Design support system

Abstract

To relatively easily advance the design of a metal structure.SOLUTION: A design support system for supporting design of a metal structure configured by connecting a plurality of metal conductors is configured to be capable of designating both an arrangement condition of a metal conductor arranged at a first end portion of the metal structure and an arrangement condition of a metal conductor arranged at a second end portion of the metal structure by using input means, and to be capable of determining an arrangement condition of a metal conductor arranged therebetween in a state of being constrained by the designated conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a design support system for a metal structure. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a system for selecting a distribution board or the like is known. Using such a system, it is possible to design a power receiving board, a distribution board, or the like based on desired specifications. It is also being considered to use a CAD system in the system for selecting a distribution board or the like. If a CAD system is used, it is possible to use components drawn using the CAD system in the design of the board. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-202013

[0004] Metal structures connected to terminals on electrical components have fixed angles relative to their connection destinations. In other words, the design requirements for metal structures used as conductors impose restrictions on their orientation relative to their connection destinations. However, traditionally, when designing metal structures using a system, a single starting point was selected and the entire design was completed by continuing from there. This often led to problems with final coordination with the connection destination, necessitating significant revisions. Furthermore, creating the necessary three-dimensional views and development drawings for three-dimensional structures using two-dimensional drawings in a CAD system requires considerable skill. This is because two-dimensional drawings make it difficult to grasp the three-dimensional and spatial aspects of the structure. While using three-dimensional CAD is an option, improving the model creation capabilities of existing three-dimensional CAD systems takes time. Even with existing three-dimensional CAD systems, creating the intended shape is often difficult. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors of the present invention have made extensive research into this issue and have attempted to solve it. The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to make it possible to relatively easily proceed with the design of a metal structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a design support system is provided that supports the design of a metal structure formed by connecting multiple metal conductors, and that allows the placement conditions for the metal conductors to be placed at both the first end of the metal structure and the second end of the metal structure to be specified using an input means, and that allows the system to determine the placement conditions for the metal conductors to be placed therebetween while being bound by the specified conditions.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferable that the calculation means is capable of identifying a working plane to be used to identify the configuration of the metal conductor, is capable of specifying the position of a first point corresponding to the end of the metal conductor located at the first end and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the first end, and is capable of determining the first working plane using the position of the specified first point and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the first end, is capable of specifying the position of a second point corresponding to the end of the metal conductor located at the second end and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the second end, and is capable of determining the second working plane using the position of the specified second point and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the second end, and the determination means is configured to be capable of determining whether the first working plane and the second working plane coincide.

[0008] Furthermore, when the first work plane and the second work plane do not coincide, it is preferable that the position of a third point that determines the conditions for the placement of the next metal conductor defined on the first work plane and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the third point can be specified using the input means, and the position of a fourth point that determines the conditions for the placement of the next metal conductor defined on the second work plane and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the fourth point can be specified using the input means, the third work plane can be determined using the specified position of the third point and the direction in which the metal conductor extends, and the fourth work plane can be determined using the specified position of the fourth point and the direction in which the metal conductor extends, and the determination means can determine whether the third work plane and the fourth work plane coincide.

[0009] Furthermore, when the work planes coincide, it is preferable that a tentative route line can be created to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane, that the dimensions of the metal conductor can be specified from information input using the input means, and that a shape model representing the thickness and width of the metal conductor can be output using the tentative route line of the metal conductor and the specified dimensions of the metal conductor.

[0010] Furthermore, when the work planes coincide, it is preferable to be able to output a tentative route line used to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane, and if a part of the tentative route line used to identify the path of the metal conductor is changed after outputting the tentative route line, it is preferable to be able to automatically adjust other parts of the tentative route line so that they connect to that part.

[0011] Furthermore, when the work planes coincide, it is preferable to be able to output a tentative route line used to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane, and to configure the system so that when a tentative route line having multiple line segments is output and one line segment is selected and moved, the lengths of the other line segments connected to the selected line segment can be automatically adjusted.

[0012] Furthermore, when the work planes coincide, it is preferable that a tentative route line used to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane can be output, a separation point can be specified in the middle of one of the line segments on the tentative route line, the portion extending from the separation point to the end of the line segment on one side can be fixed, while the portion extending from the separation point to the end of the line segment on the other side can be moved, and by moving the portion extending from the separation point to the end of the line segment on the other side, the length of other line segments connected to the line segment can be automatically adjusted, and a new line segment connecting the fixed portion and the portion extending from the separation point to the end of the line segment on the other side can be automatically generated.

