Allocation data creation device and allocation data creation method

Abstract

To provide an allocation data creation device that can improve the effectiveness of a pressing projecting part allocated at the periphery of a product.SOLUTION: An allocation data creation device 21 includes a pressing projecting part allocation part 213 and a determination part 214. The pressing projecting part allocation part 213 allocates the pressing projecting part that is curved by laser cutting along the periphery of the product and presses a cutting surface of the periphery of the product. The determination unit 214 determines whether the position of the pressing projecting part is appropriate or not on the basis of the shape of the product.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an allocation data creation device and an allocation data creation method.

Background Art

[0002] When cutting a product from a plate-shaped workpiece by laser processing, the product may get caught on a plurality of pincer supports on which the workpiece is placed, may be placed on the workpiece and inhibit the movement of the laser processing head, or may enter under the workpiece. In order to prevent such situations, a method is known in which the workpiece and the product are connected by a fine connection part (joint part) called a micro joint, and the product is not completely separated from the workpiece. In such a micro joint, since it is necessary to cut the micro joint when removing the product from the workpiece, fine protrusions may occur on the product due to the micro joint, and a process for removing the fine protrusions is required.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a laser cutting method for connecting a workpiece and a product without using a micro joint. In this method, a cutting groove of a pressing protrusion that is curved along the contour line of the product and presses the peripheral surface of the product is pre-cut by laser cutting around the product to be cut and separated from the workpiece.

[0004] In the processing method of Patent Document 1, due to the residual stress generated at the free end of the pressing protrusion due to the heat of the laser cutting of the cutting groove, the free end of the pressing protrusion is curved toward the product, and the free end presses the peripheral surface (cutting surface) of the product. By this bending of the pressing protrusion, the product obtained by laser cutting along the contour line can be held so as not to fall from the workpiece. In the processing method of Patent Document 1, the pressing protrusion is automatically allocated based on the material and thickness of the workpiece and the dimensions of the product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6524368 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, depending on the shape of the product, for example, if the pressing protrusions are positioned on opposite sides of the product that are not parallel, the automatically assigned position of the pressing protrusions may not be in an appropriate position relative to the product, and it may be difficult to hold the product due to the curvature of the pressing protrusions. In the processing method described in Patent Document 1, the effectiveness of the automatically assigned pressing protrusions may be reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a pressing projection allocation section for allocating pressing projections, which are curved by laser cutting along the periphery of the product and press against the cut surface of the periphery of the product, to the periphery of the product, A determination unit that determines whether the position of the pressing protrusion is appropriate based on the shape of the product, A device for creating allocation data, equipped with the following features.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a determination unit can determine whether the position of the press-protrusions assigned by the press-protrusion assignment unit is appropriate, based on the shape of the product. This makes it possible to determine whether the press-protrusions are assigned to positions suitable for the shape of the product. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the effectiveness of the pressing protrusions arranged on the periphery of the product can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an overall system including an allocation data creation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows an example of a soft joint assigned by an assignment data creation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a determination table that stores conditions for determining the type of joint. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a determination table that stores conditions for determining the allocation pattern of soft joints. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a soft joint layout pattern. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a table that stores parameters for assigning cutting paths for soft joints. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates the parameters used to determine the cutting path of a soft joint. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates the parameters used to determine the cutting path of a soft joint. [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates the parameters used to determine the cutting path of a soft joint. [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates the conditions for the first NG (Not Good) determination of the soft joint. [Figure 11] Figure 11 illustrates a method for correcting the position of a soft joint. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates the conditions for the second NG (Not Good) determination of the soft joint. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates the conditions for the third NG (Not Good) determination of a soft joint. [Figure 14] Figure 14 illustrates the fourth NG (Not Good) judgment condition for the soft joint. [Figure 15A] Figure 15A is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the NG judgment process by the judgment unit of the allocation data creation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the NG judgment process by the judgment unit of the allocation data creation device according to one embodiment.

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0011] An allocation data creation device according to an embodiment includes a pressing protrusion allocation unit and a determination unit. The pressing protrusion allocation unit allocates a pressing protrusion that is curved by laser cutting along the periphery of a product and presses the cut surface of the periphery of the product to the periphery of the product. The determination unit determines whether the position of the pressing protrusion is appropriate based on the shape of the product.

[0012] Hereinafter, an allocation data creation device, an allocation data creation method, and a laser cutting method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent parts or components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a laser processing system including an allocation data creation device according to the present embodiment. The laser processing system mainly includes a CAD (Computer Aided Design) 10, a CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) 20, an NC (Numerical Control) device 30, and a laser processing machine 40.

[0014] The CAD 10 is a computer equipped with CAD functions. The CAD 10 is composed of a computer having a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and various interfaces. The memory and various interfaces are connected to the hardware processor via a bus. By executing the program stored in the memory by the hardware processor, various functions provided by the CAD 10 are realized.

[0015] CAD10 functions as a product data creation device 11 by executing a computer program. The product data creation device 11 creates product data related to the product. The product data includes information such as the shape (graphics), dimensions, and weight of the product, as well as the material and thickness of the workpiece. The product data created by the product data creation device 11 is input into CAM20.

