Numerical control device

Abstract

This numerical control device comprises: a relative orientation control unit that performs relative orientation control involving automatically determining change directions for the relative positions and the relative orientations of a tool of a machine tool and a workpiece on the basis of a program for performing lathe turning while changing the relative positions and the relative orientations; and a relative orientation control determination unit that determines whether to activate or inactivate the relative orientation control on the basis of correspondence information for determining whether to activate or inactivate the relative orientation control. The relative orientation control unit performs the relative orientation control in accordance with the activation or inactivation that has been determined for the relative orientation control by the relative orientation control determination unit.

Description

Numerical Control Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a numerical control device.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, in a machine tool, a machining method is known in which a turning tool is used to turn a workpiece while automatically changing the relative position between the tool and the workpiece, so that a complex shape can be machined using a single turning tool.

[0003] In such machining, the numerical control device commands the position and relative orientation of the cutting point for each block of the program, and controls the linear axes, rotary axes, etc. of the machine tool in accordance with these commands and preset tool offsets (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, a technique is known for automatically controlling the relative attitude (the rotation angle of the rotation axis B) and the direction of change of the relative attitude (the rotation direction of the rotation axis B) so that interference between the tool and the workpiece can be avoided simply by specifying the relative positions of the tool and the workpiece (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] JP-A-5-100723 Patent No. 7032615

[0006] In the above-described numerical control device, for example, there are cases where an operator wants to keep the tool facing in a specified direction and not turn the tool during the tool approach operation, tool retraction operation, tool turning operation, etc. In such cases, it is necessary to explicitly disable the automatic control of the relative attitude during the tool approach operation and tool retraction operation, and to explicitly enable the relative attitude control during the turning operation.

[0007] That is, in order to perform the above-described relative attitude control, it is necessary to write a command to explicitly enable or disable the relative attitude control in the machining program.

[0008] However, when commands such as those described above are written into a machining program, the following problems (1) to (4) arise: (1) Editing the machining program is time-consuming. (2) Programming errors are likely to occur when editing the machining program (such as forgetting to specify whether to enable or disable relative attitude control). (3) The machining program becomes complicated, reducing its readability. (4) The number of blocks in the machining program increases, delaying the cycle time.

[0009] Therefore, there is a demand for a numerical control device that can simplify machining programs for turning and make it easy to edit the machining programs.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is a numerical control device that includes a relative attitude control unit that performs relative attitude control, including automatically determining a direction of change of the relative position and relative attitude, based on a program for performing turning by changing the relative position and relative attitude between a tool of a machine tool and a workpiece, and a relative attitude control determination unit that determines whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control based on corresponding information for determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control, and the relative attitude control unit performs the relative attitude control in accordance with the enablement or disablement of the relative attitude control determined by the relative attitude control determination unit.

[0011] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of a numerical control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram showing an example of relative posture control of a tool of a machine tool. It is a diagram showing an example of commands of a machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 2. It is a diagram showing an example of commands for enabling and disabling relative posture control in a program. It is a diagram for explaining commands of a program for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 4. It is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether to enable or disable relative posture control shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. It is a diagram showing an example of commands for enabling and disabling relative posture control in a machining program. It is a diagram for explaining commands of a machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 7. It is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether to enable or disable relative posture control shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. It is a diagram showing an example of commands for enabling and disabling relative posture control in a machining program. It is a diagram showing an example of a ladder circuit. It is a diagram for explaining commands of a machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 10. It is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether to enable or disable relative posture control shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. It is a diagram showing an example of commands for enabling and disabling relative posture control in a machining program. It is a diagram for explaining commands of a machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 14. It is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether to enable or disable relative posture control shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. It is a diagram showing an example of a conventional machining program. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a machining program according to the present embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of commands for enabling and disabling relative posture control in the machining program. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining commands of the machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a conventional program. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a program according to the present embodiment. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a machining program for a single-type canned cycle. FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining a single-type canned cycle (straight cutting cycle). FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of commands for enabling and disabling relative posture control in the machining program for a single-type canned cycle. FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining commands of the machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 27.31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command to enable and disable relative posture control in a machining program. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a process to determine whether to enable or disable relative posture control shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command to enable and disable relative posture control in a machining program. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a ladder circuit. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command to enable and disable relative posture control in a machining program. FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a process to determine whether to enable or disable relative posture control shown in FIGS. 33 to 35. FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a command of a machining program to perform relative posture control shown in FIG. 37. FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a process to determine whether to enable or disable relative posture control shown in FIGS. 37 and 38.

[0012] An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a numerical control device 1 according to this embodiment. The numerical control device 1 is a numerical control device known to those skilled in the art, and generates operation commands based on control information and transmits the generated operation commands to a machine tool 2. In this way, the numerical control device 1 controls the operation of the machine tool 2.

[0013] The machine tool 2 is a machine that turns a workpiece using a turning tool in accordance with an operation command from the numerical control device 1. A control axis 21 of the machine tool 2 rotates the turning tool in accordance with a command from the numerical control device 1.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , the numerical control device 1 includes a relative attitude control determination unit 11 , a relative attitude control unit 12 , an axis control unit 13 , a relative attitude control output unit 14 , and a correspondence relationship storage unit 15 .

[0015] The relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information for determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control. Note that the relative attitude control refers to automatically controlling the relative attitude and the direction of change of the turning tool, and is realized by existing technologies such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-100723 and Japanese Patent No. 7032615.

