Numerical control unit and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

This numerical control comprises: an axis configuration storage unit that stores a multitude of axis configuration patterns specifying the axis configuration of at least one first axis belonging to a first path and at least one second axis belonging to a second path; and a setting unit that sets the axis configuration in accordance with an axis configuration pattern from the multitude of axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit.

Description

[Technical area]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a numerical controller and a computer-readable storage medium. [State of the art]

[0002] A numerical controller that controls a plurality of paths using machining programs that are different from each other is conventionally known. The axis configuration of a plurality of control axes, each included in a plurality of paths, is changed based on predetermined commands. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses that a predefined command is specified in a sentence of a machining program used in a specific path, thereby performing an axis distance setting or an axis assignment setting. [Citation list][Patent literature]

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-211566 [Summary of the invention][Technical problem]

[0004] However, conventionally, it is only possible to set or remove a control axis, or to assign an axis, in one block of a machining program. Therefore, changing the axis configuration of multiple control axes requires issuing axis configuration change commands sequentially across multiple blocks, which places a heavy burden on the operator. Therefore, there is a need for technology that can easily change the axis configuration of control axes in a variety of paths. [Solution to the problem]

[0005] A numerical controller comprises: an axis configuration storage unit configured to store a plurality of axis configuration patterns each representing an axis configuration of at least one first control axis belonging to a first path and at least one second control axis belonging to a second path; and a setting unit configured to set the axis configuration in accordance with one axis configuration pattern of the plurality of axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit.

[0006] A computer-readable storage medium stores an instruction that causes a computer to perform the following: storing a plurality of axis configuration patterns each representing an axis configuration of at least one first control axis belonging to a first path and at least one second control axis belonging to a second path; and setting the axis configuration in accordance with an axis configuration pattern of the stored plurality of axis configuration patterns. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the axis configuration of control axes can be easily changed in a variety of paths. [Brief description of the drawings] [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an industrial machine. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a numerical controller. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an axis configuration pattern stored in an axis configuration storage unit. [ Fig. 4A] Fig. 4A is a diagram showing an example of another axis configuration pattern stored in the axis configuration storage unit. [ Fig. 4B] Fig. 4B is a diagram showing an example of another axis configuration pattern stored in the axis configuration storage unit. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a machining program. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a newly adjusted axis configuration. [ Fig. 7] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processes performed in the numerical control system. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a numerical controller with an operation determination unit. [ Fig. 9] Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of an axis configuration pattern. [ Fig. 10] Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram showing that path variables are assigned identification numbers. [ Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a first axis configuration pattern. [ Fig. 12] Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the functions of a numerical controller with a pattern update unit. [ Fig. 13] Fig. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a machining program with an update command. [ Fig. 14] Fig. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the changed pattern of the first axis configuration. [Description of the embodiments]

[0008] A numerical controller according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that not all combinations of features described in the following embodiment are absolutely necessary to achieve the objective. Furthermore, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. The following description of the embodiment and the drawings are intended to help those skilled in the art fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0009] A numerical control is a controller that controls an industrial machine. Examples of industrial machines include a machine tool, an electrical discharge machine, and an industrial robot. Examples of machine tools include a machining center, a lathe, and a multi-tasking machine. Examples of electrical discharge machines include wire cutting machines and die sinking machines. Examples of industrial robots include manipulators.

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an industrial machine. An industrial machine 1 includes a numerical controller 2, an input / output device 3, a servo amplifier 4, a servo motor 5, a spindle amplifier 6, a spindle motor 7, and an auxiliary device 8.

[0011] The numerical controller 2 is a controller that controls the entire industrial machine 1. The numerical controller 2 includes a hardware processor 201, a bus 202, a read-only memory (ROM) 203, a random access memory (RAM) 204, and a non-volatile memory 205.

[0012] The hardware processor 201 is a processor that controls the entire numerical control unit 2 according to a path program. The hardware processor 201 reads a path program or the like stored in the ROM 203 via the bus 202 and executes various processes based on the path program. The hardware processor 201 controls the servo motor 5 and the spindle motor 7 based on a machining program. The hardware processor 201 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or an electronic circuit.