[0016] CAM20 is a computer equipped with CAM functionality. CAM20 consists of a hardware processor such as a CPU, memory, and various interfaces. The memory and interfaces are connected to the hardware processor via a bus. The various functions of CAM20 are realized by the hardware processor executing programs stored in memory.

[0017] CAM20 functions as an allocation data creation device 21 by executing a computer program. An operation display unit 22 is connected to the allocation data creation device 21.

[0018] The operation display unit 22 displays the screen necessary for the operator to input information to the assignment data creation device 21. By operating the operation display unit 22, the operator can input various setting items related to joint assignment, as will be described later.

[0019] The allocation data creation device 21 creates allocation data. The allocation data is data that allocates the cutting paths of the laser beam to the product (i.e., a figure representing the shape of the product). The allocation data is also data that allocates the cutting paths of the joints, which will be described later, to the product. The allocation data creation device 21 creates a processing program based on the allocation data. The processing program consists of machine control code that controls the laser processing machine 40 by the NC device 30.

[0020] The machining program created by the allocation data creation device 21 is transferred to the NC device 30. The allocation data creation device 21 may also store the created machining program in a database on a data management server (not shown). In this case, the NC device 30 may read the machining program stored in the database on the data management server.

[0021] The allocation data creation device 21 includes an acquisition unit 211, a recognition unit 212, an allocation unit 213, a determination unit 214, and a processing program generation unit 215.

[0022] The acquisition unit 211 acquires product data created by the product data creation device 11. The acquisition unit 211 also acquires device data, including information about the laser processing machine, from the laser processing machine 40. The device data may be acquired from an external device that holds information about the laser processing machine 40. The recognition unit 212 recognizes the shape and dimensions of the product, as well as the material and thickness of the workpiece, based on the product data.

[0023] The allocation unit 213 allocates products based on product data and creates allocation data. The product allocation creates a cutting path for the laser beam to cut out the periphery of the product. The periphery of the product may be the outer circumference corresponding to the contour of the product, or it may be the inner circumference corresponding to a hole inside the product, located inside the contour of the product. In the following description, the outer circumference of the product is used as an example of the periphery of the product.

[0024] The allocation unit 213 performs automatic joint allocation processing. For example, the allocation unit 213 determines whether to allocate a micro-joint, a soft joint, or no joint at all based on the dimensions of the product. A soft joint, in this context, refers to a pressing projection that is curved by laser cutting along the periphery of the product and presses against the cut surface of the outer circumference of the product.

[0025] If the allocation unit 213 determines that microjoints should be allocated, it allocates the microjoints and creates allocation data. By allocating the microjoints, a remaining area for forming the microjoints is set on the cutting path of the product. The method for allocating microjoints is known, so its explanation is omitted.

[0026] On the other hand, if the allocation unit 213 determines that a soft joint should be allocated, it allocates the soft joint based on the plate thickness and material of the workpiece, as well as the dimensions of the product, and creates allocation data. By allocating the soft joint, a cutting path for forming the soft joint is set on the outer circumference of the product (the cutting path of the product).

[0027] Figure 2 shows an example of soft joints assigned by the assignment data creation device 21 according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, a square product 1 is cut and separated from a plate-shaped workpiece W by laser cutting. The assignment unit 213 assigns, for example, soft joints 12 that press against the cut surface of the outer circumference of product 1 to each of the four sides of the outer circumference of product 1. The assignment unit 213 creates assignment data that assigns the cutting path Spp of the laser beam for forming each soft joint 12 to the outer circumference of product 1.

[0028] The soft joint 12 has residual stress due to the heat generated during the laser cutting process of the cutting path Spp of the soft joint 12. After the laser cutting of the cutting path Spp of the soft joint 12, the cutting path S10 of the product 1 is laser cut, releasing the residual stress. As a result, the free end of the soft joint 12 curves toward the product 1 due to the residual stress, and the free end presses against the cut surface of the outer circumference of the product 1. In other words, the curvature of the soft joint 12 holds the product 1 in place so that it does not fall from the workpiece W. A specific method for realizing the automatic assignment process of the soft joint will be described later.

[0029] When the allocation unit 213 allocates a soft joint, the determination unit 214 determines whether the position of the soft joint is appropriate based on the position of the soft joint and the shape of the product. If the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate, it deletes the allocation of all soft joints. In other words, depending on the shape of the product, it may be difficult to hold the product with the allocated soft joint, so in this case, the allocation data for the soft joint can be deleted. If the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is appropriate, it sends the allocation data including the soft joint to the processing program generation unit 215. Details of the method for determining whether the position of the soft joint is appropriate will be described later.

[0030] The machining program generation unit 215 creates a machining program based on the product data and assignment data, and transfers it to the NC device 30.

[0031] The NC device 30 is composed of a computer having a hardware processor such as a CPU, memory, and various interfaces. The memory and various interfaces are connected to the hardware processor via a bus. By having the hardware processor execute the program stored in memory, the various functions of the NC device 30 are realized.

[0032] The NC device 30 controls the laser processing machine 40 based on the processing program. This control causes the laser beam to move according to the processing program, resulting in the cutting of the workpiece. In the example shown in Figure 2, first, a piercing Ps0 is formed at a predetermined distance from the outer circumference of product 1, followed by the cutting path Spp of the soft joint 12. Then, the cutting path S10 on the outer circumference of product 1 is cut.

