Processing program correction assistance device, processing program correction assistance method, and processing system

Abstract

A machining program correction assistance device (1) includes a numerical control simulation execution section (11) that generates a tool path and a position command indicating the tool path by simulating a numerical control processing operation of a numerical control machine tool based on a machining program and numerical control parameters set in the numerical control machine tool that executes the machining program, a machining simulation execution section (12) that performs machining simulation in accordance with a shape of a workpiece, i.e., a raw material shape, machined by the numerical control machine tool, a shape of a tool, i.e., a tool shape, used in machining, a mechanical model of the numerical control machine tool, and the position command, and a shortenable path detection section (13) that detects a path, i.e., a shortenable path, in which machining time can be shortened, from the tool path based on the position command, a result of the machining simulation, and prescribed shortenable path detection conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machining program correction aid device, a machining program correction aid method, and a machining system that assist in the correction of machining programs, the machining programs controlling machine tools. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, machining is performed on CNC (Numerical Control) machine tools using machining programs generated by CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) systems, which contain movement instructions to move the workpiece or tool. However, due to factors such as the generation of toolpaths with excessive margins to avoid mechanical interference in CAM systems, the neglect of mid-machining shape considerations, and the lack of consideration for the machine tool's CNC characteristics, machining programs sometimes result in excessively long machining times.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, Patent Document 1 discloses a machining program optimization device that detects redundant instructions contained in a machining program and optimizes the machining program by deleting or reducing redundant instructions. In the machining program optimization device described in Patent Document 1, at least one of the following redundant instructions is detected: instructions that generate excessive waiting time, instructions that generate redundant actions, and instructions that generate excessive margin.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-47702 Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, the optimization performed by the machining program optimization device described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the actual CNC processing, specifically interpolation processing, acceleration / deceleration processing, etc., because it detects redundant instructions contained in the machining program. Therefore, it fails to consider the actual machining speed and actual tool movement path, resulting in the following problems: it may miss parts that are not redundant instructions but can actually shorten machining time, or it may over-detect parts that should not be corrected.

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a machining program correction auxiliary device that can detect correction parts with high precision and shorten machining time.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues and achieve the objectives, the machining program correction auxiliary device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a CNC simulation execution unit that generates a tool path and position commands representing the tool path by simulating the CNC processing actions of the CNC machine tool based on the machining program and CNC parameters set in the CNC machine tool executing the machining program; a machining simulation execution unit that performs machining simulation according to the shape of the workpiece being machined by the CNC machine tool (i.e., the shape of the raw material), the shape of the tool used in machining (i.e., the tool shape), the mechanical model of the CNC machine tool, and the position commands; and a path shortening detection unit that shortens the path by detecting paths that can shorten the machining time based on the position commands, the results of the machining simulation, and the specified path shortening detection conditions.

[0008] The effects of the invention

[0009] The machining process correction auxiliary device involved in this invention has the following effect: it can detect the correction parts that can shorten the machining time with high precision. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of a machining process correction auxiliary device.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the machining process correction auxiliary device according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device according to Embodiment 2.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the machining process correction auxiliary device according to Embodiment 2.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a method by which the machining program correction auxiliary device according to Embodiment 2 corrects the tool path.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the machining process correction auxiliary device according to Embodiment 3.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the machining process correction auxiliary device involved in Embodiment 4.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the machining process correction auxiliary device according to Embodiment 5.

[0018] Figure 9This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device according to Embodiment 6.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware that implements a machining program correction auxiliary device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The machining program correction aid device, machining program correction aid method, and machining system according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the description of each embodiment, numerical control is sometimes referred to as NC.

[0021] Implementation Method 1

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] The machining program correction auxiliary device 1 has a numerical control (NC) simulation execution unit 11, a machining simulation execution unit 12, a shortenable path detection unit 13 and an interface unit 14, a machining program storage unit 21, a numerical control (NC) parameter storage unit 22, a raw material shape storage unit 23, a tool shape storage unit 24, a mechanical model storage unit 25 and a shortenable path detection condition storage unit 26.

[0024] Furthermore, the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 can also be implemented through the coordinated operation of multiple devices. For example, the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 can be implemented through the coordinated operation of a first device and a second device. The first device has an NC simulation execution unit 11, a machining simulation execution unit 12, a shortenable path detection unit 13, and an interface unit 14, which performs various auxiliary processes to implement the machining program correction operation. The second device has a machining program storage unit 21, an NC parameter storage unit 22, a raw material shape storage unit 23, a tool shape storage unit 24, a machine model storage unit 25, and a shortenable path detection condition storage unit 26.

[0025] The machining program storage unit 21 stores the machining program that is to be corrected, that is, it stores the machining program that is corrected by the correction operation assisted by the machining program correction auxiliary device 1.

[0026] The NC parameter storage unit 22 stores the parameters set in the NC machine tool (not shown), namely the numerical control parameters (NC parameters), which are then executed by the NC machine tool using the machining program stored in the machining program storage unit 21. The NC parameters stored in the NC parameter storage unit 22 are used by the NC simulation execution unit 11, described later, when simulating NC processing actions based on the machining program.

[0027] The raw material shape storage unit 23 stores the shape of the workpiece to be processed by the NC machine tool, i.e., the raw material shape, which executes the processing program stored in the processing program storage unit 21. Furthermore, the workpiece is also referred to as the raw material. In the following description, the workpiece will sometimes be referred to as the raw material.