[0013] Furthermore, when the work planes coincide, it is preferable that a tentative route line used to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane can be output, and that after outputting the tentative route line having multiple line segments, the position of the intersection between the line segments can be corrected, and the corrected position of the intersection can be specified by information input from the input means, so that the tentative route line can be automatically corrected so that it has a shape connected by multiple line segments at the corrected position.

[0014] Furthermore, when the work planes coincide, it is preferable to be able to output a tentative route line used to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane, and when an intersection where two line segments intersect, which is created by outputting a tentative route line having multiple line segments and then modifying the tentative route line, is erased, two new line segments that were created to be tangent to the intersection are erased, and the lengths of the line segments connected to the erased line segments are adjusted so that these line segments can be automatically adjusted so that they are connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention makes it possible to relatively easily proceed with the design of a metal structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection destination of a metal structure in an embodiment. Here, a rectangular parallelepiped having connection destinations of the metal structure at two vertices is represented by dashed lines. An example of a device having the connection destination is also illustrated. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing an example in which connection destinations of the metal structures shown in FIG. 1 are connected to each other by a metal structure. FIG. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the position of a first point, the direction in which a metal conductor extends at a first end, the position of a second point, and the direction in which a metal conductor extends at a second end are specified. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of a first work plane and a second work plane that have been determined. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing an example in which relay points are specified on the first work plane shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of FIG. 5 as viewed from another direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a tentative path line drawn on a first work plane. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the state of FIG. 7 as viewed from another direction. [Figure 9] 8 is a diagram showing an example of drawing a shape model of a metal conductor using the tentative path lines shown in FIG. 7 and the like. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the state of FIG. 9 as viewed from another direction. [Figure 11] 5 is a diagram showing an example in which relay points are specified on the second work plane shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of FIG. 11 as viewed from another direction. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of drawing a tentative path line on a second work plane. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the state of FIG. 13 as viewed from another direction. [Figure 15] 14 is a diagram showing an example of drawing a shape model of a metal conductor using the tentative path lines shown in FIG. 13 and the like. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the state of FIG. 15 as viewed from another direction. [Figure 17]10 is a diagram showing an example in which the position of a third point, the direction in which a metal conductor extends from the third point, the position of a fourth point, and the direction in which a metal conductor extends from the fourth point are specified. FIG. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of determined third and fourth work planes. [Figure 19] This figure shows that the position of the third point shown in Figure 18, the direction in which the metal conductor extends from the third point, the position of the fourth point, and the direction in which the metal conductor extends from the fourth point are all on the same work plane. [Figure 20] 20 is a diagram showing the state of FIG. 19 as viewed from another direction, with the tentative route line also shown. [Figure 21] 21 is a diagram showing an example of drawing a shape model of a metal conductor using the tentative path lines shown in FIG. 20 and the like. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the state of FIG. 21 as viewed from another direction. [Figure 23] 2 is a diagram showing an example in which connection destinations of the metal structures shown in FIG. 1 are connected to each other by a metal structure. FIG. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing an example in which moving one of the line segments of a tentative route line automatically adjusts the other parts, where the hollow arrow indicates the "direction of movement." [Figure 25] 1 is a diagram showing an example in which one line segment of a tentative route line cannot be moved in the direction of the intended movement, where the hollow arrow indicates the "direction of the intended movement." [Figure 26] This figure shows an example of behavior when a separation point is added to a line segment and it can be moved partially. The hollow arrow indicates the "direction of movement." [Figure 27] 10 is a diagram showing an example of behavior when an intersection of a line segment is moved, where the hollow arrow indicates the "direction of movement." [Figure 28] 1 is a diagram showing an example in which an intersection of line segments cannot be moved in the direction of the intended movement, where the hollow arrow indicates the "direction of the intended movement." [Figure 29]1 is a diagram showing an example in which an intersection of line segments cannot be moved in the direction of the intended movement, where the hollow arrow indicates the "direction of the intended movement." [Figure 30] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of behavior when an intersection of created line segments is deleted. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an intersection that cannot be moved. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the invention is described below. The design support system of this embodiment is used to support the design of a metal structure 10 formed by connecting a plurality of metal conductors 11. This design support system allows the user to specify, using input means, both the placement conditions for the metal conductors 11 to be placed at a first end of the metal structure 10 and the placement conditions for the metal conductors 11 to be placed at a second end of the metal structure 10, and can determine the placement conditions for the metal conductors 11 to be placed therebetween while being bound by the specified conditions. This makes it possible to proceed with the design of the metal structure 10 relatively easily.

