Information processing device, processing cycle assignment method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a processing cycle assignment method, and a program, in which the assignment of the processing cycle is performed simply and appropriately.SOLUTION: An information processing device 100 comprises: a reception unit 111 that receives a three-dimensional model of a work-piece extending about a prescribed axis, the model corresponding to the shape of the work-piece obtained by processing; and a processing unit 120 that generates a two-dimensional model by cutting the three-dimensional model with a plane including the prescribed axis, and assigns a processing cycle to the work-piece based on the contour shape of the work-piece appearing in the two-dimensional model. The processing unit 120 interpolates the contour shape of the work-piece at a specific section to which a specific processing is assigned as the processing cycle, and assigns a processing different from the specific processing to the interpolated contour shape of the work-piece.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a method for allocating machining cycles, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-16982 (Patent Document 1) discloses a simulation apparatus that enables confirmation of blocks (movement commands) constituting a machining cycle when displaying a video of the machining operation of a machining program including a machining cycle command.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When creating an NC (Numerical control) program for machining a workpiece, for example, as disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, machining cycles (turning cycles) such as outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, end face machining, groove machining, or thread machining are assigned to the process of workpiece machining, and then an NC program is created using codes that command these machining cycles as fixed cycles.

[0005] However, since the above allocation of machining cycles is performed manually by an operator, there are problems such as taking a long time for the allocation of machining cycles and inappropriate allocation of machining cycles.

[0006] An object of this invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a method for allocating machining cycles, and a program in which the allocation of machining cycles is performed simply and appropriately.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a three-dimensional model of a workpiece extending around a predetermined axis corresponding to the shape of the workpiece obtained by processing, and a processing unit that generates a two-dimensional model obtained by cutting the three-dimensional model with a plane including the predetermined axis, and assigns a machining cycle to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece represented by the two-dimensional model. The processing unit interpolates the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which a specific process is assigned as the machining cycle, and assigns a process different from the specific process to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation.

[0008] A method for assigning a machining cycle according to the present invention includes a step of generating a two-dimensional model obtained by cutting a three-dimensional model of a workpiece extending around a predetermined axis corresponding to the shape of the workpiece obtained by processing with a plane including the predetermined axis, and a step of assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece represented by the two-dimensional model. The step of assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece includes a step of interpolating the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which a specific process is assigned as the machining cycle, and assigning a process different from the specific process to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation.

[0009] A program according to the present invention is a program executed by a computer for assigning a machining cycle to a workpiece. The program causes the computer to perform a step of generating a two-dimensional model obtained by cutting a three-dimensional model of a workpiece extending around a predetermined axis corresponding to the shape of the workpiece obtained by processing with a plane including the predetermined axis, and a step of assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece represented by the two-dimensional model. The step of assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece includes a step of interpolating the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which a specific process is assigned as the machining cycle, and assigning a process different from the specific process to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus, a machining cycle allocation method, and a program in which the allocation of machining cycles is executed simply and appropriately.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding members are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a front view showing a machine tool. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an information processing apparatus 100 in the present embodiment is mounted on a machine tool 10.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the machine tool 10 is a lathe having a turning function for performing work machining by bringing a tool into contact with a rotating work. The machine tool 10 is an NC (Numerically Controlled) machine tool in which various operations for work machining are automated by numerical control by a computer.

[0015] In this specification, an axis extending in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the work is referred to as the "Z axis", and an axis extending in the radial direction of the rotation axis of the work is referred to as the "X axis".

[0016] The machine tool 10 has a left work spindle 31, a right work spindle 36, a tool rest 41, and a cover body 21. The left work spindle 31, the right work spindle 36, and the tool rest 41 are arranged in a work area 12. The work area 12 is a space in which work machining is performed, and is sealed by a cover body 21 so that foreign matters such as chips or cutting oil accompanying work machining do not leak outside the work area 12.

[0017] The left work spindle 31 and the right work spindle 36 can hold a work piece. The left work spindle 31 is rotationally driven by a motor about a rotation center axis 210 parallel to the Z-axis. The left work spindle 31 has a plurality of claw portions 32, and a chuck mechanism for detachably holding the work piece is provided. Each claw portion 32 is slidably driven in the radial direction of the rotation center axis 210 by hydraulic pressure or the like. The plurality of claw portions 32 grip the outer peripheral surface of the work piece by sliding inward in the radial direction of the rotation center axis 210, or grip the inner peripheral surface of the work piece by sliding outward in the radial direction of the rotation center axis 210.

