SIMULATION DEVICE, PROGRAM GENERATION DEVICE, CONTROL AND DISPLAY METHOD FOR COMPUTERS

The simulation device allows operators to visually check and adjust cutting conditions by displaying spindle power and torque, addressing the lack of clear condition display in existing systems and facilitating NC program generation.

DE102018002683B4Active Publication Date: 2025-11-13FANUC LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102018002683
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2017-04-03
Filing Date
2018-04-03
Publication Date
2025-11-13
Estimated Expiration
2038-04-03

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Abstract

Simulation device (10) comprising: a feature storage unit (30) which is configured to store a nominal value of a value associated with the power of a spindle of a machine tool depending on a speed of the spindle; a cutting conditions storage unit (32) configured to store cutting conditions for cutting a workpiece; a spindle power estimation unit (48, 50) which is configured to estimate the spindle speed and the value associated with the spindle power based on the stored cutting conditions at a time when the workpiece is being cut; a cutting conditions display control unit (46) which is configured to display the stored cutting conditions on a display unit (16); a spindle power display control unit (52, 54) configured to display a graph representing the nominal value of the spindle speed on the display unit (16), and also to display the spindle power-related value of the spindle speed estimated from the cutting conditions on the display unit (16) as a coordinate point on the graph; and a cutting conditions setting unit (44) which is configured to set conditions specified by an operator at an input unit (14) as the cutting conditions, wherein the cutting conditions storage unit (32) stores the set cutting conditions, The cutting conditions setting unit (44) calculates the cutting conditions from coordinates on the graph designated by the operator by an operating operation at the input unit (14) and modifies the set cutting conditions to the calculated cutting conditions.
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Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: Field of invention:

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulation device, a program generation device, a control and a display method for a computer, by which a value associated with a spindle's power is estimated from cutting conditions and the value is displayed on a display unit. Description of the state of the art:

[0002] Japanese patent JP 2012-155473A discloses that performance diagrams providing machine specification values ​​are displayed on a display unit as a graph of power values ​​of a spindle motor corresponding to the spindle speed. Within such a graph, a line indicating the required spindle power and the spindle speed range is shown. Furthermore, the cutting conditions are automatically adjusted so that the line indicating the required spindle power and the spindle speed range does not extend beyond the performance diagrams. Further prior art is known from German patents DE 10 2014 103731A1 and DE 10 2014 012406A1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the Japanese patent specification JP 2012 - 155 473 A, since only one graph is shown in which the performance diagrams and the line indicating the required spindle power and the range of variation of the spindle speed are shown, an operator cannot check the set cutting conditions.

[0004] The present invention is intended to solve the problem described above and has the objective of providing a simulation device, a program generation device, a control and a display method for a computer in which an operator can easily check the set cutting conditions.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a simulation device, a program generation device, and a display method for a computer according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a feature storage unit configured for storing a nominal value of a value associated with the power of a spindle of a machine tool as a function of a spindle speed; a cutting conditions storage unit configured for storing cutting conditions for cutting a workpiece; a spindle power estimation unit configured for estimating the spindle speed and the value associated with the spindle power based on the stored cutting conditions at the time of cutting the workpiece; a cutting conditions display control unit configured for displaying the stored cutting conditions on a display unit; and a graph for displaying the nominal value with respect to the spindle speed, and also for displaying the value associated with the power with respect to the spindle speed.which is estimated from the cutting conditions, spindle power display control unit formed as a coordinate point on the graph on the display unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, an operator can easily check the set cutting conditions.

[0008] The preceding and further tasks, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by means of illustrative examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows a diagram illustrating a display shown on a display unit of a simulation device. Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram to illustrate a configuration of the simulation device. Fig. Figure 3 shows a diagram illustrating an example of the display unit before changing cutting conditions. Fig. Figure 4 shows a flow diagram illustrating the process flow of process steps performed in a processing plant. Fig. Figure 5 shows a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a program generation device. Fig. Figure 6 shows a block diagram to illustrate a controller configuration. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] The present invention is described below by means of various embodiments. These explanatory embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, not all combinations of features as described in the explanatory embodiments are necessarily required to achieve the solution according to the invention. <Erste Ausführungsform> [Display of the simulation device's display unit]

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 shows a diagram illustrating a display shown on a display unit 16 of a simulation device 10. In the simulation device 10 according to the present embodiment, the power and torque of a motor driving a spindle of a machine tool (not shown) are estimated from set cutting conditions. Additionally, the simulation device 10 displays the set cutting conditions, the estimated power and torque, and the rated power and torque of the motor on the display unit 16.

