Information processing method, program, recording medium, method for designing a mold, method for manufacturing a mold, information processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technology that can efficiently design or manufacture a die that is guaranteed practical performances.SOLUTION: An information processing section acquires information about a die opening direction of a first die and a second die that mold a molded product and sets, using information about shape data of the molded product and the information about a die opening direction, at least a part of respective faces constituting an outer shape of the molded product on any one of a first mold face, a second mold face, and a third mold face a mold die of which is still undecided. An information processing method includes: extracting a vertical wall face parallel to the die opening direction from the third mold face; extracting plural end points where a boundary line between the first mold face and the second mold face intersects the vertical wall face; generating a connection line formed of a combination of a segment vertical to the die opening direction and a segment inclined to the die opening direction so as to connect the extracted end points with each other; connecting the boundary line and the connection line; and generating a parting line of the first die and the second die.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method for efficiently designing a mold with guaranteed practicality, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a mold design method, a method of setting a parting line on the surface of three-dimensional shape data of a molded product and setting a parting surface (split boundary surface) of the mold based on the parting line is known. Since skilled knowledge is required to set the parting line so as to ensure the practical strength and alignment accuracy of the mold, depending on the proficiency of the mold designer, it may be necessary to design by trial and error, and there are cases where the design cannot be advanced efficiently.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a method for efficiently setting a parting line is proposed in order to generalize mold design, shorten the mold design lead time, and the like. Specifically, a plurality of parting line candidate lines are displayed on the edge of the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product, and it is described that an operator selects a line to be adopted as part of the parting line from among them. In Patent Document 1, when there are no other candidate lines at the endpoints of the selected parting line candidate line, the selected parting line candidate line is linearly extended as it is. Then, the extension line is projected onto the surface specified by the operator on the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product, and the projected line is used as the parting line. Alternatively, the endpoints of each parting line candidate line selected by the operator are connected by a straight line, the straight line is projected onto the surface specified by the operator on the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product, and the projected line is used as the parting line.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the method described in Patent Document 1, the parting line candidate line is linearly extended, or the end points of the unconnected parting line candidate lines are connected by a straight line and projected onto a specified surface on the three-dimensional shape data to generate a parting line. Even if the time required to generate the parting line can be shortened to some extent, when the parting line is generated by the method described in Patent Document 1 and the mold is designed and manufactured, there are cases where the mold performance required in practical use cannot be satisfied. Therefore, re-design and re-manufacture of the mold may be required, or in some cases, it may be necessary to re-consider the three-dimensional shape of the molded product, resulting in setbacks. Therefore, there has been a demand for a technology that can efficiently design or manufacture a molding die with guaranteed practical performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, an information processing unit acquires information on the mold opening directions of a first mold and a second mold for molding a molded product, and uses the shape data of the molded product and the information on the mold opening directions to determine a plurality of parts that constitute at least a part of the outer shape of the molded product. A setting process for setting at least one of the following three surfaces: a first molding surface molded by the first mold, a second molding surface molded by the second mold, and a third molding surface whose assignment to the first mold and the second mold is undetermined; a process of extracting a vertical wall surface along the mold opening direction from among the parts set on the third molding surface among the plurality of parts; a process of extracting a plurality of end points where the boundary line between the part set on the first molding surface and the part set on the second molding surface among the plurality of parts intersects the vertical wall surface; a process of generating a connection line composed of a combination of a line segment perpendicular to the mold opening direction and a line segment inclined with respect to the mold opening direction so as to connect the extracted end points; and a process of generating a parting line between the first mold and the second mold by connecting the boundary line and the connection line. This is an information processing method characterized by the above.

[0007] Further, a second aspect of the present invention includes an input unit, an information processing unit, and a display unit, wherein the information processing unit performs a process of acquiring information on the mold opening directions of a first mold and a second mold for molding a molded product, and using the shape data of the molded product and the information on the mold opening directions, sets at least a plurality of portions constituting at least a part of the outer shape of the molded product to any one of at least three surfaces, namely, a first molding surface formed by the first mold, a second molding surface formed by the second mold, and a third molding surface whose assignment to the first mold and the second mold is undetermined; a process of extracting a standing wall surface along the mold opening direction from among the portions set on the third molding surface among the plurality of portions; a process of extracting a plurality of end points where the boundary line between the portion set on the first molding surface and the portion set on the second molding surface among the plurality of portions intersects with the standing wall surface; a process of generating a connection line composed of a combination of a line segment perpendicular to the mold opening direction and a line segment inclined with respect to the mold opening direction so as to connect the extracted end points; and a process of connecting the boundary line and the connection line to generate a parting line between the first mold and the second mold. The information processing apparatus is characterized by executing the above processes.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a mold with guaranteed practical performance can be efficiently designed or manufactured.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] To facilitate the description of the embodiments, first, the reason why the practical performance is not always guaranteed when parting lines are set and molds are designed and manufactured by the method described in Patent Document 1 will be described. In this document, the parting line candidate lines were linearly extended or the endpoints of the unconnected parting line candidate lines were connected by a straight line and projected onto the specified surface to generate the parting line, but the mold strength and the alignment gradient were not considered.