[0033] [Method for implementing automatic joint assignment processing] Next, we will explain the specific method for achieving automatic joint assignment processing with reference to Figures 3 to 9. In the following explanation, the product will be assumed to be a rectangular shape.

[0034] The allocation unit 213 first determines the type of joint to be allocated based on the dimensions of the product. The allocation unit 213 is equipped with a determination table (hereinafter referred to as the final determination table) that stores conditions for determining the type of joint to be allocated. The final determination table stores the appropriate types of joints corresponding to the pre-set conditions for the product's X and Y dimensions. Therefore, the allocation unit 213 can determine the appropriate type of joint corresponding to the dimensions of the product.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an example of a closing price determination table. In the example shown in Figure 3, the allocation unit 213 first determines whether the dimensions of the product satisfy condition 1 of the closing price determination table. In Figure 3, values ​​1 and 2 are blank, but in reality, the values ​​necessary for the determination are entered. For example, the allocation unit 213 determines whether the dimensions of the product in the X direction are less than or equal to the value set for value 1 in condition 1 of the closing price determination table, and whether the dimensions in the Y direction are less than or equal to the value set for value 2 in condition 1 of the closing price determination table. If the dimensions of the product satisfy condition 1, the allocation unit 213 determines to allocate a "micro-joint" corresponding to condition 1 and performs the micro-joint allocation process.

[0036] Furthermore, if the dimensions of the product do not satisfy condition 1 of the closing price determination table, the allocation unit 213 determines whether the dimensions of the product satisfy condition 2 of the closing price determination table. For example, the allocation unit 213 determines whether the dimensions of the product in the X direction are less than or equal to the value set as value 1 in condition 2 of the closing price determination table, and whether the dimensions in the Y direction are less than or equal to the value set as value 2 in condition 2 of the closing price determination table. If the dimensions of the product satisfy condition 2, the allocation unit 213 determines to allocate a "soft joint" corresponding to condition 2 and performs the soft joint allocation process. If the dimensions of the product do not satisfy the conditions of the closing price determination table, the allocation unit 213 determines not to allocate a joint.

[0037] In this manner, the assignment unit 213 determines, in order from condition 1, whether the dimensions of the product meet the conditions set in the closing price determination table, and when it determines that the dimensions of the product meet the conditions, it determines to assign the corresponding type of joint. Note that the conditions in the closing price determination table shown in Figure 3 are just an example and are not limited to any other conditions. The conditions in the closing price determination table may be predetermined by testing or other means, or they may be set by the operator using the operation display unit 22.

[0038] Furthermore, if the allocation unit 213 determines that soft joints should be allocated, it determines the allocation pattern for the soft joints based on the dimensions of the product. The allocation pattern for the soft joints is information about the pattern in which the soft joints are arranged around the outer circumference of the product. The allocation unit 213 is equipped with a determination table (hereinafter referred to as the soft joint determination table) that stores conditions for determining the soft joint allocation pattern. The soft joint determination table stores appropriate soft joint allocation patterns that correspond to pre-set conditions for the dimensions of the product in the X and Y directions. Therefore, the allocation unit 213 can determine an appropriate soft joint allocation pattern corresponding to the dimensions of the product.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example of a soft joint determination table. Figure 5 shows an example of a soft joint allocation pattern. In the example shown in Figure 4, the allocation unit 213 first determines whether the dimensions of the product satisfy condition 1 of the soft joint determination table. In Figure 4, values ​​1 and 2 are left blank, but in reality, the values ​​necessary for the determination are entered. For example, the allocation unit 213 determines whether the dimensions of the product in the X direction are greater than or equal to the value set for value 1 in condition 1 of the soft joint determination table, and whether the dimensions in the Y direction are greater than or equal to the value set for value 2 in condition 1 of the soft joint determination table. If the dimensions of the product satisfy condition 1, the allocation unit 213 determines to allocate soft joints using the "Soft5" allocation pattern corresponding to condition 1. The "Soft5" allocation pattern is a pattern in which soft joints are placed at one location on each of the four sides of the outer circumference of the product, as shown in Figure 5, for example.

[0040] Furthermore, if the dimensions of the product do not satisfy condition 1 of the soft joint determination table, the allocation unit 213 determines whether the dimensions of the product satisfy condition 2 of the soft joint determination table. That is, the allocation unit 213 determines whether the dimensions of the product in the X direction are greater than or equal to the value set as value 1 in condition 2 of the soft joint determination table, and whether the dimensions in the Y direction are greater than or equal to the value set as value 2 in condition 2 of the soft joint determination table. If the dimensions of the product satisfy condition 2, the allocation unit 213 determines to allocate the soft joint using the allocation pattern "Soft1" corresponding to condition 2. The allocation pattern "Soft1" is, for example, as shown in Figure 5, a pattern in which two soft joints are placed on two opposing sides in the X direction on the outer circumference of the product.

[0041] In this manner, the allocation unit 213 determines, in order from condition 1, whether the dimensions of the product meet the conditions set in the soft joint determination table, and when it determines that the dimensions of the product meet the conditions, it determines the allocation pattern of the corresponding joint.

