Tool support synchronizing system for numerical control apparatus

Claim 1

In a tool post synchronizing system for a numerical control apparatus for controlling a tool machine having a plurality of tool supports through control circuitry, a tool support synchronizing system for said numerical control apparatus comprising: reading means provided for each tool support for reading an independent work program for controlling each of said tool supports; command decode processing means for decoding commands of said independent work programs read by said reading means to output a signal; control circuit means for controlling shifting means for shifting said tool supports in accordance with said signal from said command decode processing means; and synchronization controlling means for controlling said control circuit means and guiding execution of said independent work programs in synchronization with one another when said command decode processing means decodes a synchronizing command from said independent work programs and composed of a predetermined single character or symbol in the form of a mark not usually used in said independent work programs; wherein said command decode processing means comprises a coincidence circuit for sensing the coincidence of a code pattern with said synchronizing command, an output of said coincidence circuit representing coincidence being supplied to said synchronization controlling means, wherein said control circuitry comprises a programmable controller coupled to said central circuit means for controlling an auxiliary function of said tool machine; and wherein said synchronization controlling means includes means for preventing execution of the shifting of a tool support during a period from receipt of a synchronizing command of the work program for said tool support until detection of a synchronizing command of a work program for another tool support.