[0011] By checking the display on unit 16, an operator can, for example, determine that the estimated power is less than the rated power and that the estimated torque is less than the rated torque, and thus determine that the workpiece can be machined with the set cutting conditions. Conversely, by checking the display on unit 16, the operator can, for example, determine that the estimated power is greater than or equal to the rated power, and thus determine that the workpiece cannot be machined with the set cutting conditions. In this case, the operator can set suitable cutting conditions by modifying the existing cutting conditions while monitoring the display on unit 16. Hereinafter, the power and torque of the motor driving the spindle are referred to as spindle power and spindle torque.

[0012] In relation to Fig. Section 1 describes the elements displayed on the display unit 16. The display unit 16 comprises a model setting field 60, a change condition setting field 62, a cutting condition setting field 64, an estimated spindle power display section 66, an estimated spindle torque display section 68, an estimated spindle power graph display section 70, and an estimated spindle torque graph display section 72.

[0013] Model setting field 60 contains a pull-down list listing the model designations of several machine tools. The operator selects a machine tool model from this list for which the spindle power and spindle torque are to be estimated. Change condition setting field 62 contains a pull-down list listing the element designations of several change conditions. The operator selects a specific change condition element from this list. The change conditions are described in detail below.

[0014] In the cutting conditions setting field 64, a setting field is provided for each of the cutting condition elements. The operator enters a cutting condition in the setting field for each such element. Although the cutting condition elements differ depending on the type of cutting tool, in the case of Fig. 1, in which the type of cutting tool is a drill, the cutting condition elements are in particular the type of cutting tool, the material of the workpiece, a final diameter of a hole to be produced in the workpiece, a pilot hole diameter, a Brinell hardness of the workpiece, a feed rate per revolution of the spindle, and the spindle speed (spindle rotational speed). Although in Fig. 1 not shown, in the case where the type of cutting tool is an end mill, the cutting condition elements include the type of cutting tool, the material of the workpiece, a cutting feed rate, a depth of cut in the axial direction, a depth of cut in the radial direction, the number of cutting edges of the end mill and the spindle speed.

[0015] The estimated spindle power display section 66 shows an estimated spindle power calculated from the selected machine tool model and cutting conditions. The estimated spindle torque display section 68 shows an estimated spindle torque calculated from the selected machine tool model and cutting conditions.

[0016] The estimating spindle power graph display section 70 shows, in the form of a graph, a rated power (1-minute value, continuous value) corresponding to a spindle speed for the selected machine tool model. Furthermore, the estimating spindle power graph display section 70 shows an estimated spindle power corresponding to the spindle speed as coordinate point A on the graph.

[0017] The spindle torque estimation graph display section 72 shows, in the form of a graph, a nominal torque (1-minute value, continuous value) corresponding to a spindle speed for the selected machine tool model. Furthermore, the spindle torque estimation graph display section 72 shows an estimated spindle torque corresponding to the spindle speed as coordinate point B on the graph. [Configuration of the simulation device]

[0018] Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the simulation device 10 according to the present embodiment. The simulation device 10 is a personal computer or similar device and comprises a main housing 12, an input unit 14, a display unit 16, and a notification unit 18. The main housing 12 includes a storage unit 20 and a processing unit 22. The storage unit 20 is a hard disk, semiconductor memory, or similar device and stores various data, NC programs, etc. The processing unit 22 consists of a processor, memory, etc., and performs various processes, calculations, etc.

[0019] The input unit 14 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or similar device. An operator using the input unit 14 can enter letters, symbols, numbers, etc., designate positions on the display unit 16, and select symbols or similar items displayed on the display unit 16. The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or similar device. Letters, symbols, numbers, images, and similar items can be displayed on the display unit 16. The notification unit 18 is a speaker or similar device and provides notifications to the operator via sounds, speech, or similar means.

[0020] The storage unit 20 comprises a feature storage unit 30, a cutting conditions storage unit 32, and a program storage unit 34. Feature storage unit 30 stores the rated power and rated torque of the spindle according to the spindle speed for each of the machine tool models. Feature storage unit 30 stores a 1-minute value and a continuous value for both the rated power and the rated torque. Cutting conditions storage unit 32 stores the set cutting conditions. Program storage unit 34 stores an NC program for operating the machine tool.

