Patent ID: 8200361
Filing Date: 2012-06-12
Classification: B23K,G05B

Abstract:
1. A method for the decentralized control of a machine tool that comprises: a machining compartment that is surrounded by a protective housing and has at least one access region that is monitored; a controller that is controlled from a main control panel to start the machine tool and to actuate a work step; and one or more control elements decentralized from the main control panel, the method comprising: controlling the machine tool using the main control panel and the one or more control elements, each control element having a multifunction pushbutton, wherein at least one control element is associated with the at least one access region; and actuating a work step that is next in line in a repetitive sequence of consecutive work steps in a control cycle by operating the multifunction pushbutton, wherein the repetitive sequence of consecutive worksteps is synchronized with operation of the multifunction pushbutton and operation of the main control panel, such that operating either the main control panel or the multifunction pushbutton actuates the same successive work step in the sequence of consecutive work steps.