[0018] The design support system of the embodiment enables the design of a three-dimensional layout model of a board using a CAD system, and the CAD system is constructed by installing software on a PC. However, the design support system can also be configured using other methods.

[0019] The design support system can be used when designing a metal structure 10 to be mounted on a panel such as a control panel or a distribution board. However, the metal structure 10 referred to here is used as an electrical path, and uses a metal conductor 11 made of a material that can conduct electricity. A typical example of the metal structure 10 is one that is constructed by connecting copper bars, but the metal structure 10 can also be constructed without using copper bars.

[0020] The metal conductors 11 used in the metal structure 10 are typically flat, but they do not necessarily have to be flat. For example, they may be members with an L-shaped cross section or columnar members. In order to form the metal structure 10, each metal conductor 11 must have a certain degree of shape retention and be easy to combine. Taking these factors into consideration, it is preferable that the metal conductors 11 be plate-shaped. Below, we will mainly explain an example of designing the metal structure 10 by connecting plate-shaped metal conductors 11 or bent plate-shaped metal conductors 11.

[0021] Because the metal structure 10 is used as an electrical path, the connection destination is usually determined at the design stage of the metal structure 10. For example, this is a breaker or a terminal block. Connecting a metal conductor 11 with a fixed shape to such a part places restrictions on the orientation of the metal conductor 11. Since this condition has a high priority, the metal structure 10 is basically designed to satisfy this condition. Note that it is possible to change the location of the connection destination to match the conditions of the metal structure 10, but this would require adjustment with other devices, etc., so here, priority is given to designing the metal structure 10 without changing the conditions of the connection destination.

[0022] For this reason, first, the placement conditions of the metal conductors 11 are specified so as to satisfy the conditions that are clarified in the early stages of designing the metal structure 10. Because the metal structure 10 is intended to be an electrical path, it has at least two connection destinations. Therefore, placement conditions are specified for the metal conductors 11 corresponding to at least two connection destinations. If there are three or more connection destinations, it is possible to specify placement conditions for three or more metal conductors 11 in the early stages, but this is not required. For example, once two connections are made, it is sufficient to combine the metal conductors 11 so that another connection destination is connected to any position on the route, and the conditions are relatively lenient. Note that, to facilitate understanding of the explanation, the following explanation will be given for a case where there are two connection destinations.

[0023] Here, based on the connection destination conditions determined before designing the metal structure 10, the position of a first point 41 corresponding to the end of the metal conductor 11 located at the first end and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends from the first point 41 are specified. A first work plane 51 is determined using the specified position of the first point 41 and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends from the first point 41. Separately, the position of a second point 42 corresponding to the end of the metal conductor 11 located at the second end and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends from the second point 42 are specified. A second work plane 52 is determined using the specified position of the second point 42 and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends from the second point 42.

[0024] If the first work plane 51 and the second work plane 52 coincide with each other, a tentative path line 21 is drawn passing through the work planes, and the plate-shaped metal conductor 11 is placed along the tentative path line 21 to design the metal structure 10. Typically, the design support system automatically creates the tentative path line 21, which can be modified by an editing means. At this time, once the coincidence between the work planes and input of information such as the width and thickness of the metal conductor 11 to be placed are confirmed, it is preferable to output a shape model so that the user can understand the shape. If the first work plane 51 and the second work plane 52 do not coincide with each other, the system will proceed with a placement that differs from the original placement.

[0025] As can be understood from this example, in order to determine the placement policy of the metal conductor 11, it is preferable that the calculation means be capable of identifying a work plane to be used to identify the configuration of the metal conductor 11, be capable of specifying the position of a first point 41 corresponding to the end of the metal conductor 11 to be placed at the first end and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends at the first end, be capable of determining a first work plane 51 using the specified position of the first point 41 and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends at the first end, be capable of specifying the position of a second point 42 corresponding to the end of the metal conductor 11 to be placed at the second end and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends at the second end, and be capable of determining a second work plane 52 using the specified position of the second point 42 and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends at the second end, and be configured so that the determination means is capable of determining whether the first work plane 51 and the second work plane 52 coincide with each other.

