Machine Tool Axis Switching via PLC Register Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing numerical control systems for machine tools require significant editing work when switching the control target axis, such as from a turret device to a tool spindle device, as this involves transferring control between different NC programs, increasing the workload.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool configuration that includes a turret device, a tool spindle device, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) allows for the transfer of control between turret slide axes and tool spindle slide axes by changing the value of a predetermined device in the PLC, enabling axis control to be shifted without editing multiple NC programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control of the axis is transferred between multiple NC programs, then the control target can be switched between different devices (turret device to tool spindle device), but the workload for editing multiple NC programs increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common axis control register as an intermediary between multiple NC programs. Instead of directly transferring control between NC programs, the system uses this shared register to mediate the control transfer. When one NC program sets the axis control bit in the common register, it automatically releases control to another NC program that monitors this register, thereby eliminating the need for extensive editing of multiple NC programs while enabling flexible control target switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control transfer between multiple NC programs is implemented, then device switching is enabled, but the complexity of managing multiple NC programs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common axis control register serves as a centralized intermediary that simplifies the management of control transfer between multiple NC programs. Instead of managing complex inter-program communication protocols, each NC program only needs to monitor and set specific bits in this shared register. This intermediary mechanism abstracts the complexity, allowing multiple NC programs to coordinate control transfer automatically through simple register operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The common axis control register provides a universal interface that multiple NC programs can use for control transfer. This single register structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a control flag, a communication channel, and a synchronization mechanism simultaneously. By providing this multi-functional universal interface, the system enables any NC program to transfer control to any other NC program that is monitoring the register, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a turret device, a turret slide device configured to slide the turret device along a turret slide axis, a tool spindle device, a tool spindle slide device configured to slide the tool spindle device along a tool spindle slide axis, a numerical control device configured to numerically control the turret slide device and the tool spindle slide device, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) connected to the numerical control device. When control of the turret slide axis for sliding the turret device and control of the tool spindle slide axis for sliding the tool spindle device are switched, the numerical control device shifts the control of the turret slide axis and the control of the tool spindle slide axis by changing a value of a predetermined device in the PLC.