Graphic data editing device, machining program creating device, and graphic data editing method

Abstract

This graphic data editing device (10) comprises: a graphic acquisition unit (26) that acquires graphic data (20); a route addition unit (32) that adds a first approach route (38) to the graphic data (20) in accordance with an operator's operation; a determination unit (30) that determines whether a selected processing shape (24) is a second processing shape congruent or similar to the first processing shape; and an automatic route addition unit (34) that automatically adds a second approach route (52) to the graphic data (20) so as to be congruent or similar to a graphic formed by the first processing shape and the first approach route (38).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a graphic data editing device for editing graphic data for creating a machining program for a wire electric discharge machine, a machining program creating device, and a graphic data editing method. [Background technology]

[0002] The wire electrode of a wire electric discharge machine moves relative to the workpiece. This relative movement is controlled based on a machining program. The machining program is created based on CAD (Computer Aided Design) data that represents the shape of the machining. The CAD data includes multiple machining shapes that the wire electrode will follow.

[0003] However, the multiple machining shapes indicate the shape of a product produced by the wire electric discharge machine. In other words, the multiple machining shapes do not indicate a machining start position and an approach path. The machining start position is the position where the wire electrode starts relative movement. The approach path is a path (linear shape) that connects the machining start position and the machining shape.

[0004] An operator in charge of creating a machining program adds multiple machining start positions and multiple approach paths to graphic data according to multiple machining shapes before creating the machining program. The machining program is created based on CAD data to which multiple machining start positions and multiple approach paths have been added.

[0005] However, the task of repeatedly adding the machining start position and the approach path to the graphic data for each of a plurality of machining shapes is a burden for the operator. In relation to this, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 03-189708 discloses a machining shape copying method. According to this disclosure, when a machining shape is copied, the machining start position corresponding to the machining shape is also copied. Summary of the Invention

[0006] For example, when a machining shape is copied based on the above machining shape copying method, it is conceivable to copy not only the machining start position but also the approach path.

[0007] However, there are cases where an operator edits graphic data that includes a plurality of machining shapes in advance. When an approach path is not assigned to each of the plurality of machining shapes, the operator performs a task of adding the approach path to the graphic data. From the operator's point of view, the machining shape is not copied. Therefore, the operator must perform the task of adding the machining start position and the approach path to the machining shape many times.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is a graphic data editing device that edits graphic data indicating a plurality of machining shapes to be machined by a wire electric discharge machine on a single workpiece, and includes a graphic acquisition unit that acquires the graphic data; a path addition unit that adds a first approach path connected to any one of the plurality of machining shapes to the graphic data in response to an operator's operation; a judgment unit that selects one of the plurality of machining shapes other than the first machining shape and judges whether the selected machining shape is a second machining shape that is congruent or similar to the first machining shape; and an automatic path addition unit that, when it is judged that the selected machining shape is the second machining shape, automatically adds a second approach path connected to the second machining shape to the graphic data so that the second approach path is congruent or similar to a figure formed by the first machining shape and the first approach path.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is a machining program creation device comprising the graphic data editing device of the first aspect, and a machining program creation unit that creates a machining program for commanding relative movement of a wire electrode of the wire electric discharge machine with respect to the workpiece based on the graphic data.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is a graphic data editing method for editing graphic data indicating a plurality of machining shapes to be machined by a wire electric discharge machine on a single workpiece, the method including: a graphic acquisition step for acquiring the graphic data; a path addition step for adding a first approach path connected to any one of the plurality of machining shapes to the graphic data in response to an operator's operation; a determination step for selecting one of the plurality of machining shapes other than the first machining shape and determining whether the selected machining shape is a second machining shape that is congruent or similar to the first machining shape; and an automatic path addition step for, when it is determined that the selected machining shape is the second machining shape, automatically adding a second approach path connected to the second machining shape to the graphic data so that the second approach path is congruent or similar to a figure formed by the first machining shape and the first approach path.

[0012] According to the present invention, it becomes easy to add approach paths to a plurality of machining shapes contained in graphic data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a graphic data editing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a graphic displayed on a display screen based on graphic data. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the graphic data of FIG. 2 after being edited by the first path adding unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of sides based on the example of FIG. [Diagram 5] Fig. 5A is a table illustrating a first sorting order based on the example of Fig. 4. Fig. 5B is a table illustrating a second sorting order based on the example of Fig. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the graphic data of FIG. 4 after being edited by the second path adding unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a graphic data editing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating graphic data according to the first modification. [Figure 9] Fig. 9A is a table illustrating a second sorting order based on the example of Fig. 8. Fig. 9B is a table illustrating a sorting order in which the second sorting order of Fig. 9A is reversed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a machining program creating device equipped with a graphic data editing device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a graphic data editing method according to the seventh modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a graphic data editing device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0015] The graphic data editing device 10 is an electronic device (computer) that includes a display unit 12, an operation unit 14, a storage unit 16, and a calculation unit 18.