[0021] The processing operating unit 22 comprises a model setting unit 40, a change condition setting unit 42, a cutting condition setting unit 44, a cutting condition display control unit 46, an estimating spindle power calculation unit (spindle power estimation unit) 48, an estimating spindle torque calculation unit (spindle power estimation unit) 50, an estimating spindle power display control unit (spindle power display control unit) 52, an estimating spindle torque display control unit 54 (spindle power display control unit) and a notification control unit 56.

[0022] By operating the input unit 14, the model setting unit 40 sets the model name entered in the model setting field 60 of the display unit 16 as the model of the machine tool. By operating the input unit 14, the change condition setting unit 42 sets the condition entered in the change condition setting field 62 of the display unit 16 as the condition to be changed.

[0023] By operating the input unit 14, the cutting conditions setting unit 44 sets the cutting conditions to the condition elements entered in the cutting conditions setting field 64 of the display unit 16. In addition to the procedure described above, there are three further setting procedures for adjusting cutting conditions. The remaining three setting procedures are described in detail below. The cutting conditions set in the cutting conditions setting unit 44 are stored in the cutting conditions memory unit 32. The cutting conditions display control unit 46 sends a command signal to the display unit 16 to display the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions memory unit 32 in the cutting conditions setting field 64.

[0024] The spindle power estimation unit 48 calculates the spindle speed and estimated spindle power of the selected machine tool model based on the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions storage unit 32. The spindle torque estimation unit 50 calculates the spindle speed and estimated spindle torque of the selected machine tool model based on the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions storage unit 32.

[0025] The estimating spindle power display control unit 52 outputs a command signal to the display unit 16 and causes the estimated spindle power, which has been calculated, to be displayed in the estimating spindle power display section 66 of the display unit 16. Furthermore, the estimating spindle power display control unit 52 outputs a command signal to the display unit 16 and causes the rated power (1-minute power, continuous power) corresponding to the spindle speed of the selected machine tool model, as stored in the feature memory unit 30, to be displayed as a graph in the estimating spindle power graph display section 70 of the display unit 16. Finally, the estimating spindle power display control unit 52 outputs a command signal to the display unit 16 and causes the spindle speed and the estimated spindle power, which are calculated based on the cutting conditions, to be displayed as coordinate point A on the rated power graph.

[0026] The estimating spindle torque display control unit 54 outputs a command signal to the display unit 16 and causes the estimated spindle torque, which has been calculated, to be displayed in the estimating spindle torque display section 68 of the display unit 16. Furthermore, the estimating spindle torque display control unit 54 outputs a command signal to the display unit 16 and causes the rated torque (1-minute value, continuous value) corresponding to the spindle speed of the selected machine tool model, as stored in the feature memory unit 30, to be displayed as a graph in the estimating spindle torque graph display section 72 of the display unit 16. Finally, the estimating spindle torque display control unit 54 outputs a command signal to the display unit 16 and causes the spindle speed and the estimated spindle torque, which are calculated based on the cutting conditions, to be displayed as coordinate point B on the rated torque graph.

[0027] If the estimated spindle power is greater than or equal to the rated power or the estimated spindle torque is greater than or equal to the rated torque, the notification control unit 56 issues a command signal to the notification unit 18 to cause the notification unit 18 to generate a sound and issue a notification to the operator accordingly. [Cutting conditions setting procedure]

[0028] There are four setting procedures for adjusting cutting conditions, which are carried out in the cutting conditions setting unit 44. As described previously, the first procedure is a procedure in which the operator, by operating the input unit 14, sets the condition elements entered in the cutting conditions setting field 64 of the display unit 16 as cutting conditions.

[0029] The second method involves reading descriptions of the cutting conditions from the NC program, which is stored in the program memory unit 34, and setting these descriptions as cutting conditions. The NC program contains commands to define a feed rate, feed speed, spindle speed, etc., by combining letters and numbers that are used as addresses. The cutting condition setting unit 44 reads these commands and sets them as cutting conditions. The NC program may also contain comments describing the type of cutting tool, the workpiece material, the final diameter of the bore to be produced, the pilot bore diameter, and similar parameters. The cutting condition setting unit 44 reads these descriptions of the cutting conditions from the comments in the NC program and sets them as cutting conditions.

