Device for automating and/or controlling of machine tools or production machines

• US 20040186613A1
• Filed: 02/06/2004
• Published: 09/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens AG
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: Balling, Gerold
• Granted Patent: US 7,035,710 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/169
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4185 characterised by the network communication
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31145 Ethernet
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/39378 Control panel separated from power control of articulations
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/39448 Same teach pendant connects to many robot controllers over network
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

A device for automating and/or controlling machine tools or production machines is described. The device includes at least one computer which is located remote from a machine. The computer operates like a handheld controller and is connected via at least one bus system, which can be wired or wireless, with each machine for unidirectionally or bidirectionally transmitting data and control signals. All control functions of the machine are integrated in the remote controller. This device can automate and/or control machine tools and production machines in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Claims

1. A device for at least one of automating and controlling a machine tools or production machines, comprising:

at least one computer located remote from at least one of the machine tools or production machines and including control functions for controlling the machine tools or production machines; and

at least one bus system connecting the at least one computer with each machine tools or production machine and adapted to transmit data and control signals unidirectionally or bidirectionally, wherein said remote computer is configured as a manual control device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the bus system is configured as a redundant and secure bus system.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the bus system is implemented at an Ethernet bus system.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the bus system comprises a secure wireless connection.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the computer is selected from the group consisting of personal computer and workstation.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one computer processes the control functions of several machine tools or processing machines in parallel.

7. The device of claim 1, and further comprising a plurality of said at least one computer, with the control functions being processed on at least two of the plurality of computers.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the machine is provided with an UltraThinClient that lacks built-in intelligence.

9. The device of claim 1, and further comprising a central electric supply unit that supplies energy to the machines.