Control Axis Switch Unit for Numerical Control Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing numerical control devices face challenges in efficiently connecting a single drive unit to multiple control object units at specific positions, leading to increased machine weight and cost, as well as issues with axis position data alignment between stored and actual positions.
Innovation Solution
A numerical control device configuration that includes a control axis switch unit to transmit position commands to a single drive unit, with axis movement amount conversion and storage units to update axis positions accurately, allowing connection at specific positions and maintaining data alignment regardless of connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each control object part is driven by its dedicated drive source, then control reliability is improved, but machine weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive sources into a single drive unit that can be shared by multiple control object parts. The control axis switch unit enables this single drive unit to be dynamically connected to different control object parts, replacing the traditional approach of having dedicated drive sources for each part. This merging reduces the total number of drive units, thereby decreasing machine weight and cost while maintaining control reliability through the switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple control object parts sequentially. The control axis switch unit enables the drive unit to be universally connected to any control object part that requires driving, allowing one drive unit to perform the functions of multiple dedicated drive sources. This universality achieves weight reduction while preserving the ability to control multiple parts reliably.
2Weight of moving object
If a single drive unit is shared by multiple control object units, then machine weight and cost are reduced, but connection is limited to arbitrary axis positions
Solution Approach 1:
The control axis switch unit performs preliminary actions by calculating the required axis position of the single drive unit before connection occurs. It determines the position command that enables the drive unit to be connected to the control object part at the specific target position, rather than being limited to arbitrary positions. This preliminary position calculation and command issuance facilitate precise connection at required positions while maintaining the weight benefits of a single drive unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the control axis switch unit monitors the axis position of the single drive unit and adjusts position commands to achieve connection at specific target positions. The feedback loop ensures that the drive unit reaches the correct position for connection, enabling precise positioning capability that overcomes the limitation of arbitrary position connection while maintaining the single drive unit configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If the drive unit is connected to control object units at specific positions, then connection precision is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control axis switch unit acts as an intermediary between the single drive unit and multiple control object parts. It manages the complexity of position calculation and connection control by serving as a mediator that receives position commands, calculates the required drive unit position, and coordinates the connection process. This intermediary role simplifies the overall control architecture by centralizing the complex position management functions in a dedicated switching unit, rather than distributing complexity across multiple drive units.
Data Source
AI summary
In a numerical control device for performing a control axis switch, each of a plurality of control axis units includes an axis movement amount conversion unit configured to convert a movement amount of a servo motor into a movement amount corresponding to each of the control axis units of the plurality of control axis units, an axis position data storage unit, and a control object axis position data storage unit configured to store an axis position of a control object at a time when the control object is separated from a single drive unit, and an axis position stored in the axis position data storage unit is configured to be updated by using the movement amount of the servo motor, regardless of whether or not the control object is connected by a control axis switch unit to the control axis unit.