[0042] Furthermore, other examples of the placement patterns will be explained. The "Soft2" placement pattern shown in Figure 5 is, for example, a pattern in which two soft joints are placed on two opposing sides in the Y direction on the outer circumference of the product. The "Soft3" placement pattern shown in Figure 5 is, for example, a pattern in which one soft joint is placed on two opposing sides in the Y direction on the outer circumference of the product. The "Soft4" placement pattern shown in Figure 5 is, for example, a pattern in which one soft joint is placed on two opposing sides in the X direction on the outer circumference of the product.

[0043] In Figure 5, in the "Soft1" and "Soft2" assignment patterns, soft joints are assigned near both ends of each side. In the "Soft3," "Soft," and "Soft5" assignment patterns, soft joints are assigned to the center of each side. Note that the conditions for the soft joint determination table shown in Figure 4 and the assignment patterns shown in Figure 5 are examples and are not limiting. The conditions for the soft joint determination table and the soft joint assignment patterns corresponding to each condition may be set based on conditions and soft joint assignment patterns determined in advance through testing, etc., or they may be set by the operator using the operation display unit 22.

[0044] The allocation unit 213 determines the allocation pattern of the soft joints and then determines parameters for allocating the cutting path of the soft joints (hereinafter referred to as soft joint setting parameters) based on the material and thickness of the workpiece and the laser processing conditions. The allocation unit 213 is equipped with a table (hereinafter referred to as the soft joint table) that stores the parameters for allocating the cutting path of the soft joints. The soft joint table stores appropriate soft joint setting parameters that correspond to the material and thickness of the workpiece and the laser processing conditions, which have been set in advance. Therefore, the allocation unit 213 can determine appropriate soft joint setting parameters that correspond to the material and thickness of the workpiece and the laser processing conditions.

[0045] Figure 6 shows an example of a soft joint table. In the example shown in Figure 6, the allocation unit 213 determines the soft joint setting parameters, namely "tip height," "length," "width," "approach," and "endpoint correction amount," based on the workpiece material and thickness, as well as the laser processing conditions.

[0046] Each parameter for setting the soft joint will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figures 7 to 9 are diagrams illustrating each parameter for assigning the cutting path of the soft joint. In Figures 7 and 8, the cutting path Spp for forming the soft joint 12 consists of cutting paths Sa0, S1, and S2. A piercing Ps0 is formed at point P0, which is located a distance Da from the outer circumference 10e of the product in a direction perpendicular to the outer circumference 10e. Cutting path Sa0 is the cutting path from this piercing Ps0 to point P1, which is located a distance Db from the outer circumference 10e in a direction perpendicular to the outer circumference 10e. Distance Db is shorter than distance Da. In this case, the setting parameter "width" for the soft joint 12 represents distance Db, and "approach" represents distance Da.

[0047] Next, the cutting path S1 is a cutting path from point P1 to point P2, which is located at a distance Dc from the outer circumference 10e in a direction perpendicular to the outer circumference 10e and at a distance L in a direction along the outer circumference 10e. Distance Dc may be the same as distance Db, as shown in Figure 7, or it may be shorter than distance Db, as shown in Figure 8. In this case, the setting parameter "tip height" of the soft joint 12 represents distance Dc, and "length" represents distance L.

[0048] The cutting path S2 is the cutting path from point P2 to the vicinity of the outer circumference 10e. The vicinity of the outer circumference 10e is the region of the cutting path when laser cutting the outer circumference of the product. The leading edge of the cutting path S2 reaches the region of the cutting path of the product.

[0049] As shown in Figure 9, when the laser processing machine 40 cuts the outer circumference 10e of the product, the laser processing machine 40 controls the movement of the center of the beam spot Bs along a line 10Cr that is shifted outward from the outer circumference 10e by a tool diameter correction amount Cr, which is the radius of the beam spot Bs. The region Rs10 of the product's cutting path is the area sandwiched between the outer circumference 10e of the product and the line 10dBs that is shifted outward from the outer circumference 10e by a diameter dBs of the beam spot Bs.

[0050] When cutting along the cutting path S2, the tip of the beam spot Bs reaches the outer circumference 10e of the product, and the overlap amount is defined as 100% when the beam spot Bs completely overlaps with the width of the cutting path region Rs10 of the product. At this point, the endpoint coordinates of the cutting path S2 lie on line 10Cr. When cutting along the cutting path S2, the tip of the beam spot Bs reaches line 10Cr, and the overlap amount is defined as 50% when the beam spot Bs overlaps with half the width of the cutting path region Rs10 of the product. At this point, the endpoint coordinates of the cutting path S2 lie on line 10dBs.

[0051] When cutting the cutting path S2, the tip of the beam spot Bs reaches the line 10dBs, and the overlap amount is defined as 0% when the beam spot Bs does not overlap with the width of the cutting path of the product. At this time, the endpoint coordinates of the cutting path S2 are located before the line 10dBs, shifted by the radius of the beam spot Bs from the line 10dBs. At this time, the "endpoint correction amount," which is a setting parameter of the soft joint 12, indicates the overlap amount (0%, 50%, 100%).