[0026] Incidentally, since the metal conductors 11 have thickness, width, etc., these must be taken into consideration when actually stacking the metal conductors 11 to form the metal structure 10. For this reason, it is preferable to use an input means to input the dimensions of the metal conductors 11, such as the thickness and width. For example, if the thickness is input, the positional deviation that occurs when the metal conductors 11 are stacked becomes clear, and the space required for arranging the metal structure 10 can be more accurately confirmed.

[0027] Furthermore, when determining the positions of the metal conductors 11 in order, if the thickness of the metal conductors 11 that have already been placed is known, it is possible to prevent mistakes from occurring in the positions of the metal conductors 11 to be combined with those metal conductors 11. This makes it possible to prevent redoing the work.

[0028] When the first work plane 51 and the second work plane 52 do not coincide, information such as the thickness and width of the metal conductors 11 becomes more important. This is because when the metal conductors 11 are combined in a manner other than layered combination, it may be difficult to predict the feasibility of the metal structure 10 under consideration without information about the type of metal conductors 11.

[0029] For example, once the thickness, width, etc. of the metal conductor 11 to be arranged at the first end portion are determined, it is possible to narrow down the conditions for the arrangement of the metal conductor 11 to be combined with that metal conductor 11. Similarly, once the thickness, width, etc. of the metal conductor 11 to be arranged at the second end portion are determined, it is possible to narrow down the conditions for the arrangement of the metal conductor 11 to be combined with that metal conductor 11.

[0030] For example, once the conditions for the placement of the metal conductors 11 to be combined are narrowed down, the conditions for the placement of the next metal conductor 11 can be determined while being bound by those conditions. For example, the position of the relay point of the metal conductor 11 (for example, the third point 43 or the fourth point 44 formed on the tentative route line formed on the first work plane 51 or the second work plane 52) and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends from this relay point are specified using an input means. Then, a work plane is determined in accordance with those conditions. It is preferable to specify the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends after determining the position of the relay point. For this reason, it is preferable to determine the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends after determining the position of the relay point, or to determine the position of the relay point and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends simultaneously.

[0031] When determining the work plane, for example, the position of the relay point and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends from the relay point are specified using the input means, and the work plane is determined using the specified position of the relay point and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends from the relay point. Then, it is determined again whether the completed work planes match.

[0032] In order to make this possible, when the first work plane 51 and the second work plane 52 do not coincide, it is preferable that the position of the third point 43 and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends can be specified using an input means, and the position of the fourth point 44 and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends can be specified using an input means, so that the third work plane 53 can be determined using the specified position of the third point 43 and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends, and the fourth work plane 54 can be determined using the specified position of the fourth point 44 and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends, and the determination means can determine whether the third work plane 53 and the fourth work plane 54 coincide.

[0033] If the work planes coincide at this stage, the route of the metal conductor 11 on this work plane is determined, and the rough route of the metal structure 10 is determined. If the work planes do not coincide at this stage, the same process as above may be repeated to proceed with the design.

[0034] The orientation of the work plane may also be changed based on information input using an input device. For example, the work plane may be rotated around an axis extending in the direction of the metal conductors 11. In this case, it is preferable to select the axis extending in the direction of the metal conductors 11 so that it passes through the transition point.

[0035] In order to determine the position of the transfer point, it is preferable to be able to input the dimensions of the metal conductor 11 arranged along the first work plane 51 and the metal conductor 11 arranged along the second work plane 52 before determining the position of the transfer point. It is also preferable to be able to output a shape model using input contents of dimensions such as width and thickness of the metal conductor 11 along the work plane. Outputting the shape model allows the user to grasp the shape of the metal conductor 11.

[0036] Furthermore, in order to determine to what position the metal conductor 11 arranged along the first work plane 51 or the metal conductor 11 arranged along the second work plane 52 continues, it is preferable to be able to specify relay points 61 on the first work plane 51 or the second work plane 52 or the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends toward the relay points 61. Furthermore, once the relay points 61 or the like are specified, it is preferable to be able to determine a tentative route line 21 that will be the route of the metal conductor 11 along the work plane.

