NC Coordinate Offset Control for Multi-Machine Robot Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The burden on operators is significant when creating machining programs for controlling multiple machine tools and a robot due to the need to consider different machining processes and coordinate systems, which are typically managed by separate controllers with different programming languages and coordinate systems.
Innovation Solution
A numerical control device that measures and reflects coordinate system offsets between machine tools and a robot, using a measurement processing unit, associating unit, and reflection processing unit to simplify the creation of machining programs by automating the coordination of multiple machine tools and a robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate controllers with different programming languages are used for machine tools and robots, then each device can be controlled independently, but the workload for creating and coordinating programs increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple machine tools and robots into a single integrated control system. The control apparatus coordinates all devices using a unified programming language, eliminating the need for separate controllers and reducing program coordination workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus serves multiple functions by controlling different types of devices (machine tools and robots) with a single system. It provides universal control capabilities across diverse equipment, allowing operators to work with one programming language regardless of the target device.
2Device complexity
If a single machine tool controller manages coordinate systems for multiple machine tools, then program creation is simplified, but the measurement and application burden increases for each additional machine tool
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus performs preliminary measurement of coordinate system offsets between the robot and each machine tool before actual machining operations. By pre-establishing these offset relationships, the system eliminates the need for operators to perform measurements during program creation for each machine tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages coordinate system offsets through self-service mechanisms. The control apparatus independently measures, stores, and applies offset values without requiring operator intervention for each machine tool, reducing manual workload.
3Measurement precision
If coordinate system offsets are measured and applied for each machine tool individually, then measurement precision is maintained, but the operator burden and program creation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of coordinate system offsets once during system setup or when changes occur, rather than requiring measurements for each individual program. These pre-measured offsets are then automatically applied to all machining operations, maintaining precision while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus copies and reuses measured coordinate system offset values across multiple machine tools and programs. Once an offset is measured between the robot and a machine tool, it is stored and automatically applied whenever that machine tool is used, eliminating redundant measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical control device controls a machine tool and the other machine tools, and a robot. The numerical control device includes: a coordinate system offset measurement processing unit that measures coordinate system offsets for the machine tool and the other machine tools using stop positions of the robot at the machine tool and the other machine tools in performing work and measurement start coordinates that indicate a position to start a measurement operation of the coordinate system offsets; a coordinate system offset table that associates, together with the stop positions and the measurement start coordinates, the measured coordinate system offsets with the machine tool and the other machine tools; and a coordinate system offset reflection processing unit that controls the robot by reflecting the coordinate system offsets in executing a machining program.