Milling machine with tool changer positionable within motion system envelope

• US 20070237596A1
• Filed: 06/01/2007
• Published: 10/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: D4D Technologies L P (D4D Technologies)
• Original Assignee: D4D Technologies L P (D4D Technologies)
• Inventors: Quadling, Henley, Quadling, Mark, Duncan, Rod
• Granted Patent: US 7,497,817 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 409/230
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 13/0004 Computer-assisted sizing or machining of dental prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 13/0009 using a copying machine
• CPC Class Codes: B23B 31/103 Retention by pivotal elements, e.g. catches, pawls
• CPC Class Codes: B23C 1/045 Opposed - spindle machines
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/301792 including means to sense optical or magnetic image
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/303808 including infeeding
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/30756 Machining arcuate surface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/309296 Detachable or repositionable tool head
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/10 Process
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/11 with safety means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/136 Responsive to tool
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1733 Rotary spindle machine tool [e.g., milling machine, boring, machine, grinding machine, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/174 Abrading wheel
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1752 including tool holder pivotable about axis
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1793 Spindle comprises tool changer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1795 Matrix indexes selected tool to transfer position
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1798 including means to project tool from matrix
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1809 Matrix including means to latch tool
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1827 Rectilinear
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 483/1873 Indexing matrix

Abstract

An improved milling machine makes use of individually controlled x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis carriages. These carriages provide positive and precise control of the position of the cutting tools and the blank to be cut. The tools are located in spindles that are moved in the x-axis. A work piece or blank is manipulated in the y-axis and the z-axis. The tools are offset in the x-axis. Lights on a work space door are used to signal the condition of the mill machine and the milling operation. A tool changer allows the tools to be changed to accommodate other materials. A camera or other sensor is used to detect the location and wear on the tools.

Claims

1. A milling machine, comprising:

an assembly able to move a blank along a first axis and a second axis, where the second axis is orthogonal to the first axis and the first and second axes define a plane;

a pair of spindles located on opposite sides of the plane, each spindle able to move in an third axis that is orthogonal to the first and second axes; and

a tool changer having at least one tool for each spindle, the tool changer carried in the assembly so that either spindle may retrieve a tool from the tool changer by moving the tool changer through the first and second axes while simultaneously positioning the spindle along the third axis.

2. The milling machine as described in claim 1 wherein the tool changer includes an optical sensor to examine the at least one tool.

3. The milling machine as described in claim 1 wherein the tool changer has an open position, and a closed position, where in the closed position the tool changer is retracted into the assembly, where in the open position the tool changer is extended from the assembly to enable the spindle to retrieve the at least one tool.

4. A milling machine, comprising:

an assembly able to move a blank along a first axis and a second axis, where the second axis is orthogonal to the first axis and the first and second axes define a plane;

a pair of spindles located on opposite sides of the plane, each spindle able to move in an third axis that is orthogonal to the first and second axes; and

a tool changer carried in the assembly and movable from a first position to a second position, where in the first position the tool changer is retracted into the assembly, where in the second position the tool changer is extended from the assembly so that either spindle may retrieve a tool from the tool changer.

5. The milling machine as described in claim 4 wherein the tool is retrieved by moving the tool changer through the first and second axes while simultaneously positioning one of the spindles along the third axis.

6. The milling machine as described in claim 4 wherein the tool changer carries at least one tool for each spindle.

7. The milling machine as described in claim 4 wherein the tool changer includes an optical sensor to examine the tool.

8. The milling machine as described in claim 4 wherein the assembly comprises a first carriage that moves along the first axis, and a second carriage carried by the first carriage and that moves along the second axis, wherein the tool changer is located within the second carriage.

9. In a milling machine having an assembly, a pair of opposed spindles, and a tool changer carried within the assembly, wherein the assembly also supports a blank to be milled by the pair of opposed spindles, a tool change method comprising:

retrieving a tool from the tool changer to a spindle by moving the tool changer through first and second axes while simultaneously positioning the spindle along a third axis;

wherein a tool change is carried out within a same envelope of motion used for milling the blank.

10. The method as described in claim 9 wherein the second axis is orthogonal to the first axis, the first and second axes define a plane, and the third axis is orthogonal to the first and second axes.

11. The method as described in claim 10 wherein the assembly moves along the first axis and the second axis, and the spindle moves in the third axis.