[0016] The display unit 12 is a display device having a display screen 121. Information is appropriately displayed on the display screen 121. The material of the display unit 12 includes liquid crystal. However, the material of the display unit 12 is not limited to liquid crystal. For example, the material of the display unit 12 may include OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescence).

[0017] The operation unit 14 is an input device that accepts information input by an operator. The operation unit 14 has, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch pad. The operation unit 14 may include a touch panel. In this case, the touch panel is attached to the display screen 121.

[0018] The storage unit 16 has one or more memories. For example, the storage unit 16 has a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 16 stores graphic data 20 and an editing program 22.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a graphic displayed on the display screen 121 based on the graphic data 20. As shown in FIG.

[0020] The graphic data 20 is data that represents a plurality of machining shapes 24. The graphic data 20 is a data file created using, for example, a CAD system.

[0021] The machining shape 24 indicates a shape to be machined by the wire electric discharge machine. The graphic data 20 in Fig. 2 includes a plurality of machining shapes 24 to be machined by the wire electric discharge machine for one workpiece. For the sake of illustration, the graphic data 20 in Fig. 2 includes three machining shapes 24 (241, 242, 243).

[0022] Each of the multiple machining shapes 24 is a loop shape. Insofar as this is the case, there is no limitation on the shape of the machining shape 24. Each of the multiple machining shapes 24 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a trapezoid (polygon).

[0023] The editing program 22 is a program for causing the graphic data editing device 10 to execute the graphic data editing method of this embodiment. The graphic data editing method will be described later.

[0024] The calculation unit 18 has one or more processors. For example, the calculation unit 18 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The calculation unit 18 can refer to the information stored in the storage unit 16 as appropriate.

[0025] The calculation unit 18 includes a graphic acquisition unit 26, a graphic editing unit 28, and a determination unit 30. The graphic acquisition unit 26, the graphic editing unit 28, and the determination unit 30 are realized by the calculation unit 18 executing the editing program 22.

[0026] The graphic acquisition unit 26 acquires the graphic data 20. The graphic acquisition unit 26 acquires the graphic data 20 by referring to the storage unit 16.

[0027] However, the graphic acquisition unit 26 may communicate with an external device of the graphic data editing device 10 to acquire the graphic data 20 from the external device. In this case, the graphic data editing device 10 and the external device are communicatively connected. The external device of the graphic data editing device 10 is, for example, a computer such as a computerized numerical controller (CNC) that controls a wire electric discharge machine. The graphic acquisition unit 26 may also acquire the graphic data 20 from a removable external storage medium such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory.

[0028] The graphic editing unit 28 has a first route adding unit (route adding unit) 32 and a second route adding unit (automatic route adding unit) 34.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the graphic data 20 of FIG. 2 after being edited by the first path adding unit 32. As shown in FIG.

[0030] The first path adding unit 32 adds a machining start position (first machining start position) 36 and an approach path (first approach path) 38 to the graphic data 20 in response to an operation by the operator.

[0031] The machining start position 36 indicates the initial position of the wire electrode that machines along any one of the multiple machining shapes 24. Here, any one of the multiple machining shapes 24 is arbitrarily selected by the operator via the operation unit 14. For illustration, the operator in this embodiment selects the machining shape 241 (see FIG. 3). The machining shape 241 selected here is also referred to as a first machining shape 241 in the following description. At the position indicated by the machining start position 36 in the actual machined object, a hole through which the wire electrode can be inserted is formed.

[0032] The approach path 38 is a movement path of the wire electrode that connects the machining start position 36 and the first machining shape 241.

[0033] The graphic data 20 (FIG. 3) edited by the first route adding unit 32 is displayed on the display screen 121.

[0034] The second route adding unit 34 will be described later.

[0035] The determination unit 30 determines whether or not the machining shapes 24 other than the first machining shape 241 in the graphic data 20 are congruent with the first machining shape 241. To perform this determination, the determination unit 30 has a selection unit 40, a decomposition unit 42, a search unit 44, and a comparison determination unit 46.

[0036] The selection unit 40 selects each of the machining shapes 24 other than the first machining shape 241 in order from among the multiple machining shapes 24. Here, the order of the selected machining shapes 24 may be random or may be an order determined based on a predetermined rule. In the case of this embodiment, the graphic data 20 includes a machining shape 242 and a machining shape 243 in addition to the first machining shape 241. Therefore, the selection unit 40 selects the machining shape 242 or the machining shape 243. Note that, when the operator designates one machining shape 24 other than the first machining shape 241, the selection unit 40 may select the designated machining shape 24.

[0037] For the sake of illustration, the selection unit 40 of this embodiment first selects the machining shape 242. Based on this, the machining shape 242 will also be referred to as a selected machining shape 242 hereinafter.

