Method for determining the validity of gear specification data, method for generating machining program, program, numerical control device, and machine tool system

Abstract

A determination method capable of determining the validity of gear specification data, a machining program generation method, a program, a numerical control device, and a machine tool system are provided. [Solution] A method for determining the validity of gear specification data includes the steps of receiving the gear specification data, generating a point cloud representing the shape of at least a portion of the gear's outer contour based on the received specification data, and determining the validity of the specification data, which indicates whether or not a gear corresponding to the specification data can be machined, based on the positions of multiple points belonging to the generated point cloud. The steps of receiving the specification data, generating the point cloud, and determining the validity are performed by at least one computer.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for determining the validity of gear specification data, a method for generating a machining program, a program, a numerical control device, and a machine tool system. [Background technology]

[0002] A processing device for processing gears is known.

[0003] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a gear machining method using a five-axis controlled machining center. The machining method described in Patent Document 1 includes determining a correlation equation for each of five axis operations from basic specifications for machining the gear tooth flank into a basic shape and a tooth flank shape factor for modifying the basic shape, simulating the tooth flank shape from the correlation equation, changing the tooth flank shape factor to obtain the desired shape if the simulated tooth flank shape is not the desired shape, creating an NC program from the correlation equation that simulates the desired shape, and machining the gear based on the NC program. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-31532 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a determination method capable of determining the validity of gear specification data, a machining program generation method, a program, a numerical control device, and a machine tool system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for determining the validity of gear specification data, a method for generating a machining program, a program, a numerical control device, and a machine tool system, which are described below.

[0007] (1) receiving gear specification data; generating a point cloud representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour of the gear based on the received specification data; determining the validity of the specification data, which indicates whether or not it is possible to machine the gear corresponding to the specification data, based on the positions of a plurality of points belonging to the generated point cloud; Equipped with The steps of receiving the specification data, generating the point cloud, and determining the validity are performed by at least one computer. A method for determining the validity of gear specification data. (2) The gear is a trochoid gear, The specification data is a first value indicating a diameter of a pin that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the gear; a second value indicating the number of pins; a third value indicating the eccentricity of the center of the gear; Contains The determination method described in (1) above. (3) When a part of the shape represented by the point cloud is inside the outer circumferential circle of the pin that circumscribes the shape represented by the point cloud, the specification data is determined to be invalid. The determination method described in (2) above. (4) The central axis of the gear is defined as a first axis, the angle of a first point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a first phase angle, the angle of a second point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a second phase angle, K is defined as any natural number greater than 1, the angle of a Kth point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a Kth phase angle, the angle of a K+1th point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a K+1th phase angle, a sign indicating whether a value obtained by subtracting the first phase angle from the second phase angle is a positive value or a negative value is defined as a first sign, and a sign indicating whether a value obtained by subtracting the K phase angle from the K+1th phase angle is a positive value or a negative value is defined as a Kth sign, and if the condition that the first sign and the K sign are the same sign is not met, the specification data is determined to be invalid. The determination method according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) further comprising a step of displaying an input field for the specification data on a display; The input field is: a first input field for accepting input of the first value; a second input field for receiving input of the second value; a third input field for accepting input of the third value; Contains The determination method described in (2) above. (6) The gear is a cycloid gear, The specification data includes a fourth value indicating a diameter of a pitch circle of the pin. The determination method described in (5) above. (7) The input fields include a fourth input field for receiving input of a fourth value indicating the diameter of the pitch circle of the pin. The determination method described in (5) above. (8) the at least one computer determines the validity using an algorithm that determines the validity based on the point cloud; The algorithm is: a first algorithm that determines that the specification data is invalid when a condition that the first code and the K code are the same is not met, wherein the central axis of the gear is defined as a first axis, the angle of a first point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a first phase angle, the angle of a second point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a second phase angle, K is defined as an arbitrary natural number greater than 1, the angle of a K-th point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a K-th phase angle, the angle of a K+1-th point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a K+1-th phase angle, a first code is defined as a sign indicating whether a value obtained by subtracting the first phase angle from the second phase angle is positive or negative, and a K code is defined as a sign indicating whether a value obtained by subtracting the K phase angle from the K+1-th phase angle is positive or negative; and, a second algorithm for determining that the specification data is invalid if a point belonging to the point cloud exists inside an outer circumferential circle of the pin that circumscribes the shape represented by the point cloud; Contains at least one of The determination method according to any one of (5) to (7) above. (9) If the specification data is determined to be invalid, an alert is displayed on the display. The determination method according to any one of (5) to (8) above. (10) The point cloud represents a shape of at least a part of an outer profile of the trochoidal gear derived based on the first value input in the first input field, the second value input in the second input field, and the third value input in the third input field, The point cloud or curve representing the at least part of the derived outer contour of the trochoid gear is displayed on the display. The determination method according to any one of (5) to (9) above. (11) The determination method according to any one of (1) to (10) above; generating a machining program for machining the gear based on at least the specification data; Equipped with The step of generating the machining program is executed after the specification data is determined to be valid. A method for generating a machining program. (12) A program for causing at least one computer to execute the determination method according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (13) A memory capable of storing gear specification data; at least one arithmetic unit that executes a point cloud generation process, a determination process, a machining program generation process that generates a machining program for machining the gear, and a control command generation process that generates control commands by executing the machining program; a communication circuit for transmitting the control command to the machine tool; Equipped with the point cloud generation process includes generating a point cloud representing a shape of at least a part of an outer contour of the gear based on the specification data stored in the memory, the determination process includes determining the validity of the specification data, which indicates whether or not it is possible to machine the gear corresponding to the specification data, based on positions of a plurality of points belonging to the point cloud generated in the point cloud generation process; and The machining program generation process includes generating the machining program based on at least the specification data stored in the memory. Numerical control device. (14) The numerical control device according to (13) above; The machine tool; Equipped with The machine tool comprises: a workpiece support device that supports the workpiece; a processing head capable of holding a tool; a moving device that moves the processing head relative to the workpiece supporting device; Equipped with Machine tool systems. (15) The tool includes an end mill; The diameter of the end mill is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the pin that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the gear. The machine tool system according to (14) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention provides a determination method capable of determining the validity of gear specification data, a machining program generation method, a program, a numerical control device, and a machine tool system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another example of a computer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a point cloud that represents the shape of at least a part of the outer contour of a gear. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing how the calculation device determines the validity of specification data based on the positions of a plurality of points belonging to a point cloud. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a trochoid gear. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which specification data input fields are displayed on the display. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which specification data including a first value, a second value, and a third value is input into the specification data input field. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which an alert is displayed on the display. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which specification data input fields are displayed on the display. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which an alert is displayed on the display. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which an alert is displayed on the display. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which specification data input fields are displayed on the display. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a specification data input field and a first image including an image of a gear and an image of a pin are displayed on the display. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram that schematically illustrates a state in which an animation image is displayed on a display, showing how the outer contour of a gear generated based on specification data moves relative to at least one pin. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram that schematically illustrates a state in which an animation image is displayed on a display, showing how the outer contour of a gear generated based on specification data moves relative to at least one pin. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a first file including specification data stored in a memory. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a method for drawing a trochoid gear. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a method for drawing a trochoid gear. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a method for drawing a trochoid gear. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a point cloud generated by the point cloud generating step. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the first algorithm. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the first algorithm. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the second algorithm. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the second algorithm. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for determining the validity of gear specification data in the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a processing condition input field is displayed on the display. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a processing condition input field is displayed on the display. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a processing condition input field is displayed on the display. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a processing condition input field is displayed on the display. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a processing condition input field is displayed on the display. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a processing condition input field is displayed on the display. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram schematically showing how the second file including the processing condition data is stored in the memory. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing how a machining program is generated based on specification data. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining an example of the first machining path. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining an example of the first machining path. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining an example of the second machining path. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining an example of the third machining path. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a diagram schematically illustrating a numerical control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a diagram schematically showing how a numerical control device transmits a control command to a machine tool. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a machine tool system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a machine tool system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a machine tool is provided with a tool changer. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a nonvolatile storage medium on which a program is recorded. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Below, with reference to the drawings, a description will be given of a method for determining the validity of gear specification data DS in an embodiment, a method for generating a machining program PM, a program PG, a numerical control device 10, and a machine tool system 100. In the following description of the embodiment, parts and members having the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated description of parts and members given the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0011] (First embodiment) A method for determining the validity of gear specification data DS in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a computer 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another example of the computer 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a point cloud BG generated to represent the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E of a gear 91. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating how the calculation device 3 determines the validity of specification data based on the positions of multiple points B belonging to the point cloud BG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a trochoid gear. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a specification data input field D is displayed on the display 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which specification data including a first value V1, a second value V2, and a third value V3 have been entered in the specification data input field D. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which an alert AL is displayed on the display 5. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the specification data input field D is displayed on the display 5. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing a state in which an alert AL is displayed on the display 5. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which a specification data input field D is displayed on the display 5. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the specification data input field D and a first image IM including an image of a gear 91 and an image of a pin 93 are displayed on the display 5. FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams showing a state in which an animation image AN is displayed on the display 5, showing the outer contour E of a gear 91 generated based on specification data DS moving relative to at least one pin 93. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which a first file F1 including specification data DS is stored in memory 2. FIGS. 17 to 19 are diagrams showing an example of a method for drawing a trochoidal gear. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a point cloud BG generated by the point cloud generation process. FIGS. 21 and 22 are diagrams for explaining the first algorithm AG1. Figures 23 and 24 are diagrams for explaining the second algorithm AG2. Figure 25 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the computer 1. Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for determining the validity of the gear specification data DS in the first embodiment.

[0012] The method for determining the validity of the gear specification data DS in the first embodiment is executed by at least one computer 1. The at least one computer 1 may include a numerical control device 10 that sends control commands to a machine tool. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one computer 1 may include a general-purpose computer (see FIG. 2).

[0013] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a first step ST1, the gear specification data DS is received. The first step ST1 is a receiving step. The receiving step (first step ST1) is executed by at least one computer 1. In other words, the at least one computer 1 receives the gear specification data DS. The at least one computer 1 may receive the gear specification data DS via an input device 4 (e.g., a touch panel 4a on a display 5, a keyboard 4b, etc.). Alternatively, the at least one computer 1 may receive the gear specification data DS from another computer via a communication circuit 6.

[0014] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, in a second step ST2, a point cloud BG representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour of the gear is generated based on the gear specification data DS received by the at least one computer 1. The second step ST2 is a point cloud generation step. The point cloud generation step (second step ST2) is executed by the at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10). In other words, the at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) generates a point cloud BG representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour of the gear based on the gear specification data DS.

[0015] 1 and 2 show a state in which the point cloud BG generated in the point cloud generation process is displayed on the display 5. The point cloud BG generated in the point cloud generation process does not have to be displayed on the display 5.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 3, the point group BG represents the shape of at least a part of the outer contour E of the gear 91. As illustrated in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, the point group BG includes a plurality of points B. In other words, a plurality of points B belong to the point group BG.

[0017] As illustrated in Fig. 4, in a third step ST3, the validity of the specification data DS is determined based on the positions of a plurality of points B belonging to the generated point cloud BG (determination process M3). The third step ST3 is a determination process. The determination process (third step ST3) is executed by at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10). In other words, the at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) determines the validity of the specification data DS based on the positions of a plurality of points B belonging to the point cloud BG.

[0018] Conventionally, whether the outer contour of a gear is appropriate has been determined based on the operator's experience. In this case, errors can occur when generating a machining program due to operator oversight. Even if no errors occur, gears with unintended shapes can be produced based on the machining program.