[0011] For example, in the method of Patent Document 1, the mating surface (hereinafter, may be referred to as the cut-off surface) along the mold opening direction of the cavity mold (fixed mold) and the core mold (movable mold) may be set to be completely parallel to the mold opening direction. However, when the cut-off surface is completely parallel to the mold opening direction, if the position shifts even slightly when closing the mold, the cavity mold and the core mold may collide and the mold may be damaged.

[0012] Also, in the method of Patent Document 1, the mating surface (hereinafter, may be referred to as the push-off surface) along the direction perpendicular to the mold opening direction of the cavity mold (fixed mold) and the core mold (movable mold) may not be set appropriately. Without a push-off surface, burrs are likely to occur on the molded product. Also, even if there is a push-off surface, if its width is too small, it will be in a state with a sharp edge like a blade, and there is a risk of damaging the cavity mold or the core mold.

[0013] [Embodiments] In the present embodiment, the parting line of the molding die is generated such that the cut-off surface has an appropriate inclination angle with respect to the mold opening direction and a push-off surface with an appropriate width is provided. With reference to the drawings, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, etc., which are embodiments of the present invention, will be described. Note that the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment may also be called a mold design apparatus, a design support apparatus, a parting line generation apparatus, etc. Note that the embodiments shown below are examples, and for example, those skilled in the art can appropriately modify and implement the details of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the drawings referred to in the following description of embodiments and examples, unless otherwise specified, elements denoted with the same reference numerals shall have similar functions.

[0014] (Device Configuration) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. The information processing apparatus 100 includes an input unit 101, a display unit 102, a data storage unit 103, a CPU 104, a ROM 105, a RAM 106, and a communication unit 107, and each element is connected via a bus so as to be communicable with each other.

[0015] The input unit 101 is a device for an operator to input instructions and data, and may include, for example, a pointing system such as a keyboard or a mouse, or a voice input device. The display unit 102 is a display device for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) or the like, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an OLED, or a CRT can be used. The input unit 101 and the display unit 102 may be configured by an input / output integrated touch panel. The data storage unit 103 is a device for storing various data and programs including molded product shape data, and is configured by a storage device capable of writing / reading such as a hard disk.

[0016] The CPU 104 is a computer (information processing unit) that performs various processes in cooperation with each component. The ROM 105 and the RAM 106 provide the CPU 104 with control programs, data, work areas, etc. necessary for the process. When a control program necessary for the process is stored in the data storage unit 103 or the ROM 105, it is once read into the RAM 106 and then executed. Alternatively, when a processing program is loaded from the outside via the communication unit 107, it is recorded in the data storage unit 103 and then read into the RAM 106, or directly read from the communication unit 107 into the RAM 106 and executed.

[0017] The communication unit 107 is an interface (I / F) for the information processing apparatus 100 to communicate with external devices or an external network such as the Internet. For this, for example, wireless or wired communication devices compliant with known communication methods such as Ethernet, USB, IEEE, and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. In FIG. 1, an external storage device 108, CAD 109, and processing device 110 are illustrated as external devices, but the connection destinations of the communication unit 107 are not limited to these. Note that the information processing apparatus 100 of the embodiment can include various components other than those described above.

[0018] (Information Processing Method) With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the procedure of the information processing method (method for generating parting lines) according to this embodiment will be described.

[0019] (Step S1) In step S1, when the information processing apparatus 100 receives an activation instruction from the operator via the input unit 101, the CPU 104 reads out the parting line generation processing program stored in the ROM 104 and starts execution.

[0020] (Step S2) In step S2, three-dimensional shape data of the molded product to be manufactured by the mold is prepared. Here, as an example, the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product whose shape is shown in FIG. 3 will be handled. When the three-dimensional shape data 31 is already stored in the data storage unit 103, the operator designates the data via the input unit 101. When the three-dimensional shape data 31 has not yet been input to the information processing apparatus 100, the operator instructs via the input unit 101 to acquire the data from the location of the data, such as CAD 109 or the external storage device 108, via the communication unit 107. When the three-dimensional shape data 31 is prepared, the CPU 104 causes the display unit 102 to display, for example, the 3D model shown in FIG. 3.

[0021] (Step S3) Next, in step S3, the operator inputs (specifies) the mold opening direction. Referring to the three-dimensional shape data 31 (3D model) displayed on the display unit 102, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the operator specifies (selects) the mold opening directions 32 and 33 when opening the cavity mold and the core mold via the input unit 101. Information related to the specified mold opening directions 32 and 33 is stored in the data storage unit 103 by the CPU 104. Examples of the method for specifying the mold opening direction include a method of specifying the vector of the mold opening direction and a method of selecting an arbitrary outer surface and specifying the normal vector of the selected surface as the mold opening direction. Furthermore, a method of specifying the direction parallel to an arbitrary edge of the outer surface of the molded product as the mold opening direction, a method of estimating the mold opening direction vector from the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product, and the like can be mentioned, but it is not limited to these. Incidentally, while processing step S3, the CPU 104 can cause the display unit 102 to display an image shown in FIG. 3, for example.

