Robot Variable Access Control in CNC Machine Tool Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing numerical control systems face increased communication load and decreased machining accuracy when controlling machine tools and robots in conjunction, due to interrupted communication during machining operations.
Innovation Solution
A numerical control system that includes a read-write execution/prohibition determination unit in the robot control device, which determines and prohibits read-write operations of variables based on permission requests, reducing communication load by controlling variable access during machining operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robot control device periodically reads macro variables from the numerical control device to monitor operation state, then the robot and machine tool can be controlled in conjunction, but the communication load increases and machining accuracy decreases when communication is interrupted during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a variable storage unit as an intermediary component that stores variable values accessible by both the numerical control device and robot control device. This mediator eliminates the need for direct periodic reading of macro variables during machining operations, thereby reducing communication load and preventing interruptions that would degrade machining accuracy.
2Reliability
If the robot control device periodically reads macro variables from the numerical control device, then the operation state can be monitored, but the cycle time increases due to increased communication load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the numerical control device write variable values to the variable storage unit in advance before machining operations. The robot control device can then read these pre-stored values without requiring periodic communication during critical machining cycles, thus maintaining reliable operation state monitoring while minimizing cycle time extensions.
3Device complexity
If communication from the robot control device is interrupted during machining operations, then variable access is reduced, but the communication load increases and machining accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the variable storage function from the communication protocol between the robot control device and numerical control device. By placing variable values in a dedicated variable storage unit that can be accessed without active communication, the system separates variable access operations from the critical machining communication path, thereby reducing communication load while maintaining machining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technology that enables reduction in communication load in a numeral control system for controlling operation of a machine tool and a robot in a cooperative manner. This numeral control system comprises: a numerical control device; a robot control device; and a variable storage unit that stores a value of a variable which can be read and written by the numerical control device and the robot control device. The robot control device has a reading-writing execution/prohibition determination unit that determines whether to prohibit or allow execution of reading and writing of a variable by the robot control device. If execution determination has been made by the reading-writing execution/prohibition determination unit, the robot control device reads the value of the variable stored in the variable storage unit, and controls the operation of the robot on the basis of the value of the read variable. If prohibition determination has been made, the robot control device prohibits reading of the value of the variable stored in the variable storage unit.