[0028] The tool shape storage unit 24 stores the shape of the tool used by the NC machine tool in the processing of raw materials, i.e., the tool shape, and the NC machine tool executes the processing program stored in the processing program storage unit 21.

[0029] The mechanical model storage unit 25 stores the mechanical model of the NC machine tool, which executes the machining program stored in the machining program storage unit 21. The mechanical model of the NC machine tool simulates the action of machining raw materials by the NC machine tool executing the machining program.

[0030] The shortenable path detection condition storage unit 26 stores shortenable path detection conditions used by the shortenable path detection unit 13 (described later) when detecting paths in the toolpath that can shorten machining time. In the following description, paths that can shorten machining time will be referred to as shortenable paths. The toolpath detected by the shortenable path detection unit 13 is the path described in the machining program stored in the machining program storage unit 21, which is the path along which the tool moves during machining on the NC machine tool according to the machining program. Furthermore, when the tool position is fixed and the workpiece moves during machining on the NC machine tool according to the machining program, the path along which the workpiece moves becomes the toolpath. Additionally, when both the tool and the workpiece move during machining on the NC machine tool, the relative movement path between the tool and the workpiece becomes the toolpath. A shortenable path is, for example, a path that allows the tool to move at a higher speed than specified by the machining program, or a path that allows the tool's movement distance to be shortened by modifying the path itself.

[0031] The NC simulation execution unit 11 simulates the numerical control (NC) processing actions of the NC machine tool based on the machining program stored in the machining program storage unit 21 and the NC parameters stored in the NC parameter storage unit 22. The NC simulation execution unit 11 outputs the NC processing results obtained from the simulation to the machining simulation execution unit 12 and the shortenable path detection unit 13. Specifically, the NC simulation execution unit 11 outputs the position commands contained in the NC processing results to the machining simulation execution unit 12, and outputs the toolpath and position commands contained in the NC processing results to the shortenable path detection unit 13.

[0032] The machining simulation execution unit 12 performs machining simulation based on the position commands input from the NC simulation execution unit 11, the raw material shape stored in the raw material shape storage unit 23, the tool shape stored in the tool shape storage unit 24, and the mechanical model stored in the mechanical model storage unit 25. The machining simulation execution unit 12 outputs the machining simulation results obtained from the machining simulation to the shortenable path detection unit 13. The machining simulation results indicate how the tool processed the raw material at what timing during the period until the raw material processing was completed; specifically, it includes information indicating which interval of the toolpath was used for cutting the raw material.

[0033] The shortenable path detection unit 13 detects shortenable paths included in the toolpath input from the NC simulation execution unit 11. Specifically, the shortenable path detection unit 13 detects paths from the toolpath that match the shortenable path detection conditions stored in the shortenable path detection condition storage unit 26.

[0034] The interface unit 14 outputs the detection result of the shortenable path obtained by the shortenable path detection unit 13 to the outside. The interface unit 14 can display the detection result to notify the outside, or it can output the detection result as data to the outside. The interface unit 14 can also output the detection result to the outside by printing it on paper or the like.

[0035] Next, while referring to Figure 2 The explanation focuses on the actions of the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 in assisting the correction of the machining program. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0036] First, the NC simulation execution unit 11 parses the machining program stored in the machining program storage unit 21 to obtain the tool path (step S1). The NC simulation execution unit 11 obtains the path of the tool or raw material movement during machining according to the machining program stored in the machining program storage unit 21, as the tool path. The NC simulation execution unit 11 outputs the obtained tool path to the shortenable path detection unit 13.

[0037] Next, the NC simulation execution unit 11 simulates NC processing actions to generate position commands (step S2). Specifically, the NC simulation execution unit 11 generates position commands based on the NC parameters stored in the NC parameter storage unit 22 and the toolpath obtained in step S1, simulating NC processing actions. The position commands represent the tool position calculated per unit time by the NC processing actions. Here, unit time is the NC control cycle. The NC simulation execution unit 11 generates a series of position commands representing the tool position per unit time. The NC simulation execution unit 11 outputs the generated position commands to the shortenable path detection unit 13 and the machining simulation execution unit 12.

[0038] Next, the machining simulation execution unit 12 performs machining simulation (step S3). Specifically, the machining simulation execution unit 12 performs machining simulation based on the raw material shape stored in the raw material shape storage unit 23, the tool shape stored in the tool shape storage unit 24, the mechanical model stored in the mechanical model storage unit 25, and the position command generated by the NC simulation execution unit 11 in step S2. The machining simulation is a simulation of the tool removing raw material from the raw material shape when the tool passes the position indicated by the position command. The machining simulation execution unit 12 obtains the machining simulation result at this time. The machining simulation result may also include the volume of raw material removed by the tool at each tool position indicated by the position command, i.e., the tool cutting volume. Additionally, the machining simulation result may also include the shortest distance and direction between the tool, the raw material, and the mechanical model at each tool position indicated by the position command. The machining simulation execution unit 12 outputs the machining simulation result obtained from performing the machining simulation to the shortenable path detection unit 13.

[0039] Next, the shortenable path detection unit 13 detects shortenable paths included in the toolpath (step S4). Specifically, the shortenable path detection unit 13 detects shortenable paths based on the toolpath obtained by the NC simulation execution unit 11 in step S1, the position commands generated by the NC simulation execution unit 11 in step S2, the results of the machining simulation performed by the machining simulation execution unit 12 in step S3, and the shortenable path detection conditions stored in the shortenable path detection condition storage unit 26. The shortenable path detection unit 13 first determines which toolpath is associated with each tool position indicated by the position command in order to detect shortenable paths. As a method for determining the correlation, for example, if the NC simulation execution unit 11 generates position commands based on the toolpath in step S2, it can store which toolpath generated the position commands, or it can calculate the spatially nearest toolpath for each tool position indicated by the position commands as the associated toolpath.