[0030] Furthermore, in certain cases it may not be possible to fill in all cutting condition elements solely with the descriptions of the cutting conditions read from the NC program. In this case, similar to the first method, the conditions of the elements entered by the operator in the cutting condition setting field 64 of the display unit 16 by operating the input unit 14 are set as the cutting conditions.

[0031] In the third procedure, the cutting conditions are calculated and set from a coordinate point designated on the graph of the estimated spindle power graph display section 70 or estimated spindle torque graph display section 72 by the operator using the input unit 14 (for example, by clicking on the graph with a mouse button). Generally, the estimated spindle power and estimated spindle torque are calculated from a plurality of cutting conditions, and therefore, to calculate the cutting conditions from the coordinate point with respect to some of the elements of the cutting condition elements, such cutting conditions must be set using a different procedure. A specific example of the procedure for setting the cutting conditions from a coordinate point designated on the graph of the estimated spindle power graph display section 70 is described below.

[0032] For example, the cutting condition elements relating to the type of cutting tool, the workpiece material, the final diameter of the bore to be produced, the pilot bore diameter, and the Brinell hardness of the workpiece are used, similarly to the first method described above, to determine the conditions of such elements, which are set in the cutting condition setting field 64 of the display unit 16 by the operator using the input unit 14. Subsequently, the cutting condition setting unit 44 reads and sets the spindle speed from the coordinate point designated by the operator on the graph of the estimating spindle power graph display section 70.

[0033] Finally, the cutting conditions setting unit 44 reads the spindle power from the coordinate point designated by the operator on the graph of the estimating spindle power graph display section 70, and then calculates and sets the cutting conditions of the feed rate element per spindle revolution to meet the cutting conditions of the already set elements and the read-in spindle power. Furthermore, the procedure for setting the cutting conditions can be performed in substantially the same manner as described above from a coordinate point specified on the graph of the estimating spindle torque graph display section 72.

[0034] The fourth method is a modified example of the third method and is a method in which, if the cutting conditions are to be changed, the current coordinate point on the graph of the estimating spindle torque graph display section 70 or the estimating spindle torque graph display section 72 is moved on the graph according to an operation of the input unit 14 by the operator (for example by dragging the coordinate point with a mouse) and the cutting conditions are calculated and changed on the basis of the coordinate point after moving it.

[0035] When calculating the cutting conditions from the coordinate point moved on the graph of the estimating spindle power graph display section 70 or the estimating spindle torque graph display section 72, the cutting conditions setting unit 44 uses the change condition set in the change condition setting unit 42. The change condition indicates a condition for which a trade-off is possible when changing the cutting conditions and is, in particular, a condition selected from the set comprising the surface quality of the machined surface, the dimensional accuracy after machining, and the machining time.

[0036] The process of changing the intersection conditions by moving the coordinate point on the graph is described using a specific example. Fig. Figure 3 shows a diagram illustrating a display example of display unit 16 before changing cutting conditions. Fig. Figure 1 shows a diagram illustrating a display example of display unit 16 after changing cutting conditions. For example, the machining time is set as a change condition. The coordinate point A on the graph of the estimating spindle power graph display section 70 is determined by the position (shown in Fig. 3), where the spindle speed is 1200 [min^-1] and the spindle power is 5.85 [kW], to the position (shown in Fig. 1), where the spindle speed is 1200 min⁻¹ and the spindle power is 1.61 kW. In this case, before the change, the feed rate per revolution was 1.0 mm / rev (see Fig. 3); after the change, however, the feed rate per rotation is 0.2 [mm / rev] (see Fig. 1).

[0037] Furthermore, the fourth method can only be used when changing already set cutting conditions. The first, second, and third methods, on the other hand, can be used when initially setting cutting conditions or also for changing the cutting conditions. [Process steps performed in the processing unit]

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the process sequence of process steps performed in processing unit 22. In step S1, the model of the machine tool is set by the model setting unit 40, and the process then continues with step S2. In step S2, the change condition setting unit 42 sets the change condition, and the process then continues with step S3. In step S3, the cutting condition setting unit 44 sets the cutting conditions, and the process then continues with step S4. The set cutting conditions are also stored in the cutting condition storage unit 32.

