Automated loading of work pieces via staging regions into adverse environments associated with milling machines and controllers and methods for same

摘要

Embodiments relate generally to milling machines and milling techniques, and more particularly, to apparatuses, milling machines and methods to control automatic loading and/or unloading of work pieces in relation to the adverse milling machine environments. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a subset of guide members constituting a staging region, a loader member configured to impart a loading force unto the work piece to transition the work piece from the staging region, and an effector coupled to the loader member. The effector is configured to apply a cleaning force to a path in a first interval of time and is configured further to transfer the loading force from the loader member to the work piece in a second interval of time, and an alignment device configured to align the subset of guide members and the effector to form a portion of the path in a first mode.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a subset of guide members constituting a staging region; a loader member configured to impart a loading force, responsive to a load signal, unto the work piece at the staging region to transition the work piece from the staging region; an effector coupled to the loader member, the effector comprising:
a path cleaner configured to apply a cleaning force to contacting surfaces of one or more other guide members in a milling region disposed in a path that the work piece traverses from the staging region to a milling region in a first interval of time, andan engagement surface configured to engage a portion of the work piece to transfer the loading force from the loader member to the work piece in a second interval of time; an alignment device configured to align the subset of guide members and the effector to the path in a first mode a self-centering device coupled to the effector and to at least one guide member of the subset of guide members, the self-centering device being configured to adjust the position of the at least one guide member based on a dimension of the work piece, and align the effector with a plane passing through a medial portion of the work piece.