[0013] The hardware processor 201 performs the analysis of a machining program and the output of control commands, for example, to the servo motor 5 and the spindle motor 7 in each control cycle.

[0014] Bus 202 is a communication path through which the respective hardware components of numerical control 2 are connected. These hardware components in numerical control 2 transmit data to each other via bus 202.

[0015] The ROM 203 is a storage medium that stores a path program for controlling the entire numerical controller 2 or the like. The ROM 203 is a computer-readable storage medium.

[0016] RAM 204 is a storage device that temporarily stores various data. RAM 204 acts as a work area for hardware processor 201 to process various data.

[0017] The non-volatile memory 205 is a storage device that stores data even when the industrial machine 1 is turned off and the numerical control 2 is therefore not supplied with power. The non-volatile memory 205 stores, for example, a machining program and various parameters. The non-volatile memory 205 is a computer-readable storage medium. The non-volatile memory 205 consists, for example, of a battery-backed memory or a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0018] The numerical control 2 further comprises an interface 206, an axis control circuit 207, a spindle control circuit 208 and a programmable logic controller (PLC) 209 and an I / O unit 210.

[0019] The interface 206 connects the bus 202 and the input / output device 3. The interface 206 transmits, for example, various data processed by the hardware processor 201 to the input / output device 3.

[0020] Input / output device 3 receives various data via interface 206 and displays the various data. Furthermore, input / output device 3 accepts the input of various data and transmits the various data, for example, via interface 206 to hardware processor 201.

[0021] Input / output device 3 is, for example, a touch panel. If input / output device 3 is a touch panel, input / output device 3 is, for example, a capacitive touch panel. The touch panel can also be other types of touch panels, not limited to the capacitive type. Input / output device 3 is installed in an operation panel (not shown) that houses numerical control 2.

[0022] The axis control circuit 207 is a circuit that controls the servo motor 5. In response to receiving a control command from the hardware processor 201, the axis control circuit 207 transmits various commands to the servo amplifier 4 for driving the servo motor 5. For example, the axis control circuit 207 transmits a torque command to the servo amplifier 4 for controlling the torque of the servo motor 5.

[0023] In response to receiving a command from the axis 207 control circuit, the servo amplifier 4 supplies power to the servo motor 5.

[0024] The servo motor 5 is driven by power from the servo amplifier 4. The servo motor 5 is provided for each control axis of the industrial machine 1. For example, if the industrial machine 1 is a five-axis machine tool, the servo motor 5 includes an X-axis servo motor, a Y-axis servo motor, a Z-axis servo motor, an A-axis servo motor, and a C-axis servo motor. In such a case, the axis control circuit 207 and the servo amplifier 4 are respectively provided for each servo motor 5.

[0025] The servo motor 5 is connected to a ball screw, which drives, for example, a tool column. In response to the drive of the servo motor 5, the structure of the industrial machine 1, for example, a tool column, moves in a predetermined direction of the control axis. The servo motor 5 has a built-in encoder (not shown) that determines the position of the control axis and the feed rate. Position feedback information and speed feedback information indicating the position of the control axis and the feed rate of the control axis, respectively, determined by the encoder, are fed back to the axis control circuit 207. Accordingly, the axis control circuit 207 performs feedback control of the control axis.

[0026] The spindle control circuit 208 is a circuit for controlling the spindle motor 7. In response to receiving a control command from the hardware processor 201, the spindle control circuit 208 transmits a command to drive the spindle motor 7 to the spindle amplifier 6. For example, the spindle control circuit 208 transmits a spindle rate command to control a rotational speed of the spindle motor 7 to the spindle amplifier 6.

[0027] The spindle amplifier 6 supplies power to the spindle motor 7 when it receives a command from the spindle control circuit 208.

[0028] The spindle motor 7 is driven by power supplied by the spindle amplifier 6. The spindle motor 7 is connected to the spindle and drives the spindle.

[0029] PLC 209 is a device that executes a ladder program to control auxiliary device 8. PLC 209 transmits a command to auxiliary device 8 via I / O unit 210.