[0037] For example, when a relay point 61 or the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends toward the relay point 61 is specified on the first work plane 51, a tentative route line 21 is created to connect the first point 41 and the relay point 61. Similarly, when a relay point 61 or the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends toward the relay point 61 is specified on the second work plane 52, a tentative route line 21 is created to connect the second point 42 and the relay point 61.

[0038] Once the dimensions of the temporary path line 21 and the metal conductor 11 are determined, it is possible to determine the outline of the three-dimensional structure of the metal conductor 11. This makes it possible to consider the possibility that the metal conductor 11 may come into contact with other devices.

[0039] That is, the design support system is preferably configured to be capable of creating a tentative path line 21 used to identify the path of the metal conductor 11, capable of specifying the dimensions of the metal conductor 11 from information input using an input means, and capable of outputting a shape model representing the thickness and width of the metal conductor 11 using the tentative path line 21 of the metal conductor 11 and the specified dimensions of the metal conductor 11. It is preferable to draw the tentative path line 21 so that it is complete on the work plane.

[0040] Note that, as a method for connecting the first point 41 and the relay point 61 on the tentative route line 21 on the first work plane 51, for example, a line segment extending from the first point 41 and a line segment forming an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the line segment may be used to connect the relay point 61, but other methods may also be used. For example, a line extending from the first point 41 and a line extending from the relay point 61 may be set, and their intersection may be derived to set the tentative route line 21 connecting the first point 41, the intersection, and the relay point 61. Note that the tentative route line 21 completed on the same work plane may also be set as a series of metal conductors 11.

[0041] The coincidence of the first work plane 51 and the second work plane 52 may also be determined using coordinates. For example, the coordinates of the first point 41 and the second point 42 are compared. More specifically, if the coordinates of the first point 41 are (X1, Y1, Z1) and the coordinates of the second point 42 are (X2, Y2, Z2), these can be compared, and if the two points coincide, it can be determined that the first work plane 51 and the second work plane 52 coincide.

[0042] In the embodiment, the relay point 61 is described as being formed on the first work plane 51, but the relay point 61 can also be specified outside the first work plane 51. In that case, for example, a direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends from the relay point 61 outside the first work plane 51 may be specified, and a new work plane may be set. Then, using the first work plane 51 and the new work plane as references, the placement conditions for the metal conductors that connect the metal conductor extending from the first point 41 and the metal conductor extending from the relay point 61 formed on the new work plane may be determined.

[0043] In this way, by determining the work planes from different parts and determining the electrical path while checking whether the work planes determined under different conditions match, it is possible to design a metal structure 10 having a three-dimensional configuration without using conventional three-dimensional CAD. Also, even those who do not have sufficient skills in creating three-view drawings or development drawings can design a three-dimensional metal structure 10. Furthermore, it is easy to use because it is possible to design a metal structure 10 having a three-dimensional configuration by using work that would normally be done in two dimensions.

[0044] From here, we will explain using more specific examples. Here, a design support system is used to design the shape of a metal structure 10 that connects devices installed in an electrical control panel. More specifically, it is used to design the shape of a metal structure 10 that can be connected to the terminals of each device (see Figures 1 and 2). However, the connection destination of the metal structure 10 does not have to be a device, but may be a point on a metal conductor 11 other than the metal conductor 11 used in the metal structure 10, or coordinates in space where no device to be placed has been specified at that time. An example of connecting the devices shown in Figure 1 using a metal structure 10 is shown in Figure 2.

[0045] In order to design the metal structure 10, the user uses an input means to input information about the first point 41 (start point) and the second point 42 (end point), as well as the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends at each point. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the first point 41 and the second point 42 are represented by circles, and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends from these points is represented by arrows. Note that if information about such matters can be obtained from information about the device to be connected, the user may not need to input the information again.

[0046] Using the information described above, the calculation means is caused to function to derive a work plane (first work plane 51) passing through the first point 41 and a work plane (second work plane 52) passing through the second point 42. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the calculation means functions to automatically determine the work plane so that it is perpendicular to the surface of the terminal provided on the device and parallel to the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends. Note that if the work plane cannot be automatically specified, for example, if there is no information about the surface of the terminal, the user can simply input information specifying the direction of the work plane.

