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  Holding apparatus for an optical elementUSPTO Application #: 20060089088Title: Holding apparatus for an optical element Abstract: Holding apparatus for an optical element In a holding apparatus (1) for an optical element (2) that holds the optical element during an abrasive processing of the latter, the optical element (2) is in contact with a pressure piece (9) that is adapted to a force distribution to be expected inside the optical element (2) during the processing of the optical element (2). (end of abstract) Agent: Holland & Knight, LLP - Ft Lauderdale, FL, US Inventors: Joachim Feucht, Rainer Engel USPTO Applicaton #: 20060089088 - Class: 451011000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Abrading, Precision Device Or Process - Or With Condition Responsive Control, With Feeding Of Tool Or Work Holder The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060089088. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF TE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates to a holding apparatus for an optical element according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for the abrasive processing of an optical element. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Patent WO 01/54861 A1 discloses a holding chuck for optical components for the purpose of lapping and/or polishing the latter that has a cover part with a number of recesses in which the optical elements to be processed are respectively accommodated. Also located in the recesses are respective membranes to which pressure can be applied in order to press the associated optical element against the polishing tool. [0005] A similar polishing chuck is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,736,993. Different versions of the chuck are described there for a concave or a convex side of the optical element to be processed. [0006] Reference may also be made to WO 00/00324 A1 and DE 296 08 877 U1 with reference to the further prior art in the case of such holding apparatuses for optical elements. [0007] However, it is disadvantageous in the case of all the known holding apparatuses that during the processing the optical elements are supported only inadequately and, in particular, in an undefined way such that an uncontrolled deformation of the optical element results, and this finally leads to a result of the abrasive processing that is defective with reference to accuracy to spherical shape. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a holding apparatus for an optical element with the aid of which it is possible to achieve better processing results. [0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of a holding apparatus for an optical element with the aid of a force applying device that is provided for the purpose of pressing the optical element against an abrasion tool during an abrasive processing of said optical element, the force applying device acting on a pressure piece that is in contact with the optical element and can move in the direction of the abrasion tool, the pressure piece being adapted to a force distribution that is to be expected inside the optical element during the processing of the optical element. [0010] The holding apparatus according to the invention therefore has a pressure piece acting on the optical element and consisting of a rigid material, this adaptation to the force distribution to be expected during the processing of the optical element resulting in a controllable pressure distribution and thus in a substantially improved support of the optical element such that the latter is substantially less deformed during the processing. These lesser deformations enable better processing results, and it is possible to produce optical elements with a very much higher accuracy and/or a lesser center thickness. [0011] Such an apparatus can have a force applying device that is provided for the purpose of pressing the optical element against the abrasion tool during the abrasive processing of said element. It is advantageous in this case when the force applying device acts on the pressure piece, which can move in the direction of the abrasion tool, since it is possible thereby to apply the force required for the abrasive processing. [0012] In an advantageous development of the invention, it is further possible to provide that the pressure piece has on its side facing the optical element a material that prevents damage to the optical element by the pressure piece. A very gentle handling of the optical element during the holding of the latter in the holding apparatus is provided in this way. This is particularly brought about when that surface which is in contact with the pressure piece is not processed at a later point in time. Furthermore, this also results in a simple possibility of preventing the optical element from being corotated by the mostly rotating abrasion tool during the processing. [0013] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the pressure piece has on its side facing the optical element a number of separate bearing elements that are provided for coming into contact with the optical element. Such bearing elements distributed over the pressure piece constitute an embodiment of the adaptation of the pressure piece to the pressure distribution to be expected inside the optical element during the processing of the latter that is particularly easy to implement, since the introduction of force from the pressure piece into the optical element can be controlled by the distribution of the bearing elements over the surface of the pressure piece. [0014] A particularly simple mounting of the bearing elements on the pressure piece is provided when at least some of the bearing elements are of substantially round design. A further advantage of this embodiment consists in the fact that a particularly accurate force distribution is possible over the surface of the pressure piece with the aid of round bearing elements. [0015] In a further refinement of the invention, it can be provided that the pressure piece has a cross section adapted to the force distribution to be expected inside the optical element during the processing of the optical element, the pressure piece having in those regions where a higher force is to be expected a greater thickness than in those regions where a lower force is to be expected. This embodiment, in which the stiffness of the pressure piece is transmitted to the optical element as a function of the thickness of said pressure piece constitutes a commercially acceptable alternative to the use of the abovedescribed bearing elements, although combinations of these two embodiments are also conceivable. [0016] An embodiment of the force applying device that is very commercially acceptable results when the latter has a membrane acting on the pressure piece. The advantages achievable with this embodiment can be further enhanced when pneumatic pressure can be applied to the membrane. [0017] Claim 14 specifies a method for the abrasive processing of an optical element in which the optical element is pressed against a rotating abrasion tool with the aid of an apparatus. Such a method can be used to produce optical elements such as lenses, having slight deformations and a very high accuracy. [0018] Further advantageous refinements and developments of the invention emerge from the remaining subclaims. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained below in principle with the aid of the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] FIG. 1 shows a section through a holding apparatus according to the invention for an optical element that is being processed with an abrasion tool; and [0020] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the apparatus from FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Continue reading... Full patent description for Holding apparatus for an optical element Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Holding apparatus for an optical element patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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