Machine and method for disassembling a lens mold assembly

A machine for disassembling a lens mold assembly including a first mold part, a second mold part, and a molded-lens sandwiched therebetween. The machine includes a centering unit to center the lens mold assembly. The machine includes a disassembling module having a mold engagement mechanism to engage the first and second mold parts to clamp and move the lens mold assembly. The disassembling module includes a molded-lens holder mechanism having at least two clamping members to clamp the molded-lens of the lens mold assembly. The machine includes an alignment guidance module to detect relative positions between the molded lens of the lens mold assembly and the molded-lens holder mechanism to align the molded lens for clamping by the molded-lens holder mechanism. The mold engagement mechanism is configured to hold the first and second mold parts individually and to separate the first and second mold parts from the molded lens.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional Application which claims priority to EP 20305137.0 filed Feb. 13, 2020, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

Various embodiments generally relate to a machine for disassembling a lens mold assembly comprising a first mold part, a second mold part, and a molded-lens sandwiched between the first mold part and the second mold part. Various embodiments also relate to a method of disassembling a lens mold assembly comprising a first mold part, a second mold part, and a molded-lens sandwiched between the first mold part and the second mold part.

BACKGROUND

Conventional method for lens manufacturing is typically via manual molding. Typically, liquid molding materials are manually filled into a cavity between two molding shells so as to form a molded lens therebetween. Subsequently, the two molding shells are manually separated from the molded lens to retrieve the molded lens. The main problem in manually molding lens is a problem of efficiency. For example, the manual process limits production yield and is prone to human error which may damage the molded lens or the molding shells during retrieval.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a more efficient solution with high accuracy to address at least some of the issues in the lens manufacturing process.

SUMMARY

According to various embodiments, there is provided a machine for disassembling a lens mold assembly including a first mold part, a second mold part, and a molded-lens sandwiched between the first mold part and the second mold part. The machine may include a centering unit having at least two pusher members movable relative to each other along a centering-movement plane to converge towards a pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane for pushing the lens mold assembly laterally and align the lens mold assembly to the pre-determined position. The machine may include a disassembling module. The disassembling module may include a mold engagement mechanism having a first engagement member and a second engagement member movable towards each other to provide a first clamping action along a first clamping-axis perpendicular to the centering-movement plane for respectively engaging the first and second mold parts such that the first and second engagement members clamp the lens mold assembly. The first and second engagement members may be further movable in a synchronous manner along a movement direction parallel to the first clamping-axis for moving the clamped lens mold assembly held by the first and second engagement members. The disassembling module may include a molded-lens holder mechanism having at least two clamping members movable towards each other to provide a second clamping action along a second clamping-axis parallel to the centering-movement plane for urging against respective opposite side surface segments of the molded-lens such that the at least two clamping members clamp the molded-lens. The machine may further include an alignment guidance module having a sensor to detect relative positions between the molded lens of the lens mold assembly held by the first and second engagement members and the second clamping-axis of the at least two clamping members along the movement direction to control synchronous movement of the first and second engagement members of the mold engagement mechanism along the movement direction for aligning the molded lens of the lens mold assembly with the second clamping-axis of the molded-lens holder mechanism such that the at least two clamping members of the molded-lens holder mechanism are capable of clamping the molded-lens. According to various embodiments, the first and second engagement members of the mold engagement mechanism may be configured to individually hold the first and second mold parts and may be further movable away from each other in opposite directions to separate the first and second mold parts from the molded lens held by the at least two clamping members of the molded-lens holder mechanism.

