding and milling process.