Numerical Control Apparatus H Axis Rotation Without Y-Axis Cancellation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Numerical control apparatuses without a Y axis face inefficiencies in machining due to the need to constantly cancel and re-enable imaginary Y-axis control for independent operations like tool replacement and work positioning, leading to prolonged cycle times.

Innovation Solution

A numerical control apparatus that allows independent rotation of the H axis during imaginary Y-axis control by converting X-Y axes movement commands into X-H-C coordinate system commands, enabling the H and C axes to operate independently without canceling the imaginary Y-axis control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If imaginary Y-axis control is used to perform machining without a Y axis, then machining capability is improved, but independent rotation of the C axis or H axis requires canceling the imaginary Y-axis control, leading to increased cycle time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining capabilityVSAvoidcycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control mode is segmented into distinct states: imaginary Y-axis control mode and independent axis rotation mode. The control unit can switch between these modes and perform independent rotation of the C axis or H axis without completely canceling the imaginary Y-axis control, thereby reducing the time loss associated with mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is configured to automatically return the machine tool to the imaginary Y-axis control mode after performing independent rotation of the C axis or H axis. This preliminary action of automatically restoring the control mode eliminates the need for manual re-enabling and reduces cycle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the C axis and H axis are rotated independently during imaginary Y-axis control, then positioning and tool replacement efficiency are improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning and tool replacement efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages the imaginary Y-axis control mode, handles independent rotation of the C axis and H axis, and automatically switches between these modes. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single control unit, avoiding the need for separate complex control systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is made dynamic by allowing the control unit to adaptively switch between different control modes (imaginary Y-axis control and independent axis rotation) based on the machining requirements. This dynamic capability enables efficient positioning and tool replacement while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9557728B2Numerical control apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.01.31 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • US9557728B2 patent drawing
  • US9557728B2 patent drawing
  • US9557728B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A numerical control apparatus controls a machine tool including an X axis for moving a turret to which a plurality of tools are attached, a H axis for rotating the turret, and a C axis for rotating a work and not including a Y axis orthogonal to the X axis. The numerical control apparatus includes a unit configured to independently rotate the H axis according to an independent rotation command for the H axis and perform tool replacement during an imaginary Y-axis control mode, the imaginary Y-axis control mode being a mode for converting an X-Y axes movement command in a machining program into a command in an X-H-C coordinate system and for driving the X axis, the H axis, and the C axis in association with one another according to the converted command.