[0016] As an example of relative attitude control, the numerical control device 1 acquires the geometric shape of a turning tool (e.g., a multi-edge tool), reads machining shape information of the turning tool from a machining program command that does not explicitly specify a relative attitude, and determines the relative attitude and rotation direction of the turning tool based on the geometric shape and machining shape information of the turning tool so that the cutting surface of the workpiece and the turning tool do not interfere with each other. This allows the numerical control device 1 to control the turning tool so that the relative attitude is automatically determined without the relative attitude of the turning tool being explicitly specified in the machining program command.

[0017] The relative posture control unit 12 executes relative posture control, including automatically determining the direction of change of the relative position and the relative posture, based on a machining program (hereinafter also simply referred to as the program) for performing turning by changing the relative position and the relative posture between the tool and the workpiece of the machine tool 2. The relative posture control unit 12 executes relative posture control in accordance with whether the relative posture control is enabled or disabled as determined by the relative posture control determination unit 11.

[0018] Here, the correspondence information includes at least one of the following: information associating the types of positioning commands and cutting commands instructed by the program with the types of positioning feed operations and cutting feed operations included in one cycle command instructed by the program with enabling or disabling of relative posture control; information associating the types of positioning feed operations and cutting feed operations included in one cycle command instructed by the program with enabling or disabling of relative posture control; information associating the relative positions instructed by the program with enabling or disabling of relative posture control; information associating signals input to the numerical control device 1 with enabling or disabling of relative posture control; and information associating feedback information from the axes of the machine tool 2 with enabling or disabling of relative posture control.

[0019] The axis control unit 13 outputs a signal for controlling the operation of the servo motor of the control axis 21 in accordance with a command from the relative attitude control unit 12 .

[0020] The relative attitude control output unit 14 outputs the determination result by the relative attitude control determination unit 11 to a display device, an external device, etc., and presents the determination result to a user. The relative attitude control output unit 14 also outputs at least one of a log of the determination result by the relative attitude control determination unit 11 and data associating program blocks with the determination result. The correspondence relationship storage unit 15 stores the above-mentioned correspondence information.

[0021] The above-mentioned relative attitude control determination unit 11, relative attitude control unit 12, axis control unit 13, and relative attitude control output unit 14 are composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and function by executing a program stored in a storage device.

[0022] The correspondence storage unit 15 is composed of storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores an OS (Operating System), application programs, etc., a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk drive or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various other information.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of relative attitude control of a tool of machine tool 2, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of commands of a machining program for performing the relative attitude control shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, machine tool 2 performs turning on workpiece 23 using turning tool 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as tool 22). In the example shown in Fig. 2, turning is performed from block N1 to block N4, and Fig. 2 shows the rotation angle of tool 22 about rotation axis B in each block.

[0024] Generally, in turning, for example, during an approach operation, an escape operation, etc., there are cases where an operator wants to keep the tool 22 facing in a direction specified by the operator and not rotate the tool 22. In such cases, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control during the approach operation of the tool 22 such as block N1 and the escape operation of the tool 22 such as block N4. Then, as shown in FIG. 3 , when it is determined that the relative attitude control is to be disabled, the relative attitude control unit 12 omits a command to disable the relative attitude control and performs control so that the relative attitude control is not executed.

[0025] Furthermore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines the activation of relative attitude control in the turning operation of the tool 22 such as the N2 block and the N3 block. Then, as shown in Fig. 3, when it is determined that the relative attitude control is activated, the relative attitude control unit 12 omits the activation command for the relative attitude control and performs control so as to execute the relative attitude control. Next, the control according to the correspondence information will be described with reference to Figs.

[0026] 4-6 are diagrams showing examples in which the correspondence information is information in which the types of positioning commands and cutting commands issued by a program are associated with the enablement or disablement of relative attitude control.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of commands for enabling and disabling the relative posture control in the machining program, and Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining commands of the machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in Fig. 4.

[0028] In this example, turning is performed from block N1 to block N8 as shown in Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figure 5, block N1 (program: G00 X4.0 Z0.0;) includes a positioning command (G00), and the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the positioning command (G00) and the disablement of relative attitude control in association with each other.

[0029] Therefore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information. Similarly, block N4 (program: G00 X12.0;), block N5 (program: X8.0;), and block N8 (program: G00 X8.0 Z4.0;) include positioning commands, and the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0030] Block N2 (program G01 Z-10.0;) includes a cutting command (G01), and the correspondence storage unit 15 stores the cutting command (G01) and the activation of relative attitude control in association with each other as correspondence information. Therefore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines the activation of relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0031] Similarly, block N3 (program: X8.0;), block N6 (program: G01 X4.0;) and block N7 (program: Z0.0;) contain cutting commands (G01), and the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines whether to enable relative posture control based on the corresponding information.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. In step S1, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads a block of a machining program for performing turning.

[0033] In step S2, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether a command type is specified in the read block. If a command type is specified (YES), the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if a command type is not specified (NO), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0034] In step S3, the relative attitude control determiner 11 checks the type of command specified in advance, and then the process proceeds to step S5. In step S4, the relative attitude control determiner 11 checks the type of command for the block from the modal information, and then the process proceeds to step S5.

[0035] In step S5, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether the command is a positioning command (G00). If the command is a positioning command (G00) (YES), the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the command is not a positioning command (G00) (NO), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0036] In step S6, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and then the process ends. In step S7, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether the command is a cutting command (G01). If the command is a cutting command (G01) (YES), the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the command is not a cutting command (G01) (NO), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0037] In step S8, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 confirms that the command is a command other than the positioning command (G00) and the cutting command (G01), and proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and then the process ends.

[0038] 7-9 are diagrams showing examples in which the correspondence information is information in which the relative position commanded in the program is associated with the enabling or disabling of relative posture control. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing examples of commands to enable and disable relative posture control in the machining program. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining commands in the machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in Fig. 7.

