Processing Program Generation Assistance Device

Abstract

The present invention provides an auxiliary device for generating a machining program, which is used to assist in the generation of a machining program when an operator manually generates a machining program. The auxiliary device for generating a machining program includes: a CAD data analysis unit that analyzes CAD data to obtain CAD shape information; a machining program analysis unit that analyzes a machining program in the middle of being made by the operator to obtain machining shape information in the middle of being made; a shape matching unit that performs shape matching between the CAD shape information and the machining shape information in the middle of being made to obtain matching shape information; a candidate shape program generation unit that predicts a candidate shape following the matching shape information based on the CAD shape information, thereby predicting a candidate shape following the machining shape information in the middle of being made, and automatically generates a machining program for the candidate shape following the machining program in the middle of being made; and a display unit that displays the machining program in the middle of being made and also displays the machining program for the candidate shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary device for generating a machining program. Background Art

[0002] For example, a technique is known for generating a machining program for controlling the operation of an industrial machine such as a machine tool or an industrial robot to machine a workpiece (object to be machined) based on CAD (Computer Aided Design) data of the workpiece. As such a machining program generation technique, techniques such as CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) for automatically generating a machining program based on CAD data are known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-66112 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] On the other hand, in the case of performing simple machining, sometimes CAM is not used, but for example, a CAD drawing is displayed on a CNC (Computer Numerical Control), and the operator manually generates a machining program while viewing the CAD. Figure 1 In such a case, when manually inputting the entire shape (machining shape) of the workpiece, the work efficiency is poor and input errors increase.

[0008] Therefore, a technique for assisting the generation of a machining program when the operator manually generates a machining program is desired.

[0009] Solutions for solving the problems

[0010] The machining program generation assist device related to the present disclosure is used to assist in generating a machining program for a workpiece based on the CAD data of the workpiece. The machining program generation assist device includes: a CAD data analysis unit that analyzes the CAD data to obtain the shape information of the workpiece, i.e., CAD shape information; a machining program analysis unit that analyzes the machining program in progress made by an operator to obtain the shape information of the workpiece in progress, i.e., machining shape information; a shape matching unit that performs shape matching between the CAD shape information obtained by the CAD data analysis unit and the machining shape information of the workpiece in progress obtained by the machining program analysis unit to obtain the matching shape information obtained by the shape matching; a candidate shape program generation unit that predicts a candidate shape following the matching shape information obtained by the shape matching unit based on the CAD shape information obtained by the CAD data analysis unit, thereby predicting a candidate shape following the machining shape information of the workpiece in progress, and automatically generates a machining program for the candidate shape following the machining program in progress; and a display unit that displays the machining program in progress made by the operator and also displays the machining program for the candidate shape generated by the candidate shape program generation unit.

[0011] Effects of the invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to assist in the generation of a machining program when an operator manually generates a machining program. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 FIG. is a diagram showing the machining program generation assist device according to the present embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2A FIG. is an example of a diagram showing the NC program in progress made by an operator and the shape information (NC shape information) of the workpiece in progress in the NC program analyzed by the NC program analysis unit.

[0015] Figure 2B FIG. is a flowchart showing the NC program analysis process performed by the NC program analysis unit.

[0016] Figure 3A FIG. is an example of a diagram showing CAD data and the shape information (CAD shape information) of the workpiece analyzed by the CAD data analysis unit.

[0017] Figure 3B FIG. is a flowchart showing the CAD data analysis process performed by the CAD data analysis unit.

[0018] Figure 4AThis is a diagram showing an example of the NC shape information and CAD shape information in drilling machining, as well as the shape information (matched shape information) of the workpiece obtained by shape matching performed by the shape matching unit 30.

[0019] Figure 4B This is a flowchart showing the shape matching process (hole position) performed by the shape matching unit.

[0020] Figure 5A This is a diagram showing an example of the NC shape information and CAD shape information in contour machining, as well as the shape information (matched shape information) of the workpiece obtained by shape matching performed by the shape matching unit 30.

[0021] Figure 5B This is a flowchart showing the shape matching process (contour shape) performed by the shape matching unit.

[0022] Figure 6A This is a diagram showing an example of the matched shape information and CAD shape information in drilling machining.