[0052] In this way, the allocation unit 213 can determine appropriate soft joint setting parameters corresponding to the workpiece material and plate thickness, as well as the laser processing conditions, based on the joint table. Note that the values ​​of the soft joint setting parameters shown in Figure 4 are just examples and are not limited to these. The values ​​of the soft joint setting parameters corresponding to the workpiece material and plate thickness, as well as the laser processing conditions, on the soft joint table may be set to values ​​determined in advance through testing, or they may be set by the operator using the operation display unit 22.

[0053] The allocation unit 213 allocates the soft joints to the outer circumference of the product based on the determined soft joint allocation pattern and the determined soft joint setting parameters, thereby creating soft joint allocation data. Note that the method for allocating the soft joints may be other methods and is not limited to this.

[0054] [How to determine if a soft joint is unsuitable]

[0055] Next, the method for determining whether a soft joint is NG by the determination unit 214 will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 14. The determination unit 214 determines whether the position of the soft joint is appropriate or not based on the shape of the product. The position of the soft joint referred to here is the position where the outer circumference of the product is pressed by the soft joint, and is the end point P of the cutting path S2 in Figures 7 and 8.

[0056] The determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate if the soft joint is assigned to two non-parallel sides that correspond to each other (first NG determination).

[0057] The first NG (Not Good) determination will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the conditions for the first NG determination of a soft joint. In Figure 10, when a soft joint is assigned to each of the opposing sides R1 and R2, and to each of the opposing sides R3 and R4, the determination unit 214 calculates the inclination of each of the sides R1 to R4. In Figure 10, the determination unit 214 determines whether sides R1 and R2 are parallel or not based on the inclination of sides R1 and R2, and determines whether the inclination of sides R3 and R4 are parallel or not.

[0058] For example, the determination unit 214 selects one side from among the four sides R1 to R4 to which soft joints are assigned. For example, the determination unit 214 selects side R1 from among the four sides R1 to R4 to which soft joints are assigned. The determination unit 214 identifies side R2 as the opposite side to side R1, where it intersects with the perpendicular line PL1 drawn from the soft joint assignment position P1 of the selected side R1. The determination unit 214 determines whether the selected side R1 and side R2, which was identified as the opposite side of side R1, are parallel.

[0059] Furthermore, the determination unit 214 selects one side from the remaining sides R3 and R4 to which the soft joint has been assigned. For example, the determination unit 214 selects side R3 from the remaining sides R3 and R4 to which the soft joint has been assigned. The determination unit 214 identifies side R4 as the opposite side to side R3, where it intersects with the perpendicular line PL3 drawn from the soft joint assignment position P3 of the selected side R3. The determination unit 214 then determines whether the selected side R3 and side R4, which has been identified as the opposite side of side R3, are parallel.

[0060] Alternatively, the determination unit 214 may select side R2 from among the four sides R1 to R4 to which soft joints are assigned, and identify side R1 that intersects with the perpendicular PL2 drawn from the soft joint assignment position P2 of the selected side R1 as the opposite side to side R2. In this case, the determination unit 214 determines whether the selected side R2 and side R1, which has been identified as the opposite side of side R2, are parallel. The determination unit 214 may also select side R4 from among the remaining sides R3 and R4 to which soft joints are assigned, and identify side R4 that intersects with the perpendicular PL3 drawn from the soft joint assignment position P3 of the selected side R3 as the opposite side to side R3. In this case, the determination unit 214 determines whether the selected side R3 and side R4, which has been identified as the opposite side of side R3, are parallel.

[0061] The determination unit 214 calculates the inclination of each of the first and second sides to which the soft joints are assigned and which face each other. Based on the inclination of each of the first and second sides, it determines whether the first and second sides are parallel or not. If the first and second sides that face each other are not parallel, the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joints is inappropriate. In this case, the determination unit 214 deletes all the soft joints.

[0062] In Figure 10, the determination unit 214 determines that soft joints have been assigned and that the opposing sides R3 and R4 are not parallel. In this case, the determination unit 214 determines that the positions P1 to P4 of all soft joints assigned to sides R1 to R4 are inappropriate and deletes the assignment data for all soft joints.

[0063] As described above, in the first NG determination, if a soft joint is assigned and the opposing first and second sides are not parallel, it is determined that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate. However, even if a soft joint is assigned and the opposing first and second sides are parallel, the position of the soft joint may still be inappropriate depending on the shape of the product. For this reason, the determination unit 214 corrects the position of the soft joint when a soft joint is assigned and the opposing first and second sides are parallel.

[0064] Figure 11 illustrates a method for correcting the position of a soft joint. In Figure 11, the opposing sides R1 and R2, and sides R3 and R4 are assumed to be parallel to each other. In Figure 11, the determination unit 214 sets one of the opposing sides R1 and R2 as the reference side and the other as the opposite side. For example, the determination unit 214 sets side R1 as the reference side and side R2 as the opposite side. Alternatively, the determination unit 214 sets side R3 as the reference side and side R4 as the opposite side. The determination unit 214 moves the soft joint pressing on the opposite side R2 to position P2' along the direction of the opposite side R2 so that the position P1 where the reference side R1 is pressed by the soft joint and the position P2 where the opposite side R2 is pressed by the soft joint are connected by a perpendicular line. Furthermore, the determination unit 214 moves the position P4 of the soft joint that presses the opposite side R4 along the direction of the opposite side R4 to position P4', so that the position P3 where the reference side R3 is pressed by the soft joint and the position P4 where the opposite side R4 is pressed by the soft joint are connected by a perpendicular line.