[0039] In this example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, turning is performed from block N1 to block N8. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a predetermined range T1 is specified by parameters. For example, the predetermined range T1 is specified as -8.5≦X≦8.5 for the X axis and Z≦0.5 for the Z axis. If both the start point and end point of the block are included in the predetermined range T1, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable relative attitude control.

[0040] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, block N1 (program: G00 X4.0 Z0.0;) includes a relative position X4.0 Z0.0, and the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that the starting point is outside a predetermined range T1 and the invalidation of relative attitude control in association with each other.

[0041] Therefore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative attitude control based on the correspondence information. Similarly, block N5 (program: X8.0;) includes relative position X8.0, and the correspondence relationship storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that the starting point is outside the predetermined range T1 and the disablement of relative attitude control, in association with each other. Therefore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0042] Block N2 (program G01 Z-10.0;) includes the relative position (Z-10.0), and the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that the start point and end point are within a predetermined range T1 and the activation of relative attitude control, in association with each other. Therefore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines the activation of relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0043] Similarly, for block N3 (program: X8.0;), block N6 (program: G01 X4.0;), and block N7 (program: Z0.0;), the start and end points are both within the predetermined range T1. Therefore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0044] Block N4 (program: G00 X12.0;) includes the relative position (X12.0), and the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that the end point is outside the predetermined range T1 and the invalidation of relative attitude control, in association with each other. Therefore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to invalidate relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0045] Similarly, block N8 (program: G00 X8.0 Z4.0;) includes the relative position (X8.0 Z4.0), and the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that the end point is outside the predetermined range T1 and the invalidation of relative attitude control, in association with each other. Therefore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to invalidate relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0046] 9 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In step S21, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads a block of a machining program for performing turning. In step S22, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads parameters that define a range from the read block.

[0047] In step S23, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether the start point of the block is within a predetermined range T1. If the start point is within the predetermined range T1 (YES), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the start point is not within the predetermined range T1 (NO), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0048] In step S24, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether the end point of the block is within a predetermined range T1. If the end point is within the predetermined range T1 (YES), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the end point is not within the predetermined range T1 (NO), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0049] In step S25, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and then the process ends. In step S26, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and then the process ends.

[0050] 10-13 are diagrams showing examples in which the correspondence information is information that associates a signal input to a numerical control device with the enabling or disabling of relative posture control. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a command to enable and disable relative posture control in a machining program. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a ladder circuit. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a command of a machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 10.

[0051] In this example, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, turning is performed from block N1 to block N8. Within a predetermined stroke range of each axis (X-axis, Z-axis), the relative attitude control determination unit 11 controls the signal input to the numerical control device 1 to be turned on or off. Also, as shown in Figure 10, the activation and deactivation of relative attitude control is changed between blocks N1, N4, N5, and N8 (boundary R in Figure 10).

[0052] Here, the signals for each axis are controlled using the following conditions: -8.5≦X≦8.5→Rnnnn.n=1 Z≦0.5→Rmmmm.m=1

[0053] 11, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 performs a bitwise AND operation on the ladder and inputs the result to Gxxxx.x. The relative attitude control determination unit 11 then determines whether to enable or disable relative attitude control depending on the value of the signal Gxxxx.x.

[0054] 13, block N1 (program: G00 X4.0 Z0.0;) includes a relative position (X4.0 Z0.0). The correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, Gxxxx.x=0 and disabling of relative attitude control in association with each other, and Gxxxx.x=1 and enabling of relative attitude control in association with each other.

[0055] Therefore, at the beginning of block N1, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x = 0, and determines to enable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x = 1 from the middle.

[0056] Similarly, block N5 (program: X8.0;) includes a relative position (X8.0). Therefore, at the beginning of block N5, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x = 0. Then, in block N6 (program: G01 X4.0;), it determines to enable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x = 1 from the middle of the block. Here, in blocks N1 and N5, relative attitude control switches from disabled to enabled midway through the block. Specifically, because relative attitude control is disabled until immediately before it is enabled, the rotation axis (B-axis) of the tool 22 moves without rotating, maintaining the angle at the command start point. Then, when relative attitude control is enabled, relative attitude control is started from the angle of the B-axis at the command start point immediately before it was enabled.

[0057] Furthermore, block N2 (program G01 Z-10.0;) includes the relative position (Z-10.0), but since all calculation results in the above ladder are Gxxxx.x = 1, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0058] Similarly, block N7 (program: Z0.0;) includes the relative position (Z0.0), but since all calculation results in the above ladder are Gxxxx.x = 1, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0059] Furthermore, block N4 (program: G00 X12.0;) includes a relative position (X12.0). As described above, the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, Gxxxx.x=0 and disabling of relative attitude control in association with each other, and Gxxxx.x=1 and enabling of relative attitude control in association with each other.

[0060] Therefore, at the beginning of block N4, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x = 1, and determines to disable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x = 0 from the middle.

[0061] Similarly, block N8 (program: G0X8.0 Z4.0;) includes the relative position (X8.0 Z4.0). Therefore, at the beginning of block N8, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x = 1, and determines to disable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x = 0 from the middle.

[0062] Here, in blocks N4 and N8, the relative posture control switches from enabled to disabled midway through the block. Specifically, since the relative posture control is enabled until just before it is disabled, the relative posture control unit 12 moves the tool 22 by relative posture control. Then, when the relative posture control is disabled, the relative posture control unit 12 moves the tool 22 to the end point of the block by positioning feed. Note that the end point of the block when the relative posture control was enabled is used for the entire block.

[0063] 13 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. In step S31, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether it is a communication cycle with the ladder. If it is a communication cycle with the ladder (YES), the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if it is not a communication cycle with the ladder (NO), the process then ends.

