Robot Machining Control via Coordinate Command Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining control systems require knowledge of both machine tool and robot programming to create a machining program that coordinates their operations, making it difficult for machine tools and robots to function cooperatively.
Innovation Solution
A machining control system with a numerical control device that generates coordinate position commands for a robot and a robot control device that calculates and executes drive positions, allowing the machine tool and robot to operate seamlessly without requiring specific programming knowledge for each component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a machining program includes both machine tool statements and robot statements, then the machine tool and robot can operate cooperatively, but the program creation becomes difficult requiring knowledge of both machine tool programming and robot teaching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a program conversion unit as an intermediary that automatically converts robot teaching programs into machine tool controller programs. This mediator translates between the two different programming systems, allowing cooperative operation without requiring operators to master both programming methodologies. The conversion unit acts as a bridge that handles the complexity of dual-programming knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual process of creating and coordinating separate machine tool and robot programs with an automated program conversion system. Instead of mechanically requiring operators to write and synchronize two different program types, the system uses automatic conversion technology to generate coordinated programs, eliminating the need for dual programming knowledge.
2Extent of automation
If separate control systems are used for machine tool and robot, then each can be controlled independently, but coordinated operation requires complex program distribution and synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate machine tool controller and robot controller into an integrated control system where the program conversion unit is coupled to both controllers. This unified approach allows independent control capabilities to be maintained while automatically handling program distribution and synchronization, reducing the perceived complexity for operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the program conversion unit receives information from both the machine tool controller and robot controller, converts programs accordingly, and distributes updated programs to maintain synchronization. This feedback loop automatically coordinates the two independent control systems without requiring complex manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A machining control system includes: a numerical control device controlling a machine tool; and a robot control device communicating with the numerical control device and controlling a robot having a plurality of drive axes. The numerical control device includes: a coordinate position command generation unit generating a coordinate position command specifying a target coordinate position at each time of a leading end part of the robot, based on a machining program; and a communication unit sending the current target coordinate position to the robot control device. The robot control device includes: a target drive position calculation unit calculating a target drive position of each of the plurality of drive axes to position the leading end part at the target coordinate position; and a drive command generation unit generating a drive command to each of the drive axes to position the drive axes at the calculated target drive position.