[0030] The I / O unit 210 is an interface that connects the PLC 209 and the auxiliary device 8. The I / O unit 210 transmits a command received from the PLC 209 to the auxiliary device 8.

[0031] The auxiliary device 8 is a device installed on the industrial machine 1 and configured to perform an auxiliary operation in the industrial machine 1. The auxiliary device 8 operates based on a command received from the I / O unit 210. The auxiliary device 8 may be a device installed in the periphery of the industrial machine 1. For example, the auxiliary device 8 is a tool changer, a cutting fluid injector, or a drive device for opening / closing doors.

[0032] Next, the functions of the numerical control 2 are described. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the numerical controller 2. The numerical controller 2 includes a program storage unit 21, an analysis unit 22, a control unit 23, an axis configuration storage unit 24, a setting unit 25, an axis configuration setting storage unit 26, and a command acceptance unit 27.

[0033] The program storage unit 21, the axis configuration storage unit 24, and the axis configuration setting storage unit 26 are implemented when a machining program and various data are stored in the RAM 204 or the non-volatile memory 205. For example, the analysis unit 22, the control unit 23, the setting unit 25, and the command acceptance unit 27 are implemented when the hardware processor 201 performs calculation processing using a path program stored in the ROM 203 and various data stored in the non-volatile memory 205.

[0034] The program storage unit 21 stores programs. Such a program is, for example, a machining program used for machining in a machine tool. The program can be an operating program for ordering the operation of a manipulator.

[0035] The analysis unit 22 reads and analyzes a program stored in the program storage unit 21. If the program is a machining program, the analysis unit 22 reads the G codes, M codes, F codes, T codes, or the like described in the machining program and analyzes the meaning of each code.

[0036] The control unit 23 performs control of the control axes of the industrial machine 1 based on the machining program analyzed by the analysis unit 22. If the industrial machine 1 is a machine tool, the control unit 23 performs control of the control axis, thereby performing machining of a workpiece.

[0037] The axis configuration storage unit 24 stores a plurality of control axis patterns representing axis configurations of control axes, each of which belongs to a plurality of paths. That is, the axis configuration pattern is information indicating which control axis belongs to which path. In other words, the axis configuration pattern is information indicating control axes that configure each of the multiple paths.

[0038] The plurality of paths includes at least a first and a second path. Each path is associated with at least one control axis. Furthermore, the axis configuration storage unit 24 stores a plurality of axis configuration patterns. That is, the axis configuration storage unit 24 stores a plurality of axis configuration patterns representing the axis configuration of at least one first control axis associated with the first path and at least one second control axis associated with the second path.

[0039] A path is a group of axes controlled by a single machining program. For example, in a lathe with an upper tool holder, a lower tool holder, a first spindle, and a second spindle, if the upper tool holder and the first spindle are controlled based on a first machining program, the upper tool holder and the first spindle belong to the first path. If the lower tool holder and the second spindle are controlled based on a second machining program, the lower tool holder and the second spindle belong to the second path.

[0040] It should be noted that the single machining program described above may contain one or more subroutines. Furthermore, the axis may include control axes such as an X-axis, a Y-axis, a Z-axis, an A-axis, a B-axis, and a C-axis, as well as the spindle.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an axis configuration pattern stored in the axis configuration storage unit 24. The following describes the axis configuration pattern stored in Fig. The axis configuration pattern shown in Figure 3 is referred to as an initial state axis configuration pattern. The initial state refers to a state of the axis configuration that is set, for example, during manufacture and delivery of the numerical control unit 2.

[0042] At least one control axis belonging to each path is identified by an axis name and an identification number. The axis name is used, for example, when designating the control axis in the machining program. The identification number is a unique number assigned to each of the multiple control axes of an industrial machine.

[0043] A plurality of paths includes, for example, a first path, a second path, and a third path. For example, control axes whose axis names are "X1," "Y1," and "Z1" belong to the first path. The identification numbers for "X1," "Y1," and "Z1" are "101," "102," and "103," respectively. The last two digits of an identification number represent an axis number in a path to which a control axis in the initial state belongs. The third digit represents the number of a path to which a control axis in the initial state belongs. For example, the identification number "101" represents the 01st control axis in the first path.