[0018] The right work spindle 36 is arranged to face the left work spindle 31 in the Z-axis direction. The right work spindle 36 is rotationally driven by a motor about a rotation center axis 220 that is parallel to the Z-axis and extends in a straight line with the rotation center axis 210. The right work spindle 36 has a plurality of claw portions 37, and a chuck mechanism for detachably holding the work piece is provided. The plurality of claw portions 37 correspond to the plurality of claw portions 32 on the left work spindle 31.

[0019] The left work spindle 31 is fixed. The right work spindle 36 is movable in the Z-axis direction by various feed mechanisms, guide mechanisms, and motors.

[0020] The tool rest 41 can hold tools. The tool rest 41 is of a so-called turret type, and a plurality of tools are radially attached and perform indexing rotation.

[0021] The tool rest 41 has a swivel part 42. The swivel part 42 is swivellable about a swivel center axis 230 parallel to the Z-axis. The swivel part 42 as a whole has a disk shape in which the axial direction of the swivel center axis 230 is the thickness direction. A plurality of tools are held on the outer peripheral surface of the swivel part 42 side by side in the circumferential direction of the swivel center axis 230. Along with the swiveling operation of the swivel part 42, the tools move in the circumferential direction of the swivel center axis 230, and the tools used for work piece machining are indexed to positions at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the swivel center axis 230.

[0022] The tool rest 41 is movable in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction by various feed mechanisms, guide mechanisms, and motors.

[0023] The machine tool 10 further includes an operation panel 50. The operation panel 50 is a general-purpose computer and corresponds to the information processing device 100 in the present embodiment. The operation panel 50 includes an upper panel 51 and a lower panel 52. The upper panel 51 includes a display (touch screen) 56 that displays a manual or various application screens and is operated when using an application. The lower panel 52 includes a display (touch screen) 57 that displays the operating state of the machine tool 10 or the machining status of the workpiece and is operated when operating the machine tool 10, and an operation unit 53 such as buttons or switches that are operated when operating the machine tool 10.

[0024] Note that the machine tool 10 may have only one workpiece spindle. Further, the machine tool on which the information processing device in the present invention is mounted is not limited to a lathe. For example, it may be a composite machining machine equipped with both a milling function for machining a workpiece by bringing a rotating tool into contact with a stationary workpiece and a turning function for machining a workpiece by bringing a tool into contact with a rotating workpiece. Further, the information processing device in the present invention may be a computer provided independently of the machine tool. In this case, the information processing device may be configured to be communicable with the machine tool wirelessly or by wire.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a three-dimensional model of a workpiece. FIG. 4 is a view showing a two-dimensional model of the workpiece generated from the three-dimensional model in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view showing a two-dimensional model of the workpiece in the range surrounded by the two-dot chain line V in FIG. 4.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, each component of the information processing apparatus 100 is realized by hardware including an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various computer processors, a storage device such as a memory or a storage, and a wired or wireless communication line connecting them, and software stored in the storage device and supplying processing instructions to the arithmetic unit. The computer program may be composed of a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located in upper layers thereof, or a library providing common functions to these programs. Each block described below indicates a block of a functional unit.

[0027] The information processing apparatus 100 includes a reception unit 111, a processing unit 120, and a storage unit 150.

[0028] The reception unit 111 receives a three-dimensional model 400 of a workpiece W extending about a predetermined axis 310. The processing unit 120 generates a two-dimensional model 500 obtained by cutting the three-dimensional model 400 by a plane including the predetermined axis 310, and assigns a machining cycle to the workpiece W based on the contour shape of the workpiece W represented by the two-dimensional model 500.

[0029] The storage unit 150 stores various program modules. The functions of the respective units are realized by the processor of the information processing apparatus 100 executing the various program modules.

[0030] The program causes the information processing apparatus 100, which is a computer, to execute a step of generating a two-dimensional model 500 obtained by cutting a three-dimensional model 400 of a workpiece W extending about a predetermined axis 310 by a plane including the predetermined axis 310 from the three-dimensional model 400, and a step of assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece W based on the contour shape of the workpiece W represented by the two-dimensional model 500.

[0031] The storage unit 150 further stores a machining cycle assignment rule 151, a workpiece spindle assignment rule 152, and a contour shape interpolation rule 153.

[0032] The machining cycle assignment rule 151 defines the rule for the processing unit 120 to assign a machining cycle to the workpiece W based on the contour shape of the workpiece W. The workpiece spindle assignment rule 152 defines the rule for the processing unit 120 to assign either the left workpiece spindle 31 or the right workpiece spindle 36 to machine the contour shape of the workpiece W. The contour shape interpolation rule 153 defines the rule for the processing unit 120 to interpolate the contour shape of the workpiece W. The specific contents of the machining cycle assignment rule 151, the workpiece spindle assignment rule 152, and the contour shape interpolation rule 153 will be described later.