[0047] Once the work plane on the first point 41 side and the work plane on the second point 42 side have been derived, a determination means is used to determine whether the work plane on the first point 41 side and the work plane on the second point 42 side coincide with each other. For example, by checking whether the work planes are parallel to each other and intersect with each other, it can be determined whether the work planes coincide with each other.

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the work plane on the side of the first point 41 and the work plane on the side of the second point 42 do not coincide. Therefore, the process proceeds to set another work plane to be used to connect the work planes. Here, a relay point 61 is next specified on the work plane. In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the relay point 61 is specified on the work plane on the side of the first point 41. When the relay point 61 is specified, a tentative path line 21 connecting the first point 41 and the relay point 61 is automatically created (see FIGS. 7 and 8). In the design support system of the embodiment, the automatically created tentative path line 21 is created so as to be only a line segment extending in the extension direction of the metal conductor 11, or a combination of a line segment extending in the extension direction of the metal conductor 11 and a line segment forming an angle of 90 degrees with that line segment.

[0049] In this example, the user specifies dimensions such as thickness and width of the metal conductor 11 passing through the tentative route line 21. Then, using the information on the tentative route line 21 and the dimensions of the metal conductor 11 passing through the tentative route line 21, a shape model representing the thickness and width of the metal conductor 11 is output (see FIGS. 9 and 10). If a similar process is performed using the work plane on the side of the second point 42, a shape model of the metal conductor 11 passing through the second point 42 can be output (see FIGS. 11 to 16).

[0050] In this example, the user determines a third work plane 53 by specifying the position of a third point 43 and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends on the shape model of the metal conductor 11 created using the first work plane 51. In addition, the user determines a fourth work plane 54 by specifying the position of a fourth point 44 and the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends on the shape model of the metal conductor 11 created using the second work plane 52 (see FIGS. 17 and 18). In this example, the third work plane 53 and the fourth work plane 54 are automatically determined by the system as planes that are perpendicular to the surface of the metal conductor 11 for which the shape model has been created and that extend in the direction in which the metal conductor 11 extends.

[0051] In the examples shown in Figures 18 and 19, the third work plane 53 and the fourth work plane 54 are coincident, so the metal conductor 11 along the third work plane 53 (or the fourth work plane 54) can connect the shape model of the metal conductor 11 created using the first work plane 51 and the shape model of the metal conductor 11 created using the second work plane 52.

[0052] In this example, a tentative path line 21 connecting the third point 43 and the fourth point 44 is automatically created (see FIGS. 19 and 20). Furthermore, using this tentative path line 21 and the dimensional information about the metal conductor 11 input by the user, a shape model of the metal conductor 11 along the third work plane 53 (or the fourth work plane 54) is created (see FIGS. 21 and 22). As a result, a shape model of the metal structure 10 connecting the first end and the second end of the metal structure 10 is completed (see FIG. 23).

[0053] In the examples so far, the tentative route lines 21 drawn on each work plane have been automatically created by the design support system and used as they are, but it is preferable that the automatically created tentative route lines 21 can be modified by the user using an editing means.

[0054] In this case, it is preferable to provide a design support system that automatically adjusts the tentative route line 21 so that even if a part of the tentative route line 21 is changed, it remains a continuous tentative route line 21. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a design support system that is capable of outputting the tentative route line 21 used to identify the route of the metal conductor 11, and that, if a part of the tentative route line 21 is changed after outputting the tentative route line 21 used to identify the route of the metal conductor 11, automatically adjusts the other part of the tentative route line 21 so that it connects to the changed part.

[0055] It is possible to allow unlimited modifications by using curves or hand-drawn lines, but in order to save the effort of processing the metal conductor 11, it is preferable to use a design support system that functions to adjust the modifications so that the shape is one in which multiple line segments are connected.

[0056] 24, when a line segment to be moved is selected from the output tentative route line 21, a circular display appears. When a line segment is moved in this state, the lengths of the line segments connected to that line segment are automatically adjusted. As can be seen from this example, the design support system is preferably configured to be able to make corrections so that when a tentative route line 21 having multiple line segments is output and then one line segment is selected and moved, the lengths of the other line segments connected to the selected line segment are automatically adjusted.

[0057] It is preferable to prevent the tentative route line 21 from being positioned so as to interfere with other models. It is also preferable to be able to prevent movement to a position where each line segment becomes extremely short. Furthermore, it is preferable to allow the system user to specify the minimum length of a line segment. It is also preferable to be able to change not only the position of a line segment once it has been set, but also its length. It is also preferable to control it so that it cannot be moved in a way that contradicts the direction in which a metal conductor that has already been specified extends (see FIG. 25).

