Information processing method, program, recording medium, information processing apparatus, and production method

Abstract

To provide an information processing method which can be used universally in die design, and increase the working efficiency of a worker.SOLUTION: Disclosed is an information processing method in which an information processing unit acquires the three-dimensional shape data of a molded product or a molding die for molding the molded product, acquires a release direction when the molded product is released from the molding die, acquires information corresponding to the positional relationship between plural regions not perpendicular to the release direction in the three-dimensional part of a face to be molded in the molded product or a molding face of the molding die by using the three-dimensional shape data, and sets the standards of the draft angle of the three-dimensional part relative to the release direction based on a combination of the information and the release direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method useful for designing a mold for manufacturing a molded product, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] The shape of a molded product manufactured using a mold needs to be designed in consideration of no defects such as scratches, strains, and deformations occurring in the molded product when the molded product is released from the mold. As a method for facilitating the release of the molded product from the mold, a method of adding a "draft gradient" for facilitating the release of the molded product from the mold to the outer surface is generally known.

[0003] In order to determine whether the draft gradient amount is appropriate, skilled knowledge regarding mold design is required. For this reason, depending on the proficiency of the designer, there may be a portion where the draft gradient amount is insufficient, and it may not be possible to proceed with the design and manufacturing efficiently.

[0004] Patent Document 1 proposes a method for evaluating whether the shape of a molded product is suitable for injection molding with respect to the draft gradient and undercut of a mold without human intervention.

[0005] Patent Document 2 proposes a method of creating a fillet and a draft gradient in a molded product and determining whether the created draft gradient is sufficient to extract the molded product from the mold.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the method of Patent Document 1, the draft gradient amount is determined in association with the height in the mold opening direction of the surface constituting the molded product. For example, if it is premised that molded products similar to a specific shape are always handled, and good results can be obtained by simply determining the draft gradient amount according to only the height in the mold opening direction for a certain molded product, then there may be no problem even if the draft gradient amount of a molded product with a similar shape is determined by the same method. However, in reality, when handling molded products of various shapes, if the draft gradient amount is determined only according to the height in the mold opening direction, problems may occur in the quality of the molded product, and it cannot be said to be versatile.

[0008] In the method of Patent Document 2, since the designer creates a fillet and a draft gradient and then designates the determination location, the work is not efficient, and there is a problem that the location where the gradient should be determined may be missing due to selection omission.

[0009] Therefore, an information processing method that can be generally used in the design of molds and can improve the work efficiency of workers has been demanded.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In a first aspect of the present invention, an information processing unit acquires three-dimensional shape data of a molded product or a molding die for molding the molded product, acquires a mold release direction when releasing the molded product from the molding die, and uses the three-dimensional shape data to obtain information according to the positional relationship of a plurality of regions in a three-dimensional portion of a molded surface of the molded product or a molding surface of the molding die that are not perpendicular to the mold release direction, and sets a reference for the draft gradient of the three-dimensional portion with respect to the mold release direction based on a combination of the information and the mold release direction. This is an information processing method characterized by the above.

Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, an information processing method that can be generally used in the design of molds and can improve the work efficiency of workers can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

[0013] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and those skilled in the art can appropriately modify and implement the detailed configuration without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0014] In the drawings referred to in the following description of the embodiments, elements denoted by the same reference numerals have the same functions unless otherwise specified. When a plurality of identical elements are arranged in a drawing, the reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0015] Furthermore, the drawings may be represented schematically for the convenience of illustration and explanation, and the shape, size, arrangement, etc. of the elements depicted in the drawings may not necessarily be strictly identical to the actual objects.

[0016] In the following description, for example, the +X direction refers to the same direction as the X-axis arrow in the coordinate system shown, and the -X direction refers to the direction 180 degrees opposite to the direction of the X-axis arrow in the coordinate system shown. Furthermore, when simply referring to the X direction, it refers to a direction parallel to the X-axis, regardless of whether it is in the direction indicated by the X-axis arrow in the drawings. The same applies to directions other than X.