[0033] The receiving unit 111 receives the three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W created by a CAD (Computer Aided Design) device. The three-dimensional model 400 includes the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W and a predetermined axis 310 corresponding to the central axis of the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W. The predetermined axis 310 may be a reference line at the time of drawing the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W by the CAD device. The threaded portion of the workpiece W may be shown as the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W in the three-dimensional model 400, or may be shown as additional information associated with the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W. The receiving unit 111 outputs the received three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W to the processing unit 120.

[0034] The three-dimensional model 400 includes shape information for representing the three-dimensional model such as points, edges, and surfaces. For example, an edge is represented by the position of the start point (X1, Y1, Z1) and the position of the end point (X2, Y2, Z2). An arc is represented by the positions of the start point, the end point, and the center, the normal vector of the plane in which the arc is arranged, and the rotation direction of the arc. Since the three-dimensional model 400 includes the positions of the shapes as data, one coordinate system is defined through such data.

[0035] The three-dimensional model 400 includes information on the rotation axis (corresponding to the predetermined axis 310). For example, the rotation axis is represented by the reference point (X, Y, Z) of the rotation axis and the direction vector of the rotation axis. The coordinate system used is the above-mentioned coordinate system defined in the three-dimensional model 400.

[0036] In FIG. 3, an example of the three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W is shown. The three-dimensional model 400 extends around the predetermined axis 310. The three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W is obtained by rotating the base material 160 of the workpiece W shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4 around the predetermined axis 310 and performing turning processing in which the tool is brought into contact with the base material 160. The reference point (0, 0, 0) of the rotation axis (predetermined axis 310) and the direction vector (0, 0, 1) of the rotation axis (predetermined axis 310) are determined.

[0037] The processing unit 120 includes a first processing unit 121 and a second processing unit 122. The three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W from the reception unit 111 is input to the first processing unit 121. The processing unit 120 (first processing unit 121) identifies the end points P included in the contour shape of the workpiece W and assigns a machining cycle for each section S between adjacent end points.

[0038] The first processing unit 121 includes a two-dimensional model generation unit 131, an end point identification unit 132, and a section determination unit 133.

[0039] The two-dimensional model generation unit 131 makes the predetermined axis 310 of the three-dimensional model 400 correspond to the rotation center axis 210 of the left workpiece spindle 31 and the rotation center axis 220 of the right workpiece spindle 36 in the machine tool 10. The two-dimensional model generation unit 131 generates a two-dimensional model 500 of the workpiece W by cutting the three-dimensional model 400 with a plane (X-axis - Z-axis plane) including the predetermined axis 310. The two-dimensional model generation unit 131 outputs the generated two-dimensional model 500 of the workpiece W to the end point identification unit 132.

[0040] The two-dimensional model 500 represents the contour shape of the workpiece W obtained by turning. The contour shape of the workpiece W may be composed of a closed-loop path (corresponding to a contour shape including a through-hole extending on the axis of the Z-axis) in the range of X≥0 shown in FIG. 4, or may be composed of an open-loop path (corresponding to a contour shape not including a through-hole extending on the axis of the Z-axis).

[0041] In FIG. 4, the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500 of the workpiece W is shown by a solid line, and the contour shape of the base material 160 of the workpiece W before processing is shown by a two-dot chain line. In FIG. 4, with the point where one end face of the workpiece W in the Z-axis direction intersects the predetermined axis 310 as the origin, the dimensions of the two-dimensional model 500 are shown together.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a table showing the sections recognized in the two-dimensional models in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the start points and end points of each section.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, the end point specifying unit 132 specifies the end point P included in the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500. The end point P is a corner, for example, at the X-axis - Z-axis coordinates, a point where two straight lines with different slopes intersect, a point where two arcs with different curvatures intersect, or a point where a straight line and an arc intersect, etc. The end point specifying unit 132 outputs the specified end point P to the section recognizing unit 133.

[0044] The section recognizing unit 133 recognizes a section S between adjacent end points P in the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the endpoint specifying unit 132 specifies endpoints P[0], P[1], P[2], P[3],..., P[N-1], and P[N] as endpoints P included in the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500. The endpoints P[0], P[1], P[2], P[3],..., P[N-1], and P[N] are arranged in the order listed on the path of the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500. In the present embodiment, since the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500 is composed of a closed-loop path, the endpoints P[N] and P[0] are adjacent to each other.