[0038] The decomposition unit 42 decomposes the first processing shape 241 and the selected processing shape 242 into a plurality of geometric elements. A geometric element is a unit of information used to compare the first processing shape 241 and the selected processing shape 242. The plurality of geometric elements are, for example, a plurality of line segments (sides).

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of sides based on the example of FIG.

[0040] For example, the first machining shape 241 is a trapezoid (polygon) formed by four sides: side A, side B, side C, and side D. Therefore, the decomposition unit 42 can decompose the first machining shape 241 into side A, side B, side C, and side D.

[0041] Moreover, the selected processing shape 242 is a trapezoid formed by four sides: side E, side F, side G, and side H. Therefore, the decomposition unit 42 can decompose the selected processing shape 242 into side E, side F, side G, and side H.

[0042] The decomposition results of the first processing shape 241 and the selected processing shape 242 are stored in the storage unit 16. Here, the storage unit 16 stores a group (first group) of multiple sides of the first processing shape 241 and a group (second group) of multiple sides of the selected processing shape 242 in a distinguishable manner.

[0043] The search unit 44 searches the first machining shape 241 for a side (approach side) having a contact point P with the approach path .

[0044] In addition, the search unit 44 searches for a side having the same length as the approach side from within the selected processing shape 242. For example, in the example of Fig. 4, the approach side is side A. In this case, the search unit 44 searches for a side having the same length as side A from among sides E, F, G, and H.

[0045] When the selected machining shape 242 includes one side having the same length as the approach side, the comparison determination unit 46 determines the order of the multiple sides of the first machining shape 241 (first order).

[0046] The first sorting order is determined based on an approach side and a predetermined rotation direction. The approach side in this embodiment is side A (see FIG. 4). The predetermined rotation direction is a right-handed direction or a left-handed direction. For illustrative purposes, the predetermined rotation direction in this embodiment is a right-handed direction.

[0047] Fig. 5A is a table 481 illustrating a first sorting order based on the example of Fig. 4. The first column (sorting order) of table 481 indicates the first sorting order. The second column (sides) of table 481 indicates the names of each side in this embodiment. The third column (lengths) of table 481 indicates the lengths of each side.

[0048] The first machining shape 241 includes a side B, a side C, and a side D in this order in a clockwise direction starting from a side A. In this case, the first arrangement order is, for example, an arrangement order in which the side A, the side B, the side C, and the side D are arranged in this order.

[0049] Next, the comparison and determination unit 46 determines the order (second order) of the multiple sides of the selected processing shape 242. The second order is determined based on the searched side and a predetermined circulation direction.

[0050] Fig. 5B is table 482 illustrating the second sort order based on the example of Fig. 4. The format of table 482 is similar to that of table 481. However, the first column (sort order) of table 482 indicates the second sort order.

[0051] In this embodiment, the length of the approach side (side A) is LA. As a result of the search by the search unit 44, the length of side E is also LA. In this case, the second ordering is an ordering in which sides E, F, G, and H are arranged in this order in the clockwise direction, the same as the first ordering.

[0052] The contents of table 481 (first sorting order) and the contents of table 482 (second sorting order) are stored in storage unit 16.

[0053] Next, the comparison and determination unit 46 associates a plurality of sides, excluding the approach side, of the first machining shape 241 with a plurality of sides, excluding the searched side, of the selected machining shape 242. In the case of this embodiment, sides B to D are associated with sides F to H.

[0054] The comparison and determination unit 46 associates sides B to D with sides F to H based on the first and second sorting orders. For example, the second side B in the first sorting order is associated with the second side F in the second sorting order. The third side C in the first sorting order is associated with the third side G in the second sorting order. The fourth side D in the first sorting order is associated with the fourth side H in the second sorting order.

[0055] Furthermore, the comparison and determination unit 46 determines whether or not sides B to D of the first processing shape 241 and sides F to H of the selected processing shape 242 corresponding to sides B to D respectively have the same length. That is, the comparison and determination unit 46 determines whether or not (1) the length of side B=the length of side F, (2) the length of side C=the length of side G, and (3) the length of side D=the length of side H.

[0056] When sides B to D of the first machining shape 241 and sides F to H of the selected machining shape 242 corresponding to sides B to D are the same length, the comparison determination unit 46 calculates the area of ​​the first machining shape 241 and the area of ​​the selected machining shape 242. In addition, the comparison determination unit 46 compares the area of ​​the first machining shape 241 with the area of ​​the selected machining shape 242. Note that the area of ​​the first machining shape 241 calculated here is the area of ​​the first machining shape 241 before the machining start position 36 and the approach path 38 are added to the graphic data 20.

[0057] When the area of ​​the first machining shape 241 and the area of ​​the selected machining shape 242 are the same, the comparison and determination unit 46 determines that the first machining shape 241 and the selected machining shape 242 are congruent. The selected machining shape 242 that is congruent with the first machining shape 241 is also referred to as the second machining shape 242 in the following description.