[0022] (Step S4) Next, in step S4, the information processing apparatus 100 classifies each part of the outer surface of the molded product represented by the three-dimensional shape data 31. Specifically, it classifies (sets) into three types: the cavity mold forming surface 41 (first forming surface) formed by the cavity mold (first mold), the core mold forming surface 42 (second forming surface) formed by the core mold (second mold), and the surface 43 (third forming surface) that cannot be formed by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold. At this stage, since the surface 43 that cannot be formed by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold has an undetermined mold, it may be called an undetermined surface.

[0023] The algorithm for the classification process (setting process) is not particularly limited, but the CPU 104 first reads out the data of the three-dimensional shape data 31, the mold opening direction 32, and the mold opening direction 33 of the molded product from the data storage unit 103.

[0024] For example, the CPU 104 generates a half-line extending in the mold opening direction 32 (cavity mold side) from a starting point on the edge of each surface constituting the outer surface of the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product, and a half-line extending in the mold opening direction 33 (core mold side). Then, the CPU 104 determines whether each half-line has an intersection with the molded product shape other than the starting point.

[0025] For example, when a half-line extending in the mold opening direction 32 from a certain starting point does not intersect the molded product shape other than the starting point, but a half-line extending in the mold opening direction 33 intersects the molded product shape even outside the starting point, the outer surface with the starting point as an edge is classified (set) as the cavity mold forming surface 41. Conversely, when a half-line extending in the mold opening direction 32 from a certain starting point intersects the molded product shape even outside the starting point, but a half-line extending in the mold opening direction 33 does not intersect the molded product shape other than the starting point, the outer surface with the starting point as an edge is classified (set) as the core mold forming surface 42.

[0026] In addition, the CPU 104 determines whether the edge of each surface constituting the outer surface of the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product is included in the edge that defines the outermost periphery of the molded product when viewed from the mold opening direction 32 or the mold opening direction 33. And when the edge of the surface is included in the edge that becomes the outermost periphery of the molded product, the surface is classified as the cavity mold forming surface 41. In other words, when the three-dimensional shape of the molded product is projected onto a projection plane orthogonal to the mold opening direction, it is determined whether the edge of the surface is included in the outer edge of the projected image.

[0027] In addition, the CPU 104 classifies the surfaces that are not classified as either the cavity mold forming surface or the core mold forming surface among the surfaces constituting the outer surface as the surface 43 (undetermined surface) that cannot be molded by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold.

[0028] Also, assuming that a surface parallel to the mold opening direction is called a vertical wall surface, when a convex portion protrudes from the vertical wall surface in a direction intersecting the mold opening direction, the CPU 104 classifies the vertical wall surface as the surface 43 that cannot be molded by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold.

[0029] Although an example is shown in FIG. 4, in the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product, each outer surface (upper surface of the molded product) of SF1 to SF4 is classified as a cavity mold forming surface 41 formed by a cavity mold. Also, although not labeled in the figure, the outer surface located on the opposite side (core mold side) of each outer surface of SF1 to SF4, that is, the bottom surface that can be directly viewed from the core side, is classified as a core mold forming surface 42 formed by a core mold.

[0030] Since neither the half-line extending in the mold opening direction 32 nor the half-line extending in the mold opening direction 33 intersects the shape of the molded product for the outer surface SF5 which is a vertical wall surface and the side surfaces of the three convex portions, they can be classified into either the cavity mold forming surface 41 or the core mold forming surface 42. Also, since the edges of these surfaces are included in the outermost edge of the molded product when viewed from the mold opening direction 32 or the mold opening direction 33, they can be classified into the cavity mold forming surface 41.

[0031] In general, setting such a vertical wall surface as the cavity mold forming surface 41 makes the position of the molded product stable during mold opening. Therefore, the CPU 104 classifies it as the cavity mold forming surface 41. Thus, when the classification for a certain surface is not uniformly determined and can be classified as different types for each algorithm, it is sufficient to preset which algorithm to prioritize.

[0032] The outer surface SF6 among the vertical wall surfaces is a surface parallel to the mold opening direction (vertical wall surface) and has convex portions protruding in a direction intersecting the mold opening direction. Therefore, it is classified as a surface 43 (undetermined surface) that cannot be formed by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold.

[0033] Note that the method of classifying each surface of the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product into a cavity mold forming surface, a core mold forming surface, and a surface (undetermined surface) that cannot be formed by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold is not limited to the above example. It is also possible to use methods such as shooting a vector from an arbitrary point on the surface for determination and shooting a vector from a specified position on the surface for determination.

[0034] The surface classification information that classifies each surface constituting the outer surface of the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product into any of the cavity mold forming surface, the core mold forming surface, and the surface that cannot be molded by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold is stored in the data storage unit 103. During the process of step S4, the CPU 104 can display, on the display unit 102, for example, the image shown in FIG. 4, or an image or information (such as a table) indicating how each part of the outer surface of the molded product is classified.

[0035] (Step S5) In step S5, the information processing apparatus 100 extracts a vertical wall surface parallel to the mold opening direction from the surfaces classified as the surfaces 43 that cannot be molded by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold in step S4, and classifies the extracted surface as a dividing line creation surface. As described above, the outer surface SF6 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to this. Incidentally, as an aspect of the vertical wall surface parallel to the mold opening direction, although not shown, a cylindrical surface whose axial direction is parallel to the mold opening direction can be cited.