[0023] Figure 6B This is a diagram showing an example of the matched shape information, CAD shape information, or candidate shapes (lattice, straight line, circle (arc), quadrilateral) generated by the candidate shape program generation unit in drilling machining.

[0024] Figure 6C This is a flowchart showing the candidate shape program generation process (hole position) performed by the candidate shape program generation unit.

[0025] Figure 7A This is a diagram showing an example of the candidate shape for determining the hole position for forming lattice points.

[0026] Figure 7B This is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process of the candidate shape for determining the hole position for forming lattice points.

[0027] Figure 8A This is a diagram showing another example of the candidate shape for determining the hole position for forming lattice points.

[0028] Figure 8B This is a flowchart showing another example of the determination process of the candidate shape for determining the hole position for forming lattice points.

[0029] Figure 9A This is a diagram showing an example of the candidate shape for determining the hole position for forming a circle (arc).

[0030] Figure 9B This is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process of the candidate shape for determining the hole position for forming a circle (arc).

[0031] Figure 10AThis is a diagram showing an example of the matching shape information and CAD shape information in contour machining.

[0032] Figure 10B This is a diagram showing an example of the matching shape information, CAD shape information, or candidate shape generated by the candidate shape program generation unit in contour machining.

[0033] Figure 10C This is a flowchart showing the program generation process (contour shape) of the candidate shape by the candidate shape program generation unit.

[0034] Figure 11A This is a diagram showing an example of the display performed by the CAD data display unit (right side) and the program display unit (left side) of the display unit (drilling machining).

[0035] Figure 11B This is a diagram showing an example of the display performed by the CAD data display unit (right side) and the program display unit (left side) of the display unit (contour machining).

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals

[0037] 1: Machining program generation assistance device; 11: NC program input unit; 12: NC program analysis unit (machining program analysis unit); 13: NC shape information storage unit; 21: CAD data input unit; 22: CAD data analysis unit; 23: CAD shape information storage unit; 25: Coordinate system setting unit; 30: Shape matching unit; 40: Candidate shape program generation unit; 50: Display unit; 52: CAD data display unit; 54: Program display unit. Detailed Embodiment

[0038] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the machining program generation assistance device according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 The shown machining program generation assistance device 1 is mounted, for example, in a numerical control device (Computer Numerical Control: CNC) of a machine tool. The numerical control device controls the operation of the machine tool based on a machining program (hereinafter also referred to as an NC program.) and machines a workpiece. In the case of performing simple machining, sometimes CAM is not used, but for example, a CAD drawing is displayed on the numerical control device, and the operator manually generates a machining program while watching the CAD Figure 1 While generating the machining program manually like this, the machining program generation assistance device 1 assists in the generation of the machining program.

[0040] The machining program generation assistance device 1 includes an NC program input unit 11, an NC program analysis unit (machining program analysis unit) 12, an NC shape information storage unit 13, a CAD data input unit 21, a CAD data analysis unit 22, a CAD shape information storage unit 23, a coordinate system setting unit 25, a shape matching unit 30, a candidate shape program generation unit 40, and a display unit 50. The display unit 50 includes a CAD data display unit 52 and a program display unit 54.

[0041] The NC program input unit 11 inputs the NC program created by the operator.

[0042] The NC program analysis unit 12 analyzes the NC program in progress created by the operator and input to the NC program input unit 11 to obtain the shape information of the workpiece in progress, that is, NC shape information (machining shape information). Regarding the NC shape information, as will be described later, in the case of drilling, the NC shape information includes the coordinates of the center point of the hole position, and in the case of contour machining, the NC shape information includes at least one of the following information: the coordinates of the start point and the end point of the straight line; the coordinates of the center point and the radius of the circle; and the coordinates of the center point, the radius, the start point angle, and the end point angle of the arc.

[0043] The NC shape information storage unit 13 stores the NC shape information analyzed by the NC program analysis unit 12.

[0044] The CAD data input unit 21 inputs, for example, the CAD data of the workpiece from CAD.