[0058] As can be seen from the above, it is assumed that the line segments connecting to the first point 41 and the second point 42 may be allowed to change in length but not in position. This is because it may be necessary to prevent the metal conductor 11 from separating from the terminal of the component to which it is to be connected. For this reason, it is conceivable to configure a line segment that has been set once and can be used up to a certain point, while allowing editing that allows changes to be made from that point on.

[0059] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to specify a separation point 63 midway along a preset line segment (see FIG. 26). This separation point 63 is used to determine the position at which to divide the line segment, and the portion beyond this separation point 63 is subject to movement, but the remaining portion is not subject to movement.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 26, when a part to be moved is moved, other parts are automatically adjusted so that they connect to the part. For example, the length of a line segment in another part may be changed, its direction may be changed, a new line segment may be created, or an existing line segment may be partially deleted. In the example shown in Figure 26, the length of one of the other line segments is automatically adjusted, and a new line segment is created.

[0061] As can be seen from this example, it is preferable to have a configuration that makes it possible to output a tentative route line 21 used to identify the route of the metal conductor 11, to specify a separation point 63 in the middle of one of the line segments on the tentative route line 21, to fix the portion extending from the separation point 63 to the end of the line segment on one side, while making it possible to move the portion extending from the separation point 63 to the end of the line segment on the other side, and to automatically adjust the length of other line segments connected to the line segment by moving the portion extending from the separation point 63 to the end of the line segment on the other side, and to automatically generate a new line segment connecting the fixed portion and the portion extending from the separation point 63 to the end of the line segment on the other side.

[0062] The separation point 63 may be set not only on the line segments connected to the first point 41 and the second point 42 but also on other line segments. It is also preferable that the separation point 63 can be modified even after it has been set.

[0063] Furthermore, it is preferable that the positions of the tentative route lines 21 having intersections between line segments are automatically corrected by moving the intersections (see FIG. 27). Therefore, it is preferable that the tentative route lines 21 used to identify the route of the metal conductor 11 can be output, the positions of the intersections between the line segments can be corrected after the tentative route lines 21 having a plurality of line segments are output, and the corrected positions of the intersections are designated by information input from the input means, so that the tentative route lines 21 can be automatically corrected so that the shape is such that the plurality of line segments are connected at the corrected positions.

[0064] Furthermore, it is preferable to limit the correction of the intersection position so that the direction of the line segment connecting to the first point 41 or the second point 42 cannot be changed (see FIG. 28). This is because it may be necessary to prevent the metal conductor 11 from being separated from the terminal of the component to which it is to be connected.

[0065] Furthermore, it is preferable that the correction of the intersection position is limited so that the bending angle of the tentative path line 21 does not exceed a predetermined range (see FIG. 29). This is because if the bending angle exceeds the predetermined range, it may not be possible to process the metal conductor 11. It is preferable that the user be able to set the allowable range of the bending angle.

[0066] It is also possible to erase the intersection between line segments newly established by correcting the tentative route line 21. In this case, it is preferable that when an intersection is erased, the line segments connected to that intersection are automatically erased. It is also preferable that the lengths of the line segments connected to the erased line segment are adjusted so that they are automatically connected (see FIG. 30). This is because it saves the user time and effort.

[0067] For this reason, it is preferable to have a configuration in which it is possible to output a tentative path line 21 used to identify the path of the metal conductor 11, and when an intersection where two line segments intersect, which is generated by correcting the tentative path line 21 after outputting the tentative path line 21 having a plurality of line segments, is erased, two line segments that were newly provided so as to be in contact with the intersection point are erased, and the lengths of the line segments connected to the erased line segments are adjusted so that these line segments are automatically connected. Note that it is preferable to control so that an intersection that would break the tentative path line 21 when erased cannot be erased (see FIG. 31).

[0068] When a shape model of the metal conductor 11 or the metal structure 10 is created, it is preferable to make it possible to check on the design support system whether or not other devices are present near the position represented by the shape model. Furthermore, when it is confirmed that another metal conductor 11 is present near the metal structure 10, it is preferable to make it possible to check on the design support system whether an insulation distance is ensured between them.