[0036] The CPU 104 reads out the information related to the mold opening direction 32, the mold opening direction 33, and the surfaces 43 that cannot be molded by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold from the data storage unit 103. Then, it determines whether the surfaces 43 that cannot be molded by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold are vertical wall surfaces. The method for determining whether it is a vertical wall surface is not limited. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the normal direction 52 to the surface is obtained, and the inner product with the mold opening direction 32 and the mold opening direction 33 is calculated. A surface whose inner product of the normal direction 52 and the mold opening direction 32 or the inner product of the normal direction 52 and the mold opening direction 33 becomes 0 is determined as a vertical wall surface and classified as a dividing line creation surface 51. The information related to the dividing line creation surface 51 is stored in the data storage unit 103 by the CPU device 104. During the process of step S5, the CPU 104 can display, on the display unit 102, for example, the image shown in FIG. 5.

[0037] (Step S6) Next, in step S6, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires the position information of the intersection points between the surfaces classified into the dividing line creation surface in step S5 and the boundary line between the cavity mold surface 41 and the core mold surface 42. In other words, a plurality of pieces of position information of the endpoints of the boundary line between the cavity mold surface 41 and the core mold surface 42 existing on the dividing line creation surface 51 are extracted.

[0038] First, the CPU 104 reads out the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product, the mold opening directions 32 and 33, the cavity mold surface 41, the core mold surface 42, and the information of the dividing line creation surface 51 from the data storage unit 103. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the CPU 104 acquires the position information of the endpoints 61 to 68 of the boundary line between the cavity mold surface 41 and the core mold surface 42 existing on the dividing line creation surface 51. The information related to the acquired endpoints 61 to 68 is stored in the data storage unit 103 by the CPU 104. Incidentally, while processing step S6, the CPU 104 can cause the display unit 102 to display an image shown in FIG. 6, for example.

[0039] (Step S7) Next, in step S7, the information processing apparatus 100 obtains the midpoints between the respective endpoints acquired in step S6, generates a half line extending in the mold opening direction starting from the midpoint, and checks whether the generated half line has an intersection with the three-dimensional shape of the molded product. First, the CPU 104 reads out the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product, the mold opening directions 32 and 33, the cavity mold surface 41, the core mold surface 42, the dividing line creation surface 51, and the information related to the endpoints 61 to 68 from the data storage unit 103. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the CPU 104 generates the midpoints 71 to 77 between the respective endpoints.

[0040] Next, starting from each of the midpoints 71 to 77, a half-line extending in the mold-opening direction 32 and a half-line extending in the mold-opening direction 33 are generated. Information on whether the generated half-lines have intersections with the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product other than the starting points is given to the midpoints 71 to 77. In the example of FIG. 7, information indicating that there is no intersection with the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product is given to each of the midpoints 71, 73, 75, and 77. On the other hand, information indicating that there is an intersection with the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product is given to each of the midpoints 72, 74, and 76. In FIG. 7, an × is attached to the half-line in the direction having an intersection schematically. The information related to the midpoints 71 to 77 is stored in the data storage unit 103 by the CPU 104. During the process of step S7, the CPU 104 can display, for example, the image shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 102.

[0041] (Step S8) Next, in step S8, the information processing apparatus 100 defines, as a dividing line creation region, a rectangular region including both end points on both sides that define the midpoint for the midpoints determined in step S7 not to have intersections with the three-dimensional shape of the molded product. First, the CPU 104 reads out the information related to the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product, the mold-opening directions 32 and 33, the cavity mold forming surface 41, the core mold forming surface 42, the dividing line creation surface 51, the end points 61 to 68, and the midpoints 71 to 77 from the data storage unit 103. Then, among the midpoints 71 to 77, midpoints where neither of the half-lines in both directions intersects the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product are extracted. In the example of FIG. 7, the midpoints 71, 73, 75, and 77 are extracted.

[0042] Next, for each pair of end points 61 and 62, end points 63 and 64, end points 65 and 66, and end points 67 and 68 that define the extracted midpoints, it is determined whether to create a rectangular region including the pair.

[0043] If both endpoints of the pair are in the same position when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the mold opening directions 32 and 33 (the left - right direction in FIGS. 7 and 8), a rectangular area is not created. In this example, as shown in FIG. 7, for the pair of endpoint 61 and endpoint 62 and the pair of endpoint 67 and endpoint 68, since both endpoints are in the same position when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the mold opening direction, a rectangular area is not created.

[0044] On the other hand, if both endpoints of the pair are not in the same position when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the mold opening directions 32 and 33 (the left - right direction in FIGS. 7 and 8), a rectangular area is created. The rectangular area is set such that both endpoints are located at the diagonal vertices. In this example, as shown in FIG. 8, for the pair of endpoint 63 and endpoint 64 and the pair of endpoint 65 and endpoint 66, since both endpoints are in different positions when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the mold opening direction, a rectangular area is created. Each rectangular area is the dividing - line creation area 81 and the dividing - line creation area 82 as shown in FIG. 8, and the information related to the generated dividing - line creation area 81 and dividing - line creation area 82 is stored in the data storage unit 103 by the CPU 104.

