Abstract: A controller is provided with a plurality of CPUs and temperature sensors disposed in the vicinity of the CPUs, individually. The CPUs reciprocally read temperature data detected by the temperature sensors. When the read temperature data exceed a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the CPUs are likely to undergo thermal runaway, and the CPUs are then stopped.

Abstract: A controller is provided with a plurality of CPUs and temperature sensors disposed in the vicinity of the CPUs, individually. The CPUs reciprocally read temperature data detected by the temperature sensors. When the read temperature data exceed a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the CPUs are likely to undergo thermal runaway, and the CPUs are then stopped.

Abstract: A reference signal is transmitted from one of a plurality of robot control devices connected by communication connecting device to the other robot control device. The timing of generation of an operation basic period signal in each of the other robot control devices is synchronized with the timing of generation of an operation basic period signal in the one of the plurality of robot control devices, based on a time interval from generation of the operation basic period signal until transmission of the reference signal in the one of the plurality of robot control devices, a time interval from generation of the operation basic period signal until reception of the reference signal in each of the other robot control devices, and a communication delay time required for communication between the one of the plurality of robot control devices and each of the other robot control devices.

Abstract: An operation panel capable of being effectively reduced in size while the operability and the visibility are maintained at the conventional level. The operation panel includes a flexible display, a plurality of operation keys and a storing part for storing the flexible display in a wound state. In a second operation mode of the operation panel, the flexible display may be withdrawn to a second position at which the flexible display covers a second operation key, in order to enlarge a display area of the operation panel.

Abstract: A reference signal is transmitted from one of a plurality of robot control devices connected by communication connecting means to the other robot control device. The timing of generation of an operation basic period signal in each of the other robot control devices is synchronized with the timing of generation of an operation basic period signal in the one of the plurality of robot control devices, based on a time interval from generation of the operation basic period signal until transmission of the reference signal in the one of the plurality of robot control devices, a time interval from generation of the operation basic period signal until reception of the reference signal in each of the other robot control devices, and a communication delay time required for communication between the one of the plurality of robot control devices and each of the other robot control devices.

Abstract: A robot controller for avoiding an emergency stop of a robot due to shortage of the amount of charge of a secondary battery of a portable operating part during automatic operation of the robot. The robot controller includes a portable operating part having a secondary battery, a robot control part capable of communicating with the portable operating part and having a means for bringing the robot to an emergency stop when communication between the robot control part and the portable operating part is interrupted, a charging circuit for charging the secondary battery, and a cable for electrically connecting the charging circuit to the control part during automatic operation of the robot.

Abstract: A robot apparatus which does not need an expensive connecting cable for connecting a robot to a controller. Since the controller is separately composed of a control unit (12), an operation box (13) and a teaching pendant (14), the size of the control unit (12) except an operation system can be reduced, the control unit (12) can be installed in a small dead space within a safety fence which cannot be intrinsically used and directly coupled with the robot (11) without using a connecting cable therebetween. The operation box (13) and the teaching pendant (14) as the operation system are installed outside of the safety fence (15).

Abstract: In a robot apparatus comprising a robot mechanical unit and a robot controller, the robot apparatus does not need a connecting cable for connecting the robot mechanical unit to the robot controller. The robot mechanical unit includes a connector for receiving a control signal and outputting a sensor signal, in addition to an arm and a drive unit. The robot controller includes a circuit for controlling the robot mechanical unit, a servo amplifier, and a connector capable of being directly coupled with the connector of the robot mechanical unit. Further, the robot controller is installed at a location adjacent to the robot mechanical unit and within a dead space of an operating area of the robot mechanical unit.

Abstract: An emergency robot shutdown circuit reliably stops a movable component of a robot which has suffered an overtravel condition. The emergency robot shutdown circuit has three relays, and detects an overtravel condition of the robot with a dog located in a limit position of a normal operation range of the movable component of the robot to command an emergency shutdown of the robot. The second relay holds an overtravel signal which is outputted from a detecting circuit. A switching transistor is connected parallel to a make contact of the second relay, and an overtravel cancel switch is connected parallel to another make contact of the second relay. The base of the switching transistor is supplied with an overtravel unlatching pulse in synchronism with the closing of the overtravel cancel switch. The third relay, which is connected in series with the other make contact of the second relay, has three make contacts which make up a power cutoff circuit.