[0040] The shortenable path detection unit 13 uses the following shortenable path detection conditions, for example, (A) to (D), when detecting shortenable paths. The shortenable path detection unit 13 checks whether the range described in (A) to (D) is included in the toolpath. If it is included in the toolpath, the toolpath included in that range is detected as a shortenable path.

[0041] (A) The range of toolpaths where the tool does not participate in the removal of raw materials.

[0042] The detection method for this range is, for example, to extract tool positions with zero cutting volume from the machining simulation results, which are specified by the position command (G01 command, i.e., the cutting command) in the machining program. The toolpath associated with the extracted tool position is then considered as the toolpath where the tool does not participate in material removal. In this case, if there are intervals of tool positions with zero cutting volume and intervals of tool positions with non-zero cutting volume associated with a position command, the movement path can be divided into two or more intervals, and only the intervals of tool positions with zero cutting volume are detected. Tool positions with zero cutting volume are tool positions where no cutting occurs, i.e., tool positions where the tool does not contact the material. Therefore, the toolpath where the tool does not participate in material removal becomes the interval in the path shown by the position command generated by the NC simulation execution unit 11 in step S2 where the tool does not contact the material.

[0043] (B) Range of toolpaths that experience unexpected deceleration during NC processing.

[0044] The detection method for this range is, for example, to calculate the actual speed of tool movement based on the position command, compare the actual speed with the command speed specified by the machining program, and set the toolpath related to the range where the actual speed is slower than the command speed as a toolpath that undergoes unexpected deceleration during NC processing. Alternatively, the value obtained by multiplying the command speed by the deceleration ratio coefficient, corresponding to a predetermined deceleration ratio coefficient, can be compared with the command speed.

[0045] (C) Range of toolpaths that perform unnecessary tool retraction movements

[0046] For example, the detection method for this range is to set the toolpath related to the range of the position command in which the shortest distance between the tool and the raw material and the mechanical model contained in the machining simulation results of the position command is greater than the specified distance as a toolpath that redundantly performs tool retraction movement.

[0047] (D) The range of toolpaths with excessively small machining conditions was set.

[0048] For example, the detection method for this range is to define the toolpath related to the range of the position command in which the tool cutting volume contained in the machining simulation result of the position command is smaller than the specified volume and is not zero as a toolpath with excessively small machining conditions.

[0049] Furthermore, the shortenable path detection conditions are not limited to those described in (A) to (D) above. The processing program correction auxiliary device 1 can also be configured such that the user can add or change the shortenable path detection conditions used when detecting shortenable paths.

[0050] Next, the interface unit 14 displays the shortenable path and the detection reason (step S5). Specifically, the interface unit 14 obtains the toolpath obtained by the NC simulation execution unit 11 and the shortenable paths detected by the shortenable path detection unit 13 from the shortenable path detection unit 13. It distinguishes the shortenable paths included in the toolpath from other toolpaths that are not shortenable, and displays the detection reason along with the path. For example, the interface unit 14 may also display the shortenable path on a display device by differentiating it from other sections of the toolpath by color, so that it can visually identify which section of the toolpath is a shortenable path. Furthermore, the interface unit 14 displays the detection reason for the shortenable path, for example, indicating which condition (A) to (D) the shortenable path matches. The interface unit 14 may also distinguish between the two by using different types of lines representing shortenable paths and different types of lines representing other sections of the toolpath. When multiple shortenable paths exist, the interface unit 14 displays the path in a way that allows the user to know the correspondence between each shortenable path and the detection reason. The interface unit 14 can, for example, indicate the correspondence by setting the display color of the corresponding shortenable path and the detection reason to be the same. The interface unit 14 can also prompt the detection reason of the shortenable path through methods other than text display. Based on the shortenable path and the detection reason, the interface unit 14 can also prompt information related to the shortenable path, such as the processing simulation results and the shape of the raw material before processing.

[0051] Additionally, the interface unit 14 can also display the lines in the machining program corresponding to the shortenable path. In this case, for example, by changing the text color of the lines corresponding to the shortenable path, they can be distinguished from other lines. The determination of the lines in the machining program corresponding to the shortenable path is performed, for example, by the shortenable path detection unit 13.

[0052] The user receives a prompt that the path can be shortened through the interface unit 14, thereby enabling the user to correct the part of the machining program corresponding to the shortenable path and shorten the machining time.

[0053] As described above, the machining program correction aid 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes: an NC simulation execution unit 11, which parses the machining program to obtain the toolpath and generates position commands by simulating NC processing actions; a machining simulation execution unit 12, which performs machining simulation based on the position commands, the shape of the raw material, the shape of the tool used for machining, and a mechanical model simulating the machining of the raw material; a shortenable path detection unit 13, which detects shortenable paths included in the toolpath based on the toolpath, position commands, machining simulation results, and shortenable path detection conditions; and an interface unit 14, which prompts the detected shortenable paths. Because the machining program correction aid 1 includes the NC simulation execution unit 11, it can detect paths that shorten machining time from the toolpath, taking into account actual CNC processing such as interpolation and acceleration / deceleration, thus suppressing missed or over-detection of shortenable paths. Furthermore, the machining program correction aid 1 distinguishes the detected shortenable paths from other paths, making it easy for the user to understand which path in the toolpath is a shortenable path. In addition, the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 indicates the detected shortenable path and detection conditions, so the user can understand the reason for the detection of the shortenable path and reduce the workload of thinking of a correction scheme for the shortenable path.