[0058] The judgment result of the comparison judgment unit 46 is referred to by the above-mentioned second path addition unit 34. When it is judged that the selected machining shape 242 is congruent with the first machining shape 241, the second path addition unit 34 automatically edits the graphic data 20 as follows.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the graphic data 20 of FIG. 4 after being edited by the second path adding unit 34. As shown in FIG.

[0060] The second path adding unit 34 adds a machining start position (second machining start position) 50 and an approach path (second approach path) 52 to the graphic data 20. The approach path 52 is a path connecting the machining start position 50 and the second machining shape 242. This allows the operator to easily obtain the graphic data 20 including the machining start position 50 and the approach path 52.

[0061] Here, the second path addition unit 34 edits the graphic data 20 so that the figure formed by the machining start position 50, the approach path 52, and the second machining shape 242 is congruent with the figure formed by the machining start position 36, the approach path 38, and the first machining shape 241.

[0062] The determination unit 30 also determines whether the remaining machining shape 243 in the graphic data 20 is congruent with the first machining shape 241. A specific description of the determination flow is omitted since it substantially overlaps with the above description. In addition, when the machining shape 243 is congruent with the first machining shape 241, the second path addition unit 34 automatically further adds a machining start position corresponding to the machining shape 243 and an approach path corresponding to the machining shape 243 to the graphic data 20.

[0063] According to the graphic data editing device 10, the machining start position 50 and the approach path 52 are automatically added to the graphic data 20. Therefore, the operator can easily obtain the graphic data 20 including a plurality of machining start positions and a plurality of approach paths.

[0064] Moreover, the figure formed by the machining start position 50, the approach path 52, and the second machining shape 242 is congruent with the figure formed by the machining start position 36, the approach path 38, and the first machining shape 241. This makes it possible to automatically edit the graphic data 20 in accordance with the operator's intention.

[0065] For example, when the graphic data 20 is for die machining, the operator sets the machining start position 36 and the approach path 38 inside the first machining shape 241. If the machining start position 50 and the approach path 52 are set outside the second machining shape 242, the wire electrode cannot perform die machining along the second machining shape 242.

[0066] In this regard, the graphic data editing device 10 (second path adding unit 34) can automatically set the second machining start position 50 inside the second machining shape 242 in accordance with the first machining start position 36 set inside the first machining shape 241.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a graphic data editing method according to the embodiment.

[0068] The graphic data editing device 10 is capable of executing the graphic data editing method of Fig. 7. The graphic data editing method of Fig. 7 includes a graphic acquisition step S1, a first route addition step (route addition step) S2, a determination step S3, a second route addition step (automatic route addition step) S4, and an end determination step S5.

[0069] In the graphic acquisition step S1, the graphic acquisition unit 26 acquires the graphic data 20.

[0070] The first path adding step S2 is started after the completion of the graphic acquisition step S1. In the first path adding step S2, the first path adding unit 32 adds a machining start position 36 and an approach path 38 to the graphic data 20 in response to an operation by an operator. The approach path 38 connects the machining shape 24 (first machining shape) and the machining start position 36.

[0071] The determination step S3 is started after the first route addition step S2 is completed. The determination step S3 includes a selection step S31, a decomposition step S32, a search step S33, and a comparison and determination step S34.

[0072] The selection step S31 is started after the completion of the first path adding step S2. In the selection step S31, the selection unit 40 selects one machining shape 24 other than the first machining shape from among the multiple machining shapes 24.

[0073] The decomposition step S32 is started after the completion of the selection step S31. In the decomposition step S32, the decomposition unit 42 decomposes the first machining shape and the selected machining shape 24 (selected machining shape) into a plurality of geometric elements (for example, sides).

[0074] The search step S33 is started after the completion of the decomposition step S32. In the search step S33, the search unit 44 searches for a side having the same length as the side (approach side) having the contact point P with the first approach path 38 from among the multiple sides of the selected processing shape.

[0075] The comparison and judgment step S34 is started when a side having the same length as the approach side is found in the search step S33 (search step S33: YES). In the comparison and judgment step S34, the comparison and judgment unit 46 compares the selected processing shape with the first processing shape. Based on the comparison result, the comparison and judgment unit 46 also judges whether the selected processing shape corresponds to a second processing shape congruent with the first processing shape.

[0076] The second path adding step S4 is started when the selected machining shape corresponds to the second machining shape (comparison determination step S34: YES). In the second path adding step S4, the second path adding unit 34 automatically adds a second machining start position 50 and a second approach path 52 to the graphic data 20.

[0077] The end judgment step S5 is started when a side having the same length as the approach side is not found (search step S33: NO), when the selected machining shape does not correspond to the second machining shape (comparison judgment step S34: NO), or after the second path addition step S4. In the end judgment step S5, it is judged whether the judgment as to whether it corresponds to the second machining shape (comparison judgment step S34) has been performed for all machining shapes 24 other than the first machining shape. This judgment is performed by, for example, the judgment unit 30.