[0045] The CAD data analysis unit 22 analyzes the CAD data to obtain the shape information of the workpiece, that is, CAD shape information. Regarding the CAD shape information, as will be described later, in the case of drilling, the CAD shape information includes the coordinates of the center point of the hole position, and in the case of contour machining, the CAD shape information includes at least one of the following information: the coordinates of the start point and the end point of the straight line; the coordinates of the center point and the radius of the circle; and the coordinates of the center point, the radius, the start point angle, and the end point angle of the arc.

[0046] The CAD shape information storage unit 23 stores the CAD shape information analyzed by the CAD data analysis unit 22.

[0047] The coordinate system setting unit 25 sets the XY coordinate system and the origin on the CAD drawing as shown later Figure 11A and Figure 11B indicated.

[0048] The shape matching unit 30 performs shape matching between the NC shape information obtained by the NC program analysis unit 12 and the CAD shape information obtained by the CAD data analysis unit 22 to obtain the matching shape information obtained by the shape matching.

[0049] Based on the CAD shape information obtained by the CAD data analysis unit 22, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 predicts the candidate shape following the matching shape information obtained by shape matching by the shape matching unit 30, thereby predicting the candidate shape following the machining shape information in the middle of production, and automatically generates the NC program for the candidate shape following the NC program in the middle of production.

[0050] The CAD data display unit 52 in the display unit 50 displays the CAD data as shown on the right side of Figure 11A and Figure 11B as follows. Thereby, the operator manually generates the NC program while viewing the CAD Figure 1 data. In addition, the CAD data display unit 52 displays the matching shape information obtained by shape matching by the shape matching unit 30 (or the machining shape information in the middle of production obtained by the NC program analysis unit 12) and the candidate shape predicted by the candidate shape program generation unit 40 in a manner superimposed on the CAD data.

[0051] The program display unit 54 in the display unit 50 displays the NC program in the middle of production made by the operator as shown on the left side of Figure 11A and Figure 11B as follows, and also displays the NC program for the candidate shape generated by the candidate shape program generation unit 40.

[0052] The machining program generation assist device 1 (excluding the NC shape information storage unit 13, the CAD shape information storage unit 23, and the display unit 50) is composed of arithmetic processors such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), for example. Various functions of the machining program generation assist device 1 (excluding the NC shape information storage unit 13, the CAD shape information storage unit 23, and the display unit 50) are realized, for example, by executing a prescribed software (program, application program) stored in the storage unit. Various functions of the machining program generation assist device 1 (excluding the NC shape information storage unit 13, the CAD shape information storage unit 23, and the display unit 50) can also be realized by the cooperation of hardware and software, and can also be realized only by hardware (electronic circuit).

[0053] The NC shape information storage unit 13 and the CAD shape information storage unit 23 are, for example, rewritable memories such as EEPROM, or rewritable disks such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), for example.

[0054] The display unit 50 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0055] Next, the operation of the machining program generation assistance device 1 will be described. First, the machining program generation assistance device 1 displays the CAD data of the workpiece (i.e., the CAD drawing of the workpiece) input in the CAD data display unit 52 of the display unit 50 (the right side of Figure 11A and Figure 11B to be described later). Then, the operator manually creates (inputs) an NC program based on the CAD drawing of the workpiece displayed in the CAD data display unit 52. The machining program generation assistance device 1 displays the NC program being created (input) by the operator in the program display unit 54 of the display unit 50 (the left side of Figure 11A and Figure 11B to be described later). Next, the operation of each part in the machining program generation assistance device 1 will be described in detail.

[0056] (NC Program Analysis)

[0057] Figure 2A FIG. is an example showing the shape information of the workpiece being machined in the NC program being created by the operator and the NC program analyzed by the NC program analysis unit (hereinafter also referred to as NC shape information). Figure 2B FIG. is a flowchart showing the NC program analysis process performed by the NC program analysis unit.

[0058] First, the NC program analysis unit 12 analyzes one block immediately before the cursor in the NC program being created by the operator and displayed in the program display unit 54 (S101). The NC program analysis unit 12 determines whether the machining instruction is a start of drilling or contour machining (e.g., face roughing cycle) based on, for example, the G-code instruction (S102). For example, when the G-code instruction is "G81", the NC program analysis unit 12 determines that the machining instruction is the start of drilling, and when the G-code instruction is "G72", the NC program analysis unit 12 determines that the machining instruction is the start of contour machining.