[0044] Control axes with the axis names "X2," "Y2," and "Z2" belong to the second path. The identification numbers for "X2," "Y2," and "Z2" are "201," "202," and "203," respectively. For example, the identification number "201" represents the 01st control axis in the second path.

[0045] Control axes with axis names "X3," "Y3," and "Z3" belong to the third path. The identification numbers for "X3," "Y3," and "Z3" are "301," "302," and "303," respectively. For example, the identification number "301" represents the 01st control axis in the third path.

[0046] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are diagrams showing other axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit 24. Other axis configuration patterns are axis configuration patterns other than the axis configuration pattern in the initial state. The following describes the axis configuration pattern stored in Fig. 4A is referred to as the first axis configuration pattern, and the one shown in Fig. The axis configuration pattern shown in Figure 4B is referred to as the second axis configuration pattern.

[0047] The first axis configuration pattern is an axis configuration pattern in which "Y1" of the first path and "Y2" of the second path in the initial axis configuration pattern are swapped, and "Z3" of the third path is also moved to the first path. That is, "X1", "Y2", "Z1", and "Z3" belong to the first path in the first axis configuration pattern, "X2", "Y1", and "Z2" belong to the second path, and "X3" and "Y3" belong to the third path.

[0048] The second axis configuration pattern is an axis configuration pattern in which "X1" of the first path and "X2" of the second path in the initial state axis configuration pattern are exchanged. That is, "X2", "Y1", and "Z1" belong to the first path in the second axis configuration pattern, "X1", "Y2", and "Z2" belong to the second path, and "X3", "Y3", and "Z3" belong to the third path.

[0049] The setting unit 25 sets an axis configuration in accordance with one axis configuration pattern from a plurality of axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit 24. The setting unit 25 stores an axis configuration pattern in the axis configuration setting storage unit 26, thereby setting the axis configuration.

[0050] The axis configuration setting storage unit 26 stores the axis configuration set by the setting unit 25. The axis configuration setting storage unit 26 retains the set axis configuration until the axis configuration is changed by the setting unit 25.

[0051] When the numerical controller 2 is turned on, the setting unit 25 sets an axis configuration, for example, in accordance with the axis configuration pattern in the initial state.

[0052] The command acceptance unit 27 accepts a change command that specifies a change to a set axis configuration. The change command is, for example, a command specified in a machining program.

[0053] Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a machining program. The machining program includes a machining program for the first path, a machining program for the second path, and a machining program for the third path. Fig. In the example shown in Figure 5, a change command is specified in the machining program for the second path. The change command can be specified in a machining program for any of the numerous paths.

[0054] For example, the change command is "G52.4P1." The "G52.4" part is a G code for ordering a change to an axis configuration. The "P" part is a code for designating an axis configuration pattern. That is, "G52.4P1" is a change command for designating a change from the axis configuration set in the axis configuration setting storage unit 26 to the axis configuration represented by the first axis configuration pattern.

[0055] In response to the command accepting unit 27 accepting a change command, the setting unit 25 sets an axis configuration in accordance with another axis configuration pattern that is different from a set axis configuration pattern. Fig. In the example shown in Figure 5, the setting unit 25 changes an axis configuration represented in the axis configuration pattern of the initial state to an axis configuration represented in the first axis configuration pattern. That is, the setting unit 25 sets a new axis configuration.

[0056] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a newly adjusted axis configuration. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 6, the axis configuration represented by the axis configuration pattern of the initial state was changed to the axis configuration of the first axis configuration pattern. Specifically, "Y1," which belongs to the first path, was replaced with "Y2," which belongs to the second path, and "Z3," which belongs to the third path, was moved to the first path.

[0057] Once an axis configuration is reset, the control unit 23 controls each control axis based on the newly set axis configuration. Fig. In the example shown in Figure 6, the control unit 23 controls the control axes whose axis names are "X1," "Y2," "Z1," and "Z3" based on the machining program for the first path. Similarly, the control unit 23 controls the control axes whose axis names are "X2," "Y1," and "Z2" based on the machining program for the second path. Similarly, the control unit 23 controls the control axes whose axis names are "X3" and "Y3" based on the machining program for the third path.