[0065] In this way, when a soft joint is assigned and the first and second sides facing each other are parallel, the determination unit 214 sets one of the first and second sides as the reference side and the other as the opposite side. The determination unit 214 corrects the position of the soft joint by moving the position of the soft joint pressing the opposite side along the direction of the opposite side so that the position where the reference side is pressed by the soft joint and the position where the opposite side is pressed by the soft joint are connected by a perpendicular line.

[0066] As described above, if the position of the soft joint is corrected, the position of the soft joint may be located within a predetermined distance from the end of the last side cut when laser cutting one side of the outer circumference of the product to which the soft joint is assigned. If, after correcting the position of the soft joint, the position of the soft joint is located within a predetermined distance from the end of the last side cut when laser cutting one side to which the soft joint is assigned, the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate (second NG determination).

[0067] The second NG (Not Good) determination will be explained with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the conditions for the second NG determination of the soft joint. In Figure 12, the direction of the laser beam when laser cutting the outer circumference of the product is direction R. In Figure 12, when laser cutting an edge R1 to which a soft joint is assigned according to direction R, the end E1 of edge R1 is cut last. The determination unit 214 determines whether the first position P11, to which the first edge R1 is pressed by the soft joint, is located within a first predetermined distance D1 from the end E1. Although not shown in the diagram, the determination unit 214 also determines whether the second position, to which the second edge opposite the first edge R1 is pressed by the soft joint, is located within a first predetermined distance D1 from the end of the second edge that is cut last when laser cutting the second edge. The length of the first predetermined distance D1 may be determined in advance by testing, or it may be set by the operator using the operation display unit 22.

[0068] If the first position P11 is located within a first predetermined distance D1 from the end E, the determination unit 214 corrects the position of the soft joint by swapping the reference side and the opposite side that were set when the position of the soft joint was corrected. After correcting the position of the soft joint by swapping the reference side and the opposite side, the determination unit 214 performs a second NG determination again. If, even after correcting the position of the soft joint by swapping the reference side and the opposite side, the position of the soft joint is still located within a first predetermined distance D1 from the end E, the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate. In this case, the determination unit 214 deletes the assignment data for all soft joints.

[0069] Thus, the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate if the first position where the first edge is pressed by the soft joint is located within a first predetermined distance from the end of the first edge that is last cut during the laser cutting process of the first edge. Furthermore, the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate if the second position where the second edge opposite the first edge is pressed by the soft joint is located within a first predetermined distance from the end of the second edge that is last cut during the laser cutting process of the second edge.

[0070] Furthermore, as described above, if the position of the soft joint is corrected, the cutting path for forming the soft joint may be located within a predetermined distance from the cutting path for cutting out the outer circumference of the product. If, after correcting the position of the soft joint, the cutting path for cutting out the outer circumference of the product is located within a second predetermined distance from the cutting path for forming the soft joint, the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate (third NG determination).

[0071] The third NG (Not Good) determination will be explained with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the conditions for the third NG determination of the soft joint. In Figure 13, the determination unit 214 determines whether or not a cutting path for cutting out the outer circumference of product 1 exists within range A2 of a second predetermined distance D2 from the cutting path Spp for forming the soft joint. In Figure 13, the determination unit 214 determines that cutting paths for the piercing and approach of product 1 and the protrusion of product 1 exist within range A2 from the cutting path Spp for forming the soft joint. The length of the second predetermined distance may be determined in advance by testing or the like, or it may be set by the operator using the operation display unit 22.

[0072] If the determination unit 214 finds that a cutting path for cutting out the outer circumference of the product exists within a second predetermined distance D2 from the cutting path Spp for forming the soft joint, it swaps the reference side and the opposite side set when the soft joint position was corrected, and corrects the position of the soft joint. After correcting the position of the soft joint by swapping the reference side and the opposite side, the determination unit 214 performs a third NG determination again. If, even after correcting the position of the soft joint by swapping the reference side and the opposite side, a cutting path for cutting out the outer circumference of the product still exists within a second predetermined distance from the cutting path for forming the soft joint, the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate. In this case, the determination unit 214 deletes the assignment data for all soft joints.

[0073] Furthermore, the second and third NG (Not Good) judgments may be performed after the first NG judgment, and the order of the second and third NG judgments is not limited.

[0074] Furthermore, as described above, if the position of the soft joint is corrected, the position of the soft joint may be located within a third predetermined distance from the cutting path when laser cutting the hole inside the product. After performing the first to third NG judgments, the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate if the position of the soft joint is located within a third predetermined distance from the cutting path when laser cutting the hole inside the product (fourth NG judgment).

[0075] The fourth NG (Not Good) determination will be explained with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the conditions for the fourth NG determination of the soft joint. In Figure 14, the determination unit 214 determines whether the position P13 of the soft joint is located within a range A3 of a third predetermined distance D3 from the cutting path when laser cutting the hole H in the product 1. The length of the third predetermined distance may be determined in advance by testing or the like, or it may be set by the operator using the operation display unit 22.