[0039] In step S4, the cutting conditions of each element stored in the cutting conditions memory unit 32 are displayed in the cutting conditions setting field 64 by operating the cutting conditions display control unit 46, and then the process continues with step S5. In step S5, the spindle speed and the estimated spindle power of the set machine tool model are calculated by operating the estimating spindle power calculation unit 48 and based on the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions memory unit 32, and then the process continues with step S6.In step S6, the spindle speed and the estimated spindle torque of the set model of the machine tool are calculated by operating the estimating spindle torque calculation unit 50 and on the basis of the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions storage unit 32, and then the process continues with step S7.

[0040] In step S7, the spindle power estimation display control unit 52 displays information regarding the spindle power on the display unit 16, and the process then continues with step S8. The spindle power estimation display control unit 52 displays the calculated estimated spindle power in the spindle power estimation display section 66. Furthermore, the spindle power estimation display control unit 52 displays the rated power (1-minute power, continuous power) corresponding to the spindle speed of the selected model of the machine tool stored in the feature storage unit 30, in the form of a graph in the spindle power estimation graph display section 70. Additionally, the spindle power estimation display control unit 52 displays the spindle speed and the estimated spindle power, calculated based on the cutting conditions, as coordinate point A on the rated power graph.

[0041] In step S8, the spindle torque estimation control unit 54 is activated to display information regarding the spindle torque on the display unit 16, and the process then continues with step S9. The spindle torque estimation control unit 54 displays the calculated estimated spindle torque in the spindle torque estimation display section 68. Furthermore, the spindle torque estimation control unit 54 displays the rated torque (1-minute torque, continuous torque) corresponding to the spindle speed of the selected model of the machine tool stored in the feature memory unit 30, in the form of a graph in the spindle torque estimation graph display section 72 of the display unit 16.Furthermore, the estimating spindle torque display control unit 54 displays the spindle speed and the estimated spindle torque, which are calculated on the basis of the cutting conditions, as coordinate point B on the graph of the nominal torque.

[0042] In step S9, the notification control unit 56 determines whether the estimated spindle power is greater than or equal to the rated power (continuous power), or alternatively, whether the estimated spindle torque is greater than or equal to the rated torque (continuous torque). If the estimated spindle power is greater than or equal to the rated power (continuous power), or if the estimated spindle torque is greater than or equal to the rated torque (continuous torque), the process continues with step S10. If the estimated spindle power is less than the rated power (continuous power), or if the estimated spindle torque is less than the rated torque (continuous torque), the process continues with step S11.

[0043] In step S10, the notification control unit 56 sends a command signal to the notification unit 18, causing the notification unit 18 to generate a tone or voice message. This notifies the operator that the estimated spindle power or torque exceeds the rated power or torque. Furthermore, the notification control unit 56 can modify the content of the notification issued by the notification unit 18 if the estimated spindle power or torque is greater than or equal to the continuous value, or if it is greater than or equal to the 1-minute value.

[0044] In step S11, the cutting conditions setting unit 44 determines whether the cutting conditions have been changed (entered) by the operator using the input unit 14. If the cutting conditions have been changed, the process returns to step S2; if the cutting conditions have not been changed, the process is terminated. [Processes and effects]

[0045] Previously, a device existed that estimated the spindle power and displayed the estimated spindle power on a graph of a power diagram. However, since the cutting conditions used to estimate the spindle power were not displayed, an operator of such a device could not verify the set cutting conditions.

[0046] Thus, according to the simulation device 10 of the present embodiment, cutting conditions of elements are displayed in the cutting conditions setting field 64 of the display unit 16, and together with these, graphs of the rated power and rated torque (1-minute value, continuous value) are displayed. The estimated spindle power and estimated spindle torque are also displayed in the estimated spindle power graph display section 70 and the estimated spindle torque graph display section 72. Therefore, the operator can check the relationship between the estimated spindle power, the estimated spindle torque, and the corresponding rated values ​​on the display unit 16, and also check the currently set cutting conditions.

[0047] Furthermore, since the graphs of the 1-minute value and the continuous value are displayed in the Estimate Spindle Power Graph Display Section 70 and Estimate Spindle Torque Graph Display Section 72, the operator can perform a check to see if the estimated spindle power and estimated spindle torque are greater than or equal to the continuous value but less than the 1-minute value.

[0048] Furthermore, the cutting conditions setting unit 44 reads the descriptions of the cutting conditions from the NC program and sets them as cutting conditions. According to this feature, the cutting conditions can be set automatically, regardless of any operating procedures performed by the operator.

