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 ).

1 . A holding apparatus for an optical element that holds the optical element during the abrasive processing thereof, wherein the optical element is in contact with a pressure piece that is adapted to a force distribution to be expected inside said optical element during processing of said optical element.  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , having a force applying device that is provided for the purpose of pressing the optical element against the abrasive tool during the abrasive processing thereof, wherein the force applying device acts on said pressure piece, which can move in the direction of the abrasion tool.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said pressure piece has on its side facing the optical element a material that prevents damage to the optical element by said pressure piece.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said 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.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus -as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein at least some of the bearing elements are of substantially round design.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein at least some of the bearing elements are of substantially annular design.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said pressure piece has a cross section adapted to the force distribution to be expected inside the optical element during processing of the optical element, said 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.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said pressure piece has a larger number of bearing elements in those regions where a higher force is to be expected than in those regions where a lower force is to be expected.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said pressure piece is adapted to the surface of the optical element on its side facing the optical element.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said force applying device has a membrane acting on said pressure piece.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein pneumatic pressure can be applied to the membrane.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said pressure piece consists of metal, glass or plastic.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a supporting ring is provided on the side facing the optical element for the purpose of supporting the optical element at its periphery.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein said supporting ring consists of plastic or metal.  
   
   
       15 . A method for the abrasive processing of an optical element, wherein the optical element is pressed against a rotating abrasion tool by means of a holding apparatus as claimed in  claim 1.