[0058] Next, the flow of processes performed by the numerical controller 2 is described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes performed by the numerical controller 2.

[0059] When the numerical controller 2 is turned on, the setting unit 25 sets an axis configuration in accordance with the axis configuration pattern in the initial state (step S1).

[0060] As soon as the execution of a machining program is started, the analysis unit 22 begins to analyze the machining program (step S2).

[0061] Subsequently, the control unit 23 controls the control axes based on the machining program analyzed by the analysis unit 22 (step S3).

[0062] When the command accepting unit 27 accepts a change command, the setting unit 25 changes the axis configuration (step S4 and step S5).

[0063] The control unit 23 then controls the control axes based on the changed axis configuration (step S6) and terminates the process.

[0064] As described above, the numerical controller 2 includes the axis configuration storage unit 24 configured to store a plurality of axis configuration patterns each representing an axis configuration of at least one first control axis belonging to a first path and at least one second control axis belonging to a second path, and the setting unit 25 configured to set an axis configuration in accordance with one axis configuration pattern of the plurality of axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit 24.

[0065] Therefore, the numerical controller 2 can quickly change the axis configuration of a plurality of control axes belonging to a plurality of paths. For example, even in a multi-path system with 10 paths, the numerical controller 2 can change the axis configuration in accordance with a change command described in one sentence of a machining program for any path. This means that the operator does not need to describe the change commands of the respective machining programs for the plurality of paths. Furthermore, the operator does not need to sequentially describe multiple change commands in the machining program that change the axis configurations of the plurality of control axes. In this way, the operator's workload in creating a machining program can be reduced. Furthermore, the occurrence of errors in machining program creation can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, the numerical controller 2 includes a command accepting unit 27 configured to accept a change command that orders a change to the set axis configuration. In response to the command accepting unit 27 accepting the change command, the setting unit 25 sets an axis configuration in accordance with another axis configuration pattern different from an axis configuration pattern. Here, the change command is a command specified by a machining program. Specifically, the change command is specified in a block. This can reduce the processing time for the numerical controller 2 to analyze and process the change command. As a result, the cycle time for executing a machining program can be reduced.

[0067] The numerical controller 2 may further include an operation determination unit configured to determine whether or not at least one of the first control axis and the second control axis is operating. The operation determination unit is implemented, for example, when the hardware processor 201 performs arithmetic processing using a path program stored in the ROM 203 and various data stored in the non-volatile memory 205.

[0068] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the numerical controller 2 including the operation determination unit. An operation determination unit 28 determines whether or not at least one of the first and second control axes is operating. For example, the operation determination unit 28 determines whether or not at least one of the first control axis and the second control axis is operating based on a command output from the control unit 23 to the servo amplifier 4. The operation determination unit 28 can determine whether or not the first or second control axis is operating based on position feedback information and / or speed feedback information.

[0069] If the operation determination unit 28 determines that at least one of the first and second control axes is operating, the setting unit 25 cancels or suspends the axis configuration change. For example, if the Fig. 5 is executed, the control unit 23 suspends the execution of the change command "G52.4P1" designated by the sequence number N11 until the X1 axis is moved to 100.0 in the first path, the Y2 axis is moved to 100.0 in the second path, and the X3 axis is moved to 100.0 in the third path. In other words, the control unit 23 performs standby control until the execution of the command designated by the sequence number N10 is completed for each path.

[0070] When the operation determination unit 28 determines that neither the first nor the second control axis is operating, the setting unit 25 changes the axis configuration. In other words, when the operation determination unit 28 determines that the operations of the control axes belonging to each path are completed, the setting unit 25 changes the axis configuration. That is, after the operations of the first control axis and the second control axis are stopped, the setting unit 25 sets the axis configuration. This can prevent the occurrence of a malfunction that would otherwise be caused by a change in the axis configuration during the operation of each control axis.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the setting unit 25 resets an axis configuration based on a change command specified by a set of a machining program. However, the setting unit 25 may change the axis configuration based on a signal output in the numerical controller 2, without being limited to a change command specified in a machining program. That is, the change command may be a predefined signal. For example, when a predetermined switch on the operation panel of the numerical controller 2 is operated, such a predefined signal is output. Accordingly, the setting unit 25 can change the axis configuration in accordance with the axis configuration pattern specified by the signal.