[0017] [Embodiment 1] (Information processing device) FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1. The information processing apparatus 1 is an information processing apparatus that supports die design, and includes an information processing unit 11, an input unit 12, and a display unit 13. Further, the information processing apparatus 1 is communicably connected to an external storage device 14, an external computer 15, and a die manufacturing apparatus 16. Note that in FIG. 1, functional elements necessary for explaining the features of the present embodiment are represented by functional blocks, but descriptions of general functional elements not directly related to the problem-solving principle of the present invention are omitted. Also, each functional element illustrated in FIG. 1 is conceptually functional, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. For example, the specific form of the dispersion or integration of each functional block is not limited to the illustrated example, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically dispersed and integrated in an arbitrary unit according to the usage situation or the like. Each functional block can be configured using hardware or software.

[0018] The information processing unit 11 is a computer that executes processing for supporting an operator's die design work. The information processing unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an I / O port, and the like.

[0019] The ROM can store information such as a processing program for realizing information processing related to the draft angle of the die forming surface, which will be described later, and a draft angle database. Further, the RAM is used as a work area of the CPU or the like when executing the information processing.

[0020] Information such as a program for realizing the information processing method according to the embodiment and gradient extraction databases may be stored in the ROM included in the information processing unit 11 as described above. Alternatively, it may be stored in an external storage device 14 composed of an HDD, an SSD, etc., or may be loaded from the outside via a network into the RAM. Various storage means, storage units, or storage devices storing the program for realizing the information processing method according to the embodiment are computer-readable recording media related to the information processing method or information processing apparatus of the present invention. For example, a recording medium (HDD or the like) mounted on a server configured to be able to read the program for realizing the information processing method according to the embodiment via a network is also a recording medium readable by a computer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Connected to the information processing unit 11 is an input unit 12 equipped with input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a jog dial, a handy terminal, and a voice input device, and can receive information input by an operator such as commands and data.

[0022] Connected to the information processing unit 11 is a display unit 13 equipped with a display device such as an LCD, an OLED, and a projector, and can display information related to information processing such as an input screen and a processing result to the operator.

[0023] The I / O port connects an external device or network to the information processing unit 11. The information processing unit 11 can exchange, for example, CAD data of a molded product or a mold with an external computer 15 via the I / O port. Further, the information processing unit 11 can transmit the CAD data of the mold to a mold manufacturing apparatus 16 such as an NC cutting machine via the I / O port.

[0024] (Information Processing Method) With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the procedure of information processing according to the embodiment will be described.

[0025] (Step S1) When the information processing unit 11 receives an information processing start command from an operator via the input unit 12, it reads out and activates a processing program from the storage unit. Note that the information processing unit 11 may receive an information processing start command via a network through an I / O port.

[0026] (Step S2) In step S2, the information processing unit 11 acquires three-dimensional shape data of a molded object (molded product) manufactured by a mold that is the design target. Here, as the molded object, a molded product 30 whose appearance is shown in Fig. 3(a) will be taken as an example for explanation. Fig. 3(a) shows an external perspective view of the molded product 30, and Fig. 3(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the molded product 30 cut along the A-B line in Fig. 3(a). Note that although the case where the information processing unit 11 acquires three-dimensional shape data of a molded object (molded product) is taken as an example, the information processing unit may acquire three-dimensional shape data of a molding die for creating a molded object (molded product).

[0027] The information processing unit 11 acquires three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30 from, for example, an external computer 15 on which CAD for designing the molded product is installed, and stores it in the internal storage device. Also, based on the acquired three-dimensional shape data, the information processing unit 11 can display an image shown in, for example, Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b) on the display unit 13.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the molded product 30 represented by the acquired three-dimensional shape data has a boss 32 and a rib 33 protruding upward in the drawing from the surface 31, and a recess 34 recessed downward in the drawing from the surface 31. Also, as shown in Fig. 3(b), the molded product 30 has a rib 36 protruding downward in the drawing from a surface 35 on the back side of the surface 31.

[0029] (Step S3) In step S3, the mold opening direction of the mold to be designed is set. Generally, among the molds for defining a space (cavity) into which a molding material (e.g., resin) is injected, the male mold having a convex portion is often called a "core mold", and the female mold having a concave portion is often called a "cavity mold". Also, when opening the mold, the mold on the movable side equipped with a protruding pin is often called a "core mold", and the fixed-side mold that does not move when opening the mold is often called a "cavity mold". Even when the fixed-side mold is configured not to physically move, during mold opening, the positional relationship between the fixed-side mold (molding surface) and the movable-side mold (molding surface) changes such that they relatively separate from each other.