[0019] For example, in Fig. 3, the outer contour E of the gear 91 displayed on the left side of the display 5 appears valid at first glance. However, as can be seen from the point cloud BG displayed on the right side of the display 5 in Fig. 3, the outer contour E of the gear is invalid because it does not have a shape suitable for machining the gear 91. In contrast, in the first embodiment, a point cloud BG representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91 is generated based on the specification data DS. Then, the validity of the specification data DS, which indicates whether machining of the gear 91 corresponding to the specification data DS is possible, is automatically determined based on the positions of multiple points B belonging to the point cloud BG. This prevents or suppresses overlooking the invalid outer contour E of the gear 91.

[0020] Furthermore, when a gear outer profile is generated based on the gear specification data DS, it is difficult to determine in advance whether the gear specification data DS is valid. For example, it is difficult for a computer to directly determine the validity of the specification data DS from the specification data DS, except in cases where there is obvious inappropriateness. In contrast, in the first embodiment, a point cloud BG representing at least a portion of the shape of the gear outer profile E is generated based on the specification data DS, and then the validity of the specification data DS is determined based on the positions of multiple points B belonging to the generated point cloud BG. Because the determination process M3 is performed after the point cloud BG is generated, the at least one computer 1 can easily determine the validity of the specification data DS. Furthermore, because the validity of the specification data DS is determined by the at least one computer 1, there is no possibility that inappropriate specification data DS will be overlooked, or the possibility of such oversight is reduced.

[0021] (Optional configuration) Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26, an optional additional configuration that can be employed in the determination method for determining the validity of gear specification data in the first embodiment will be described.

[0022] (Gear 91) As illustrated in FIG. 5 , in the first embodiment, the gear 91 is, for example, a trochoid gear. In this case, the specification data DS may include (1) a first value V1 indicating the diameter 93d of the pins 93 contacting the outer peripheral surface 91u of the gear 91, (2) a second value V2 indicating the number of pins 93 (in the example illustrated in FIG. 5 , the number of pins 93 is 21), and (3) a third value V3 indicating the eccentricity e1 of the center 91c of the gear 91. A point cloud BG representing a part of the shape of the outer contour E of the gear 91 can be generated based on the first value V1, the second value V2, and the third value V3. Note that, in this specification, a circle passing through the centers of the multiple pins 93 contacting the outer peripheral surface 91u of the gear 91 is defined as a pitch circle 95. Also, in this specification, the eccentricity e1 of the center 91c of the gear 91 refers to the distance between the center 91c of the gear 91 and the center 95c of the pitch circle 95.

[0023] The first value V1 indicating the diameter 93d of the pin 93 may be the diameter 93d of the pin 93 itself, or may be a value that indirectly indicates the diameter 93d of the pin 93. For example, the radius of the pin 93 is half the diameter 93d of the pin 93, and therefore the radius of the pin 93 can be said to be a value that indirectly indicates the diameter 93d of the pin 93. When a trochoidal reducer is assembled using components that include a trochoidal gear and multiple pins 93, the multiple pins 93 circumscribe the trochoidal gear.

[0024] The second value V2 indicating the number of pins 93 may be the number of pins 93 itself, or may be a value that indirectly indicates the number of pins 93. For example, the value obtained by subtracting the number of teeth of the trochoid gear from the number of pins 93 is "1." Therefore, it can be said that the number of teeth of the trochoid gear is a value that indirectly indicates the number of pins 93.

[0025] The third value V3 indicating the amount of eccentricity e1 of the center 91c of the gear 91 may be the amount of eccentricity of the center 91c of the gear 91 itself, or may be a value that indirectly indicates the amount of eccentricity of the center 91c of the gear 91.

[0026] The specification data DS may include a fourth value V4 indicating the diameter 95d of the pitch circle 95 of the pin 93. The fourth value V4 indicating the diameter 95d of the pitch circle 95 of the pin 93 may be the diameter 95d of the pitch circle 95 itself, or may be a value that indirectly indicates the diameter 95d of the pitch circle 95. For example, the radius of the pitch circle 95 is half the diameter 95d of the pitch circle 95, and therefore the radius of the pitch circle 95 can be said to be a value that indirectly indicates the diameter 95d of the pitch circle 95.

[0027] When the fourth value V4 (in other words, the fourth value V4 indicating the diameter 95d of the pitch circle 95) is not input as one of the specification data DS, at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) may be configured to automatically derive the diameter 95d of the pitch circle 95. For example, when the fourth value V4 is not input as one of the specification data DS, at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) may automatically derive the fourth value V4 by multiplying the diameter 93d of the pin 93 by the number of pins 93 (in other words, the diameter 95d of the pitch circle 95 may be calculated as the diameter 93d of the pin 93 × the number of pins 93). In this case, the gear 91 generated based on the first value V1, the second value V2, the third value V3, and the fourth value V4 is a cycloidal gear (a cycloidal gear is an example of a trochoidal gear).

[0028] (Display 5) 1 and 2, at least one computer 1 (e.g., a numerical control device 10) may be equipped with a display 5. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the display 5 displays an input field for gear specification data DS (hereinafter referred to as "specification data input field D").

[0029] The specification data input field D may include a first input field D1 that accepts input of a first value V1. In other words, the specification data input field D may include a first input field D1 into which the first value V1 indicating the diameter 93d of the pin 93 that contacts the outer peripheral surface 91u of the gear 91 is input. The first input field D1 may be an input field of the type that allows a numerical value to be directly input, or may be an input field of the type that allows a numerical value to be selected (for example, a drop-down input field).

[0030] The specification data input field D may include a second input field D2 that accepts input of a second value V2. In other words, the specification data input field D may include a second input field D2 into which the second value V2 indicating the number of pins 93 is input. The second input field D2 may be an input field of the type that allows a numerical value to be directly input, or may be an input field of the type that allows a numerical value to be selected (for example, a drop-down input field).

[0031] The specification data input field D may include a third input field D3 that accepts input of a third value V3. In other words, the specification data input field D may include a third input field D3 into which the third value V3 indicating the eccentricity e1 of the center 91c of the gear 91 is input. The third input field D3 may be an input field for directly inputting a numerical value, or may be an input field for selecting a numerical value (for example, a drop-down input field).

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the method for determining the validity of gear specification data in the first embodiment includes a step of displaying a specification data input field D on the display 5 (hereinafter referred to as a "first display step"). The first display step is executed before the receiving step (first step ST1). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the specification data input field D displayed on the display 5 in the first display step includes the above-mentioned first input field D1, the above-mentioned second input field D2, and the above-mentioned third input field D3.

[0033] By providing these first input field D1, second input field D2, and third input field D3, the operator can change the outer contour E of the gear 91 while preventing or suppressing the overlooking of the outer contour E of the gear 91 that is invalid.

[0034] At least one computer 1 (e.g., a numerical control device 10) generates a point cloud BG (see Figures 1 and 2) representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E1 of the trochoidal gear based on a first value V1 input in a first input field D1, a second value V2 input in a second input field D2, and a third value V3 input in a third input field D3.

[0035] 6, the first input field D1 and a first instruction image IN1 indicating which dimension of the pin 93 corresponds to the value to be entered in the first input field D1 may be displayed simultaneously on the display 5. By displaying the first input field D1 and the first instruction image IN1 simultaneously, input errors by the operator are reduced. The first instruction image IN1 may be configured to change depending on the magnitude of the first value V1 entered in the first input field D1. In this case, the operator can compare the first instruction image IN1 before the first value V1 is changed with the first instruction image IN1 after the first value V1 is changed, thereby reducing input errors in the first input field D1.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the third input field D3 and a second instruction image IN2 indicating which dimension of the gear 91 corresponds to the value to be entered in the third input field D3 may be displayed simultaneously on the display 5. By displaying the third input field D3 and the second instruction image IN2 simultaneously, input errors by the operator are reduced. The second instruction image IN2 may be configured to change depending on the magnitude of the third value V3 entered in the third input field D3. In this case, the operator can compare the second instruction image IN2 before the third value V3 is changed with the second instruction image IN2 after the third value V3 is changed, thereby reducing input errors in the third input field D3.

[0037] 6, the first input field D1, the second input field D2, the third input field D3, the first instruction image IN1, and the second instruction image IN2 are displayed simultaneously. Alternatively, the first input field D1 and the first instruction image IN1 may be displayed simultaneously in response to the first input field D1 being selected. Also, the third input field D3 and the second instruction image IN2 may be displayed simultaneously in response to the third input field D3 being selected.

[0038] After the first value V1 is input into the first input field D1, the second value V2 is input into the second input field D2, and the third value V3 is input into the third input field D3 (see FIG. 7), at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) executes the point cloud generation process (second step ST2) and the determination process (third step ST3). As illustrated in FIG. 8, if the specification data DS is determined to be invalid in the determination process (third step ST3), an alert AL (more specifically, a warning message AL1) may be displayed on the display 5. As illustrated in FIG. 8, an indicator IN4 or an image identifying the portion of the specification data input field D where invalid data has been entered may be displayed on the display 5.

[0039] 9, the specification data input field D may include a fourth input field D4 that accepts input of a fourth value V4 indicating the diameter of a pitch circle 95 of the pin 93. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the specification data input field D displayed on the display 5 in the first display step includes the first input field D1, the second input field D2, the third input field D3, and the fourth input field D4. By providing the fourth input field D4, the operator can change the outer contour E of the gear 91 while preventing or suppressing overlooking an invalid outer contour E of the gear 91.

[0040] If the specification data input field D includes the fourth input field D4, it becomes possible to more freely select the outer contour of the gear 91. If the specification data input field D does not include the fourth input field D4, the diameter of the pitch circle 95 may be automatically determined by at least one computer 1 based on the first value V1 and the second value V2 (for example, the fourth value V4 may be set to (first value V1 × second value V2)).

[0041] 9 , the fourth input field D4 and a third instruction image IN3 indicating which dimension of a graphic formed by combining a gear 91 and multiple pins 93 corresponds to the value to be entered into the fourth input field D4 may be simultaneously displayed on the display 5. By simultaneously displaying the fourth input field D4 and the third instruction image IN3, input errors by the operator are reduced. The third instruction image IN3 may be configured to change depending on the size of the fourth value V4 entered into the fourth input field D4. In this case, the operator can visually compare the third instruction image IN3 before and after the fourth value V4 is changed, thereby reducing input errors into the fourth input field D4.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the specification data input field D may include a fifth input field D5 (more specifically, a selection field such as a check box) for specifying whether or not to input a fourth value V4 indicating the diameter of the pitch circle 95.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 9, when it is specified to input the fourth value V4 (more specifically, when a check mark is added to the fifth input field D5), at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) generates a point cloud BG representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E1 of the trochoidal gear based on the first value V1 inputted in the first input field D1, the second value V2 inputted in the second input field D2, the third value V3 inputted in the third input field D3, and the fourth value V4 inputted in the fourth input field D4.

[0044] 9 , when it is specified that the fourth value V4 is not to be input (more specifically, when a check mark is not added to the fifth input field D5), the at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) generates a point cloud BG representing the shape of at least a part of the outer profile E1 of the trochoidal gear based on the first value V1 input in the first input field D1, the second value V2 input in the second input field D2, and the third value V3 input in the third input field D3. When it is specified that the fourth value V4 is not to be input (more specifically, when the fourth input field D4 is inactivated), the diameter of the pitch circle 95 may be automatically determined by the at least one computer 1 based on the first value V1 and the second value V2 (e.g., the fourth value V4 = the first value V1 × the second value V2).

[0045] After the first value V1 is entered into the first input field D1, the second value V2 is entered into the second input field D2, the third value V3 is entered into the third input field D3, and the fourth value V4 is entered into the fourth input field D4 (see Figure 10), at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) executes the above-mentioned point cloud generation process (second step ST2) and the above-mentioned judgment process (third step ST3).