According to various embodiments, there is provided a method of disassembling an lens mold assembly including a first mold part, a second mold part, and a molded-lens sandwiched between the first mold part and the second mold part. The method may include pushing and aligning the lens mold assembly laterally to a pre-determined position in a centering-movement plane via a centering unit having at least two pusher members movable relative to each other along the centering-movement plane to converge towards the pre-determined position. The method may include clamping the lens mold assembly via a mold engagement mechanism having a first engagement member and a second engagement member movable towards each other to provide a first clamping action along a first clamping-axis perpendicular to the centering-movement plane such that the first and second engagement members are respectively engaged with the first and second mold parts. The method may include detecting, via a sensor of an alignment guidance module, relative positions, along a movement direction parallel to the first clamping-axis, between the molded lens of the clamped lens mold assembly and a second clamping-axis of a molded-lens holder mechanism which is parallel to the centering-movement plane, the molded-lens holder mechanism having at least two clamping members movable towards each other to provide a second clamping action along the second clamping-axis. The method may include moving the clamped lens mold assembly via moving the first and second engagement members in a synchronous manner along the movement direction for aligning the molded lens of the lens mold assembly with the second clamping-axis of the molded-lens holder mechanism based on the detected relative positions. The method may include clamping the molded-lens of the lens mold assembly via the at least two clamping members of the molded-lens holder mechanism by urging the at least two clamping members against respective opposite side surface segments of the molded-lens. The method may include separating the first and second mold parts from the molded lens held by the at least two clamping members of the molded-lens holder mechanism via holding the first and second mold parts respectively by the first and second engagement members of the mold engagement mechanism and moving the first and second engagement members away from each other in opposite directions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the description which follows the drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown in generalized or schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness or for informational purposes. In addition, although making and using various embodiments are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that as described herein are provided many inventive concepts that may be embodied in a wide variety of contexts. Embodiments discussed herein are merely representative and do not limit the scope of the invention. It will also be obvious to one skilled in the art that all the technical features that are defined relative to a process can be transposed, individually or in combination, to a device and conversely, all the technical features relative to a device can be transposed, individually or in combination, to a process.

It should be understood that the terms “on”, “over”, “top”, “bottom”, “down”, “side”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “lateral”, “side”, “up”, “down” etc., when used in the following description are used for convenience and to aid understanding of relative positions or directions, and not intended to limit the orientation of any device, or structure or any part of any device or structure. In addition, the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Various embodiments seek to provide a machine and a method for disassembling a lens mold assembly comprising a first mold part, a second mold part, and a molded-lens sandwiched between the first mold part and the second mold part, which allows automated separation of the first and second mold parts from the molded-lens so as to retrieve the molded lens. According to various embodiments, the lens mold assembly may be an intermediate assembly in the entire lens manufacturing process. According to various embodiments, the lens mold assembly may be the intermediate assembly formed by solidification of the liquid molding materials into the molded-lens between first mold part and the second mold part. According to various embodiments, in the lens mold assembly, the molded-lens formed between the first mold part and the second mold part may be further worked, e.g. etching, edging, grinding, etc, after being removed from the first mold part and the second mold part. Various embodiments seek to provide a quick and accurate solution for disassembly of the lens mold assembly to retrieve the molded lens, which is repeatable for various types and/or dimension of molded lens including convex lenses with thin lens edge. Various embodiments may not require a user to calibrate the machine or to input parameters into the machine based on the type and/or dimension of the molded lens to be disassembled. Various embodiments may perform disassembly of an lens mold assembly in a fully automated manner whereby the user may provide the lens mold assembly with any types and/or dimension of molded lens sandwiched therebetween, and automated separation of the lens mold assembly may be achieved. According to various embodiments, the user may continuously perform sequential disassembly of multiple lens mold assemblies whereby each lens mold assembly may have a different type and/or dimension of molded lens without requiring intermission to perform any re-setting or re-calibration based on the different type and/or dimension of molded lens.

FIG.1depicts a schematic diagram of a machine100or an apparatus for disassembling a lens mold assembly102(for example, seeFIG.2A) according to various embodiments. The lens mold assembly102may include a first mold part104, a second mold part106, and a molded-lens108sandwiched between the first mold part104and the second mold part106. According to various embodiments, the lens mold assembly102may be an intermediate work product of a lens casting process, wherein liquid material is poured into a mold having two halves and then allowed to solidify. Accordingly, the lens mold assembly102may be a sandwich having the first mold part104, the second mold part106, and the molded-lens108therebetween. According to various embodiments, the machine100may be a standalone workstation or may be one of the workstations in an automation line. The workstation may be configured for automated separation of the first mold part104, the second mold part106from the lens mold assembly102so as to retrieve the molded-lens108. According to various embodiments, the lens mold assembly102may be manually fed into the machine100or may be fed into the machine100via various conveying system or transportation system. According to various embodiments, the separated first mold part104, the separated second mold part106, and the separated molded-lens108may be removed manually or via the various conveying system or transportation system.