[0059] In step S103, when the machining instruction is neither the start of drilling nor the start of contour machining, the NC program analysis unit 12 analyzes one block immediately before it, i.e., the next block (S103), and returns to step S102. In this way, the NC program analysis unit 12 analyzes the NC program being created block by block.

[0060] In step S103, when the machining instruction is for starting drilling machining or contour machining, the NC program analysis unit 12 determines whether the machining instruction is for drilling machining (S104). When the machining instruction is for drilling machining, the NC program analysis unit 12 saves the first hole position following the machining instruction as NC shape information in the NC shape information storage unit 13 (S105).

[0061] Next, the NC program analysis unit 12 analyzes the next line (S106) and determines whether it is the cursor line, that is, determines whether the analysis of all shape blocks has ended (S107). When it is not the cursor line, it returns to step S105 and repeats the processing of steps S105 to S107. On the other hand, when it is the cursor line, the NC program analysis unit 12 ends the analysis.

[0062] Thus, in the case of drilling machining, the NC program analysis unit 12 obtains the hole positions P1, P2, P3 ··· PM (for example, center points) created (input) by the operator as NC shape information. Here, M is an arbitrary integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than N (N will be described later).

[0063] On the other hand, when the machining instruction in step S104 is not for drilling machining, that is, when the machining instruction is for contour machining, the NC program analysis unit 12 saves the first element following the machining instruction as NC shape information in the NC shape information storage unit 13 (S108). An element refers to (start point, end point) of a straight line "G01", (center point, radius) of a circle "G02", or (center point, radius, start point angle, end point angle) of an arc "G03", etc.

[0064] Next, the NC program analysis unit 12 analyzes the next line (S109) and determines whether it is the cursor line, that is, determines whether the analysis of all shape blocks has ended (S110). When it is not the cursor line, it returns to step S108 and repeats the processing of steps S108 to S110. On the other hand, when it is the cursor line, the NC program analysis unit 12 ends the analysis.

[0065] Thus, in the case of contour machining, the NC program analysis unit 12 obtains the elements E1, E2, E3 ··· EM created (input) by the operator as NC shape information. Here, M is an arbitrary integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than N (N will be described later). As described above, an element refers to (start point, end point) of a straight line, (center point, radius) of a circle, or (center point, radius, start point angle, end point angle) of an arc, etc.

[0066] (CAD data analysis)

[0067] Figure 3AThis is a diagram showing an example of CAD data (CAD file) and the shape information of a workpiece analyzed by the CAD data analysis section (hereinafter also referred to as CAD shape information). Figure 3B This is a flowchart showing the CAD data analysis process performed by the CAD data analysis section.

[0068] First, the CAD data analysis section 22 analyzes each line of the ENTITIES SECTION (component object) in the CAD data (S201), determines whether it starts with CIRCLE, that is, determines whether it starts with a circular shape (S202). If it starts with CIRCLE, the CAD data analysis section 22 analyzes each line of this SECTION in the CAD data (S203), determines whether it ends with CIRCLE, that is, determines whether it ends with a circular shape (S204). If it does not end with CIRCLE, the CAD data analysis section 22 saves the hole position or the contour shape as CAD shape information to the CAD shape information storage section 23 (S205). Then, the CAD data analysis section 22 returns to step S203 and repeats the processing of steps S203 to S205.

[0069] Thus, in the case of the hole position, the CAD data analysis section 22 obtains the hole positions C1, C2, C3... CN (for example, the center points) in the CAD data as CAD shape information. Here, N is an arbitrary integer of 2 or more (N>M).

[0070] Alternatively, in the case of the contour shape, the CAD data analysis section 22 obtains the elements V1, V2, V3... VN in the CAD data as CAD shape information. Here, N is an arbitrary integer of 2 or more (N>M). As described above, an element refers to a straight line (starting point, ending point), a circle (center point, radius), or an arc (center point, radius, starting point angle, ending point angle), etc.

