Shared Jog Dial Control for Machine Tool and Robot Teaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems where machine tools and robots cooperate, the teaching process typically requires operators to learn and use separate operating devices with different usage methods, making it cumbersome to operate both machines manually.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a manual operating device with a rotary dial, a machine tool controller, a robot controller, and an operational-target setting unit, allowing the same manual operating device to control either a machine tool or a robot based on the set operational target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate operating devices are used for machine tool and robot, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the operator has to learn two types of operating devices with different usage methods
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is designed to function as a universal controller for both the machine tool and the robot. By integrating multiple control functions into a single device with unified operation methods, the system eliminates the need for operators to learn separate operating devices while maintaining optimized control capabilities for both machines.
2Ease of operation
If a single manual operating device is used for both machine tool and robot, then operators only need to learn one device, but the device must handle different control protocols and signal formats
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device incorporates intermediary conversion mechanisms that translate unified operator inputs into machine-specific control signals. This mediator layer handles the complexity of different control protocols internally, allowing the operator interface to remain simple and consistent while adapting to the specific requirements of each controlled machine.
3Reliability
If separate operating devices are used, then each device can have specialized controls, but the teaching process becomes cumbersome requiring learning of multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions for both the machine tool and robot are merged into a single operating device. This consolidation allows operators to perform teaching and control operations for both machines using one unified interface, significantly reducing the time required for training and teaching processes while maintaining the precision needed for each specific machine type.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system includes: a manual operating device that generates an operation signal in accordance with rotation of a dial by an operator; a machine tool controller and a robot controller that are connected in such a manner as to be communicable with each other and that control a machine tool and a robot, respectively, based on the operation signal; and an operational-target setting unit that sets an operational target for the manual operating device selectively between the machine tool and the robot. The manual operating device is connected to one of the controllers and inputs the operation signal to the one of the controllers. When the operational-target setting unit sets the operational target as a control target to be controlled by the other of the controllers, the one of the controllers transmits the operation signal or a signal based on the operation signal to the other of the controllers.