[0046] The section determination unit 133 determines sections Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, Sf, Sg, Sh, Si, Sj, Sk, Sm, Sn, Sp, and Sq as sections S between adjacent endpoints P. The sections Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, Sf, Sg, Sh, Si, Sj, Sk, Sm, Sn, Sp, and Sq are arranged in the order listed on the path of the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500.

[0047] The section Sa is the section between the endpoints P[0] and P[1], and corresponds to the contour shape of the right end face of the work W extending in the X-axis direction. The section Sb is the section between the endpoints P[1] and P[2], and corresponds to the contour shape of the chamfered portion of the work W. The section Sc is the section between the endpoints P[2] and P[3], and corresponds to the contour shape of the outer peripheral surface of the work W extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0048] The section Sd corresponds to the contour shape of the outer peripheral surface of the work W extending obliquely with respect to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction. The section Se corresponds to the contour shape of the threaded portion of the work W. The section Sf corresponds to the contour shape of the groove side surface of the work W extending obliquely with respect to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction. The section Sg corresponds to the contour shape of the groove bottom surface of the work W extending in the Z-axis direction. The section Sh corresponds to the contour shape of the groove side surface of the work W extending in the X-axis direction. The section Si corresponds to the contour shape of the chamfered portion of the work W.

[0049] The section Sj corresponds to the contour shape of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in the Z-axis direction. The section Sk corresponds to the contour shape of the left end surface of the workpiece W extending in the X-axis direction. The section Sm corresponds to the contour shape of the inner peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in the Z-axis direction. The section Sn corresponds to the contour shape of the inner peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in an oblique direction with respect to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction.

[0050] The section Sp is the section between the end point P[N - 1] and the end point P[N], and corresponds to the contour shape of the inner peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in the Z-axis direction. The section Sq is the section between the end point P[N] and the end point P[0], and corresponds to the contour shape of the chamfered portion of the workpiece W. The end point of the section Sq corresponds to the start point of the section Sa. The direction in which the sections S (Sa to Sq) are arranged in order may be standardized in one direction such as counterclockwise. The first section Sa may be standardized so as to be arranged at a position where the Z-axis coordinate is the maximum.

[0051] The first processing unit 121 outputs the two-dimensional model 500 to the second processing unit 122 together with the information of the identified section S.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a table showing the machining cycles and the workpiece spindle assigned to each section in FIG. 6. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, the second processing unit 122 includes an assignment unit 141 and an interpolation unit 142.

[0053] The assignment unit 141 reads the machining cycle assignment rule 151 from the storage unit 150. The assignment unit 141 assigns a machining cycle to each section S from the section Sa to the section Sq according to the correspondence between the machining cycle and the contour shape defined in the machining cycle assignment rule 151. The machining cycle includes at least one of outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, end face machining, groove machining, and thread machining.

[0054] An example of the correspondence between the machining cycle and the contour shape defined in the machining cycle assignment rule 151 is as follows. (1) Inner diameter machining: The contour shape facing the predetermined axis 310 in the X-axis direction (2) Outer diameter machining: In the X-axis direction, a contour shape arranged on the opposite side of the predetermined axis 310 across the two-dimensional model 500 (3) End face machining: A contour shape arranged at the end in the Z-axis direction and extending in a direction intersecting the Z-axis direction (4) Groove machining: A contour shape forming a groove shape recessed from the contour shape assigned to inner diameter machining, outer diameter machining, or end face machining (the cutting edge dimensions of various tools used for groove machining may be considered) (5) Thread machining: A contour shape forming a thread shape, or a contour shape in which a thread shape is indicated by additional information As shown in FIG. 7, the assignment unit 141 assigns "end face machining" to section Sa and section Sk, "groove machining" to section Sf, section Sg, section Sh, and section Si, "outer diameter machining" to section Sb, section Sc, section Sd, and section Sj, "inner diameter machining" to section Sm, section Sn, section Sp, and section Sq, and "thread machining" to section Se, by comparing the contour shapes of sections Sa to Sq with the above machining cycles and the corresponding relationship of the contour shapes.

[0055] The assignment unit 141 assigns either the left spindle 31 or the right spindle 36 as the spindle that holds the workpiece W during the machining of each section S from section Sa to section Sq, according to the corresponding relationship between the spindle and the contour shape defined in the workpiece spindle assignment rule 152.