[0064] In step S32, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 performs the above-mentioned ladder calculation and reads the signal Gxxxx.x. In step S33, it is determined whether the signal Gxxxx.x is 1 or 0. If the signal Gxxxx.x is 1, the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the signal Gxxxx.x is 0, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0065] In step S34, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and then the process returns to step S31. In step S35, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and then the process returns to step S31.

[0066] 14-16 show examples where the correspondence information is information that associates feedback information from a servo motor that rotates the axis of the machine tool 2 with the enabling or disabling of relative posture control. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing examples of commands to enable and disable relative posture control in a machining program. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining commands in the machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 14. The position deviation of the servo motor in the machine tool 2 is detected by an encoder (not shown) or the like.

[0067] In this example, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, turning is performed from block N1 to block N8. Furthermore, the tool 22 comes into contact with the workpiece during cutting, generating a cutting load, which increases the motor position deviation. Therefore, for each axis (X-axis, Z-axis), if the (position deviation / feedrate) is equal to or greater than the cutting judgment threshold, the relative posture control determiner 11 enables the relative posture control. Furthermore, for each axis (X-axis, Z-axis), if the (position deviation / feedrate) is less than the cutting judgment threshold, the relative posture control determiner 11 disables the relative posture control.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15 , block N1 (program: G00 X4.0 Z0.0;) includes a relative position (X4.0 Z0.0). The correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that (the position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is outside the cutting judgment range (i.e., less than the cutting judgment threshold) and the disabling of relative posture control, in association with each other. Therefore, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative posture control because (the position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is outside the cutting judgment range.

[0069] Similarly, block N4 (program: G00 X12.0;), block N5 (program: X8.0;), and block N8 (program: G00 X8.0 Z4.0;) each contain a relative position. For blocks N4, N5, and N8, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative posture control because the (X-axis, Z-axis position deviation / feedrate) is outside the cutting judgment range.

[0070] Furthermore, block N2 (program G01 Z-10.0;) includes a relative position (Z-10.0). The correspondence relationship storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that (the position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is outside the cutting judgment range and the disabling of relative posture control, in association with each other. Furthermore, the correspondence relationship storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that (the position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is within the cutting judgment range and the enabling of relative posture control, in association with each other.

[0071] Therefore, at the beginning of block N2, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative posture control while (X-axis, Z-axis position deviation / feed rate) is outside the cutting judgment range, and from halfway through, while (X-axis, Z-axis position deviation / feed rate) is within the cutting judgment range, it determines to enable relative posture control.

[0072] Similarly, block N6 (program: G01 X4.0;) includes a relative position (X4.0). Therefore, at the beginning of block N6, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative posture control while the (position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is outside the cutting judgment range, and then determines to enable relative posture control while the (position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is within the cutting judgment range.

[0073] Here, in blocks N2 and N6, the relative attitude control switches from disabled to enabled midway through the blocks. Specifically, because the relative attitude control is disabled until immediately before it is enabled, the rotation axis (B-axis) of the tool 22 moves without rotating, maintaining the angle at the command start point. Then, when the relative attitude control is enabled, the relative attitude control starts from the angle of the B-axis at the command start point immediately before it was enabled.

[0074] Furthermore, with regard to block N3 (program: X8.0;), at the beginning of block N3, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to enable relative posture control while (position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is within the cutting judgment range, and from the middle of block N3, while (position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is outside the cutting judgment range, it determines to disable relative posture control.

[0075] Similarly, for block N7 (program: Z0.0;), at the beginning of block N7, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to enable relative posture control while the (position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is within the cutting judgment range, and from the middle of block N7, while the (position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is outside the cutting judgment range, it determines to disable relative posture control.

[0076] Here, in blocks N3 and N7, the relative posture control switches from enabled to disabled midway through the block. Specifically, since the relative posture control is enabled until immediately before being disabled, the relative posture control unit 12 moves the tool 22 by the relative posture control. Then, when the relative posture control is disabled, the relative posture control unit 12 moves the tool 22 to the end point of the block by positioning feed. Note that the end point of the block when the relative posture control was enabled is used for the entire corresponding block.

[0077] 16 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. In step S41, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether it is a communication cycle with the motor. If it is a communication cycle with the motor (YES), the process proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, if it is not a communication cycle with the motor (NO), the process then ends.

[0078] In step S42, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads the X-axis cutting judgment threshold value Hx from the storage device of the machine tool 2. In step S43, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads the position deviation Px of the X-axis motor of the machine tool 2.

[0079] In step S44, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines whether (X-axis position deviation Px / feed rate Fx) is equal to or greater than the cutting determination threshold Hx. If (Px / Fx)≧Hx (YES), the process proceeds to step S45. On the other hand, if (Px / Fx)<Hx (NO), the process proceeds to step S46.

[0080] In step S45, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether to enable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads the Z-axis cutting determination threshold value Hz from the storage device of the machine tool 2.

[0081] In step S47, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads the position deviation Pz of the Z-axis motor of the machine tool 2. In step S48, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether or not (Z-axis position deviation Pz / feedrate Fz) is equal to or greater than the cutting determination threshold value Hz. If (Pz / Fz)≧Hz (YES), the process proceeds to step S49. On the other hand, if (Pz / Fz)<Hz (NO), the process proceeds to step S50.

[0082] In step S49, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and the process proceeds to step S50. In step S50, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and the process returns to step S41.

[0083] The relative attitude control determiner 11 is not limited to the above example, and may use a combination of multiple correspondence information. For example, the relative attitude control determiner 11 may enable relative attitude control only when each block includes a cutting command and the relative positions of the start point and end point of the command are within a predetermined range.