[0030] In this embodiment, when demolding the molded object (molded product) from the mold for molding the molded object (molded product), a demolding direction is set for each of the molding surfaces in correspondence with the direction in which each molding surface of the mold relatively separates from the molded object. In the description of this specification, the set demolding direction is conveniently called the "mold opening direction". Note that in the following embodiments, the case where the molded object is a resin molded product will be taken as an example, and the case where the molding die is a metal mold will be mainly described. However, the implementation of the invention is not limited to this example. For example, the molding die may be a resin mold made of resin, a wooden mold made of wood, or a sand mold made of sand.

[0031] For example, regardless of whether each mold physically moves during mold opening, the mold opening direction for the molding surface of each mold is set in correspondence with the direction in which the molding surface relatively separates from the molded object. Also, when the molded product adheres to the movable-side mold and moves when the mold opens, for the fixed-side mold, the direction opposite to the direction in which the molded product relatively moves is taken as the mold opening direction. For the movable-side mold, after opening the mold, the direction opposite to the direction in which the molded product is pushed out when the molded product is pushed out by the protruding pin for demolding is taken as the mold opening direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), for the molding surface of the first mold (e.g., cavity mold), the mold opening direction C1 is set, and for the molding surface of the second mold (e.g., core mold), the mold opening direction C2 is set.

[0033] There can be various modes for the method of setting the mold opening direction. For example, the operator refers to the shape of the molded product 30 displayed on the display unit and sets the mold opening direction C1 to the +Z direction and the mold opening direction C2 to the -Z direction via the input unit 12. Alternatively, a method of selecting the vector of the mold opening direction or a method of selecting a plane perpendicular to the mold opening direction and specifying the normal vector of the selected plane may be used. Furthermore, a method of selecting an arbitrary edge of the mold model parallel to the mold opening direction or a method of estimating the mold opening direction vector from the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product may also be used.

[0034] The set mold opening direction C1 and mold opening direction C2 are stored in the internal storage device of the information processing unit 11. Also, the mold opening direction C1 and mold opening direction C2 are displayed on the display unit 13 as illustrated in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), for example, so that the operator can easily confirm them.

[0035] (Step S4) In step S4, based on the three-dimensional shape data, for each side surface of the molded product 30, the draft gradient amount with respect to the mold opening direction is calculated. The CPU of the information processing unit reads out the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30 acquired in step S2 and the data of the mold opening direction C1 and mold opening direction C2 set in step S3 from the internal storage device. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 4, for each side surface of the molded product 30, the draft gradient amount θ is calculated.

[0036] First, the information processing unit 11 extracts side surfaces from the outer surfaces of the molded product 30 based on the three-dimensional shape data. A side surface refers to a surface whose normal direction V for that surface is not parallel to the mold opening direction C1 or the mold opening direction C2. In other words, a side surface refers to a surface that is not orthogonal to the mold opening direction C1 or the mold opening direction C2.

[0037] Next, the information processing unit 11 associates either the mold opening direction C1 or the mold opening direction C2 with each of the extracted sides. Specifically, for each side of the molded product 30, the dot product of the normal direction V of the side and the mold opening direction C1, and the dot product of the normal direction V of the side and the mold opening direction C2 are calculated. Of the two dot products, the mold opening direction for which the calculation result is positive is associated as the mold opening direction for that side. Note that for a side parallel to the mold opening direction, the dot product of the normal direction V of the side and the mold opening direction is 0. In that case, when the side is moved along the mold opening direction C1 and the mold opening direction C2, the mold opening direction in which the side does not intersect with another surface of the molded product 30 is taken as the mold opening direction corresponding to that side.

[0038] The information processing unit 11 calculates the inclination angle of the side with respect to the associated mold opening direction, that is, the draft gradient amount θ. The calculated draft gradient amount θ with respect to the mold opening direction is associated with the ID of each side and stored in the internal storage device of the information processing unit 11.