[0056] An example of the corresponding relationship between the spindle and the contour shape defined in the workpiece spindle assignment rule 152 is as follows. (1) Left spindle 31: (a) When inner diameter machining is assigned, a contour shape arranged on the +Z-axis side with reference to the minimum inner diameter portion where the distance from the predetermined axis 310 in the X-axis direction is the minimum. (b) When outer diameter machining is assigned, a contour shape arranged on the +Z-axis side with reference to the maximum outer diameter portion where the distance from the predetermined axis 310 in the X-axis direction is the maximum. (c) When end face machining is assigned, a contour shape arranged at the end in the +Z-axis direction. (d) When grooving is assigned and when threading is assigned, the position of the contour shape is determined according to the rules of (a) to (c) above. (2) Right work spindle 36: (a) When internal diameter machining is assigned, a contour shape arranged on the -Z-axis side with reference to the minimum internal diameter part where the distance from the predetermined axis 310 in the X-axis direction is the minimum. (b) When external diameter machining is assigned, a contour shape arranged on the -Z-axis side with reference to the maximum external diameter part where the distance from the predetermined axis 310 in the X-axis direction is the maximum. (c) When end face machining is assigned, a contour shape arranged at the end in the -Z-axis direction. (d) When grooving is assigned and when threading is assigned, the position of the contour shape is determined according to the rules of (a) to (c) above.

[0057] The assignment unit 141 assigns the left work spindle 31 as the work spindle for holding the work W during the machining of the sections Sa, Sf, Sg, Sh, Si, Sb, Sc, Sd, Sn, Sp, Sq, and Se, and assigns the right work spindle 36 as the work spindle for holding the work W during the machining of the sections Sk, Sj, and Sm, by comparing the contour shapes of the sections Sa to Sq with the corresponding relationship between the work spindle and the contour shape as described above.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contour shape of the work after interpolation. In FIG. 8, the contour shape of the work W in the range corresponding to FIG. 5 is shown. FIG. 9 is a table showing the machining cycles and work spindles assigned to the contour shape of the work after interpolation.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 9, the processing unit 120 (second processing unit 122) interpolates the contour shape of the work W in a specific section S assigned for grooving or threading, and assigns external diameter machining, internal diameter machining, or end face machining to the contour shape of the work W after interpolation.

[0060] The interpolation unit 142 extracts, as the specific section S, the section Se assigned for threading, and the sections Sf, Sg, Sh, and Si assigned for grooving. The interpolation unit 142 reads out the contour shape interpolation rule 153 from the storage unit 150. The interpolation unit 142 interpolates the contour shape of the section Se according to the threading shape interpolation rule defined in the contour shape interpolation rule 153, and interpolates the contour shapes of the sections Sf, Sg, Sh, and Si according to the grooving shape interpolation rule defined in the contour shape interpolation rule 153.

[0061] An example of the threading shape and grooving shape interpolation rules defined in the contour shape interpolation rule 153 is as follows. (1) Threading shape interpolation: Draw a straight line to fill the valley portion of the threading shape (rewrite the threading shape as a straight line connecting the peaks of the threads and extending in the Z-axis direction). (2) Grooving shape interpolation: Draw a straight line to fill the concave portion formed by the grooving shape (extend the contour shape of the section S connected to the start or end point of the specific section S assigned for grooving from the start or end point of that specific section S).

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the contour shape of the workpiece W after interpolation includes the sections Sr and St instead of the sections Se, Sf, Sg, and Sh. The section Sr is the section between the end points P[n] and P[n + 1], and corresponds to the contour shape of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in the Z-axis direction. The end point P[n] is the end point of the section Sd. The end point P[n + 1] is a point on the straight line of the section Sh. The section St is the section between the end points P[n + 1] and P[n + 2], and corresponds to the contour shape of the rising surface of the workpiece W extending in the X-axis direction. The end point P[n + 2] is the start point of the section Si. The contour shape of the section Sr after interpolation extends to fill the valley portion of the threading shape in the section Se in FIG. 5 and the concave portions of the grooving shapes in the sections Sf, Sg, Sh, and Si in FIG. 5.

[0063] The allocation unit 141 allocates outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, or end face machining to the contour shape of the interpolated workpiece W according to the correspondence between the machining cycle and the contour shape defined in the machining cycle allocation rule 151. As shown in FIG. 9, the allocation unit 141 allocates outer diameter machining to the sections Sr and St, which are continuous with the sections Sb, Sc, and Sd.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a table showing the machining cycles and the workpiece spindle finally allocated to the contour shape of the workpiece. Referring to FIG. 10, the processing unit 120 causes the display 56 to display the machining cycles and the workpiece spindle finally allocated to the workpiece W together with the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the steps of the machining cycle allocation method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 11, the information processing apparatus 100 receives the three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W (S101). In this step, the operator inputs the three-dimensional model 400 created by the CAD apparatus to the information processing apparatus 100. The reception unit 111 receives the three-dimensional model 400.