[0084] Furthermore, the relative posture control determination unit 11 may enable the relative posture control only when each block includes a cutting command and the input signal is 1 (Gxxxx.x = 1). Furthermore, the relative posture control determination unit 11 may enable the relative posture control only when each block includes a cutting command and (X-axis, Z-axis position deviation / feedrate) is equal to or greater than the cutting determination threshold.

[0085] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional machining program, and Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a machining program according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, the machining program according to this embodiment does not require the commands Gxx in block N2, Gyy in block N4, Gxx in block N6, and Gyy in block N8 in the conventional machining program, thereby simplifying the machining program for turning and facilitating editing of the machining program.

[0086] 19-21 are diagrams showing examples of outputs for enabling and disabling relative posture control. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing examples of commands for enabling and disabling relative posture control in a machining program. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining commands of the machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in Fig. 20.

[0087] 19-21, when the relative attitude control is disabled by the relative attitude control determination unit 11, the relative attitude control output unit 14 sets the macro variable #nnnn=0, sets the output signal Fmmmm.m=0, and outputs the macro variable and the output signal.

[0088] Furthermore, when relative attitude control is enabled by the relative attitude control determination unit 11, the relative attitude control output unit 14 sets a macro variable #nnnn=1, sets an output signal Fmmmm.m=1, and outputs the macro variable and the output signal. Note that the relative attitude control output unit 14 may set either the macro variable or the output signal, or may set both.

[0089] By configuring the numerical control device 1 in this way, it is possible to realize a machining program that changes its behavior depending on whether the relative position control is enabled or disabled, using macro variables. Also, when an output signal is output to an external device, it is possible to realize an operation that changes its behavior depending on whether the relative posture control is enabled or disabled from the external device.

[0090] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a display example of a conventional program. Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 are diagrams showing display examples of a program according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 22, the display example of the conventional program is displayed on the screen of an actual display device with a black background and white characters.

[0091] On the other hand, in the display examples of the program according to this embodiment shown in Figures 23 and 24, the relative attitude control output unit 14 outputs at least one of a log of the determination results and data associating the program blocks with the determination results.

[0092] 23 shows a log of the determination results. In the log of the determination results by the relative attitude control determination unit 11, the relative attitude control output unit 14 highlights in different ways blocks in the program where relative attitude control is disabled and blocks in the program where relative attitude control is enabled.

[0093] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 23 , the relative attitude control output unit 14 highlights in green the characters in blocks N1 and N4 where relative attitude control is disabled. Furthermore, the relative attitude control output unit 14 highlights in blue the characters in blocks N2 and N3 where relative attitude control is enabled. Also, because the display example shown in Fig. 23 is a log of the determination results, the characters in blocks N5 and onward, which have not yet been executed, are not highlighted but are displayed in white. Note that in Fig. 23 , characters other than those mentioned above are displayed in white against a black background, as in Fig. 22 .

[0094] By configuring in this way, the numerical control device 1 can present to the user how relative attitude control is executed in each block of the program. Note that in Fig. 23, the characters in blocks N1 and N4 are written in italics instead of green, and the characters in blocks N2 and N3 are written in underlined text instead of blue.

[0095] 24 is a diagram showing another example of displaying a program according to this embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 24 displays data associating program blocks with determination results. The relative attitude control output unit 14 highlights, in different ways, blocks in the program for which relative attitude control is invalid and blocks in the program for which relative attitude control is valid, in the data associating program blocks with determination results by the relative attitude control determination unit 11.

[0096] For example, when the relative posture control is automatically turned on / off based on the type of program command (a positioning command disables the relative posture control, and a cutting command enables the relative posture control), the numerical control device 1 can obtain the determination result of whether to enable or disable the relative posture control from the program data even before the program is executed. In such a case, the relative posture control output unit 14 creates data that associates each block with the determination result for that block, and displays the data.

[0097] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 24, the relative attitude control output unit 14 highlights in green the characters of blocks N1, N4, N5, and N8, for which relative attitude control is disabled. Furthermore, the relative attitude control output unit 14 highlights in blue the characters of blocks N2, N3, N6, and N7, for which relative attitude control is enabled. Note that in Fig. 24, characters other than those mentioned above are displayed in white against a black background, as in Figs. 22 and 23.

[0098] By configuring in this way, the numerical control device 1 can present the determination result to the user before executing the program, making it easier for the user to edit the program. Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 24, when the enable / disable of the relative attitude control changes during the execution of a block, the relative attitude control output unit 14 may display the text of the block in a different color (for example, yellow).

[0099] Next, an example of a single-type canned cycle having a function of being able to command multiple operations with one command will be described. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a machining program for the single-type canned cycle, and Fig. 26 is a diagram for explaining a single-type canned cycle (straight cutting cycle). Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a command to enable and disable relative posture control in a machining program for the single-type canned cycle.

[0100] As shown in Figure 25, an example of a single-type canned cycle machining program is shown as a machining program (G90 X4.0 Z10.0 F1000;). A single-type canned cycle machining program can execute operations (1) to (4) with the above single command. Here, operations (1) and (4) are positioning feeds, and operations (2) and (3) are cutting feeds.

[0101] (X4.0 Z10.0) specifies the coordinate values ​​of point A (see FIG. 27) shown in FIG. 25, meaning that the coordinates (X, Z) are (4.0, 10.0). (F1000) is the feed rate during the cutting operations in operation (2) and operation (3), meaning that the feed rate is 1000 mm / min. Also, in FIG. 26, 1 (R) corresponds to operation (1), 2 (F) corresponds to operation (2), 3 (F) corresponds to operation (3), and 4 (R) corresponds to operation (4).