According to various embodiments, the machine100may include a centering unit110having at least two pusher members112,114. According to various embodiments, the at least two pusher members112,114may be movable relative to each other along a centering-movement plane116to converge towards a pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116. According to various embodiments, the lens mold assembly102may be fed into the machine100in a manner so as to be oriented horizontally level or parallel to the centering-movement plane116. Accordingly, movement of the at least two pusher member112,114along the centering-movement plane116to converge towards the pre-determined position may push the lens mold assembly102laterally or horizontally and align the lens mold assembly102to the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116. Hence, the centering unit110may move and center the lens mold assembly102to the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116. According to various embodiments, the at least two pusher members112,114may include any device or structure configured to push the lens mold assembly102. For example, each of the at least two pusher members112,114may include a moveable stage112a,114a, having a flat surface on which the lens mold assembly102may be placed or supported. The moveable stages112a,114amay be moveable relative towards each other along the centering-movement plane116such that the moveable stages112a,114amay underneath the lens mold assembly102. Each of the at least two pusher members112,114may further include vertical pins112b,114bextending perpendicularly from the flat surface of the moveable stages112a,114arespectively. According to various embodiments, each vertical pin112b,114bmay be integrally formed with the corresponding moveable stage112a,114a. According to various embodiments, each vertical pin112b,114bmay be fixedly coupled or joined to the corresponding moveable stage112a,114a. As the at least two pusher member112,114move relative to each other, the lens mold assembly102may slide relative to the flat surfaces of the moveable stages112a,114aand may be pushed laterally by the vertical pins112b,114bof the at least two pusher members112,114. According to various embodiments, the at least two pusher member112,114may be coupled to an actuating mechanism for moving and controlling the at least two pusher member112,114of the centering unit110to converge and center the lens mold assembly102.

According to various embodiments, the machine100may include a disassembling module120. According to various embodiments, the disassembling module120may include a mold engagement mechanism122having a first engagement member124and a second engagement member126movable towards each other to provide a first clamping action along a first clamping-axis128. The first clamping-axis128may be perpendicular to the centering-movement plane116such that the first and second engagement members124,126may be capable to respectively engage the first and second mold parts104,106to clamp the lens mold assembly102. According to various embodiments, the first and second engagement members124,126may be movable relative to each other along the first clamping-axis128to converge towards the centering-movement plane116which intersects the first clamping axis128. Accordingly, the first and second engagement members124,126may move in opposite directions towards each other so as to be on converging paths towards the centering-movement plane116. In this manner, the first and second engagement members124,126may clamp or sandwich the lens mold assembly102which was centered at the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116by the centering unit110. According to various embodiments, the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116, which the at least two pusher members112,114of the centering unit110converges, may be an intersection of the first clamping axis128and the centering-movement plane116. According to various embodiments, each of the first and second engagement members124,126may be coupled to a linear actuator for moving along the first clamping-axis128. For example, each of the first and second engagement members124,126may be coupled to a plunger or a piston or an extension rod or any other suitable elements or mechanism.

According to various embodiments, the first and second engagement members124,126may be further movable in a synchronous manner along a movement direction parallel to the first clamping-axis128so as to move the clamped lens mold assembly102. Accordingly, in addition to moving in opposite directions towards each other, the first and second engagement members124,126may be movable in a same direction simultaneously in a coordinated manner such that the lens mold assembly102clamped or held between the first and second engagement members124,126may be moved along the movement direction by the first and second engagement members124,126. The movement direction of the first and second engagement members124,126may, similar to the first clamping-axis128, be perpendicular to the centering-movement plane116such that the lens mold assembly102held by the first and second engagement members124,126may be elevated or raised above the centering-movement plane116by the first and second engagement members124,126moving along the movement direction. Accordingly, the first and second engagement members124,126may move the clamped lens mold assembly102vertically with respect to the centering-movement plane116. According to various embodiments, moving the clamped lens mold assembly102vertically may include upward movements as well as downward movements. According to various embodiments, the first and second engagement members124,126may move the clamped lens mold assembly102to a pre-determined disassembly position.

According to various embodiments, each of the first and second engagement members124,126may include a pad or a cup or a contact surface or any suitable element for respectively engaging the first and second mold parts104,106.

According to various embodiments, the centering unit110may also be moveable along the movement direction in a synchronous manner with the first and second engagement members124,126. Accordingly, as the first and second engagement members124,126move the lens mold assembly held therebetween, the centering unit110may move in the same direction simultaneously in a coordinated manner such that the at least two pusher members112,114of the centering unit110may remain in contact with the lens mold assembly102so as to maintain the lens mold assembly102with regards to its lateral disposition.