[0071] On the other hand, if it does not start with CIRCLE in step S202, that is, if it starts with an element other than CIRCLE, the CAD data analysis section 22 analyzes each line of this SECTION in the CAD data (S206), determines whether it ends with an element other than CIRCLE (S207). If it does not end with an element other than CIRCLE, the CAD data analysis section 22 saves the contour shape as CAD shape information to the CAD shape information storage section 23 (S208). Then, the CAD data analysis section 22 returns to step S206 and repeats the processing of steps S206 to S208.

[0072] Accordingly, the CAD data analysis unit 22 obtains elements V1, V2, V3 ··· VN in the CAD data as CAD shape information.

[0073] In addition, when the process ends for CIRCLE in step S204, and when the process ends for an element other than CIRCLE in step S207, the CAD data analysis unit 22 determines whether it is the end of the ENTITIES SECTION in the CAD data (S209). When it is not the end of the ENTITIES SECTION, the CAD data analysis unit 22 returns to step S201 and performs the processes of steps S201 to S209 for the next ENTITIES SECTION. On the other hand, when it is the end of the ENTITIES SECTION, the CAD data analysis unit 22 ends the analysis.

[0074] (Shape matching) (Hole position)

[0075] Figure 4A It is a diagram showing an example of the NC shape information and CAD shape information in drilling, and the shape information of the workpiece obtained by shape matching by the shape matching unit 30 (hereinafter also referred to as matching shape information). Figure 4B It is a flowchart showing the shape matching process (hole position) performed by the shape matching unit.

[0076] First, the shape matching unit 30 increments the repeat process count i (S301). Next, the shape matching unit 30 searches for the hole position in the CAD shape information that is the same as the hole position Pi in the NC shape information, and determines whether there is a hole position in the CAD shape information that is the same as the hole position Pi in the NC shape information (S303). When there is no hole position that is the same as the hole position Pi, the shape matching unit 30 ends the shape matching.

[0077] When there is a hole position that is the same as the hole position Pi in step S303, the shape matching unit 30 determines whether the repeat process count i is greater than the number M of hole positions in the NC shape information (S304). When i ≤ M, the shape matching unit 30 returns to step S301 and repeats the processes of steps S301 to S304.

[0078] When i > M in step S304, the shape matching unit 30 saves the hole position C in the CAD shape information that is the same as the hole position Pi in the NC shape information S (C S1 、C S2 、···C SM )(S305) and ends the shape matching.

[0079] Thus, in the case of drilling, the shape matching unit 30 obtains multiple sets of hole positions (M) C S (C S1 、C S2 、···C SM ) as matching shape information.

[0080] (Shape matching)(Contour shape)

[0081] Figure 5A is a diagram showing an example of the NC shape information and CAD shape information in contour machining, and the shape information of the workpiece obtained by shape matching by the shape matching unit 30 (hereinafter also referred to as matching shape information). Figure 5B is a flowchart showing the shape matching process (contour shape) performed by the shape matching unit.

[0082] First, the shape matching unit 30 increments the repeat process count i (S401). Next, the shape matching unit 30 searches the CAD shape information for an element identical to the element Ei in the NC shape information, and determines whether there is an element identical to the element Ei in the CAD shape information (S403). If there is no element identical to the element Ei, the shape matching unit 30 ends the shape matching.

[0083] If there is an element identical to the element Ei in step S403, the shape matching unit 30 determines whether the repeat process count i is greater than the number M of elements in the NC shape information (S404). If i ≤ M, the shape matching unit 30 returns to step S401 and repeats the processing of steps S401 to S404.

[0084] If i > M in step S404, the shape matching unit 30 saves the element V in the CAD shape information that is identical to the element Ei in the NC shape information S (V S1 、V S2 、···V SM )(S405) and ends the shape matching.

[0085] Thus, in the case of contour machining, the shape matching unit 30 obtains multiple sets of contour shapes VS (V S1 、V S2 、···V SM ) as matching shape information.

[0086] (Candidate shape program generation)(Hole position)

[0087] Figure 6A is a diagram showing an example of the matching shape information and CAD shape information in drilling, Figure 6BThis is a diagram showing an example of the matching shape information, CAD shape information, or candidate shapes (lattice, straight line, circle (arc), quadrilateral) generated by the candidate shape program generation unit in drilling processing. Figure 6C This is a flowchart showing the candidate shape program generation process (hole position) performed by the candidate shape program generation unit.