[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 , if the specification data DS is determined to be invalid in the determination step (third step ST3), an alert AL (more specifically, a warning message AL1) may be displayed on the display 5. An indicator or image identifying the portion of the specification data input field D where invalid data has been entered may be displayed on the display 5 (not illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 ). If the specification data DS is determined to be invalid in the determination step (third step ST3), a gear image GA (see FIGS. 10 and 11 ) indicating that the outer contour E of the gear 91 is not smooth may be displayed on the display 5. As illustrated in FIG. 10 , if the specification data DS is determined to be invalid in the determination step (third step ST3), an indicator IN5 identifying the portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91 that is not smooth may be displayed on the display 5. 10 and 11, when the specification data DS is determined to be invalid in the determination step (third step ST3), an image GA1 that makes it possible to identify an uneven portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91 may be displayed on the display 5. As illustrated in Fig. 10 and 11, when the specification data DS is determined to be invalid in the determination step (third step ST3), a state in which a part of the outer contour E of the gear 91 (see Fig. 11) or at least one point B belonging to the point group BG (see Fig. 10) has entered the inside of the outer circumferential circle 93u of the pin 93 may be displayed on the display 5.

[0047] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the receiving step (first step ST1) includes storing the specification data DS in memory 2 (e.g., memory 2 included in at least one computer 1). As illustrated in FIG. 12, the receiving step (first step ST1) may include storing the specification data DS entered in the specification data input field D in memory 2 (e.g., memory 2 included in at least one computer 1). More specifically, the receiving step (first step ST1) may include storing in memory 2 a first value V1 entered in the first input field D1, a second value V2 entered in the second input field D2, and a third value V3 entered in the third input field D3. Additionally, the receiving step (first step ST1) may include storing in memory 2 a fourth value V4 entered in the fourth input field D4.

[0048] 8, 10, and 12, after the specification data DS is input into the specification data input field D (for example, after the first value V1, the second value V2, the third value V3, and the fourth value V4 are input into the specification data input field D), the first button BA (for example, the calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, whereby the above-mentioned point cloud generation step (second step ST2) and the above-mentioned determination step (third step ST3) are executed. The first button BA may be a soft button displayed on the display 5, or may be a hard button provided separately from the display 5.

[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 13 , after a first button BA (e.g., a calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, a gear image GA showing the outer contour E of the gear 91 generated based on the specification data DS may be displayed on the display 5. In this case, the operator can confirm the generated outer contour E of the gear 91. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 13 , after a first button BA (e.g., a calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, a first image IM showing the positional relationship between the outer contour E of the gear 91 generated based on the specification data DS and at least one pin 93 circumscribing the gear 91 may be displayed on the display 5. The first image IM includes the gear image GA showing the outer contour E of the gear 91 and an image of at least one pin 93 circumscribing the gear 91. The first image IM may also include an image of a pitch circle 95 of the pin 93. In the examples shown in Figures 10 and 13, the specification data DS entered in the specification data input field D and the gear image GA (more specifically, the first image IM including an image of the gear 91 and an image of the pin 93) are simultaneously displayed on the display 5.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 , after a first button BA (e.g., a calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, an animation image AN showing the outer contour E of the gear 91 generated based on the specification data DS moving relative to at least one pin 93 may be displayed on the display 5. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the first button BA (e.g., the calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, and then the third button BC is tapped or clicked, causing the animation image AN to be displayed on the display 5. The animation image AN may be a frame-by-frame image in which the outer contour E of the gear 91 moves relative to at least one pin 93 each time the third button BC is tapped or clicked. Alternatively, the animation image AN may be an animated moving image in which the outer contour E of the gear 91 moves relative to at least one pin 93. The animation image AN may include an image of a pitch circle 95 of the pin 93. In the animation image AN, the outer contour E of the gear 91 may be configured to move relative to the at least one pin 93 while the at least one pin 93 and / or the pitch circle 95 remain stationary.

[0051] In the example shown in Figures 14 and 15, the specification data DS entered in the specification data input field D and an animation image AN showing the outer contour E of the gear 91 generated based on the specification data DS moving relative to at least one pin 93 are simultaneously displayed on the display 5.

[0052] 12 and 13, after the specification data DS is input into the specification data input field D (e.g., after the first value V1, the second value V2, the third value V3, and the fourth value V4 are input into the specification data input field D), at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) derives basic data DU for gear machining based on the input specification data DS. As illustrated in Fig. 12 and 13, the basic data DU may include a fifth value V5 indicating the maximum value of the diameter of the first tool that forms the valley portion 92 (see Fig. 5) of the gear 91.

[0053] In the example shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , after the specification data DS is input into the specification data input field D (e.g., after the first value V1, the second value V2, the third value V3, and the fourth value V4 are input into the specification data input field D), at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) derives other specification data DV of the gear 91 based on the input specification data DS. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the other specification data DV of the gear 91 may include a sixth value V6 indicating the number of teeth of the gear 91. The sixth value V6 is smaller than the second value V2 by one. The other specification data DV of the gear 91 may include a seventh value V7 indicating the diameter of the tip circle 96 (see FIG. 5 ) of the gear 91. The other specification data DV of the gear 91 may include an eighth value V8 indicating the reduction ratio of a trochoidal reducer including a trochoidal gear. The eighth value V8 is smaller than the second value V2 by "1." As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the other specification data DV of the gear 91 may include a ninth value V9 indicating the depth of the valleys 92 of the gear 91. At least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) may calculate the depth of the valleys 92 of the gear 91 by subtracting the radius of the root circle 97 (see Figure 5) of the gear 91 from the radius of the tip circle 96 (see Figure 5) of the gear 91.

[0054] In the examples shown in Figures 12 and 13, after the specification data DS is entered into the specification data input field D (for example, after the first value V1, the second value V2, the third value V3, and the fourth value V4 are entered into the specification data input field D), the display 5 displays the above-mentioned fifth value V5, sixth value V6, seventh value V7, eighth value V8, and / or ninth value V9.

[0055] 12 and 13 , after the first button BA (e.g., the calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, a fifth value V5 derived based on the specification data DS may be displayed on the display 5. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 , after the first button BA (e.g., the calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, a sixth value V6 derived based on the specification data DS may be displayed on the display 5. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 , after the first button BA (e.g., the calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, a seventh value V7 derived based on the specification data DS may be displayed on the display 5. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 , after the first button BA (e.g., the calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, an eighth value V8 derived based on the specification data DS may be displayed on the display 5. As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, after the first button BA (e.g., the calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, the ninth value V9 derived based on the specification data DS may be configured to be displayed on the display 5.

[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, after the specification data DS is input into the specification data input field D (e.g., after the first value V1, the second value V2, the third value V3, and the fourth value V4 are input into the specification data input field D), at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) may derive a program code 99a following a G-code based on the specification data DS. Note that in this specification, the G-code refers to a code represented by numbers and letters following an address G and specifying a command related to machining. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, after a first button BA (e.g., a calculation start button BA1) is tapped or clicked, the program code 99a following the G-code, which is derived based on the specification data DS, may be displayed on the display 5.

[0057] 12 and 13, in response to tapping or clicking a first button BA (e.g., a calculation start button BA1), program code 99a following a G-code is generated based on the specification data DS. As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 12, and 13, the program code 99a following a G-code may include a first value V1, a second value V2, and a third value V3. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the program code 99a following a G-code may include a first value V1, a second value V2, a third value V3, and a fourth value V4.

[0058] After the specification data DS is input into the specification data input field D (e.g., after the first value V1, the second value V2, the third value V3, and the fourth value V4 are input into the specification data input field D), at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) may derive an EIA program based on the specification data DS. "EIA" is an abbreviation for Electrical and Instrumentation Automation. The EIA program includes a G-code and a program code 99a following the G-code.

[0059] As exemplified in FIGS. 12 and 13, the display 5 may display a file name input field DF for inputting the name of the file in which the specification data DS is to be stored.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 16, after the specification data DS is input into the specification data input field D (for example, after the first value V1, the second value V2, the third value V3, and the fourth value V4 are input into the specification data input field D), a first file F1 including the specification data DS is stored in the memory 2. More specifically, after the specification data DS is input into the specification data input field D, the first file F1 including the specification data DS is stored in the memory 2 in response to tapping or clicking on a second button BB (for example, a save button BB1). The second button BB may be a soft button displayed on the display 5, or may be a hard button provided separately from the display 5.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 16, when a first button BA (e.g., a start calculation button BA1) is tapped or clicked, and then a second button BB (e.g., a save button BB1) is tapped or clicked, a first file F1 containing specification data DS is saved in memory 2.

[0062] The first file F1 may include a program code 99a including specification data DS (e.g., a first value V1, a second value V2, a third value V3, and a fourth value V4). The first file F1 may include an EIA program including specification data DS (e.g., the first value V1, the second value V2, the third value V3, and the fourth value V4).

[0063] The first file F1 may include the basic data DU (e.g., the fifth value V5) and the other specification data DV (e.g., the sixth value V6, the seventh value V7, the eighth value V8, and / or the ninth value V9).

[0064] 10 and 11, the outer contour E of the gear 91 in the gear image GA displayed on the display 5 may be configured to change in response to changes in the input values ​​entered in the specification data input field D. In this case, the operator can quickly grasp the relationship between the input values ​​and the outer contour E of the gear 91. This reduces input errors in the specification data input field D, or allows input errors in the specification data input field D to be quickly corrected.

[0065] For example, the relative size of the pin 93 with respect to the size of the gear 91 in the first image IM may increase as the first value V1 input in the first input field D1 increases. For example, the number of teeth of the gear 91 in the first image IM or the gear image GA may increase as the second value V2 input in the second input field D2 increases. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the eccentricity of the center of the gear 91 with respect to the center of the pitch circle 95 in the first image IM may increase as the third value V3 input in the third input field D3 increases. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the pitch circle 95 in the first image IM may increase as the fourth value V4 input in the fourth input field D4 increases. Alternatively, or additionally, the gear 91 in the first image IM or the gear image GA may increase as the fourth value V4 input in the fourth input field D4 increases.

[0066] (Point cloud generation process) The point cloud generation step (second step ST2) includes generating a point cloud BG representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91 based on the specification data DS. The generation of the point cloud BG may include at least one computer 1 generating the outer contour E of the gear 91 based on the specification data DS (see, for example, FIG. 19 ), and at least one computer 1 generating a plurality of points on the outer contour E. The at least one computer 1 may generate the point cloud BG representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91 based on the specification data DS and a calculation formula stored in advance in memory 2.

[0067] An example of a method for drawing the outer contour E1 of a trochoidal gear will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 19. As illustrated in Figure 17, a second circle A2 rolling on the outer periphery of a first circle A1 and a third circle A3 concentric with the second circle A2 are drawn, and a point P is specified on the outer periphery of the third circle A3. The locus of point P as the second circle A2 rolls on the outer periphery of the first circle A1 becomes the epitrochoid curve TC. As illustrated in Figure 18, a fourth circle A4 with a radius Rm and centered at point P is drawn. As illustrated in Figure 19, the inner envelope EN of the fourth circle A4 as the second circle A2 fixed to the fourth circle A4 rolls on the outer periphery of the first circle A1 corresponds to the outer contour E1 of the trochoidal gear.

[0068] 17, when the third circle A3 coincides with the second circle A2, the epitrochoid curve TC becomes an epicycloid curve, and the trochoid gear becomes a cycloid gear. A cycloid gear is an example of a trochoid gear (in other words, a cycloid gear is included in the category of trochoid gears).

[0069] The diameter of the second circle A2 is obtained by dividing the diameter 95d of the pitch circle 95 (see FIG. 5) by the number of pins 93 (see FIG. 5). The diameter of the first circle A1 is obtained by multiplying the diameter of the second circle A2 by the number of teeth of the gear 91 (in other words, the number of pins 93 minus 1). The diameter of the third circle A3 is obtained by doubling the eccentricity e1. The diameter of the fourth circle A4 is the diameter 93d of the pin 93. Using these relationships, at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) can derive the outer profile E1 of the trochoidal gear based on the first value V1, the second value V2, the third value V3, and the fourth value V4.