According to various embodiments, the disassembling module120may include a molded-lens holder mechanism132. The molded-lens holder mechanism132may have at least two clamping members134,136movable towards each other to provide a second clamping action along a second clamping-axis138. The second clamping-axis138may be parallel to the centering-movement plane116. Accordingly, the at least two clamping members134,136may be capable to clamp the molded-lens108via urging against respective opposite side surface segments of the molded-lens108. According to various embodiments, the second clamping-axis138may be perpendicular to the movement direction of the first and second engagement members124,126which elevates or raises the clamped lens mold assembly102above the centering-movement plane116. Accordingly the second clamping-axis138may intersect the movement direction of the first and second engagement members124,126. According to various embodiments, the pre-determined disassembly position may be an intersection of the second clamping-axis138and the movement direction of the first and second engagement members124,126.

According to various embodiments, the molded-lens holder mechanism132of the disassembling module120may be disposed above the centering unit110. According to various embodiments, the mold engagement mechanism122of the disassembling module120may elevate or raise or lift the lens mold assembly102from the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116of the centering unit110to the pre-determined disassembly position along the movement direction of the first and second engagement members124,126. According to various embodiments, the molded-lens holder mechanism132of the disassembling module120may then engage and clamp onto the molded-lens108of the lens mold assembly102along the second clamping-axis138which is perpendicular to the movement direction.

According to various embodiments, the at least two clamping members134,136may be coupled to an actuating mechanism for moving and controlling the at least two clamping members134,136to close and clamp onto the molded-lens108. According to various embodiments, the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132may be operable to adjust a clamping force along the second clamping-axis138to clamp the molded-lens108of the lens mold assembly102. According to various embodiments, the actuating mechanism may vary an actuating force to adjust the clamping force of the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132. According to various embodiments, with an adjustable clamping force, the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132may be operable for controlled application of clamping force to the molded-lens108so as to facilitate separation from the first and second mold parts104,106.

According to various embodiments, each of the at least two clamping member134,136, may include a tip shaped and configured to engage the respective side surface segments of the molded-lens108. For example, the tip may be in the form of a curve blade having a curvature which corresponds to a curvature of the side surface segment of the molded-lens108. According to various embodiments, the tip of each of the at least two clamping members134,136may include a metal tip. According to various embodiments, the metal tip may have a thickness equal or less than 1 mm According to various embodiments, the tip of each of the at least two clamping members134,136may include a urethane rubber tip. According to various embodiments, the urethane rubber tip may have a thickness equal or less than 5 mm.

According to various embodiments, the machine100may include an alignment guidance module150. The alignment guidance module150may include a sensor152to detect relative positions between the molded lens108of the clamped lens mold assembly102and the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132along the movement direction. According to various embodiments, the sensor152of the alignment guidance module150may detect said relative positions to control synchronous movement of the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122along the movement direction so as to align the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102with the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132for clamping by the at least two clamping members of the molded-lens holder mechanism. Accordingly, alignment of the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102with the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132may be along the movement direction to bring the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102in line with the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132.

According to various embodiments, the sensor152of the alignment guidance module150may include an image sensor, a proximity sensor, an infrared sensor, a light sensor, or any other suitable sensors. According to various embodiments, the sensor152of the alignment guidance module150may be configured to detect a boundary line between the molded-lens108and the first mold part104. According to various embodiments, the sensor152may be configured to detect a boundary line between the molded-lens108and the second mold part106. According to various embodiments, the sensor152of the alignment guidance module150may detect a perpendicular distance between the boundary line and the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132as a measure of the relative position between the molded lens108of the clamped lens mold assembly102and the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132. According to various embodiments, the sensor152of the alignment guidance module150may detect the perpendicular distance via direct measurement of the boundary line from the second clamping-axis138, or via in-direct measurement of the boundary line from a physical reference point whereby a distance of the second clamping-axis138to the physical reference point is known. According to various embodiments, the sensor152of the alignment guidance module150may be so fixed with respect to the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132.

According to various embodiments, the alignment guidance module150may provide feedback control to move the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122along the movement direction so as to bring the boundary line between the molded-lens108and the first mold part104or the boundary line between the molded-lens108and the second mold part106into alignment with the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132. Accordingly, the tips of the at least two clamping members134,136may be respectively below or above the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132for engaging with the molded-lens108of the lens mold assembly102.