[0102] 27, in operation (4), the tool 22 is returned to the position at the start of the cycle by the positioning operation. Note that in operation (4), the relative attitude control of the tool 22 is not executed, and the tool 22 is moved by the positioning operation in the X-axis, Z-axis, and B-axis at the position and tool attitude at the start of the cycle.

[0103] 27 to 29 are diagrams showing examples in which the correspondence information is information in which the types of positioning feed operation and cutting feed operation included in one cycle command commanded by the program are associated with the enablement or disablement of relative posture control. Fig. 28 is a diagram for explaining the commands of the machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in Fig. 27.

[0104] 28, the commands of the machining program for the single-type canned cycle include positioning operations (operations (1) and (4)) and cutting feed operations (operations (2) and (3)). The correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the positioning operations (operations (1) and (4)) and the disabling of relative posture control in association with each other, and the cutting feed operations (operations (2) and (3)) and the enabling of relative posture control in association with each other.

[0105] Therefore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information in operations (1) and (4). Similarly, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information in operations (2) and (3).

[0106] Fig. 29 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control shown in Fig. 27 and Fig. 28. In step S61, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads a machining program for performing turning.

[0107] In step S62, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether or not a type of operation is specified in one command of the loaded machining program. If a type of operation is specified (YES), the process proceeds to step S63. On the other hand, if a type of operation is not specified (NO), the process proceeds to step S64.

[0108] In step S63, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 checks the type of motion specified in advance, and then the process proceeds to step S65. In step S64, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 checks the type of motion from the modal information, and then the process proceeds to step S65.

[0109] In step S65, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines whether the operation is a positioning feed operation. If the operation is a positioning feed operation (YES), the process proceeds to step S66. On the other hand, if the operation is not a positioning feed operation (NO), the process proceeds to step S67.

[0110] In step S66, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative posture control based on the correspondence information, and then the processing ends. In step S67, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines whether the operation is a cutting feed operation. If the operation is a cutting feed operation (YES), the processing proceeds to step S69. On the other hand, if the operation is not a cutting feed operation (NO), the processing proceeds to step S68.

[0111] In step S68, the relative posture control determination unit 11 confirms that the operation is an operation other than the positioning feed operation and the cutting feed operation, and proceeds to step S69. In step S69, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to enable the relative posture control based on the correspondence information, and then the processing ends.

[0112] 30-32 are diagrams showing examples in which the correspondence information is information that associates the relative position included in one cycle command issued by the program with the enabling or disabling of relative attitude control.

[0113] Fig. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a command for enabling and disabling the relative posture control in the machining program. Fig. 31 is a diagram for explaining the operation of one cycle command for performing the relative posture control shown in Fig. 30.

[0114] In this example, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, turning is performed from operation (1) to operation (4). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30, a predetermined range T11 is specified by parameters. For example, the predetermined range T11 is specified as -7.5≦X≦7.5 for the X axis and as Z≦0.5 for the Z axis. If both the start point and end point of the operation are outside the predetermined range T11, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative attitude control.

[0115] 31 , for motion (1), the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that the start and end points of the motion are outside a predetermined range T11 and the invalidation of relative attitude control. Therefore, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to invalidate relative attitude control based on the correspondence information. Similarly, for motion (4), the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to invalidate relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0116] For motion (2), the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that the end point of the motion is within a predetermined range T11 and the activation of relative attitude control, in association with each other. Furthermore, for motion (3), the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that the start point of the motion is within a predetermined range T11 and the activation of relative attitude control, in association with each other. Therefore, for motions (2) and (3), the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines the activation of relative attitude control based on the correspondence information.

[0117] Fig. 32 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control shown in Fig. 30 and Fig. 31. In step S71, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads a machining program for performing turning. In step S72, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads parameters that define a range from the read machining program.

[0118] In step S73, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether the starting point of the movement is outside the predetermined range T11. If the starting point is outside the predetermined range T11 (YES), the process proceeds to step S74. On the other hand, if the starting point is not outside the predetermined range T11 (NO), the process proceeds to step S76.

[0119] In step S74, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether the end point of the motion is outside the predetermined range T11. If the end point is outside the predetermined range T11 (YES), the process proceeds to step S75. On the other hand, if the end point is not outside the predetermined range T11 (NO), the process proceeds to step S76.

[0120] In step S75, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and then the process ends. In step S76, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and then the process ends.

[0121] 33-36 are diagrams showing examples of a single-type fixed-cycle machining program in which the correspondence information is information that associates a signal input to the numerical control device 1 with the enabling or disabling of relative posture control. FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a command to enable and disable relative posture control in a machining program. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a ladder circuit. FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the operation of one cycle command for performing the relative posture control shown in FIG. 33.

[0122] In this example, as shown in Figures 33 and 35, turning is performed from operation (1) to operation (4). Within a predetermined stroke range of each axis (X-axis, Z-axis), the relative attitude control determination unit 11 controls the signal input to the numerical control device 1 to be turned on or off. Also, as shown in Figure 34, the activation and deactivation of relative attitude control is changed during operation (2) and operation (3) (boundary R1 in Figure 33).

[0123] Here, the signals for each axis are controlled using the following conditions: -7.5≦X≦7.5→Rnnnn.n=1 Z≦0.5→Rmmmm.m=1

[0124] 34, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 performs a bitwise AND operation on the ladder and inputs the result to Gxxxx.x. The relative attitude control determination unit 11 then determines whether to enable or disable relative attitude control depending on the value of the signal Gxxxx.x.