[0039] (Step S5) In step S5, the information processing unit 11 determines the shape attribute of the portion constituted by each side. The shape attribute refers to a classification characterized based on the shape, such as a rib which is a type of convex portion, a boss which is a type of convex portion, an icon which is a type of shallow concave portion, a fitting groove which is a type of deep concave portion, and the like. It can be said that the shape attribute is information according to the positional relationship of a plurality of regions not perpendicular to the mold release direction.

[0040] The information processing unit 11 uses the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30 and the information on the mold opening direction associated with each side to recognize the shape of the three-dimensional portion constituted by each side based on the positional relationship of each side. Then, based on the recognized shape, the shape attribute of that portion is determined. As shown in the example below, the shape attribute of the three-dimensional portion can include at least one of a rib, a boss, and a concave portion.

[0041] (Recognition of rib) As shown in Fig. 5(a), the cross product V1 of the mold opening direction C1 or C2 (in this example, the mold opening direction C1) associated with the side surface S extracted in step S4 and the normal direction V of the side surface is obtained. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the cross product V2 of the cross product V1 and the mold opening direction C1 associated with the side surface S is obtained. Then, as shown in Fig. 5(c), a half-line is generated in the direction opposite to the cross product V2 from the point P on the side surface S, and the intersection points with each surface of the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30 are obtained. Among the obtained intersection points, the side surface S' having the intersection point P' closest to the point P on the surface is obtained. And the distance D between the side surface S and the side surface S' is obtained. Here, when the design standard of the rib is at the tip, the distance D is the shortest distance, and when it is at the root, the distance D is the longest distance. If the calculated distance D is less than or equal to the wall thickness predetermined as the determination criterion of the rib, the side surfaces S and S' are determined to be the surfaces constituting the rib, and the information of the shape attribute of being a rib is associated with the IDs of the side surfaces S and S'.

[0042] (Recognition of boss) As shown in Fig. 6(a), the cross product V1 of the mold opening direction C1 or C2 (in this example, the mold opening direction C1) associated with the side surface S extracted in step S4 and the normal direction V of the side surface is obtained. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 6(b), the cross product V2 of the cross product V1 and the mold opening direction C1 associated with the side surface S is obtained. Then, as shown in Fig. 6(c), a half-line is generated in the direction opposite to the cross product V2 from the point P on the side surface S, and the intersection points with each surface of the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30 are obtained. Among the obtained intersection points, the side surface S' having the intersection point P' closest to the point P on the surface is obtained. If the side surface S = S' or the side surface S ≠ S' and the side surfaces S and S' are cylindrical surfaces or conical surfaces with the same axis and diameter, the diameter D is obtained. Here, when the design standard of the boss is at the tip, the diameter D is the diameter of the upper surface, and when it is at the root, the diameter D is the diameter of the bottom surface. If the diameter D is less than or equal to the predetermined boss diameter, the side surfaces S and S' are determined to be the surfaces constituting the boss, and the information of the shape attribute of being a boss is added to the IDs of the side surfaces S and S'.

[0043] (Recognition of concave side surface) For a surface that is not recognized as having a shape such as a rib or a boss, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the cross product V1 of the mold opening direction C1 or C2 (in this example, the mold opening direction C1) associated with the side surface S extracted in step S4 and the normal direction V of the side surface is obtained. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the cross product V2 of the cross product V1 and the mold opening direction C1 associated with the side surface S is obtained. Then, as shown in Fig. 7(c), a half-line is generated from the point P on the side surface S in the direction of the cross product V2, and the intersection point P' with each surface of the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30 is obtained. If the intersection point P' exists, it is determined that the side surface S is a concave side surface (so-called biting surface), and information on the shape attribute that it is a concave side surface (biting surface) is added to the ID of the side surface S.

[0044] (Step S6) Next, in step S6, the information processing unit 11 acquires information on the "required draft amount" for each side surface of the three-dimensional shape data according to the mold opening direction associated in step S4 and the shape attribute determined in step S5. The information processing unit 11 reads out the draft information stored in the draft database from the internal ROM, or from the external storage device 14, or externally via a network. The information on the required draft amount is information corresponding to the positional relationship of a plurality of regions that are not perpendicular to the mold release direction in the three-dimensional portion of the molded surface of the molded product or the forming surface of the mold using the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product or the mold.