[0067] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 generates a two-dimensional model 500 (S102). In this step, the two-dimensional model generation unit 131 generates the two-dimensional model 500 of the workpiece W by cutting the three-dimensional model 400 with a plane including the predetermined axis 310.

[0068] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 identifies the end points P (S103). In this step, the end point identification unit 132 identifies the end points P[0], P[1], P[2], P[3]... P[N-1], and P[N] included in the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500.

[0069] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 determines the section S (S104). In this step, the section determination unit 133 determines sections Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, Sf, Sg, Sh, Si, Sj, Sk, Sm, Sn, Sp, and Sq as the section S between adjacent end points P in the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500.

[0070] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 assigns a machining cycle and a work spindle (S105). In this step, the assignment unit 141 assigns a machining cycle to each section S determined in step S104 according to the correspondence between the machining cycle and the contour shape defined in the machining cycle assignment rule 151. The assignment unit 141 assigns a work spindle that holds the work W during the machining of each section S determined in step S104 from among the left work spindle 31 and the right work spindle 36 according to the correspondence between the work spindle and the contour shape defined in the work spindle assignment rule 152.

[0071] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether the contour shape of the work W includes a groove machining cycle or a thread machining cycle (S106). In this step, if the information processing apparatus 100 determines that neither the groove machining cycle nor the thread machining cycle is included, the process proceeds to step S109 described later.

[0072] In step S106, if the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the groove machining cycle or the thread machining cycle is included, the information processing apparatus 100 extracts the corresponding specific section (S107) and interpolates the contour shape of the extracted specific section (S108). In this step, the interpolation unit 142 extracts the section Se assigned with the thread machining and the sections Sf, Sg, Sh, and Si assigned with the groove machining. The interpolation unit 142 interpolates the contour shape of the section Se according to the thread shape interpolation rule defined in the contour shape interpolation rule 153, and interpolates the contour shapes of the sections Sf, Sg, Sh, and Si according to the groove shape interpolation rule defined in the contour shape interpolation rule 153.

[0073] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 returns to the step of S105 and assigns a machining cycle to the contour shape of the workpiece W after interpolation. Next, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether a groove machining cycle or a thread machining cycle is included in the contour shape of the workpiece W after interpolation (S106). If it is determined that neither the groove machining cycle nor the thread machining cycle is included, the process proceeds to the step of S109.

[0074] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 displays the assigned machining cycle and the workpiece spindle on the display 56 together with the contour shape of the workpiece W (S110). The operator proceeds to create the NC program by approving the machining cycle and the workpiece spindle displayed on the display 56 through the operation of the operation panel 50. If the operator does not approve the machining cycle and the workpiece spindle displayed on the display 56, the operator may correct the assignment of the machining cycle for each section S through the operation of the operation panel 50.

[0075] In the information processing apparatus 100 and the method for assigning a machining cycle according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, a two-dimensional model 500 obtained by cutting the three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W by a plane including the predetermined axis 310 is generated, and based on the contour shape of the workpiece W represented by the generated two-dimensional model 500, a machining cycle is assigned to the workpiece W. According to such a configuration, since the relationship between the contour shape of the workpiece W and the machining cycle used for machining the contour shape can be uniquely determined, a machining cycle corresponding to the contour shape of the workpiece W represented by the two-dimensional model 500 can be assigned to the workpiece W. Thereby, the assignment of the machining cycle can be executed simply and appropriately.

[0076] Further, the processing unit 120 specifies the end points P included in the contour shape of the workpiece W, and assigns a machining cycle to each section S of adjacent end points P. According to such a configuration, by regarding the section S between the end points P included in the contour shape of the workpiece W as a unit for assigning a machining cycle, the assignment of the machining cycle can be executed more simply and appropriately.

[0077] Further, the machining cycle includes at least one of outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, end face machining, groove machining, and thread machining. According to such a configuration, machining cycles such as outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, end face machining, groove machining, or thread machining can be simply and appropriately assigned to the contour shape of the workpiece W.

[0078] In addition, the processing unit 120 interpolates the contour shape of the workpiece W in a specific section S to which groove machining or thread machining is assigned, and assigns outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, or end face machining to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece W. According to such a configuration, outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, or end face machining required at the stage before groove machining or thread machining can be assigned to the contour shape of the workpiece W.

[0079] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, another embodiment of each step in FIG. 11 will be described. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 11, first, the step (S105) of assigning machining cycles will be described.