[0078] When the comparison and judgment step S34 has been performed for all machining shapes 24 other than the first machining shape (S5: YES), the graphic data editing device 10 ends the graphic data editing method. On the other hand, when there remains a machining shape 24 that has not been compared with the first machining shape in the comparison and judgment step S34 (end judgment step S5: NO), the series of steps from the selection step S31 to the end judgment step S5 are performed again. Here, the selection unit 40 selects one machining shape 24 that has not been compared with the first machining shape in the comparison and judgment step S34 performed after the start (START) of the graphic data editing method.

[0079] According to the above-described method for editing graphic data, the operator can easily obtain the graphic data 20 to which the second machining start position 50 and the second approach path 52 have been added.

[0080] In addition, in the selection step S31, the selected machining shape may be selected from among the machining shapes 24 designated in advance by the operator. In this case, in the end judgment step S5, it is judged whether or not the comparison judgment step S34 has been performed for all the machining shapes 24 designated by the operator. If it is judged that the comparison judgment step S34 has been performed for all the machining shapes 24 designated by the operator, the graphic data editing device 10 ends the graphic data editing method.

[0081] [Variations] Modifications of the above embodiment are described below. However, descriptions that overlap with the above embodiment are omitted as much as possible in the following description. Components that have already been described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0082] (Variation 1) When the selected processing shape is a mirror image of the first processing shape, the determination unit 30 may determine that the selected processing shape is congruent with the first processing shape. In this case, the determination unit 30 performs, for example, the process described below.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the graphic data 201 according to the first modification.

[0084] The machining shape 241 in Fig. 8 is the same as the machining shape 241 in Fig. 4. The machining shape 244 in Fig. 8 is formed by a side I, a side J, a side K, and a side L.

[0085] The processing shape 244 is the selected processing shape in this example. Based on this, the selected processing shape is also described as the selected processing shape 244 in this example. In addition, in this example, the second arrangement order is the arrangement order of the multiple sides that form the selected processing shape 244.

[0086] 9A is a table 483 illustrating a second sort order based on the example of FIG.

[0087] As a result of the search by the search unit 44, the length of side I is the same as the length of the approach side (side A). In this case, the comparison and determination unit 46 determines the second order as shown in table 483 based on side I and the circulation direction of the first order.

[0088] The second sorting order of table 483 is an ordering that follows sides I, J, K, and L in the same clockwise direction as the first sorting order (see FIG. 5A) along the selected processing shape 244. In this case, based on the first sorting order of table 481 and the second sorting order of table 483, sides B and J correspond to each other. Sides C and K correspond to each other. Sides D and L correspond to each other.

[0089] However, in this example, at least the length (LB) of side B is different from the length (LD) of side J. In this case, the comparison and determination unit 46 inverts one of the first sorting order and the second sorting order.

[0090] 9B is a table 484 showing an order in which the second order in FIG.

[0091] The comparison and determination unit 46 inverts, for example, the second arrangement order in Fig. 9A to that in Fig. 9B. The second arrangement order after the inversion is an arrangement order that traces the side I, the side L, the side K, and the side J in the counterclockwise direction along the selected processing shape 244.

[0092] The comparison and determination unit 46 again associates the multiple sides of the first machining shape 241 with the multiple sides of the selected machining shape 244 based on the first sorting order and the second sorting order after the inversion. As a result, side B corresponds to side L. Side C corresponds to side K. Side D corresponds to side J.

[0093] The comparison and determination unit 46 again compares the lengths of the two corresponding sides. That is, the comparison and determination unit 46 determines whether or not the following holds: (4) the length of side B = the length of side L, (5) the length of side C = the length of side K, and (6) the length of side D = the length of side J.

[0094] If all of (4) to (6) are true, the area of ​​the first machining shape 241 is compared with the area of ​​the selected machining shape 244. If the area of ​​the first machining shape 241 is the same as the area of ​​the selected machining shape 244, the selected machining shape 244 is a mirror image of the first machining shape 241.

[0095] When the selected machining shape 244 is a mirror image of the first machining shape 241, the second path adding unit 34 adds the second machining start position 50 and the second approach path 52 to the graphic data 201. However, the graphic formed by the second machining start position 50, the second approach path 52, and the selected machining shape 244 is a mirror image of the graphic formed by the first machining start position 36, the first approach path 38, and the first machining shape 241.

[0096] (Variation 2) The method of determining whether the selected processing shape is congruent with the first processing shape is not limited to the embodiment, as long as it is possible to determine whether the selected processing shape is congruent with the first processing shape.

[0097] For example, the machining shape (24) may have a circular shape. In this case, the multiple geometric elements may include the diameter of the machining shape. In addition, when the multiple machining shapes have a circular shape, the determination unit 30 may determine whether the diameters of the multiple machining shapes are the same. Two circles with the same diameter are congruent.