[0045] Fig. 8 illustrates the information on the "required draft amount" stored in the draft database. In the draft database, information on the draft amount required for each side is stored according to the combination of the mold opening direction associated with that side (the mold opening direction C1 on the cavity mold side or the mold opening direction C2 on the core mold side) and the shape attribute of that side. For example, when the shape attribute of a certain side is "the side of a rib" and the associated mold opening direction is the cavity direction (in the above example, the mold opening direction C1 applies), the required draft amount is set to be "2 degrees or more". Note that the "required draft amount" may define only the lower limit of the draft, only the upper limit of the draft, or both. Preferably, the lower limit is set.

[0046] (Step S7) In step S7, the information processing unit 11 determines whether each side of the three-dimensional shape data satisfies the "required draft amount" obtained in step S6. The information processing unit 11 reads out from the internal storage device the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30, the draft amount θ with respect to the mold opening direction of each side calculated in step S4, and the required draft amount of each side obtained in step S6. For each side of the molded product 30, the set draft amount θ with respect to the mold opening direction is compared with the required draft amount.

[0047] For example, as shown in Fig. 9(a), in the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30, for the draft amount θ of the side constituting the boss 32, when the shape attribute is the side of the boss and the mold opening direction is the cavity mold side, the required draft amount is 1 degree or more. Therefore, in the three-dimensional shape data, if the draft amount θ is designed to be 1 degree, for example, the information processing unit 11 determines that the required draft amount condition is satisfied, and thus determines that the draft amount required for demolding is added to the side constituting the boss 32.

[0048] For example, as shown in Fig. 9(b), in the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30, regarding the draft angle θ of the side surface constituting the rib 33, when the shape attribute is the side surface of the rib and the mold opening direction is the cavity mold side, the required draft angle is 2 degrees or more. Therefore, in the three-dimensional shape data, if the draft angle θ is designed to be 1.5 degrees, for example, the information processing unit 11 determines that the required draft angle condition is not satisfied, and thus no draft angle required for mold release is added to the side surface constituting the rib 33.

[0049] On the other hand, regarding the draft angle θ of the side surface constituting the lower rib 36 shown in Fig. 3(b), when the shape attribute is the side surface of the rib and the mold opening direction is the core mold side, the required draft angle is 0.5 degrees or more. Therefore, in the three-dimensional shape data, if the draft angle θ is designed to be 1 degree, for example, since the draft angle θ satisfies the required draft angle, it is determined that a draft angle required for mold release is added to the side surface constituting the rib 36.

[0050] Also, as shown in Fig. 10, in the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30, regarding the draft angle θ of the biting surface 91 which is the side surface constituting the recess 34, when the shape attribute is the side surface of the recess and the mold opening direction is the cavity mold side, the required draft angle is 3 degrees or more. Therefore, in the three-dimensional shape data, if the draft angle θ is designed to be 5 degrees, for example, since the draft angle θ satisfies the required draft angle, it is determined that a draft angle required for mold release is added to the biting surface 91.

[0051] Also, in FIG. 10, the side surface that was not recognized as belonging to a specific shape attribute in step S5 is regarded as the general surface 92. However, when the shape attribute is a general surface and the mold opening direction is the cavity mold side, the required draft gradient amount is 1 degree or more. Therefore, in the three-dimensional shape data, for example, when the draft gradient amount θ is designed to be 1 degree, since the draft gradient amount θ satisfies the required draft gradient amount, it is determined that the required draft gradient amount for demolding is added to the general surface 92. The determination result for each side surface is associated by the information processing unit 11 with the ID representing each side surface and stored in the internal storage device or the external storage device 14.