[0054] Implementation Method 2

[0055] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the description will focus on the parts that differ from Embodiment 1 described above.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 2.

[0057] The machining program correction auxiliary device 1a is in Figure 1 The machining program correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1 shown has an additional structure including a path correction unit 15, a machining program correction unit 16, and a path correction method storage unit 27. The operation of other structural elements of the machining program correction auxiliary device 1a, except for the path correction unit 15, the machining program correction unit 16, and the path correction method storage unit 27, is the same as that of the structural elements labeled with the same reference numerals in the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, descriptions of other structural elements besides the path correction unit 15, the machining program correction unit 16, and the path correction method storage unit 27 are omitted.

[0058] The path correction unit 15 receives the tool path obtained from the machining program by the NC simulation execution unit 11 and the shortenable path detected by the shortenable path detection unit 13, corrects the shortenable path contained in the tool path, and generates the corrected tool path, i.e., the corrected tool path.

[0059] The machining program correction unit 16 corrects the machining program stored in the machining program storage unit 21 based on the corrected tool path generated by the path correction unit 15.

[0060] The path correction method storage unit 27 stores the path correction method used when the path correction unit 15 corrects the shortenable path in the toolpath.

[0061] Next, while referring to Figure 4 The explanation focuses on the operation of the machining program correction auxiliary device 1a in assisting the correction of the machining program. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 2. Figure 4 In the middle, to and Figure 2 The flowcharts for the same processes have the same step numbers. Figure 2 This illustrates an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Regarding... Figure 2 The same process as the flowchart, namely steps S1 to S4, is omitted.

[0062] In the machining program correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 2, after the shortenable path detection unit 13 detects a shortenable path in step S4, the path correction unit 15 corrects the shortenable path included in the tool path to generate a corrected tool path (step S6). Specifically, the path correction unit 15 corrects the shortenable path included in the tool path detected by the shortenable path detection unit 13 using a path correction method stored in the path correction method storage unit 27. The path correction unit 15 outputs the corrected tool path, i.e., the corrected tool path, to the interface unit 14 and the machining program correction unit 16.

[0063] The path correction unit 15 corrects the shortenable path using the following path correction methods stored in the path correction method storage unit 27: (a) to (d). The path correction unit 15 corrects the shortenable path using a path correction method corresponding to the reason for detecting the shortenable path.

[0064] (a) A method for shortening the toolpath corresponding to the range of toolpaths where the tool does not participate in material removal.

[0065] (a-1) Change the command in the shortenable path from a cutting command to a rapid feed command.

[0066] (a-2) Increase the instruction feed rate in the path that can be shortened.

[0067] (a-3) Change the path that can be shortened to a path with a shorter path length.

[0068] exist Figure 5 Specific examples are shown of changing a shortenable path to a shorter path. Furthermore, Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a method by which the machining program correction auxiliary device 1a, according to Embodiment 2, corrects the tool path.

[0069] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the movement path of tool 201 from P1 to P2 is a shortenable path represented by solid lines, there exists a section where the distance between the raw material (workpiece) and tool 201 is too large. In this case, the path correction unit 15, for example, deletes a portion of the shortenable path and changes the movement path of tool 201 to a corrected tool path #1, which is a linear feed axis movement represented by dashed lines. The path correction unit 15 can also change the movement path of tool 201 to a corrected tool path #2, which is a rotary axis movement.

[0070] (b) A method for shortening the toolpath corresponding to the range of unexpected decelerations that occur during NC processing.

[0071] (b-1) For the movement speed of the tool in the shortenable path, increase the command speed so that the actual speed after the change becomes the same as the original command speed.

[0072] (b-2) Insert an arc path into the corner where the path can be shortened.

[0073] (c) A method for shortening the toolpath corresponding to the range of toolpaths that involve redundant tool retraction.

[0074] (c-1) The correction can shorten the path so that the shortest distance between the tool and the raw material and the mechanical model is close to the specified distance.

[0075] (d) A method for correcting toolpaths that can be shortened to correspond to the range of toolpaths with excessively small machining conditions.

[0076] (d-1) Increase the command feed rate so that the tool cutting volume of the position command in the shortened path is close to the specified volume.

[0077] (d-2) Increase the depth of cut so that the cutting volume of the tool that can shorten the position command in the path is close to the specified volume.

[0078] In correction method (d-2), besides intentionally increasing the tool cutting volume of the position command, the path can also be shortened by determining the range of the position command for machining the raw material through the tool in the position command, so that the position command within the determined range remains unchanged before and after the machining program is modified. The range of the position command for machining the raw material through the tool in the position command can be obtained by determining the range where the tool cutting volume of the original command, which is the result of the machining simulation, is not zero.

[0079] The path correction unit 15 can also simultaneously use two or more of the above-mentioned multiple correction methods that can be combined to correct one shortenable path. For example, the correction method (a-2) and the correction method (c-1) can be combined.

[0080] Furthermore, when the path correction unit 15 applies a method different from the method of correcting the tool's movement path itself, that is, a path correction method that shortens the machining time by changing the command to be executed, changing the command feed rate, changing the tool's movement speed, etc., the machining time is shortened, information representing the correspondence between the path that can be shortened and the applied path correction method is included in the corrected tool path.