[0076] The determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate if the position P13 of the soft joint is located within a third predetermined distance D3 from the cutting path when laser cutting the hole H inside the product. In this case, the determination unit 214 deletes the assignment data for all soft joints.

[0077] If the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is appropriate in the first to fourth NG determinations, it transmits the soft joint assignment data to the machining program generation unit 215.

[0078] [Process for determining whether an item is NG (Not Good)] Next, the flow of the NG judgment processing by the judgment unit 214 will be explained with reference to Figures 15A and 15B. Figures 15A and 15B are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of the NG judgment processing by the judgment unit 214 of the allocation data creation device 21 according to this embodiment.

[0079] First, in step S101 of Figure 15A, the determination unit 214 calculates the inclination of each of the first and second sides when a soft joint is assigned to each of the opposing first and second sides. That is, it calculates the inclination of each of the opposing sides that are pressed by the soft joint.

[0080] The process proceeds to step S102, where the determination unit 214 performs a first NG determination. That is, the determination unit 214 determines whether the first and second sides, which are pressed by the soft joint and are opposite to each other, are parallel. If the first and second sides are parallel, i.e., the first NG determination in step S102 is OK, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the first and second sides are not parallel, i.e., the result in step S102 is NG, the process proceeds to step S109, where the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate. Then, the process proceeds to step S110, where the determination unit 214 deletes the assignment data for all soft joints and terminates the process shown in Figure 15A.

[0081] In step S103, the determination unit 214 sets one of the opposing first and second sides as the reference side and the other as the opposite side. The process proceeds to step S104, where the determination unit 214 moves the position of the soft joint that presses the opposite side along the direction of the opposite side so that the position where the reference side is pressed by the soft joint and the position where the opposite side is pressed by the soft joint are connected by a perpendicular line.

[0082] The process proceeds to step S105, where the determination unit 214 performs a second NG determination. Specifically, the determination unit 214 determines whether the first position where the first edge is pressed by the soft joint is located within a first predetermined distance from the end (end point) of the first edge that is last cut in the laser cutting process of the first edge, or whether the second position where the second edge is pressed by the soft joint is located within a first predetermined distance from the end (end point) of the second edge that is last cut in the laser cutting process of the second edge.

[0083] If at least one of the first and second positions is located within a first predetermined distance from the endpoints of the first and second sides, that is, if the second NG determination in step S105 is NG, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the first and second positions are not located within a first predetermined distance from the endpoints of the first and second sides, that is, if the second NG determination in step S105 is OK, the process proceeds to step S111 in Figure 15B.

[0084] In step S106, the determination unit 214 swaps the reference side and the opposite side set in step S103. The process proceeds to step S107, where, similar to step S104, the determination unit 214 moves the position of the soft joint that presses the opposite side along the direction of the opposite side so that the position where the swapped reference side is pressed by the soft joint and the position where the swapped opposite side is pressed by the soft joint are connected by a perpendicular line.

[0085] The process proceeds to step S108, where the determination unit 214 performs a second NG determination again. If the second NG determination in step S108 is NG, the process proceeds to step S109, where the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is not appropriate. Then, the process proceeds to step S110, where the determination unit 214 deletes the assignment data for all soft joints and terminates the process shown in Figure 15A. On the other hand, if the second NG determination in step S108 is OK, the process proceeds to step S111 in Figure 15B.

[0086] In step S111 of Figure 15B, the determination unit 214 performs a third NG determination. That is, the determination unit 214 determines whether or not there is a cutting path for cutting out the outer circumference of the product within a second predetermined distance from the cutting path for forming the soft joint. If there is a cutting path for cutting out the outer circumference of the product within a second predetermined distance from the cutting path for forming the soft joint, i.e., if the third NG determination in step S111 is NG, the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if there is no cutting path for cutting out the outer circumference of the product within a second predetermined distance from the cutting path for forming the soft joint, i.e., if the third NG determination in step S111 is OK, the process proceeds to step S117.

[0087] In step S112, the determination unit 214 swaps the reference side and the opposite side set in step S103. The process proceeds to step S113, where, similar to step S104, the determination unit 214 moves the position of the soft joint that presses the opposite side along the direction of the opposite side so that the position where the swapped reference side is pressed by the soft joint and the position where the swapped opposite side is pressed by the soft joint are connected by a perpendicular line.

[0088] The process proceeds to step S114, where the determination unit 214 performs a third NG determination again. If the third NG determination in step S114 is NG, the process proceeds to step S115, where the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is not appropriate. Then, the process proceeds to step S116, where the determination unit 214 deletes the assignment data for all soft joints and terminates the process shown in Figure 15B. On the other hand, if the third NG determination in step S114 is OK, the process proceeds to step S117.

[0089] In step S117, the determination unit 214 performs a fourth NG determination. That is, the determination unit 214 determines whether the position where the soft joint presses against the outer circumference of the product is within a third predetermined distance from the cutting path when laser cutting the hole inside the product. If the position where the soft joint presses against the outer circumference of the product is within a third predetermined distance from the cutting path when laser cutting the hole inside the product, i.e., if the fourth NG determination in step S117 is NG, the process proceeds to step S115, where the determination unit 214 determines that the position of the soft joint is inappropriate. The process then proceeds to step S116, where the determination unit 214 deletes the assignment data for all soft joints and terminates the process shown in Figure 15B. On the other hand, if the fourth NG determination in step S117 is OK, the process proceeds to step S118.