[0045] In addition, at all mid - points, if at least one of the two half - lines starting from the mid - point intersects the three - dimensional shape data of the molded product, the surface is re - classified as a surface that cannot be molded by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold from the dividing - line creation surface. In addition, while processing step S8, the CPU 104 can display, for example, the image shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 102.

[0046] (Step S9) Next, in step S9, the information processing apparatus 100 creates a connection line (a dividing line that divides the rectangular area) in the dividing - line creation area so as to connect between both endpoints. First, the CPU 104 reads out the information related to the three - dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product, the mold opening directions 32, 33, the cavity - mold forming surface 41, the core - mold forming surface 42, the dividing - line creation surface 51, endpoints 63 to 66, the dividing - line creation area 81, and the dividing - line creation area 82 from the data storage unit 103.

[0047] Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 104 creates a connection line connecting the end point 63 and the end point 64 (a dividing line 91 that divides the dividing line creation area 81 (FIG. 8)) and a connection line connecting the end point 65 and the end point 66 (a dividing line 92 that divides the dividing line creation area 82 (FIG. 8)).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 11, there are four types of dividing lines that can be created, and the combination method of the cut-off lines and the push-through lines included in the dividing line is different for each type. Which type of dividing line to create is determined according to the respective surface shapes and positional relationships of the cavity mold surface 41 and the core mold surface 42 connected to both end points used when setting the dividing line creation area. In the example of FIG. 9, the type (1) in the table of FIG. 11 is used, and the dividing line 91 and the dividing line 92 are created.

[0049] The cut-off line used as a component of the dividing line is a line segment having a direction component parallel to the mold opening direction, and is a line segment for setting a mating surface (cut-off surface) having a surface direction component parallel to the mold opening direction. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent the mating surface from becoming a cut-off surface that is completely parallel to the mold opening direction, the cut-off line included as a component in the dividing line is inclined with respect to the mold opening direction. This is to enable the mold to be closed without damaging it even if there is a displacement in the relative position of the cavity mold and the core mold when the mold is closed.

[0050] Also, the push-through line used as a component of the dividing line is a line segment perpendicular to the mold opening direction, and is a line segment for providing a surface portion (push-through surface) perpendicular to the mold opening direction in the mating surfaces of the cavity mold and the core mold. In the present embodiment, in order to appropriately provide a portion of the push-through surface in the mating surface, when the CPU 104 creates the dividing line, a line segment (push-through line) perpendicular to the mold opening direction is always included in the dividing line. At that time, the dividing line is created so that the length of the push-through line portion included in the dividing line is equal to or greater than a threshold value determined according to the size of the molded product. FIG. 12 illustrates the minimum length of the push-through line determined according to the size of the molded product.

[0051] The information related to the created dividing lines 91 and 92 is stored in the data storage unit 103 by the CPU 104. Incidentally, while processing step S9, the CPU 104 can cause the display unit 102 to display images shown in, for example, FIGS. 9, 11, and 12.

[0052] Incidentally, if the minimum length of the parting line defined in FIG. 12 cannot be ensured using any of the types shown in FIG. 11, a dividing line cannot be generated within the dividing line creation area. The corresponding measures in that case will be described later.

[0053] (Step S10) Next, in step S10, the information processing apparatus 100 creates a parting line using the boundary line between the cavity mold surface 41 and the core mold surface 42 created in step S4, and the dividing lines 91 and 92 created in step S9. The parting line can be said to be a line representing the boundary between the cavity mold and the core mold on the mold forming surface that defines the shape of the molded product, or a line representing the position where the mold is divided when the mold is opened to remove the molded product from the mold.

[0054] In this embodiment, first, the CPU 104 reads out the information related to the three-dimensional shape data 31 of the molded product, the mold opening directions 32 and 33, the cavity mold surface 41, the core mold surface 42, the dividing line creation surface 51, the dividing line 91, and the dividing line 92 from the data storage unit 103.

[0055] Then, as illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 10(a) and the front view of FIG. 10(b), the boundary line between the cavity mold surface 41 and the core mold surface 42, and the dividing lines 91 and 92 generated on the parting line creation surface 51 are connected to generate the parting line 111. By connecting the boundary line and the dividing line to create the parting line, a surface 43 (FIG. 4) that cannot be molded by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold becomes a surface that is molded using both the cavity mold and the core mold. Information related to the created parting line 111 is stored in the data storage unit 103 by the CPU 104. In some cases, it may be stored in an external storage device or transmitted to an external computer via the communication unit 107. During the process of step S10, the CPU 104 can display, for example, the images shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) on the display unit 102.