[0070] 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the point cloud BG generated by the point cloud generating step (second step ST2). The point cloud BG includes a plurality of points B.

[0071] 21, 22, 23, and 24, the point cloud generation step (second step ST2) includes generating a point cloud BG having N points based on the specification data DS so that the shape formed by sequentially connecting N points from the first point B[1] to the Nth point B[N] represents the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour of the gear 91 (for example, so that the shape formed by sequentially connecting N points from the first point B[1] to the Nth point B[N] represents the outer contour of at least 0.5 teeth of the gear 91 or at least one tooth of the gear 91). (N is any natural number, for example, 50 or greater or 100 or greater.) Because the outer contour of the gear 91 is a repeated shape of the outer contour of one tooth, it is sufficient to check the outer contour of at least one tooth in the determination step (third step ST3). Furthermore, if the outer contour of one tooth is symmetrical with respect to a predetermined line, it is sufficient to check the outer contour of 0.5 teeth in the determination step (third step ST3). Of course, the entire outer contour of gear 91 may also be checked in the determination step (third step ST3).

[0072] 21 to 24, the point cloud BG represents the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E1 of the trochoidal gear derived based on the first value V1 input in the first input field D1, the second value V2 input in the second input field D2, and the third value V3 input in the third input field D3. More specifically, the point cloud BG represents the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E1 of the trochoidal gear derived based on the first value V1 input in the first input field D1, the second value V2 input in the second input field D2, the third value V3 input in the third input field D3, and the fourth value V4 input in the fourth input field D4.

[0073] 10 and 11, a configuration may be adopted in which a point cloud BG or a curve representing at least a part of the derived outer contour E1 of the trochoidal gear is displayed on the display 5. In this case, the operator can quickly understand the relationship between the multiple input values ​​entered in the specification data input field D and the outer contour E1 of the trochoidal gear. This reduces input errors in the specification data input field D, or allows input errors in the specification data input field D to be quickly corrected.

[0074] (Judgment process) The determination step (third step ST3) includes determining the validity of the specification data DS based on the positions of multiple points B belonging to the point group BG. More specifically, at least one computer 1 (e.g., numerical control device 10) determines the validity of the specification data DS based on whether the shape represented by the point group BG (i.e., the shape of at least a part of the outer contour E of the gear 91) is smooth.

[0075] An example of an algorithm AG that is used by at least one computer 1 (for example, the numerical control device 10) to determine the validity of the specification data DS will be described.

[0076] (First algorithm AG1) In this specification, the central axis of the gear is defined as the first axis AT1. As illustrated in Figure 22, the angle of the first point B[1] belonging to the point group BG about the first axis AT1 is defined as the first phase angle α[1], the angle of the second point B[2] belonging to the point group BG about the first axis AT1 is defined as the second phase angle α[2], K is defined as any natural number greater than 1 (more specifically, K is defined as any natural number greater than 1 and less than N), and the angle of the Kth point B[K] belonging to the point group BG about the first axis AT1 is defined as the Kth phase angle α[1]. The angle of the (K+1)th point B[K+1] in the point group BG about the first axis AT1 is defined as the (K+1)th phase angle α[K+1]. The sign indicating whether the value obtained by subtracting the first phase angle α[1] from the second phase angle α[2] is positive or negative is defined as the first sign. The sign indicating whether the value obtained by subtracting the Kth phase angle α[K] from the (K+1)th phase angle α[K+1] is positive or negative is defined as the Kth sign. In the determination step (or in determination process M3 described in the third embodiment), if the condition that the first sign and the Kth sign are the same is not met, the specification data DS may be determined to be invalid. If the condition that the first sign and the Kth sign are the same is not met, the shape of the outer contour E of the gear 91 represented by the point group BG is not smooth (see the portion indicated by arrow AR1). In this way, it is possible to automatically determine the validity of the specification data DS, which indicates whether or not the gear 91 can be machined. This prevents or suppresses overlooking the outer contour E of the gear 91 that is invalid.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 22, the first code (in other words, the code of (α[2]-α[1])) is a positive code, and the Kth code (in other words, the code of (α[K+1]-α[K])) is a negative code. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 22, at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) determines that the specification data DS is invalid.

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 21 , in the determination step (or in the determination process M3 described in the third embodiment), the specification data DS may be determined to be valid if, for all natural numbers K greater than 1 and less than N, a first code indicating whether the value obtained by subtracting the first phase angle α[1] from the second phase angle α[2] is positive or negative matches a K-th code indicating whether the value obtained by subtracting the K-th phase angle α[K] from the K+1-th phase angle α[K+1] is positive or negative. If the first code and the K-th code are the same for any natural number K, the shape of the outer contour E of the gear 91 represented by the point group BG is smooth. In this way, the validity of the specification data DS, which indicates whether the gear 91 can be machined, can be automatically determined.

[0079] (Second algorithm AG2) As illustrated in FIG. 23 , in the determination step (or in the determination process M3 described in the third embodiment), the specification data DS may be determined to be invalid if a point B belonging to the point group BG is located inside the outer circumferential circle 93u of a pin 93 (i.e., a pin 93 that circumscribes the shape represented by the point group BG and has the above-mentioned diameter 93d) that circumscribes the shape represented by the point group BG (i.e., the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91). In the example illustrated in FIG. 23 , the Kth point B[K] and the K+1th point B[K+1] are located inside the outer circumferential circle 93u of the pin 93 that circumscribes the outer contour E of the gear 91 at the K+2th point B[K+2]. Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 23 , at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) determines that the specification data DS is invalid. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 , if a portion of the shape of the outer contour E of the gear 91 represented by the point group BG is inside the outer circumferential circle 93u of a pin 93 (i.e., a pin 93 circumscribing the shape represented by the point group BG and having the above-mentioned diameter 93d) that circumscribes the shape represented by the point group BG (i.e., the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91), the shape of the outer contour E of the gear 91 represented by the point group BG is not smooth. Therefore, in this case, the specification data DS is determined to be invalid. In this way, the validity of the specification data DS, which indicates whether the gear 91 can be machined, can be automatically determined. This prevents or suppresses overlooking an invalid outer contour E of the gear 91.

[0080] In the determination step (or in the determination process M3 described in the third embodiment), the specification data DS may be determined to be valid if not a single point B belonging to the point group BG is present inside the outer circumferential circle 93u of any pin 93 that circumscribes the shape represented by the point group BG (i.e., the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91) and has the above-mentioned diameter 93d. In the example shown in FIG. 24 , not a single point B belonging to the point group BG is present inside the outer circumferential circle 93u of any pin 93 that circumscribes the shape represented by the point group BG and has the above-mentioned diameter 93d. Therefore, at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) determines that the specification data DS is valid. If not a single point B belonging to the point group BG is present inside the outer circumferential circle 93u of any pin 93 that circumscribes the shape represented by the point group BG, the shape of the outer contour E of the gear 91 represented by the point group BG is smooth. In this way, the validity of the specification data DS indicating whether or not the gear 91 can be machined can be automatically determined.

[0081] As illustrated in Figure 25, at least one computer 1 (more specifically, memory 2) may store an algorithm AG that determines the validity of the specification data DS based on a point group BG that represents the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91 (more specifically, an algorithm AG that determines whether the shape represented by the point group BG is smooth).

[0082] At least one computer 1 (more specifically, at least one arithmetic device 3 included in at least one computer 1) determines the validity of the specification data DS using an algorithm AG that determines the validity of the specification data DS based on a point group BG that represents the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91. The determination step (or a determination process M3 described in a third embodiment below) may be performed using a first algorithm AG1, a second algorithm AG2, or another algorithm.

[0083] (Second embodiment) A method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 40. Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment. Figs. 28 to 33 are diagrams schematically showing a state in which a machining condition input field Q is displayed on the display 5. Fig. 34 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a second file F2 including machining condition data DC is saved in the memory 2. Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram showing a machining program PM being generated based on specification data DS. Figs. 36 and 37 are diagrams for explaining an example of a first machining path TP1. Fig. 38 is a diagram for explaining an example of a second machining path TP2. Fig. 39 is a diagram for explaining an example of a third machining path TP3. Fig. 40 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a computer 1.

[0084] The method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment includes a determination method for determining the validity of the specification data DS of the gear 91 in the first embodiment, and a process for generating a machining program. In other words, the method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment includes the above-mentioned receiving process (first step ST1), the above-mentioned point cloud generating process (second step ST2), the above-mentioned determining process (third step ST3), and a process for generating a machining program.

[0085] The process of generating a machining program is executed after the execution of the determination method for determining the validity of the specification data DS of the gear 91 in the first embodiment.

[0086] More specifically, after the above-mentioned receiving step, point cloud generating step, and determination step are performed, in a fourth step ST4, a machining program PM for machining the gear 91 is generated based on at least the specification data DS. The fourth step ST4 is a machining program generating step. The machining program generating step (fourth step ST4) is performed after it is determined that the specification data DS is valid.

[0087] The method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment has the same effect as the method for determining the validity of gear specification data in the first embodiment. Moreover, because the validity of the specification data DS is determined before the machining program generation step, the possibility of an error occurring when generating the machining program PM is reduced.

[0088] (Optional configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be adopted in the machining program generation method in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0089] (Specification data reading process) The method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment may include a step of reading out specification data DS of a gear 91 stored in memory 2 (more specifically, a first file F1 including the specification data DS) (hereinafter referred to as a "specification data reading step"). The first file F1 read out in the specification data reading step may include program code 99a including the specification data DS (e.g., a first value V1, a second value V2, a third value V3, and a fourth value V4). The specification data DS read out from memory 2 in the specification data reading step may be displayed on display 5. Figure 28 shows the state after the specification data reading step has been executed.

[0090] (Second display process) 27 to 34, the method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment includes a step of displaying a machining condition input field Q on a display 5 (hereinafter referred to as a "second display step"). When at least one computer 1 includes only one display 5, the display on which the machining condition input field Q is displayed is the same as the display on which the above-mentioned specification data input field D is displayed. When at least one computer 1 includes multiple displays 5, the display on which the machining condition input field Q is displayed may be the same as the display on which the above-mentioned specification data input field D is displayed, or may be different from the display on which the above-mentioned specification data input field D is displayed.

[0091] 28 to 34, the second display step is executed after the determination step (third step ST3). Alternatively, the second display step may be executed simultaneously with the first display step of displaying the specification data input field D on the display 5.

[0092] As illustrated in Fig. 29, the processing condition input field Q may include a thickness input field Q1 that accepts input of a value indicating the thickness of the gear 91 (hereinafter referred to as the "tenth value V10"). The thickness input field Q1 may be included in the specification data input field D illustrated in Fig. 12. In this case, in the receiving step (first step ST1), at least one computer 1 receives the tenth value V10 indicating the thickness of the gear 91 as one of the specification data DS of the gear 91.

[0093] 29, the machining condition input field Q includes a first tool data input field Q2 for inputting data related to the first tool T1 used to machine the gear 91. As illustrated in Fig. 29, the first tool data input field Q2, an image schematically showing the first tool T1, and an image schematically showing the gear 91 machined by the first tool T1 may be displayed simultaneously on the display 5.