According to various embodiments, with the at least two clamping members138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132holding the lens mold assembly102by the molded-lens between the first and second mold parts104,106, the at least two pusher members112,114of the centering unit110may be moved apart from each other so as to cease contact or engagement with the lens mold assembly102. According to various embodiments, the at least two clamping members138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132may be independently moved away from each other in respective directions perpendicular to the movement direction of the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122.

According to various embodiments, the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122may be configured to individually hold the first and second mold parts104,106. According to various embodiments, the first and second engagement members124,126may respectively hold the first and second mold parts104,106via suction, or magnetic force, or adhesive force, or snap-fitting or other suitable fastening means. According to various embodiments, each of the first and second engagement members124,126may include a suction element, or a magnetic element, or an adhesive element, or a snap-fitting element or any other suitable elements to hold the first and second mold parts respectively. According to various embodiments, with the first and second mold parts104,106held respectively by the first and second engagement members124,126, the first and second engagement members124,126may further be movable away from each other in opposite directions to separate the first and second mold parts104,106from the molded lens108held by the at least two clamping members138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132. According to various embodiments, the first and second engagement members124,126may be independently moved away from each other in respective directions perpendicular to the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132. Accordingly, the first mold part104may be moved upwards with respect to the molded lens108by the first engagement member124, and the second mold part106may be moved downwards with respect to the molded lens108by the second engagement member124. According to various embodiments, the centering unit110may move in a synchronous manner with the second engagement members126. Accordingly, as the first and second engagement members124,126move to separate the first and second mold parts104,106, the centering unit110may move in the same direction simultaneously in a coordinated manner with the second engagement members126such that the second mold part106may be moved downwards. According to various embodiments, with the first and second mold part104,106separated and removed, the molded lens108may be isolated and retrieved for subsequent processing.

FIG.2AtoFIG.2Gdepict schematic diagrams illustrating a method201of disassembling the lens mold assembly102comprising the first mold part104, the second mold part106, and the molded-lens108sandwiched between the first mold part104and the second mold part106according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments,FIG.2AtoFIG.2Gdepict the method201of disassembling the lens mold assembly102using the machine100ofFIG.1.

FIG.2Adepicts the lens mold assembly102being placed on the at least two pusher members112,114of the centering unit110according to various embodiments. As shown, the lens mold assembly102may be placed on the moveable stages112a,114aof the at least two pusher members112,114. According to various embodiments, the at least two pusher members112,114may be moved relative to each other along a centering-movement plane116to converge towards a pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116. As the at least two pusher member112,114move relative to each other, the lens mold assembly102may slide relative to the flat surfaces of the moveable stages112a,114aof the at least two pusher member112,114and may be pushed laterally by the vertical pins112b,114bof the at least two pusher members112,114as the vertical pins112b,114bengages the sides of the lens mold assembly102. According to various embodiments, the method201may include pushing and aligning the lens mold assembly102laterally to the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116via the centering unit110having the at least two pusher members112movable relative to each other along the centering-movement plane116to converge towards the pre-determined position.

FIG.2Bdepicts the lens mold assembly102being centered at the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116by the at least two pusher members112,114of the centering unit110according to various embodiments. With the lens mold assembly102centered at the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116, the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122of the disassembling module120may move towards each other to provide the first clamping action along the first clamping-axis128, which is perpendicular to the centering-movement plane116, such that the first and second engagement members124,126may be capable to respectively engage the first and second mold parts104,106to clamp the lens mold assembly102at the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116. According to various embodiments, the method201may further include clamping the lens mold assembly102via the mold engagement mechanism122having the first engagement member124and the second engagement member126movable towards each other to provide the first clamping action along the first clamping-axis128perpendicular to the centering-movement plane116such that the first and second engagement members124,126are respectively engaged with the first and second mold parts104,106of the lens mold assembly102.