[0081] Next, the interface unit 14 displays the corrected toolpath generated by the path correction unit 15 (step S7). As long as the user can confirm the details of the corrected toolpath, the interface unit 14 can display the corrected toolpath using any method. For example, the interface unit 14 displays the corrected toolpath, clearly showing the parts that have changed relative to the original toolpath. Alternatively, the corrected toolpath and the original toolpath can be compared and displayed on two separate screens.

[0082] In addition, the machining program correction unit 16 corrects the machining program stored in the machining program storage unit 21 (step S8). Specifically, the machining program correction unit 16 corrects the machining program so that the tool path represented by the machining program becomes a corrected tool path generated by the path correction unit 15.

[0083] Furthermore, there is no restriction on the order of steps S7 and S8. Steps S7 and S8 can be performed in parallel, or step S8 can be performed first and then step S7.

[0084] As described above, the machining program correction assist device 1a according to Embodiment 2 includes: a path correction unit 15, which corrects shortenable paths detected by the same method as the machining program correction assist device 1 according to Embodiment 1, and generates a corrected toolpath; and a machining program correction unit 16, which corrects the machining program based on the corrected toolpath. Thus, the detection of shortenable paths within the toolpath and the correction of the machining program can be performed automatically, achieving the effects of preventing correction omissions and reducing the user's workload, in addition to the effects obtained by the machining program correction assist device 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0085] In addition, the machining program correction aid 1a distinguishes and prompts the part of the toolpath that has been corrected from the original toolpath, so that the user can easily identify the corrected path, which can reduce the workload and time required to check whether the corrected machining program performs the operation as expected.

[0086] Furthermore, the machining program correction auxiliary device 1a determines the range of position commands for machining the raw material using the cutting tool, and corrects the toolpath in a manner that keeps the position commands within the range determined before and after the machining program correction unchanged. Therefore, the machining program can be corrected within a range that does not affect the actual cutting process. In other words, the machining program can be corrected in a way that does not affect the cutting process, reducing the workload and time required to inspect whether the corrected machining program processes the raw material as expected.

[0087] Implementation Method 3

[0088] Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In this embodiment, the description will focus on the parts that differ from Embodiments 1 and 2 described above. The structure of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device involved in Embodiment 3 is the same as that in Embodiment 2, but part of its operation differs from that in Embodiment 2. Therefore, using... Figure 3 The structural example shown will be used for illustration.

[0089] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 3. Figure 6 In the middle, to and Figure 2 The same processing as the flowchart and the same as Figure 4 The flowcharts for the same processes have the same step numbers. Figure 2 This illustrates an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 This illustrates an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 2. Regarding... Figure 2 or Figure 4 The same processing steps as those in the flowchart, namely steps S1 to S4 and S6, are omitted here.

[0090] In the machining program correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 3, after the path correction unit 15 generates a corrected toolpath in step S6, the NC simulation execution unit 11 simulates NC processing actions to generate corrected position commands (step S9). Specifically, the NC simulation execution unit 11 generates position commands based on the corrected toolpath generated by the path correction unit 15 and the NC parameters stored in the NC parameter storage unit 22, simulating NC processing actions. Step S9 is the same process as step S2. The difference between step S9 and step S2 is that the corrected toolpath generated by the path correction unit 15 is used instead of the original toolpath.

[0091] Next, the machining program correction unit 16 calculates the machining time for both the original and corrected toolpaths based on the original and corrected position commands (step S10). Specifically, the machining program correction unit 16 calculates the machining time for the original toolpath based on the original position command, and calculates the machining time for the corrected toolpath based on the corrected position command. At this time, the machining program correction unit 16 calculates the machining time for each toolpath. Specifically, the machining program correction unit 16 calculates the machining time for each interval where the original and corrected toolpaths differ. That is, for the original toolpath, the machining program correction unit 16 calculates the machining time for each shortenable path detected by the shortenable path detection unit 13 in step S4. For the corrected toolpath, the machining program correction unit 16 calculates the machining time for each interval within the corrected toolpath corresponding to each shortenable path detected by the shortenable path detection unit 13 in step S4.

[0092] Next, the machining program correction unit 16 corrects the machining program based on the machining time calculated in step S10 (step S11). Specifically, the machining program correction unit 16 first compares the machining time of each shortenable path included in the original toolpath (denoted as the first machining time) with the machining time of each interval within the corrected toolpath corresponding to the shortenable path (denoted as the second machining time). Then, based on the comparison results, the machining program correction unit 16 re-corrects the corrected machining path. Specifically, the machining program correction unit 16 re-corrects the corrected machining path by restoring the path in the interval where the second machining time is longer than the first machining time to the original path, thereby shortening the overall machining time of the path. For example, if the original toolpath contains three shortenable paths, they are designated as shortenable paths #1 to #3. Furthermore, assuming that when the paths within the modified toolpaths corresponding to these shortenable paths #1 to #3 are set as modified paths #1 to #3, the following relationships hold true: "machining time of shortenable path #1 > machining time of modified path #1", "machining time of shortenable path #2 > machining time of modified path #2", and "machining time of shortenable path #3 < machining time of modified path #3". In this case, the machining program correction unit 16 selects modified paths #1 and #2, and shortenable path #3, and combines the selected three paths with other paths that are not shortenable paths from the original toolpath to set as the final toolpath, i.e., the revised modified toolpath. After re-correcting the modified toolpath, the machining program correction unit 16 corrects the machining program stored in the machining program storage unit 21 based on the revised modified toolpath. In detail, the machining program correction unit 16 corrects the machining program so that the toolpath represented by the machining program becomes the revised modified toolpath.