[0072] The plurality of axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit 24 may include an interrupt axis configuration pattern that is set when operations of the first control axis and the second control axis are interrupted. The interruption means, for example, that a reset button on the operation panel is pressed, thereby ending a machining program in progress.

[0073] For example, the interrupt axis configuration pattern is the axis configuration pattern for the initial state. The interrupt axis configuration pattern can be an axis configuration pattern set when the numerical controller 2 is turned on. The interrupt axis configuration pattern can be an axis configuration pattern set immediately before the interrupt. The interrupt axis configuration pattern can be any predefined axis configuration pattern.

[0074] In response to the command accepting unit 27 accepting an interruption command instructing interruption of the operation of the first control axis and the second control axis, the setting unit 25 sets an axis configuration in accordance with the interruption axis configuration pattern.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an axis configuration pattern set in response to the command accepting unit 27 accepting an interrupt command. In response to the command accepting unit 27 accepting an interrupt command, the setting unit 25 sets an axis configuration, for example, in accordance with the axis configuration pattern in the initial state. Therefore, when the axis configuration has been set according to the first axis configuration pattern, the setting unit 25 exchanges "Y2" set for the first path with "Y1" set for the second path. Furthermore, the setting unit 25 shifts "Z3" set for the first path to the third path.

[0076] The axis configuration storage unit 24 can store a variety of axis configuration patterns by storing identification numbers assigned to path variables. For example, in the numerical controller 2, path variables are pre-assigned to the respective control axes of the respective paths, and the axis configuration storage unit 24 stores identification numbers assigned to the respective path variables.

[0077] Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an axis configuration pattern. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram showing that path variables have been assigned identification numbers. For example, in numerical control 2, path variables "#001" to "#050" are assigned to the control axes belonging to the first path. Furthermore, path variables "#051" to "#100" are assigned to the control axes belonging to the second path. Furthermore, path variables "#101" to "#150" are assigned to the control axes belonging to the third path.

[0078] For example, the identification numbers "101" to "103" are assigned to the path variables "#001" to "#003," each of which is assigned to the first path. The identification numbers "201" to "203" are assigned to the path variables "#054" to "#056," each of which is assigned to the second path. Furthermore, the identification numbers "301" to "303" are assigned to the path variables "#107" to "#109," each of which is assigned to the third path. That is, Fig. 10 shows the configuration pattern of the axes in the initial state.

[0079] Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the first axis configuration pattern. Identification numbers "101", "103", "202", and "303" are assigned to path variables "#010", "#012", "#014", and "#018", respectively, associated with the first path. Identification numbers "102", "201", and "203" are assigned to path variables "#061", "#063", and "#065", respectively, associated with the second path. Furthermore, identification numbers "301" and "302" are assigned to path variables "#116" and "#117", respectively, associated with the third path. For the second axis configuration pattern, predetermined identification numbers are assigned to the path variables in the same manner; the description of these numbers is omitted.

[0080] The setting unit 25 reads path variables corresponding to any one of the plurality of axis configuration patterns including the axis configuration pattern in the initial state, the first axis configuration pattern, and the second axis configuration pattern, stores the read path variables in the axis configuration setting storage unit 26, and thereby sets an axis configuration.

[0081] The numerical controller 2 may include a pattern update unit that updates each of the axis configuration patterns included in a plurality of axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit 24. The pattern update unit is implemented, for example, when the hardware processor 201 performs calculation processing using a path program stored in the ROM 203 and various data stored in the nonvolatile memory 205.

[0082] Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the functions of the numerical control 2 including the pattern update unit. Fig. 12 shown numerical control 2 differs from that shown in Fig. 8 by including a pattern update unit 29. Accordingly, the pattern update unit 29 and the function associated therewith are described here, and the description of the same functions as in Fig. 8 is omitted.