[0125] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35 , the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, Gxxxx.x=0 and the disablement of relative attitude control in association with each other, and Gxxxx.x=1 and the enablement of relative attitude control in association with each other. For operations (1) and (4), all of the calculation results in the ladder are Gxxxx.x=0, ​​so the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative attitude control based on the correspondence information. Regarding operation (2), at the beginning of operation (2), the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x=0, ​​and determines to enable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x=1 is obtained from the middle of operation (2). Regarding operation (3), at the beginning of operation (3), the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable relative attitude control while Gxxxx.x=1 is obtained from the middle of operation (3). While x=0, it is determined that the relative attitude control is disabled.

[0126] 36 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control shown in FIGS. 33 to 35. In step S81, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether it is a communication cycle with the ladder. If it is a communication cycle with the ladder (YES), the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if it is not a communication cycle with the ladder (NO), the process then ends.

[0127] In step S82, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 performs the above-mentioned ladder calculation and reads the signal Gxxxx.x. In step S83, it is determined whether the signal Gxxxx.x is 1 or 0. If the signal Gxxxx.x is 1, the process proceeds to step S84. On the other hand, if the signal Gxxxx.x is 0, the process proceeds to step S85.

[0128] In step S84, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and then the process returns to step S81. In step S85, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and then the process returns to step S81.

[0129] Figures 37-39 show an example of a single-type fixed cycle machining program in which the correspondence information is information that associates feedback information from the servo motor that rotates the axis of the machine tool 2 with the enabling or disabling of relative attitude control.

[0130] Fig. 37 is a diagram showing an example of commands for enabling and disabling relative posture control in a machining program. Fig. 38 is a diagram for explaining commands of the machining program for performing the relative posture control shown in Fig. 37.

[0131] In this example, as shown in Figures 37 and 38, turning is performed from operation (1) to operation (4). Furthermore, the tool 22 comes into contact with the workpiece during cutting, generating a cutting load, which increases the motor position deviation. Therefore, for each axis (X-axis, Z-axis), if the (position deviation / feedrate) is equal to or greater than the cutting judgment threshold, the relative posture control determiner 11 enables the relative posture control. Furthermore, for each axis (X-axis, Z-axis), if the (position deviation / feedrate) is less than the cutting judgment threshold, the relative posture control determiner 11 disables the relative posture control.

[0132] 38, the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that (the position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is outside the cutting judgment range (i.e., less than the cutting judgment threshold) and the disabling of the relative posture control, in association with each other. Furthermore, the correspondence storage unit 15 stores, as correspondence information, the fact that (the position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is within the cutting judgment range and the enabling of the relative posture control, in association with each other.

[0133] Therefore, for operations (1) and (4), the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative posture control because (X-axis, Z-axis position deviation / feed rate) is outside the cutting judgment range.

[0134] Furthermore, at the beginning of operation (2), the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to disable relative posture control while (the position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is outside the cutting judgment range, and determines to enable relative posture control from the middle of operation (2) while (the position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is within the cutting judgment range.

[0135] Furthermore, at the beginning of operation (3), the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines to enable relative posture control while (the position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is within the cutting judgment range, and determines to disable relative posture control from the middle of operation (2) while (the position deviation / feed rate of the X-axis and Z-axis) is outside the cutting judgment range.

[0136] 39 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. In step S91, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines whether it is a communication cycle with the motor. If it is a communication cycle with the motor (YES), the process proceeds to step S92. On the other hand, if it is not a communication cycle with the motor (NO), the process then ends.

[0137] In step S92, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads the X-axis cutting judgment threshold value H1x from the storage device of the machine tool 2. In step S93, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads the position deviation P1x of the X-axis motor of the machine tool 2.

[0138] In step S94, the relative posture control determination unit 11 determines whether (X-axis position deviation P1x / feed rate F1x) is equal to or greater than the cutting determination threshold H1x. If (P1x / F1x)≧H1x (YES), the process proceeds to step S95. On the other hand, if (P1x / F1x)<H1x (NO), the process proceeds to step S96.

[0139] In step S95, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and the process proceeds to step S96. In step S96, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 reads the Z-axis cutting determination threshold value H1z from the storage device of the machine tool 2.

[0140] In step S97, the relative attitude control determiner 11 reads the position error P1z of the Z-axis motor of the machine tool 2. In step S98, the relative attitude control determiner 11 determines whether or not (Z-axis position error P1z / feed rate F1z) is equal to or greater than the cutting determination threshold value H1z. If (P1z / F1z)≧H1z (YES), the process proceeds to step S99. On the other hand, if (P1z / F1z)<H1z (NO), the process proceeds to step S100.

[0141] In step S99, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to enable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and the process proceeds to step S100. In step S100, the relative attitude control determination unit 11 determines to disable the relative attitude control based on the correspondence information, and the process returns to step S91.

[0142] In this way, the numerical control device 1 can automatically determine whether to enable or disable relative attitude control even in a single-type fixed cycle that has the function of being able to command multiple operations with one command.

[0143] As described above, according to this embodiment, the numerical control device 1 is equipped with a relative attitude control unit 12 that performs relative attitude control, including automatically determining the direction of change of the relative position and relative attitude, based on a program for performing turning by changing the relative position and relative attitude between the tool and workpiece of the machine tool 2, and a relative attitude control determination unit 11 that determines whether to enable or disable relative attitude control based on correspondence information for determining whether to enable or disable relative attitude control, and the relative attitude control unit 12 performs relative attitude control in accordance with the enablement or disablement of relative attitude control determined by the relative attitude control determination unit 11.