[0090] In step S118, the determination unit 214 transmits the allocation data to the processing program generation unit 215, and the process shown in Figure 15B is completed.

[0091] [Effects and Effects] According to the allocation data creation device 21 and allocation data creation method of one embodiment, after allocating the soft joints, it is determined, based on the shape of the product, whether the position of the allocated soft joints is an appropriate position for holding the product. If the pressing protrusion is not allocated to an appropriate position for holding the product, the allocated soft joint can be deleted, and the laser processing machine can laser cut the soft joint only if it is in an appropriate position. This improves the effectiveness of the soft joints allocated to the periphery of the product.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the assignment data creation device 21 and assignment data creation method of one embodiment, if a soft joint is assigned and the first and second sides facing each other are not parallel, it can be determined that the position of the soft joint is not a suitable position for holding the product.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the assignment data creation device 21 and assignment data creation method of one embodiment, when a soft joint is assigned and the opposing first and second sides are parallel, the position of the soft joint is corrected. The position of the soft joint can be corrected so that the position where one of the opposing first and second sides is pressed by the soft joint and the position where the other side is pressed by the soft joint are connected by a perpendicular line. As a result, when a soft joint is assigned and the opposing first and second sides are parallel, the position of the soft joint can be corrected so that it is located on opposing diagonals, allowing the product to be held more stably by the soft joint.

[0094] Furthermore, according to the assignment data creation device 21 and assignment data creation method of one embodiment, if the position of the soft joint is located within a first predetermined distance from the end of the side that is last cut when one side of the periphery of the product to which the soft joint is assigned is laser-cut, it can be determined that the position of the soft joint is not a suitable position for holding the product.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the allocation data creation device 21 and allocation data creation method of one embodiment, if a cutting path for cutting out the periphery of the product exists within a second predetermined distance from the cutting path for forming the soft joint, it can be determined that the position of the soft joint is not a suitable position for holding the product.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the allocation data creation device 21 and allocation data creation method of one embodiment, if the position where the soft joint presses against the periphery of the product is located within a third predetermined distance from the cutting path when laser cutting a hole inside the product, it can be determined that the position of the soft joint is not a suitable position for holding the product.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the allocation data creation device 21 and allocation data creation method of one embodiment, if it is determined that the position of the soft joint is not appropriate, the allocation data for the allocated soft joint can be deleted. This prevents the processing of soft joints that are not in an appropriate position for holding the product. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1 product 12. Soft joint (pressure-applying protrusion) 20 CAM (Computer-Assisted Media) 21. Allocation data creation device 213 Alignment section (Pressing protrusion section alignment section) 214 Judgment section

Claims

1. A pressing projection allocation section is used to allocate pressing projections, which are curved by laser cutting along the periphery of the product and press against the cut surface of the periphery of the product, to the periphery of the product. A determination unit that determines whether the position of the pressing protrusion is appropriate based on the shape of the product, A device for creating allocation data, equipped with the following features.

2. The periphery of the product includes a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other. The determination unit, When the pressing protrusions are assigned to each of the first and second sides, the inclination of each of the first and second sides is calculated. Based on the inclination of the first and second sides, it is determined whether the first and second sides are parallel or not. If the first and second sides facing each other are not parallel, it is determined that the position of the pressing projection is inappropriate. The allocation data creation device according to claim 1.

3. The determination unit determines if the first side and the second side are parallel. One of the first and second sides is set as the reference side, and the other is set as the opposite side. The pressing projection that presses the opposite side is moved along the direction of the opposite side such that the position where the reference side is pressed by the pressing projection and the position where the opposite side is pressed by the pressing projection are connected by a perpendicular line. The allocation data creation device according to claim 2.

4. If the first position where the first edge is pressed by the pressing projection is located within a first predetermined distance from the end of the first edge that is last cut in the laser cutting process of the first edge, or if the second position where the second edge is pressed by the pressing projection is located within a first predetermined distance from the end of the second edge that is last cut in the laser cutting process of the second edge, then it is determined that the position of the pressing projection is inappropriate. The allocation data creation device according to claim 3.

5. The determination unit, If a cutting path for cutting out the periphery of the product exists within a second predetermined distance from the cutting path for forming the pressing protrusion, it is determined that the position of the pressing protrusion is inappropriate. The allocation data creation device according to claim 3.

6. The periphery of the aforementioned product is the outer circumference that forms the outline of the aforementioned product. The determination unit, If the position where the pressing projection presses the outer circumference of the product is within a third predetermined distance from the cutting path when laser cutting a hole inside the product, it is determined that the position of the pressing projection is inappropriate. The allocation data creation device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. If the determination unit determines that the position of the pressing protrusion is inappropriate, it will delete all of the pressing protrusions. The allocation data creation device according to claim 1.

8. Computers A pressing projection, which is curved by laser cutting along the periphery of the product and presses against the cut surface of the periphery of the product, is positioned on the periphery of the product. Based on the position of the pressing protrusion and the shape of the product, it is determined whether the position of the pressing protrusion is appropriate. Method for creating allocation data.

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