FIG.2Cdepicts the lens mold assembly102being clamped by the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122of the disassembling module120at the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116according to various embodiments. With the lens mold assembly102clamped by the first and second engagement members124,126, the first and second engagement members124,126may be moved in a synchronous manner along the movement direction parallel to the first clamping-axis128so as to elevate or raise or lift the clamped lens mold assembly102. According to various embodiments, the first and second engagement members124,126may move the lens mold assembly102held therebetween along the movement direction to the pre-determined disassembly position. Accordingly to various embodiments, the centering unit110may move together with the first and second engagement members124,126along the movement direction in a synchronous manner as the first and second engagement members124,126move the lens mold assembly102held therebetween. According to various embodiments, the pre-determined disassembly position may be the intersection of the second clamping-axis138of the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132of the disassembling module120and the movement direction of the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122of the disassembling module120.

FIG.2Ddepicts the lens mold assembly102being moved near to the pre-determined position in the centering-movement plane116by the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122of the disassembling module120according to various embodiments. When the lens mold assembly102is near the pre-determined disassembly position, the sensor152of the alignment guidance module150may detect relative positions between the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102held by the first and second engagement members124,126and the second clamping-axis138of the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132along the movement direction to control synchronous movement of the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122along the movement direction so as to align the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102with the second clamping-axis138of the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132for clamping by the at least two clamping members of the molded-lens holder mechanism. Thus, the first and second engagement members124,126may move the lens mold assembly102held therebetween along the movement direction based on the detected relative position to align the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102with the second clamping-axis138of the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132. According to various embodiments, the synchronous movement of the first and second engagement members124,126may include movements in both directions and may include minute movements to fine tune the alignment between the molded lens108of the clamped lens mold assembly102and the second clamping-axis138of the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132. According to various embodiments, the centering unit110may move together with the first and second engagement members124,126in a synchronous manner along the movement direction during alignment of the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102with the second clamping-axis138of the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132.

According to various embodiments, the method201may include detecting, via the sensor152of the alignment guidance module150, relative positions, along the movement direction parallel to the first clamping-axis128, between the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102held by the first and second engagement members124,126and the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132which is parallel to the centering-movement plane116. The molded-lens holder mechanism132may include the at least two clamping members134,136movable towards each other to provide the second clamping action along the second clamping-axis138. According to various embodiments, detecting relative positions may include detecting a boundary line between the molded-lens108and the first mold part104. According to various embodiment, detecting relative positions may include detecting a boundary line between the molded-lens108and the second mold part106. According to various embodiments, detecting relative positions may include detecting a perpendicular distance between the boundary line and the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132as a measure of the relative position between the molded lens108of the clamped lens mold assembly102and the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132. According to various embodiments, detection of the perpendicular distance may be via direct measurement of the boundary line from the second clamping-axis138, or via indirect measurement of the boundary line from a physical reference point whereby a distance of the second clamping-axis138to the physical reference point is known.

According to various embodiments, the method201may include moving the lens mold assembly102held by the first and second engagement members124,126via moving the first and second engagement members124,126in a synchronous manner along the movement direction so as to align the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102with the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132based on the detected relative positions.

FIG.2Edepicts the lens mold assembly102being aligned to the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132by the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122of the disassembling module120according to various embodiments. With the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102aligned to the second clamping-axis138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132, the at least two clamping members134,136may move towards each other along the second clamping-axis138to clamp the molded-lens108of the lens mold assembly102via urging against respective opposite side surface segments of the molded-lens108. According to various embodiments, the method201may include clamping the molded-lens108of the lens mold assembly102via the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132by urging the at least two clamping members134,136against respective opposite side surface segments of the molded-lens108.

FIG.2Fdepicts the molded-lens108of the lens mold assembly102being clamped by the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132according to various embodiments. With the molded-lens108of the lens mold assembly102clamped between the at least two clamping members124,126, the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122, which are individually and independently holding the first and second mold parts104,106of the lens mold assembly102, may be moved away from each other in opposite directions to separate the first and second mold parts104,106from the molded lens108held by the at least two clamping members138of the molded-lens holder mechanism132. Further, the centering unit110may move together with the second engagement member126in a synchronous manner as the first and second engagement members124,126are moving away from each other to separate the first and second mold parts104,106from the molded lens108held by the at least two clamping members128. Accordingly, the first mold part104may be separated and moved upwards with respect to the molded lens108by the first engagement member124, and the second mold part106may be separated and moved downwards with respect to the molded lens108by the second engagement member124such that the molded lens108may be isolated and retrieved for subsequent processing. According to various embodiments, the method201may include separating the first and second mold parts104,106from the molded lens108held by the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132via holding the first and second mold parts104,106respectively by the first and second engagement members124,126of the mold engagement mechanism122and moving the first and second engagement members124,126away from each other in opposite directions.