[0049] Furthermore, in the cutting conditions setting unit 44, the cutting conditions are calculated and set based on the coordinate point designated by the operator in the estimating spindle power graph display section 70 and the estimating spindle torque graph display section 72. Thus, the operator can correctly set the cutting conditions even without a comprehensive understanding of them. <Zweite Ausführungsform>

[0050] According to a second embodiment, the simulation device 10 of the first embodiment is applied to a program generation device 80, which generates an NC program for a machine tool. Fig. Figure 5 shows a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the program generation device 80 of the present embodiment. The program generation device 80 is a personal computer or similar device and, in addition to the components of the simulation device 10, includes a program generation unit 82 designed to generate an NC program for the machine tool. The program generation unit 82 includes a CAD / CAM function and generates the NC program based on a workpiece shape to be produced, which is entered by the operator using the input unit 14. When generating the NC program, the program generation unit 82 writes descriptions regarding the cutting conditions of the NC program based on the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions memory unit 32, thereby generating the NC program. [Processes and effects]

[0051] The operator can easily set suitable cutting conditions while observing the display on the display unit 16, and thus an NC program can be automatically generated in which the set cutting conditions are taken into account, without the operator directly creating the NC program. <Dritte Ausführungsform>

[0052] According to a third embodiment, the simulation device 10 of the first embodiment is applied to a control 90 which controls the machine tool 92. Fig.Figure 6 shows a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit 90 of the present embodiment. The control unit 90 is a computer or similar device and, in addition to the components of the simulation device 10, comprises a program processing unit 94 designed for processing the NC program stored in the program storage unit 34 and a machine tool control unit 96. Based on the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions storage unit 32, the program processing unit 94 processes the descriptions relating to the cutting conditions of the NC program stored in the program storage unit 34 in order to process the NC program. The machine tool control unit 96 controls the machine tool 92 based on the processed NC program.Furthermore, the control unit 90 is provided with respect to the machine tool 92 and does not include the component of the model setting unit 40 of the simulation device 10. Furthermore, the feature storage unit 30 stores the rated power and rated torque of the spindle according to the spindle speed with respect to the machine tool 92 on which the control is carried out. [Processes and effects]

[0053] The operator can easily set suitable cutting conditions while observing the display on the display unit 16, and thus, without the operator directly editing the NC program, an NC program can be automatically edited in which the set cutting conditions are taken into account. [Other embodiments]

[0054] Although the present invention has been described with regard to specific embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to that described in the preceding embodiments. The preceding embodiments can, of course, be supplemented with various modifications or improvements. It is clear from the scope of the claims that other forms to which such modifications or improvements are added may be included within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, the notification unit 18 notifies the operator by means of a sound or a voice message. In addition to sound, notifications can also be given by means of images, symbols, light, vibrations, or the like. [Technical concept derived from the embodiments]

[0055] The following describes the technical concept that can be derived from the embodiments described above.

[0056] The simulation device (10) comprises the feature storage unit (30), which stores a nominal value of a value associated with the power of a spindle of a machine tool as a function of a spindle speed; the cutting conditions storage unit (32), which stores cutting conditions for cutting the workpiece; the spindle power estimation unit (48, 50), which estimates the spindle speed and the value associated with the spindle power at the time of cutting the workpiece based on the stored cutting conditions; the cutting conditions display control unit (46), which displays the stored cutting conditions on the display unit (16); and the spindle power display control unit (52, 54), which displays a graph on the display unit (16) to represent the nominal value with respect to the spindle speed.and also displays on the display unit (16) as a coordinate point on the graph the value associated with the power in relation to the spindle speed, which is estimated from the cutting conditions. Thus, the operator can check the relationship between the nominal value and the estimated value in relation to the spindle power on the display unit (16), together with checking the set cutting conditions, and can therefore easily set suitable cutting conditions.

[0057] The simulation device (10) described above can further include the cutting conditions setting unit (44), which sets the conditions specified by the operator via the input unit (14) as the cutting conditions, with the cutting conditions storage unit (32) storing the set cutting conditions. According to this feature, any cutting conditions can be set by the operator.

[0058] The simulation device (10) described above can further include the program storage unit (34) which stores the machining program for the machine tool, wherein the cutting conditions storage unit (44) can read and set the cutting conditions from the stored machining program. Thus, the cutting conditions can be set automatically by the machining program without the operator having to enter the cutting conditions.