[0093] As described above, the machining program correction assist device 1a according to Embodiment 3 compares the machining time of the shortenable path before correction and the machining time of the shortenable path after correction for the shortenable path detected by the same method as the machining program correction assist device 1 according to Embodiment 1, and selects the path with the shorter machining time to create the final corrected toolpath. Thus, the machining program can be corrected to perform machining through the path with the shorter machining time.

[0094] Implementation Method 4

[0095] Next, Embodiment 4 will be described. In this embodiment, the description will focus on the parts that differ from Embodiments 1 to 3 described above. The structure of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device involved in Embodiment 4 is the same as that in Embodiments 2 and 3, but some parts of its operation differ from those in Embodiments 2 and 3. Therefore, using... Figure 3 The structural example shown will be used for illustration.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 4. Figure 7 In the middle, to and Figure 2 The flowcharts for the same processes have the same step numbers. Figure 2 This illustrates an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Regarding... Figure 2 The same process as the flowchart, namely steps S1 to S4, is omitted.

[0097] In the machining program correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 4, after the shortenable path detection unit 13 detects a shortenable path in step S4, the path correction unit 15 corrects the shortenable path based on multiple path correction methods and through multiple modes to generate multiple corrected toolpaths (step S12). For example, in the machining program correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 4, after the shortenable path is detected by the shortenable path detection unit 13 in step S4, the path correction unit 15 corrects the shortenable path through multiple modes based on multiple path correction methods to generate multiple corrected toolpaths. Figure 5 When the shortenable path is corrected as shown, the path correction unit 15 corrects the corrected toolpath #1 and the corrected toolpath #2 shown, generating two corrected toolpaths. At this time, if the tool's travel speed can be changed, the change in the tool 201's travel path and the change in its travel speed can be combined to generate a corrected toolpath. If the type of instruction can be changed, the type of instruction can also be changed. Furthermore, for example, if there are two shortenable paths in the toolpath, and two correction methods are available for each shortenable path, since the combination of correction methods results in four modes, the path correction unit 15 generates a total of four corrected toolpaths corresponding to each mode.

[0098] Next, the NC simulation execution unit 11 simulates NC processing actions and generates multiple corrected position commands for each of the multiple corrected toolpaths (step S13). In detail, the NC simulation execution unit 11 performs the following processing for all of the multiple corrected toolpaths: based on one of the multiple corrected toolpaths generated by the path correction unit 15 and the NC parameters stored in the NC parameter storage unit 22, it simulates NC processing actions to generate position commands.

[0099] Next, the machining program correction unit 16 calculates the machining time for multiple modified toolpaths and corrects the machining program based on the modified toolpath with the shortest machining time (step S14). Specifically, the machining program correction unit 16 first calculates the machining time for each of the multiple modified toolpaths based on the corrected position commands generated by the NC simulation execution unit 11 in step S13. The machining program correction unit 16 then corrects the machining program based on the modified toolpath with the shortest machining time.

[0100] As described above, the machining program correction assist device 1a according to Embodiment 4, for each shortenable path detected by the same method as the machining program correction assist device 1 according to Embodiment 1, combines at least one applicable correction method and corrects it through multiple modes, creating multiple corrected toolpaths, and corrects the machining program based on the corrected toolpath with the shortest machining time. Thus, the machining program can be corrected to shorten the machining time.

[0101] Implementation Method 5

[0102] Next, Embodiment 5 will be described. In this embodiment, the description will focus on the parts that differ from Embodiments 1 to 4 described above. The structure of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device involved in Embodiment 5 is the same as that in Embodiments 2 to 4, but part of its operation differs from that in Embodiments 2 to 4. Therefore, using… Figure 3 The structural example shown will be used for illustration.

[0103] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 5. Figure 8 In the middle, to and Figure 2 The same processing as the flowchart and the same as Figure 7 The flowcharts for the same processes have the same step numbers. Figure 2 This illustrates an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 This illustrates an example of the operation of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 4. Regarding... Figure 2 or Figure 7 The same processing steps as those in the flowchart, namely steps S1 to S4 and S12, are omitted here.

[0104] In the machining program correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiment 5, after the path correction unit 15 generates multiple corrected toolpaths in step S12, the interface unit 14 calculates indicators for each of the multiple corrected toolpaths (step S15). The indicators calculated by the interface unit 14 include, for example, machining time, machine tool energy consumption, cost, machining surface accuracy, machining surface quality, tool wear, and the maximum acceleration of the machine tool. Known calculation methods can also be appropriately applied to calculate these indicators. The interface unit 14 can also calculate two or more indicators.

[0105] Next, the interface unit 14 displays multiple corrected toolpaths and their respective parameters, and receives the user's selection (step S16). The interface unit 14, through the interface described in Embodiment 2... Figure 4Using the same method as step S7, the interface unit 14 provides prompts for correcting the toolpath. For each corrected toolpath indicator, the interface unit 14 provides prompts in a way that allows the user to understand the correspondence between the indicator and the corrected toolpath. The interface unit 14 receives an operation to select one of the prompted corrected toolpaths.

[0106] Next, the machining program correction unit 16 corrects the machining program based on the correction toolpath selected by the user (step S17).