[0052] (Step S8) In step S8, the information processing unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 the determination result as to whether or not the required draft gradient amount is given for each side surface of the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30. The information processing unit 11 displays the side surfaces constituting each part of the molded product 30 and the determination result for the side surfaces in a manner that allows the operator to easily make a correspondence and understand. For example, the information processing unit 11 displays on one screen the three-dimensional shape of the molded product 30 and the diagram representing the mold opening direction shown in FIG. 11(a) and the list of determination results shown in FIG. 11(b). Although a cross-sectional view is illustrated in FIG. 11(a), for example, an external view of the molded product 30 may be displayed as shown in FIG. 3(a). Also, the display format of the list of determination results is not limited to the example of FIG. 11(b), and the operator can set an arbitrary format. The information processing unit 11 can display the side surfaces for which the required draft gradient amount is not given with a different texture or color in the diagram or the list of determination results so that they can be distinguished from the side surfaces for which the required draft gradient amount is given.

[0053] It is convenient for the operator if the information processing unit 11 is configured to emphasize and display the side surface corresponding to the selected row in the shape diagram of the molded product 30 when the operator selects an arbitrary row in the list of determination results via the input unit 12. Alternatively, it is convenient for the operator if the information processing unit 11 is configured to emphasize and display the row corresponding to the selected side surface in the list of determination results when the operator selects an arbitrary side surface in the shape diagram of the molded product 30 via the input unit 12.

[0054] If the operator checks the determination result and there is a side surface without the required draft amount, the operator can edit the three-dimensional shape data of the side surface of the molded product 30 via the input unit 12 of the information processing unit 11. Then, steps S2 and subsequent steps can be executed again to check whether the required draft amount has been applied. Alternatively, the operator can send a command via the information processing unit 11 to CAD installed in, for example, the external computer 15 to edit the three-dimensional shape data of the side surface. Then, steps S2 and subsequent steps can be executed again to check whether the required draft amount has been applied.

[0055] When the operator confirms that the required draft amount has been applied to all side surfaces of the molded product 30, the information processing unit 11 updates the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30. Based on the updated three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30, the operator can cause the information processing unit 11 to create the three-dimensional shape data of the cavity mold and the core mold for manufacturing the molded product 30. Alternatively, the operator can send a command via the information processing unit 11 to CAD installed in, for example, the external computer 15 to create the three-dimensional shape data of the cavity mold and the core mold for manufacturing the molded product 30. The operator transmits the three-dimensional shape data of the mold created in this way to the mold manufacturing apparatus 16 via the information processing unit 11, and can manufacture the cavity mold and the core mold for manufacturing the molded product 30 by NC machining.

[0056] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that can be generally used for designing a mold for manufacturing a molded product of an arbitrary shape and can improve the working efficiency of the operator regarding setting and confirmation of the draft amount.

[0057] [Embodiment 2] The information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Matters common to Embodiment 1 will be described in a simplified or omitted manner. The basic configuration of the information processing apparatus is the same as that of Embodiment 1 described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0058] This embodiment not only determines whether the inclination of the side surface of the molded product is designed to satisfy the required draft amount, but also automatically changes the angle of the side surface of the three-dimensional shape data so as to have the required draft amount when it is determined that the required draft amount is not provided.

[0059] (Information processing method) With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, the procedure of information processing according to this embodiment will be described.

[0060] (Steps S1 to Step 7) For Steps S1 to S7, the same processing as that of Embodiment 1 described with reference to FIG. 2 is executed.

[0061] (Step S11) In this embodiment, in Step S11 following Step 7, for each side surface of the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30 for which it is determined that the required draft for mold release is not added, the required draft for mold release is automatically added.

[0062] The information processing unit 11 adds a draft so as to satisfy the required draft amount, for example, to the side surface constituting the rib 33 for which it is determined in Step S7 that the required draft amount for mold release is not added.

[0063] The information processing unit 11 reads out the three-dimensional shape data of the rib 33 of the molded product 30, the set mold opening direction C1, the draft amount θ with respect to the mold opening direction of each side surface calculated in Step S4, and the required draft amount of each side surface acquired in Step S6 from the internal storage device.

[0064] For example, when the design criterion of the rib 33 is at the base side, as shown in Fig. 13(a), with the base side of the side surface as the rotation center, the side surface is rotated in the direction where the tip becomes thinner until the required draft angle θ' of the side surface is satisfied. Then, the tip width W is obtained. When the tip width W satisfies a preset value, the information processing unit 11 determines the change to the rotated shape and updates the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30. Information indicating that the shape has been changed is associated and added to the ID representing the side surface of the rib 33, and the determination result of step S7 is changed. When the tip width W does not satisfy the preset value, the shape change is canceled, and the determination result of step S7 is maintained.