[0094] The machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the first tool data input field Q2) may include a first tool number input field Q2-1 in which the tool number of the first tool T1 is input, and / or a first tool type input field Q2-2 in which the type of the first tool T1 (e.g., an end mill) is input. The machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the first tool data input field Q2) may include a first tool diameter input field Q2-3 in which a value indicating the tool diameter of the first tool T1 (hereinafter referred to as the "11th value V11") is input. The numerical value that can be input into the first tool diameter input field Q2-3 may be limited to a value equal to or less than the diameter 93d of the pin 93. This allows the outer contour E of the gear 91 to be appropriately shaped by cutting the workpiece using the first tool T1. A numerical value equal to or less than the diameter 93d of the pin 93 may be displayed on the display 5 as the upper limit UL that can be input into the first tool diameter input field Q2-3. As shown in FIG. 29, the first tool diameter input field Q2-3 and the upper limit value UL may be displayed on the display 5 at the same time.

[0095] As illustrated in Figure 29, the machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the first tool data input field Q2) may include a rotational speed input field Q2-4, which is an input field for a value indicating the rotational speed of the first tool T1 around the longitudinal axis of the first tool T1 (hereinafter referred to as the "12th value V12").

[0096] 30 and 31, the machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the first tool data input field Q2) may include a number of passes input field Q2-5 that accepts input of a value (hereinafter referred to as "thirteenth value V13") indicating the number of machining passes in the thickness direction of the gear 91. As illustrated in Fig. 30, the number of passes input field Q2-5, an image schematically showing the first tool T1, and an image schematically showing the gear 91 machined by the first tool T1 may be simultaneously displayed on the display 5.

[0097] 30, in this specification, a direction from a tip-side principal surface 91a of the gear 91 toward a base-side principal surface 91b of the gear 91 along the central axis of the gear 91 is defined as a first direction DR1. As illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, the machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the first tool data input field Q2) may include a protrusion length input field Q2-6 that accepts input of a value (hereinafter referred to as a "fourteenth value V14") indicating the length by which the first tool T1 protrudes from the base-side principal surface 91b of the gear 91 in the first direction DR1. In the example illustrated in FIG. 30, the tip-side principal surface 91a of the gear 91 is the main surface farthest from the workpiece support device 81 (more specifically, the chuck 811) of the two main surfaces of the gear 91. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the base end side main surface 91b of the gear 91 is the main surface of the two main surfaces of the gear 91 that is closer to the workpiece supporting device 81 (more specifically, the chuck 811).

[0098] As illustrated in Figure 31, the machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the first tool data input field Q2) may include a cutting depth input field Q2-7 that accepts input of a value indicating the cutting depth in one cutting using the first tool T1 (hereinafter referred to as the "15th value V15").

[0099] 32, the machining condition input field Q may include a first selection field Q3-1 for selecting whether or not to chamfer the outer peripheral edge of the tip-side main surface 91a of the gear 91. The machining condition input field Q may include a second selection field Q4-1 for selecting whether or not to chamfer the outer peripheral edge of the base-side main surface 91b of the gear 91 (more specifically, the chuck-side main surface).

[0100] 32, the machining condition input field Q may include a second tool data input field Q3 for inputting data related to a second tool T2 used to chamfer the outer peripheral edge of the tip-side main surface 91a. The machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the second tool data input field Q3) may include the first selection field Q3-1 described above. The machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the second tool data input field Q3) may include a second tool number input field Q3-2 for inputting the tool number of the second tool T2 and / or a second tool type input field Q3-3 for inputting the type of the second tool T2 (e.g., end mill, ball end mill, chamfering cutter, etc.). 32 and 33, the machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the second tool data input field Q3) may include a first chamfering amount input field Q3-4 that receives input of a value (hereinafter referred to as "the 16th value V16") indicating the chamfering amount of the outer peripheral edge of the tip-side main surface 91a of the gear 91. The second tool data input field Q3, an image schematically showing the second tool T2, and an image schematically showing the gear 91 machined by the second tool T2 may be displayed simultaneously on the display 5.

[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 33 , the machining condition input field Q may include a third tool data input field Q4 for inputting data related to a third tool T3 used to chamfer the outer peripheral edge of the base-end main surface 91b. The machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the third tool data input field Q4) may include the second selection field Q4-1 described above. The machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the third tool data input field Q4) may include a third tool number input field Q4-2 for inputting the tool number of the third tool T3 and / or a third tool type input field Q4-3 for inputting the type of the third tool T3 (e.g., end mill, ball end mill, chamfering cutter, etc.). The machining condition input field Q (more specifically, the third tool data input field Q4) may include a second chamfer amount input field Q4-4 for inputting a value indicating the chamfer amount of the outer peripheral edge of the base-end main surface 91b of the gear 91 (hereinafter referred to as the “17th value V17”). The third tool data input field Q4, an image schematically showing the third tool T3, and an image schematically showing the gear 91 machined by the third tool T3 may be displayed on the display 5 at the same time.

[0102] The method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment may include simultaneously displaying on the display 5 the specification data DS read from the memory 2 (more specifically, the specification data DS read from the memory 2 by executing the specification data reading process) and the machining condition input field Q (e.g., the thickness input field Q1, the first tool data input field Q2, the second tool data input field Q3, and the third tool data input field Q4).

[0103] The method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment may include saving a file (hereinafter referred to as a "second file F2") containing data entered in the machining condition input field Q (hereinafter referred to as "machining condition data DC") in memory 2 (see FIG. 34) in response to tapping or clicking a fourth button BD (e.g., a second save button BD1). The second file F2 may include specification data DS in addition to the machining condition data DC. The second file F2 may include program code including the machining condition data DC and the specification data DS.

[0104] (Machining program generation process) The machining program generating method in the second embodiment includes a step (machining program generating step) of generating a machining program PM for machining the gear 91 based on at least specification data DS of the gear 91 and machining condition data DC (e.g., machining condition data DC including the tool diameter of a first tool T1 that forms the valley portion 92 of the gear 91). The machining program generating step is executed by at least one computer 1 (e.g., a numerical control device 10).

[0105] The above-mentioned machining condition data DC may include a tool diameter of the first tool T1 used to machine the gear 91 (more specifically, a tool diameter of the first tool T1 used to form the recess 92 of the gear 91). Alternatively or additionally, the above-mentioned machining condition data DC may include a rotational speed of the first tool T1 about a longitudinal axis of the first tool T1 (more specifically, the above-mentioned twelfth value V12). Alternatively or additionally, the above-mentioned machining condition data DC may include a thickness of the gear 91 (more specifically, the above-mentioned tenth value V10) and / or a number of machining passes in the thickness direction of the gear 91 (more specifically, the above-mentioned thirteenth value V13). Alternatively or additionally, the above-mentioned machining condition data DC may include a length by which the first tool T1 protrudes from the base-end main surface 91b of the gear 91 in the first direction DR1 (more specifically, the above-mentioned fourteenth value V14). Alternatively, or in addition, the above-mentioned machining condition data DC may include the cutting depth in one cutting operation using the first tool T1 (more specifically, the above-mentioned 15th value V15).

[0106] The machining program generation method in the second embodiment may include a step of generating a machining program PM for machining the gear 91 based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91, data related to the first tool T1 entered in the first tool data input field Q2, and data related to the second tool T2 entered in the second tool data input field Q3. The machining program generation method in the second embodiment may include a step of generating a machining program PM for machining the gear 91 based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91, data related to the first tool T1 entered in the first tool data input field Q2, data related to the second tool T2 entered in the second tool data input field Q3, and data related to the third tool T3 entered in the third tool data input field Q4. The machining program PM may be generated via generation of a machining path that defines the relative movement path of the tool with respect to the workpiece. Generating a machining program based on a machining path that defines the relative movement path of the tool with respect to the workpiece can be performed using any known method.

[0107] As illustrated in Figure 35, the method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment may include at least the steps of generating a first machining path TP1 that defines the relative movement path of the first tool T1 with respect to the workpiece W based on the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT1 regarding the first tool T1 input in the first tool data input field Q2, and generating a machining program PM for machining the gear 91 based on at least one machining path including the first machining path TP1.

[0108] 35 , the method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment may include the steps of: generating a first machining path TP1 that defines a relative movement path of the first tool T1 with respect to the workpiece W based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT1 related to the first tool T1 entered in the first tool data input field Q2; generating a second machining path TP2 that defines a relative movement path of the second tool T2 with respect to the workpiece W based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT2 related to the second tool T2 entered in the second tool data input field Q3; and generating a machining program PM for machining the gear 91 based on multiple machining paths including the first machining path TP1 and the second machining path TP2. The machining program PM may include multiple subprograms.

[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 35, the method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment may include the steps of: generating a first machining path TP1 that defines the relative movement path of the first tool T1 with respect to the workpiece W based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT1 related to the first tool T1 input in the first tool data input field Q2; generating a second machining path TP2 that defines the relative movement path of the second tool T2 with respect to the workpiece W based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT2 related to the second tool T2 input in the second tool data input field Q3; generating a third machining path TP3 that defines the relative movement path of the third tool T3 with respect to the workpiece W based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT3 related to the third tool T3 input in the third tool data input field Q4; and generating a machining program PM for machining the gear 91 based on a plurality of machining paths including the first machining path TP1, the second machining path TP2, and the third machining path TP3. The machining program PM may include a plurality of subprograms. The third tool T3 may be the same tool as the second tool T2.

[0110] As illustrated in Figures 36 and 37, the above-mentioned first machining path TP1 may be a machining path in which the first tool T1 moves relative to the workpiece W so that a valley portion 92 of the gear 91 is formed by the first tool T1 rotating around the longitudinal axis AT3 of the first tool T1 while the longitudinal axis AT3 of the first tool T1 is positioned substantially parallel to the central axis of the workpiece W (hereinafter referred to as the "workpiece central axis AT2." Note that it is preferable that the central axis of the workpiece W coincides with the central axis of the gear 91).

[0111] As illustrated in Figures 36 and 37, the above-mentioned first machining path TP1 may include a path in which the first tool T1 is rotated around the longitudinal axis AT3 of the first tool T1 while moving the first tool T1 along a closed curve CS (e.g., an approximately circular curve or an approximately figure-eight shaped curve) in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AT3.

[0112] As illustrated in Figures 36 and 37, the above-mentioned first machining path TP1 may include a path that rotates the workpiece W around the workpiece center axis AT2 while rotating the first tool T1 around the longitudinal axis AT3 of the first tool T1.

[0113] As illustrated in Figure 38, the above-mentioned second machining path TP2 may be a machining path in which the longitudinal axis of the second tool T2 (hereinafter referred to as the "second longitudinal axis AT4") is arranged parallel or non-parallel to the workpiece center axis AT2 (in the example shown in Figure 38, the second longitudinal axis AT4 and the workpiece center axis AT2 are substantially parallel), and the second tool T2 rotates around the second longitudinal axis AT4, so that the outer peripheral edge of the tip side main surface 91a of the gear 91 is chamfered.

[0114] The above-mentioned second machining path TP2 may include a path in which the second tool T2 is rotated around the second longitudinal axis AT4 while moving the second tool T2 along a closed curve (e.g., a closed curve similar to the closed curve CS shown in Figure 37) in a plane perpendicular to the workpiece center axis AT2.

[0115] The above-mentioned second machining path TP2 may include a path for rotating the workpiece W about the workpiece central axis AT2 while rotating the second tool T2 about the second longitudinal axis AT4.

[0116] As illustrated in Figure 39, the above-mentioned third machining path TP3 may be a machining path in which the longitudinal axis of the third tool T3 (hereinafter referred to as the "third longitudinal axis AT5") is positioned non-parallel to the workpiece center axis AT2, and the third tool T3 rotates around the third longitudinal axis AT5, thereby chamfering the outer peripheral edge of the base end side main surface 91b of the gear 91.

[0117] The above-mentioned third machining path TP3 may include a path in which the third tool T3 is rotated around the third longitudinal axis AT5 while moving the third tool T3 along a closed curve (e.g., a closed curve similar to the closed curve CS shown in Figure 37) in a plane perpendicular to the workpiece center axis AT2.