FIG.2Gdepicts the first and second mold parts104,106separated, by the first and second engagement members124,126, from molded-lens108of the lens mold assembly102which is clamped by the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132according to various embodiments.

FIG.3depicts a schematic diagram of a broad overview of the method201of disassembling the lens mold assembly102comprising the first mold part104, the second mold part106, and the molded-lens108sandwiched between the first mold part104and the second mold part106according to various embodiments. As shown, the lens mold assembly102may be moved and position so as to align the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102with the second clamping-axis138of the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132. According to various embodiments, this may be achieved via the centering unit110and the mold engagement mechanism122of the disassembling module120with guidance from the alignment guidance module150. Once the molded-lens108of the lens mold assembly102is clamped and held by the at least two clamping members134,136of the molded-lens holder mechanism132, the first and second mold parts104,106may be separated from the molded-lens108so as to isolate and retrieve the molded lens108. As shown, the first mold part104may be a concave mold, i.e. cc mold, and the second mold part106may be a convex mold, i.e. cx mold.

FIG.4depicts a photograph of an image of a camera which may serve as the sensor152of the alignment guidance module150according to various embodiments. As shown, the alignment guidance module150may be configured to detect the boundary line455between the molded lens108and the first mold part104. According to various embodiments, the alignment guidance module150may detect the boundary line455from a fixed reference point456of the machine100within a view of the camera.

FIG.5depicts a machine500or an apparatus for disassembling the lens mold assembly102according to various embodiments. The lens mold assembly102may include the first mold part104, the second mold part106, and the molded-lens108sandwiched between the first mold part104and the second mold part106. According to various embodiments, the machine500may, similar to the machine100ofFIG.1, include a centering unit having at least two pusher members512,514. Each of the at least two pusher members512,514may include vertical pins512b. According to various embodiments, the machine500may, similar to the machine100ofFIG.1, include a mold engagement mechanism having a first engagement member524and a second engagement member526. According to various embodiments, the machine500may, similar to the machine100ofFIG.1, include a molded-lens holder mechanism may have at least two clamping members534,536. According to various embodiments, similar to the machine100ofFIG.1, the mold engagement mechanism and the molded-lens holder mechanism may form the disassembling module of the machine500. According to various embodiments, the machine500may, similar to the machine100ofFIG.1, include an alignment guidance module having a sensor552.

According to various embodiments, in the machine500ofFIG.5, the sensor552may include a vision sensor or an image capturing device or a camera. According to various embodiments, the sensor552of the alignment guidance module may include the camera disposed and so fixed in a pre-determined camera position with respect to a second clamping-axis of the at least two clamping members534,536of the molded-lens holder mechanism for capturing one or more images to detect relative positions between the molded lens108of the clamped lens mold assembly102and the second clamping-axis of the at least two clamping members534,536of the molded-lens holder mechanism. According to various embodiments, as the camera is at a fixed pre-determined camera position within the machine500with respect to the second clamping-axis of the at least two clamping members534,536of the molded-lens holder mechanism, the camera may be capable of detecting relative positions between the molded lens108of the lens mold assembly102held by the first and second engagement member524,526and the second clamping-axis of the at least two clamping members534,536of the molded-lens holder mechanism from the images captured by the camera.

According to various embodiments, a method of disassembling the lens mold assembly102using the machine500ofFIG.5, may in addition to the method201ofFIG.2AtoFIG.2G, include that detecting relative positions may include capturing one or more images by the camera disposed and so fixed in the pre-determined camera position with respect to the second clamping-axis of the at least two clamping members534,536of the molded-lens holder mechanism.

According to various embodiments, in the machine500ofFIG.5, each of the first and second engagement members524,526of the mold engagement mechanism may include a vacuum suction element to engage and hold the first and second mold parts104,106respectively. According to various embodiments, the vacuum suction element may include vacuum suction pads or vacuum suction cups. According to various embodiments, the vacuum suction element may hold the first and second mold parts104,106via vacuum suction.

According to various embodiments, the method of disassembling the lens mold assembly102using the machine500ofFIG.5, may in addition to the method201ofFIG.2AtoFIG.2G, include that holding the first and second mold parts104,106respectively by the first and second engagement members524,526of the mold engagement mechanism may include using vacuum suction to hold the first and second mold parts104,106respectively.