[0065] Also, when the design criterion of the rib 33 is at the tip side, as shown in Fig. 13(b), with the tip side of the side surface as the rotation center, the side surface is rotated in the direction where the base becomes thicker until the required draft angle θ' of the side surface is satisfied. Then, the base width W is obtained. When the base width W satisfies a preset value, the information processing unit 11 determines the change to the rotated shape and updates the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30. Information indicating that the shape has been changed is associated and added to the ID representing the side surface of the rib 33, and the determination result of step S7 is changed. When the base width W does not satisfy the preset value, the shape change is canceled, and the determination result of step S7 is maintained.

[0066] (Step S8) In step S8 following step 11, the information processing unit 11, similar to step S8 of Embodiment 1, displays on the display unit 13 the determination result as to whether the required draft angle is imparted to each side surface of the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30. According to this embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 14, the determination result list reflects the results of the automatic shape changes performed in step S11. Incidentally, it is convenient for the operator to configure the determination result list and the shape diagram of the molded product 30 to be colored and displayed, for example, so that the portions where the shape has been automatically changed in step S11 can be identified with respect to the original design.

[0067] The operator can easily confirm on the display screen that the information processing unit 11 has automatically applied the required draft amount to all sides of the molded product 30, including the side whose shape has been changed, and that the shape does not deviate from the desired shape. If the confirmation is successful, the operator can cause the information processing unit 11 to create the three-dimensional shape data of the cavity mold and the core mold for manufacturing the molded product 30 based on the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30. Alternatively, the operator can send the final three-dimensional shape data of the molded product 30 to, for example, the CAD installed in the external computer 15 via the information processing unit 11, and cause the three-dimensional shape data of the cavity mold and the core mold for manufacturing the molded product 30 to be created. The operator transmits the three-dimensional mold shape data created in this way to the mold manufacturing apparatus 16 via the information processing unit 11, and can manufacture the cavity mold and the core mold for manufacturing the molded product 30 by NC machining.

[0068] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that can be generally used for designing a mold for manufacturing a molded product of an arbitrary shape, and that can improve the working efficiency of the operator regarding the setting and confirmation of the draft amount.

[0069] [Other Embodiments] Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples described above, and many modifications are possible within the technical idea of the present invention. For example, it is possible to implement by combining all or part of the different embodiments and examples described above.