[0083] The pattern update unit 29 updates each of the axis configuration patterns included in the plurality of axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit 24. In response to the command accepting unit 27 accepting an update command for updating an axis configuration pattern, the pattern update unit 29 updates, for example, one of the axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit 24.

[0084] Fig. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a machining program with an update command. Fig. In the example shown in Figure 13, the update commands “#015=203”, “#018=#0”, “#065=#0” and “#118=303” are specified in a machining program for the third path. This means that the Fig. The update command shown in Figure 13 is an update command to perform an update to set “Z2” to the first path in the first axis configuration pattern shown in Fig. 11 and delete “Z3” from it, to delete “Z2” from the second path and add “Z3” to the third path. Fig. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the changed first axis configuration pattern.

[0085] It should be noted that an update command can also be issued by means other than a machining program. For example, an update command can be entered via the operator panel. When a predefined signal is output in the numerical control unit 2, it can be determined that the command acceptance unit 27 has accepted an update command.

[0086] In addition, the numerical controller 2 can store a plurality of tables used to set identification numbers for path variables. For example, the numerical controller 2 can read any one of the plurality of tables based on the operator's operation. Accordingly, the identification numbers in the table are set for the path variables. Consequently, a plurality of axis configuration patterns can be updated through a single operation.

[0087] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be appropriately modified within the scope without departing from the spirit. In the present disclosure, any component of the embodiment may be modified or omitted. [List of reference symbols] 1 Industrial Machine 2 Numerical control 201 hardware processor 202 Bus 203 ROM 204 RAM 205 Non-volatile memory 206 Interface 207 Axis control circuit 208 Spindle control circuit 209 PLC 210 I / O unit 21 Program storage unit 22 Analysis unit 23 Control unit 24 Unit for storing the axis configuration 25 setting unit 26 Unit for storing the axis configuration setting 27 Command Acceptance Unit 28 Unit for operational determination 29 Pattern Update Unit 3 Input / output device 4 servo amplifiers 5 Servo motor 6 spindle amplifiers 7 spindle motor 8 Auxiliary device QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2010-211566

[0003]

Claims

[1] A numerical control with: an axis configuration storage unit configured to store a plurality of axis configuration patterns each representing an axis configuration of at least one first control axis belonging to a first path and at least one second control axis belonging to a second path; and a setting unit configured to set the axis configuration in accordance with one axis configuration pattern from the plurality of axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit. [2] The numerical controller according to claim 1 further comprises a command accepting unit configured to accept a change command instructing a change of the set axis configuration, wherein in response to the command accepting unit accepting the change command, the setting unit sets the axis configuration in accordance with another axis configuration pattern different from the one axis configuration pattern. [3] The numerical controller according to claim 2 further comprises an operation determination unit configured to determine whether or not at least one of the first control axis and the second control axis is in operation, wherein, when the operation determination unit determines that at least one of the first control axis and the second control axis is in operation, the setting unit cancels or suspends the change of the axis configuration. [4] A numerical controller according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the change command is a command specified in a machining program. [5] The numerical controller according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the change command is a predefined signal. [6] The numerical control according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the plurality of axis configuration patterns includes an interruption axis configuration pattern that is set when operations of the first control axis and the second control axis are interrupted, and wherein, in response to the command accepting unit accepting an interruption command ordering an interruption of the operations of the first control axis and the second control axis, the setting unit sets the axis configuration in accordance with the interruption axis configuration pattern. [7] The numerical control device according to any one of claims 2 to 6 further comprises a pattern updating unit configured to update any one of the axis configuration patterns included in the plurality of axis configuration patterns stored in the axis configuration storage unit, wherein, in response to the command accepting unit accepting an update command to update the one-axis configuration pattern, the pattern updating unit updates the one-axis configuration pattern. [8] A computer-readable storage medium that stores an instruction that causes a computer to: Storing a plurality of axis configuration patterns each representing an axis configuration of at least one first control axis belonging to a first path and at least one second control axis belonging to a second path; and Setting the axis configuration in accordance with one axis configuration pattern from the stored plurality of axis configuration patterns.

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