[0144] By being provided with such a configuration, the numerical control device 1 according to this embodiment does not require commands to explicitly enable and disable relative posture control to be written into the program. Therefore, the numerical control device 1 can achieve, for example, the following advantages (1) to (4). (1) The burden on the operator when editing a machining program can be reduced. Programming errors are likely to occur when editing a machining program. (2) Programming errors when editing a machining program (such as forgetting to give a command to enable or disable relative posture control) can be prevented. The machining program becomes complicated, and readability decreases. (3) The machining program can be written concisely, improving readability of the machining program. (4) The number of blocks in the machining program is reduced, shortening the machining cycle time.

[0145] Furthermore, the correspondence information includes at least one of the following: information associating the types of positioning commands and cutting commands instructed by the program with the enabling or disabling of relative posture control; information associating the types of positioning feed operations and cutting feed operations included in one command instructed by the program with the enabling or disabling of relative posture control; information associating the relative positions instructed by the program with the enabling or disabling of relative posture control; information associating signals input to the numerical control device 1 with the enabling or disabling of relative posture control; and information associating feedback information from the axes of the machine tool 2 with the enabling or disabling of relative posture control.

[0146] By having such a configuration, the numerical control device 1 can automatically determine whether to enable or disable relative attitude control and perform relative attitude control without having to write commands in the program to explicitly enable and disable relative attitude control.

[0147] The numerical control device 1 further includes a relative attitude control output unit 14 that outputs the determination result by the relative attitude control determination unit 11. By including such a configuration, the numerical control device 1 can present the determination result to an operator (user), making it easier for the operator to edit the program.

[0148] Furthermore, the relative attitude control output unit 14 outputs at least one of a log of the determination results and data associating the blocks of the program with the determination results. With this configuration, the numerical control device 1 can present to the user how relative attitude control is executed in each block of the program. Furthermore, the numerical control device 1 can present the determination results to the user before the program is executed, making it easier for the user to edit the program.

[0149] Furthermore, the relative attitude control output unit 14 highlights, in different ways, blocks in the program for which relative attitude control is disabled and blocks in the program for which relative attitude control is enabled, regarding the determination results. The numerical control device 1 improves visibility for the user, making it easier for the user to edit programs.

[0150] The above has described an embodiment of the present invention, but the above-described numerical control device 1 can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of these. Furthermore, the control method performed by the above-described numerical control device 1 can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of these. Here, "realized by software" means that it is realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

[0151] The program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)).

[0152] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0153] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment and modified examples: (Supplementary Note 1) A numerical control device (1) comprising: a relative posture control unit (12) that executes relative posture control, including automatically determining a direction of change of the relative position and the relative posture, based on a program for performing turning by changing the relative position and the relative posture between a tool (22) and a workpiece (23) of a machine tool (2), and a relative posture control determination unit (11) that determines whether to enable or disable the relative posture control, based on correspondence information for determining whether to enable or disable the relative posture control, wherein the relative posture control unit executes the relative posture control in accordance with the enablement or disablement of the relative posture control determined by the relative posture control determination unit. (Supplementary Note 2) The correspondence information includes at least one of: information associating types of positioning commands and cutting commands instructed by the program with enabling or disabling of the relative attitude control, information associating types of positioning feed motion and cutting feed motion included in one cycle command instructed by the program with enabling or disabling of the relative attitude control, information associating the relative position instructed by the program with enabling or disabling of the relative attitude control, information associating signals input to the numerical control device with enabling or disabling of the relative attitude control, and information associating feedback information from axes of the machine tool with enabling or disabling of the relative attitude control. (Supplementary Note 3) The numerical control device (1) according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, further comprising a relative attitude control output unit (14) that outputs a result of determination by the relative attitude control determination unit. (Supplementary Note 4) The numerical control device (1) according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the relative attitude control output unit outputs at least one of a log of the determination result and data associating blocks of the program with the determination result. (Supplementary Note 5) The numerical control device (1) according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the relative attitude control output unit, with respect to the determination result, highlights in different ways blocks in the program for which the relative attitude control is disabled and blocks in the program for which the relative attitude control is enabled.

[0154] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Numerical control device 2 Machine tool 11 Relative attitude control determination unit 12 Relative attitude control unit 13 Axis control unit 14 Relative attitude control output unit 15 Correspondence relationship storage unit 21 Control axis 22 Turning tool

Claims

1. A numerical control device comprising: a relative attitude control unit that performs relative attitude control, including automatically determining the direction of change of the relative position and relative attitude, based on a program for performing turning by changing the relative position and relative attitude between a tool of a machine tool and a workpiece; and a relative attitude control determination unit that determines whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control based on corresponding information for determining whether to enable or disable the relative attitude control, wherein the relative attitude control unit performs the relative attitude control in accordance with the enablement or disablement of the relative attitude control determined by the relative attitude control determination unit.

2. The numerical control device according to claim 1, wherein the correspondence information includes at least one of the following: information associating the types of positioning commands and cutting commands instructed by the program with the enabling or disabling of the relative attitude control; information associating the types of positioning feed operations and cutting feed operations included in one cycle command instructed by the program with the enabling or disabling of the relative attitude control; information associating the relative positions instructed by the program with the enabling or disabling of the relative attitude control; information associating signals input to the numerical control device with the enabling or disabling of the relative attitude control; and information associating feedback information from axes of the machine tool with the enabling or disabling of the relative attitude control.

3. A numerical control device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a relative attitude control output section for outputting a result of determination by said relative attitude control determination section.

4. A numerical control device according to claim 3, wherein the relative attitude control output unit outputs at least one of a log of the determination results and data associating the blocks of the program with the determination results.

5. A numerical control device as described in claim 4, wherein the relative attitude control output unit highlights in different ways, with respect to the determination result, blocks in the program where the relative attitude control is disabled and blocks in the program where the relative attitude control is enabled.

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