[0107] As described above, the machining program correction assist device 1a according to Embodiment 5, for each shortenable path detected by the same method as the machining program correction assist device 1 according to Embodiment 1, combines at least one applicable correction method and corrects it through multiple modes, creating multiple corrected toolpaths. Furthermore, the machining program correction assist device 1a calculates an index for the generated multiple corrected toolpaths and presents this index along with the corrected toolpaths to the user. If the user selects one corrected toolpath, the machining program is corrected based on the selected corrected toolpath. Thus, the user can select a corrected toolpath based on the index presented for each corrected toolpath, generating a corrected machining program that matches the user's preferences.

[0108] Implementation Method 6

[0109] Next, embodiment 6 will be described. In this embodiment, the description will focus on the parts that differ from embodiments 1 to 5 described above.

[0110] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the processing procedure correction auxiliary device 1b according to Embodiment 6.

[0111] The machining program correction auxiliary device 1b is omitted. Figure 1 The NC simulation execution unit 11 and NC parameter storage unit 22 of the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 shown in Embodiment 1 are connected to a CNC machine tool 31. The operation of the structural elements of the machining program correction auxiliary device 1b is the same as that of the structural elements labeled with the same reference numerals in the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0112] In the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1 above, the NC simulation execution unit 11 analyzes the machining program to be corrected to obtain the tool path, and generates position commands by simulating NC processing actions based on the tool path and NC parameters. In contrast, the machining program correction auxiliary device 1b according to this embodiment obtains the tool path and position commands from an external CNC machine tool 31 and performs machining program correction auxiliary actions. Specifically, the machining program correction auxiliary device 1b outputs the machining program stored in the machining program storage unit 21 to the CNC machine tool 31, and obtains the tool path and position commands generated when the CNC machine tool 31 executes the machining program to process the raw material. Then, based on the position commands obtained from the CNC machine tool 31, the machining simulation execution unit 12 performs machining simulation. In addition, the shortenable path detection unit 13 detects a shortenable path based on the tool path and position commands obtained from the CNC machine tool 31 and the result of the machining simulation performed by the machining simulation execution unit 12.

[0113] As described above, the machining program correction auxiliary device 1b according to Embodiment 6 obtains the tool path and position commands used in the machining program correction auxiliary operation from an external CNC machine tool 31. Therefore, there is no need for an NC simulation execution unit required to generate tool path and position commands, simplifying the device structure and reducing the processing load.

[0114] Furthermore, a structure example has been described that omits the NC simulation execution unit 11 and NC parameter storage unit 22 of the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1 and connects to the CNC machine tool 31. However, it is also possible to omit the NC simulation execution unit 11 and NC parameter storage unit 22 of the machining program correction auxiliary device 1a according to Embodiments 2 to 5 and connect to the CNC machine tool 31. Alternatively, it is also possible to omit the machining program storage unit 21, which stores the machining program to be corrected, and obtain the machining program to be corrected from the CNC machine tool 31.

[0115] Next, the hardware structure of the machining program correction auxiliary devices 1, 1a, and 1b according to the above embodiments will be described. The machining program correction auxiliary devices 1, 1a, and 1b are, for example, implemented via... Figure 10 The hardware implementation of the structure shown.

[0116] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware that implements the machining program correction auxiliary devices 1, 1a, and 1b.

[0117] Processor 101 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also known as a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, DSP (Digital Signal Processor)), system LSI (Large Scale Integration), etc. Memory 102 is RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), hard disk drive, etc. Output device 103 is, for example, an LCD monitor, display, etc. Input device 104 is a touch panel, keyboard, etc.

[0118] In passing Figure 10 When the processor 101, memory 102, output device 103, and input device 104 shown implement the machining program correction auxiliary devices 1, 1a, and 1b, this is achieved by the processor 101 executing a program that performs the functions of the machining program correction auxiliary devices 1, 1a, and 1b as described in each embodiment. For example, in implementing the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 according to Embodiment 1, a program for operating the NC simulation execution unit 11, machining simulation execution unit 12, shortenable path detection unit 13, and interface unit 14, which are the machining program correction auxiliary device 1, is pre-stored in the memory 102. The processor 101 reads the program from the memory 102 and executes it, thereby implementing the NC simulation execution unit 11, machining simulation execution unit 12, shortenable path detection unit 13, and interface unit 14 of the machining program correction auxiliary device 1.

[0119] The machining program storage unit 21, NC parameter storage unit 22, raw material shape storage unit 23, tool shape storage unit 24, mechanical model storage unit 25, and shortenable path detection condition storage unit 26 of the machining program correction auxiliary device 1 are implemented by memory 102.

[0120] The program stored in memory 102 for operating as NC simulation execution unit 11, machining simulation execution unit 12, shortenable path detection unit 13 and interface unit 14 may be provided to the user in the form of being written to storage media such as CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or provided to the user via a network.

[0121] Furthermore, the NC simulation execution unit 11, machining simulation execution unit 12, shortenable path detection unit 13, and interface unit 14 are described using general-purpose processing circuitry, namely processor 101 and memory 102. However, these units can also be implemented using dedicated hardware, namely processing circuitry. This processing circuitry can be implemented using a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmable processor, a parallel-programmable processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a circuit combining these. Alternatively, a portion of the NC simulation execution unit 11, machining simulation execution unit 12, shortenable path detection unit 13, and interface unit 14 can be implemented using dedicated hardware, while the remaining portions can be implemented using processor 101 and memory 102.

