×

Robotic workcell control system having improved input/output interfacing for better workcell operation

  • US 4,896,087 A
  • Filed: 01/31/1989
  • Issued: 01/23/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/31/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A control system for a workcell having at least one electric robot and a plurality of workcell equipment items in turn having a plurality of control and sensor devices associated therewith, said system comprising:

  • a first electronic robot controller disposed at a first workcell location to operate said robot as a part of the workcell process;

    means for loading program data into said robot controller;

    a first input/output control module disposed at a second workcell location and having connected thereto as inputs a first group of said sensor devices and as outputs a first group of said control devices;

    at least a second input/output control module disposed at a third workcell location and having connected thereto as inputs at least a second group of said sensor devices and as outputs at least a second group of said control devices;

    a serial local area network connecting said robot controller and said input/output modules to provide for program and process data communication; and

    each of said input/output modules having computing means including a microprocessor for operating the module in accordance with a module operating program downloadable from said robot controller to the module and for processing inputs and outputs in accordance with a user process program downloadable from said robot controller to the module.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×