[0088] First, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 determines whether there are hole positions (six or more) forming a lattice in the matching shape information (S501). If there are hole positions forming a lattice, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 predicts the hole positions forming lattice points in the CAD shape information following the hole positions forming lattice points in the matching shape information, and sets the predicted hole positions as candidate shapes (S502).

[0089] If there are no hole positions forming a lattice in step S501, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 determines whether there are hole positions forming a straight line in the matching shape information (S503). If there are hole positions forming a straight line, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 predicts the hole positions forming straight lines in the CAD shape information following the hole positions forming straight lines in the matching shape information, and sets the predicted hole positions as candidate shapes (S504).

[0090] If there are no hole positions forming a straight line in step S503, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 determines whether there are hole positions forming a circle (arc) in the matching shape information (S505). If there are hole positions forming a circle (arc), the candidate shape program generation unit 40 predicts the hole positions forming circles (arcs) in the CAD shape information following the hole positions forming circles (arcs) in the matching shape information, and sets the predicted hole positions as candidate shapes (S506).

[0091] If there are no hole positions forming a circle (arc) in step S505, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 determines whether there are hole positions forming a quadrilateral in the matching shape information (S507). If there are hole positions forming a quadrilateral, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 predicts the hole positions forming quadrilaterals in the CAD shape information following the hole positions forming quadrilaterals in the matching shape information, and sets the predicted hole positions as candidate shapes (S508).

[0092] When the candidate shape is determined, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 automatically generates a program for the candidate shape (hole position), and ends the program generation process.

[0093] Next, Figure 6C the details of determining the candidate shape of the hole positions forming lattice points in step S502 will be described.Figure 7A This is a diagram showing an example of a candidate shape for determining the hole positions that form lattice points. Figure 7B This is a flowchart showing an example of a determination process for determining candidate shapes of hole positions that form lattice points.

[0094] First, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 searches the CAD shape information for three points C S1 , C S2 , C S3 that form a quadrilateral hole position P (S521), and determines whether there is a hole position P that forms a quadrilateral with the three points C S1 , C S2 , C S3 in the CAD shape information. If there is no hole position that forms a quadrilateral, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 ends the candidate shape determination process.

[0095] If there is a hole position P that forms a quadrilateral, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 calculates the interval d1 between the hole positions C S1 , C S2 (or between C S2 , C S3 , or between C S1 , C S3 ), and the interval d2 between the hole positions C S1 , C S3 (or between C S1 , C S2 , or between C S2 , C S3 ) (S523).

[0096] Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 calculates the straight line L1 passing through the hole positions C S1 , C S2 , and the straight line L2 passing through the hole positions C S3 , P (S524).

[0097] Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 searches the CAD shape information for pairs of points (Q1i, Q2i) that are respectively on the straight lines L1, L2 and are at distances of d1, 2d1,..., Wd1 from between the hole positions C S2 , P (S525).

[0098] Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 calculates the straight line L3 passing through the hole positions C S2 , P, the straight line L4 passing through the hole positions C S1 , C S3 between, and the straight line Li passing through the pairs of points (Q1i, Q2i) (S526).

[0099] Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 searches the CAD shape information for points (M3j, M4j,..., Mkj) that are on the straight lines L3, L4, and Li, respectively, and are at distances of d2, 2d2,..., Wd2 from the hole positions C S1 , C S2 (S527).

[0100] Figure 8A FIG. is another example of a diagram showing a candidate shape for determining a hole position for forming a lattice point. Figure 8B FIG. is another example of a flowchart showing a determination process for determining a candidate shape for a hole position for forming a lattice point.

[0101] First, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 calculates the distances between all the hole positions in the CAD shape information and the hole position C in the matching shape information S1 (S531). Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 determines whether all the points H (P1,..., PT) at distances of d, 2d,..., Wd from the hole position C in the matching shape information exist (where T > 1) (S532). If not all the points H exist, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 ends the candidate shape determination process. S1

[0102] If all the points H exist, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 sets the points H as candidate shapes (S533) and sets the hole position Q = H (S534).