[0098] Furthermore, the machining shape (24) may include a curve (arc line). In this case, the multiple geometric elements may include the length and curvature of the curve. Furthermore, the determination unit 30 may determine whether the lengths and curvatures of the multiple curves are the same. Two curves with the same length and curvature are congruent. Furthermore, the multiple geometric elements related to the curve (arc) may include the radius of curvature.

[0099] In addition, regarding the comparison and judgment step S34, the number of geometric elements may differ between the first processing shape and the selected processing shape. In this case, the first processing shape and the selected processing shape cannot be congruent. For example, if the first processing shape is a polygon, the first processing shape has multiple line segments (sides). In contrast, for example, if the selected processing shape is a circle, the selected processing shape has only a single curve (closed curve). In other words, a circle does not have line segments (sides). In light of the above, the judgment unit 30 (comparison and judgment unit 46) may judge that the selected processing shape does not correspond to the second processing shape when the number of geometric elements of the first processing shape and the number of geometric elements of the selected processing shape are different.

[0100] (Variation 3) The determination unit 30 may determine whether or not the selected processing shape is similar to the first processing shape.

[0101] In order to determine whether the selected processing shape is similar to the first processing shape, the determination unit 30, for example, associates multiple sides of the first processing shape with multiple sides of the selected processing shape. This association is performed based on the order of the multiple sides of the first processing shape and the order of the multiple sides of the selected processing shape. However, the approach side of the first processing shape is associated with one side of the multiple sides of the selected processing shape that has a different length from the approach side.

[0102] In addition, the determination unit 30 calculates a plurality of ratios between the plurality of sides of the first processing shape and the sides of the selected processing shape corresponding to each of the plurality of sides of the first processing shape. If the plurality of ratios are the same, the first processing shape and the selected processing shape are similar.

[0103] When the ratios are different from each other, the determination unit 30 changes the correspondence between the sides of the first processing shape and the sides of the selected processing shape. Here, the sides of the first processing shape are associated with the sides of the selected processing shape that are adjacent to the sides of the selected processing shape in a predetermined cyclic direction (clockwise / counterclockwise) from the sides that correspond to the sides of the first processing shape in the correspondence before the change. The determination unit 30 also recalculates the ratios based on the correspondence after the change.

[0104] In this way, the determination unit 30 repeats the process of associating the multiple sides of the first processing shape with the multiple sides of the selected processing shape and the calculation of multiple ratios. If there is no correspondence relationship in which the multiple ratios are the same, the first processing shape and the selected processing shape are not similar to each other.

[0105] However, the method for determining whether or not the selected processing shape is similar to the first processing shape is not limited as long as it is possible to determine whether or not the selected processing shape is similar to the first processing shape.

[0106] When the selected machining shape is similar to the first machining shape, the second path adding unit 34 automatically adds a second machining start position 50 and a second approach path 52 to the graphic data 20. The second approach path 52 connects the second machining start position 50 and the selected machining shape. The graphic formed by the second machining start position 50, the second approach path 52, and the selected machining shape is similar to the graphic formed by the first machining start position 36, the first approach path 38, and the first machining shape.

[0107] (Variation 4) At the stage when the graphic acquisition unit 26 acquires the graphic data 20, the first machining start position 36 may be added to the first machining shape. In that case, the first path adding unit 32 adds only the first approach path 38 out of the first machining start position 36 and the first approach path 38 to the graphic data 20 in response to an operation by the operator.

[0108] (Variation 5) The graphic data editing device 10 may be configured integrally with the above-mentioned CNC.

[0109] (Variation 6) FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a machining program creating device 54 including the graphic data editing device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0110] The graphic data editing device 10 may be configured integrally with the machining program creating device 54. The machining program creating device 54 in Fig. 10 includes the components of the graphic data editing device 10 (see Fig. 1).

[0111] The machining program creating device 54 further includes an NC creating program 56 and a machining program creating unit 58 .

[0112] The NC creation program 56 is a program for causing the machining program creation device 54 to create the machining program 60. The machining program 60 is a program for instructing the relative movement of the wire electrode of the wire electric discharge machine with respect to the workpiece. The NC creation program 56 is stored in the memory unit 16 of the machining program creation device 54.

[0113] The machining program creation unit 58 creates a machining program 60 based on the graphic data 20. In this way, the operator obtains the machining program 60. The created machining program 60 may be stored in the storage unit 16. In addition, the operator may edit the created machining program 60.

[0114] (Variation 7) FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a graphic data editing method according to the seventh modification.

[0115] The graphic data editing device 10 may execute the graphic data editing method of Fig. 11. The graphic data editing method of Fig. 11 includes the components of the graphic data editing method of Fig. 7. However, the graphic data editing method of Fig. 11 further includes a range designation step S6.

[0116] The range designation step S6 is performed between the graphic acquisition step S1 and the determination step S3. For illustration purposes, the range designation step S6 in FIG. 11 is performed between the graphic acquisition step S1 and the first path addition step S2.

