Robot-CNC Variable Interlocking for Multi-System Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot control devices cannot interlock operations with multifunction machine tools having multiple groups of tool posts and spindles without complicating the control system.
Innovation Solution
A robot control device that includes a program input unit, analysis unit, system setting unit, and data communication unit to interlock with a numerical control device having multiple control systems by reading and writing variables, allowing seamless operation coordination between robots and machine tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If macro variables are used to interlock robot and machine tool operations, then operation interlocking is achieved, but compatibility with multifunction machine tools having multiple control systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system by introducing a dedicated system identification unit that distinguishes between different control systems (CNC system, robot control system, other systems) within a multifunction machine tool. This segmentation allows the robot control device to selectively communicate with the appropriate control system using appropriate variable names, thereby maintaining operation interlocking while achieving compatibility with multifunction machine tools.
2Ease of operation
If conventional robot control apparatus is used, then simple robot control is achieved, but interlocking control with multifunction machine tools is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a robot control device that can universally interface with multiple types of control systems (CNC, robot control, and other systems) through a unified architecture. The system identification unit automatically detects the target control system type, and the variable name generation unit adapts accordingly, enabling the same robot control device to interlock with diverse multifunction machine tool configurations without requiring separate control apparatus for each system type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control systems are integrated in one numerical control device, then multifunctionality is achieved, but complexity of interlocking control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a system identification unit and a variable name generation unit that act as mediators between the robot control device and multiple control systems. This intermediary layer automatically identifies the target control system type and generates appropriate variable names, thereby simplifying the interlocking control logic and reducing complexity despite the presence of multiple integrated control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a robot control device making it possible to implement interlocking control with a numerical control device that has a plurality of control systems, without creating further complication. A robot control device 3 is provided with: a program input unit 32 for acquiring, from a storage unit 31, a robot control program for controlling a robot 30; an analysis unit 33 for analyzing the robot control program inputted from the program input unit 32, and acquiring a read command and a write command with which are set a variable of a numerical control program for controlling a numerical control device 2 and system information for identifying a subject system from among the plurality of control systems of the numerical control device; a system setting unit 37 for outputting a command for reading/writing a variable of the subject system on the basis of the information acquired by the analysis unit 33; and a data communication unit 39 for transmitting the command for reading/writing the variable of the subject system to the numerical control device 2, thereby causing the numerical control device 2 to update the variable of the subject system.