[0070] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the embodiment to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0071] This specification discloses at least the following matters. [Matter 1] The information processing unit Obtain three-dimensional shape data of a molded product or a mold for molding the molded product, Obtain a demolding direction when demolding the molded product from the mold, Using the three-dimensional shape data, obtain information corresponding to the positional relationship of a plurality of regions that are not perpendicular to the demolding direction in a three-dimensional portion of the molded surface of the molded product or the molding surface of the mold, Based on the combination of the information and the demolding direction, set a reference for the draft gradient of the three-dimensional portion with respect to the demolding direction, An information processing method characterized by the above. [Item 2] The information processing unit obtains an angle formed by the plurality of regions and the demolding direction based on the three-dimensional shape data, The information processing method according to Item 1, characterized by the above. [Item 3] The information processing unit determines whether the angle satisfies a condition based on the reference, The information processing method according to Item 2, characterized by the above. [Item 4] The information processing unit displays the reference on a display unit, The information processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 3, characterized by the above. [Item 5] The information includes the shape attributes of the three-dimensional portion, The information processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 4, characterized by the above. [Item 6] The shape attributes include at least one of ribs, bosses, and recesses, The information processing method according to Item 5, characterized by the above. [Item 7] The information processing unit displays the result of the determination on a display unit, The information processing method according to Item 3, characterized by the above. [Item 8] The information processing unit associates a figure showing the shape of the molded product with the result of the determination and displays it on a display unit, The information processing method according to item 3 or 7, characterized by the following. [Item 9] The information processing unit displays, on the display unit, the portion of the three-dimensional shape data determined not to satisfy the condition and the portion determined to satisfy the condition so that an operator can distinguish them. The information processing method according to any one of items 3, 7, and 8, characterized by the following. [Item 10] The information processing unit accepts a change to the three-dimensional shape data for the portion of the three-dimensional shape data determined not to satisfy the condition. The information processing method according to any one of items 3 or 7 to 9, characterized by the following. [Item 11] The information processing unit changes the three-dimensional shape data so that the portion of the three-dimensional shape data determined not to satisfy the condition satisfies the condition. The information processing method according to any one of items 3 or 7 to 10, characterized by the following. [Item 12] The information processing unit displays, on the display unit, the updated portion by the change so that an operator can identify it. The information processing method according to item 11, characterized by the following. [Item 13] The three-dimensional shape data is the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 12, characterized by the following. [Item 14] The information processing unit creates the three-dimensional shape data of the mold based on the three-dimensional shape data updated by the change. The information processing method according to item 10, characterized by the following. [Item 15] The three-dimensional shape data is the three-dimensional shape data of the mold. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 14, characterized by the following. [Item 16] A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 15. [Item 17] A computer-readable recording medium recording the program according to Item 16. [Item 18] An information processing apparatus including the information processing unit that executes the information processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 15. [Item 19] A manufacturing method characterized by manufacturing a molding die based on the three-dimensional shape data of the molding die created using the information processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 15. [Item 20] A manufacturing method characterized by manufacturing a molded product using the molding die manufactured using the manufacturing method according to Item 19.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0072] 1... Information processing apparatus / 11... Information processing unit / 12... Input unit / 13... Display unit / 14... External storage device / 15... External computer / 16... Die manufacturing apparatus / 30... Molded product / 31... Surface / 32... Boss / 33... Rib / 34... Recess / 35... Surface / 36... Rib / C1, C2... Mold opening direction / θ... Draft amount / θ’... Required draft amount

Claims

1. An information processing unit acquires three-dimensional shape data of a molded product or a mold for molding the molded product, acquires a demolding direction when demolding the molded product from the mold, uses the three-dimensional shape data to acquire information corresponding to the positional relationship of a plurality of regions that are not perpendicular to the demolding direction in a three-dimensional portion of the molded surface of the molded product or the molding surface of the mold, sets a reference for the draft gradient of the three-dimensional portion with respect to the demolding direction based on a combination of the information and the demolding direction. An information processing method characterized by the above.

2. The information processing unit acquires an angle formed by the plurality of regions and the demolding direction based on the three-dimensional shape data. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The information processing unit determines whether the angle satisfies a condition based on the reference. The information processing method according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The information processing unit displays the reference on a display unit. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The information includes a shape attribute of the three-dimensional portion. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. The shape attribute includes at least one of a rib, a boss, and a recess. The information processing method according to claim 5, characterized by the above.

7. The information processing unit displays the result of the determination on a display unit. The information processing method according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

8. The information processing unit associates a figure showing the shape of the molded product with the result of the determination and displays it on a display unit. The information processing method according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

9. The information processing unit displays, on a display unit, a portion of the three-dimensional shape data determined not to satisfy the condition and a portion determined to satisfy the condition so that an operator can distinguish them. The information processing method according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

10. The information processing unit accepts a change to the three-dimensional shape data for a portion of the three-dimensional shape data determined not to satisfy the condition. The information processing method according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

11. The information processing unit changes the three-dimensional shape data so that a portion of the three-dimensional shape data determined not to satisfy the condition satisfies the condition. The information processing method according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

12. The information processing unit displays, on the display unit, the portion updated by the change so that an operator can identify it. The information processing method according to claim 11, characterized in that.

13. The three-dimensional shape data is the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that.

14. The information processing unit creates three-dimensional shape data of the mold based on the three-dimensional shape data updated by the change. The information processing method according to claim 10, characterized in that.

15. The three-dimensional shape data is the three-dimensional shape data of the mold. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that.

16. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 16 is recorded.

18. An information processing apparatus including the information processing unit that executes the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

19. A manufacturing method characterized by manufacturing a mold based on the three-dimensional shape data of the mold created using the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

20. A manufacturing method characterized by manufacturing a molded product using the mold manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claim 19.

Images