According to various embodiments, the machine500ofFIG.5may differ from the machine100ofFIG.1in that the machine500ofFIG.5may additionally include an air blowing mechanism560. According to various embodiments, the air blowing mechanism560may be part of the disassembling module of the machine500. According to various embodiments, the air blowing mechanism560may include at least two nozzles562movable towards each other to engage respective side portions of the clamped lens mold assembly102so as to direct two opposing compressed air jet at the clamped lens mold assembly102, whereby the first and second mold parts104,106are respectively held by the first and second engagement524,526of the mold engagement mechanism and the molded lens108is clamped between the at least two clamping members534,536of the molded-lens holder mechanism. According to various embodiments, the at least two nozzles562may be movable along a same movement plane as the second clamping-axis of the at least two clamping members534,536of the molded-lens holder mechanism. According to various embodiments, the at least two nozzles562in engagement with respective side portions of the clamped lens mold assembly102may direct the two opposing compressed air jets to penetrate across interfaces between the molded-lens108and the first mold part104, and between the molded-lens108and the second mold part104. According to various embodiments, the two opposing compressed air jets may form a layer of air gap between the molded-lens108and the first mold part104, and between the molded-lens108and the second mold part104so as to facilitate separation of the first and second mold parts104,106from the molded-lens108.

According to various embodiments, each of the at least two nozzles562may include a rubber tip to enclose respective air outlet when engaged with the clamped lens mold assembly102. Accordingly, the rubber tip may form a seal between each of the at least two nozzles562and the respective side portion of the clamped lens mold assembly102. Hence, each of the at least two nozzles562may fully engage the respective side portion of the clamped lens mold assembly102without leak, thus ensuring sufficient air pressure to penetrate the interfaces between the molded-lens108and the first mold part104, and between the molded-lens108and the second mold part104.

According to various embodiments, the method of disassembling the lens mold assembly102using the machine500ofFIG.5, may in addition to the method201ofFIG.2AtoFIG.2G, include directing two opposing compressed air jets at the clamped lens mold assembly102via the air blowing mechanism560having at least two nozzles562movable towards each other to engage respective side portions of the clamped lens mold assembly102such that the two compressed air jets penetrate across interfaces between the molded-lens108and the first mold part104, and between the molded-lens108and the second mold part106.

According to various embodiments, the machine100,500may include a processor. In various embodiments, a “processor” may be understood as any kind of a logic implementing entity, which may be special purpose circuitry or a processor executing software stored in a memory, firmware, or any combination thereof. Thus, in an embodiment, a “processor” may be a hard-wired logic circuit or a programmable logic circuit such as a programmable processor, e.g. a microprocessor (e.g. a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) processor or a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processor). A “processor” may also be a processor executing software, e.g. any kind of computer program, e.g. a computer program using a virtual machine code such as e.g. Java. Any other kind of implementation of the respective functions which will be described in more detail below may also be understood as a “processor” in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, the processor may be part of a computing system or a controller or a microcontroller or any other system providing a processing capability. According to various embodiments, such systems may include a memory which is for example used in the processing carried out by the device. A memory used in the embodiments may be a volatile memory, for example a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory, for example a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), or a flash memory, e.g., a floating gate memory, a charge trapping memory, an MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory) or a PCRAM (Phase Change Random Access Memory).

According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to generate various control signals for operating the various components of the respective machine100,500. According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to generate the various control signals so as to operate the respective machine100,500in accordance to the various methods as described herein. According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to generate the various control signals in a pre-determined sequence based on the various methods as described herein. According to various embodiments, the processor may receive the various detection signals from the various sensors (such as the sensors152,552), process the various detection signals, and generate corresponding control signals in response to the various detection signals for controlling various components of the respective machine100,500. For example, the processor may be configured to detect, via the sensor of the alignment guidance module, relative positions between the molded lens of the lens mold assembly held by the first and second engagement member and the second clamping-axis of the at least two clamping members of the molded-lens holder mechanism, whereby the relative positions are along the movement direction parallel to the first clamping-axis and the second clamping-axis is parallel to the centering-movement plane; and to move the lens mold assembly held by the first and second engagement members, via moving the first and second engagement members in a synchronous manner along the movement direction, for aligning the molded lens of the lens mold assembly with the second clamping-axis of the at least two clamping members of the molded-lens holder mechanism based on the detected relative positions.