[0056] (If the dividing line cannot be generated in step S9) If, in step S9, the minimum length of the cutting line defined in FIG. 12 cannot be ensured using any of the types shown in FIG. 11, the process returns to step S4 and each part of the outer surface of the molded product represented by the three-dimensional shape data 31 is reclassified (the classification result is changed). When step S4 was first executed, as shown in FIG. 4, the side surfaces of all three convex portions were classified as the cavity mold surface 41. When reclassifying, an algorithm is used in which the side surface (vertical wall surface) of the convex portion closest to the core mold side is classified as the core mold surface 42, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0057] After performing the reclassification process, the processing after step S5 of the flowchart in FIG. 2 is executed again. However, in step S6, as shown in FIG. 14, the positions of the end points 64 and 65 move toward the cavity side compared to FIG. 6. Then, in step S7, as shown in FIG. 15, the positions of the midpoints 73 and 75 move toward the cavity side compared to FIG. 7. In step S8, as shown in FIG. 16, the rectangular shapes of the dividing line creation regions 81 and 82 become different from those in FIG. 8, and the ratio of the horizontal to the vertical becomes larger. Therefore, when creating the dividing line in step S9, the distance in the mold opening direction becomes shorter, so the inclined shear line becomes shorter, and it becomes easier to ensure the length of the push-through line. That is, when creating the dividing line using the type shown in FIG. 11, it becomes easier to ensure the minimum length of the push-through line defined in FIG. 12. In this way, based on the dividing line shown in FIG. 17 created in step S9 that is executed again, in step S10, the parting line shown in the perspective view of FIG. 18(a) and the front view of FIG. 18(b) can be generated.

[0058] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily and automatically generate a parting line for efficiently designing or manufacturing a mold with guaranteed practical performance.

[0059] (Creation of Mold) With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19, the procedure for manufacturing a mold using the information related to the generated parting line will be described. (Step S11) In step S11, when the information processing apparatus 100 receives an activation instruction from the operator via the input unit 101, the CPU 104 reads out and starts executing the mold processing data creation program stored in the ROM 105.

[0060] (Step S12) In step S12, three-dimensional shape data of the molded product to be manufactured by the mold is prepared. Since the three-dimensional shape data 31 has already been stored in the data storage unit 103 in step S2 described above, the operator designates the data via the input unit 101. Further, in some cases, the operator may give an instruction via the input unit 101 to acquire the data from the location of the data, such as the CAD 109 or the external storage device 108, via the communication unit 107. When the three-dimensional shape data is prepared, the CPU 104 causes the display unit 102 to display, for example, the 3D model shown in FIG. 3.

[0061] (Step S13) Next, in step S13, information related to the mold opening direction is prepared. Since the information related to the mold opening direction has been stored in the data storage unit 103 in step S3 described above, the operator designates the data via the input unit 101. The CPU 104 causes the display unit 102 to display, for example, the 3D model shown in FIG. 3.

[0062] (Step S14) Next, in step S14, information related to the cavity mold forming surface, the core mold forming surface, and the parting line is prepared. Since this information has been stored in the data storage unit 103 in step S10 described above, the operator designates the data via the input unit 101. Further, when this information is stored in the data storage unit 103 in association with the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product, it can be automatically designated without requiring an operation by the operator.

[0063] (Step S15) Next, in step S15, in the information processing apparatus 100, the mold shape design program stored in the ROM 105 is read out and executed by the CPU 104. When the mold shape design program is executed, shape data of the cavity mold and the core mold is created using the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product, the mold opening direction, the cavity mold forming surface, the core mold forming surface, and the information related to the parting line. The created shape data of the cavity mold and the core mold is stored in the data storage unit 103.

[0064] (Step S16) Next, in step S16, in the information processing apparatus 100, the processing data generation program (NC data generation program) stored in the ROM 105 is read out and executed by the CPU 104. That is, based on the shape data created in step S15, processing data (NC data) for manufacturing the cavity mold and the core mold with the processing apparatus 110 (FIG. 1) is generated.

[0065] FIG. 20 shows a specific example of the processing apparatus 110. The machining center 180 shown in FIG. 20 is a processing apparatus for manufacturing a mold in the present embodiment. The machining center 180 includes a machine body 181 and a control device 182. The machine body 181 manufactures a mold by performing cutting on the base material 183 of the mold (cavity mold, core mold) that is the object to be processed. The machine body 181 has a spindle 185 that is a main shaft supporting a cutting tool 184, an X stage 186, a Y stage 187, and a Z stage 188.

[0066] It is preferable to use an end mill as the cutting tool 184. The spindle 185 rotates the cutting tool 184 around the Z axis. The Z stage 188 supports the spindle 185 and moves the cutting tool 184 in the Z direction with respect to the base material 183 that is the object to be processed. Similarly, the X stage 186 moves the cutting tool 184 in the X direction with respect to the base material 183, and the Y stage 187 moves the base material 183 in the Y direction. Therefore, the machine body 181 can move the tip of the cutting tool 184 relative to the base material 183 in the XYZ directions while rotating the cutting tool 184.

[0067] The control device 182 is composed of a computer having a CPU and a memory, etc., and controls the machine body 181 based on the NC data 189. By controlling the control device 182 to relatively move the cutting tool 184 with respect to the base material 183 that is the object to be processed while rotating the cutting tool 184, a three-dimensional shape based on the NC data 189 can be cut on the base material 183.

[0068] Based on the shape data of the type created in step S15, the information processing apparatus 100 generates NC data 189 for causing the machining center 180 to create a cavity mold and a core mold. The NC data 189 includes various commands used in cutting, such as the amount of movement in the X direction, the amount of movement in the Y direction, the amount of movement in the Z direction, the rotational speed of the spindle, the feed rate in the X direction, the feed rate in the Y direction, and the movement speed in the Z direction. The CPU 104 stores the created NC data in the data storage unit 103.