[0118] The above-mentioned third machining path TP3 may include a path for rotating the workpiece W about the workpiece central axis AT2 while rotating the third tool T3 about the third longitudinal axis AT5.

[0119] The method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment may include generating CAD data for the gear 91 based on specification data DS of the gear 91, generating at least one machining path that defines a path along which at least one tool including the first tool T1 moves relative to the workpiece W based on the CAD data and machining condition data DC, and generating a machining program PM based on the at least one machining path.

[0120] 40 , the machining program PM generated in the machining program generating step (fourth step ST4) may be stored in the memory 2. As illustrated in FIG. 40 , at least one machining path TP including the first machining path TP1 generated in the machining program generating step (fourth step ST4) may be stored in the memory 2.

[0121] In addition to the above-mentioned method for generating a machining program (more specifically, the above-mentioned first step ST1 to fourth step ST4), the workpiece machining method in the second embodiment includes the following steps: (1) a step in which a numerical control device 10 executing the machining program PM generates a control command SA; and (2) a step in which a machine tool 8 receiving the control command SA cuts the workpiece W so that a gear 91 is formed from the workpiece W (see Figure 42).

[0122] The process in which the machine tool 8 cuts the workpiece W may include moving the first tool T1 relative to the workpiece W so that the valley portion 92 of the gear 91 is formed by the first tool T1 (see Figures 36 and 37) rotating around its longitudinal axis AT3 while the longitudinal axis AT3 of the first tool T1 is positioned substantially parallel to the workpiece center axis AT2.

[0123] The process in which the machine tool 8 cuts the workpiece W may include moving the second tool T2 relative to the workpiece W so that the outer peripheral edge of the tip side main surface 91a of the gear 91 is chamfered by the second tool T2 (see Figure 38) rotating around the second longitudinal axis AT4 while the second longitudinal axis AT4 of the second tool T2 is positioned parallel or non-parallel to the workpiece center axis AT2.

[0124] The process in which the machine tool 8 cuts the workpiece W may include moving the third tool T3 relative to the workpiece W so that the outer peripheral edge of the base end main surface 91b of the gear 91 is chamfered by the third tool T3 (see Figure 39), which rotates around the third longitudinal axis AT5 while the third longitudinal axis AT5 of the third tool T3 is positioned non-parallel to the workpiece center axis AT2.

[0125] (Third embodiment) A numerical control device 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 42. Figure 41 is a diagram schematically showing the numerical control device 10 according to the third embodiment. Figure 42 is a diagram schematically showing how the numerical control device 10 transmits a control command SA to a machine tool 8.

[0126] In the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first or second embodiment can be applied to the third embodiment, even if they are not explicitly described in the third embodiment. Conversely, matters described in the third embodiment can be applied to the first and second embodiments.

[0127] 16, the numerical control device 10 in the third embodiment includes a memory 2, at least one arithmetic unit 3, and a communication circuit 6. As illustrated in FIG. 41, the numerical control device 10 in the third embodiment may include an input device 4 and / or a display 5.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 16, the memory 2 can store specification data DS of a gear 91.

[0129] At least one arithmetic device 3 executes a point cloud generation process M2, a judgment process M3, a machining program generation process M5 for generating a machining program PM for machining the gear 91, and a control command generation process for generating a control command SA by executing the machining program PM.

[0130] 1 and 20, the point cloud generation process M2 includes generating a point cloud BG that represents the shape of at least a part of the outer contour of the gear 91, based on the specification data DS of the gear 91 stored in memory 2. FIGS. 1, 21, 22, 23, and 24 show the point cloud BG generated in the point cloud generation process M2 displayed on the display 5. The point cloud BG generated in the point cloud generation process does not have to be displayed on the display 5.

[0131] As illustrated in Figures 4, 21, 22, 23, and 24, the determination process M3 includes determining the validity of the specification data DS based on the positions of multiple points belonging to the point cloud BG generated in the point cloud generation process M2 (more specifically, includes determining the validity of the specification data DS indicating whether it is possible to machine a gear corresponding to the specification data DS).

[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 35, the machining program generation process M5 includes generating a machining program PM based on at least the gear specification data DS stored in the memory 2.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 42, the communication circuit 6 transmits to the machine tool 8 a control command SA generated by the execution of the machining program PM.

[0134] In the third embodiment, at least one arithmetic device 3 is capable of executing a point cloud generation process M2, which includes generating a point cloud BG representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour of the gear 91 based on the specification data DS of the gear 91. Furthermore, at least one arithmetic device 3 is capable of executing a determination process M3, which includes determining the validity of the specification data DS based on the positions of multiple points B belonging to the point cloud BG. This prevents or suppresses overlooking an invalid outer contour of the gear.

[0135] When a gear outer profile is generated based on gear specification data DS, it is difficult to determine in advance whether the gear specification data DS is valid. For example, unless there is obvious invalidity, it is difficult for at least one arithmetic unit 3 to directly determine the validity of the specification data DS from the specification data DS. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a point cloud BG representing at least a portion of the shape of the gear outer profile E is generated based on the specification data DS. The validity of the specification data DS is then determined based on the positions of multiple points B belonging to the point cloud BG. Because the determination process M3 is performed after the point cloud BG is generated, at least one arithmetic unit 3 can easily determine the validity of the specification data DS. Furthermore, because the validity of the specification data DS is determined by at least one arithmetic unit 3, the possibility of inappropriate specification data DS being overlooked is eliminated or reduced. Furthermore, because the possibility of inappropriate specification data DS being overlooked is eliminated or reduced, the possibility of an error occurring when generating the machining program PM or the possibility of a gear with an inappropriate shape being manufactured by the machine tool 8 is reduced.

[0136] (Optional configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the numerical control device 10 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0137] The numerical control device 10 includes at least one computer. One computer may function as the numerical control device 10, or multiple computers may work together to function as the numerical control device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 13 , the numerical control device 10 includes a memory 2, a calculation device 3, an input device 4, a display 5, and a communication circuit 6.

[0138] (Display 5) As exemplified in Fig. 13, the display 5 may display a specification data input field D. As exemplified in Fig. 34, the display 5 may display a processing condition input field Q.

[0139] (Arithmetic unit 3) As illustrated in FIG. 13, the computing device 3 includes at least one processor 3a (for example, at least one CPU).

[0140] 13, the arithmetic device 3 may execute a program PG stored in the memory 2 to execute a first display process M1 that displays a specification data input field D on the display 5. Since the specification data input field D has already been described in the first embodiment, repeated description of the specification data input field D will be omitted.

[0141] The arithmetic device 3 may execute a program PG stored in the memory 2 to perform a first storage process for storing the specification data DS input in the specification data input field D in the memory 2.

[0142] The calculation device 3 may execute the above-mentioned point cloud generation process M2 (in other words, a process of generating a point cloud BG representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour of the gear 91 based on the specification data DS of the gear 91) by executing the program PG stored in the memory 2.

[0143] In the examples described in Figures 21, 22, 23, and 24, the point cloud generation process M2 includes generating a point cloud BG having N points based on the specification data DS so that the shape formed by sequentially connecting N points from the first point B[1] to the Nth point B[N] represents the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour of the gear 91 (for example, so that the shape formed by sequentially connecting N points from the first point B[1] to the Nth point B[N] represents the outer contour of at least 0.5 teeth of the gear 91, or at least 1 tooth of the gear 91).

[0144] The arithmetic unit 3 may execute the above-mentioned determination process M3 by executing the program PG stored in the memory 2. Because the outer contour of the gear 91 is a repeated shape of the outer contour of one tooth, it is sufficient to check the outer contour of at least one tooth in the determination process M3. Also, if the outer contour of one tooth is symmetrical with respect to a predetermined line, it is sufficient to check the outer contour of 0.5 teeth in the determination process M3. Of course, the entire outer contour of the gear 91 may also be checked in the determination process M3.

[0145] The determination process M3 includes determining the validity of the specification data DS based on the positions of multiple points B belonging to the point group BG. More specifically, the determination process M3 includes determining the validity of the specification data DS based on whether the shape represented by the point group BG (i.e., the shape of at least a part of the outer contour E of the gear 91) is smooth. In the examples shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, the execution of the determination process M3 is displayed on the display 5, but the determination process M3 may also be executed without being displayed on the display 5.

[0146] A specific example of the determination process M3 has already been described in the first embodiment, so a repeated description of the determination process M3 will be omitted.

[0147] 34, the arithmetic device 3 may execute a program PG stored in the memory 2 to execute a second display process M4 that displays a machining condition input field Q on the display 5. The machining condition input field Q has already been described in the second embodiment, so a repeated description of the machining condition input field Q will be omitted.

[0148] The arithmetic device 3 may execute the program PG stored in the memory 2 to perform a second saving process of saving the machining condition data DC input in the machining condition input field Q in the memory 2.

[0149] The arithmetic device 3 may execute the program PG stored in the memory 2 to perform the above-described machining program generation process M5.

[0150] In the machining program generation process M5, the calculation device 3 may generate the machining program PM based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and machining condition data DC (for example, machining condition data DC including the tool diameter of the first tool T1 that forms the valley portion 92 of the gear 91). The machining condition data DC has been explained in the second embodiment, so repeated explanation of the machining condition data DC will be omitted.

[0151] In the machining program generation process M5, the calculation device 3 may generate the machining program PM based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT1 related to the first tool T1 input in the first tool data input field Q2. In the machining program generation process M5, the calculation device 3 may generate the machining program PM based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91, data DT1 related to the first tool T1 input in the first tool data input field Q2, and data DT2 related to the second tool T2 input in the second tool data input field Q3. In the machining program generation process M5, the calculation device 3 may generate the machining program PM based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91, data DT1 related to the first tool T1 input in the first tool data input field Q2, data DT2 related to the second tool T2 input in the second tool data input field Q3, and data DT3 related to the third tool T3 input in the third tool data input field Q4. The first tool data input field Q2, the second tool data input field Q3, and the third tool data input field Q4 have already been explained in the second embodiment, so repeated explanations of these input fields will be omitted.

[0152] As illustrated in Figure 35, in the machining program generation process M5, the calculation device 3 may generate a first machining path TP1 that defines the relative movement path of the first tool T1 with respect to the workpiece W based on the specification data DS of the gear 91 and the data DT1 regarding the first tool T1 input in the first tool data input field Q2, and may generate a machining program PM based on at least one machining path including the first machining path TP1.

[0153] As illustrated in FIG. 35, in the machining program generation process M5, the calculation device 3 may perform the following operations: generating a first machining path TP1 that defines the relative movement path of the first tool T1 with respect to the workpiece W based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT1 regarding the first tool T1 input in the first tool data input field Q2; generating a second machining path TP2 that defines the relative movement path of the second tool T2 with respect to the workpiece W based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT2 regarding the second tool T2 input in the second tool data input field Q3; and generating a machining program PM based on multiple machining paths including the first machining path TP1 and the second machining path TP2.

[0154] As illustrated in FIG. 35, in the machining program generation process M5, the calculation device 3 may execute the following operations: generating a first machining path TP1 that defines the relative movement path of the first tool T1 with respect to the workpiece W based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT1 regarding the first tool T1 input in the first tool data input field Q2; generating a second machining path TP2 that defines the relative movement path of the second tool T2 with respect to the workpiece W based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT2 regarding the second tool T2 input in the second tool data input field Q3; generating a third machining path TP3 that defines the relative movement path of the third tool T3 with respect to the workpiece W based on at least the specification data DS of the gear 91 and data DT3 regarding the third tool T3 input in the third tool data input field Q4; and generating a machining program PM for machining the gear 91 based on multiple machining paths including the first machining path TP1, the second machining path TP2, and the third machining path TP3.

[0155] The first machining path TP1, the second machining path TP2, and the third machining path TP3 have already been explained in the second embodiment, so repeated explanations of the first machining path TP1, the second machining path TP2, and the third machining path TP3 will be omitted.