[0059] In the simulation device (10) described above, the cutting conditions setting unit (44) can calculate the cutting conditions from coordinates on the graph defined by the operator during an operation at the input unit (14), and the set cutting conditions can be changed to the calculated cutting conditions. Thus, the operator can correctly change the cutting conditions even without a comprehensive understanding of them.

[0060] The simulation device (10) described above can further include the notification control unit (56), which issues a notification from the notification unit (18) when the estimated value associated with the spindle power is greater than or equal to the nominal value. According to this feature, the operator can reliably recognize that, with the currently set cutting conditions, the spindle power value at the time of machining is greater than or equal to the nominal value, and thus the problem exists that normal machining cannot be carried out.

[0061] In the simulation device (10) described above, the value associated with the spindle power can be the spindle power. According to this feature, the spindle power can be estimated according to the set cutting conditions.

[0062] In the simulation device (10) described above, the value associated with the spindle power can be a spindle torque. Based on this characteristic, the spindle torque can be estimated according to the set cutting conditions.

[0063] In the simulation device (10) described above, the value associated with the spindle's performance can be its power and torque. Based on this characteristic, the spindle's power and torque can be estimated according to the set cutting conditions.

[0064] The simulation device (10) described above can further comprise the model setting unit (40), which sets a model of the machine tool, wherein the feature storage unit (30) can store nominal values ​​for each of the models of the machine tool, the spindle power estimation unit (48, 50) can calculate the spindle speed and the value associated with the spindle power at the time of cutting the workpiece from the set model and the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions storage unit (32), and the spindle power display control unit (52, 54) can display a graph on the display unit (16) to represent the nominal value of the set model with respect to the spindle speed, and can also display on the display unit (16) as a coordinate point on the graph the value associated with the spindle power with respect to the spindle speed.which is calculated from the selected model and the cutting conditions. According to this feature, the performance value can be estimated for a number of different machine tool models and displayed as a coordinate point on the graph on the display unit (16).

[0065] The program generation device (80) comprises the simulation device (10) described above and generates the machining program for the machine tool. The program generation device (80) includes the program generation unit (82), which generates the machining program for the machine tool according to the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions storage unit (32). Thus, the operator can easily create suitable cutting conditions, and simultaneously, without the operator directly generating the NC program, an NC program can be automatically generated in which the set cutting conditions are taken into account.

[0066] The control unit (90) comprises the previously described simulation device (10) and controls the machine tool (92). The control unit (90) includes the program storage unit (34), which stores a machining program for the machine tool (92); the program processing unit (94), which processes the stored machining program according to the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions storage unit (32); and the machine tool control unit (96), which controls the machine tool according to the processed machining program. Thus, the operator can easily create suitable cutting conditions, and simultaneously, without the operator directly editing the NC program, an NC program can be automatically processed in which the set cutting conditions are taken into account.

[0067] In the display procedure for the computer, the computer (10, 80, 90) comprises the feature storage unit (30), which stores a nominal value of a value associated with the power of a spindle of a machine tool depending on a speed of the spindle, the cutting conditions storage unit (32), which stores the cutting conditions for cutting the workpiece, and the display unit (16), which displays the cutting conditions and the nominal value of the value associated with the power of the spindle.The computer display procedure comprises the steps of estimating the spindle speed and the value associated with the spindle power at the time of workpiece cutting based on the stored cutting conditions, displaying the stored cutting conditions on the display unit (16), and displaying a graph on the display unit (16) to represent the nominal value of the spindle speed. The estimated value of the spindle speed, associated with the power, is also displayed on the display unit (16) as a coordinate point on the graph. Thus, the operator can verify the relationship between the nominal and estimated spindle power values ​​on the display unit (16), along with checking the set cutting conditions, and can therefore easily adjust the appropriate cutting conditions.

[0068] In the previously described display procedure for the computer (10, 80, 90), conditions defined by the operator via an operation at the input unit (14) are stored as the cutting conditions in the cutting conditions memory unit (32). According to this feature, any cutting conditions can be set by the operator.

[0069] In the previously described display procedure for the computer (10, 80, 90), the cutting conditions are calculated from coordinates on the graph, which are defined by the operator through an operation at the input unit (14). Thus, the operator can correctly set the cutting conditions even without a comprehensive understanding of them.