[0069] (Step S17) Next, in step S17, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits the NC data 189 to the processing apparatus 110 (the control device 182 of the machining center 180) via the communication unit 107. (Step S18) Next, in step S18, the machining center 180 processes the base material based on the received NC data 189 and sequentially creates a cavity mold and a core mold. In addition, to create the cavity mold and the core mold, various processing methods using various processing apparatuses such as an NC milling machine, an NC electric discharge machine, and a polishing machine can be used in addition to the cutting process by the machining center 180.

[0070] (Step S19) Next, using the cavity mold and the core mold created in step S18, the mold apparatus is assembled. At that time, it is confirmed that the cavity mold and the core mold have a push-cut surface of a predetermined size and are aligned through a bite-cut surface inclined with respect to the mold opening direction.

[0071] As described above, using the information related to the parting line generated by the information processing apparatus, a mold with guaranteed practical performance can be efficiently designed or manufactured.

[0072] [Other Embodiments] Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples described above, and many modifications are possible within the technical idea of the present invention. For example, it is not necessary to apply the processing of the present embodiment to all surfaces (the entire outer shape) constituting the outer shape of the molded product. Instead, the type of the molding surface may be set for a plurality of portions constituting at least a part of the outer shape. The mold does not necessarily have to be composed of only a cavity mold and a core mold, and may be composed of three or more mold parts, or may be a mold equipped with a slide mold, an insert, or a jig. It is sufficient that at least three types of molding surfaces are set, and the types of molding surfaces may include other types of molding surfaces in addition to the cavity mold molding surface and the core mold molding surface. Another type of molding surface may be a slide mold molding surface (for example, the inner surface of a recess that is recessed in a direction orthogonal to the mold opening direction from a vertical wall surface) that is formed only by a slide mold. Further, another type of molding surface may be a three-type molding surface (for example, a vertical wall surface provided with a plurality of convex portions, and a surface where the convex portions overlap when viewed in the mold opening direction) that requires the combined use of three types: a cavity mold, a core mold, and a slide mold. Also, a plurality of types of molding surfaces other than the cavity mold molding surface and the core mold molding surface can be collectively treated as surfaces of the same classification. For example, a molding surface that uses a combination of two types: a cavity mold and a core mold, a molding surface that uses a combination of two types: a cavity mold and a slide mold, a molding surface that uses a combination of two types: a core mold and a slide mold, and a molding surface that uses a combination of three types: a cavity mold, a core mold, and a slide mold may be treated in the same manner, for example, as a combined surface. Even in such a case, according to the present invention, a cavity mold and a core mold with guaranteed practical performance can be efficiently designed or manufactured.

[0073] Also, before generating the two types of parting lines, a form was described in which it was set which of the two types is the core mold (movable mold) and which is the cavity mold (fixed mold), but it is not limited to this. That is, at the stage of generating the parting lines of the two molds (the first mold and the second mold), it does not have to be determined which of the two molds is the core mold and which is the cavity mold. Whether it is a core mold (movable mold) or a cavity mold (fixed mold) is undetermined, but for the two molds in which the mold opening direction and the shape of the molding surface are set, after generating the parting line of the undetermined surface, one of the two molds may be set as the core mold and the other as the cavity mold. Alternatively, before generating the parting line of the undetermined surface, the core mold and the cavity mold may be temporarily set, and after generating the parting line of the undetermined surface, the core mold and the cavity mold may be finally set. After generating the parting line, it may be reset whether to maintain the relationship between the core mold and the cavity mold or reverse it (changing the temporary core mold to the cavity mold and the temporary cavity mold to the core mold). A program capable of executing the above-described information processing and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program are also included in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the embodiment to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] 31 ··· 3D shape data / 32, 33 ··· Mold opening direction / 41 ··· Cavity mold forming surface / 42 ··· Core mold forming surface / 43 ··· Surface that cannot be formed by only one of the cavity mold and the core mold / 51 ··· Split line creation surface / 52 ··· Normal direction / 61 - 68 ··· End points / 71 - 77 ··· Mid points / 81, 82 ··· Split line creation area / 91, 92 ··· Split lines / 100 ··· Information processing device / 101 ··· Input unit / 102 ··· Display unit / 103 ··· Data storage unit / 104 ··· CPU / 105 ··· ROM / 106 ··· RAM / 107 ··· Communication unit / 108 ··· External storage device / 109 ··· CAD / 110 ··· Processing device / 111 ··· Parting line / 180 ··· Machining center / 181 ··· Machine tool body / 182 ··· Control device / 183 ··· Base material / 184 ··· Cutting tool / 185 ··· Spindle / 186 ··· X stage / 187 ··· Y stage / 188 ··· Z stage / 189 ··· NC data

Claims

1. The information processing unit performs a process of acquiring information on the mold opening directions of a first mold and a second mold for molding a molded product, and using the shape data of the molded product and the information on the mold opening directions, sets at least a plurality of portions constituting at least a part of the outer shape of the molded product to any one of at least three surfaces: a first molding surface molded by the first mold, a second molding surface molded by the second mold, and a third molding surface whose assignment to the first mold and the second mold is undetermined, in a setting process; extracts, from among the plurality of portions set on the third molding surface, a standing wall surface along the mold opening direction, in a process; extracts a plurality of end points where a boundary line between a portion set on the first molding surface and a portion set on the second molding surface among the plurality of portions intersects with the standing wall surface, in a process; generates a connection line composed of a combination of a line segment perpendicular to the mold opening direction and a line segment inclined with respect to the mold opening direction so as to connect the extracted end points, in a process; and connects the boundary line and the connection line to generate a parting line between the first mold and the second mold, in a process, which is characterized by the above. An information processing method.