[0080] The information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) determines whether each section S has information indicating that it is a thread (manually set by the user using a GUI (Graphical User Interface), or acquired from additional information associated with the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W). The information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns a thread machining cycle to the section S having the information indicating that it is a thread.

[0081] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) determines whether each of the remaining sections S has a Z-axis coordinate that is the maximum value or the minimum value and corresponds to a line segment parallel to the X-axis. The information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns an end face machining cycle to the corresponding section S.

[0082] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) determines whether each remaining section S corresponds to a line segment where the X coordinate is zero and that is parallel to the Z-axis direction. The information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) does not assign a machining cycle to the corresponding section S (corresponding to a section that does not require machining).

[0083] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) determines whether each remaining section S is a groove machining part (it is also possible to determine based on the end face, outer diameter, or inner diameter, and further in consideration of the machining direction, or to use a shape recognition module for the determination), and assigns a groove machining cycle to the corresponding section S.

[0084] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) determines whether each remaining section S is arranged outside or inside the contour shape of the workpiece W in the two-dimensional model 500. As an example, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) divides the contour shape of the workpiece W in the two-dimensional model 500 into two parts between the maximum value and the minimum value of the Z-axis, and determines that the section S having a relatively large X coordinate on the Z-axis coordinate at which the division is made is arranged outside, and the section S having a relatively small X coordinate is arranged inside. The information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns an outer diameter machining cycle to the section S arranged outside, and assigns an inner diameter machining cycle to the section S arranged inside.

[0085] Subsequently, the step (S105) of assigning the workpiece spindle will be described. In the case of groove machining on the end face, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) makes a determination based on the machining direction. When the tool axis direction is the +Z-axis direction, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns the left workpiece spindle 31, and when the tool axis direction is the -Z-axis direction, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns the right workpiece spindle 36.

[0086] In the case of end face machining, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) makes a determination based on the Z-axis coordinate. When the end face machining has the maximum Z-axis coordinate, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns the left workpiece spindle 31, and to the end face machining having the minimum Z-axis coordinate, the information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns the right workpiece spindle 36.

[0087] In the case of inner diameter machining and outer diameter machining, a reference Z-axis coordinate is set in advance by the user. For example, in FIG. 4, the reference Z-axis coordinate may be set at a position of -45 mm. The reference Z-axis coordinate may be different between the installation value in inner diameter machining and the setting value in outer diameter machining. The information processing apparatus 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns the left work spindle 31 to machining on the plus side from the reference Z-axis coordinate, and assigns the right work spindle 36 to machining on the minus side from the reference Z-axis coordinate.

[0088] Subsequently, a step (S108) of interpolating the contour shape of the section S to which the groove machining cycle is assigned will be described.

[0089] FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining a step of interpolating a section (an outer diameter groove composed of only simple line segments) to which a groove machining cycle is assigned. In FIGS. 12 and 13, it is assumed that an outer diameter groove composed of only simple line segments is interpolated in the work held by the left work spindle 31.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a section S (Sf to Si) to which a groove machining cycle is assigned and which is the object of interpolation is shown. A section Sf is recognized between the end points p1 and p2, a section Sg is recognized between the end points p2 and p3, a section Sh is recognized between the end points p3 and p4, and a section Si is recognized between the end points p4 and p5.

[0091] The information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) sets the maximum inclination of the section S (Sf to Si) to be interpolated. The maximum inclination may be set to zero in the Z-axis - X-axis coordinates, may be set with reference to the pocket angle of the tool, or may be manually set by the user.

[0092] Next, if there is a point of contact with the straight line of the set maximum slope in the contour shape of the section S (Sf to Si), the information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) obtains the contact point pa. The information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) specifies the straight line 61 that is in contact with the contact point pa and has the set maximum slope, and the first intersection point pb where the straight line 61 first intersects the contour shape continuing from the contact point pa.

[0093] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) divides the section S (Sf to Si) into the section Sf, the section Sg, and the section Sh (endpoint p3 to the first intersection point pb), and the section Sh (the first intersection point pb to the endpoint p4) and the section Si by the first intersection point pa. The information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) interpolates the section Sf, the section Sg, and the section Sh (endpoint p3 to the first intersection point pb) with the straight line 61.

[0094] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) determines whether the contour shape continuing from the first intersection point pb is arranged in the first range 62 that is equal to or greater than the set maximum slope or in the second range 63 that is less than the set maximum slope.

[0095] The information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) determines that the contour shape continuing from the first intersection point pb is arranged in the second range 63. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) maintains the contour shapes of the section Sh (the first intersection point pb to the endpoint p4) and the section Si. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the section S (Sf to Si) is interpolated into a contour shape that passes through the endpoint p1 (contact point pa), the first intersection point pb, the endpoint p4, and the endpoint p5 in this order.