[0103] Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 calculates the inclination K of the straight line L1 passing through the hole position Q (S535). Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 searches for the point P closest to the center point of the hole position Q (S536). Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 obtains a straight line L2 parallel to the straight line L1 passing through the point P (S537). Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 determines whether all the points Mj (P1,..., PT) at distances of d1, 2d1,..., Wd1 on the straight line L2 exist (S538). If not all the points Mj exist, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 ends the candidate shape determination process.

[0104] If all the points Mj exist, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 sets the point with the closest distance between the point Q and the points Mj as the corresponding point (S539). Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 determines whether the distances of the corresponding points are the same and the inclination R of the straight line passing through the corresponding points is the same (S540). If the distances of the corresponding points are the same and the inclination R of the straight line passing through the corresponding points is not the same, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 returns to step S536 and repeats the processes of steps S536 to S540.​

[0105] When the distances from the points are the same and the inclination R of the straight line passing through the pair of points is the same, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 sets the point Mj as the candidate shape (Q = Mj) (S541).

[0106] In addition, when considering the calculation amount, Figure 7A and Figure 7B An example of determining the candidate shape of the hole position that forms the lattice points shown is more preferable.

[0107] Next, Figure 6C Details of determining the candidate shape of the hole position that forms a circle (circular arc) in step S506 will be described. Figure 9A FIG. is a diagram showing an example of determining the candidate shape of the hole position that forms a circle (circular arc). Figure 9B FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process of determining the candidate shape of the hole position that forms a circle (circular arc).

[0108] First, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 determines whether the hole position C S in the matching shape information is on the same circumference C (radius R) (S561). When the hole position C S is not on the same circumference C, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 ends the determination process of the candidate shape.

[0109] When the hole position C S is on the same circumference C, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 increments the number of repetition processes i (S562). In addition, i is less than the number N of hole positions in the CAD shape information. Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 obtains the distance D between the hole position Ci and the center of the circle of the circumference C (S563). Next, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 determines whether the distance D is the same as the radius R of the circumference C (S564). When D ≠ R, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 returns to step S562 and repeats the processes of steps S562 to S564.

[0110] When D = R, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 sets the hole position Ci as the candidate shape (S565) and ends the determination process of the candidate shape.

[0111] (Program generation of candidate shape) (Contour shape)

[0112] Figure 10A FIG. is a diagram showing an example of the matching shape information and the CAD shape information in the contour machining, Figure 10B FIG. is a diagram showing an example of the matching shape information, the CAD shape information, or the candidate shape generated by the candidate shape program generation unit in the contour machining. Figure 10CIt is a flowchart showing the program generation process (outline shape) of candidate shapes performed by the candidate shape program generation unit.

[0113] First, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 searches for the element (outline shape) Y that follows the last element in the matching shape information from the CAD shape information S (S601), and determines whether there is an element Y that follows the last element of the element (outline shape) V j (S602). S (S602). j (S602).

[0114] If there is an element Y j , the candidate shape program generation unit 40 adds the element Y j to the element (outline shape) V S (S603). Then, the candidate shape program generation unit 40 increments j (S604), and repeats the processing of steps S601 - S604 until there is no element Y that follows the last element of the element (outline shape) V S in step S602. j

[0115] When there is no element Y that follows the last element of the element (outline shape) V S in step S602 j , the candidate shape program generation unit 40 sets all the elements Y j as the candidate shape (outline shape), automatically generates the program of the candidate shape (outline shape) (S605), and ends the program generation.

[0116] Figure 11A It is a diagram (drilling) showing an example of the display performed by the CAD data display section (right side) and the program display section (left side) of the display section.

[0117] The CAD data display section 52 (right side) in the display section 50 displays the CAD data. Thus, the operator manually generates the NC program while viewing the CAD Figure 1 . In addition, the CAD data display section 52 displays the hole position C S of the matching shape information obtained by shape matching by the shape matching section 30 (or the hole position PM of the in - process machining shape information obtained by the NC program analysis section 12) and the candidate shape predicted by the candidate shape program generation unit 40 in a manner superimposed on the CAD data.

[0118] The program display section 54 (left side) in the display section 50 displays the in - process NC program made by the operator, and also displays the NC program of the candidate shape generated by the candidate shape program generation unit 40.