[0117] In the range designation step S6, the operator designates the machining shapes 24 included in the graphic data 20 via the operation unit 14. The number of machining shapes 24 designated here is at the discretion of the operator. The machining shapes 24 designated by the operator are stored in the storage unit 16.

[0118] In the selection step S31, the selection unit 40 selects the machining shape 24 specified in the range designation step S6. When a plurality of machining shapes 24 are designated in the range designation step S6, the selection unit 40 selects one of the plurality of machining shapes 24.

[0119] In the end determination step S5, the determination unit 30 determines whether or not the comparison determination step S34 has been performed for all of the machining shapes 24 designated in the range designation step S6.

[0120] When the comparison judgment step S34 has been performed for all machining shapes 24 specified in the range designation step S6 (end judgment step S5: YES), the graphic data editing device 10 ends the graphic data editing method. On the other hand, when the comparison judgment step S34 has not been performed for all machining shapes 24 specified in the range designation step S6 (end judgment step S5: NO), the series of steps from the selection step S31 to the end judgment step S5 are performed again. Here, the selection unit 40 selects one machining shape 24 that has not been compared with the first machining shape in the comparison judgment step S34 performed after the start (START) of the graphic data editing method from among the machining shapes 24 specified in the range designation step S6.

[0121] According to this modification, the candidates for the selected processing shape described in the embodiment are limited to the range specified in the range specification step S6. By making it possible to restrict the candidates for the selected processing shape based on the specification of the operator, the convenience of the operator is improved.

[0122] In addition, there may be a case where the machining shape 24 specified in the range specification step S6 overlaps with the first machining shape. In this case, the determination unit 30 excludes the first machining shape from candidates for the selected machining shape.

[0123] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications, and various configurations may be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0124] [Inventions Obtained from the Embodiments] The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modifications will be described below.

[0125] <First invention> A first invention is a graphic data editing device (10) that edits graphic data (20, 201) indicating a plurality of machining shapes (24) to be machined by a wire electric discharge machine on one workpiece, and includes a graphic acquisition unit (26) that acquires the graphic data, a path addition unit (32) that adds a first approach path (38) connected to any one of the plurality of machining shapes to the graphic data in response to an operation by an operator, a determination unit (30) that selects one of the plurality of machining shapes other than the first machining shape and determines whether the selected machining shape is a second machining shape (24) that is congruent or similar to the first machining shape, and an automatic path addition unit (34) that automatically adds a second approach path (52) connected to the second machining shape to the graphic data when it is determined that the selected machining shape is the second machining shape, so that the second approach path (52) is congruent or similar to a figure formed by the first machining shape and the first approach path.

[0126] This makes it easy to edit the graphic data showing a plurality of machining shapes.

[0127] The path adding unit may add a first machining start position (36) for machining the first machining shape and the first approach path connecting the first machining start position and the first machining shape to the graphic data in response to an operation by an operator, and the automatic path adding unit may automatically add a second machining start position (50) for machining the second machining shape and the second approach path connecting the second machining start position and the second machining shape to the graphic data. This facilitates not only the addition of the approach path but also the addition of the machining start position.

[0128] The determination unit may have a decomposition unit (42) that decomposes the first machining shape and the selected machining shape into a plurality of graphic elements, and a comparison determination unit (46) that determines whether the selected machining shape is the second machining shape or not based on a comparison between the plurality of graphic elements of the first machining shape and the plurality of graphic elements of the selected machining shape. Thereby, whether the selected machining shape is the second machining shape or not is determined on a graphic element basis.

[0129] The plurality of geometric elements of the first machining shape may include a first group of a plurality of sides forming the first machining shape, and the plurality of geometric elements of the selected machining shape may include a second group of a plurality of sides forming the selected machining shape, and the determination unit may further include a search unit (44) for searching the second group for one side having the same length as the side having a tangent point (P) with the first approach path, and the comparison determination unit may determine whether the selected machining shape is congruent with the first machining shape based on the order of the plurality of sides in the first group determined based on the side having the tangent point and the order of the plurality of sides in the second group determined based on the searched one side. This allows the determination of whether the selected machining shape is congruent with the first machining shape regardless of the inclination of the selected machining shape with respect to the first machining shape.

[0130] The determination unit may determine whether each of the machining shapes other than the first machining shape is the second machining shape by selecting all of the machining shapes other than the first machining shape, which makes it easy to edit graphic data including a plurality of second machining shapes.

[0131] The determining unit may determine whether or not the machining shape designated by an operator is the second machining shape by selecting the machining shape designated by an operator, thereby providing convenience to the operator.

[0132] <Second Invention> A second invention is a machining program creation device (54) comprising the graphic data editing device of the first invention, and a machining program creation unit (58) that creates a machining program (60) for commanding relative movement of the wire electrode of the wire electric discharge machine with respect to the workpiece based on the graphic data.

[0133] This makes it easy to edit the graphic data representing a plurality of machining shapes, and a machining program is created based on the edited graphic data.