[0096] On the other hand, when the information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) determines that the contour shape continuing from the first intersection point pb is arranged in the first range 62 that is equal to or greater than the set maximum slope, the straight line having the set maximum slope passing through the starting point of the contour shape continuing from the first intersection point pb and the second intersection point where the straight line first intersects the contour shape continuing from the first intersection point pb are specified. Thereafter, the above steps are repeated.

[0097] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams for explaining the step of interpolating an interval (outer diameter groove including a curve) to which a groove machining cycle is assigned. In FIGS. 14 and 15, it is assumed that an outer diameter groove including a curve is interpolated in the workpiece held by the left workpiece spindle 31.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, even when the interval S to be interpolated is an outer diameter groove including a curve, the information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) determines the contact point pa if there is a point in the contour shape of the interval S that contacts a straight line with the maximum slope. The information processing apparatus 100 (interpolation unit 142) specifies a straight line 61 that contacts the contact point pa and has the maximum slope, and a first intersection point pb where the straight line 61 first intersects the contour shape continuing from the contact point pa. The other steps are the same as the steps described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0099] In the interpolation of the interval S (Sf to Si) shown in FIG. 8, the maximum slope of the interval S to be interpolated is set to 0°. FIGS. 12 to 15 assume the case of interpolating the outer diameter groove of the workpiece held by the left workpiece spindle 31, but the same method can also be applied when the workpiece is held by the right workpiece spindle 36 or when interpolating an inner diameter groove.

[0100] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0101] 10 Machine tool, 12 Working area, 21 Cover body, 31 Left work spindle, 32, 37 Claw parts, 36 Right work spindle, 41 Tool rest, 42 Swivel part, 50 Control panel, 51 Upper panel, 52 Lower panel, 53 Operation part, 56, 57 Display, 61 Straight line, 62 First range, 63 Second range, 100 Information processing device, 111 Reception part, 120 Processing part, 121 First processing part, 122 Second processing part, 131 Two-dimensional model generation part, 132 Endpoint identification part, 133 Section determination part, 141 Allocation part, 142 Interpolation part, 150 Storage part, 151 Machining cycle allocation rule, 152 Work spindle allocation rule, 153 Contour shape interpolation rule, 160 Base material, 210, 220 Rotation center axis, 230 Swivel center axis, 310 Predetermined axis, 400 Three-dimensional model, 500 Two-dimensional model, P Endpoint, S, Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, Sf, Sg, Sh, Si, Sj, Sk, Sm, Sn, Sp, Sq, Sr, St, j Section, W Work.

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives a three-dimensional model of a workpiece extending about a predetermined axis corresponding to the workpiece shape obtained by machining; A processing unit that generates a two-dimensional model obtained by cutting the three-dimensional model by a plane including the predetermined axis, and assigns a machining cycle to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece represented by the two-dimensional model. The processing unit interpolates the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which a specific machining is assigned as the machining cycle, and assigns a machining different from the specific machining to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation. An information processing apparatus.

2. The specific machining is groove machining or thread machining, The machining different from the specific machining is outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, or end face machining. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The processing unit identifies end points included in the contour shape of the workpiece, and assigns the machining cycle to each section of adjacent end points. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. As a workpiece spindle that holds the workpiece during machining in each section to which the machining cycle is assigned, the processing unit has a first workpiece spindle capable of rotating the workpiece about the predetermined axis, and in the axial direction of the predetermined axis. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, which assigns either one of a second workpiece spindle that is arranged to face the first workpiece spindle and is capable of rotating the workpiece about the predetermined axis.

5. Generating a two-dimensional model obtained by cutting the three-dimensional model of the workpiece extending about the predetermined axis corresponding to the workpiece shape obtained by machining by a plane including the predetermined axis; Assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece represented by the two-dimensional model. The step of assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece includes interpolating the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which a specific machining is assigned as the machining cycle, and assigning a machining different from the specific machining to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation. A method for assigning a machining cycle.

6. A program executed by a computer for assigning a machining cycle to a workpiece, The program causes the computer to, Generating a two-dimensional model by cutting the three-dimensional model of the workpiece, which corresponds to the workpiece shape obtained by machining and extends about a predetermined axis, with a plane including the predetermined axis; Executing a step of assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece represented in the two-dimensional model; The program in which the step of assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece includes a step of interpolating the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which a specific machining is assigned as the machining cycle, and assigning a machining different from the specific machining to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation.

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