[0156] The arithmetic device 3 may execute the program PG stored in the memory 2 to perform a third storage process of storing in the memory 2 the machining program PM generated by the above-described machining program generation process M5.

[0157] The arithmetic device 3 may execute a control command generation process that generates a control command SA by executing the machining program PM stored in the memory 2. In this specification, the execution of the machining program PM by the arithmetic device 3 includes the execution of the machining program PM by the arithmetic device 3 via the arithmetic program. In other words, the machining program PM may be processed (in other words, interpreted) by the arithmetic device 3 by executing the arithmetic program.

[0158] 13, the arithmetic unit 3, the memory 2, the input device 4, and the communication circuit 6 are connected to one another via a bus 11. The arithmetic unit 3 and the display 5 may also be connected to one another via the bus 11.

[0159] (Memory 2) The memory 2 is a storage medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) that can be read by the computing device 3. The memory 2 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory, a magnetic disk, or any other type of memory.

[0160] The memory 2 stores the program PG and various data. The memory 2 may be distributed across multiple locations. For example, the memory for storing data may be provided separately from the memory for storing the program. The memory 2 may include cloud storage accessible via a network.

[0161] As exemplified in Fig. 16, the memory 2 can store specification data DS input in a specification data input field D. As exemplified in Fig. 34, the memory 2 can store machining condition data DC input in a machining condition input field Q. As exemplified in Fig. 42, the memory 2 can store a machining program PM generated by a machining program generation process M5. The memory 2 may be capable of storing the first file F1 and / or the second file F2 described in the first or second embodiment.

[0162] (Input device 4) 13, the input device 4 receives the input of the above-mentioned specification data DS. The input device 4 may also receive the input of the above-mentioned processing condition data DC.

[0163] 13, the input device 4 includes a touch panel 4a on the display 5. In other words, the display 5 is a display with a touch panel. Note that the input device 4 is not limited to the touch panel 4a on the display 5. For example, the input device 4 may include a button, a switch, a lever, a pointing device such as a mouse, and / or a keyboard.

[0164] (Fourth embodiment) A machine tool system 100 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 45. Figures 43 and 44 are schematic perspective views showing the machine tool system 100 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 45 is a diagram showing a schematic example in which the machine tool is equipped with a tool changer 87.

[0165] In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first, second, and third embodiments will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first, second, or third embodiments will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first, second, or third embodiments can be applied to the fourth embodiment, even if they are not explicitly described in the fourth embodiment.

[0166] As illustrated in Fig. 43, the machine tool system 100 in the fourth embodiment includes a machine tool 8. As illustrated in Fig. 43, the machine tool 8 includes (1) a workpiece support device 81 that supports a workpiece W, (2) a machining head 83 that can hold a tool T such as a first tool T1, and (3) a moving device 85 that moves the machining head 83 relative to the workpiece support device 81.

[0167] 43, a machine tool system 100 in the fourth embodiment includes a numerical control device 10. The numerical control device 10 has already been described in the first, second, and third embodiments, and therefore a repeated description of the numerical control device 10 will be omitted.

[0168] The machine tool system 100 in the fourth embodiment has the same effects as the numerical control device 10 in the third embodiment.

[0169] (Optional configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the machine tool system 100 in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0170] (machine tool 8) In the example shown in FIG. 43, the machine tool 8 is a multi-tasking machine 8a capable of performing turning and milling. The machine tool 8 may be a machining center. In this case, rotation of the workpiece W about the workpiece central axis AT2 may be performed by rotating a table supporting the workpiece W. Alternatively, the gear 91 may be formed from the workpiece W only by moving a tool such as the first tool T1, without rotating the workpiece W. The machine tool 8 may be a lathe equipped with a turret-type machining head. In this case, the turret-type machining head may be capable of simultaneously holding multiple tools including the first tool T1 and the second tool T2.

[0171] (Processing head 83) As illustrated in FIG. 44, the machining head 83 can hold a first tool T1 (more specifically, a first tool T1 that forms the valley portion 92 of the gear 91). The first tool T1 is, for example, a milling tool (more specifically, an end mill). The diameter of the milling tool (more specifically, an end mill) is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the pin 93 described above (in other words, equal to or smaller than the diameter of the pin 93 that contacts the outer peripheral surface 91u of the gear 91). When the diameter of the milling tool (more specifically, an end mill) is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the pin 93 described above, the shape of the outer contour E of the gear 91 can be appropriately formed by cutting the workpiece using the milling tool.

[0172] As illustrated in FIG. 45, the machining head 83 may be capable of selectively holding a first tool T1 and a second tool T2 (more specifically, a second tool T2 that chamfers the outer peripheral edge of the main surface of the gear 91). The machining head 83 may be capable of selectively holding the first tool T1, the second tool T2, and a third tool T3 (see FIG. 39). The second tool T2 is, for example, a mill tool, a ball end mill, or a chamfering cutter. The third tool T3 is, for example, a mill tool, a ball end mill, or a chamfering cutter.

[0173] 43 and 44, the machining head 83 includes a first rotation drive device 833 (more specifically, a first motor) that rotates a tool T (e.g., a first tool T1) about a second axis AX2. The second axis AX2 may coincide with the longitudinal axis of the tool T (e.g., the first tool T1).

[0174] (Work support device 81) 43 and 44, the workpiece support device 81 includes a second rotation drive device 813 (more specifically, a second motor) that rotates the workpiece W about the third axis AX3. More specifically, the workpiece support device 81 includes a chuck 811 that holds the workpiece W, and the second rotation drive device 813 that rotates the chuck 811 about the third axis AX3. The third axis AX3 is substantially coaxial with the workpiece central axis AT2 (or the central axis of the gear 91).

[0175] (Mobility Device 85) 43 and 44, the moving device 85 moves the machining head 83 relative to the workpiece support device 81. The moving device 85 may have a first moving device 851 that moves the machining head 83 in a direction along the X-axis that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction. The moving device 85 may have a second moving device 852 that moves the machining head 83 in a direction along the Z-axis that is substantially parallel to the third axis AX3 (more specifically, in the horizontal direction). The moving device 85 may also have a third moving device 853 that moves the machining head 83 in a direction parallel to the Y-axis that is substantially perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Z-axis.

[0176] The moving device 85 may have a tilting device 857 that changes the orientation of the second axis AX2. In the example shown in Fig. 43 and Fig. 44, the tilting device 857 can tilt the tool T (e.g., the first tool T1) held by the machining head 83 about a fourth axis AX4 that is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0177] 43 and 44, the moving device 85 is capable of moving the machining head 83 three-dimensionally. The moving device 85 may be a device that moves the machining head 83 two-dimensionally or one-dimensionally. The moving device 85 may be equipped with a work moving device that moves the workpiece W supported by the workpiece supporting device 81 linearly.

[0178] The machine tool 8 may include a tool changer 87 that changes the tool T (e.g., a first tool T1) held by the machining head 83 to another tool (e.g., a second tool T2). As illustrated in Fig. 45, the tool changer 87 may include a tool changer arm 871 that can hold the tool T and another tool simultaneously, an arm rotation device 873 that rotates the tool changer arm 871 about the fifth axis AX5, and an arm movement device 875 that moves the tool changer arm 871 in a direction along the fifth axis AX5.

[0179] (Numerical control device 10) 43 and 44, the numerical control device 10 can control the movement device 85 (e.g., first movement device 851, second movement device 852, third movement device 853, tilting device 857, etc.) and the first rotation drive device 833. Additionally, the numerical control device 10 may be able to control the second rotation drive device 813 and / or the tool change device 87 (e.g., arm rotation device 873, arm movement device 875, etc.).

[0180] The numerical control device 10 described in the third embodiment may be adopted as the numerical control device 10. In the example shown in Fig. 34, the numerical control device 10 includes a memory 2, a calculation device 3, an input device 4, a display 5, and a communication circuit 6. The memory 2, the calculation device 3, the input device 4, the display 5, and the communication circuit 6 have already been described in the first to third embodiments, and therefore, repeated description of these components will be omitted.

[0181] The numerical control device 10 (more specifically, the arithmetic device 3) generates control commands SA by executing the machining program PM. The machine tool 8 operates based on the control commands SA generated by the machining program PM being executed by the numerical control device 10 (more specifically, the arithmetic device 3). More specifically, the communication circuit 6 transmits the control commands SA to the machine tool 8, and the machine tool 8 that receives the control commands SA operates based on the control commands SA.

[0182] As illustrated in FIG. 42, the control command SA transmitted from the numerical control device 10 to the machine tool 8 includes a movement command SA1 for moving the machining head 83 relative to the workpiece support device 81, and a first rotation command SA2 for rotating the first tool T1 about the second axis AX2. The control command SA may include a second rotation command SA3 for rotating the workpiece W about the third axis AX3 (more specifically, a second rotation command SA3 for rotating the chuck 811 that holds the workpiece W about the third axis AX3). As illustrated in FIG. 45, the control command SA may include a tool change command SA4 for changing the first tool T1 held by the machining head 83 to another tool (e.g., a second tool T2). The control command SA may include a third rotation command for rotating the second tool T2 about the second axis AX2 and / or a fourth rotation command for rotating the third tool T3 about the second axis AX2. The movement command SA1 is transmitted from the numerical control device 10 to the movement device 85, and the first rotation command SA2 is transmitted from the numerical control device 10 to the first rotation drive device 833. The second rotation command SA3 is transmitted from the numerical control device 10 to the second rotation drive device 813. The tool change command SA4 is transmitted from the numerical control device 10 to the tool change device 87. A third rotation command for rotating the second tool T2 and a fourth rotation command for rotating the third tool T3 are transmitted from the numerical control device 10 to the first rotation drive device 833.

[0183] In the example shown in FIG. 44, the numerical control device 10 is capable of executing a first machining mode MD1 in which the first tool T1 is moved relative to the workpiece W so that a valley portion 92 of the gear 91 is formed by the first tool T1 rotating around the second axis AX2, with the second axis AX2 being arranged substantially parallel to the third axis AX3.

[0184] As illustrated in Figures 36 and 37, the above-mentioned first machining mode MD1 may be a mode in which the first tool T1 forms a valley portion 92 of a gear 91 by rotating the first tool T1 around the second axis AX2 and rotating the workpiece W around the third axis AX3 while moving the first tool T1 along a closed curve CS (for example, an approximately circular curve or an approximately figure-eight shaped curve) in a plane perpendicular to the third axis AX3.

[0185] The numerical control device 10 may be capable of executing a second machining mode in which the second tool T2 (see, for example, Figure 38) rotates around the second axis AX2 with the second axis AX2 arranged parallel or non-parallel to the third axis AX3, and moves the second tool T2 relative to the workpiece W so that the outer peripheral edge of the tip side main surface 91a of the gear 91 is chamfered.

[0186] The numerical control device 10 may be capable of executing a third machining mode in which the third tool T3 (see, for example, Figure 39) rotates around the second axis AX2 while the second axis AX2 is arranged non-parallel to the third axis AX3, and moves the third tool T3 relative to the workpiece W so that the outer peripheral edge of the base end side main surface 91b of the gear 91 is chamfered.

[0187] (Program PG) The program PG in the embodiment is a program for causing at least one computer 1 to execute the determination method for determining the validity of the specification data of a gear in the first embodiment.

[0188] More specifically, the program PG in the embodiment is a program for causing at least one computer 1 (e.g., numerical control device 10) to execute the following steps: (1) receiving specification data DS of the gear 91 (the above-described receiving step: first step ST1), (2) generating a point cloud BG representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour E of the gear 91 based on the received specification data DS (the above-described point cloud generating step: second step ST2), and (3) determining the validity of the specification data DS based on the positions of multiple points belonging to the generated point cloud BG (the above-described determining step: third step ST3). The receiving step, point cloud generating step, and determining step have already been described in the first embodiment, so repeated descriptions of the receiving step, point cloud generating step, and determining step will be omitted.