[0134] <Third invention> A third invention is a graphic data editing method for editing graphic data (20, 201) indicating a plurality of machining shapes (24) to be machined by a wire electric discharge machine on one workpiece, the method including: a graphic acquisition step (S1) for acquiring the graphic data; a path addition step (S2) for adding a first approach path (38) connected to any one of the plurality of machining shapes to the graphic data in response to an operation by an operator; a determination step (S3) for selecting one of the plurality of machining shapes other than the first machining shape and determining whether the selected machining shape is a second machining shape (24) that is congruent or similar to the first machining shape; and an automatic path addition step (S4) for automatically adding a second approach path (52) connected to the second machining shape to the graphic data when it is determined that the selected machining shape is the second machining shape, so that the second approach path (52) is congruent or similar to a figure formed by the first machining shape and the first approach path.

[0135] This makes it easy to edit the graphic data showing a plurality of machining shapes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 10...Graphic data editing device 20, 201...Graphic data 24... Machining shape 26... Shape acquisition section 30…Judgment section 32...First route addition unit (route addition unit) 34...Second path adding section (automatic path adding section) 36...First processing start position 38...First approach route 40...Selection section 42...Disassembly section 44...Search section 46...Comparison / judgment section 50...Second machining start position 52... second approach path 54... machining program creating device 58... Machining program creation unit 60... Machining program

Claims

1. A graphic data editing device that edits graphic data indicating a plurality of machining shapes to be machined by a wire electric discharge machine on one workpiece, comprising: A figure acquisition unit for acquiring the figure data; a path adding unit that adds a first approach path connected to a first machining shape, which is any one of the plurality of machining shapes arbitrarily selected by an operator, to the graphic data in response to an operation of the operator; a determination unit that selects one of the machining shapes other than the first machining shape from among the plurality of machining shapes and determines whether the selected machining shape is a second machining shape that is congruent or similar to the first machining shape; an automatic path adding unit which, when it is determined that the selected machining shape is the second machining shape, automatically adds a second approach path connected to the second machining shape to the graphic data so that the second approach path is congruent or similar to a figure formed by the first machining shape and the first approach path; A graphic data editing device comprising:

2. 2. The graphic data editing device according to claim 1, the path adding unit adds a first machining start position for machining the first machining shape and the first approach path connecting the first machining start position and the first machining shape to the graphic data in response to an operation by an operator; A graphic data editing device, wherein the automatic path adding unit automatically adds a second machining start position for machining the second machining shape and the second approach path connecting the second machining start position and the second machining shape to the graphic data.

3. 3. The graphic data editing device according to claim 1, The determination unit is a decomposition unit that decomposes the first machining shape and the selected machining shape into a plurality of graphic elements; a comparison and determination unit that determines whether the selected machining shape is the second machining shape based on a comparison between the plurality of geometric elements of the first machining shape and the plurality of geometric elements of the selected machining shape; A graphic data editing device having the above structure.

4. 4. The graphic data editing device according to claim 3, the plurality of geometric elements of the first work shape includes a first group of a plurality of edges forming the first work shape; the plurality of graphic elements of the selected machining shape includes a second group of a plurality of edges forming the selected machining shape; the determination unit further includes a search unit configured to search the second group for a side having the same length as the side having a tangent point with the first approach route in the first group, The comparison and judgment unit determines whether the selected machining shape is congruent with the first machining shape based on the order of the multiple edges of the first group, which is determined based on the edges having the tangent points, and the order of the multiple edges of the second group, which is determined based on the searched edge.

5. 5. The graphic data editing device according to claim 1, A graphic data editing device, wherein the determination unit determines whether each of the machining shapes other than the first machining shape is the second machining shape by selecting all of the machining shapes other than the first machining shape.

6. 5. The graphic data editing device according to claim 1, The determination unit determines whether or not the machining shape specified by an operator is the second machining shape by selecting the machining shape specified by an operator.

7. A graphic data editing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a machining program creation unit that creates a machining program for instructing a relative movement of a wire electrode of the wire electric discharge machine with respect to the workpiece based on the graphic data; A machining program creating device comprising:

8. 1. A graphic data editing method for editing graphic data representing a plurality of machining shapes to be machined by a wire electric discharge machine on one workpiece, comprising the steps of: a graphic acquisition step of acquiring the graphic data; a path adding step of adding a first approach path connected to a first machining shape, which is any one of the machining shapes arbitrarily selected by an operator from among the plurality of machining shapes, to the graphic data in response to an operation by the operator; a determination step of selecting one of the machining shapes other than the first machining shape from among the plurality of machining shapes, and determining whether the selected machining shape is a second machining shape that is congruent or similar to the first machining shape; an automatic path adding step of automatically adding a second approach path connected to the second machining shape to the graphic data so that the second approach path is congruent or similar to a figure formed by the first machining shape and the first approach path when the selected machining shape is determined to be the second machining shape; A method for editing shape data, including:

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