[0119] Figure 11B This is a diagram (profile machining) showing an example of the display performed by the CAD data display section (right side) and the program display section (left side) of the display section.

[0120] The CAD data display section 52 (right side) in the display section 50 displays CAD data. Thus, the operator manually generates an NC program while viewing the CAD Figure 1 In addition, the CAD data display section 52 displays the elements (profile shapes) V of the matching shape information obtained by shape matching by the shape matching section 30 (or the elements (profile shapes VN) of the machining shape information during production obtained by the NC program analysis section 12) and the candidate shapes predicted by the candidate shape program generation section 40 in a manner superimposed on the CAD data. S (Or the elements (profile shapes VN) of the machining shape information during production obtained by the NC program analysis section 12) and the candidate shapes predicted by the candidate shape program generation section 40 in a manner superimposed on the CAD data.

[0121] The program display section 54 (left side) in the display section 50 displays the NC program during production made by the operator, and also displays the NC program of the candidate shape generated by the candidate shape program generation section 40.

[0122] As described above, according to the machining program generation assistance device 1 of the present embodiment, the NC program during production made by the operator is compared with the CAD data (shape matching) to predict the program of the candidate shape following the NC program during production and then display it. Thus, the operator can complete the NC program only by confirming and determining the program of the candidate shape. In this way, when the operator manually generates a machining program, it is possible to assist in the generation of the machining program, thereby reducing the operator's input work and input errors.

[0123] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be variously changed and modified. For example, in the above embodiment, a machining program generation assistance device for assisting in the generation of an NC program of a numerical control device for controlling a machine tool is exemplified. However, the machining program generation assistance device of the present embodiment is not limited thereto and can be applied to various machining program generation assistance devices for assisting in the generation of machining programs of various industrial machines.

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for generating a machining program, which is used to assist in generating the machining program of a workpiece based on the CAD data of the workpiece. The auxiliary device for generating a machining program includes: A CAD data analysis unit that analyzes the CAD data to obtain the shape information of the workpiece, that is, CAD shape information; A machining program analysis unit that analyzes the machining program in progress made by an operator to obtain the shape information of the workpiece in progress, that is, machining shape information; A shape matching unit that performs shape matching between the CAD shape information obtained by the CAD data analysis unit and the machining shape information in progress obtained by the machining program analysis unit to obtain matching shape information obtained by shape matching; A candidate shape program generation unit that, based on the CAD shape information obtained by the CAD data analysis unit, predicts a candidate shape following the matching shape information obtained by the shape matching unit by the shape matching unit, thereby predicting a candidate shape following the machining shape information in progress, and automatically generates a machining program for the candidate shape following the machining program in progress; and A display unit that displays the machining program in progress made by the operator and also displays the machining program for the candidate shape generated by the candidate shape program generation unit.

2. The auxiliary device for generating a machining program according to claim 1, wherein The display unit also displays the matching shape information obtained by the shape matching unit by the shape matching unit and the candidate shape predicted by the candidate shape program generation unit in a manner superimposed on the CAD data.

3. The auxiliary device for generating a machining program according to claim 1, wherein The display unit also displays the machining shape information in progress obtained by the machining program analysis unit and the candidate shape predicted by the candidate shape program generation unit in a manner superimposed on the CAD data.

4. The auxiliary device for generating a machining program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein In the case of drilling, the CAD shape information and the machining shape information include the coordinates of the center points of the hole positions, In the case of contour machining, the CAD shape information and the machining shape information include at least one of the following information: The coordinates of the starting point and the ending point of a straight line; The coordinates of the center point and the radius of a circle; and The coordinates of the center point, the radius, the starting point angle, and the ending point angle of an arc.

5. The auxiliary device for generating a machining program according to claim 4, wherein In the case of drilling, the candidate shape program generation unit performs the following processing: First, predict the candidate shape of the hole positions arranged in a grid shape, Next, predict the candidate shape of the hole positions arranged in a straight line shape, Next, predict the candidate shape of the hole positions arranged in a circular shape or an arc shape, Next, predict the candidate shape of the hole positions arranged in a quadrilateral shape.

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