[0070] In the previously described display method for the computer (10, 80, 90), the computer (10) can further include the program storage unit (34) which stores the machining program for the machine tool, and the cutting conditions can be read from and set by the stored machining program. Thus, the cutting conditions can be set automatically by the machining program without the operator having to enter the cutting conditions.

Claims

[1] Simulation device (10) comprising: a feature storage unit (30) which is configured to store a nominal value of a value associated with the power of a spindle of a machine tool depending on a speed of the spindle; a cutting conditions storage unit (32) configured to store cutting conditions for cutting a workpiece; a spindle power estimation unit (48, 50) which is configured to estimate the spindle speed and the value associated with the spindle power based on the stored cutting conditions at a time when the workpiece is being cut; a cutting conditions display control unit (46) which is configured to display the stored cutting conditions on a display unit (16); a spindle power display control unit (52, 54) configured to display a graph representing the nominal value of the spindle speed on the display unit (16), and also to display the spindle power-related value of the spindle speed estimated from the cutting conditions on the display unit (16) as a coordinate point on the graph; and a cutting conditions setting unit (44) which is configured to set conditions specified by an operator at an input unit (14) as the cutting conditions, wherein the cutting conditions storage unit (32) stores the set cutting conditions, The cutting conditions setting unit (44) calculates the cutting conditions from coordinates on the graph designated by the operator by an operating operation at the input unit (14) and modifies the set cutting conditions to the calculated cutting conditions. [2] Simulation device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a program storage unit (34) which is configured to store a machining program for the machine tool, wherein the cutting conditions setting unit (44) reads and sets the cutting conditions from the stored machining program. [3] Simulation device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notification control unit (56) configured to issue a notification from a notification unit (18) when the estimated value associated with the spindle's power is greater than or equal to the nominal value. [4] Simulation device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the value associated with the power of the spindle is a power of the spindle. [5] Simulation device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the value associated with the power of the spindle is a torque of the spindle. [6] Simulation device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the value associated with the power of the spindle is a power and a torque of the spindle. [7] Simulation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a model setting unit (40) which is set up for setting a model of the machine tool, wherein the feature storage unit (30) stores the nominal value for each model of the machine tool; the spindle power estimation unit (48, 50) calculates the spindle speed and the value associated with the spindle power at the time of cutting the workpiece from the set model and the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions storage unit (32); and The spindle power display control unit (52, 54) displays a graph on the display unit (16) to show the nominal value of the set model with respect to the spindle speed, and also displays on the display unit (16) as a coordinate point on the graph the value associated with the spindle power with respect to the spindle speed, which is calculated from the set model and the cutting conditions. [8] Program generation device (80) comprising the simulation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and configured to generate a machining program for the machine tool, wherein the program generation device (80) comprises: a program generation unit (82) which is set up to generate the machining program for the machine tool according to the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions storage unit (32). [9] Control (90) comprising the simulation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and configured to control the machine tool (92), wherein the control (90) comprises: a program storage unit (34) which is set up to store a machining program for the machine tool (92); a program processing unit (94) configured to process the stored processing program according to the cutting conditions stored in the cutting conditions storage unit (32); and a machine tool control unit (96) which is set up to control the machine tool (92) according to the machining program being processed. [10] Display method for a computer, wherein the computer comprises: a feature storage unit (30) which is configured to store a nominal value of a value associated with the power of a spindle of a machine tool depending on a speed of the spindle; a cutting conditions storage unit (32) configured to store cutting conditions for cutting a workpiece; and a display unit (16) which is configured to display the cutting conditions and the nominal value of the value associated with the spindle power, the display procedure for the computer includes the following steps: Calculating the cutting conditions from coordinates on the graph, which are designated by an operating operation at the input unit (14) by the operator; Storing the conditions set by an operator through an operation at an input unit (14) as the cutting conditions in the cutting conditions storage unit (32); Estimating the spindle speed and the value associated with the spindle power based on the stored cutting conditions at a time when the workpiece is being cut; Displaying the stored cutting conditions on the display unit (16); and Displaying a graph to represent the nominal value with respect to the spindle speed on the display unit (16), and displaying the value associated with the power with respect to the spindle speed, which is estimated from the cutting conditions, on the display unit (16) as a coordinate point on the graph. [11] Display method for the computer according to claim 10, wherein: the computer further comprises a program storage unit (34) configured to store a machining program for the machine tool; and The cutting conditions are read from the stored machining program and stored in the cutting conditions storage unit (32).

Citation Information

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