[0189] Additionally, the program PG in the embodiment may cause at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) to execute the above-mentioned first display step (in other words, the step of displaying the specification data input field D on the display 5). The above-mentioned receiving step may include storing the specification data DS entered in the specification data input field D in the memory 2. Since the first display step and the specification data input field D have already been explained in the first embodiment, repeated explanations of the first display step and the specification data input field D will be omitted.

[0190] The program PG in the embodiment may be a program for causing at least one computer 1 to execute the method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment.

[0191] More specifically, the program PG in the embodiment is a program for causing at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) to execute the following steps: (1) receiving specification data DS of the gear 91 (the above-described receiving step: first step ST1), (2) generating a point cloud BG representing at least a part of the shape of the outer contour E of the gear 91 based on the received specification data DS (the above-described point cloud generating step: second step ST2), (3) determining the validity of the specification data DS based on the positions of multiple points belonging to the generated point cloud BG (the above-described determining step: third step ST3), and (4) generating a machining program PM for machining the gear 91 based on at least the specification data DS (the above-described machining program generating step: fourth step ST4). The receiving step, point cloud generating step, determining step, and machining program generating step have already been described in the first or second embodiment, so repeated description of the receiving step, point cloud generating step, determining step, and machining program generating step will be omitted.

[0192] Additionally, the program PG in the embodiment may cause at least one computer 1 (e.g., the numerical control device 10) to execute the above-mentioned first display step (in other words, a step of displaying the specification data input field D on the display 5) and / or the above-mentioned second display step (in other words, a step of displaying the machining condition input field Q on the display 5). Since the first display step, the specification data input field D, the second display step, and the machining condition input field Q have already been explained in the first or second embodiment, repeated explanations of the first display step, the specification data input field D, the second display step, and the machining condition input field Q will be omitted.

[0193] The program PG in the embodiment may cause at least one computer 1 (for example, the numerical control device 10) to execute a process of storing the machining condition data DC input in the machining condition input field Q in the memory 2. The program PG in the embodiment may cause at least one computer 1 (for example, the numerical control device 10) to execute a process of storing the generated machining program PM in the memory 2.

[0194] The program PG in the embodiment may cause the numerical control device 10 to execute a process of generating control commands SA to be transmitted to the machine tool 8 based on the machining program PM.

[0195] The memory 2 mentioned in the first, second, and third embodiments may be a non-volatile storage medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) on which the above-mentioned program PG is recorded. The non-volatile storage medium on which the above-mentioned program PG is recorded may be a portable storage medium 2M, as exemplified in FIG. 46.

[0196] The program PG in the embodiment achieves the same effect as the determination method for determining the validity of gear specification data in the first embodiment or the method for generating a machining program in the second embodiment, when the program PG is executed by at least one computer 1 (e.g., numerical control device 10).

[0197] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or modifications, and it is clear that each embodiment or modification can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, various techniques used in each embodiment or modification can be applied to other embodiments or modifications as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, optional additional configurations in each embodiment or modification can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1...computer, 2...memory, 2M...storage medium, 3...arithmetic unit, 3a...processor, 4...input device, 4a...touch panel, 4b...keyboard, 5...display, 6...communication circuit, 8...machine tool, 8a...multi-tasking machine, 10...numerical control device, 11...bus, 81...workpiece support device, 83...machining head, 85...movement device, 87...tool changer, 91...gear, 91a...tip side main surface, 91b...base side main surface, 91c...gear center, 91u...gear outer peripheral surface, 92...gear root portion, 93...pin, 93d...pin diameter, 93u...pin outer peripheral circle, 95...pin pitch circle, 95c... Pitch circle center, 95d...pitch circle diameter, 96...tip circle, 97...root circle, 99a...program code, 100...machine tool system, 811...chuck, 813...second rotary drive device, 833...first rotary drive device, 851...first moving device, 852...second moving device, 853...third moving device, 857...tilting device, 871...tool change arm, 873...arm rotating device, 875...arm moving device, A1...first circle, A2...second circle, A3...third circle, A4...fourth circle, AG...algorithm, AG1...first algorithm, AG2...second algorithm, AL...alert, AL1 ...Warning message, AN...Animation image, AT1...1st axis, AT2...Work center axis, AT3...Longitudinal axis, AT4...2nd longitudinal axis, AT5...3rd longitudinal axis, AX2...2nd axis, AX3...3rd axis, AX4...4th axis, AX5...5th axis, B...Point, B[1]...1st point, B[2]...2nd point, B[K]...Kth point, B[K+1]...K+1th point, B[K+2]...K+2nd point, B[N]...Nth point, BA...1st button, BA1...Start calculation button, BB...2nd button, BB1...Save button, BC...3rd button, BD...4th button, BD1...2nd Save button, BG...point cloud, CS...closed curve, D...specification data input field, D1...first input field, D2...second input field, D3...third input field, D4...fourth input field, D5...fifth input field, DC...cutting condition data, DF...file name input field, DR1...first direction, DS...specification data, DT1...data related to first tool, DT2...data related to second tool, DT3...data related to third tool, DU...basic data for gear cutting, DV...other specification data, E...gear outer contour, E1...trochoid gear outer contour, EN...inner envelope, F1...first file, F2...second file, GA...gear image,GA1...image capable of identifying uneven parts of the gear outer contour, IM...first image, IN1...first instruction image, IN2...second instruction image, IN3...third instruction image, IN4...indicator identifying parts where invalid data has been entered, IN5...indicator identifying uneven parts of the gear outer contour, M1...first display process, M2...point cloud generation process, M3...judgment process, M4...second display process, M5...machining program generation process, MD1...first machining mode, PG ...Program, PM...Machining program, Q...Machining condition input field, Q1...Thickness input field, Q2...1st tool data input field, Q2-1...1st tool number input field, Q2-2...1st tool type input field, Q2-3...1st tool diameter input field, Q2-4...Rotation speed input field, Q2-5...Number of passes input field, Q2-6...Protrusion length input field, Q2-7...Cutting depth input field, Q3...2nd tool data input field, Q3-1...1st selection field, Q3-2...2nd tool number input field, Q3-3...2nd tool type input field, Q3-4...1st chamfer amount input field, Q4...3rd tool Data input field, Q4-1...second selection field, Q4-2...third tool number input field, Q4-3...third tool type input field, Q4-4...second chamfer amount input field, Rm...radius, SA...control command, SA1...movement command, SA2...first rotation command, SA3...second rotation command, SA4...tool change command, ST1...first step, ST2...second step, ST3...third step, ST4...fourth step, T...tool, T1...first tool, T2...second tool, T3...third tool, TC...epitrochoid curve, TP...machining path, TP1...first machining path, TP2...Second machining pass, TP3...Third machining pass, UL...Upper limit, V1...1st value, V2...2nd value, V3...3rd value, V4...4th value, V5...5th value, V6...6th value, V7...7th value, V8...8th value, V9...9th value, V10...10th value, V11...11th value, V12...12th value, V13...13th value, V14...14th value, V15...15th value, V16...16th value, V17...17th value, W...Workpiece, e1...Eccentricity, α[1]...1st phase angle, α[2]...2nd phase angle, α[K]...Kth phase angle, α[K+1]...K+1th phase angle,

Claims

1. receiving gear specification data; generating a point cloud representing the shape of at least a portion of the outer contour of the gear based on the received specification data; determining the validity of the specification data, which indicates whether or not it is possible to machine the gear corresponding to the specification data, based on the positions of a plurality of points belonging to the generated point cloud; Equipped with The steps of receiving the specification data, generating the point cloud, and determining the validity are performed by at least one computer. A method for determining the validity of gear specification data.

2. the gear is a trochoid gear, The specification data is a first value indicating a diameter of a pin that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the gear; a second value indicating the number of pins; a third value indicating the eccentricity of the center of the gear; Contains The determination method according to claim 1 .

3. When a part of the shape represented by the point cloud exists inside an outer circumferential circle of the pin that circumscribes the shape represented by the point cloud, the specification data is determined to be invalid. The determination method according to claim 2 .

4. The central axis of the gear is defined as a first axis, the angle of a first point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a first phase angle, the angle of a second point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a second phase angle, K is defined as an arbitrary natural number greater than 1, the angle of a Kth point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a Kth phase angle, the angle of a K+1th point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a K+1th phase angle, a sign indicating whether a value obtained by subtracting the first phase angle from the second phase angle is a positive value or a negative value is defined as a first sign, and a sign indicating whether a value obtained by subtracting the K phase angle from the K+1th phase angle is a positive value or a negative value is defined as a Kth sign, and if a condition that the first sign and the K sign are the same sign is not satisfied, the specification data is determined to be invalid. The determination method according to claim 1 .

5. further comprising a step of displaying an input field for the specification data on a display; The input field is: a first input field for receiving input of the first value; a second input field for receiving input of the second value; a third input field for accepting input of the third value; Contains The determination method according to claim 2 .

6. the gear is a cycloid gear, The specification data includes a fourth value indicating a diameter of a pitch circle of the pin. The determination method according to claim 5 .

7. The input fields include a fourth input field for receiving input of a fourth value indicating a diameter of a pitch circle of the pin. The determination method according to claim 5 .

8. the at least one computer determines the validity using an algorithm that determines the validity based on the point cloud; The algorithm is: a first algorithm that determines that the specification data is invalid when a condition that the first code and the K code are the same is not satisfied, wherein the central axis of the gear is defined as a first axis, the angle of a first point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a first phase angle, the angle of a second point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a second phase angle, K is defined as an arbitrary natural number greater than 1, the angle of a Kth point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a Kth phase angle, the angle of a K+1th point belonging to the point group about the first axis is defined as a K+1th phase angle, a value obtained by subtracting the first phase angle from the second phase angle is defined as a first code, and a code indicating whether a value obtained by subtracting the K phase angle from the K+1th phase angle is positive or negative is defined as a Kth code; and, a second algorithm for determining that the specification data is invalid when a point belonging to the point cloud exists inside an outer circumferential circle of the pin that circumscribes the shape represented by the point cloud; Contains at least one of The determination method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. If the specification data is determined to be invalid, an alert is displayed on the display. The determination method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

10. the point cloud represents a shape of at least a part of an outer contour of the trochoid gear derived based on the first value input in the first input field, the second value input in the second input field, and the third value input in the third input field; The point cloud or curve representing the at least part of the derived outer contour of the trochoid gear is displayed on the display. The determination method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

11. The determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, generating a machining program for machining the gear based on at least the specification data; Equipped with The step of generating the machining program is executed after the specification data is determined to be valid. A method for generating a machining program.

12. A program for causing at least one computer to execute the determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. a memory capable of storing gear specification data; at least one arithmetic unit that executes a point cloud generation process, a determination process, a machining program generation process that generates a machining program for machining the gear, and a control command generation process that generates control commands by executing the machining program; a communication circuit for transmitting the control command to the machine tool; Equipped with the point cloud generation process includes generating a point cloud representing a shape of at least a part of an outer contour of the gear based on the specification data stored in the memory, the determination process includes determining the validity of the specification data, which indicates whether or not it is possible to machine the gear corresponding to the specification data, based on positions of a plurality of points belonging to the point cloud generated in the point cloud generation process; and The machining program generation process includes generating the machining program based on at least the specification data stored in the memory. Numerical control device.

14. The numerical control device according to claim 13; The machine tool; Equipped with The machine tool comprises: a workpiece support device that supports the workpiece; a processing head capable of holding a tool; a moving device that moves the processing head relative to the workpiece supporting device; Equipped with Machine tool systems.

15. the tool includes an end mill; The diameter of the end mill is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the pin that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the gear.

15. The machine tool system according to claim 14.

Images