[0069] If the metal conductor 11 has a bent portion, it is preferable to make it possible to check on the design support system whether the bend angle is within a specified range, and whether the bend is at least a specified distance from the end of the metal conductor 11. The latter is because bending may be difficult at a position close to the end of the metal conductor 11. It is also preferable to provide a notification means that can notify the user of the design support system of the determination result.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described above by taking the embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be embodied in various forms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10 Metal structure 11 Metallic conductors 21 Temporary Route Line 41 First Point 42 Second Point 43 Third Point 44 Fourth Point 51 First Work Plane 52 Secondary Work Plane 53 Third Work Plane 54 Fourth Work Plane 63 Separation point

Claims

1. A design support system for supporting the design of a metal structure formed by connecting a plurality of metal conductors, A design support system that allows the user to specify, using an input means, both the placement conditions for a metal conductor to be placed at a first end of a metal structure and the placement conditions for a metal conductor to be placed at a second end of the metal structure, and that can determine the placement conditions for a metal conductor to be placed therebetween while being bound by the specified conditions.

2. The calculation means is capable of identifying a work plane used to identify the configuration of the metal conductor; The position of a first point corresponding to an end of a metal conductor disposed at the first end and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the first end can be specified; A first work plane can be determined using the location of the designated first point and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the first end; The position of a second point corresponding to an end of the metal conductor disposed at the second end and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the second end can be specified; A second work plane can be determined using the location of the designated second point and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the second end; The determination means is 2. The design support system according to claim 1, wherein it is possible to determine whether the first work plane and the second work plane coincide with each other.

3. When the first work plane and the second work plane do not coincide, the position of a third point that determines the conditions for the placement of the next metal conductor defined on the first work plane and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the third point can be designated using the input means, and the position of a fourth point that determines the conditions for the placement of the next metal conductor defined on the second work plane and the direction in which the metal conductor extends at the fourth point can be designated using the input means; A third work plane can be determined using the location of the specified third point and the direction in which the metal conductor extends; A fourth work plane can be determined using the location of the specified fourth point and the direction in which the metal conductor extends; The determination means is 3. The design support system according to claim 2, wherein it is possible to determine whether the third work plane and the fourth work plane coincide with each other.

4. When the work planes coincide, a tentative path line can be generated for use in identifying the path of the metal conductor along the work plane; The dimensions of the metal conductor can be specified from information input using the input means; 2. The design support system according to claim 1, wherein a shape model representing the thickness and width of a metal conductor can be output using a tentative path line of the metal conductor and dimensions of the designated metal conductor.

5. When the work planes coincide with each other, a tentative path line can be output to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane; A design support system as described in claim 1, wherein if a part of a tentative route line used to identify the path of a metal conductor is changed after outputting the tentative route line, other parts of the tentative route line can be automatically adjusted so that they connect to the changed part.

6. When the work planes coincide with each other, a tentative path line can be output to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane; A design support system as described in claim 1, wherein when a tentative route line having a plurality of line segments is output and one line segment is selected and moved, the lengths of other line segments connected to the selected line segment are automatically adjusted.

7. When the work planes coincide with each other, a tentative path line can be output to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane; A separation point can be specified in the middle of one line segment included in the tentative route line, a portion extending from the separation point to an end of the line segment on one side is fixed, while a portion extending from the separation point to an end of the line segment on the other side is made movable; automatically adjusting the lengths of other line segments connected to the line segment by moving the portion extending from the separation point to the end of the line segment on the other side; 2. The design support system according to claim 1, further comprising the step of automatically generating a new line segment connecting the fixed portion and a portion extending from the separation point to the other end of the line segment.

8. When the work planes coincide with each other, a tentative path line can be output to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane; After outputting a tentative route line having a plurality of line segments, it is possible to correct the positions of the intersections between the line segments; A design support system as described in claim 1, wherein the correction position of the intersection is specified by information input from an input means, and the provisional route line can be automatically corrected so that it is connected by multiple line segments at the correction position.

9. When the work planes coincide with each other, a tentative path line can be output to identify the path of the metal conductor along the work plane; 2. The design support system of claim 1, wherein when an intersection of two line segments created by correcting a tentative route line after outputting the tentative route line having a plurality of line segments is erased, two new line segments that were created to be tangent to the intersection are erased, and the lengths of the line segments connected to the erased line segments are adjusted so that the line segments are automatically connected.

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