[0122] in addition, Figure 10 The processor 101, memory 102, output device 103, and input device 104 shown can also be hardware that constitutes an electronic computer. That is, the machining program correction auxiliary devices 1, 1a, and 1b can also be implemented by an electronic computer and a program executed by the electronic computer. They can also be implemented by multiple electronic computers working together to realize the various functions of the machining program correction auxiliary device 1.

[0123] The structure shown in the above embodiments is an example, and it can also be combined with other known technologies. The embodiments can also be combined with each other, and some parts of the structure can be omitted or changed without departing from the spirit.

[0124] Explanation of the label

[0125] 1, 1a, 1b Machining program correction auxiliary device, 11 CNC simulation execution unit, 12 Machining simulation execution unit, 13 Shortenable path detection unit, 14 Interface unit, 15 Path correction unit, 16 Machining program correction unit, 21 Machining program storage unit, 22 CNC parameter storage unit, 23 Raw material shape storage unit, 24 Tool shape storage unit, 25 Mechanical model storage unit, 26 Shortenable path detection condition storage unit, 27 Path correction method storage unit, 31 CNC machine tool, 201 Tool.

Claims

1. A machining program correction auxiliary device, characterized in that, have: The CNC simulation execution unit generates toolpaths and position commands representing the toolpaths by simulating the CNC processing actions of the CNC machine tool based on the machining program and the CNC parameters set in the CNC machine tool executing the machining program. The machining simulation execution unit performs machining simulation according to the shape of the workpiece being machined by the CNC machine tool (i.e., the shape of the raw material), the shape of the cutting tool used in the machining (i.e., the tool shape), the mechanical model of the CNC machine tool, and the position commands. as well as The path shortening detection unit can shorten the path by detecting paths that can shorten the machining time from the tool path based on the position command, the result of the machining simulation and the specified path shortening detection conditions.

2. The machining program correction auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has an interface that displays information related to the shortenable path detected by the shortenable path detection unit.

3. The machining program correction auxiliary device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The interface displays the shape of the toolpath, the location and range of the shortenable path within the toolpath.

4. The machining program correction auxiliary device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The interface unit will display the shortenable path detection conditions corresponding to the shortenable paths detected by the shortenable path detection unit, along with the shortenable paths themselves.

5. The machining program correction auxiliary device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, have: The path correction unit, based on the position command and the result of the machining simulation (i.e., the machining simulation result), corrects the shortenable path included in the tool path to generate a corrected tool path. as well as The machining program correction unit corrects the machining program based on the corrected toolpath.

6. The machining program correction auxiliary device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The interface displays a comparison between the toolpath and the portion of the modified toolpath that has changed relative to the original toolpath.

7. The machining program correction auxiliary device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The machining program correction unit re-corrects the modified toolpath based on the machining time of the shortenable path included in the toolpath and the machining time of the path corresponding to the shortenable path included in the modified toolpath, and corrects the machining program based on the re-corrected modified toolpath.

8. The machining program correction auxiliary device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The path correction unit generates multiple corrected toolpaths by combining multiple path correction methods into multiple correction modes. The machining program correction unit corrects the machining program based on the correction tool path with the shortest machining time among a plurality of correction tool paths.

9. The machining program correction auxiliary device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The path correction unit generates multiple corrected toolpaths by combining multiple path correction methods into multiple correction modes. The interface unit displays multiple corrected toolpaths and their indicators to the user. The machining program correction unit corrects the machining program based on the correction tool path selected by the user from among a plurality of correction tool paths.

10. A machining program correction auxiliary device, characterized in that, have: The machining simulation execution unit performs machining simulation based on the position commands generated when the CNC machine tool executes the machining program as the object of correction, the shape of the workpiece being machined by the CNC machine tool (i.e., the shape of the raw material), the shape of the cutting tool used in the machining (i.e., the tool shape), the mechanical model of the CNC machine tool, and the position commands. as well as The path shortening detection unit shortens the path by detecting the path that can shorten the machining time when the tool path generated during machining is executed by the CNC machine tool as a machining program to be corrected. This is based on the position command, the result of the machining simulation and the specified path shortening detection conditions.

11. A method for assisting in the correction of a machining program, which assists in the correction of a machining program that controls a CNC machine tool. The auxiliary method for correcting this machining process is characterized by including: Step 1: The machining program correction auxiliary device generates a tool path and a position command representing the tool path by simulating the CNC processing actions of the CNC machine tool based on the machining program and the CNC parameters set in the CNC machine tool. In step 2, the machining program correction auxiliary device performs machining simulation according to the shape of the workpiece being machined by the CNC machine tool (i.e., the raw material shape), the shape of the cutting tool used in the machining (i.e., the tool shape), the mechanical model of the CNC machine tool, and the position commands; and Step 3: Based on the position command, the results of the machining simulation, and the specified path shortening detection conditions, the path can be shortened by detecting paths that can shorten the machining time from the tool path.

12. A processing system, characterized in that, have: A CNC machine tool executes a machining program to generate a toolpath and position instructions representing the toolpath, and moves the tool according to the generated position instructions to machine the workpiece; and A machining program correction auxiliary device, which assists in the correction of the machining program executed by the CNC machine tool. The machining program correction auxiliary device has: The machining simulation execution unit performs machining simulation according to the shape of the workpiece (i.e., the shape of the raw material), the shape of the cutting tool (i.e., the shape of the cutting tool), the mechanical model of the CNC machine tool, and the position commands. as well as The path shortening detection unit can shorten the path by detecting paths that can shorten the machining time from the tool path based on the position command, the result of the machining simulation and the specified path shortening detection conditions.

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