2. performs a process of setting the first mold as one of a cavity mold and a core mold and setting the second mold as the other of the cavity mold and the core mold, which is characterized by the above. The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. The process in which the information processing unit acquires the information on the mold opening direction includes a process of causing a display unit to display three-dimensional shape data of the molded product and receiving the information on the mold opening direction input by an operator from an input unit, which is characterized by the above. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The setting process Generating a half-line that passes through a point on the edge of the plurality of parts and extends along the mold opening direction, and determining whether the half-line has an intersection with the shape of the molded product. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

5. The setting process is When projecting the three-dimensional shape of the molded product onto a projection plane orthogonal to the mold opening direction, including a process of determining whether the edges of the plurality of parts are included in the outer edge of the projected image. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

6. The setting process is Including a process of setting the vertical wall surface where the convex portion protrudes in a direction intersecting the mold opening direction as the third molding surface. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

7. The process in which the information processing unit generates the connection line is Among the plurality of extracted end points, a process of generating the connection line so as to connect end points existing at different positions when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the mold opening direction. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that.

8. The process in which the information processing unit generates the connection line is A process of generating the connection line so that a line segment perpendicular to the mold opening direction has a predetermined length or more. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that.

9. In the process of generating the connection line, when it is not possible to generate the connection line so that the line segment perpendicular to the mold opening direction has a predetermined length or more, The information processing unit changes the result of the setting process and re-executes the process after the process of extracting the vertical wall surface. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that...

10. The information processing unit causes the display unit to display one or more of the information related to the setting process, the information related to the process of extracting the vertical wall surface, the information related to the process of extracting a plurality of end points, the information related to the process of generating the connection line, and the information related to the process of generating the parting line. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that...

11. A program for causing the information processing unit to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to claim 11.

13. Generating the parting line by the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and using the shape data of the molded product and the information of the parting line, the computer generates the shape data of the first mold and the second mold. A method for designing a molding die, characterized in that...

14. Manufacturing a molding die based on the shape data of the first mold and the second mold generated by the method for designing a molding die according to claim 13. A method for manufacturing a molding die, characterized in that...

15. Comprising an input unit, an information processing unit, and a display unit. The information processing unit... A process of acquiring information on the mold opening directions of the first mold and the second mold for molding a molded product. Using the shape data of the molded product and the information on the mold opening direction, setting at least a plurality of parts constituting at least a part of the outer shape of the molded product to any one of at least three surfaces: a first molding surface molded by the first mold, a second molding surface molded by the second mold, and a third molding surface whose assignment to the first mold and the second mold is undetermined. Among the plurality of portions, a process of extracting a vertical wall surface along the mold opening direction from the portions set on the third molding surface; A process of extracting a plurality of end points where the boundary line between the portion set on the first molding surface and the portion set on the second molding surface among the plurality of portions intersects with the vertical wall surface; A process of generating a connection line composed of a combination of a line segment perpendicular to the mold opening direction and a line segment inclined with respect to the mold opening direction so as to connect the extracted end points; A process of generating a parting line between the first mold and the second mold by connecting the boundary line and the connection line is executed. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

16. A process of setting the first mold as one of a cavity mold and a core mold, and setting the second mold as the other of the cavity mold and the core mold is executed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized by the above.

17. The information processing unit Displays the three-dimensional shape data of the molded product on the display unit, and receives information on the mold opening direction input by the operator from the input unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by the above.

18. The information processing unit In the setting process, the vertical wall surface where the convex portion protrudes in a direction intersecting the mold opening direction is set as the third molding surface. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized by the above.

19. The information processing unit In the process of generating the connection line, among the plurality of extracted end points, the connection line is generated so as to connect the end points existing at different positions when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the mold opening direction. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that...

20. The information processing unit is configured to... In the process of generating the connection line, generate the connection line such that a line segment perpendicular to the mold opening direction has a length equal to or greater than a predetermined length. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that...

21. The information processing unit is configured to... If, in the process of generating the connection line, it is not possible to generate the connection line such that the line segment perpendicular to the mold opening direction has a length equal to or greater than a predetermined length, change the result of the setting process and re-execute the processes after the process of extracting the standing wall surface. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that...

22. The information processing unit is configured to... Cause one or more of the information related to the setting process, the information related to the process of extracting the standing wall surface, the information related to the process of extracting a plurality of end points, the information related to the process of generating the connection line, and the information related to the process of generating the parting line to be displayed on the display unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that...

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